otice how this whole definition turns on the word knowledge. Without the knowledge of God and his benefits, we have no reverence or love, and thus no piety. How can we know Him whom we seldom pray to, or read his word to us? Can we rely on feelings alone? Notice too the connection between piety and obedience, rather, notice the connection between the lack of these two qualities in the final words of this quote.
By piety I mean that union of reverence and love to God which the knowledge of his benefits inspires. For, until men feel that they owe everything to God, that they are cherished by his paternal care, and that he is the author of all their blessings, so that nought is to be looked for away from him, they will never submit to him in voluntary obedience; nay, unless they place their entire happiness in him, they will never yield up their whole selves to him in truth and sincerity. — John Calvin, Institutes, 1.2.1.
