The divine life in three treatises

But if you were never yet brought to walk with God, do not think that you have a sound belief in God, nor that you acknowledge him sincerely, nor that you are saved from heart atheism: Nor is it Piety in the Opinion and the Tongue, that will save him that is an Atheist or ungodly in heart and life. Divinity is an affective-practical science: Knowing is not the ultimate or perfective act of man: but a means to holy Love and Joy and service. Nor is it clear and solid knowledge, if it do not somewhat affect the heart, and engage and actuate the life, according to the nature and use of the thing known. The soundness of Knowledge and Belief is not best discerned in the intellectual acts themselves, but in their powerful, free and pleasant efficacy, upon our choice and practice. By these therefore you must judge, whether you are Godly or Atheistical. The question is not what your Tongues say of God, nor what complemental ceremonious observances you allow him, but what your Hearts and your endeavours say of him, and whether you glorify him as God when you say you know him: Otherwise you will find that the wrath of God is revealed from heaven, against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who held the truth in unrighteousness,] Rom. 1. 18, 21.

But if you were never yet brought to walk with God, do not think that you have a sound belief in God, nor that you acknowledge him sincerely, nor that you are saved from heart atheism: Nor is it Piety in the Opinion and the Tongue, that will save him that is an Atheist or ungodly in heart and life. Divinity is an affective-practical science: Knowing is not the ultimate or perfective act of man: but a means to holy Love and Joy and service. Nor is it clear and solid knowledge, if it do not somewhat affect the heart, and engage and actuate the life, according to the nature and use of the thing known. The soundness of Knowledge and Belief is not best discerned in the intellectual acts themselves, but in their powerful, free and pleasant efficacy, upon our choice and practice. By these therefore you must judge, whether you are Godly or Atheistical. The question is not what your Tongues say of God, nor what complemental ceremonious observances you allow him, but what your Hearts and your endeavours say of him, and whether you glorifie him as God when you say you know him: Otherwise you will find that the wrath of God is revealed from heaven, against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who held the truth in unrighteousness,]