Briefly to lay before you first the mere enumeration of the chief points wherein sound Godliness doth consist, to help your memories, while you see them close together. 1. Sound Godliness consisteth in a solid understanding of the substantial points of Religion. 2. In a sound belief of the Truth of Gods word, and the reality of the unseen things. 3. In an adhering to the holy Scriptures as the Divine Rule of faith and life. 4. In the Love of God in Jesus Christ, excited by the belief of his Love revealed by Jesus Christ. 5. In true humility, and low thoughts of our selves, and low expectation from others. 6. In a heavenly mind that most regardeth the things above, and seeketh them as our only felicity at home. 7. In self denial, and mortification, and temperance, and victory over the desires of the flesh. When we can deny our own conceits, and interests and wills for God: and are dead to the world, and are not servants to our fleshly appetites or senses, or to the things below. 8. In thankfulness for received Mercies, and Praising the Glorious name of God. 9 In the willing and diligent use of the means that God hath appointed us for salvation. 10. In charity or Love to ⟨p. 19⟩all men, even our enemies; and a special love to true Believers. 11. In a love to the holy communion of Saints, especially in public worship. 12. In a tender desire of the unity of the Saints, and their concord and increase of Charity; and a trouble at their discord and divisions. 13. In dealing Justly in our places with all men, and carefully avoiding all that may be injurious to any. 14. In studying to do all the good we can: and doing it to our power; especially to the household of faith. 15. In a conscionable discharge of the duties of our relations, as Rulers, Teachers, Parents, Masters, subjects and inferiors. 16. In watchfulness against Temptations, and avoiding occasions of sin. 17. In serious preparations for sufferings and death, and patient bearing them when they come. These are the things that Godliness doth consist in.
Briefly to lay before you first the meer enumeration of the chief points wherein sound Godliness doth consist, to help your memories, while you see them close together. 1. Sound Godliness consisteth in a solid understanding of the substantial points of Religion. 2. In a sound belief of the Truth of Gods word, and the reality of the unseen things. 3. In an adhearing to the holy Scriptures as the Divine Rule of faith and life. 4. In the Love of God in Jesus Christ, excited by the belief of his Love revealed by Jesus Christ. 5. In true humility, and low thoughts of our selves, and low expectation from others. 6. In a heavenly mind that most regardeth the things above, and seeketh them as our only felicity at home. 7. In self denyal, and mortification, and temperance, and victory over the desires of the flesh. When we can deny our own conceits, and interests and wills for God: and are dead to the world, and are not servants to our fleshly appetites or senses, or to the things below. 8. In thankfulness for received Mercies, and Praising the Glorious name of God. 9 In the willing and diligent use of the means that God hath appointed us for salvation. 10. In charity or Love to ⟨p. 19⟩all men, even our enemies; and a special love to true Believers. 11. In a love to the holy communion of Saints, especially in publike worship. 12. In a tender desire of the unity of the Saints, and their concord and increase of Charity; and a trouble at their discord and divisions. 13. In dealing Justly in our places with all men, and carefully avoiding all that may be injurious to any. 14. In studying to do all the good we can: and doing it to our power; especially to the houshold of faith. 15. In a conscionable discharge of the duties of our relations, as Rulers, Teachers, Parents, Masters, subjects and inferious. 16. In watchfulness against Temptations, and avoiding occasions of sin. 17. In serious preparations for sufferings and death, and patient bearing them when they come. These are the things that Godliness doth consist in.
