A fourth volume containing one hundred and fifty sermons on several texts of Scripture…

I. What Godliness is. It is a thing not only distinct from Righteousness and Honesty, but also from Holiness: It is the opposite part of the distinction to Honesty; 1 Tim. 6.11. Follow after Righteousness, Godliness, Faith, &c. By Righteousness he meaneth the Duties of the second Table; and by Godliness the Duties of the first. More expressly, 1 Tim. 2.2. That we may live a quiet and peaceable Life, in all Godliness and Honesty. The Apostle presseth Christians there to pray for the Conversion of the Magistrate, who is custos utriusque tabulae; that so he may promote the Duties of both the Tables. If any Difference should arise about Godliness, or about the Institutions of Christ, there the Magistrate may interpose for the Defence and Safety of the first Table; and that we might live peaceably for the Exercise of it; and so for Honesty in the second Table. But it is also to be distinguished from Holiness; 2 Pet. 3.11. What manner of Persons ought ye to be in all holy Conversation and Godliness? Holiness notes Purity of Heart and Life, and an Abhorrence from Evil: but Godliness denoteth more distinctly a Tendency of the Heart and Carriage towards God; and therefore God is said to be Holy, but not to be Godly; because it is a Grace proper to the Creature, and implies Inferiority and Subordination, a Tendency towards God as the highest Lord, and chiefest Good, as Holiness denoteth Excellency and Perfection. Briefly, Godliness may be thus described: It is a religious temper and frame of Heart, by which we are inclined to look after the right Worship, and to aim at the Glory of the true God. To the Constitution of Godliness there are Graces necessary, and Ordinances; that which swayeth and inclineth the Heart, is Grace; that about which it is conversant, are the Ordinances of Worship. Therefore I shall inquire, First; What Graces are necessary to make up this religious temper and frame of Heart. Secondly; What are the Ordinances about which it is conversant.

I. What Godliness is. It is a thing not only distinct from Righteousness and Honesty, but also from Holiness: It is the opposite part of the distinction to Honesty; 1 Tim. 6.11. Follow after Righteousness, Godliness, Faith, &c. By Righteousness he meaneth the Duties of the second Table; and by Godliness the Duties of the first. More expresly,