1. The word is sometimes used for the Rule which a man professeth himself to be under the obligation of, and pretends to follow in his actions. Hence we read of a form of knowledge, Rom. 2.20. and that is as much as a sound Creed. We read of the Doctrines according to Godliness. Now there a form, or a scheme of sound words, 2 Tim. 1.13. and when men do understand the System of the Christian Religion, and openly profess that they do believe those Articles, and resolve to stand up in the defence of them, these may be said to have a form of Godliness, i. e. they have it in their heads, and in their mouths, and possibly they make no little noise in standing up in defence of them, against such as do professedly set themselves to withstand and undermine them. Now this form of Godliness is not in it self contrary to the power, but a thing necessary for all those who desire rightly to exert it in their Conversation. Godliness is a Reasonable Service which we owe to God, as we are Creatures endowed with the faculties of understanding and will, Rom. 12.1. How can we lead godly lives, unless we ⟨p. 21⟩are acquainted with the Rule pointing of us thereunto: and the Gospel teacheth us that Rule, for this is that Grace of God, of which we are told, that it teacheth us to deny ungodliness, &c. Tit. 2.11, 12. However, this may be where the other is not: men may know, and yet not do; they may make an Orthodox profession, and yet lead an irregular Conversation; we are told of such, Tit. 1. ult. They profess that they know God, but in works they deny him.
1. The word is sometimes used for the Rule which a man professeth himself to be under the obligation of, and pretends to follow in his actions. Hence we read of a form of knowledge, Rom. 2.20. and that is as much as a sound Creed. We read of the Doctrines according to Godliness. Now there a form, or a scheam of sound words, 2 Tim. 1.13. and when men do understand the System of the Christian Religion, and openly profess that they do believe those Articles, and resolve to stand up in the defence of them, these may be said to have a form of Godliness, i. e. they have it in their heads, and in their mouths, and possibly they make no little noise in standing up in defence of them, against such as do professedly set themselves to withstand and undermine them. Now this form of Godliness is not in it self contrary to the power, but a thing necessary for all those who desire rightly to exert it in their Conversation. Godliness is a Reasonable Service which we owe to God, as we are Creatures endowed with the faculties of understanding and will, Rom. 12.1. How can we lead godly lives, unless we ⟨p. 21⟩are acquainted with the Rule pointing of us thereunto: and the Gospel teacheth us that Rule, for this is that Grace of God, of which we are told, that it teacheth us to deny ungodliness, &c. Tit. 2.11, 12. However, this may be where the other is not: men may know, and yet not do; they may make an Orthodox profession, and yet lead an irregular Conversation; we are told of such, Tit. 1. ult. They profess that they know God, but in works they deny him.
