The Godly Man's Picture

"Christian Reader, The soul being so precious, and salvation so glorious - it is the highest point of prudence to make preparations for the eternal world. It is beyond all dispute, that there is an inheritance in light; and it is most strenuously asserted in Holy Scripture that there must be a fitness and suitability for it (Col. 1:12) . If anyone asks, "Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord?" the answer is, "He who has clean hands, and a pure heart" (Psalm 24:4) . To describe such a person is the work of this ensuing treatise. Here you have the godly man's portrait, and see him portrayed in his full lineaments.. What a rare thing godliness is! It is not airy and puffed up - but solid, and such as will take up the heart and spirits. Godliness consists in an exact harmony between holy principles and practices. Oh, that all into whose hands this book shall providentially come, may be so enamored with piety as to embrace it heartily. So sublime is godliness that it cannot be delineated in its perfect radiance and luster, though an angel should take the pencil. Godliness is our wisdom. "The fear of the Lord, that is wisdom" (Job 28:28) . Morality without piety is profound madness. Godliness is a spiritual queen, and whoever marries her, is sure of a large dowry with her. Godliness has the promise of the present life and of that which is to come (1 Tim. 4:8) . Godliness gives assurance, yes, holy triumph in God; and how sweet is that! (Isaiah 32:17) ."