In the second volume of this great devotional work, Gerhard builds on the foundation established int he first volume: "In the first volume of this treatise I have related in an orderly way the main, important, and motivational reasons which should generally encourage and awaken every person toward godliness. Now, additionally, follows that we provide a sure form and good directions from the Word of God as to how and in what manner a person should and can practice godliness. It is necessary for us to know both, for God has prescribed both for us in His Word." Rev. Dr. Elmer Hohle's translation...

In the third volume of this five volume work, Gerhard applies the understanding of 'godliness' which he has explicated in the first two volumes to an examination of the First Table of the Law; that is, the first three of the Ten Commandments.