The Almost Christian

A passage from the sermon

And first, I shall endeavour to show what manner of man the almost Christian is. Now, in the doing this, I use the words of the great Apostle: 'A man that hath the form of godliness, but denieth the power thereof.'

For the almost Christian doth nothing which the Gospel forbids. He taketh not the name of God in vain; he blesseth and curseth not; he sweareth not at all, but his communication is, yea, yea, nay, nay. He profaneth not the day of the Lord, nor suffereth it to be profaned, even by the stranger that is within his gates.

But is this all? Is it possible that any man living should be no more than this? Yea: many there are, in every kingdom and nation under heaven, who have all this. And yet they are but almost Christians: for the true Christian is one who loves the Lord his God with all his heart, and his neighbour as himself.