_An enquiry into the reason why the generality of |Christians| fall so short of the holiness of Christianity._
1. IT may now be reasonably enquired, how it is, that the lives, even of the better sort of people, are thus strangely contrary to the principles of Christianity?
Before I give a direct answer, I desire it may be enquired, how it is, that _swearing_ is so common amongst Christians? It is indeed yet not so common amongst _women_, as amongst _men_; but among men this sin is so common, that perhaps there are more than two in three that are guilty of it through the whole course of their lives; swearing _more_ or _less_, just as it happens; some constantly, others only now and then. Now I ask how comes it, that two in three of men are guilty of so gross a sin as this is? There is neither ignorance nor human infirmity to plead for it: it is against an express commandment, and the most plain doctrine of our blessed Saviour.
Do but find the reason why the generality of men live in this notorious vice, and you will have found the reason, why the generality even of the better sort of people, live so contrary to Christianity.
2. *Now the reason of common swearing is this; it is because men have not so much as the _intention to please God in all their actions_. For, let a man but have so much piety as to _intend to please God in all the actions of his life, as the happiest and best thing in the world_, and then he will never swear more. It will be as impossible for him to swear, whilst he feels _this intention_ within himself, as it is impossible for a man that intends to please his prince, to go up and abuse him to his face.
3. It is but a small part of piety to have such an _intention_ as this; and he has no reason to look upon himself as a disciple of Christ, who is not this far advanced. And yet it is purely for want of this degree of piety, that you see such a mixture of sin and folly in the lives even of the better sort of people. It is for want of this _intention_, that you see men that profess religion, yet live in _swearing_ and _sensuality_; that you see _clergymen_ given to pride and covetousness, and worldly enjoyments. It is for want of this _intention_, that you see _women_ that profess devotion yet living in all the vanity and folly of _dress_, and wasting their time in _idleness_ and _pleasures_, in all such instances as their estates will reach. For, let but a woman feel her heart full of _this intention_, and she will find it as impossible to _patch_ or _paint_, as to curse or swear; she will no more desire to shine at _balls_ and _assemblies_, or make a figure amongst those that are most finely dressed, than she will desire to dance upon a _rope_ to please spectators: she will know, that the one is as far from the _wisdom_ and _excellency_ of the Christian spirit as the other.
4. It was this _general intention_ that made the _primitive Christians_ such eminent instances of piety. And if you will here stop, and ask yourself, why you are not as pious as the primitive Christians were, your own heart will tell you, it is neither through _ignorance_ or _inability_, but purely because you never _thoroughly intended_ it. You observe the same _Sunday-worship_ that they did; and you are _strict_ in it, because it is your full intention to be so. And when you as fully intend to be like them in their _common_ life; when you intend to please God in _all your actions_, you will find it as possible, as to be strictly exact in the service of the church. And when you have this _intention to please God in all your actions, as the happiest and best thing in the world_, you will find in you as great an aversion to any thing that is _vain_ and _impertinent_ in common life, whether of business or pleasure, as you now have to any thing that is _prophane_. You will be as fearful of living in any foolish way, either of spending your time, or your _fortune_, as you are now fearful of neglecting the public worship.
5. Now, who that wants this general _intention_, can be reckoned a Christian? And yet if it was among Christians, it would change the whole face of the world; exemplary holiness, would be as common and visible, as _buying_ and _selling_, or any trade in life.