The Almost Christian!

(Matthew Mead, "The Almost Christian Discovered; Or, The False Professor Tried!" 1661)

"You almost persuade me to become a Christian!" Acts 26:28

How far a man may go in the way to heaven - and yet be but almost a Christian? This shown in twenty various steps:

1. A man may have much knowledge - and yet be but almost a Christian.

2. A man may have great and eminent spiritual gifts - and yet be but almost a Christian.

3. A man may have a high profession of religion, be much in external duties of godliness - and yet be but almost a Christian.

4. A man may go far in opposing his sin - and yet be but almost a Christian.

5. A man may hate sin - and yet be but almost a Christian.

6. A man may make great vows and promises, strong purposes and resolutions against sin - and yet be but an almost Christian.

7. A man may maintain a strife and combat against sin - and yet be but almost a Christian.

8. A man may be a member of a Christian church - and yet be but almost a Christian.

9. A man may have great hopes of Heaven - and yet be but almost a Christian.

10. A man may be under visible changes - and yet be but almost a Christian.

11. A man may be very zealous in matters of religion - and yet be but almost a Christian.

12. A man may be much in prayer - and yet be but almost a Christian.

13. A man may suffer for Christ - and yet be but almost a Christian.

14. A man may be called by God and embrace his call - and yet be but an almost Christian.

15. A man may have the Spirit of God - and yet be but almost a Christian.

16. A man may have faith - and yet be but almost a Christian.

17. A man may have a love to the people of God - and yet be but almost a Christian.

18. A man may obey the commands of God - and yet be but almost a Christian.

19. A man may be sanctified - and yet be but almost a Christian.

20. A man may do all the external duties and worship which a true Christian can - and yet be but almost a Christian.