II.) 4. A second thing implied in the being _almost a Christian_, is the having a form of Godliness, of that Godliness which is prescribed in the gospel of Christ: the having the _outside of a real Christian_. Accordingly, the _almost Christian_ does 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 profanes not the day of the Lord, nor suffers it to be profaned, even by the stranger that is within his gates. He not only avoids all actual adultery, fornication, and uncleanness, but every word or look, that either directly or indirectly tends thereto: nay, and all idle words, abstaining both from detraction, backbiting, tale-bearing, evil-speaking, and from _all foolish talking and jesting_, εὐτραπελία, a kind of virtue in the Heathen moralist’s account. Briefly, from all conversation that is not _good to the use of edifying_, and that consequently _grieves the Holy Spirit of God, whereby we are sealed to the day of redemption_. 5. He abstains from _wine wherein is excess_, from revellings and gluttony. He avoids, as much as in him lies, all strife and contention, continually endeavouring to live peaceably with all men. And if he suffer wrong, he avengeth not himself, neither returns evil for evil. He is no railer, no brawler, no scoffer, either at the faults or infirmities of his neighbour. He does not willingly wrong, hurt, or grieve any man; but in all things acts and speaks by that plain rule, _Whatsoever thou wouldst not he should do unto thee, that do not thou to another_. 6. And in doing good, he does not confine himself to cheap and easy offices of kindness, but labours and suffers for the profit of many, that by all means he may help some. In spite of toil or pain, _Whatsoever his hand findeth to do, he doeth it with his might_: whether it be for his friends, or for his enemies; for the evil, or for the good. For being _not slothful in this_, or in any _business, as he hath opportunity he doth good_, all manner of good _to all men_; and to their souls as well as their bodies. He reproves the wicked, instructs the ignorant, confirms the wavering, quickens the good, and comforts the afflicted. He labours to awaken those that sleep, to lead those whom God hath already awakened, to the fountain opened for sin and for uncleanness, that they may wash therein and be clean; and to stir up those who are saved through faith, to adorn the gospel of Christ in all things.