Here you see, that one person has religion enough, to be reckoned a _pious Christian_; and the other is so far from all appearance of religion, that he may fairly be reckoned a _Heathen_. And yet, if you look into their _common life_, if you examine their _ruling_ tempers in the greatest _articles_ of life, you will find the least difference imaginable. Consider them with regard to the use of the world, because that is what every body can see. Now, to have right _notions_ and _tempers_, with regard to the world, is as essential to religion, as to have right notions of God. And it is as possible for a man to worship a _Crocodile_, and yet be a _pious man_, as to have his affections set upon this world, and yet be a _good Christian_. But now, if you consider _Leo_ and _Eusebius_ in this respect, you will find them exactly alike; seeking, using, and enjoying all that can be got in this world, in the same manner. You will find, _riches_, _prosperity_, _pleasures_, and _honour_, are just as much the happiness of _Eusebius_ as they are of _Leo_. And yet, if Christianity has not changed a man’s temper, with relation to these things, what has it done for him? 12. Every one capable of reflection, must have observed, that this is generally the state, even of devout people, whether _men_ or _women_. You may see them different from other people, as to _times_ and _places_ of prayer, but like the rest of the world in all the other parts of their lives; that is, adding _Christian_ devotion to an _Heathen_ life. I have the authority of our blessed Saviour for this remark, where he says, _Take no thought, saying, what shall we eat, or what shall we drink, or wherewithal shall we be cloathed? For after all these things do the Gentiles seek._ But if to be thus affected even with the necessary things of this life, shews that we are not of a _Christian spirit_, but an _Heathen_; surely, to enjoy the vanity of the world as they did, to be like them in the main tempers of our lives, in sensual pleasures and diversions, in the vanity of dress, the love of shew and greatness, or any other gaudy distinctions of fortune, is a much greater sign of an Heathen temper; and consequently, they who add devotion to such a life, must be said to _pray_ as _Christians_, but live as _Heathens_. CHAP. II. _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?