William Law

As Christians, we may wonder why the lives of even the better sort of people are strangely contrary to the principles of Christianity. But before I give a direct answer to this, I want to pose the question: Why is it that swearing is so common a vice among Christians? It is not so common among women as it is among men. But among men this sin is so common that more than two in three are guilty of it through the whole course of their lives—some constantly, others only now and then.

Why is it that two in three of the men are guilty of so gross and profane a sin as this? There is neither ignorance nor human infirmity to plead for it; it is against any express commandment and the most plain doctrines of our blessed Savior.

Devotion is neither private nor public prayer; but prayers, whether private or public, are particular instances of devotion. Devotion, in the fullest sense of the word, signifies a life given, or wholly devoted, to God.

The devout man, therefore, is one who lives no longer to his own will or the way and spirit of the world, but to the sole will of God; who considers God in everything, who serves God in everything, who makes all the parts of his common life parts of piety, by doing everything in the name of God and under such rules as are comformable to His glory.

As Christians, we may wonder why the lives of even the better sort of people are strangely contrary to the principles of Christianity. But before I give a direct answer to this, I want to pose the question: Why is it that swearing is so common a vice among Christians? It is not so common among women as it is among men. But among men this sin is so common that more than two in three are guilty of it through the whole course of their lives—some constantly, others only now and then.

Why is it that two in three of the men are guilty of so gross and profane a sin as this? There is neither ignorance nor human infirmity to plead for it; it is against any express commandment and the most plain doctrines of our blessed Savior.