The Almost Christian Discovered
by Matthew Mead
Review by Craig Fain
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Matthew Mead was an English Puritan minister in the 17th century. He was born in 1629 in, Bedfordshire. Attended Eton College for a short stent, and then was elected at Kings College (Cambridge) in 1649. He resigned after two years in 1651, probably “to avoid expulsion for refusing to take the engagement to the Commonwealth.” (Meet the Puritans, 2018). Mead lectured at St. Sepulchre, Holborn, it was there he preached a series of seven sermons on false converts and hypocrites, the subject matter of which became his book The Almost Christian Discovered.
After the publication of the book, he was ejected from his position as lecturer due to nonconformity (see Nonconformist (Protestantism) Wikipedia article link bit.ly/3HDMlup ). Much later, in 1671, Mead was assistant pastor to William Greenhill and would preach there until his death in 1699.
REVIEW
The Puritans writers, like the Reformers, held tightly to the authority of scripture and let God, through His Holy Word, teach them the wisdom of the “old ways” and lead them to walk the old Paths (Jeremiah 6:16). Their books are expositional writings of Scripture guiding the reader to be set apart from this world and exhorted them to surrender and center on Christ “For in Him we live and move and have our being… (Acts 17:28).
The more I read books by the Puritans, the more I find just how relevant they are today. As old as these books are, I am amazed at how relevant their work is for this era. The Puritan writings are saturated with Scripture and Godly wisdom that, when applied, is like a medicinal balm that can remedy all the ills of the Church today. That holds true with The Almost Christian Discovered.
Much to my delight, I am amazed how so many Puritan books and writings have re-emerged in circulation. As you read the puritans, I think you will find it interesting that so many of the Puritan books have an eerily prophetic relevance in today’s culture and society. The Almost Christian Discovered measures up to this observation. This book by Matthew Mead addresses a subject that should be preached more often, yet is hardly ever given. It is a subject that is found to be common in the Church today; it is the charade of the almost Christian. Someone who talks like a Christian even acts like a Christian, but upon further examination and to their detriment, they are simply an Almost Christian.
How many of those that call themselves Christian place trust in their deeds and good actions to confirm they’re being born again? The Puritans would ask, what is your reason, your aim, or purpose? Mead tenderly, yet without compromise, that though some claim to be Christian “in their own verdict of their own opinion, but you know the law allows no man to be a witness in his own case because their affection usually overreaches conscience and self-love deceives truth for its own interest.” This is the centerpiece of Mead’s argument. Though you may have done many deeds for Christ, in the name of Christ, with the love of Christ to be a witness to your own merit that you claim to be deserving of eternal life in Heaven, maybe the downfall of the future estate of one’s soul. Mead calls man’s heart “The great imposter.” How true. For the scripture tells us in Jeremiah 17:9 that, The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. How easily we are deceived and confident with our perception of ourselves. A most dangerous perception that leads to being almost Christian.
The subject of this book is a severe and poignant theme for sure, yet Mead is very sensitive about how he addresses it. He goes to great lengths to ensure he doesn’t bludgeon the weakest of believers. He was very aware that some are weak in their faith, especially one that just became a Christian, and might be upset and discouraged by his accusation. To answer, Mead states, “The Gospel does not speak of these things to wound the Believer, but to awaken sinners and formal professors.”
That being said, he sternly challenges all that call themselves Christian to examine themselves to make sure they are in the faith. Mead mindfully takes great care in addressing his reasons why we should all examine ourselves and the state of our souls for salvation, as Paul admonished in II Corinthians 13:5, “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves!” This work by Matthew Mead gives you the means to examine yourself and encourages the reader to be honest with the result of such an examination.
The book reads much like a catechism. Mead asks a question, an example of the unregenerate answer to that question, and then gives a Biblical reason why the unregenerate thinking is flawed. He follows the question with an objection, which in my estimation, is nothing more than the almost Christian’s poor reasoning trying to give themselves a loophole out of Biblical truth about the Gospel. That “their way” is just as valid as the Biblical way. A reason for not following the true Gospel. A Gospel that requires repentance and faith in Christ alone, not their own merit. Mead ends with the Biblical answer. Each answer drives home the message of the Gospel and forces the unregenerate to reexamine his soul’s estate.
At the end of the book, there are four sections that I found extremely valuable and should not be overlooked, Use of Application, Use of Examination, Use of Caution, and Use of Exhortation. All of these brief, yet experiential, and useful ways one should approach examining themselves to see if they are in the faith. It can also be used as a counseling guide to those you know that are struggling with their assurance. Further, it can be useful to talk to and counsel those who are self-deceived in thinking they are Christian.
Finally, do not neglect reading the introductory messages to his congregation and to the reader. It gives you a glimpse of Mead’s heart for the reader and his congregation, as well as his passion for the true Gospel of Christ. Reading these two introductions will give you better context while reading this work. Prayerfully read this book and ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes and heart. To test and examine yourself. I promise you will not be disappointed reading this most excellent work by Matthew Mead.
Soli Deo Gloria
