Doctrine is useless if it is not accompanied by a holy life. It is worse than useless; it does positive harm. Something of “the image of Christ” must be seen and observed by others in our private life, and habits, and character, and doings.
– JC Ryle –
It was a weighty saying of some wise man, that hell is truth known too late.
– JC Ryle –
I ask whether you pray, because there is no duty in religion so neglected as private prayer.
– JC Ryle –
from A Call to Prayer
We must give up the vain idea of trying to please everybody. That is impossible, and the attempt is a mere waste of time. We must be content to walk in Christ’s steps, and let the world say what it likes.
– JC Ryle –
Praying and sinning will never live together in the same heart. Prayer will consume sin, or sin will choke prayer.
– JC Ryle –
There is a common, worldly kind of Christianity in this day, which many have, and think they have enough—a cheap Christianity which offends nobody, and requires no sacrifice—which costs nothing, and is worth nothing.
– JC Ryle –
I do not despair of the future. God forbid that I should do so. I believe in the almighty power of God to deliver us, even in the darkest hour … what He has done in time in the past He may do again. For this let us all agree to pray. A praying, interceding people are the very backbone of the church.
– JC Ryle –
The person who hears Christian teaching, and practices what they hear, is like a “wise man who built his house on a rock.” They do not content themselves with listening to exhortations to repent, believe in Christ, and live a holy life. They actually repent. They actually believe. They actually cease to do evil, learn to do well, abhor that which is sinful, and cleave to that which is good. They are a doer as well as a hearer.
– JC Ryle –
Never let us be guilty of sacrificing any portion of truth on the altar of peace.
– JC Ryle –