True faith may sometimes be found where it might have been least expected.
– JC Ryle –
from Expository Thoughts on the Gospels, 1856
JC Ryle
Sanctifying Faith – JC Ryle
The faith that has not a sanctifying influence on the character is no better than the faith of devils.
– JC Ryle –
What makes some Christians more holy than others? – JC Ryle
What is the reason that some believers are so much brighter and holier than others? I believe the difference, in nineteen cases out of twenty, arises from different habits about private prayer. I believe that those who are not eminently holy pray little, and those who are eminently holy pray much.
– JC Ryle –
Doctrine is useless, unless… – JC Ryle
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 –
Hell is Truth – JC Ryle
It was a weighty saying of some wise man, that hell is truth known too late.
– JC Ryle –
Neglected Prayer – 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
Don’t try to please everyone – JC Ryle
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 –
Prayer vs Sin – JC Ryle
Praying and sinning will never live together in the same heart. Prayer will consume sin, or sin will choke prayer.
– JC Ryle –
A Christianity that costs nothing is worth nothing – 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 –