Quotes from JC Ryle

We live in an age of peculiar spiritual danger. Never perhaps since the world began was there such an immense amount of mere outward profession of religion as there is in the present day.

If people have no likeness to the Father in heaven, it is pointless to talk of their being His children.

A man must make the Bible his rule of conduct. He must make its leading principles the compass by which he steers his course through life. By the letter or spirit of the Bible he must test every difficult point and question. "To the law and to the testimony! What saith the Scripture?" He ought to care nothing for what other people may think right. He ought not to set his watch by the clock of his neighbour, but by the sun-dial of the Word.

Do not speak only of the uniform, the pay, and the glory; speak also of the enemies, the battle, the armour, the watching, the marching, and the drill. Do not present only one side of Christianity. Do not keep back "the cross" of self-denial that must be carried, when you speak of the cross on which Christ died for our redemption. Explain fully what Christianity entails. Entreat men to repent and come to Christ; but bid them at the same time to "count the cost.

As a general rule, in the long run of life, it will be found true that sanctified people are the happiest people on earth.

We may reach heaven without learning, or riches, or health, or worldly greatness. But we shall never reach heaven if we die impenitent and unbelieving. A new heart and a lively faith in a Redeemer are absolutely needful to salvation.

Justification is the act of God about us and is not easily discerned by others. Sanctification is the work of God within us and cannot be hid.

Nothing in my hand I bring, Simply to thy cross I cling; Naked, flee to thee for dress; Helpless, look to thee for grace.

People make nothing of God's authority. God threatens, but they despise His threatening. They make nothing of dishonoring God. They care not how much their behavior is to His.

Conversion is not putting a man in an arm-chair and taking him easily to heaven. It is the beginning of a mighty conflict, in which it costs much to win the victory.

Religious feelings are worse than worthless if they are not accompanied by practice. Mere emotional excitement, without completely breaking off from sin, is not the repentance that God approves.

Herod was afraid of what his guests would think of him: so he did that which made him "greatly distressed," he beheaded John the Baptist. Pilate feared offending the Jews: so he did that which he knew in his conscience was unjust--he delivered up Jesus to be crucified. If this is not slavery, what is?