Quotes from J. C. Ryle

Prayer needs neither learning, wisdom or book knowledge to begin it. It needs nothing but heart and will.

Any well-read man knows that the moral difference between the condition of the world before Christianity was planted and since Christianity took root is the difference between night and day, the kingdom of heaven and the kingdom of the devil.

What could an unsanctified man do in Heaven, if by any chance he got there? Let that question be fairly looked in the face and fairly answered. No man can possibly be happy in a place where he is not in his element and where all around him is not congenial to his tastes, habits and character.

The 'means of grace' are such as Bible reading, private prayer, and regularly worshiping God in Church, wherein one hears the Word taught and participates in the Lord's Supper. I lay it down as a simple matter of fact that no one who is careless about such things must ever expect to make much progress in sanctification.

Christmas is a season which almost all Christians observe in one way or another. Some keep it as a religious season. Some keep it as a holiday. But all over the world, wherever there are Christians, in one way or another Christmas is kept.

Tomorrow is the devil's day, but today is God's. Satan does not care how spiritual your intentions are, or how holy your resolutions, if only they are determined to be done tomorrow.

No salvation without regeneration - no spiritual life without a new birth - no heaven without a new heart.

Blessed are they who feel like pilgrims and strangers in this life, and whose best things are all to come!

There are many things which swallow up men's thoughts while they live, which they will think little of when they are dying. Hundreds are wholly absorbed in political schemes and seem to care for nothing but the advancement of their own party. Myriads are buried in business and money matters and seem to neglect everything else but this world.

All men ought to think of Christ because of the office Christ fills between God and man. He is the eternal Son of God through whom alone the Father can be known, approached, and served. He is the appointed Mediator between God and man through whom alone we can be reconciled with God, pardoned, justified, and saved.

The true secret of spiritual strength is self-distrust and deep humilty.

The doctrine of Christ crucified is the strength of a Minister. I, for one, would not be without it for all the world.

Who shall dare to talk of strength when David can fall?

Prayer is the very life-breath of true Christianity.

Nothing is so fickle and uncertain as popularity. It is here today and gone tomorrow. It is a sandy foundation, and sure to fail those who build upon it.

It is neglect of the Bible which makes so many a prey to the first false teacher whom they hear.

What would you expect? Sin will not come to you saying, 'I am sin.' It would do little harm if it did. Sin always seems 'good, pleasant and desirable' at the time of arrival.

Live as if you thought that Christ might come at any time.

Jesus hears us, and in His own good time will give an answer... He may sometimes keep us long waiting...but He will never send us empty away.

Let us seek friends that will stir up our prayers, our Bible reading, our use of time, and our salvation.

Assurance of hope is more than life, it is health, strength, power, vigor, activity, energy, manliness, beauty.

We live in an age when there is a false glare on the things of time and a great mist over the things of eternity.

If you love Christ, never be ashamed to let others see it and know it. Speak for Him. Witness for Him. Live for Him.

If God has given His Son to die for us, let us beware of doubting His kindness and love in any painful providence of our daily life.