I have had a deep conviction for many years that practical holiness and entire self-consecration to God are not sufficiently attended to by modern Christians in this country. . . . The immense importance of “adorning the doctrine of God our Savior” (Titus 2:10), and making it lovely and beautiful by our daily habits and tempers, has been far too much overlooked. Worldly people sometimes complain with reason that “religious” persons, so-called, are not so amiable, and unselfish, and good-natured, as others who make no profession of religion. . . . Sound Protestant and evangelical doctrine is useless if it is not accompanied by a holy life. It is worse then useless: it does positive harm. It is despised by keen-sighted and shrewed men of the world, as an unreal and hollow thing, and brings religion into contempt.

– J.C. Ryle

1816 – 1900