# “Do not linger!” by J.C. Ryle

- Link: https://tollelege.net/2016/05/10/do-not-linger-by-j-c-ryle/
- Published: 2016-05-10T07:00:56-05:00
- Author: tollelege

“‘_He lingered_.’ (Genesis 19:16) Do not be a lingering soul.

Would you know what the times demand?—The shaking of nations,—the uprooting of ancient
things,—the overturning of kingdoms,—the stir and restlessness of men’s minds—what
do they say? They all cry aloud,—_Christian! do not linger!_

Would you be found ready for Christ at His second appearing,—your loins girded,—
your lamp burning. yourself bold, and prepared to meet Him? _Then do not linger!_

Would you enjoy much sensible comfort in your religion,—feel the witness of the 
Spirit within you,—know whom you have believed,—and not be a gloomy, complaining,
sour, downcast, and melancholy Christian? _Then do not linger!_

Would you enjoy strong assurance of your own salvation, in the day of sickness, 
and on the bed of death?—Would you see with the eye of faith heaven opening, and
Jesus rising to receive you? _Then do not linger!_

Would you leave great broad evidences behind you when you are gone?—Would you like
us to lay you in the grave with comfortable hope, and talk of your state after death
without a doubt? _Then do not linger!_

Would you be useful to the world in your day and generation?—Would you draw men 
from sin to Christ, adorn your doctrine, and make your Master’s cause beautiful 
and attractive in their eyes? _Then do not linger!_

Would you help your children and relatives towards heaven, and make them say, “We
will go with you”?—and not make them infidels and despisers of all religion? _Then
do not linger!_

Would you have a great crown in the day of Christ’s appearing, and not be the least
and smallest star in glory, and not find yourself the last and lowest in the kingdom
of God? _Then do not linger!_

Oh, let not one of us linger! Time does not,—death does not,—judgment does not,—
the devil does not,—the world does not. _Neither let the children of God linger._”

–J.C. Ryle, [_Holiness: Its Nature, Hindrances, Difficulties and Roots_](https://www.amazon.com/dp/1909611808?tag=toletaupanre-20)(
London: William Hunt and Company, 1889), 230–231.

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