“The plain truth is that without Christ there is no happiness in this world. He alone can give the Comforter who abideth for ever.
He is the sun; without Him men never feel warm.
He is the light; without Him men are always in the dark.
He is the bread; without Him men are always starving.
He is the living water; without Him men are always athirst.
Give them what you like,—place them where you please,—surround them with all the comforts you can imagine,—it makes no difference. Separate from Christ, the Prince of Peace, a man cannot be happy.”
–J.C. Ryle, Practical Religion: Being Plain Papers on the Daily Duties, Experience, Dangers, and Privileges of Professing Christians (Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 1878/2013), 236.
