Break off from a world which can never really satisfy you, and seek that treasure which alone is truly incorruptible.
Of some who know nothing of Christ’s service by experience, or of Christ himself.
There are only too many who take no interest whatever in the things about which I have been writing. Their treasure is all below. They are wholly taken up with the things of the world. They care nothing about the believer’s conflicts and struggles and infirmities and doubts and fears.
They care little whether Christ is man or God. They care little whether he did miracles or not. It is all a matter of words and names and forms, about which they do not trouble themselves. They are without God in the world.
If perchance you are such a person as this, I can only warn you solemnly, that your present course cannot last. You will not live for ever. There must be an end. Gray hairs, age, sickness, infirmities, and death. All are before you, and must be met one day. What will you do when that day comes?
Remember my words this day. You will find no comfort when sick and dying, unless Jesus Christ is your friend. You will discover to your sorrow and confusion, that however much men may talk and boast, they cannot do without Christ when they come to their death-bed. You may send for ministers, and get them to read prayers, and give you the sacrament. You may go through every form and ceremony of Christianity. But if you persist in living a careless and worldly life, and despising Christ in the morning of your days, you must not be surprised if Christ leaves you to yourself in your latter end. Alas, these are solemn words, and often sadly fulfilled: “I will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh.” (Proverbs 1:26).
Come then, this day, and be advised by one who loves your soul. Cease to do evil. Learn to do well. Forsake the foolish, and go in the path of understanding. Cast away that pride which hangs about your heart, and seek the Lord Jesus while he may be found. Cast away that spiritual sloth which is palsying your soul, and resolve to take trouble about your Bible, your prayers, and your Sabbaths. Break off from a world which can never really satisfy you, and seek that treasure which alone is truly incorruptible. Oh that the Lord’s own words might find a place in your conscience: “How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge? Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my Spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.” (Proverbs 1:22, 23). I believe the crowning sin of Judas Iscariot was that he would not seek pardon, and turn again to his Lord. Beware, lest that be your sin also.
J.C. Ryle. The Complete Works of J.C. Ryle.
