109SermonsbyJCRyle (continued)
solid advantage have you obtained from it? For anything one can see, you might just as well have been a Turk or a Jew.
Take advice this day, and resolve to possess the realities of Christianity, as well as the name; and the substance, as well as the form. Do not be content until you know something of the peace, and hope, and joy, and consolation which Christians enjoyed in former times. Ask yourself what is the reason that you are a stranger to the feelings which men and women experienced in the days of the Apostles—ask yourself why you do not "joy in the Lord," and feel "peace with God," like the Romans and Philippians, to whom Paul wrote. Religious feelings, no doubt, are often deceptive; but surely the religion which produces no feelings at all—is not the religion of the New Testament. The religion which gives a man no inward comfort—can never be a religion from God. Reader, take heed to yourself. Never be satisfied until you know something of the "rest that is in Christ."
2. Reader, do you desire rest of soul, and yet know not where to turn for it? Remember this day, that there is only one place where it can be found. Governments cannot give it; education will not impart it; wordily amusements cannot supply it; money will not purchase it. It can only be found in the hand of Jesus Christ; and to His hand you must turn, if you would find peace within.
There is no royal road to rest of soul. Let that never be forgotten. There is only one way to the Father—Jesus Christ. There is only one door into heaven—Jesus Christ. There is only one path to heart peace —Jesus Christ. By that way all laboring and heavy-laden ones must go, whatever be their rank or condition. Kings in their palaces, and paupers in the workhouse, are all on a level in this matter. All alike must come to Christ, if they feel soul-weary and tired; all must drink of the same fountain, if they would have their thirst relieved.
You may not believe what I am now writing. Time will show who is right and who is wrong. Go on, if you will, imagining that true