There must be a difference

(J. C. Ryle, "The Gospel of Matthew" 1856)

"You are the salt of the earth." Matthew 5:13

"You are the light of the world." Matthew 5:14

Surely, if words mean anything, we are meant
to learn from these two figures, that there must
be something marked, distinct, and peculiar
about our character, if we are true Christians.

It will never do to idle through life, thinking
and living like others, if we mean to be owned
by Christ as His people.

Have we grace? Then it must be seen.

Have we the Spirit? Then there must be fruit.

Have we any saving religion? Then there
must be a difference of habits, tastes, and
turn of mind, between us and those who think
only of the world.

It is perfectly clear that true Christianity
is something more, than being baptized
and going to church.