Sawing off its corners, or by polishing, varnishing, and adorning it

(J.C. Ryle, "Knots Untied" 1896)

Ministers do great spiritual harm by departing in the slightest degree from the Scriptural proportions of the gospel, or by trying to win the world by dressing the simple old Evangelical faith in new clothes.

The world is never won by trimming, and compromising, by facing both ways, and trying to please all.

The cross of Christ is never made more acceptable by sawing off its corners, or by polishing, varnishing, and adorning it.

Let us hold on our way, and be jealously sensitive of any departure from the simplicity of the gospel. Popularity obtained by pandering to the senses or the sentiment of our hearers--is not worth anything. Worshipers who are not content with the Bible, the cross of Christ, simple prayers and simple praise--are worshipers of little value. It is useless to try to please them--because their spiritual taste is diseased.