The only true reformer of mankind!
(J.C. Ryle)
Political and social reforms labor in vain - because they ignore the fall of Adam and original sin. These are great stubborn facts, which ruin all their calculations. Without acknowledging the reality and consequences of sin - the great problems of human nature can never be solved.
How much we ought to hate sin, and to make the checking of sin the first object in our efforts to do good! How much we ought to long and strive to promote the progress of the Gospel of Christ! This, after all, is the only true reformer of mankind. Just in proportion as men are brought under the influence of the despised old Gospel - will be the increase of peace on earth and goodwill among men.
The more Christ is known and loved, and the more the Bible is read - the more will the inhabitants of the earth love one another. The more grace reigns over hearts and lives - the less hatred and violence will there be in the world. If pure and undefiled religion prevailed everywhere - then such plagues and pests and nuisances as quarreling, robbing, murder, drunkenness, immorality, swindling, gambling, idleness, lying, and cheating would be comparatively unknown. Most of the prisons and workhouses would soon be shut. Lawyers and policemen would have little to do. Taxes would be cut in half.
He is the truest friend to human happiness - who does the most to spread the knowledge of Christ and evangelize the world!