The world's opposition is strong and subtle. And behind

these things stands the devil, bent on 'taking men alive' and

keeping them prisoner. For the devil hates the gospel and uses

all his strength and cunning to obstruct its progress, now by

perverting it in the mouths of those who preach it, now by

frightening them into silence through persecution or ridicule,

now by persuading them to advance beyond it into some fancy

novelty, now by making them so busy with defending the gospel

that they have no time to proclaim it.- John R. W. Stott (b. 1921), Guard the Gospel; the Message of 2 Timothy, Downers Grove, Ill., Inter Varsity Press, 1973, p. 126

The true cure for self-righteousness is self-knowledge. Once let the eyes of our understanding be opened by the Spirit, and we shall talk no more of our own goodness. Once let us see what there is in our own hearts, and what the holy law of God requires, and self-conceit will die. We shall lay our hand on our mouths, and cry with the leper, "Unclean, unclean." (Lev. 13:45)~ J.C. RyleExpository Thoughts on the Gospels: Luke volume 2 , [Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 1998], 260. {Luke 18:9-14}

Men are rather reasoning than reasonable animals, for the most part governed by the impulse of passion.- Alexander Hamilton, 1757 - 1804

In politics, as in religion, it is equally absurd to aim at making proselytes by fire and sword. Heresies in either can rarely be cured by persecution.- Alexander Hamilton, 1757 - 1804

Why has government been instituted at all? Because the passions of men will not conform to the dictates of reason and justice, without constraint.- Alexander Hamilton, 1757 - 1804