It is one of the greatest dangers of the Church in a
democratic country--and one of the greatest temptations for
churches which for their support are dependent on the good will
of their congregations--to present the gospel message in a way
agreeable and inoffensive to those who are to hear it.-Emil Brunner (1889-1966), The Scandal of Christianity, London: SCM Press, 1951, reprint, John Knox Press,
1965, p. 113

All are lunatics, but he who can analyze his delusions is called a philosopher.- Ambrose Bierce.

Speak when you are angry, and you will make the best speech you will ever regret.- Ambrose Bierce

If God has given His Son to die for us, let us beware of doubting His kindness and love in any painful providence of our daily life. Let us never suppose that He can give us anything that is not really for our good. Let us remember the words of Paul, "He who spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all—how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things." (Rom. 8:32.) Let us see in every sorrow and trouble of our earthly pilgrimage, the hand of Him who gave Christ to die for our sins. That hand can never smite us except in love. He who gave us His only begotten Son, will never withhold anything from us that is really for our good. Let us lean back on this thought and be content. Let us say to ourselves in the darkest hour of trial, "This also is ordered by Him who gave Christ to die for my sins. It cannot be wrong. It is done in love. It must be well."~ J.C. RyleTract: Faith!