Let us never set down men in a low place, as graceless and godless, because their faith is feeble and their love is cold. Let us remember the case of Thomas, and be very pitiful and of tender mercy. Our Lord has many weak children in His family, many dull pupils in His school, many raw soldiers in His army, many lame sheep in His school. Yet He bears with them all, and casts none away. Happy is that Christian who has learned to deal likewise with his brethren. There are many in the Church, who, like Thomas, are dull and slow, but for all that, like Thomas, are real and true believers.
~ J.C. Ryle
Expository Thoughts on the Gospels: John, volume 3, [Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 1987], 456, 457.
many lame sheep in his “flock” surely? Or is this how Ryle actually put it?
Yes indeed Greg…“lame sheep in his flock” is taken word for word from Ryle in volume 3 of his commentary in John.
Yeah, didn’t think they let sheep into schools these days. They scare the fish.
[...] Mercy to the Feeble Christian « J.C. Ryle Quotes jcrylequotes.com/2009/10/13/mercy-to-the-feeble-christian – view page – cached “Let us never set down men in a low place, as graceless and godless, because their faith is feeble and their love is cold. Let us remember the case of Thomas, and be very pitiful and of tender… (Read more)“Let us never set down men in a low place, as graceless and godless, because their faith is feeble and their love is cold. Let us remember the case of Thomas, and be very pitiful and of tender mercy. Our Lord has many weak children in His family, many dull pupils in His school, many raw soldiers in His army, many lame sheep in His school. Yet He bears with them all, and casts none away. (Read less) — From the page [...]