"I defy anyone to read St. Paul's writings carefully . . ."

"The common idea of many persons that St. Paul's writings are full of nothing but doctrinal statements and controversial subjects -- justification, election, predestination, prophecy, and the like -- is an entire delusion, and a melancholy proof of the ignorance of Scripture which prevails in these latter days. I defy anyone to read St. Paul's writings carefully without finding in them a large quantity of plain, practical directions about the Christian's duty in every relation of life, and about our daily habits, temper, and behavior to one another. These directions were written down by the inspiration of God for the perpetual guidance of professing Christians. He who does not attend to them may possibly pass muster as a member of a church or a chapel, but he certainly is not what the Bible calls a 'sanctified' man" (J. C. Ryle, Holiness, 28).