" When I go down the valley of the shadow of death, and my feet touch the cold waters, I want something better than vague, high-sounding words, or the painted playthings and gilded trifles of man-made ceremonials. Give me no stone altars and would-be confessors. Give me no surpliced priests or pretended sacrifice in my bedroom. Put no man or form between me and Christ. Give me a real staff for my hand such as David had, and real meat and drink for my soul such as aged Paul felt within him, and feeling cried, “I am not ashamed.” (2 Timothy 1:12) I must know distinctly whom I believe, what I believe, and why I believe, and in what manner I believe. "

― J.C. Ryle , Knots Untied: Being Plain Statements on Disputed Points in Religion from the Standpoint of an Evangelical Churchman