Author: JC Ryle

From his conversion [in 1837] to his burial [in 1900], J.C. Ryle was entirely one-dimensional. He was a one-book man; he was steeped in Scripture; he bled the Bible. As only Ryle could say, ‘It is still the first book which fits the child’s mind when he begins to learn religion, and the last to which the old man clings as he leaves the world.’
“This is WHY his works have lasted—and will last—they bear the stamp of eternity. Today, more than a hundred years after his passing, Ryle’s works stand at the crossroads between the historic faith and modern evangelicalism. Like signposts, they direct us to the ‘old paths.’ And, like signposts, they are meant to be read.”
“He [J.C. Ryle] was great through the abounding grace of God. He was great in stature; great in mental power; great in spirituality; great as a preacher and expositor of God’s most holy Word; great in hospitality; great as a writer of Gospel tracts; great as a Bishop of the Reformed Evangelical Protestant Church in England, of which he was a noble defender; great as first Bishop of Liverpool. I am bold to say, that perhaps few men in the nineteenth century did as much for God, for truth, and for righteousness, among the English speaking race, and in the world, as our late Bishop.

Source: https://www.jcryle.info/p/about-jc-ryle.html

Categories
Growth Teens

Thoughts for Young Men

JC Ryle is one of my favourite all time authors – he writes so clearly and simply, making this book perfect for people young and old. And it’s such a tiny book of less than 100 pages, that young people are more likely to read. In this book, JC Ryle provides godly, powerful yet simple advice for young Christian men and women alike. As I read it, I was surprised at how immediately relevant every pearl of wisdom was. He warns young people of dangers in life, he exhorts young people to living a holy life, he encourages young people to steadfastly walk with God.

Here are just a few excerpts from this book:

“For one thing, there is the painful fact that there are few young men anywhere who seem to be Christians.”

“Never be ashamed of being a learner: Jesus was one at twelve years; when He was found in the temple, He was ‘sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions’ (Luke 2:46).”

“It is only when self is nothing and Christ is all our confidence, it is only then that we shall do great exploits.”

“Hell itself is truth known too late. Be wise in time. What youth sows, old age must reap. Do not give the most precious season of your life to that which will not comfort you in the latter days of your life.”

It’s amazing how someone who wrote these gems 100+ years ago, is not only so relevant, but it feels like it was written by someone today! It shows that times haven’t changed for humanity, and we need the same light and salvation of God. This will make a great gift to others too.

Review by: Jin Wan