About J.C. Ryle
John Charles Ryle (1816-1900)
J.C. Ryle was a prolific writer, vigorous preacher, faithful pastor, husband of three wives (widowed three times) and the father to five children. He was thoroughly evangelical in his doctrine and uncompromising in his Biblical principles.
After being in Pastoral ministry in England for 38 years, in 1880 (at age 64) Ryle became the first bishop of Liverpool, England and remained there for 20 years. He retired in 1900 (at age 83) and died later that same year at age 84.
Below are a few links which provide more background on Ryle:
> Short online Ryle biography: William P. Farley
> Average length online Ryle biography: M. Guthrie Clark
> In-depth online Ryle biography: Peter Toon & Michael Smout
From Charles Nolan Publishers:
“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.” [emphasis mine]
~ Rev. Richard Hobson, three days after Ryle’s burial in 1900.
As quoted by J.I. Packer in:
Faithfulness and Holiness: The Witness of J.C. Ryle, 14.
What should I read after the ‘Five English Reformers’? I am still homeschooling and my youngest is 14. What would be appropriate for me in my situation right now?
Laura,
Glad to hear Ryle has been such an encouragement to you.
To answer your question, I always say that for those looking to read more on Ryle, I would recommend these three books in order:
1) A Call to Prayer. This is a short booklet that is a great way to ‘cut your teeth’ on Ryle’s writing style. Encouraging and convicting at the same time.
2) Holiness. I recommend the first edition (1877, simply click the link ‘Holiness’) which is shorter and has a better flow than the 1879 edition (per J.I. Packer), which had Ryle adding many more spectacular chapters, yet all were unto themselves.
3) Practical Religion: The basics of the Christian life including topics on Prayer, Bible Reading, Lord’s Supper, etc.
Hope this aids you in your desire to read Ryle. Blessings.
out of interest is “five English reformers” an American title. That was my first Ryle book given to me in the 1980s and it is far older than that but entitled “Five Protestant Martyrs”?
Read – Christian leaders of the eighteen century.
I have read this book 20 times and it blesses me every time. If you want to know what a minister of the Gospel is. this book will tell you.
Steve
thank you
I know this is a Ryle site however can I suggest another Book about Cannon Richard Hobson of Liverpool The ISBN is 9780851518459.
Cannon Hobson was Rector of St Nathaniel Church Windsor, Liverpool (which is just behind the Anglican Cathedral) and is the Church where Ryle used to worship. Ryle and Hobson were great friends and it was Hobson who served his Friend with his last communion. It is a good read and I can recommend it if you can get it
Ian,
Thanks so much for the recommendation. Much appreciated.