Practical Religion, Being Plain Papers on the Duties, Experience, Dangers, and Privileges of Professing Christians, by J C Ryle, published by the Banner of Truth Trust, hardback, 470 pages, £15.00.
This book delivers what it promises – plain statements on plain duties required of believers and the blessings that will follow. From the first and basic duty of examining where we are spiritually to preparation for the eternity we are hastening to, Ryle makes the footsteps of the flock very plain and gives constant and earnest encouragement to follow in these very footsteps.
In a day when all sections of our society – even those who are willing slaves to sin – cry out for freedom, it is good to read Ryle saying, “The
5Matthew Henry’s Method for Prayer has been reprinted by Christian Focus Publications and is available from the Free Presbyterian Bookroom.
1Both titles reviewed here are obtainable from the Free Presbyterian Bookroom.
true freedom I speak of is spiritual freedom, freedom of soul. It is the freedom which Christ bestows without money and without price, on all true Christians. Those whom the Son makes free are free indeed; “Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty” (2 Cor 3:17). Let men talk as they please of the comparative freedom of monarchies and republics; let them struggle if they will for universal liberty, fraternity and equality; we never know the highest style of liberty until we are enrolled citizens of the kingdom of God. We are ignorant of the best kind of freedom if we are not Christ’s for ever” (p 205).
J C Ryle was a bishop in the Church of England, with its holy days. On page 402 he writes, “Poor and shallow is that philosophy which sneers at Christmas gatherings”. His main thrust here is the value of family gatherings, and this we would endorse; but his reference to Christmas (and it is not the only one) is unhappy and has no biblical basis.
Overall we have no hesitation in recommending this book, supplying as it does milk for the spiritual infant and meat for those who in understanding would be men.
(Rev) J R Tallach
Steps Towards Heaven, by J C Ryle, published by the Banner of Truth Trust, paperback, 160 pages, £5.50.
As stated in the Publisher’s Preface, “the five chapters that make up this little book are drawn from a larger work compiled by J C Ryle and first published in 1877 under the title Old Paths. The chapters were among a number of papers or tracts that set forth “the leading truths of Christianity which are necessary to salvation”.
These five chapters are entitled, “Our Sins”, “Few Saved?”, “Conversion”, “Justification” and “The Holy Spirit”; they set out those subjects with the clarity and earnestness typical of Ryle. An example of this is seen in his chapter on Justification. In answer to the question, “What then are the best means of preserving in a believer’s heart that sense of justification which is so precious to the soul that knows it?”, Ryle offers the following hints:
“(a) To keep up a lively sense of peace, there must be constant looking to Jesus. As the pilot keeps his eye on the mark by which he steers, so must we keep our eye on Christ.
“(b) There must be constant communion with Jesus. We must use Him daily as our soul’s Physician and High Priest. There must be daily conference, daily confession and daily absolution.
“(c) There must be constant watchfulness against the enemies of your soul. He that would have peace must be always prepared for war.
“(d) There must be constant following after holiness in every relation of
life, in our tempers, in our tongues, abroad and at home. A little speck on the lens of a telescope is enough to prevent our seeing distant objects clearly. A little dust will soon make a watch go incorrectly.
“(e) There must be a constant labouring after humility. Pride goes before a fall. Self-confidence is always the mother of sloth, of hurried Bible reading and sleepy prayers. Peter first said he would never forsake his Lord though all others did – then he slept when he should have prayed; then he denied Him three times, and only found wisdom after bitter weeping.
“(f) There must be constant boldness in confessing our Lord before men. Them that honour Christ, Christ will honour with much of His company. When the disciples forsook our Lord they were wretched and miserable. When they confessed Him before the council, they were filled with joy and the Holy Ghost.
“(g) There must be constant diligence about means of grace. Here are the ways in which Jesus loves to walk. No disciple must expect to see much of his Master who does not delight in public worship, Bible-reading and private reading.
“(h) Lastly, there must be constant jealousy over our own souls, and frequent self-examination. We must be careful to distinguish between justification and sanctification. We must beware that we do not make a Christ of holiness.”
Last year marked the bicentenary of the birth of John Charles Ryle, Bishop of Liverpool, and much has recently appeared in print, including articles in this Magazine; so little more needs to be added. This present book is highly recommended, unless one already possesses a copy of Old Paths. And, even if one does, one may consider this little paperback as an ideal travelling companion.
(Rev) W A Weale