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The J. C. Ryle Collection |
| Subject Area | File Description | Author |
| Assurance | Assurance - [2 Timothy 4:6-8]
There are four things I wish to bring before you in speaking of the subject
of assurance, and it may clear our way if I name them to you:
I. First, then, I will try to show you that an assured
hope, such as Paul here expresses, is a true and Scriptural thing. |
J. C. Ryle |
| Bible (01) | Bible Reading - A very straight convicting sermon on the need to read the Bible. This should be read by every new and old Christian. Very practical. (Updated English) A | J. C. Ryle |
| Bible (02) | Inspiration - "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God.” [2 Tim 3:16] How was the Bible written?--"Whence is it? From heaven, or of men?”--Had the writers of the Bible any special or peculiar help in doing their work?--Is there anything in the Bible which makes it unlike all other books, and therefore demands our respectful attention? These are questions of vast importance. They are questions to which I wish to offer an answer in this paper. To speak plainly, the subject I propose to examine is that deep one, the inspiration of Scripture. I believe the Bible to have been written by inspiration of God, and I want others to be of the same belief. | J. C. Ryle |
| Bible (03) | The Inspiration of the Bible - "Thy Word is Truth." [John 17:17] What is truth about the Inspiration of the Bible? This is a question of supreme importance in the present day. Ignorance, or want of clear views about the subject, is a worm at the root of much religion in the nineteenth century. Myriads of professing Christians are like men whose feet are on a quicksand and whose heads are in a fog. They do not know what they believe about inspiration. | J. C. Ryle |
| Bible (04) | Prove All Things - "The sufficiency of Holy Scripture,—the right of private judgment,—justification by faith only,—these are the three great principles to which you must always cling. Grasp them firmly, and never let them go. One of the three great principles to which I have referred appears to me to stand forth in the verse of Scripture which heads this tract,—I mean the right of private judgment. I wish to say something to you about that principle." | J. C. Ryle |
| Blood | One Blood - "This is a very short and simple text, and even a child knows the meaning of its words. But simple as it is, it supplies food for much thought and it forms part of a speech delivered by a great man on a great occasion. I shall stick to that expression 'one blood,' and confine myself entirely to it. I see in it three great points,—1, a point of fact; 2, a point of doctrine; 3, a point of duty. Let me try to unfold them." | J. C. Ryle |
| Calvary |
Calvary - You probably know that Calvary was a place close to Jerusalem, where the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was crucified. We know nothing else about Calvary beside this. I call this tract "Calvary," because I am going to speak to you about the sufferings and crucifixion of Christ. |
J. C Ryle |
| Catholics (01) |
A study of idolatry in the Church. It examines
the Roman Catholic practices of images, statues, and worship of Mary. Reveals how easy it
is in the life of a Christian to be caught in idolatry. (Updated English).
|
J. C Ryle |
| Catholics (02) |
The Ritualists represent themselves as Catholics, and say they are eager to revive the traditions and worship of the Primitive Church. This representation is contrary to the fact. The Church of England took that course at her Reformation; all that was pure, primitive, and Catholic, both in worship, faith, and order, she retained. She cast off only the fictions, idolatry, and error by which Roman Priest--craft and Italian ambition had disfigured the Apostolic faith. But the Reformation and the works of our Reformed Church is denounced by Ritualists as mutilated, Antichristian, and a pestilent heresy, while, in fact, the Ritualists are merely reintroducing the ceremonies and dogmas which our fathers cast off as idolatrous and superstitious. When therefore they call themselves Catholics, they mean Romanists. |
J. C Ryle |
| Child of God | Heirs of God - "Those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs -heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. [Romans 8:14-17] (Updated English) | J. C. Ryle |
| Children | Duties of Parents - "Train
a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."
(Proverbs 22:6) Gives some excellent ideas about the Duties of Parents in the
process of training children in the ways of God. (Updated English) |
J. C. Ryle |
| Christianity (01) | Discusses the difference between authentic religion and fake or nominal Christianity. Ryle shows how easy it is to be in a church and going through the motions and think that you are a Christian, when in fact you are still condemned to hell. (Updated English) | J. C. Ryle |
| Christianity (02) | The Great Battle - Every professing Christian is the soldier of Christ. He is bound by his baptism to fight Christ's battle against sin, the world, and the devil. The man that does not do this, breaks his vow: he is a spiritual defaulter; he does not fulfil the engagement made for him. The man that does not do this, is practically renouncing his Christianity. The very fact that he belongs to a Church, attends a Christian place of worship, and calls himself a Christian, is a public declaration that he desires to be reckoned a soldier of Jesus Christ. | J. C. Ryle |
| Christian Leaders | Christian Leaders of the Last Century - These sketches of Daniel Rowlands, John Wesley and George Whitefield first appeared in 'The Family Treasury' along with nine other pen sketches of 18th century divines. They were published as 'Christian Leaders of the Last Century.' | J. C. Ryle |
| Church | The True Church. Preached in 1858 but extremely applicable to our age. (Updated English). | J. C Ryle |
| Coming Events (01) | The Great Gathering - "Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to Him." (2 Thessalonians 2:1) (Updated English) | J. C. Ryle |
| Coming Events (02) | The Morning Without Clouds - King David looks forward with a prophetic eye to the future coming of the Messiah, the promised Savior, the seed of Abraham, and the seed of David. He looks forward to the advent of a glorious kingdom in which there shall be no wickedness, and righteousness shall be the universal character of all the subjects. He looks forward to the final gathering of a perfect family in which there shall be no unsound members, no defects, no sin, no sorrow, no deaths, no tears. And he says, the light of that kingdom shall be "as the light of the morning when the sun rises, even a morning without clouds." | J. C. Ryle |
| Confession | Do You Confess? - "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" [1 John 1:9]. The question which forms the title of this tract is at all times deeply important. Among the foundation-stones of saving religion few deserve more serious attention than "confession of sins." | J. C. Ryle |
| Cross (01) | The Cross of Christ - What do you think about the cross of Christ? The question may be one that you consider of little importance: but it deeply concerns the everlasting welfare of your soul. Eighteen hundred years ago there was a man who said that he "gloried" in the cross of Christ. He was one who turned the world upside down by the doctrines he preached. He was one who did more to establish Christianity than any man that ever lived. Yet what does He tell the Galatians?—"God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Gal. vi. 14). The "cross of Christ" must be an important subject, when an inspired apostle can speak of it in this way. Let me try to show you what the expression means. Once know what the cross of Christ means, and then you may be able, by God's help, to see the importance of it to your soul. | J. C. Ryle |
| Cross (02) | The Cross - What do you think and feel about the cross of Christ? You live in a Christian land. You probably attend the worship of a Christian church. You have perhaps been baptized in the name of Christ. You profess and call yourself a Christian. All this is well: it is more than can be said of millions in the world. But all this is no answer to my question, "What do you think and feel about the cross of Christ?" [Galatians 6:14] | J. C. Ryle |
| Crucifixion | Christ Crucified - There is no doctrine in Christianity so important as the doctrine of Christ crucified. There is none which the devil tries so hard to destroy. There is none which it is so needful for our own peace to understand. By "Christ crucified,” I mean the doctrine that Christ suffered death on the cross to make atonement for our sins,-that by His death He made a full, perfect, and complete satisfaction to God for the ungodly,-and that through the merits of that death all who believe in Him are forgiven all their sins, however many and great, entirely, and forever. About this blessed doctrine let me say a few words. | J. C. Ryle |
| Discipleship | Occupy Till I Come - "There are three subjects opened up in the passage of Scripture,
which appear to me to be of the deepest importance. Upon each of these I
wish to offer a few thoughts for your private meditation. I purposely
abstain from touching any part of the parable except the beginning. I want
to direct your attention to the three following points. I. I will speak of the mistake of the disciples, referred to in the
verses before us. |
J. C. Ryle |
| Doctrine | Apostolic Fears - A study of the fears that the Apostles had for the Church. It focuses on the Danger of False Doctrines that affected the Early Church and has crept into our churches today--though most would deny it! (Updated English). | J. C. Ryle |
| Eternity | Eternity! "What is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:18) "A subject stands out on the face of this text which is one of the most solemn and heart searching in the Bible. That subject is eternity. The subject is one of which the wisest man can only take in a little at a time. We have no eyes to see it fully, and no mind to grasp it; and yet we must not refuse to consider it. There is a depth of stars in the heavens above us, which the most powerful telescope cannot pierce; yet it is well worth it to look into them and learn something, even if we cannot learn everything. There are heights and depths about the subject of eternity which mortal man can never comprehend; but God has spoken of it, and we have no right to turn away from it completely."--J. C. Ryle (Chapter 21 of J. C. Ryle's book "Practical Religion" with updated English) | J. C Ryle |
| Faith (01) | Faith's Choice - "By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; "Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; "Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward.” [Hebrews 11:24-26] | J. C Ryle |
| Faith (02) | Faith and Assurance - If you are a thoughtless, careless man about your soul, you will take no interest in the subject of this tract. Faith and assurance are mere names and words to you: they are neither land, nor money, nor horses, nor dress, nor meat, nor drink: like Gallio, you care not for them. Alas, poor soul! I mourn over you. The day will come when you will think differently. Reader, if you really desire to go to heaven, and to go there in the Bible way, you will find the subject of this tract of the deepest importance. Believe me, your own comfort in religion, and your peace of conscience, depend exceedingly on understanding the matter about which I am going to speak. | J. C Ryle |
| Faith (03) | Are You Fighting? - Paul spoke to Timothy, when he wrote these burning words: "Fight the good fight of faith; lay hold on eternal life.” It is of this warfare that I want to speak to you today. We meet each other at a critical period of the world’s history. Men’s minds are full of "wars and rumors of wars.” Men’s hearts are full of fear while they look at the things which seem coming on the earth. On every side the horizon looks black and gloomy. Who can tell when the storm will burst? Give me your attention for a few moments, while I try to impress on you the solemn words which the Holy Spirit taught Paul to write down: "Fight the good fight of faith.” | J. C Ryle |
| False Teachers | Shows that in every age there are two factions trying to destroy the Church: The Pharisees and Sadducees. Very applicable to today. (Updated English). | J. C Ryle |
| Family | The Family of God - "His whole family in heaven and on earth." [Ephesians 3:15] Chapter 16 of J. C. Ryle's book "Practical Religion." Discusses both our earthly and heavenly families and really tugs at the heart. | J. C. Ryle |
| Fear | The Ruler of the Waves - Let us consider what we may learn from these verses of Scripture. You see Jesus there crossing the lake of Galilee in a boat with his disciples. You see a sudden storm arise while He is asleep. The waves beat into the boat, and fill it. Death seems to be close at hand. The frightened disciples awake their Master and cry for help. He arises and rebukes the wind and waves, and at once there is a calm. He mildly reproves the faithless fears of his companions, and all is over. Such is the picture. It is one full of deep instruction. Come now, and let us examine what we are meant to learn. [Mark 4:37-40] | J. C. Ryle |
| Formalism | A look at FORMALISM in the Church and the effects it has had on Christianity. (Updated English) | J. C. Ryle |
| Freedom | A look at FREEDOM in the Bible, what it means
to be really free in both body and spirit. An excellent discourse on Freedom. (Updated
English) |
J. C. Ryle |
| Friendship | A look at FRIENDSHIP in the Bible, what it means to be really have a true friend. Discusses our Best friend--Jesus Christ. An excellent discourse on Friendship. (Updated English) | J. C. Ryle |
| Fruits |
Tried by Its Fruits - My simple object is to point out the unreasonableness, not to say dishonesty, of ignoring the enormous results and effects which Christianity has produced in the world. I ask the skeptic and the agnostic to try Christianity by its fruits. I defy them to deny the existence of those fruits. I say that mankind owes a huge debt to Christianity, whether mankind knows it or not, of which the amount can never be calculated. In short, the fruits of Christianity are an unanswerable proof to my own mind of its Divine origin, and a stupendous difficulty in the way of infidelity, which has never been fairly grappled with or explained away. They demand attention. They court investigation. [Luke 6:44] |
J. C. Ryle |
| Gospel (01) | Not Corrupting the Word. Preached in 1858 to a group of ministers. Deals with the need to boldly proclaim the clear truths of the Scriptures. (Updated English). | J. C. Ryle |
| Gospel (02) | All kinds of strange teachings illustrates the constant threat and action of false doctrine. A very clear exposing of the false religion of Roman Catholicism. (Updated English). | J. C Ryle |
| Gospel (03) | Gospel Treasures - I dare be sure this paper will be read by some one who feels that his sins are not yet forgiven. Reader, are you that man? My heart’s desire and prayer to God is that you may seek forgiveness without delay. There is forgiveness in Jesus Christ for every one that is willing to receive it. There is every encouragement that your soul can need, to confess your sins and lay hold on this forgiveness this very day. Reader, listen to me while I try to exhibit to you the treasure of Gospel forgiveness. I cannot describe its fullness as I ought. Its riches are indeed unsearchable (Eph. 3:8). But if you will turn away from it you shall not be able to say in the day judgment, you did not at all know what it was. | J. C Ryle |
| Happiness | A look at HAPPINESS in the Bible (Updated
English) |
J. C. Ryle |
| Heart | Is Thy Heart Right? - Come now, and let us see what account the Bible gives of a really "good
heart." Let us "search the Scriptures," and see if we can find the picture
drawn by the unerring hand of the Holy Spirit. I invite every reader of this
paper to sit down quietly with me for a few minutes, and hear what God says
in "the Word" about the whole question of the heart. There are three things which I propose to do in order to impress the
subject of this paper on the mind of every one who reads it. I. First, I will show THE IMMENSE IMPORTANCE OF THE HEART IN RELIGION. II. Secondly, I will show THE HEART THAT IS WRONG IN THE SIGHT OF GOD. III. Lastly, I will show THE HEART THAT IS RIGHT. |
J. C. Ryle |
| Heaven (01) | Heaven - There is a glorious dwelling place provided by Jesus Christ for all His believing people. The world that now is, is not their rest: they are pilgrims and strangers in it. Heaven is their home. There will be a place in heaven for all sinners who have fled to Christ by faith, and trusted in Him : for the least as well as the greatest. Abraham took care to provide for all his children, and God takes care to provide for His. None will be disinherited; none will be cast out; none will be cut off. Each shall stand in his lot, and have a portion in the day when the Lord brings many sons to glory. In our Father's house are many mansions. Reader, I want you to go to heaven, after this life is over. I want heaven to be very full, and I want you to be one of its inhabitants. Listen to me for a few moments, while I tell you something about the manner of the place. | J. C. Ryle |
| Heaven (02) | Suppose An Unholy Man Went To Heaven - "Suppose for a moment that you were allowed to enter heaven without holiness. What would you do? What possible enjoyment could you feel there? To which of all the saints would you join yourself and by whose side would you sit? Their pleasures are not your pleasures, their tastes are not your tastes, their character not your character. How could you possibly be happy, if you had not been holy on earth?" | J. C. Ryle |
| Hell | Fire! Fire! - "When a house is on fire, what ought to be done first? We ought to give the alarm and wake the inhabitants. This is true love to our neighbor. this is true charity. Reader, I love your soul, and want it to be saved. I am therefore going to tell you something about hell. There is such a place as hell. Let no one deceive you with vain words. What men do not like, they try hard not to believe. When the Lord Jesus Christ comes to judge the world, he will punish all who are not his disciples with a fearful punishment. All who are found impenitent and unbelieving; all who have clung to sin, stuck to the world, and set their affections on things below; all who are without Christ; all such shall come to an awful end. Whosoever is not written in the book of life shall be "cast into the lake of fire." Rev 20:15. | J. C. Ryle |
| Holiness (01) | Thoughts for Young Men. Should be read and
discussed with every young man and young woman. Excellent for adults too on how to live
the holy life before a Holy God. Very practical. [English Updated]
|
J. C. Ryle |
| Holiness (02) |
"Holiness, without which no man shall see the
Lord."--Hebrews 12:14 The text which heads this page opens up a subject of deep importance.
That subject is practical holiness. It suggests a question which demands the
attention of all professing Christians-Are we holy? Shall we see the Lord?
That question can never be out of season. The wise man tells us,
"There is a time to weep, and a time to laugh-a time to keep silence,
and a time to speak" (Eccles. 3:4, 7); but there is no time, no, not a
day, in which a man ought not to be holy. Are we?
|
J. C. Ryle |
| Holiness (03) |
We Must Be Holy - We must he holy on earth before we die, if we desire to go to heaven after death. If we hope to dwell with God for ever in the life to come, we must endeavor to be like Him in the life that now is. We must not only admire holiness, and wish for holiness: we must be holy. Holiness cannot justify and save us: holiness cannot cover our iniquities, make satisfaction for transgressions, pay our debts to God. Our best works are no better than filthy rags, when tried by the light of God's law. The righteousness which Jesus Christ brought in must be our only confidence,—the blood of atonement our only hope. All this is perfectly true, and yet we must be holy. |
J. C. Ryle |
| Holy Spirit | The Power of the Holy Spirit - "While there is life there is hope. The oldest, the vilest, the worst of sinners may be saved. Only let him come to Christ, confess his sin, and cry to Him for pardon,—only let him cast his soul on Christ, and he shall be cured. The Holy Spirit shall be sent down on his heart, according to Christ's promise, and he shall be changed by His Almighty power into a new creature." | J. C. Ryle |
| Home | "Our Home" Chapter 17 from his book "Practical Religion" (1878). A very insightful message about our two homes: the one presently on earth and the one waiting for us in Heaven. (updated English) | J. C. Ryle |
| J. C. Ryle | J. C. Ryle – The Man, The Minister and The Missionary - "J. C. Ryle had drunk deeply from the wells of the great classical Puritan writers of the seventeenth century. Indeed, it would be but accurate to say that his books are a distillation of true Puritan theology presented in a highly readable and modern form." Two questions then arise. Why was Ryle not read (and why is he still not read)? During his life time his "tracts" – the papers that in the end made up most of his books and were basically printed sermons – were sold literally all around the world and literally in their millions. So why was Ryle not read (and why is he still not read)? That is the first question. The second question is simpler and more easy to answer, why should he be read? During the course of this paper I will try to lay the groundwork for a straightforward answer to those questions. | David Holloway |
| Jesus (01) | Are You Looking? - "Looking unto Jesus." [Hebrews 12:2] The question may seem an odd one at first sight. To whom or to what does it apply? The words of Paul, below it, supply the key to its meaning. It is an inquiry concerning your soul and the Lord Jesus Christ. It means neither more nor less than this,---"Are you looking unto Jesus?" |
J. C. Ryle |
| Jesus (02) | Christ is All - "Christ is all" [Colossians 3:11]. These words are few, short, and soon spoken; but they contain great things. Like those golden sayings: "To me to live is Christ,"-"I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me,"--they are singularly rich and suggestive. (Phil. 1:21; Gal. 2:20.) These three words are the essence and substance of Christianity. If our hearts can really go along with them, it is well with our souls; if not, we may be sure we have yet much to learn. | J. C. Ryle |
| Jesus (03) | Looking Unto Jesus -The Christianity which the world requires, and the Word of God reveals, is a useful everyday religion. It is a healthy, strong, manly plant, which can live in every position, and flourish in every atmosphere except that of sin. It is a religion which a man can carry with him wherever he goes, and never need leave behind him. In the army or in the navy, at the public school or at college, in the great hospital lecture-room, on the farm or in the shop, in the market or in parliament or at court, true heaven-born Christianity will live and not die. It will wear, and stand, and prosper in any climate, in winter and in summer, in heat and in cold. Such a religion meets the needs of mankind. |
J. C. Ryle |
| Jesus (04) | What Think Ye of Christ? - How many of those who celebrate Christmas ever consider why Christmas is kept? How many, in their Christmas plans and arrangements, give a thought to Him, without whom there would have been no Christmas at all? How many ever remember that the Lord Jesus Christ is the cause of Christmas ? How many ever reflect that the first intention of Christmas was to remind Christians of Christ's birth and coming into the world? How is it with you? What do you think of at Christmas? Bear with me a few minutes, while I try to press upon you the question which heads this tract. I do not want to make your Christmas merriment less. I do not wish to spoil your Christmas cheer. I only wish to put things in their right places. I want Christ Himself to be remembered at Christmas! Give me your attention while I unfold the question—"What think ye of Christ?" [Matthew 22:42] |
J. C. Ryle |
| Jesus (05) | Christ and the Two Thieves - "And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on
him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering
rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same
condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds
but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember
me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verify I say
unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in Paradise.” And it is right and good that these verses should be well known. They have comforted many troubled minds. They have brought peace to many uneasy consciences. They have been a healing balm to many wounded hearts. They have been a medicine to many sin-sick souls. They have smoothed down not a few dying pillows. Wherever the Gospel of Christ is preached, they will always be honoured, loved, and had in remembrance. I wish to speak to you about these verses. Listen to me while I try to unfold the leading lessons which they are meant to teach. I cannot see the state of your heart before God, but I can see truths in this passage which no man can ever know too well. [Luke 23:39-43] |
J. C. Ryle |
| Judgment | The Great Separation - "His winnowing fork is in His hand, and He will clear His threshing floor, gathering His wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire." [Matthew 3:12] A very frank and practical discussion of the great separation that is coming in the future, when God will eternally separate the wicked unbeliever from His elect saints. (Chapter 20 of J. C. Ryle's book "Practical Religion" with updated English) | J. C. Ryle |
| Justification | Justified! - The word "justified" is one of deep importance in religion. It has within it the foundation of sound soul-saving Christianity. It contains the true secret of inward and spiritual comfort. Happy is the man who can use the language of Paul, and say from his heart, "Being justified by faith, I have peace with God through Jesus Christ." I wish to set before every reader of these pages a few thoughts about justification and peace with God. It is a subject we can never understand too well. Before we leave this world let us take care that we see clearly what it is to be "justified." To die ignorant about this is to be ruined to all eternity. We had better never have been born. | J. C. Ryle |
| Lord's Supper | A look at Communion and those who are called to the Table. Very insightful. (Updated English) | J. C. Ryle |
| Lot (01) |
Remember Lot! - Who is this man that lingered?—Lot, the nephew of faithful Abraham. And when did he linger?—The very morning Sodom was to be destroyed. And where did he linger?—Within the walls of Sodom itself. And before whom did he linger?—Under the eyes of the two angels, who were sent to bring him out of the city. The words are solemn, and full of food for thought. I trust they will make you think. Who knows but they are the very words your soul requires? The voice of the Lord Jesus commands you to "remember Lot’s wife.” The voice of one of His ministers invites you this day to remember Lot. [Genesis 19:16] |
J. C. Ryle |
| Lot (02) |
Remember Lot's Wife - There are few warnings in Scripture more solemn than this. The Lord Jesus Christ says to us, "Remember Lot's wife." Lot's wife was a professor of religion: her husband was a "righteous man" (II Peter 2:8). She left Sodom with him on the day when Sodom was destroyed; she looked back towards the city from behind her husband, against God's express command; she was struck dead at once, and turned into a pillar of salt. And the Lord Jesus Christ holds her up as a beacon to His church: He says, "Remember Lot's wife." |
J. C. Ryle |
| Love | A look at LOVE in the Bible, what it is, where it comes from, and why it is the greatest of the graces. (Updated English) | J. C. Ryle |
| Money | Riches and Poverty - "There was a rich
man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate
was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the
rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. The time came when the beggar
died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried.
In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by
his side." [Luke 16:19-23] (Updated English) |
J. C. Ryle |
| Pastors | The Fallibility of Ministers - A study of the dangers of following men instead of Christ through the Word of God. Shows how to listen to your preacher but only as far as the limits of the Word of God. Exposes some of the problems of our churches today and the need to speak out and call the church back to the truth. (Updated English). | J. C. Ryle |
| Peace | Peace! Be Still! - "Come now, and let us study together a page in our Master’s history. Let us consider what we may learn from the verses of Scripture which stand at the head of this paper. You see Jesus there crossing the Lake of Galilee, in a boat, with His disciples. You see a sudden storm arise while He is asleep. The waves beat into the boat, and fill it. Death seems to be close at hand. The frightened disciples awake their Master and cry for help. He arises and rebukes the wind and waves, and at once there is a calm. He mildly reproves the faithless fears of His companions, and all is over. Such is the picture. It is one full of deep instruction. Come now, and let us examine what we are meant to learn." | J. C. Ryle |
| Perseverance | Never Perish - "It is to one special truth in the list of a believer's privileges that I now desire to direct your attention this day. That truth is the doctrine of perseverance, —the doctrine that true Christians shall never perish or be cast away. It is a truth which the natural heart has bitterly opposed in every age. It is a truth which for many reasons deserves particular attention at the present time. Above all, it is a truth with which the happiness of all God's children is most closely connected." | J. C Ryle |
| Prayer | Prayer - A very practical
discussion of prayer that is also very convicting. He gives some real good tips on how to
get our prayer life back on track and how to lead a more successful Christian walk through
our private prayers. (Updated English) |
J. C. Ryle |
| Preaching | Give Yourself Wholly to Them. Preached in 1859 to a group of ministers. Deals with the need to devote yourself solely to the ministry and not to dabble in the world. Very needful insights for today's preacher/teachers. (Updated English). | J. C. Ryle |
| Presence of God | The Real Presence: What Is It? - There is a word in the text that heads this page which demands the attention of all English Christians in this day. That word is "presence.” There is a religious subject bound up with that word, on which it is most important to have clear, distinct, and scriptural views. That subject is the "presence of God,” and specially the "presence of our Lord Jesus Christ” with Christian people. What is that presence? Where is that presence? What is the nature of that presence? To these questions I propose to supply answers. | J. C. Ryle |
| Readiness |
Are You Ready? - I ask you a plain question at the beginning of a new year: Are you ready? It is a solemn thing to part company with the old year. It is a still more solemn thing to begin a new one. It is like entering a dark passage: we know not what we may meet before the end. All before us is uncertain: we know not what a day may bring forth, much less what may happen in a year. Reader, are you ready? |
J. C. Ryle |
| Salvation (01) | A careful self-examination to see if we are truly in the faith. (Updated English) | J. C. Ryle |
| Salvation (02) | How to be Saved -
Addresses Luke 13:24, Make every effort to
enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be
able to. Ryle explains in simple terms what it means to make every effort and what the
consequences are if you claim to be a Christian but are not making every effort. (Updated
English) |
J. C. Ryle |
| Salvation (03) | Able to Save - "He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever lives to make intercession for them." [Hebrews 7:25] There is one subject in religion, about which you can never know too much. That subject is Jesus Christ the Lord. This is the mighty subject which the text that heads this page unfolds,--Jesus Christ, and Jesus Christ's intercession. | J. C. Ryle |
| Salvation (04) | Free Salvation - Of all the doctrines of the Bible there is none so important as that of free salvation by faith in Jesus Christ. "He that believeth on Jesus is not condemned." "By Him all that believe are justified from all things." This is the cornerstone of all Christianity. A mistake here is fatal: it is a worm at the root: it is a defect in the foundation. Let a man get wrong on this point, and his whole religion will get into confusion; let a man be right on this point, and he will never wander very far from the path of truth. This is the doctrine for which we should contend to the very death. We should cling to it for our own soul's peace; we should seek it in the public means of grace we use. Better a thousand times take away the sun from heaven than take out of Christianity free forgiveness by faith in Jesus Christ. | J. C. Ryle |
| Salvation (05) | Do You Believe? - "God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life" [John 3:16]. These words are probably familiar to your ears. You have very likely heard them, or read them, or quoted them, a hundred times. But have you ever considered what a vast amount of divinity this text contains? No wonder that Luther called it "the Bible in miniature!" -and have you ever considered what an immensely solemn question arises out of this text? The Lord Jesus says, "Whosoever believeth shall not perish." Now, reader, DO YOU BELIEVE? | J. C. Ryle |
| Salvation (06) | Come! - "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" [Matthew 11:28]. The name of the tract before you is short but the subject which that name unfolds is deeply important. It is the first word of a text of Scripture which deserves to be written in letters of gold. I offer that text to you as a friendly invitation: I entreat you to look at it, and ponder it well. That single text may be the salvation of your soul. | J. C. Ryle |
| Salvation (07) | If Any Man - "In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst let him come unto Me, and drink. He that believeth on Me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." [John 7:37-38]. This text contains one of those mighty sayings of Christ which deserve to be printed in letters of gold. All the stars in heaven are bright and beautiful; yet even a child can see that "one star differeth from another in glory." (1 Cor. 15:41). All Scripture is given by inspiration of God; but that heart must indeed be cold and dull which does not feel that some verses are peculiarly rich and full. Of such verses this text is one. | J. C. Ryle |
| Salvation (08) | Only One Way--Christ! -
"Salvation is
found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men
by which we must be saved."-Acts 4:12
These words are striking in themselves. But they are much more striking if
you consider when and by whom they were spoken. They were spoken by a poor
and unpopular Christian, in the midst of a persecuting Jewish Council and it
was a wonderful confession about Christ. These words were spoken by the lips
of the Apostle Peter. This is the man who, a few weeks before, abandoned
Jesus and fled: this is the very man who three times denied his Lord. There
is another spirit in him now. He now stands up boldly before priests and
Sadducees, and tells them the truth to their face, saying: "[Jesus] is the
stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone. Salvation is
found in no one else, for there is no other name in heaven given to men by
which we must be saved" [Acts 4:11-12].
(Updated English) In considering this solemn subject there are three things I wish to do: I. First, to show you the doctrine being declared here by the Apostle. II. Secondly, to show you some reasons why this doctrine must be true. III. Thirdly, to show you some consequences that naturally flow from the doctrine. |
J. C. Ryle |
| Salvation (09) | Many Shall Come - Take these words as a promise. It was spoken for the encouragement of the Apostles, and of all Christian ministers and teachers down to the present day. We are often tempted to think that preaching, and teaching, and visiting, and trying to bring souls to Christ does no good, and that our labor is all thrown away. But here is the promise of One who "cannot lie,” and never failed to keep His word. He cheers us with a gracious sentence. He would have us not faint or give way to despair. Whatever we may think, and however little success we may see, there is a Scripture before us which cannot be broken, "Many shall sit down in the kingdom of heaven.” | J. C. Ryle |
| Salvation (10) | Three Pictures - "And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad. "But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness. "For the king knows of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner. "King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. "Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. "And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.” [Acts 26:24-29] | J. C. Ryle |
| Salvation (11) | Are You Born Again? - "Are you born again? This is one of life's most important questions. Jesus Christ said, "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3). It is not enough to reply, "I belong to the church; I suppose I'm a Christian." Thousands of nominal Christians show none of the signs of being born again which the Scriptures have given us—many listed in the First Epistle of John." [John 3:3] | J. C. Ryle |
| Salvation (12) | The Way of Salvation - "Where must a man go for pardon? Where is forgiveness to be found? There is a way both sure and plain, and into that way I desire to guide every inquirers feet." | J. C. Ryle |
| Sanctification |
Are We Sanctified? - "Sanctify them through Thy truth.” [John 17:17] "This is the will of God, even your sanctification.” [1 Thessalonians 4:3] The question is one which many, I fear, will dislike exceedingly. Some perhaps may even turn from it with scorn and disdain. The very last thing they would like is to be a "saint,” or a "sanctified” man. Yet the question does not deserve to be treated in this way. It is not an enemy, but a friend. It is a question of the utmost importance to our souls. If the Bible be true, it is certain that unless we are "sanctified,” we shall not be saved. There are three things which, according to the Bible, are absolutely necessary to the salvation of every man and woman in Christendom. These three are, justification, regeneration, and sanctification. He that lacks any one of these three things, will never find himself in heaven when he dies. Where, then, is the harm of asking, "Are we sanctified?” Where is the wisdom of disliking and rejecting the inquiry? |
J. C. Ryle |
| Sickness | "Sickness" -
"The one You love is sick." [John 11:3] A discussion of the
"universal prevalence" of sickness and disease, and the "general
benefits" which sickness bestows on mankind. (Updated English) |
J. C. Ryle |
| Sin | Where Are Your Sins? - The question which forms the title of this tract ought to stir up many thoughts in your heart. It concerns every man and woman born into the world. You ought never to rest till you can give it a satisfactory answer.—"WHERE ARE YOUR SINS?” I ask you this day to look this question in the face. I ask you to give me your attention for a few minutes, while I try to enforce it on your conscience. A time draws nigh when the question must be answered. The hour cometh when all other questions shall seem like a drop of water in comparison with this. We shall not say, "Where is my money?”—or, "Where are my lands?”—or, "Where is my property?” Our only thought will be, "My sins! my sins!—Where are my sins?” [Job 13:22; Psalm 51:2; 1 John 1:7; Romans 3:25] | J. C. Ryle |
| Sleep | Are You Asleep? - I put before you now a simple question. Look through the pages of this paper and you will soon see why I ask it. "Are you asleep about your soul?" There are many who have the name of Christians, but not the character which should go with the name. God is not King of their hearts. They mind earthly things. Such persons are often quick and clever about the affairs of this life. They are, many of them, good men of business, good at their daily work, good masters, good servants, good neighbors, good subjects of the Queen: all this I fully allow. But it is the eternal part of them that I speak of; it is their never dying souls. And about that, if a man may judge by the little they do for it, they are careless, thoughtless, reckless, and unconcerned. They are asleep. [Ephesians 5:14] | J. C. Ryle |
| Truth | Hold Fast - There are few things in religion which men are so ready to forget as the duty of "contending earnestly for the faith,” and holding fast the truth. Controversy is seldom popular. Most men like a quiet life in religion. They dislike anything like strife, trouble, contest, and exertion. They will give up much for the specious pretext of securing peace. They are apt to forget that peace procured at the expense of truth is not worth having. In short, they need reminding of St. Paul’s golden words: "Hold fast that which is good” [1 Thessalonians 5:21] | J. C. Ryle |
| Unbelief (01) | What Can You Know? - [Job 11:7-8] Our lot is cast in a day when a wave of unbelief is passing over the world, like a wave of fever, cholera, diphtheria, or plague. It is vain to deny it. Every intelligent observer of the times knows that it is so. I do not say for a moment that the advance of science necessarily makes men unbelievers. Nothing is further from my thoughts. There is in the air of these times a disposition to question everything in revealed religion, and to suspect that science and revelation cannot be reconciled. The faith of many church-goers and professing Christians seems cold, and languid, and torpid. They are continually harping on petty modern objections to Scripture.-"Are such and such things in the Bible really quite true? Do not some clever and learned people say we should not believe them?” This is the kind of mischievous talk which is often heard in many quarters. To supply some simple antidotes to this skeptical spirit, to show the unreasonableness of it, to nerve and invigorate the Christian, to make him see the strength of his position, to help him to get rid of a doubting spirit, and to enable him to grasp his old creed more tightly than ever-these are the objects I have in view in this message. | J. C. Ryle |
| Unbelief (02) | Unbelief A Marvel - Of all the expressions in the four Gospels which show that the Lord Jesus Christ was very Man, none perhaps is more startling than this. That He who was born of the Virgin Mary, and had a body like our own, should hunger and thirst, and weep and rejoice, and be weary and suffer pain,—all this we can, in some degree, understand. But that He who was very God as well as very Man, He "in whom dwelt all the fullness of the Godhead bodily," He in whom were, "hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge," He who "knew what was in man,"—that He should "marvel" at anything here below, may well fill us with astonishment. But what saith the Scripture? There it is written in plain words, which no critical ingenuity can explain away,— "He marveled because of their unbelief. What I wish to do is to say something practical about the general subject of unbelief. It must be a wonderful thing if even our Lord Jesus Christ marveled at it. It must be an important thing, when we hear and read so much about it in the present day. And I shall try to make a few plain remarks upon it. [Mark 6:6] | J. C. Ryle |
| Witnessing | City - "Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry. Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him” [Acts 17:16-17]. Perhaps you live in a town, or city, and see more of bricks and mortar than of green fields. Perhaps you have some relative or friend living in a town, about whom you naturally feel a deep interest. In either case, the verses of Scripture which head this page demand your best attention. Give me that attention for a few short minutes while I try to show you the lessons, which the passage contains. | J. C. Ryle |
| World | The World - A look at what the Bible refers to as The World
that we are not to love. (Updated English) |
J. C. Ryle |
| Zeal | A look at ZEAL in the Bible, what it is, when a man can correctly be called zealous in religion, and why it is good to be zealous in religion. (Updated English) | J. C. Ryle |
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