Why are J. C. Ryle's works so popular after over a century? Firstly, he expounded timeless Biblical truths using scripture. And secondly, he employed simple, concise, direct language. In "Knots Untied" Ryle explains what he means by "Evangelical" and presents and justifies the evangelical understanding of salvation, private judgement, baptism, regeneration, the Lord's supper, the real presence, the church, priests, confession, worship, the Sabbath, fallibility of ministers, idolatry, and other points. This classic is an excellent start for one wishing to understand or critique the evangelical position.
I am sending forth a new and enlarged edition of this volume, I have nothing to add or withdraw. I see nothing in the state of the Church or the world to make me alter the opinions on prophecy which I expressed tweleve years ago. I can only say, I am more and more convinced, as I grow older, that to keep our eyes steadily fixed on the second coming of Christ is one great secret of Christian Peace. If this volume helps any one reader to cultivate the habit of looking at Christ's coming again, as well as Christ crucified, and Christ interceding, I shall be satisfied -J.C Ryle
The twenty papers contained in this volume are a humble contribution to a cause which is exciting much interest in the present day-I mean the cause of scriptural holiness. It is a cause which everyone who loves Christ, and desires to advance His kingdom in the world, should endeavor to help forward. Everyone can do something and I wish to add my mite. The reader will find little that is directly controversial in these papers. I have carefully abstained from naming modern teachers and modern books. I have been content to give the result of my own study of the Bible, my own private meditations, my own prayers for light, and my own reading of old divines. If in anything I am still in error, I hope I shall be shown it before I leave the world. We all see in part, and have a treasure in earthen vessels. I trust I am willing to learn.
Bishop J. C. Ryle's method is obvious--scriptural and expository. He never starts with a theory into which he fits scriptures. He always starts with the Word and expounds it clearly and logically. The result is a clear enunciation of doctrine and a call to action, and is entirely free from the sentimentality often described as "devotional." The Bishop had drunk deeply from the wells of the Puritans and his writing is a distillation of true Puritan theology presented in a highly readable modern form. Ryle offers no easy way to holiness, but produces that "hunger and thirst after righteousness" which is the only indispensable condition to being "filled.
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 endeavour to be like Him in the life that now is. We must not only admire holiness, and wish for holiness: we must be holy. We must be holy, because this is the only sound evidence that we have a saving faith in Christ. “Faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also” (James 2:17,26). We must be holy, because this is the only proof that we love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. What can be more plain than our Lord's own words? “If ye love Me, keep my commandments.” “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me.” (John 14:15,21). We must be holy, because this is the only sound evidence that we are God's children. “As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” “Whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God” (Rom. 8:14; I John 3:10). Lastly, we must be holy, because without holiness on earth we should never be prepared and meet for heaven. It is written of the heavenly glory, “There shall in no wise enter into it anything that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie” (Rev. 21:27). St. Paul says expressly, “Without holiness no man shall see the Lord” (Heb. 12:14). Ah, reader, the last text I have just quoted is very solemn. It ought to make you think. It was written by the hand of inspired man: it is not my private fancy. Its words are the words of the Bible: not of my own invention. God has said it, and God will stand to it: “Without holiness no man shall see the Lord.” What tremendous words these are! What thoughts come across my mind as I write them down! I look at the world, and see the greater part of it lying in wickedness; I look at professing Christians, and see the vast majority having nothing of Christianity but the name; I turn to the Bible, and I hear the Spirit saying, “Without holiness no man shall see the Lord.”
Bishop JC Ryle reminds us, in these five pen portraits, of some of the most significant church leaders in the tumultuous seventeenth century. He begins with the anti-hero, Archbishop Laud, deeply flawed but hugely significant. Then he turns to look at a puritan who preached his heart out in an Anglican pulpit (Samuel Ward), a puritan who was ejected from the Church of England (Richard Baxter), and one who happily conformed after 1662 (William Gurnall). Finally, he explores the life and legacy of seven courageous bishops who took a stand against a tyrannical state in revolutionary days. These insightful and fiery essays by Bishop Ryle are brought together for the first time in this insightful volume introduced by Lee Gatiss.
The books in this series are copies of 18th and 19th century books. The stories have the original language, sentence structure, and art. The stories present problems people faced, and the principles they preached are as relevant today as they were then. May God be pleased to bless the contents of our "Children's Heritage Series" to the lives of each reader. Webster's warning was given many years ago; times have changed, but not in a Godly manner. The mission of Triangle Press is to furnish concerned parents tools to help teach children the truth. This "Children's Heritage Series" has not been rewritten as the Character Building Series was, but the books are reproduced in their original form; a form which some feel is antiquated. True. However, they represent not only the teachings of Godly principals, but they also represent a piece of our history and heritage. The vocabulary contained in these books is rich and varied; it is a far cry from the usual limited and bland use of words found in much of today's children's literature. Some children may even be challenged to rewrite a story in modern grammar; the stories may also be used as a springboard for family study and discussion. There are many aspects of this "Children's Heritage Series" to be cherished. The author, J.C. Ryle, begins his story by saying, "Now I am going to tell you a story about a good man, two bears and some children. It is a story out of the Bible, and so you may be sure that it is all true. Stories in other books are often only make believe and tell us things that never really happened. Stories out of the Bible, you must remember, are true, every word. Never forget that!
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