J.C. Ryle
Prepared to Stand Alone
| Weight | 0.42 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 21.5 × 13.6 × 1.8 cm |
| ISBN | 9781848716780 |
| Binding | Paperback, Cloth-bound, eBook (ePub & Kindle), Paperback & eBook (ePub & Kindle), Cloth-bound & eBook (ePub & Kindle) |
| format | Book |
| page-count | 275 |
| Clothbound ISBN | 9781848716780 |
| Paperback ISBN | 9781848716797 |
| Banner Pub Date | May 3, 2016 |
Endorsements
‘That man of granite with the heart of a child.’ — F. J. CHAVASSE
‘Ryle was at heart an evangelist.’ — MARCUS LOANE
‘Famous, outstanding and beloved exponent of the evangelical and reformed faith.’ — D. M. LLOYD-JONES
‘A single-minded Christian communicator of profound biblical, theological and pastoral wisdom, a man and minister of giant personal stature and electric force (‘unction’ was the old name for it).’ — J. I. PACKER
‘Bold as a lion for the truth of God’s Word and his Gospel.’ — RICHARD HOBSON
Book Description
The life of J. C. Ryle has only to be heard once to be remembered. His 84 years (1816–1900) included remarkable contrasts—the promise of a fortune, then the poverty of a bankrupt; a Suffolk country pastor, then bishop of the leading seaport of the British Empire. But there was a still greater change—from the successful youth at Eton and Oxford, who did not pray or read his Bible till he was 21, to become a Christian ‘bold as a lion for the truth of God’s Word and his Gospel’.
Although one of the most widely read evangelical authors of the nineteenth century, Ryle’s writings lost influence after his death. The world had moved on, as was supposed. Then, fifty years later a ‘rediscovery’ began. Research on his life was accomplished by able authors, and from a new wealth of material Iain Murray has put together a compelling biography. Ryle believed in definite doctrine, in a message which does not adjust to the times, in revival, and in the living Christ. He knew that all the great turning points of church history have been attended with controversy, and that ‘there are times when controversy is not only a duty but a benefit’.
J. C. Ryle’s life is convincing evidence that Christianity stands or falls depending on its relation to the word of God and to the Holy Spirit. That he is being read widely again at the present time gives hope of better days.
Table of Contents Expand ↓
| Illustrations | ix | |
| Introduction | xi | |
| 1 | Schooldays | 1 |
| 2 | ‘The Greatest Change and Event in My Life’ | 13 |
| 3 | Church and Homes Divided | 25 |
| 4 | All Doors Shut Except One | 41 |
| 5 | Peace Disturbed in Hampshire | 53 |
| 6 | Rural Suffolk: Stepping-Stone to the World | 69 |
| 7 | Puritans at Helmingham Rectory | 91 |
| 8 | Stradbroke: Twenty Fruitful Years | 107 |
| 9 | The Teacher | 131 |
| 10 | Liverpool | 155 |
| 11 | Standing Firm under Darkening Skies | 177 |
| 12 | The Last Years | 197 |
| 13 | What Does Ryle Say for Today? | 215 |
| Appendix 1 Extracts from Ryle | 237 | |
| Appendix 2 Herbert E Ryle | 249 | |
| Index | 261 |
REVIEW
- Review by Ben Rogers
- Podcast from Reformed Forum with Iain H. Murray
- Review by Nate Pickowicz from 9Marks
- Review by Tim Challies
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Wally Leitel –
My order is in for this bio of J. C.Ryle by one of the best ever biographers, Iain Murray. I write briefly here now on Ryle the great preacher and to all that I have read of his via Banner of Truth…Ryle’s 7 volumes on the 4 gospels I read through and am into frequently, then many years ago Martyn Lloyd-Jones,having written me to read Ryle and all I could get my hands on by him and Spurgeon, I am so pleased I did…Ryle’s Practical Religion, Old Paths and Holiness, The Upper Room.all equally powerful writings and food for the very mind, heart & soul. Read Ryle. How happy I am after a new believer 50 years ago that providentially I was led to this so easy to read man, yet profound truths flowed from his penand as easy to read as Lloyd-Jones himself.
Troy –
I first met Ryle as a young Christian teen. I came across by Providence his classic Holiness and was immediately transformed. I have read and reread his Thoughts for Young Men several times. Ryle has the great gift of writing on deep doctrine that even the simplest Christian can understand and remember. I thank God for this man and of similar men eg. Spurgeon his contemporary.
Tom Radford –
Having spent most of my life in the company of this great man, I am thrilled that we have a new biography. Like Marcus Loane (‘From Strength to Strenth’ – A. M. Blanch, ps.36-7) I was arrested by the ‘Expository Thoughts’ in my late teens. I found these volumes compelling in a life-changing way. ‘Practical Religion’ and ‘Holiness’ are among those few books for which we must sell our shirts. Ryle leads us to love church history and to draw from the wisdom of the Puritans.
Chad –
After reading ‘Holiness’ a couple of years ago, I was impressed at how practical and convicting it was to read. Therefore, it was this biography I asked my wife for this past Christmas and am thoroughly glad I did as I walk away from reading it even more impressed with how faithful Bishop Ryle was to our Lord Jesus Christ. How tough it is to take a stand for truth when everybody else around you compromises, but I’m certainly glad he did and his witness for Christ will continue to magnify until His coming. Thank you Banner of Truth for your faithfulness as well. God bless.
Vaclav –
A really helpful biography about JC Ryle. I always enjoyed his writings, but now I’m even more interested to read his books. JC is faithful to the Scriptures and the reformation truth and so readable. It’s so good to get to know the person behind his teaching. And Iain Murray is one of my favorite biographers. Thank you!
Richard Jones –
I have been reading J.C. Ryle for several years, I Have enjoyed Ian Murrary’s biography of Ryle, he gives a great condensed version of Ryle’s life,(considering Ryle’s Atuobiogorphy), Murrary also give a wonderful look into the times that Ryle lived and the religious things that had to be dealt with in the Church of England, as well as the Church as a whole. Things that effected his ministry and the Christian Faith, his vision, and the need to study and understand the Reformation as an important time in church history. I recommend Ian’s “Prepared to stand alone”, very highly and would say that all ministers of the faith should read and learn more of Ryles live and ministry.
strangeduk –
A truly inspiring read. The title of the book, ‘Prepared To Stand Alone’, is a fitting hallmark Ryle’s life. Ryle suffered loss, faced opposition and difficulty while all the while the Lord sustained him by his grace. I find it quite helpful to read biographies of saints in order to see the man behind the classic works––’Holiness’ perhaps in Ryle’s case––for then I see that they are simply men who lived lives worthy of the calling they received in the power of the Holy Spirit, not of themselves.
Iain Murray has been a great help to me in this area with his biographies and this is simply another one to add on to that growing list.
Noah Radtke –
With a desire to read more biographies–specifically of saints who have gone before me–I can conclusively say that I started in a wonderful place by reading Murray’s biography on J.C. Ryle. Thoroughly encouraging and thought-provoking, I finished this book feeling blessed. It has now led me to dig deeper into Ryle’s thoughts and theology (I am currently reading Holiness for the first time, and I am using his Expository Thoughts on John with my personal Bible Study), and I cannot begin to say how thankful it has made me. God is good, and I am blessed!
marcdanielrivera –
J.C. Ryle: Prepared to Stand Alone by Iain Murray is a riveting look at the life and legacy of John Charles Ryle, a towering figure in 19th-century evangelicalism. Published by Banner of Truth in 2016, this biography commemorates the 200th anniversary of Ryle’s birth.
John Charles Ryle’s life was marked by dramatic contrasts. Born in 1816 into a wealthy family, his early years were characterized by affluence and academic success at Eton and Oxford. However, his life took a significant turn at the age of 21 when he embraced Christianity. This newfound faith led him on a path of devout service, eventually becoming the first Anglican bishop of Liverpool. Ryle’s ministry and writings were distinguished by a steadfast commitment to evangelical doctrines, clear biblical teaching, and boldness in proclaiming the truth.
Murray’s biography skillfully captures these transformations, illustrating how Ryle’s experiences of personal trials deepened his reliance on God and shaped his pastoral and literary contributions. Despite facing numerous adversities, including the bankruptcy of his family and the loss of his first wife, Ryle emerged as a steadfast defender of evangelical truth, undeterred by the changing tides of theological liberalism and Catholic resurgence.
As a person who has read many of Ryle’s work, I appreciate Murray’s emphasis on Ryle’s enduring literary legacy. Although his influence waned after his death in 1900, there was a renewed interest in his writings over the recent decades. Books such as “Holiness,” “Practical Religion,” and “Expository Thoughts on the Gospels” have once again found a broad readership, resonating with modern Christians for their clarity, doctrinal depth, and practical application. Ryle’s ability to articulate deep theological truths in an accessible manner has made his works timeless treasures in Christian literature.
Murray’s narrative not only highlights Ryle’s theological contributions but also his personal integrity and courage. Ryle believed passionately in the authority of Scripture, and he was not afraid to engage in controversy when it was required to defend the gospel. This biography underscores how Ryle’s unwavering stand on biblical truths provides a powerful example for contemporary believers facing similar challenges in a rapidly changing world.
Furthermore, the book is enriched with relevant photographs, providing readers with a vivid portrayal of Ryle’s life and times. Murray’s thorough research and engaging writing style bring to life the historical context in which Ryle lived and ministered, and makes the biography not only informative but also deeply inspiring.
For those familiar with Ryle’s works, J.C. Ryle: Prepared to Stand Alone offers a deeper appreciation of the man behind the writings. For new readers, it serves as an inviting introduction to a figure whose life and legacy continue to impact the Christian faith profoundly. Murray’s biography is a compelling call to revisit Ryle’s insights and to be inspired by his steadfast faith and dedication to the gospel.