J. C. Ryle: That Man of Granite With the Heart of A Child (Eric Russell)

J. C. Ryle

That Man of Granite With the Heart of a Child

Ryle was born into a comfortable English family background. His father was a politician and businessman. Ryle was intelligent, a great sportsman (captain of cricket at Eton and Oxford) and was set for a career in his father’s business – then disaster struck! The father’s bank fails, taking all related businesses down with it. Ryle loses his job and his place in society in a moment. One moment, a popular man with great prospects in this world – the next moment, the son of a bankrupt father, with no trade or profession. So as a last resort, Ryle is ordained into the ministry of the church, simply for something to do for a living! Who could have thought that a man who entered the ministry in such an uninspiring way could be so used of God?

Ryle went on to have an impeccable reputation as a pastor and leader and became the foremost practical teacher of the Word of God in his times. As an author, few writings in all Christian history compare to his. Ryle rejected all book royalties, diverting them to pay his father’s debts. He was described by his successor as “that man of granite with the heart of a child.”  J.C. Ryle changed the face of the English church!

Endorsement

“Finally – a biography of J. C. Ryle! Imagine preparing for a successful career, only to have your plans all totally undermined and left feeling that you had only one option: the Christian ministry! – and to enter it reluctantly. Then imagine learning about the grace of God only afterwards, and God somehow making you useful and effective, to everyone’s surprise! Welcome to the strange and stirring story of J.C. Ryle, English pastor of the 19th century. “It is very good to have Ryle’s story told afresh by someone who understands it so well!” – J. I. Packer, author of Knowing God

About the Author

The late Eric Russell was an ordained Church of England Minister. He was better known as a college lecturer, training teachers in religious studies. He also wrote about the history of Liverpool diocese.

Contents

1. I Wanted for Nothing
2. Launched as a Christian
3. It Pleased God
4. Simplicity in Preaching
5. Years of Singular Trials
6. Not the Man to Stand Still
7. The One Book
8. Doctrines Which Wear Well
9. Scriptural Holiness
10. I Am the Bishop of Liverpool
11. A Committed Man
12. The First and Foremost Business
13. Who Breaks the Peace?
14. We Must Unite
15. Desire to Die in Harness
16. A Victorian Bishop