Book by J.C. Ryle
Book Review by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz
When you have thoughts reserved for young men that stem from personal experience, the basic qualification needed is that the person who has these thoughts is no longer young and is a man. It’s assumed these are thoughts that young men would benefit spending some time to consider. Well, from reading this short book, J.C. Ryle is more than qualified, and young men would be foolish not to heed this man’s advice.
If you don’t know anything about Bishop Ryle, you would think this book was written very recently, since many in our day are averse to spending time with young men, and would appreciate some kind of word that would jolt them into sober-mindedness. Surprisingly, for those unaware, Ryle died in 1900, and wrote this at a very late age (71 years old). How often would you come across an older man at that age who would gladly spend time with you and impart to you his wisdom that he’s gleaned over the years—especially a godly man? How many of us know men that age who are still following hard after Christ? It’s books like these that remind me that I am in need of learning—not to be proud of how much I know now, but grateful that I have a resource from which to observe this kind of wisdom. That’s what every book (including this one) has brought me to realize. I am not perfect in this life (nor will be), so I must grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Christ, and, in His wisdom and sovereign will, has given various men (and women) in the faith to have wisdom to share with the body of Christ.
This book is broken up into four parts that J.C. Ryle believes is crucial for the life of a young man:
- The Reasons for Exhorting Young Men
- The Dangers of Young Men
- The General Counsels to Young Men
- Special Rules for Young Men
Titus 2:6 has formed the basis for why Ryle thought it necessary for him to write this book: “Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.” Following the Apostle Paul’s advice, he plows through within each of these four sections, and speaks frankly, as well as compassionately, to the youth of his day (and ours) about the reality of life in a fallen world. Reading this book, I couldn’t help but be reminded of my need for older men to guide me in my walk with Christ, and to be slow to speak and quick to hear. Ryle knew the many temptations of a young man, since he was one. He remembers vividly the mistakes he made and saw that it as inherent in a young man to welcome many problems into their own life without giving an ear to one who has already gone before them.
If you have read anything written by Bishop Ryle, you know he asks very uncomfortable questions, not unnecessary ones. It’s pointed straight at the heart of every young man, who very much knows the answer to many of his questions, and yet could also be self-deceived into the answers they give. Easily, the entire book could be quoted, since there is much to learn from each sentence that he writes. Here are a few:
I tremble to observe how few young men are led by the Spirit—how few are in that narrow way which leads to life—how few are setting their affections upon things above—how few are taking up the cross and following Christ. (6)
Who in their families give them most pain and trouble?…Who are the class which requires the most incessant watching and looking after?…“The Young Men.” (7, italics his)
Two things are said to be very rare sights in the world—one is a young man humble, and the other is an old man content. (19)
Contempt of holy things is the high road to infidelity. Once let a man begin to make a jest and joke of any part of Christianity, and I am never surprised to hear that he has turned out a downright believer. (28)
[S]eek to become acquainted with our Lord Jesus Christ. This is, indeed, the principal thing in religion. This is the cornerstone of Christianity. Till you know this, my warnings and advice will be useless, and your endeavours, whatever they may be, will be in vain. (34)
And that is only half the book! This book is like listening to a father speak to his son about what is most important. However, in this case, it’s a worshipper of Christ who seeks to bring other people into true worship of the risen Savior, all for the love of the little ones (Mark 10:14). If you are a young man, read this book. If you are a man, read this book. If you have doubts as to how Christianity relates to your teenage life, read this book. If you are one who desires wisdom from above, read this book. Your life will never be the same, if you put into practice the appeals of this godly man.