Ancient Paths: Negotiating Life Wisely

by J.C. Ryle

Genres: Classics, Theology

125 pages, Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 1853

About the author

(John Charles Ryle) Ryle started his ministry as curate at the Chapel of Ease in Exbury, Hampshire, moving on to become rector of St Thomas's, Winchester in 1843 and then rector of Helmingham, Suffolk the following year. While at Helmingham he married and was widowed twice. He began publishing popular tracts, and Matthew, Mark and Luke of his series of Expository Thoughts on the Gospels were published in successive years (1856-1858). His final parish was Stradbroke, also in Suffolk, where he moved in 1861, and it was as vicar of All Saints that he became known nationally for his straightforward preaching and firm defence of evangelical principles. He wrote several well-known and still-in-print books, often addressing issues of contemporary relevance for the Church from a biblical standpoint. He completed his Expository Thoughts on the Gospels while at Stradbroke, with his work on the Gospel of John (1869). His third marriage, to Henrietta Amelia Clowes in 1861, lasted until her death in 1889.

Reviews

[Michael Beck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryle is always worth reading. This little book addresses young men and exhorts them to consider certain biblical principles that will serve them well in life. A good (and short) read for any young person. And the Lamplighter binding is always well done.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading a little each day after my devotion. The language will be a little tougher for my children to understand so I am reading it first so that I can read it well as a read-a-loud to them. Finished the first chapter today and it has such great wisdom in this book that I pray my children will heed and understand!..krb 2/17/16

[Kaitlyn S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This tiny little book has such an impact on me as I have immersed myself in it's pages the last few days.

It's absolutely FULL of spiritual insight, scriptural truths, and left me going "ouch!" throughout its pages. It so gently brings conviction and encouragement that reading it was like sitting down with a good friend and having a heart-to-heart with them. The style of writing was SO easy to read, and so conversational in tone, that it was a joy to read through the pages.

If you're daunted at times by the length of theological works, then this would be the perfect book for you to start with. The length and simplicity of the book will not leave you confused, at all.

This book is written to young men; obviously I'm a young woman, but I found it profitable. This is a book I think all young people should read through many times a year, actually -- and it's so easy to understand, I really don't think my 10 year old brother will have any trouble with it ((currently my 14 year old brother is reading it, and enjoying it, and it's making its circuit o the house :D))

A five star read that I will most definitely be reading again, probably this year!