Old Paths: Being Plain Statements of Some of the Weightier Matters of Christianity.

by J.C. Ryle

THE volume now in the reader’s hands consists of a series of papers, systematically arranged, on the leading truths of Christianity which are “necessary to salvation.”Few, probably, will deny that there are some things in religion about which we may think other people hold very erroneous views, and are, notwithstanding, in no danger of being finally lost. About baptism and the Lord’s Supper,—about the Christian ministry,—about forms of prayer and modes of worship,—about the union of Church and State,—about all these things it is commonly admitted that people may differ widely, and yet be finally saved. No doubt there are always bigots and extreme partisans, who are ready to excommunicate every one who cannot pronounce their Shibboleth on the above-named points. But, speaking generally, to shut out of heaven all who disagree with us about these things, is to take up a position which most thoughtful Christians condemn as unscriptural, narrow, and uncharitable.On the other hand, there are certain great truths of which some knowledge, by common consent, appears essential to salvation. Such truths are the immortality of the soul,—the sinfulness of human nature,—the work of Christ for us as our Redeemer,—the work of the Holy Ghost in us,—forgiveness,—justification,—conversion,—faith,—repentance,—the marks of a right heart,—Christ’s invitations,—Christ’s intercession,—and the like. If truths like these are not absolutely necessary to salvation, it is difficult to understand how any truths whatever can be called necessary. If people may be saved without knowing anything about these truths, it appears to me that we may throw away our Bibles altogether, and proclaim that the Christian religion is of no use. From such a miserable conclusion I hope most people will shrink back with horror.To open out and explain these great necessary truths,—to confirm them by Scripture,—to enforce them by home appeals to the conscience of all who read this volume,—this is the simple object of the series of papers which is now offered to the public.CrossReach Publications

Genres: Theology, Christian

163 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1898

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

[Yibbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author was right. It is wonderful to back and look deeply at the foundations our salvation. Do you feel worn out? Are you tired of all the noise and argument in the world and even the church? This book is addressed to you. It refocuses you on the beauty, simplicity, and power of the Gospel. It focuses you on our loving Savior Jesus Christ. It returns you to the firm foundation of the Bible.
The author acknowledges and I did find several passages in different sections and even from chapter to chapter quite repetitive. So, it could have been edited down quite a bit. That would be one of the reasons for the lower rating. Still it was worth reading.
The other is... I’m not a Calvinist, and I’m not an Arminian. So that last chapter, “Perseverance”, had some wonderfully encouraging passages that made my heart sing, and some passages that failed to convince me of all the tenets of Calvinism. In fact, at points I found myself more in agreement with the arguments he was so vehemently apposing. Still, I’m glad I read it.
I would recommend it.

[Widyanto Gunadi · Rating 4 out of 5]

J.C. Ryle beckons his readers to think about their own safety status. The author invites the congregation to see that salvation is the greatest and most needed thing in life. If only a few people are saved, then we must make every effort to be in it and not procrastinate! The door to salvation was indeed narrow, but thousands of laksa were given permission to pass through, namely those who persevered and finally managed to return to the Father's house. Jesus Christ who solicited us, He also gave us strength. Don't let vague and obscure beliefs, world / social comfort and even just a moment of expedient excitement make us forget our true salvation. Living a life with the uncertainty of salvation is the craziest thing that could ever happen to a devout believer of the doctrine of Jesus Christ. In conclusion, it is such a good book which has sound teaching for the church and its workers that can assist them in truly understanding the meaning of salvation, to fill their new lives, in daily repentance, by living a biblical life during the sanctification process, as well as giving them the truthful knowledge that there are still many unsaved souls out there, in desperate need of His love.

[Reggie Byrum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mostly Good, Inspiring . . . Some, not so Much.

I agree with probably over 80% of what Ryle has to say and posted quotes often on social media. Where he lost me was his views on election and perseverance of the saints, of which I vehemently disagree. His view of “putting aside Scriptures that are weak and contradict” Scriptures that support his argument, made no sense to me. You consider ALL scripture, and all are given equal weight. That is where truth is found. You don’t just “toss” Scriptures because they don’t agree with your views! If S ruptures seem to contradict, then your views are wrong. IMHO. Having said that, Ryle is right on a lot of points and I would not discard the book or his other teachings based on this one point of disagreement.

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a glorious book! The doctrines of Christianity thoroughly and succinctly explained. JC Ryle writes in the way he. must have preached: solid Bible, no fluff or embellishments, but spoken so clearly even a child of God could understand it. I was sad when I finished it because I loved the journey so much!

[Glenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Encouraging, heart warming and filled with the truth of God’s Word.

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another J C Ryle Gem!

One can never go wrong with J C Ryle’s insights and teachings.’
Very solidly bible-based with no fluff which is ever evident in todays “Christian” books.

[Robert Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Simple, yet profound teaching on theology.

[Rick Shrader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always enjoyed studying from Ryle’s Expository Thoughts on the Gospels and have wanted to read this long treatise for a while. John Charles Ryle (1816-1900) was bishop Liverpool and an evangelical within the Church of England. If the reader can discern the obvious references to that church polity and doctrine, he can greatly enjoy the straightforward style common in that day. Ryle’s own description of the book is, “The longer I live the more I am convinced that the world needs no new Gospel, as some profess to think. I am thoroughly persuaded that the world need nothing but a bold, full, unflinching teaching of the ‘old paths.’ The heart of man is the same in every age. The spiritual medicine which it requires is always the same.” The book has 19 long chapters and can become tedious so I would suggest reading it over a long period of time, perhaps a chapter a week or month when you have time to sit and digest. It will be worth it.

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