Straightforward Thoughts for Young Men: What Every Young Man Must Consider Now, Before It's Too Late

by J.C. Ryle

For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary the one to the other – Galatians 5:17Young men, you form a large and very important class in the population of this country; but where, and in what condition, are your souls? I am growing old myself, but there are few things that I can remember so well as the days of my youth. I have a most distinct recollection of the joys and the sorrows, the hopes and the fears, the temptations and the difficulties, the mistaken judgments and the misplaced affections, and the errors and the aspirations which surround and accompany a young man’s life. If I can only say something to keep some young man walking in the right way and preserve him from faults and sins, which may hurt his prospects both for time and eternity, I shall be very thankful. There are four things which I propose to I will mention some general reasons why young men need exhorting.I will note some special dangers which young men need to be warned about.I will give some general advice which I beg young men to receive.I will set down some special rules of conduct which I strongly advise young men to follow.On each of these four points I have something to say, and my young friend, I pray to God that what I say may do good to your soul.– J. C. RyleUpdated edition based on Thoughts for Young MenAbout the AuthorJohn Charles Ryle (1816-1900) graduated from Eton and Oxford and then pursued a career in politics, but due to lack of funds, he entered the clergy of the Church of England. He was a contemporary of Spurgeon, Moody, Mueller, and Taylor and read the great theologians like Wesley, Bunyan, Knox, Calvin, and Luther. These all influenced Ryle’s understanding and theology. Ryle began his writing career with a tract following the Great Yarmouth suspension bridge tragedy, where more than a hundred people drowned. He gained a reputation for straightforward preaching and evangelism. He travelled, preached, and wrote more than 300 pamphlets, tracts, and books, including Expository Thoughts on the Gospels, Principles for Churchmen, and Christian Leaders of the Eighteenth Century. Ryle used the royalties from his writing to pay his father’s debts, but he also felt indebted to that ruin for changing the direction of his life. He was recommended by Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli to be Bishop of Liverpool where he ended his career in 1900.

Genres: Religion, Christian, Christian Non Fiction, Nonfiction, Discipleship

113 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2019

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

[Diaan vd Berg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Next to the Bible this was the most influencial book I've ever read! I have made it a tradition to read it every day on my birthday - it is short enough to read in a couple of hours but it pack a lifetime worth of wisdom in it - a good reminder every year. Well worth a read!

[Jack Jewett · Rating 5 out of 5]

“What youth does, old age must reap. Sin may go lightly from your hand, or run smoothly off your tongue now, but depend on it, sin and you will meet again by and by, however little you may like it. Old wounds will often ache and give pain long after they are healed, and only a scar remains:—so may you find it with your sins.”

“Resolve at once, by God’s help, to break off every known sin, however small. A small leak will sink a great ship, and a small spark will kindle a great fire, and a little allowed sin in like manner will ruin an immortal soul.”

[Vincent Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great! Really solid practical advice. I look forward to reading this with my boys and I encourage all men to take up and read. Ryle warns young men of the temptations they are most privy to and commends young men to set their eyes like flint on Jesus, flee youthful lusts, and pray. Ryle recommends if you take any advice from his book it is to pray. Good read.

[John Sivils · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title is incorrect. Straightforward Thoughts for Young Men should be Straightforward Thoughts for All.

OK, that sounds pretty corny. My point is that what J.C. Ryle says in this book is valuable wisdom for people of all ages. While many of the topics Ryle discusses are more typically relevant of young people, they are not exclusive to men or to the young.

With just six chapters, Ryle presents a plain language, candid appeal for young men to reject the mindset that tomorrow belongs to the Lord but today belongs to the flesh. Ryle's writing style is as urgent and earnest as his message. Lifelong Christians and new believers alike can benefit from these 84 pages of pithy quotes and clear description of biblical principles.

jas

[Christopher Derrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Book Through & Through

Practical and easy to read, with clear language and warnings that are relevant to men, both the saved and unsaved. This prepares the Christian man dem to actually discuss with those around them the hesitancy that they hold on to that leads them to cling to their sin instead of what is Good. This book is directed, and is beneficial for men and women to read, because everyone has a guy they know thats captured as a persona in this book.

[William Albers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid, Biblical Wisdom

Straightforward and hard-hitting, yet pastoral throughout. Perhaps the highest compliment that I can give is that I plan on giving each of my sons a copy when they come of age.

[Allen Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read for not only young men, but anyone of any age. Immensely practical and thoroughly Biblical admonishment needed for all ages. Ryle again has the ability to be helpful and accessible to anyone willing to take the time to read his work.

[Ronald J. Pauleus · Rating 4 out of 5]

J.C. Ryle

You can see clearly the writers concern for his readers. I was greatly challenged to take Christ more seriously today.

[Andy Febrico Bintoro · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick read about the advices to the young men. A quick read because its really straighforward. The advices really throb deep in the heart.

[Ian Curragh · Rating 5 out of 5]

5stars

A typical JC Ryle book. It is very challenging and although addressed to the young believer it is suitable for all to read and learn from.

[Anete Ābola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timely reminders.
A great graduation / birthday gift for a young man in your life.

[Corey Hackett-Greene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent addition to my library! I will share it with the young men I disciple and others my age.

[Devin · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I have ever read! I wish I had read this 10 years ago.