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Christian Leaders of the Eighteenth Century (Updated, Annotated): Eleven Biographies in One Volume
“When God puts special honour on any of His servants, it is well to analyze their gifts, and to observe carefully what they were.... Records like these are deeply instructive.” In this volume, J.C. Ryle examines the lives & ministries of George Whitefield, John Wesley, Daniel Rowlands, Augustus Toplady, and other giants, drawing very definite conclusions: “I am bold to say that we want nothing new....We want nothing but the old truths rightly preached and rightly brought home to consciences, minds, and wills.” Hardcover, volume II of the collected works.
435 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1963
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About the author
J.C. Ryle
828 books474 followers(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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
June 7, 2024
If you are a Calvinist, you are pretty sure God raised up George Whitefield to save England from its spiritual poverty. If you are an Arminian, you’ve been taught that John Wesley single-handedly saved England from a bloody revolution such as France was to experience at the end of the century.
But if you are J.C. Ryle (1816 – 1900), who was himself a staunch Calvinist, you would give both men their due, and nine other preachers as well. It is wonderful to realize that God raised up preachers and evangelists all over England to do His saving work.
I was impressed by Ryle’s ability to extend grace toward those with whom he disagreed (Wesley, Fletcher, etc.) while at the same time recognizing that God used them to do a great work. I was pleasantly surprised that he was even willing to criticize the vitriol of one of his Calvinist heroes when he overstepped the bounds of Christian charity in maligning the Methodists.
He describes these “radical” Christian leaders as united in teaching one set of truths (of which they were fully convinced) in a way that was compassionate and yet bold and unflinching. They always acted on the offensive, not waiting for sinners to come to them, but going after and seeking sinners. “They assaulted the high places of ungodliness like men storming a breach, giving sinners no rest as long as they stuck to their sins.”
This book is a must if you are interested in Church history. The version I read by Aneko Press was labeled “updated,” which I assume means the old-fashioned language (from 1868) was tidied up a bit. It made the book quite readable to an amateur historian like myself.
But if you are J.C. Ryle (1816 – 1900), who was himself a staunch Calvinist, you would give both men their due, and nine other preachers as well. It is wonderful to realize that God raised up preachers and evangelists all over England to do His saving work.
I was impressed by Ryle’s ability to extend grace toward those with whom he disagreed (Wesley, Fletcher, etc.) while at the same time recognizing that God used them to do a great work. I was pleasantly surprised that he was even willing to criticize the vitriol of one of his Calvinist heroes when he overstepped the bounds of Christian charity in maligning the Methodists.
He describes these “radical” Christian leaders as united in teaching one set of truths (of which they were fully convinced) in a way that was compassionate and yet bold and unflinching. They always acted on the offensive, not waiting for sinners to come to them, but going after and seeking sinners. “They assaulted the high places of ungodliness like men storming a breach, giving sinners no rest as long as they stuck to their sins.”
This book is a must if you are interested in Church history. The version I read by Aneko Press was labeled “updated,” which I assume means the old-fashioned language (from 1868) was tidied up a bit. It made the book quite readable to an amateur historian like myself.
October 26, 2022
Some of these men I knew fairly well, some a little, some not at all. Of the newbies, William Grimshaw and Daniel Rowland are the ones I liked best. The one I liked least was the fellow (can't remember now which one) who, when his parishioners come to him for counsel, would tell them (in so many words), "You should have gotten that answer from my sermons. Get lost." That fellow needed a resounding *THWACK!* upside his head. In fact, as usual in my encounters with CoE clergy, real or fictional, I thought quite a few of them could use a thwack upside the head along with their whole ecclesiastical system that treats the ministry as a mere profession for decently educated men rather than a calling with higher standards than an Oxbridge degree. A couple of them, for instance, needed to get their own houses in order. Wesley, for instance, had an absolute harridan of a wife who eventually deserted him. One wonders what benefits would have fallen to her, to him, to the church if he had stepped away from the ministry for a time to diligently pursue her. Of course this was a mere biographical sketch, and a more comprehensive work might show that he had, indeed, made such an effort.
But enough of the negatives. "And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints...." These eleven men, warts and all, were clearly God's gifts to His church, and I am deeply grateful for such gifts. Ryle, too, was clearly grateful for them, which deepens my appreciation for him.
I did not so much appreciate some of the editorial decisions made for this edition, which put anachronisms in the mouths of nineteenth-century Ryle and his eighteenth-century subjects. Not was I a big fan of the narrator. There was no need for theatrical characterizations here. And his ability to pronounce Welsh didn't make up for his inability to pronounce English. Please...if you're going to hire a narrator for a book with lots of theological terms, at least take the trouble to make sure he knows the difference between an Arminian and an Armenian!
But enough of the negatives. "And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints...." These eleven men, warts and all, were clearly God's gifts to His church, and I am deeply grateful for such gifts. Ryle, too, was clearly grateful for them, which deepens my appreciation for him.
I did not so much appreciate some of the editorial decisions made for this edition, which put anachronisms in the mouths of nineteenth-century Ryle and his eighteenth-century subjects. Not was I a big fan of the narrator. There was no need for theatrical characterizations here. And his ability to pronounce Welsh didn't make up for his inability to pronounce English. Please...if you're going to hire a narrator for a book with lots of theological terms, at least take the trouble to make sure he knows the difference between an Arminian and an Armenian!
November 12, 2020
Mmmh... The written equivalent of a selection of delectable mead samples. Sweet, potent and makes you want more. I'm not sure if it's the forthrightness of subjects' convictions, matching earnestness of life, or another factor, but there's something about the men of the not-too-distant past that reads so well. One can't help but be caught up and convinced by the cause of Whitefield, Wesley, Grimshaw (and more) as they're shown in this short compilation of biographies.
In what was originally a series of articles, Ryle walks us through the lives of eleven faithful 18th century English leaders. Most of them I had never heard of, bar Whitefield, Wesley and Toplady, but I really very much enjoyed learning about each of these men. Ryle goes far beyond just information however, and makes no apology for providing good portions of their writings and theology (likely the best bits of the book), making this a great combination of inspiring and devotional material.
Something that really struck me was how brazen they were, especially in dealing with subjects that we can be tempted to gloss over nowadays, such as death, sin and practical holiness. The bold linguistic jolt afforded to the authors by c200 years difference adds to this, and I just find tremendously refreshing and confronting.
An unfortunate downside of the book is the editing, which is the poorest I've seen. Stray and bewildered punctuation and wrong letters are not infrequent, making me think it has likely been poorly digitally scanned somehow. It's annoying and detracts a little from the experience, but certainly shouldn't rule out a reading.
Highly recommended.
Side note: I want to read more or Lady Huntingdon! She's a regular correspondent and donor to most of the biographees and wiki tells me she spent £100,000 on evangelical efforts (at a time when a family of four could live on £31 a year)!
In what was originally a series of articles, Ryle walks us through the lives of eleven faithful 18th century English leaders. Most of them I had never heard of, bar Whitefield, Wesley and Toplady, but I really very much enjoyed learning about each of these men. Ryle goes far beyond just information however, and makes no apology for providing good portions of their writings and theology (likely the best bits of the book), making this a great combination of inspiring and devotional material.
Something that really struck me was how brazen they were, especially in dealing with subjects that we can be tempted to gloss over nowadays, such as death, sin and practical holiness. The bold linguistic jolt afforded to the authors by c200 years difference adds to this, and I just find tremendously refreshing and confronting.
An unfortunate downside of the book is the editing, which is the poorest I've seen. Stray and bewildered punctuation and wrong letters are not infrequent, making me think it has likely been poorly digitally scanned somehow. It's annoying and detracts a little from the experience, but certainly shouldn't rule out a reading.
Highly recommended.
Side note: I want to read more or Lady Huntingdon! She's a regular correspondent and donor to most of the biographees and wiki tells me she spent £100,000 on evangelical efforts (at a time when a family of four could live on £31 a year)!
January 15, 2021
Stirring biographical essays of eleven Church of England preachers from the eighteenth century, each of whom contributed in their own way to the Evangelical revival. Some of the essays are better than others, but all are worth reading. Ryle writes in a clear, punchy, authoritative, and opinionated style. I confess that I sometimes find this wearisome and crave the gentler, more nuanced style of other authors. Nevertheless, this is a good book and I will probably read at least some of these sketches again someday.
April 14, 2022
10,000,000 stars. LOVED LOVED LOVED it!!!! JC Ryle is a rockstar and I’m obsessed with everything he writes and says 🤩
July 16, 2018
This edition of Christian Leaders of the Eighteenth Century by J. C. Ryle is published by Banner of Truth. This book is one of the many Ryle volumes that Banner has reprinted. These reprints include Holiness, Knots Untied, and Ryle’s Expository Thoughts on the Gospels. It would probably not hurt your pastor’s feelings if you bought him the “Ryle Clothbound Set” . (If anyone buys me the set, I will reimburse you with the copies of several of the volumes I already have in either Banner or other editions.) Iain H. Murray’s biographical work J. C. Ryle: Prepared to Stand Alone is also a delightful book (along with everything else that Murray has written.)
I might have titled the book under review a bit differently. I would suggest it be called Eleven Christian Leaders of the Eighteenth Century along with One from the Nineteenth Century. That title is too long, but it reflects the fact that the reader gets lots of insights into the Christian mind and character of the author, Bishop J. C. Ryle.
Let me begin my review with a different approach. These are Augustus Toplady’s four main points about preaching. Most of us know Toplady primarily for his hymn “Rock of Ages. The following is from page 352 of the book.
1. Preach Christ crucified, and dwell chiefly on the blessings resulting from his righteousness, atonement, and intercession.
2. Avoid all needless controversies in the pulpit; except it be when your subject necessarily requires it, or when the truths of God are likely to suffer by your silence.
3. When you ascend the pulpit, leave your learning behind you; endeavour to preach more to the hearts of the people than to their heads.
4. Do not affect much oratory. Seek rather to profit than to be admired.
These four points were not only at the heart of Toplady’s preaching, but were central to all the leaders who were the subjects of this biographical study. The past was no more totally Christian than the present is totally non-Christian. The Eighteenth Century, the 1700’s, began as a time of Christian and evangelical drought and deprivation. Scarcely a century after the waves of Puritan revivals, the faith had largely stagnated into Deism, formalities, and works righteousness for the churched folks. For the unchurched, many of whom were poor, ignorant laborers, gin and immorality were dominant.
God sent revival to the British Islands. The book begins with two chapters describing the cultural and religious conditions before and when the revival movement came. The first two leaders in this book are also the best known: George Whitefield and John Wesley. Each man’s story is a fascinating portrait of how God works to save sinners and raise up preachers. How odd that Whitefield was first lead by the Wesleys while at college, but then became the first of those three (John and Charles Wesley and himself) to be awakened to real, saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and of the new birth. Whitefield was the first to do something utterly shocking: Preach outside the walls of a church building. He ruffled lots of clerical feathers in the process.
Of course, he and his dear friends, the Wesleys, parted and sparred over Calvinism. I first became aware of this while in my freshman and sophomore years of college. Actually, what I became aware of was that there was a man named Whitefield (too often ignored in Methodist circles where I grew up) and Calvinism. I read Wesley’s sermon on Free Will and then Whitefield’s answer. Whitefield drove Wesley off the field in that battle. Wesley’s greater skills at organization and administration enabled the Wesleyan branch of Methodism to trump the Whitefield branch.
To a large degree, Whitefield was buried in church history until Arnold Dallimore penned the first volume of The Life and Times of George Whitefield. During those same decades, books like Ryle’s Christian Leaders were not handily available either.
Lest my proclivities make this a Whitefield versus Wesley/Calvinist versus Arminian post, Ryle always stated his commitment to a Calvinistic interpretation of Scripture while commending men who differed. His chapters on Wesley and John Fletcher, another Arminian, were included to highlight great preaching and the godly lives of these men. In regard to Augustus Toplady, who could often be the John Robbins of his day, Ryle notes that he was sometimes a bit too caustic in his attacks on Arminianism.
Whitefield, Wesley, and Toplady were the only three of the eleven that I was familiar with. The other men covered are William Grimshaw, William Romaine, Daniel Rowland (I think I had heard of these three a few times), John Berridge, Henry Venn, Samuel Walker, James Hervey (not the scientist), and John Fletcher. They were all great preachers and/or solid writers in their day. They were all Church of England men, as was Ryle. Most were highly educated.
Perhaps the most fascinating common trait was that most entered the ministry without a clear grasp of essential, evangelical, and Biblical doctrines. In their early sermons and ministries, we can say that, at best, they were muddled in their thinking. Did they even know God at those times? Were they saved, to use more contemporary language? Were their doctrines sound and orthodox? These questions involve some heart issues we cannot determine. But in their early days, their beliefs were incomplete and defective. It is utterly astounding how God reached each of these men (and no doubt, many others) in divers times and places and awakened their minds to the beauty and power of the saving grace of God.
For certain, these were not men to hide their lights under bushels. Quite the contrary, in each of the eleven stories these men pastored congregations, parishes, or whole lands (as in the case of Whitefield and Wesley) where they preached and preached and preached. In several cases, if they did not literally die in the pulpit, they preached themselves and worked themselves into early graves. Zeal for God’s House, Name, and Saving Grace consumed them.
Let me slip on my history teacher’s mantle for a moment: This type of biography is often called Hagiography. Hagiography (and I don’t like the sound of the word) is biography that describes the life of a saint or that idealizes the subject. Modern biographies written by authors aptly trained in historical studies tends to be more realistic, gritty, psychological, and objective. For some particular cases in point, compare Dallimore’s biography of Whitefield with Thomas Kidd’s George Whitefield: America’s Spiritual Founding Father or compare Iain Murray’s Jonathan Edwards with George Marsden’s Jonathan Edwards. (I like and have read all four works mentioned there.)
Sometimes, I found myself wishing that Ryle’s subjects could say or write something that didn’t sound overly stilted or spiritual. It seems as though none of these men said things like, “It has been a rough day and I have a headache.” Instead, they said things like, “I am been buffeted hither and yon by the storms of life, yea even by Satan himself, and I feel pain in my head reminding me of my own unworthiness and weakness in the flesh.” I like the heart of that last statement and subscribe to the need to think more Christianly, but sometimes feel that these men are too marble-like and ideal to have been flesh and blood folks like me, my pastor, my friends and brethren.
C. S. Lewis gives us the best reason for reading this book I can think of (and it makes me wonder if he read any of his fellow churchman of an earlier generation, Bishop Ryle). It is from his oft quoted and reprinted essay “On the Reading of Old Books.” He writes,
"Not, of course, that there is any magic about the past. People were no cleverer then than they are now; they made as many mistakes as we. But not the same mistakes. They will not flatter us in the errors we are already committing; and their own errors, being now open and palpable, will not endanger us. Two heads are better than one, not because either is infallible, but because they are unlikely to go wrong in the same direction."
Reading this book–Christian Leaders in the Eighteenth Century–did not leave me thinking, “This is how it (Christianity) should be done.” It did leave me with lots of convictions, reminders, a few laughs, and a desire to see ongoing revival and reformation in our day. When and as God sends revival into 21st century North America, Brazil, England, Africa, etc., it will not look like the world Ryle described. But there is so very much found in this book that will be found whenever and wherever God pours out waves of revival and raises up Christian leaders.
I might have titled the book under review a bit differently. I would suggest it be called Eleven Christian Leaders of the Eighteenth Century along with One from the Nineteenth Century. That title is too long, but it reflects the fact that the reader gets lots of insights into the Christian mind and character of the author, Bishop J. C. Ryle.
Let me begin my review with a different approach. These are Augustus Toplady’s four main points about preaching. Most of us know Toplady primarily for his hymn “Rock of Ages. The following is from page 352 of the book.
1. Preach Christ crucified, and dwell chiefly on the blessings resulting from his righteousness, atonement, and intercession.
2. Avoid all needless controversies in the pulpit; except it be when your subject necessarily requires it, or when the truths of God are likely to suffer by your silence.
3. When you ascend the pulpit, leave your learning behind you; endeavour to preach more to the hearts of the people than to their heads.
4. Do not affect much oratory. Seek rather to profit than to be admired.
These four points were not only at the heart of Toplady’s preaching, but were central to all the leaders who were the subjects of this biographical study. The past was no more totally Christian than the present is totally non-Christian. The Eighteenth Century, the 1700’s, began as a time of Christian and evangelical drought and deprivation. Scarcely a century after the waves of Puritan revivals, the faith had largely stagnated into Deism, formalities, and works righteousness for the churched folks. For the unchurched, many of whom were poor, ignorant laborers, gin and immorality were dominant.
God sent revival to the British Islands. The book begins with two chapters describing the cultural and religious conditions before and when the revival movement came. The first two leaders in this book are also the best known: George Whitefield and John Wesley. Each man’s story is a fascinating portrait of how God works to save sinners and raise up preachers. How odd that Whitefield was first lead by the Wesleys while at college, but then became the first of those three (John and Charles Wesley and himself) to be awakened to real, saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and of the new birth. Whitefield was the first to do something utterly shocking: Preach outside the walls of a church building. He ruffled lots of clerical feathers in the process.
Of course, he and his dear friends, the Wesleys, parted and sparred over Calvinism. I first became aware of this while in my freshman and sophomore years of college. Actually, what I became aware of was that there was a man named Whitefield (too often ignored in Methodist circles where I grew up) and Calvinism. I read Wesley’s sermon on Free Will and then Whitefield’s answer. Whitefield drove Wesley off the field in that battle. Wesley’s greater skills at organization and administration enabled the Wesleyan branch of Methodism to trump the Whitefield branch.
To a large degree, Whitefield was buried in church history until Arnold Dallimore penned the first volume of The Life and Times of George Whitefield. During those same decades, books like Ryle’s Christian Leaders were not handily available either.
Lest my proclivities make this a Whitefield versus Wesley/Calvinist versus Arminian post, Ryle always stated his commitment to a Calvinistic interpretation of Scripture while commending men who differed. His chapters on Wesley and John Fletcher, another Arminian, were included to highlight great preaching and the godly lives of these men. In regard to Augustus Toplady, who could often be the John Robbins of his day, Ryle notes that he was sometimes a bit too caustic in his attacks on Arminianism.
Whitefield, Wesley, and Toplady were the only three of the eleven that I was familiar with. The other men covered are William Grimshaw, William Romaine, Daniel Rowland (I think I had heard of these three a few times), John Berridge, Henry Venn, Samuel Walker, James Hervey (not the scientist), and John Fletcher. They were all great preachers and/or solid writers in their day. They were all Church of England men, as was Ryle. Most were highly educated.
Perhaps the most fascinating common trait was that most entered the ministry without a clear grasp of essential, evangelical, and Biblical doctrines. In their early sermons and ministries, we can say that, at best, they were muddled in their thinking. Did they even know God at those times? Were they saved, to use more contemporary language? Were their doctrines sound and orthodox? These questions involve some heart issues we cannot determine. But in their early days, their beliefs were incomplete and defective. It is utterly astounding how God reached each of these men (and no doubt, many others) in divers times and places and awakened their minds to the beauty and power of the saving grace of God.
For certain, these were not men to hide their lights under bushels. Quite the contrary, in each of the eleven stories these men pastored congregations, parishes, or whole lands (as in the case of Whitefield and Wesley) where they preached and preached and preached. In several cases, if they did not literally die in the pulpit, they preached themselves and worked themselves into early graves. Zeal for God’s House, Name, and Saving Grace consumed them.
Let me slip on my history teacher’s mantle for a moment: This type of biography is often called Hagiography. Hagiography (and I don’t like the sound of the word) is biography that describes the life of a saint or that idealizes the subject. Modern biographies written by authors aptly trained in historical studies tends to be more realistic, gritty, psychological, and objective. For some particular cases in point, compare Dallimore’s biography of Whitefield with Thomas Kidd’s George Whitefield: America’s Spiritual Founding Father or compare Iain Murray’s Jonathan Edwards with George Marsden’s Jonathan Edwards. (I like and have read all four works mentioned there.)
Sometimes, I found myself wishing that Ryle’s subjects could say or write something that didn’t sound overly stilted or spiritual. It seems as though none of these men said things like, “It has been a rough day and I have a headache.” Instead, they said things like, “I am been buffeted hither and yon by the storms of life, yea even by Satan himself, and I feel pain in my head reminding me of my own unworthiness and weakness in the flesh.” I like the heart of that last statement and subscribe to the need to think more Christianly, but sometimes feel that these men are too marble-like and ideal to have been flesh and blood folks like me, my pastor, my friends and brethren.
C. S. Lewis gives us the best reason for reading this book I can think of (and it makes me wonder if he read any of his fellow churchman of an earlier generation, Bishop Ryle). It is from his oft quoted and reprinted essay “On the Reading of Old Books.” He writes,
"Not, of course, that there is any magic about the past. People were no cleverer then than they are now; they made as many mistakes as we. But not the same mistakes. They will not flatter us in the errors we are already committing; and their own errors, being now open and palpable, will not endanger us. Two heads are better than one, not because either is infallible, but because they are unlikely to go wrong in the same direction."
Reading this book–Christian Leaders in the Eighteenth Century–did not leave me thinking, “This is how it (Christianity) should be done.” It did leave me with lots of convictions, reminders, a few laughs, and a desire to see ongoing revival and reformation in our day. When and as God sends revival into 21st century North America, Brazil, England, Africa, etc., it will not look like the world Ryle described. But there is so very much found in this book that will be found whenever and wherever God pours out waves of revival and raises up Christian leaders.
June 3, 2024
June 2024 - In the 1700s, England's spiritual climate was enervated by liberalism and atheism. Churches were spiritually dead. The clergy was worldly. Schools and education were unavailable in broad swaths of the country. Immorality was pervasive and fashionable. As J.C. Ryle says, "there was darkness in high places and darkness in low places . . . a darkness that might be felt."
Into that climate came an unlikely spiritual revival, the Great Awakening, that fundamentally changed both England and America. It was led by several pastors "whose hearts God touched about the same time in various parts of the country." It is really amazing how all of these young men came to understand the gospel and to be born again right around the same time. They dedicated their lives to spreading the gospel.
They preached in the churches and in the fields, in London and in the countryside. Some were traveling evangelists. Others were faithful pastors of parish churches. Some were famous, like Wesley and Whitefield, and others spent their lives in rural counties far from the spotlight. But all had in common a devotion to the Bible and to the spiritual power of the gospel. Together, they turned their world upside down.
This is one of the most fascinating books I have ever read, and plan to return to it again and again. The work ethic of these pastors - their total devotion - is astounding to me and convicting. Their commitment to spreading the gospel seems so much greater than in our current day. This is not a hagiography: Ryle examines both the strengths and the faults of each of these men. Ultimately, what you see is that God can use anyone, with all of our weaknesses, for His purpose.
February 2023 - Absolutely incredible. This book delves into the Great Awakening, and the preachers that spurred one of the greatest spiritual revivals ever. These were men who completely spent themselves for God's work. Their examples are breathtaking.
As painful as it was to compare our era to then, I found this book wonderfully refreshing and inspiring. It reminded me of what the focus of life should be.
Into that climate came an unlikely spiritual revival, the Great Awakening, that fundamentally changed both England and America. It was led by several pastors "whose hearts God touched about the same time in various parts of the country." It is really amazing how all of these young men came to understand the gospel and to be born again right around the same time. They dedicated their lives to spreading the gospel.
They preached in the churches and in the fields, in London and in the countryside. Some were traveling evangelists. Others were faithful pastors of parish churches. Some were famous, like Wesley and Whitefield, and others spent their lives in rural counties far from the spotlight. But all had in common a devotion to the Bible and to the spiritual power of the gospel. Together, they turned their world upside down.
This is one of the most fascinating books I have ever read, and plan to return to it again and again. The work ethic of these pastors - their total devotion - is astounding to me and convicting. Their commitment to spreading the gospel seems so much greater than in our current day. This is not a hagiography: Ryle examines both the strengths and the faults of each of these men. Ultimately, what you see is that God can use anyone, with all of our weaknesses, for His purpose.
February 2023 - Absolutely incredible. This book delves into the Great Awakening, and the preachers that spurred one of the greatest spiritual revivals ever. These were men who completely spent themselves for God's work. Their examples are breathtaking.
As painful as it was to compare our era to then, I found this book wonderfully refreshing and inspiring. It reminded me of what the focus of life should be.
December 6, 2023
Second Read, December 6th, 2023
Phenomenal book. One of those classic books that I will re-read every other year or so and never cease to be encouraged and exhilarated by. When I started my re-read of this, I wondered if perhaps it wouldn't seem as exciting or convicting of a book this time - I've read it before after all. Wrong! If anything, this current read I felt even more encouraged, my love for Christ and His gospel increasing all the more! I need to stop gushing about this book, but it really is worth it and I would strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in the church, history, or the work of God through the lives of godly men. Particularly if you're interested in the conditions of 18th century England and the works of the most notable preachers/pastors of the day! This book is comprised of eleven "mini-biographies" focusing on those men whom Ryle believed were the most impactful for the cause of the gospel in 18th-century England. The first tier (seven of them) get more page-time, with more extracts from sermons, letters and focus on their lives and works. The last four (still notable men!) don't get quite as much attention, but there were none of the men featured whom I felt was unworthy or whom I was uninterested by. As much as Ryle is a Calvinist of the classic model, he still includes some of the notable preachers of the day who were of the Arminian persuasion (notably Wesley and Fletcher of Madeley). One of the reasons I love reading Ryle so is that he is never shy to let his beliefs and convictions and passion for God shine out in his writings, even when writing about other men and other times. Some may say this creates an unbalanced or biased perspective, but I would argue this makes such a book all the more genuine and true. Ryle has deep, grounded convictions about God and the importance of the gospel and his writings fairly bleed Jesus. I can't think of a thing I disliked about this book. I guess it wasn't long enough? At times Ryle's writing style can get a tad repetitive with a few oft-used phrases? Maybe it's a bit too old-fashioned of a style for many? No matter any of that. I found my soul heartily encouraged by this book and it brought me closer to my God. Through the reading of this book, I often found myself meditating and dwelling on the beauties, truths and glories of Jesus Christ my Lord. And oh did my soul rejoice to read so many accounts of thousands upon thousands coming to saving faith in God through the faithful and powerful preaching of the Word in season and out of season! Oh that we had more men like this in the dark times in which we now live. Oh may God have mercy upon us and send the Spirit to work mightily, as in the days of Whitefield and Wesley and the men whose lives were chronicled in this book.
First Read, March 22nd, 2019
A marvelous book. As I started reading this book, I thought that this was a pretty good book. Not bad, encouraging, you know. The more I read, the more my heart was enlivened and the more my soul was thrilled and the more I knew this was not simply a good book. No, this is a great one. Written in the latter part of the 19th century by one of the foremost Christian minds of the day, this little book (it is really quite small and easily readable!) is packed with truth and testimony, glorifying God in every page. This is one of those books that I've greatly enjoyed reading these past few weeks...every time I got a chance to walk down to EQ and enjoy some late afternoon sunlight, I would take this book and read a chapter or two. And every time I did, I was blown away anew pondering the goodness of God in the lives of men and women. Right, so I've maundered on far too much...what is this book actually about? Well, as per the title it is about...Christian leaders of the 18th century. Shocking right? Ryle focuses on 11 different men that were preeminent evangelists, pastors and preachers in the 18th century. Some of them are well-known (and indeed - ones I've read much heftier biographies of), like Whitefield and Wesley. The remainder are not quite as well known. Even if I've heard their names, didn't know much about them. Romaine & Grimshaw & Berridge & Venn & Fletcher and others. Really what I love about this book is that it's essentially 11 mini-biographies in one. Ryle walks through the man's life, obviously focusing on his service to God. When and how was he converted? Where did he serve? How did he live? How did he die? (the last is always oh so moving and encouraging and convicting. May I die like these men, eager and joyous to meet my Lord) He ends each section by quoting extensive passages from the man's sermons and/or letters, so you get an idea of the voice of the man and how he thought. I (as you may know) love biographies in general, so getting to read about 11 different men in this book was most enjoyable. And Ryle has a great voice of his own. You can easily see his passion bleed through the pages, his longing to see God work as He did in the 18th century in the Great Awakening. Ryle recognizes that these men were but human and flawed (and he does not hesitate to say that and point out their flaws!) but he also recognizes that these men were greatly used by God. Ryle touches on some of the controversial points of the day (Arminianism v Calvinism) and of course Ryle's beliefs are evident (he in no uncertain terms states that what is commonly known as Calvinistic theology is the truth of the Bible - as I will attest to myself), but Ryle doesn't dwell on the controversy. Indeed, he ends the book with Fletcher, a noted Arminian polemicist...but that is not the main point of Fletcher's life. Rather, Ryle focuses on his ministry to his parish, his holy life, and his preaching of the gospel of God - salvation through Christ and Christ alone! And so truly - throughout this book, the themes of the gospel sing forth. We are not saved by the good works that we may or may not do. No, we can do nothing of our own. We are saved by faith in Jesus Christ. Simple, beautiful faith. What is faith? Believing that Jesus is who He says He is in the Word of God and putting all our trust in Him. Not part of our trust. We can't rely partly on ourselves and partly on Christ. Nay, we must disavow any perceived goodness of our own and fly to Christ and call out to Him for salvation. We must recognize our filthiness and total wickedness and turn away from it in horror and disgust, seeing that we have nothing good in ourselves. We must turn to Christ, the One who died so that we may live. The One who rose again so that we might rise again. We must turn to Christ and throw ourselves on His mercy and trust only in Him for our light and our salvation. This is the message that the men in this book preached. This is the message that saved thousands of souls from deepest darkness. This is the message that shines forth in this book. Oh yes, it is remarkably convicting and encouraging reading of the lives of these men and of the great works that God did through them. And yes, it motivates and drives me to serve God much more than I currently am. But even more than all that, through reading this book, it was thrilling being reminded of the gospel I believe and the God I serve. In Him and Him alone is all my hope.
Phenomenal book. One of those classic books that I will re-read every other year or so and never cease to be encouraged and exhilarated by. When I started my re-read of this, I wondered if perhaps it wouldn't seem as exciting or convicting of a book this time - I've read it before after all. Wrong! If anything, this current read I felt even more encouraged, my love for Christ and His gospel increasing all the more! I need to stop gushing about this book, but it really is worth it and I would strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in the church, history, or the work of God through the lives of godly men. Particularly if you're interested in the conditions of 18th century England and the works of the most notable preachers/pastors of the day! This book is comprised of eleven "mini-biographies" focusing on those men whom Ryle believed were the most impactful for the cause of the gospel in 18th-century England. The first tier (seven of them) get more page-time, with more extracts from sermons, letters and focus on their lives and works. The last four (still notable men!) don't get quite as much attention, but there were none of the men featured whom I felt was unworthy or whom I was uninterested by. As much as Ryle is a Calvinist of the classic model, he still includes some of the notable preachers of the day who were of the Arminian persuasion (notably Wesley and Fletcher of Madeley). One of the reasons I love reading Ryle so is that he is never shy to let his beliefs and convictions and passion for God shine out in his writings, even when writing about other men and other times. Some may say this creates an unbalanced or biased perspective, but I would argue this makes such a book all the more genuine and true. Ryle has deep, grounded convictions about God and the importance of the gospel and his writings fairly bleed Jesus. I can't think of a thing I disliked about this book. I guess it wasn't long enough? At times Ryle's writing style can get a tad repetitive with a few oft-used phrases? Maybe it's a bit too old-fashioned of a style for many? No matter any of that. I found my soul heartily encouraged by this book and it brought me closer to my God. Through the reading of this book, I often found myself meditating and dwelling on the beauties, truths and glories of Jesus Christ my Lord. And oh did my soul rejoice to read so many accounts of thousands upon thousands coming to saving faith in God through the faithful and powerful preaching of the Word in season and out of season! Oh that we had more men like this in the dark times in which we now live. Oh may God have mercy upon us and send the Spirit to work mightily, as in the days of Whitefield and Wesley and the men whose lives were chronicled in this book.
First Read, March 22nd, 2019
A marvelous book. As I started reading this book, I thought that this was a pretty good book. Not bad, encouraging, you know. The more I read, the more my heart was enlivened and the more my soul was thrilled and the more I knew this was not simply a good book. No, this is a great one. Written in the latter part of the 19th century by one of the foremost Christian minds of the day, this little book (it is really quite small and easily readable!) is packed with truth and testimony, glorifying God in every page. This is one of those books that I've greatly enjoyed reading these past few weeks...every time I got a chance to walk down to EQ and enjoy some late afternoon sunlight, I would take this book and read a chapter or two. And every time I did, I was blown away anew pondering the goodness of God in the lives of men and women. Right, so I've maundered on far too much...what is this book actually about? Well, as per the title it is about...Christian leaders of the 18th century. Shocking right? Ryle focuses on 11 different men that were preeminent evangelists, pastors and preachers in the 18th century. Some of them are well-known (and indeed - ones I've read much heftier biographies of), like Whitefield and Wesley. The remainder are not quite as well known. Even if I've heard their names, didn't know much about them. Romaine & Grimshaw & Berridge & Venn & Fletcher and others. Really what I love about this book is that it's essentially 11 mini-biographies in one. Ryle walks through the man's life, obviously focusing on his service to God. When and how was he converted? Where did he serve? How did he live? How did he die? (the last is always oh so moving and encouraging and convicting. May I die like these men, eager and joyous to meet my Lord) He ends each section by quoting extensive passages from the man's sermons and/or letters, so you get an idea of the voice of the man and how he thought. I (as you may know) love biographies in general, so getting to read about 11 different men in this book was most enjoyable. And Ryle has a great voice of his own. You can easily see his passion bleed through the pages, his longing to see God work as He did in the 18th century in the Great Awakening. Ryle recognizes that these men were but human and flawed (and he does not hesitate to say that and point out their flaws!) but he also recognizes that these men were greatly used by God. Ryle touches on some of the controversial points of the day (Arminianism v Calvinism) and of course Ryle's beliefs are evident (he in no uncertain terms states that what is commonly known as Calvinistic theology is the truth of the Bible - as I will attest to myself), but Ryle doesn't dwell on the controversy. Indeed, he ends the book with Fletcher, a noted Arminian polemicist...but that is not the main point of Fletcher's life. Rather, Ryle focuses on his ministry to his parish, his holy life, and his preaching of the gospel of God - salvation through Christ and Christ alone! And so truly - throughout this book, the themes of the gospel sing forth. We are not saved by the good works that we may or may not do. No, we can do nothing of our own. We are saved by faith in Jesus Christ. Simple, beautiful faith. What is faith? Believing that Jesus is who He says He is in the Word of God and putting all our trust in Him. Not part of our trust. We can't rely partly on ourselves and partly on Christ. Nay, we must disavow any perceived goodness of our own and fly to Christ and call out to Him for salvation. We must recognize our filthiness and total wickedness and turn away from it in horror and disgust, seeing that we have nothing good in ourselves. We must turn to Christ, the One who died so that we may live. The One who rose again so that we might rise again. We must turn to Christ and throw ourselves on His mercy and trust only in Him for our light and our salvation. This is the message that the men in this book preached. This is the message that saved thousands of souls from deepest darkness. This is the message that shines forth in this book. Oh yes, it is remarkably convicting and encouraging reading of the lives of these men and of the great works that God did through them. And yes, it motivates and drives me to serve God much more than I currently am. But even more than all that, through reading this book, it was thrilling being reminded of the gospel I believe and the God I serve. In Him and Him alone is all my hope.
June 14, 2024
This is an excellent book, challenging and inspiring in equal measure – though perhaps these are two sides of the same coin. Some inspirations/challenges/reflections:
1. These men were unwavering in their devotion and sincerity towards Jesus. In private they were devoted to the scriptures and prayer, and in public they were unashamed of the gospel and always ready to confront their hearers with both the hard and the wonderful truths of the gospel. I’m convinced the former is correlated to the latter (at least in willingness, if not efficacy) and therefore my own private devotion is woefully inadequate if I want to be a bold and effective evangelist.
2. These men accepted and persevered in their suffering. The first section of each biography spoke of their ministry successes, and I found myself wanting to emulate them. But then, inevitably, Ryle would talk of their persecutions or ill-health (often caused by overwork), and I found myself shrinking from the commitment to give everything to Jesus if that was what it would cost – which was humbling.
3. There men were devoted to holiness – both in their own lives, but also strikingly in those living in their parishes (e.g. breaking up gatherings on a Sunday to tell people to come to church). I can’t imagine anyone doing that today, and it makes you wonder if we’ve got that right.
4. Not all of these men were powerful, indefatigable preachers. Some were weak and sickly, but wrote extensively. The church needs, and God uses, all sorts of people, and he ordains the circumstances of their life to maximise their effectiveness.
5. Finally, I was struck by the manner in which many of them died. They were all reportedly absolutely confident in the forgiveness of Jesus and, more often than not, lamented that they had done so little for Jesus in their lives. I hope I can die as confidently as they did, but that starts now with devoting my whole life to Jesus.
It’s not a perfect book if you’re looking for a history book, but I don’t think that was Ryle’s primary aim. I think he wanted to challenge a lack of devotion in his generation, and dare I suggest we need the same medicine. I would highly recommend this book.
A final (irrelevant) word which I can’t resist. Ryle’s writing sounds very highfalutin to the modern ear – maybe it did in 1885 too. It may not be for everyone, but it is for me – I loved it!
1. These men were unwavering in their devotion and sincerity towards Jesus. In private they were devoted to the scriptures and prayer, and in public they were unashamed of the gospel and always ready to confront their hearers with both the hard and the wonderful truths of the gospel. I’m convinced the former is correlated to the latter (at least in willingness, if not efficacy) and therefore my own private devotion is woefully inadequate if I want to be a bold and effective evangelist.
2. These men accepted and persevered in their suffering. The first section of each biography spoke of their ministry successes, and I found myself wanting to emulate them. But then, inevitably, Ryle would talk of their persecutions or ill-health (often caused by overwork), and I found myself shrinking from the commitment to give everything to Jesus if that was what it would cost – which was humbling.
3. There men were devoted to holiness – both in their own lives, but also strikingly in those living in their parishes (e.g. breaking up gatherings on a Sunday to tell people to come to church). I can’t imagine anyone doing that today, and it makes you wonder if we’ve got that right.
4. Not all of these men were powerful, indefatigable preachers. Some were weak and sickly, but wrote extensively. The church needs, and God uses, all sorts of people, and he ordains the circumstances of their life to maximise their effectiveness.
5. Finally, I was struck by the manner in which many of them died. They were all reportedly absolutely confident in the forgiveness of Jesus and, more often than not, lamented that they had done so little for Jesus in their lives. I hope I can die as confidently as they did, but that starts now with devoting my whole life to Jesus.
It’s not a perfect book if you’re looking for a history book, but I don’t think that was Ryle’s primary aim. I think he wanted to challenge a lack of devotion in his generation, and dare I suggest we need the same medicine. I would highly recommend this book.
A final (irrelevant) word which I can’t resist. Ryle’s writing sounds very highfalutin to the modern ear – maybe it did in 1885 too. It may not be for everyone, but it is for me – I loved it!
June 1, 2021
A great encouragement from a window into the lives and works of 11 Christian individuals in the 18th Century.
It is very refreshing to read a book published in 1885, as it provides a different perspective on culture (and exposes blindspots in our own view), as well as having some fun unusual phrases and expressions. This, combined with JC Ryle’s accessible and heartfelt style of writing made it a very enjoyable book to read, though it did start to feel long toward the end (more on this below).
As someone who is fairly ignorant about church history in the 18th century, it was historically very informative not only in the events of the individuals but in the sentiment and flavour of the age.
Beyond this, I also loved reading the extracts of works and letters by the individuals - most of all, seeing their immense joy in Jesus and the salvation he brings, and in their heartfelt belief in the urgency of repenting and trusting him to find the hope of heaven rather than hell (the frequency with which they would entreat others to turn to Jesus with tears in their eyes shows a genuine earnestness in their speech/hearts). I was very frequently edified as I read these extracts.
Being from the nineteenth century, it also clashes with some accepted norms of the present. While I think they were probably a bit wrong on being so condemning of games and card playing, I was helpfully challenged by the principle that lay behind this - that to be a lover of pleasure more than a lover of God is a bad idea.
There were a couple of frustrations. The more minor one is that the book is quite long, and by the 10th and 11th biography the repetition of the chapters had become fairly grating - I suppose it is the inherent difficulty in writing a collection of biographies, but perhaps 5 or 7 would have been better than 11.
More frustrating I think was the focus on the individuals. This is probably an unfair criticism - after all, they are biographies - but it felt like these 11 were so greatly esteemed and so immensely in focus that it would be possible for the reader to be left in awe of the 11 more than they are in awe of the one the 11 worshipped - to be left wanting to be the next Whitefield rather than wanting Jesus to be better known and honoured.
But overall, I really liked this book. 4 stars.
It is very refreshing to read a book published in 1885, as it provides a different perspective on culture (and exposes blindspots in our own view), as well as having some fun unusual phrases and expressions. This, combined with JC Ryle’s accessible and heartfelt style of writing made it a very enjoyable book to read, though it did start to feel long toward the end (more on this below).
As someone who is fairly ignorant about church history in the 18th century, it was historically very informative not only in the events of the individuals but in the sentiment and flavour of the age.
Beyond this, I also loved reading the extracts of works and letters by the individuals - most of all, seeing their immense joy in Jesus and the salvation he brings, and in their heartfelt belief in the urgency of repenting and trusting him to find the hope of heaven rather than hell (the frequency with which they would entreat others to turn to Jesus with tears in their eyes shows a genuine earnestness in their speech/hearts). I was very frequently edified as I read these extracts.
Being from the nineteenth century, it also clashes with some accepted norms of the present. While I think they were probably a bit wrong on being so condemning of games and card playing, I was helpfully challenged by the principle that lay behind this - that to be a lover of pleasure more than a lover of God is a bad idea.
There were a couple of frustrations. The more minor one is that the book is quite long, and by the 10th and 11th biography the repetition of the chapters had become fairly grating - I suppose it is the inherent difficulty in writing a collection of biographies, but perhaps 5 or 7 would have been better than 11.
More frustrating I think was the focus on the individuals. This is probably an unfair criticism - after all, they are biographies - but it felt like these 11 were so greatly esteemed and so immensely in focus that it would be possible for the reader to be left in awe of the 11 more than they are in awe of the one the 11 worshipped - to be left wanting to be the next Whitefield rather than wanting Jesus to be better known and honoured.
But overall, I really liked this book. 4 stars.
March 1, 2024
Disclaimer: I only listened to this one on YouTube.
Despite the efforts of the Puritans in England during the seventeenth century, by the time of the early eighteenth century, Christianity was on the decline throughout the realm. While clerics and rituals abounded, Christianity in a Biblical sense had been rejected and exchanged for a cold Papish form of Anglicanism. In the midst of this darkness, God again acted in England to bring about revival in the true sense of the word. Under the preaching of Whitefield, Wesley, Roland, and more, thousands were converted to Christ, God’s word was again heralded, and saints grew in godliness. In this book, JC Ryle looks back at the men whom God used to bring about such change over the face of the land. In these eleven brief biographies, Ryle polemically calls for a return to Anglican Evangelical Christianity as demonstrated by these figures. The book thus works at two levels. First, as an introduction to faithful men of the past. Second, as an appeal to his readers in the middle of the nineteenth century to take up the forgotten mantle of Christ and Him crucified.
Despite the efforts of the Puritans in England during the seventeenth century, by the time of the early eighteenth century, Christianity was on the decline throughout the realm. While clerics and rituals abounded, Christianity in a Biblical sense had been rejected and exchanged for a cold Papish form of Anglicanism. In the midst of this darkness, God again acted in England to bring about revival in the true sense of the word. Under the preaching of Whitefield, Wesley, Roland, and more, thousands were converted to Christ, God’s word was again heralded, and saints grew in godliness. In this book, JC Ryle looks back at the men whom God used to bring about such change over the face of the land. In these eleven brief biographies, Ryle polemically calls for a return to Anglican Evangelical Christianity as demonstrated by these figures. The book thus works at two levels. First, as an introduction to faithful men of the past. Second, as an appeal to his readers in the middle of the nineteenth century to take up the forgotten mantle of Christ and Him crucified.
August 10, 2025
It's easy to look at the past and see only the triumphs. This book shows those triumphs of faith and obedience. But it also shows the darkness and suffering that surrounded these faithful believers throughout their ministries. Many of them lost their pulpits or nearly did, many of them broke their health, many of them faced physical death all in the service of the Savior to save the souls of multitudes. It's a wonderfully encouraging group of biographies. The way Ryle outlines each life, then ministry and winds op with a section of their writing from sermons, books, and letters was very interesting. I really liked it. It made their words even more powerful once you knew what the author went through.
I would highly recommend this one. It might seem a little slow at first but persevere. Being a motivational book isn't the point, but the lives of all these men are so God glorifying that you will be motivated to seek God through His word. And what better way to spend your life could there be?
I would highly recommend this one. It might seem a little slow at first but persevere. Being a motivational book isn't the point, but the lives of all these men are so God glorifying that you will be motivated to seek God through His word. And what better way to spend your life could there be?
April 8, 2025
The narrator makes a good effort, but his accent took some getting used to, and his attempts at regional accents were uncomfortable reading at times.
I'm not sure if it was brother Ryle's fault or the narrator, but the book has contractions throughout, and I find it difficult to listen to. Books don't use "don't"(!) for a reason.
For the above reasons, I can't recommend the book, but I suspect others would give a quite different review.
As regards the content, I was surprised at how unimpressed I was at some of the events which are held to be great moves of the Holy Spirit. Men were apparently so filled with the Spirit that they gave up the drinking of alcohol, going to the theatre, the playing of card games, and various other sins! I mean, what was going on here? Analysis of claimed revivals will continue, but we can at least rest in the confidence that the Lord will save his people no matter what misunderstandings he sees in the words and behaviour of his church.
I'm not sure if it was brother Ryle's fault or the narrator, but the book has contractions throughout, and I find it difficult to listen to. Books don't use "don't"(!) for a reason.
For the above reasons, I can't recommend the book, but I suspect others would give a quite different review.
As regards the content, I was surprised at how unimpressed I was at some of the events which are held to be great moves of the Holy Spirit. Men were apparently so filled with the Spirit that they gave up the drinking of alcohol, going to the theatre, the playing of card games, and various other sins! I mean, what was going on here? Analysis of claimed revivals will continue, but we can at least rest in the confidence that the Lord will save his people no matter what misunderstandings he sees in the words and behaviour of his church.
April 12, 2023
Ryle is remarkable. This collection of biographies is really well written and he brings out a lot of really interesting stories and encouraging points. It all makes for a heart warming read. He starts with the most well known but that does not make the book less interesting as you go. I found Henry Venn to be a new found favourite and he is in the latter half.
I wonder if his project of covering all eleven is too wide and maybe he could have had more to say. In Dallimore’s biography on Whitefield, John Wesley’s bad qualities appear clearer than with Ryle. So I’m left wondering if Ryle is too kind with Wesley and maybe too severe with Toplady?
The audiobook is excellent. The narrator pulls off a new voice for all characters.
I wonder if his project of covering all eleven is too wide and maybe he could have had more to say. In Dallimore’s biography on Whitefield, John Wesley’s bad qualities appear clearer than with Ryle. So I’m left wondering if Ryle is too kind with Wesley and maybe too severe with Toplady?
The audiobook is excellent. The narrator pulls off a new voice for all characters.
September 1, 2024
Eleven men who prevented revolution
It is often said that England was saved from a French-style revolution by the preaching of John Wesley. He did not act alone - the front cover shows (clockwise from top left) Henry Venn, Wesley, George Whitefield and William Romaine. To these stalwarts Ryle adds William Grimshaw of Howarth, Daniel Rowlands in Wales, John Berridge (based at Everton in Bedfordshire), Samuel Walker of Truro, James Hervey (Weston Favell), Augustus Toplady in Surrey and John Fletcher of Madley. While following these preachers from cradle to grave where possible Ryle also gives samples of their preaching style and written correspondence to provide an inspiring overview of the impact of evangelical teaching in 18th century Britain.
It is often said that England was saved from a French-style revolution by the preaching of John Wesley. He did not act alone - the front cover shows (clockwise from top left) Henry Venn, Wesley, George Whitefield and William Romaine. To these stalwarts Ryle adds William Grimshaw of Howarth, Daniel Rowlands in Wales, John Berridge (based at Everton in Bedfordshire), Samuel Walker of Truro, James Hervey (Weston Favell), Augustus Toplady in Surrey and John Fletcher of Madley. While following these preachers from cradle to grave where possible Ryle also gives samples of their preaching style and written correspondence to provide an inspiring overview of the impact of evangelical teaching in 18th century Britain.
January 4, 2022
The 5-star rating is for the content and cover (not the one shown here). I highlighted throughout the book where edits are needed! I hope to read this insightful, personally challenging book again. From the perspective of a 19th century Christian leader, the book comprises applied biographical accounts of godly,18th century leaders that are, I suspect, as instructive today as they were when originally published. I knew of some of these Christian leaders; others were new acquaintances. Each of their lives were lived for the honour and glory of God, in service to their countrymen and beyond, and with eternity in view.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2024
Going in, I had not heard of the majority of those covered in this book. However, I came away with a great appreciation for the faithful who labor without hope of fame or fortune, but to just serve God faithfully. In just a couple of chapters on each man, Ryle covered their personal lives and their ministry. In each, he presented men who were faithful to their calling and who impacted others with the gospel.
June 29, 2025
JC Ryle is his introduction, comments: my object in drawing up these papers was to bring before the public in a comprehensive form of the lives, characters, and work of the leading ministers by whose agency God was pleased to revive Christianity in England. These articles were first written on 1866 and 1867 in a monthly periodical. Well worth reading when the power of the Holy Spirit moves, it transforms lives and the preaching of the word of God.
May 28, 2019
This is a great compilation of biographies of mighty men of God
J. C. Ryle shows us in this book that the Lord uses Armenians and Calvinist in mighty ways to glorify Himself, and we will see both in heaven. I would recommend this book to anyone who longs to see a revival in our day.
J. C. Ryle shows us in this book that the Lord uses Armenians and Calvinist in mighty ways to glorify Himself, and we will see both in heaven. I would recommend this book to anyone who longs to see a revival in our day.
July 17, 2019
Love Ryle. He highlights some lesser known Christian leaders in this book such as Daniel Rowland who had an immense impact on the church. Very good biographical work.
April 24, 2020
Filled with encouragement and blessed reminders..........and much humbling in the examples set forth
April 29, 2022
Some books are valuable in and of themselves. Others open a door to other books that you would never have discovered on your own. This book does the latter and I'm grateful. Highly recommend.
June 15, 2023
An excellent book of short biographies.
April 13, 2024
Eye-opening accounts of the lives and ministries of many 18C leaders.
July 22, 2025
Forgotten men who should not be forgotten.
July 10, 2017
One of my favorite books, one I hope to reach again in the not-to-distant future if the Lord Jesus is willing. So much rich insight into knowing, following & maturing in the LORD. Wow. Another book that proves that Christians need to read less modern books and more older books on the Christian life...
August 4, 2014
Christian Leaders of the 18th Century by j. C. Ryle is one of the most interesting books I have ever read on church history. This book explores the lives of several great men in England during this time like John Wesley and George Whitfield, which are widely known. However it also explores the lives of men like Henry Venn, Daniel Rowlands, William Romaine, John Berridge, William Grimshaw and others which were dynamic and instrumental themselves in the Great Awakening.
This is a must read for any serious church leader or pastor who wants to better understand or broaden their perspective on the history of the Christian Church in the english-speaking world. It is very well written, informative, and inspiring, to say the least.
This is a must read for any serious church leader or pastor who wants to better understand or broaden their perspective on the history of the Christian Church in the english-speaking world. It is very well written, informative, and inspiring, to say the least.
December 30, 2021
Let this history stir you to action
I love history, but when that history is the work of God in the hearts of men and women, then we’re in for a treat. Take time to read these short biographical sketches. The Holy Spirit will encourage, enlighten, convict, and motivate the reader to be more all in with Jesus Christ.
I love history, but when that history is the work of God in the hearts of men and women, then we’re in for a treat. Take time to read these short biographical sketches. The Holy Spirit will encourage, enlighten, convict, and motivate the reader to be more all in with Jesus Christ.
January 22, 2022
Over all good
Originally I was going to give it 4 stars because it was a little redundant. However I changed my mind when I read the chapters on John Fletcher. That man lead an incredible life, like the others listed in the book. But when you read how John Fletcher passed on to the Heavenly World...well words like encouraging, amazing, hopeful, fantastic come to mind.
Originally I was going to give it 4 stars because it was a little redundant. However I changed my mind when I read the chapters on John Fletcher. That man lead an incredible life, like the others listed in the book. But when you read how John Fletcher passed on to the Heavenly World...well words like encouraging, amazing, hopeful, fantastic come to mind.
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