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Old Paths
Ryle expounds the great themes of the gospel and proves that this is indeed the 'good way' where true 'rest of soul' is to be found.
521 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 1999
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311 people want to read
About the author
J.C. Ryle
823 books473 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 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 15, 2018
Among those born of women, there has arisen no writer on vital religion greater than J. C. Ryle. I first read this book about 16 years ago; thus, it has been very refreshing to revisit it. For the most part, he combines biblical doctrine with devotional and evangelistic zeal - a very rare combination. He also makes several compelling historical arguments in support of the thesis that Calvinism (broadly considered) is the official doctrine of the Church of England. Also, evangelical Anglicans who think that there is anything "Anglican" about #FourthCommandmentDenial seriously need to read Ryle.
While it is true that J. C. Ryle was an English Hypothetical Universalist in the school of Bishop John Davenant, his view was not the same as that of Arminians or Amyraldians. He believed in particular redemption alongside believing that the atonement had a general reference to all men based on a general love of God. While I am too much of a follower of Francis Turretin and John Owen to ever be tempted by Hypothetical Universalism, we should note that such views were accommodated at Dort and Westminster and are thus within the pale of Reformed orthodoxy. That observation may upset some people, but facts are stubborn things.
While it is true that J. C. Ryle was an English Hypothetical Universalist in the school of Bishop John Davenant, his view was not the same as that of Arminians or Amyraldians. He believed in particular redemption alongside believing that the atonement had a general reference to all men based on a general love of God. While I am too much of a follower of Francis Turretin and John Owen to ever be tempted by Hypothetical Universalism, we should note that such views were accommodated at Dort and Westminster and are thus within the pale of Reformed orthodoxy. That observation may upset some people, but facts are stubborn things.
December 9, 2017
J C Ryle never disappoints! This is a series of essays. All strive to detail the supremacy of Christ. I had read his "Holiness" series of essays some time ago and enjoyed this series, also. He is practical, down to earth, and never fails to make a strong case for the authority of scripture. I would rank him right up with MacArthur, Spurgeon and Sinclair Ferguson.
May 2, 2025
Wholesome food. This book seemed to try to meet a similar need as “Mere Christianity,” in an exploration of its essential doctrines, only much more application to Scripture, and much more emphasis on Reformed theology as Ryle describes thoroughly no new doctrines, but the “old paths” in which the church has ever walked. I felt like I could have dwelt on it much more, but I also enjoyed how readable it was. Would recommend as an overview of key doctrines, or even as further reading and discussion along with Piper’s Five Points book. There is so much comfort to be had in a meditation of what God has done for us! I also loved how Ryle was so careful to encourage his readers towards greater confidence in the commitment of God to them in salvation and their firm standing as justified.
“I never despair of anyone becoming a decided Christian, whatever he may have been in days gone by. I know how great the change is from death to life. I know the mountains of division that seem to stand between some of us and heaven. I know the hard-ness, the prejudices, the desperate sinfulness of the natural heart. But I remember that God the Father made this beautiful and well-ordered world out of nothing. I remember the voice of the Lord Jesus could reach Lazarus when four days dead, and recall him even from the grave. I remember the amazing victories the Spirit of God has won in every nation under heaven. I remember all this, and feel that I never need despair. Yea! those among us who now seem most utterly dead in sins, may yet be raised to a new being, and walk before God in newness of life. Why should it not be so? The Holy Spirit is a merciful and loving Spirit. He turns away from no man because of his vileness. He passes by no one because his sins are black and scarlet.”
“All this the Spirit has done, and much more, of which I cannot speak particularly. And the arm of the Spirit is not shortened. His power is not decayed. He is like the Lord Jesus,— the same yes-terday, today, and for ever' (Heb. 13:8). He is still doing wonders, and will do to the very end. Once more then, I say, I never despair of any man's soul being made alive. I should if it depended on man himself. Some seem so hardened, 1 should have no hope. I should despair if it depended on the work of ministers. Alas, the very best of us are poor, weak creatures! But I cannot despair when I remember that God the Spirit is the agent who conveys life to the soul,—for I know and am persuaded that with him nothing is impossible.”
“If you stand in doubt whether you have the Spirit, you ought to examine calmly whether your doubts are well-founded. There are many true believers, I fear, who are destitute of any firm assurance as to their own state: doubting is their life. I ask such persons to take their Bibles down, and consider quietly the grounds of their anxiety. I ask them to consider whence came their sense of sin, however feeble,— their love to Christ, however faint,-their desire after holiness, however weak—their pleasure in the company of God's people,—their inclination to prayer and the Word? Whence came these things, I say? Did they come from your own heart? Surely not! Nature bears no such fruit.—Did they come from the devil? Surely not! Satan does not war against Satan. Whence then, I repeat, did these things come? I warn you to beware lest you grieve the Holy Ghost by doubting the truth of his operations. I tell you it is high time for you to reflect whether you have not been expecting an inward perfection which you had no right to expect, and at the same time thanklessly undervaluing a real work which the Holy Ghost has actually wrought in your souls.”
“Beware of the common idea that God the Father is an angry Being, whom sinful man can only regard with fear, and from whom he must flee to Christ for satety. Cast it aside as a baseless and unscriptural notion. Contend earnestly for all the attributes of God,—for his holiness and his justice, as well as for his love.
But never allow for one moment that there is any want of love towards sinners in any Person in the Blessed Trinity. Oh, no! such as the Father is, such is the Son, and such is the Holy Ghost. The Father loves, and the Son loves and the Holy Ghost loves. When Christ came on earth, the kindness and love of God toward man appeared (Titus 3:4). The cross is the effect of the Father's love, and not the cause. Redemption is the result of the compassion of all three Persons in the Trinity. To place the Father and the Son in opposition one to another, is weak and crude theology. Christ died, not because God the Father hated, but because he loved the world.”
“If God has given us his only begotten Son, let us beware of doubting his kindness and love in any painful providence of our daily life. Let us never allow ourselves to think hard thoughts of God. Let us never suppose that he can give us anything that is not really for our good. Let us remember the words of St Paul: He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things' (Rom. 8:32). Let us see in every sorrow and trouble of our earthly pilgrimage, the hand of him who gave Christ to die for our sins. That hand can never smite us except in love. He who gave us his only begotten Son, will never withhold anything from us that is really for our good. Let us lean back on this thought and be content. Let us say to ourselves in the darkest hour of trial, 'This also is ordered by him who gave Christ to die for my sins. It cannot be wrong. It is done in love. It must be well.'”
“Would you have more faith? Then seek to become more acquainted with Jesus Christ. Study your blessed Saviour more and more, and strive to know more of the length and breadth and height of his love. Study him in all his offices, as the Priest, the Physician, the Redeemer, the Advocate, the Friend, the Teacher, the Shepherd of his believing people. Study him as one who not only died for you, but is also living for you at the right hand of God,—as one who not only shed his blood for you, but daily intercedes for you at the right hand of God,—as one who is soon coming again for you, and will stand once more on this earth.
The miner who is fully persuaded that the rope which draws him up from the pit will not break, is drawn up without anxiely and alarm. The believer who is thoroughly acquainted with the fulness of Jesus Christ, is the believer who travels from grace to glory with the greatest comfort and peace. Then let your daily prayers always contain these words, 'Lord, increase my faith.’”
“It is cold comfort to be told that God never thought on me before I repented and believed. But to know and feel that God had purposes of mercy toward me before the foundation of the world, and that all the work of grace in my heart is the result of an everlasting covenant and an eternal election, is a thought full of sweet and unspeakable consolation. A work that was planned before the foundation of the world by an Architect of almighty power and perfect wisdom, is a work which will never be allowed to fail and be overthrown.”
“I never despair of anyone becoming a decided Christian, whatever he may have been in days gone by. I know how great the change is from death to life. I know the mountains of division that seem to stand between some of us and heaven. I know the hard-ness, the prejudices, the desperate sinfulness of the natural heart. But I remember that God the Father made this beautiful and well-ordered world out of nothing. I remember the voice of the Lord Jesus could reach Lazarus when four days dead, and recall him even from the grave. I remember the amazing victories the Spirit of God has won in every nation under heaven. I remember all this, and feel that I never need despair. Yea! those among us who now seem most utterly dead in sins, may yet be raised to a new being, and walk before God in newness of life. Why should it not be so? The Holy Spirit is a merciful and loving Spirit. He turns away from no man because of his vileness. He passes by no one because his sins are black and scarlet.”
“All this the Spirit has done, and much more, of which I cannot speak particularly. And the arm of the Spirit is not shortened. His power is not decayed. He is like the Lord Jesus,— the same yes-terday, today, and for ever' (Heb. 13:8). He is still doing wonders, and will do to the very end. Once more then, I say, I never despair of any man's soul being made alive. I should if it depended on man himself. Some seem so hardened, 1 should have no hope. I should despair if it depended on the work of ministers. Alas, the very best of us are poor, weak creatures! But I cannot despair when I remember that God the Spirit is the agent who conveys life to the soul,—for I know and am persuaded that with him nothing is impossible.”
“If you stand in doubt whether you have the Spirit, you ought to examine calmly whether your doubts are well-founded. There are many true believers, I fear, who are destitute of any firm assurance as to their own state: doubting is their life. I ask such persons to take their Bibles down, and consider quietly the grounds of their anxiety. I ask them to consider whence came their sense of sin, however feeble,— their love to Christ, however faint,-their desire after holiness, however weak—their pleasure in the company of God's people,—their inclination to prayer and the Word? Whence came these things, I say? Did they come from your own heart? Surely not! Nature bears no such fruit.—Did they come from the devil? Surely not! Satan does not war against Satan. Whence then, I repeat, did these things come? I warn you to beware lest you grieve the Holy Ghost by doubting the truth of his operations. I tell you it is high time for you to reflect whether you have not been expecting an inward perfection which you had no right to expect, and at the same time thanklessly undervaluing a real work which the Holy Ghost has actually wrought in your souls.”
“Beware of the common idea that God the Father is an angry Being, whom sinful man can only regard with fear, and from whom he must flee to Christ for satety. Cast it aside as a baseless and unscriptural notion. Contend earnestly for all the attributes of God,—for his holiness and his justice, as well as for his love.
But never allow for one moment that there is any want of love towards sinners in any Person in the Blessed Trinity. Oh, no! such as the Father is, such is the Son, and such is the Holy Ghost. The Father loves, and the Son loves and the Holy Ghost loves. When Christ came on earth, the kindness and love of God toward man appeared (Titus 3:4). The cross is the effect of the Father's love, and not the cause. Redemption is the result of the compassion of all three Persons in the Trinity. To place the Father and the Son in opposition one to another, is weak and crude theology. Christ died, not because God the Father hated, but because he loved the world.”
“If God has given us his only begotten Son, let us beware of doubting his kindness and love in any painful providence of our daily life. Let us never allow ourselves to think hard thoughts of God. Let us never suppose that he can give us anything that is not really for our good. Let us remember the words of St Paul: He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things' (Rom. 8:32). Let us see in every sorrow and trouble of our earthly pilgrimage, the hand of him who gave Christ to die for our sins. That hand can never smite us except in love. He who gave us his only begotten Son, will never withhold anything from us that is really for our good. Let us lean back on this thought and be content. Let us say to ourselves in the darkest hour of trial, 'This also is ordered by him who gave Christ to die for my sins. It cannot be wrong. It is done in love. It must be well.'”
“Would you have more faith? Then seek to become more acquainted with Jesus Christ. Study your blessed Saviour more and more, and strive to know more of the length and breadth and height of his love. Study him in all his offices, as the Priest, the Physician, the Redeemer, the Advocate, the Friend, the Teacher, the Shepherd of his believing people. Study him as one who not only died for you, but is also living for you at the right hand of God,—as one who not only shed his blood for you, but daily intercedes for you at the right hand of God,—as one who is soon coming again for you, and will stand once more on this earth.
The miner who is fully persuaded that the rope which draws him up from the pit will not break, is drawn up without anxiely and alarm. The believer who is thoroughly acquainted with the fulness of Jesus Christ, is the believer who travels from grace to glory with the greatest comfort and peace. Then let your daily prayers always contain these words, 'Lord, increase my faith.’”
“It is cold comfort to be told that God never thought on me before I repented and believed. But to know and feel that God had purposes of mercy toward me before the foundation of the world, and that all the work of grace in my heart is the result of an everlasting covenant and an eternal election, is a thought full of sweet and unspeakable consolation. A work that was planned before the foundation of the world by an Architect of almighty power and perfect wisdom, is a work which will never be allowed to fail and be overthrown.”
June 29, 2018
First sentence: 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.”
J.C. Ryle's Old Paths is a must read for believers. If I were to put a hashtag on the book it would be #alwaysrelevant. I think one reason that J.C. Ryle remains relevant is because much--if not all--of his work is drawn from Scripture. That being the case, his work is timeless and relevant.
Believers of all ages could benefit from reading--from engaging in--Old Paths. The book offers much food for thought. Not that the book is hard to read and dense--it isn't. But the truths brilliantly displayed in Old Paths deserve meditation and absorption. Doctrine is to be lived. And before a doctrine can be lived it must be engaged in as an act of the mind.
This isn't a book designed to make readers feel all comfy-cozy with their faith. It just isn't. Nor is it a book designed to make readers feel so ashamed and hopeless that they never leave their rooms for fear of failure. It is a passionate plea with believers to BELIEVE what they're supposed to believe, a zealous push from behind to live out the faith. Take HOPE, find REST, experience JOY.
Chapters include:
Inspiration
Our Souls
Few Saved
Our Hope
Alive or Dead?
Our Sins
Forgiveness
Justification
The Cross of Christ
The Holy Ghost
Having the Spirit
Conversion
The Heart
Christ's Invitation
Repentance
Christ's Power to Save
Election
Perseverance
Each chapter is PACKED--and I do mean PACKED--with dazzling gems of biblical truth. It's a true treasure. It's a rewarding read. It is wonderful to come to a book and know that it is time well spent.
J.C. Ryle's Old Paths is a must read for believers. If I were to put a hashtag on the book it would be #alwaysrelevant. I think one reason that J.C. Ryle remains relevant is because much--if not all--of his work is drawn from Scripture. That being the case, his work is timeless and relevant.
Believers of all ages could benefit from reading--from engaging in--Old Paths. The book offers much food for thought. Not that the book is hard to read and dense--it isn't. But the truths brilliantly displayed in Old Paths deserve meditation and absorption. Doctrine is to be lived. And before a doctrine can be lived it must be engaged in as an act of the mind.
This isn't a book designed to make readers feel all comfy-cozy with their faith. It just isn't. Nor is it a book designed to make readers feel so ashamed and hopeless that they never leave their rooms for fear of failure. It is a passionate plea with believers to BELIEVE what they're supposed to believe, a zealous push from behind to live out the faith. Take HOPE, find REST, experience JOY.
Chapters include:
Inspiration
Our Souls
Few Saved
Our Hope
Alive or Dead?
Our Sins
Forgiveness
Justification
The Cross of Christ
The Holy Ghost
Having the Spirit
Conversion
The Heart
Christ's Invitation
Repentance
Christ's Power to Save
Election
Perseverance
Each chapter is PACKED--and I do mean PACKED--with dazzling gems of biblical truth. It's a true treasure. It's a rewarding read. It is wonderful to come to a book and know that it is time well spent.
June 3, 2014
A book to keep the faithful in Christ grounded and encouraged, and a very important read for every brother or sister in Christ, the chapter that impacted me the most is "Few Saved". If you are a true believer, you will walk away after reading this book having a more sound standing with Christ and being bolstered and encouraged. To the earthly minded reader who professes to know Christ, this person will put the book down and put it out of their minds, thinking "it doesnt take all that" "too burdensome"
November 10, 2021
Ryle’s gospel centered-ness comes through crystal clear in this volume. The simple and plain truths of the gospel are expounded with his usual clarity and profoundness. Special chapters of refreshing reminders for me came in the chapters on repentance and especially final perseverance of the saints. I was pleased to read the significance that Ryle gave to the latter. Especially considering it’s practical importance in the day to day life of a believer. Highly recommend this as an Old Path to truth.
July 4, 2025
Wonderful example of explaining core Evangelical doctrines with clarity and conviction, and applying these with urgency to the lives of believers and unbelievers alike. In addition, Ryle demonstrates the kind of civility to his opponents, both near and far theologically-speaking, that remains instructive for the Evangelicalism of our day.
May 18, 2017
This book is good for teaching basic evangelical foundations of our faith. It is a series of essays on broadly systematic themes with plenty of exhortations to the reader to not allow these doctrines to be merely mental but to produce the fruit of repentance and faith. I don't think it was originally one book but the essays were bound together because of their interrelated themes. Therefore, there is some restatement of what was already said. The only chapter I had significant disagreement with was on how few will be saved, with Bishop Ryle being amillenial in his eschatology and I postmillenial. Nevertheless the essays are sound and good for learning the faith once delivered to the saints.
March 19, 2022
If I were stranded on an island and could only bring a few select books with me—besides a few copies of the Bible—I would definitely choose this.
I love Ryle’s teachings. He is so logical and yet not rude, he combines common sense with compassion, and never loses sight of Jesus. Ryle definitely makes it up there in the top teachers like Spurgeon, Murray, Meyer, and etc.
I love Ryle’s teachings. He is so logical and yet not rude, he combines common sense with compassion, and never loses sight of Jesus. Ryle definitely makes it up there in the top teachers like Spurgeon, Murray, Meyer, and etc.
August 31, 2025
Fantastic theology. So helpful on several key doctrines, especially the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints. Also a good short review of church history and the evangelical persuasion in the Church of England, which has been its foundation since the 1600’s under Queen Elizabeth I.
It’s long, but totally worth it. Persevere!!
It’s long, but totally worth it. Persevere!!
February 19, 2021
Most needed
It seems to me that the author has given us meat which the whole church needs for today. It seems his day was very much like our own. I think if any Christian will read it with an open heart he will be better because of it.
It seems to me that the author has given us meat which the whole church needs for today. It seems his day was very much like our own. I think if any Christian will read it with an open heart he will be better because of it.
May 10, 2022
So! Much! Gospel!
Ryle is zealous for the new birth as he champions the old paths. He doesn't just defend the gospel, he "gospels." Ryle demonstrates both that evangelism should be profoundly doctrinal and that doctrinal teaching should be unapologetically and earnestly evangelistic.
Ryle is zealous for the new birth as he champions the old paths. He doesn't just defend the gospel, he "gospels." Ryle demonstrates both that evangelism should be profoundly doctrinal and that doctrinal teaching should be unapologetically and earnestly evangelistic.
August 10, 2025
Excellent book of sermons, by the readable JC Ryle. All on important subjects, from the chapter on conversion. Without conversion of the heart, we can not serve God. We have naturally neither faith nor fear nor love toward God. Without conversion, we are dead to God.
February 6, 2020
I wouldn’t be able to put into words the appreciation I have for this man’s writings. Faithful & deep, but expressed in words that are easy to understand. Highly recommend.
July 1, 2021
Have to read in small doses ...so much to absorb. Lots of wisdom in his writings!
September 20, 2024
So good! We used this for our men's Bible study. Each chapter is a stand-alone article, and each one is fantastic. Ryle is such a great communicator!
July 21, 2025
First rate. Ryle’s 2nd best book.
April 25, 2023
Published in 1877, this book is just as relevant and needed, if not more so, than when it was written. I really appreciate how Ryle laid out his papers and proceeded to explain and defend his work point by point using the simple test of the Bible.
October 1, 2014
This is my second book of Ryle's I've read and with both, I find his style and content nearly identical to Spurgeon. For that reason, those that like Spurgeon will very much like Ryle. I'm not much of a fan of either, but I do find much wisdom in what I have read.
I'm not exactly sure who a book like this might appeal to today. The content is mostly oriented toward new believers, or potential believers, but the content is most certainly above the head of anyone in those camps today. Perhaps it might be best directed toward the nominal believer who has attended church for years but never really known the gospel. I say this as much of the vocabulary used assumes a familiarity on behalf of the reader.
This is a large book. For that reason too it might not appeal to the intended audience.
I'm not exactly sure who a book like this might appeal to today. The content is mostly oriented toward new believers, or potential believers, but the content is most certainly above the head of anyone in those camps today. Perhaps it might be best directed toward the nominal believer who has attended church for years but never really known the gospel. I say this as much of the vocabulary used assumes a familiarity on behalf of the reader.
This is a large book. For that reason too it might not appeal to the intended audience.
February 8, 2013
Read this book if...
-you want learn better how to plead with a soul about salvation.
-you want your heart warmed with conviction about God's truth.
-you are a preacher and want to learn how to passionately press God's truth upon listeners.
Only negatives I have are these:
-it is a repetitive book because it consists of various papers and some of the topics and applications overlap.
-there are numerous wording glitches in the kindle version.
-you want learn better how to plead with a soul about salvation.
-you want your heart warmed with conviction about God's truth.
-you are a preacher and want to learn how to passionately press God's truth upon listeners.
Only negatives I have are these:
-it is a repetitive book because it consists of various papers and some of the topics and applications overlap.
-there are numerous wording glitches in the kindle version.
December 8, 2011
It's something that all preachers should preach.
June 4, 2012
this book was my first taste of Ryle (many years ago) and it remains today my favorite. Really enjoy reading after Ryle and highly recommend this book.
September 8, 2021
Great work and one I will read again
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews