BISHOP J.C. RYLE’S AUTOBIOGRAPHY:
The Early Years
Editor Andrew Atherstone
Banner of Truth. 359 pages. £15.50
ISBN 978 1 848 716 865
Many may be surprised that two centuries after his birth an autobiography by J.C. Ryle has appeared in print.
The explanation lies in the fact that when written in 1872 it was originally intended only for Ryle’s family. It covers his background, his growing up in Cheshire, his education, and finishes in 1861 with him ministering in Suffolk. This published work is greatly enhanced by the editor who has incorporated information about individuals mentioned in the text. About half of the volume is made up of various appendices which include examples of his early tracts, a narrative of Ryle’s conversion and other relevant material. There is extensive illustration through old family photos.
Instructive work
Some may not find this book sufficiently attractive to pay the price that a hardback costs these days; however, I certainly found it an instructive work in several respects. I cannot think of many accessible works which give such an insight into the family life of English gentry in the early 19th century. Furthermore, the insight comes precisely because Ryle looks at the early period of his life from a spiritual vantage point.
Ryle was converted at the end of his time at Oxford, when aged 21. Like many since then, this work of God in his life brought to him a whole host of difficulties. However, the biggest impact upon the course of his life was probably the experience of his father’s bankruptcy. After that the only feasible option appeared to be ordination and in the wisdom of God that is what happened.
The ordinary church minister
We often think of Ryle as the Bishop and Author. However this volume reveals the ministry he exercised for the greater portion of his life in an ordinary church. It shows how alive he was to the folly of some evangelicals (instanced in his opinion of a Ventnor vicar preaching on the details of Revelation to the sick). It shows his pastoral insight and concern for those in his congregation (for example in the Appendix, which includes his New Year tracts). There are many such insights which will benefit those willing to read this work.
