A Good Word From An Old Voice On The Pursuit Of Holiness
I’ve recently encountered the writing of J.C. Ryle (1816–1900), an Anglican Bishop who served in Liverpool. Considered by some to be the “Anglican Spurgeon”, he was a leader of the evangelical party within the Church of England. Ryle’s most influential book was Holiness: It’s Nature, Hindrances, Difficulties and Roots. Ryle sought to rekindle the pursuit of holiness in the church of England, arguing for a well-rounded and Scriptural approach.
I’ve only just begun reading Holiness but find it compelling thus far. For the past week I’ve been meditating on a paragraph from the introduction of his book. His words seem to echo many sentiments I’ve expressed in recent months as I reflect on the state of the church and our world. Ryle wrestled with many of the same issues we face today. Though written nearly 150 years ago I believe you will find his words quite relevant. Ryle reminds us that times change, but the struggles of humanity do not. There is indeed, “Nothing new under the sun.” May these old words bring a new challenge as you seek to be holy because the Lord our God is holy. Here is an excerpt from Ryle’s introduction:
I have had a deep conviction for many years that practical holiness and entire self-consecration to God are not sufficiently attended to by modern Christians in this country. Politics, or controversy, or party-spirit, or worldliness, have eaten out the heart of lively piety in too many of us. The subject of personal godliness has fallen sadly into the background. The standard of living has become painfully low in many quarters. The immense importance of "adorning the doctrine of God our Savior" (Titus 2:10), and making it lovely and beautiful by our daily habits and tempers, has been far too much overlooked.
Worldly people sometimes complain with reason that "religious" persons, so-called, are not so amiable and unselfish and good-natured as others who make no profession of religion. Yet sanctification, in its place and proportion, is quite as important as justification. Sound Protestant and Evangelical doctrine is useless if it is not accompanied by a holy life. It is worse then useless; it does positive harm. It is despised by keen-sighted and shrewd men of the world, as an unreal and hollow thing, and brings religion into contempt.
It is my firm impression that we want a thorough revival about Scriptural holiness. and I am deeply thankful that attention is being directed to the point. It is, however, of great importance that the whole subject should be placed on right foundations, and that the movement about it should not be damaged by crude, disproportion, and one-sided statements. If such statements abound, we must not be surprised. Satan knows well the power of true holiness, and the immense injury which increased attention to it will do to his kingdom. It is his interest, therefore, to promote strife and controversy about this part of God's truth. Just as in time past he has succeeded in mystifying and confusing men's minds about justification, so he is laboring in the present day to make men "darken counsel by words without knowledge" about sanctification. May the Lord rebuke him!
Ryle closes this thought be expressing a desire that might well serve as a guide for us today.
I cannot however give up the hope that good will be brought out of evil, that discussion will elicit truth, and that variety of opinion will lead us all to search the Scriptures more, to pray more, and to become more diligent in trying to find out what is "the mind of the Spirit."
May such a good and hopeful spirit characterize our prayers, words, and actions.
You can get a free version of Ryle’s book on Kindal at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YDX8LKW/?tag=egospel0f-20 You also can find a pdf version of Ryle’s book online at https://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/sdg/ryle/Holiness_-_J_C_Ryle.pdf