Why We Are Republishing the Works of J.C. Ryle
At the Church of England (Continuing), we are committed to upholding the Reformed, Evangelical, and Anglican truths rooted in the 1662 Book of Common Prayer, the Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion, and the Authorised Version (KJV) of the Bible.
In this endeavor, we find a faithful ally and a powerful voice in the writings of John Charles Ryle (1816–1900), the first Bishop of Liverpool and one of the most stalwart defenders of biblical Christianity in the 19th century. Our decision to republish Ryle’s works stems from a deep conviction that his teachings remain not only relevant but urgently needed in an age when many expressions of Anglicanism have drifted from their Reformation moorings. Here, we outline why J.C. Ryle’s legacy is a cornerstone of our mission and why his writings deserve renewed attention today.
A Champion of Biblical Authority
J.C. Ryle stood unwaveringly for the supreme authority of Scripture in all matters of faith and practice—a principle at the heart of CofEC’s identity. In an era when liberal theology and skepticism began to erode confidence in the Bible, Ryle boldly declared, “Give me the plenary verbal inspiration of Scripture, and I will undertake to prove anything from it.” His writings consistently affirm that the Word of God, as preserved in the Authorised Version, is the final arbiter of truth, a stance that mirrors our own commitment to biblical orthodoxy. By republishing his works, we aim to equip believers with resources that reinforce the unchanging authority of God’s Word against the tides of modern compromise.
A Defender of Reformed Doctrine
Ryle’s theology was deeply rooted in the Protestant Reformation, which he saw as the bedrock of true Anglicanism. He tirelessly expounded the doctrines of grace—justification by faith alone, the centrality of Christ’s atoning work on the cross, and the necessity of personal repentance and faith—doctrines that resonate with the Thirty-Nine Articles and the preaching of the Reformers. In works like Holiness and Knots Untied, Ryle articulates a robust Evangelical faith that rejects ritualism and sacramentalism in favor of the simplicity and power of the Gospel. For CofEC, republishing Ryle’s writings is a means of reclaiming this Reformed heritage, offering a clear antidote to the doctrinal confusion that pervades much of contemporary Christianity.
A Faithful Exponent of Anglican Worship
While Ryle was a fierce critic of formalism and superstition, he cherished the 1662 Book of Common Prayer as a faithful expression of biblical worship. He valued its scriptural language, its emphasis on repentance and faith, and its structure that directs the heart toward God rather than man-made traditions. In his tract *The Sabbath*, for instance, Ryle defends the Lord’s Day with a reverence for the Prayer Book’s principles, arguing that its observance is both a divine command and a blessing to mankind. At CofEC, where the 1662 Prayer Book guides our worship, Ryle’s writings provide a theological foundation that strengthens our resolve to maintain this historic liturgy in its purity and power.
A Voice for Practical Godliness
Ryle was not content with mere theological precision; he insisted that doctrine must bear fruit in holy living. His pastoral heart shines through in works like Practical Religion, where he calls Christians to a life of prayer, Bible reading, and obedience to God’s commands. This emphasis on practical godliness aligns perfectly with our desire at CofEC to see congregations not only profess the truth but live it out for God’s glory. In an age of superficial spirituality, Ryle’s call to "examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith" (2 Corinthians 13:5, KJV) is a clarion call we seek to amplify through his republished works.
A Timely Warning Against Apostasy
Ryle lived in a time of spiritual decline within the Church of England, marked by the rise of Tractarianism and skepticism. He warned against these departures from biblical truth with prophetic clarity, urging the Church to return to the "old paths" of Jeremiah 6:16 (KJV), a verse we hold dear at CofEC. His writings, such as Warnings to the Churches, speak directly to our present context, where many Anglican bodies have strayed from sound doctrine. By republishing Ryle, we aim to sound the same alarm, encouraging believers to stand firm on the unchanging truths of Scripture and resist the innovations that threaten the Gospel.
Why Now?
The decision to republish J.C. Ryle’s works is not merely an act of historical preservation; it is a strategic effort to resource the Church for the challenges of today. Many Christians in the UK feel displaced by modern trends that dilute biblical orthodoxy, much as Ryle’s contemporaries did in his day. His writings offer a spiritual home—a return to the clarity, conviction, and comfort of Reformed, Evangelical Anglicanism. They provide teaching that is accessible yet profound, pastoral yet uncompromising, making them ideal for both personal edification and congregational study.
Our Commitment
In republishing Ryle’s works, we at CofEC are not simply honoring a great man; we are advancing the cause he championed—the cause of Christ and His Gospel. We invite you to explore these writings, to see in them the same truths we uphold: the authority of Scripture, the sufficiency of Christ’s atonement, and the beauty of biblical worship. As Ryle himself wrote, “The true Christian is one who has a personal knowledge of Christ, and lives as one who is not his own.” May his words inspire us to know Christ more deeply and to walk in the good way of the old paths, finding rest for our souls.
Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls.