Warnings to the Churches

J.C. Ryle is primarily known for his clear and vivid writings on spiritual matters, and particularly for his outstanding series of "Meditations on the Gospels." His main purpose throughout his ministry was to encourage a committed and serious Christian life. But Ryle was not naive in his idea of how to achieve it. He recognized that, as a pastor of God's flock, he had a responsibility to protect Christ's sheep and to warn them of lurking dangers. This is what he does in "Warnings to the Churches," addressing ever-relevant issues as in the chapters "Undiluted Word," "Apostolic Fears," and "The Fallibility of Ministers."

The doctrine and conduct of the Church are in constant danger of corruption by deviating from their original God-given character. In view of this, Ryle feels compelled to issue serious warnings, however controversial this may be. As he himself says: "There are times when controversy (...) is (...) a benefit. I prefer the great storm to the malaria epidemic. The latter advances in darkness and poisons us silently (...). The former frightens and terrifies for a time. But it soon passes and clears the air (p. 104)."

Ryle's writings are always marked by strong convictions and clarity of expression. Nowhere is this more evident than in the lectures and articles collected in "Warnings to the Churches."