This book is the kind of biography that warms your heart. If you happen to be in the ministry, you will get a double blessing. Iain Murray scores again with yet another quality biography in his repertoire. In this case, he has brought to life a man so worth knowing.

Ryle’s story is compelling. Though Ryle had a godly grandfather, his father became enormously wealthy and did not raise his children to follow the Lord. At one point, Ryle seemed like a person who could never become what he finally did. He is a testament of God’s grace.

His father went bankrupt and Ryle, then in his mid-twenties,  hardly knew which way to go in life. He quickly lost two wives though he was blessed with children. Even in later life with much success in the ministry, he lost his third wife! Trials played a part, as with many such men, in the men they became.

He was a man of the Book. He studied intensely and grew to publish many impressive titles. Though he was deeply involved in the Church of England, his first allegiance was to the Lord and His Word. When his beloved son Herbert became infected with higher critical methods, he never wavered though he managed to keep a relationship with his son. The subtitle “Prepared To Stand Alone” was a worthy description of him.

You may find some of his church battles uninteresting, but you will love the man. I was greatly challenged by his life. Murray has done us a service by giving us this attractive volume. I warmly recommend it.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.