Sickness

None of us likes to be sick. But as J. C. Ryle points out, sickness, like the sin that caused it, is universal to all mankind. And while sickness is indeed a misery, Ryle shows that, at the same time, it confers general benefits on mankind. He writes, “It is a blessing quite as much as a curse. It is a rough schoolmaster, I grant. But it is a real friend to man’s soul.” He goes on to describe some of the ways that God uses sickness for good and the special duties that its prevalence requires, concluding with some words of practical application. We can do no better than to heed Ryle’s final exhortation, “In sickness and in health, in life and in death, let us lean confidently on Him.”

Is illness merely a biological accident, or does it carry a divine message? In this profound and timeless classic, Bishop J.C. Ryle addresses the universal reality that sooner or later, sickness visits every home. With his characteristic clarity and pastoral warmth, Ryle transforms our perspective on physical suffering, revealing that the sickbed is often the most effective school for the soul. Far from being a meaningless calamity, he argues that infirmity is a "messenger from God" sent to humble our pride, test our faith, and remind us of the frailty of life. This book is an essential guide for anyone facing pain, caring for the ill, or preparing for the inevitable, offering biblical wisdom to find purpose, patience, and a closer walk with the Great Physician in the midst of trial.