Old Paths

Old Paths is one of J. C. Ryle's greatest works, in which he dispenses lessons upon many of the tenets of Christian doctrine, that readers may live mindful lives close to God.

Discussing a sequence of topics, all of which hold great significance in the Christian faith, Ryle arranges his book in a way which ensures each chapter brims with depth. Many of his assertions are supported with references to scripture, and there is a strain of encouragement throughout all the text: anyone may be redeemed, anyone can still grow spiritually, and all may seek the Lord at any time of life. 

Ryle does not shy from discussing the raw truths of faith: he frankly states that God, and Christ acting through God, have saved only a small number of faithful. However he also notes how so many believers have, against the odds, redeemed their souls and themselves when at the brink of losing their souls altogether. Indeed it is the concluding chapter, which examines the attribute of perseverance in scripture and in life, that rightly concludes this redemptive theme. 

Christ's importance to the individual believer is covered in a series of chapters. Ryle discusses concepts such as Christ's capacity to wash away sins and save those who have committed sin, that Jesus actively invites believers to come to him and receive the peace and rest that our hearts desire. Ryle also expounds upon great significance of the cross, both as a symbol and as an object of great meaning to Christians. 

Perhaps most notably for a Christian author is J. C. Ryle's supreme accessibility; speaking in a clear yet educated tone, he ably introduces and by stages deepens discussion on subjects without becoming dry or over-complicated. Readers are sure to find Ryle's style easy to digest, and their progress toward assimilating the many spiritual lessons found in this volume be swift and beneficent. 

This edition of Ryle's work includes all of his original notes, which are situated near to the paragraphs in which they occur. The scriptural references are also included, as is a concluding and lengthy note appended to the original edition of 1878.