John Charles Ryle. Thoughts for Young Men. Pensacola, FL: Chapel Library, August 17, 2015. 44 pp.
5 out of 5
Free: Chapel Library
Purchase: Amazon (99 cents for Kindle)
What is a book a young person can read to grow spiritually and maturity? This is a classic by John Charles Ryle that is a timeless classic. I think given our time this is also edifying for people in their 20s to also read. John Charles Ryle who is best known by his pen name J.C. Ryle wrote this filled with godly and biblical exhortations that isn’t just applicable to his time period. In fact in reading this the second time and also in conjunction with the youths in our church (pre-teens and teens) I felt it is more relevant and edifying than when I first read it ten years ago in my 20s.
This booklet is divided into four sections. Part one is “Reasons for Exhorting Young Men” while section two is “Dangers to Young Men” followed by “General Counsels to Young Men” and finally “Special Rules for Young Men.” Each section has five through six sub-points. For instance under the first section on dangers to young men the sub-points gives reasons such as “Having Religion,” “Forgetting Judgment,” “Determining the Future,” “Dealing with the Devil” and “Saving from Sorrow.” Those reasons are quite timeless as to why readers should read this book and I love how the first section establish why this booklet is so important.
While Ryle didn’t focus only on one passage to base his message nevertheless I like the many Scripture that he referenced such as commands, exhortations, sayings in Proverbs and examples in Old and New Testament narratives. There’s a lot of materials for good discussions if you want to use this as a resource for discipling someone. I appreciate Ryle tackling common struggles of those who are young from the issue of pride, the desire of pleasure and fear of opinion of others. I wished more youth groups would use this book as a resource! I also appreciate that Ryle’s work isn’t just about avoiding sin but also encouraged readers to serve God and the importance of serving God in one’s youth. Also the book isn’t just legalism as the book does talk about God’s grace including the means of grace through the Word of God and prayer. I recommend this booklet.
