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Thoughts for Young Men

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Ryle's work is timeless. You will chuckle at some of the exhortations to stay away from books and newspapers that will lead to sin. If only Ryle could see us now, with cable tv and the internet.

Ryle's advice is biblical and practical. It is wise. It will help any young man who takes it seriously to live a more obedient, full life.

This is an excellent book for adolescent and teen boys to read. It encourages them to choose the high path of integrity rather than to yield to the many temptations to stray from that path. The author's style is one of a passionate appeal based on solid logic and the truth of the Scriptures.

We have been using this book for our family devotions for the whole family. This is not just for young men but for old men too. This book really speaks to the heart. I love the way Ryle appeals to every person with love felt compassion. I feel he is sitting right there in the living room appealing to us to live for the Lord. I had never read a book by Ryle and have been very impressed at his appeals and how he draws one to the Lord and godly living for Him.

I have recently read this book and must say it has really changed my outlook at life. Sin is a powerful thing, and Mr. Ryle does an outstanding job at presenting these issues. I now want to "live for my soul" as Ryle states in this book. I like how Ryle doesn't hold back in his teachings, he brings the issues right in your face and really makes you think about how you are living your life. Young men, if you want to be a great warrior for the Lord, then read this book and take what it says to heart.

J.C. Ryle (1816-1900) was the first Bishop of Liverpool (Anglican Church). This book is a short yet passionate plea of a man in the latter years of life who was no doubt qualified to address young men. Page after page one finds that this booklet is full of truths that are no less relevant today than as when they were written more than a hundred years ago.

The books is divided into four sections with a conclusion. In section one, Ryle begins with reasons for his exhorting young men. In section two, he then focuses on five specific dangers which young men to be warned of (e.g. pride, the love of pleasure, the fear of man's opinions, etc.). In section three, he outlines some general suggestions which he entreats young men to receive and then in section four he lays down some practical specific "rules of conduct" which he strongly advises young men to follow. Ryle then concludes with the results of heeding such exhortations as he has laid out.

I read this book on a bus ride to the mall . . . and I'm so grateful that I did. In the preface to the book, J.C. Ryle wrote this:

"I am growing old myself, but there are few things I remember so well as the days of my youth. I have a most distinct recollection of the joys and the sorrows, the hopes and the fears, the temptations and the difficulties, the mistaken judgments and the misplaced affections, the errors and the aspirations, which surround and accompany a young man's life. If I can only say something to keep some young man in the right way, and preserve him from faults and sins, which may mar his prospects both for time and eternity, I shall be very thankful" (p.5).

Well J.C., you did your job with me--thanks. While I know men such as him are not popular nowadays, I cannot do justice to my own conscience if I do not say that his exhortations are more practical and timely than many of today's most popular authors.

My husband picked up this little booklet asking me to read through it for our young son (age 6). While this booklet is "Thoughts for Young Men," and is written with young men in mind, the principles and the admonitions certainly apply to all regardless of age or gender. This brief treatise is timeless because it is grounded in the timeless truth of Scripture.

There are many precious "gems" tucked into this booklet; I share with you here a few of these great "pearls of wisdom:"

"Habits have deep roots. Once sin is allowed to settle in your heart, it will not be turned out at your bidding. Custom becomes second nature and its chains are not easily broken." (pg. 10)

"Habits are like stones rolling downhill-the further they roll, the faster and more ungovernable their course. Habits, like trees are strengthened by age." (pg. 11)

"Seek the Lord early, and so you will be spared many a bitter tear." (pg. 17)

"What youth sows, age must reap." (pg 18)

"Don't worry what the world says or thinks: you will not always be with the world." (pg. 41)

"The world is only too ready to wink at youthful sins. The world appears to think it a matter of course that young men must 'sow their wild oats'." (pg. 52-53)

"Young men, I charge you to make a habit of reading the Bible, and not let the habit be broken." (pg. 56)

"You can be sure that no wicked man ever meant to be so wicked at his first beginnings. But he began with allowing himself some little sins, and that led on to something greater, and that in time produced something greater still." (pg. 66)

Indeed, there is much to digest in this booklet, but it is certainly well worth the read. While it was written some time ago (J.C. Ryle died in 1900), it is very accessible and would make a great gift for 12-14 year old young men. J.C. Ryle writes with fervent passion and urgency. This is an exhortation to not only young men, but any Christian seeking to do the will of Christ. May readers of this book get a greater sense of awe for our magnificent Creator and may they see the bountiful blessings of His matchless grace and mercy!

In the book of Titus, Paul instructs his appointed minister to "urge the young men to be sensible" (2:6). J.C. Ryle (1816-1900) takes this text as his starting point in this powerful exhortation, appropriately titled, Thoughts for Young Men. Ryle writes, "When St. Paul wrote his Epistle to Titus about his duty as a minister, he mentioned young men as a class requiring peculiar attention...I am going to follow the apostle's advice. I propose to offer a few words of friendly exhortation to young men."

Thus, Ryle's simple thesis. The outline of the book is simple as well. Ryle continues,

"There are four things which I propose to do:

1. I will mention some general reasons why young men need exhorting.

2. I will mention some special dangers against which young men need to be warned.

3. I will give some general counsels which I entreat young men to receive.

4. I will set down some special rules of conduct which I strongly advise young men to follow.

On each of these four points I have something to say and I pray God that what I say may do good to some soul."

Ryle unfolds these four thoughts in clear, straightforward, convicting fashion. And, although this book was written in the late 1800's, the exhortations contained therein could have easily been written for today's young men. Ryle laments,

Young men, you are a large and most important class in the population of this country; but where, and in what condition are you immortal souls?...Let us ask any faithful minister of the gospel, and mark what he will tell us...Who are the most backward about the means of grace,--the most irregular about Sunday services,--the most difficult to draw to weekly lectures and prayer meetings,--the most inattentive under preaching at all times?...Who are the first to be led away from what is right, and the last to remember cautions and good advice?

Granted, this is not the case with all young men, but we would certainly agree that it is the case, unfortunately, with many. Young men are hard to convince of their need for Christ because they do not see that death is near. They see themselves as young, happy, free, with much life ahead of them. But Ryle reminds the young men, "...it is appointed unto you once to die; and however strong and healthy you may be now, the day of your death is perhaps very near."

Some might cringe at the morbidity of such a statement. Others might be refreshed with such a bold statement proclaimed in a society where young men rarely consider the weight of death and immortality. Ryle continues and exhorts young men to wake up and to stop putting off spiritual priorities to the next day.

Tomorrow is the devil's day, but today's is God's. Satan cares not how spiritual your intentions may be, and how holy your resolutions, if only they are fixed for tomorrow. Oh, give not place to the devil in this matter! Answer him, "No Satan! It shall be today: today!

Ryle goes on to outline specific dangers that young men face. In particular, he mentions, pride, love of pleasure, thoughtlessness and inconsideration, contempt of Christianity and the fear of man's opinion. Young men must be aware of how susceptible they are to such dangers and take care to steer clear of these potential snares.

In the third section, he instructs his readers to 1) get a good view of the evil of sin; 2) become well acquainted with the Lord Jesus Christ; 3) never forget that nothing is as important as their souls; 4) remember that it is possible to be a young man and yet serve God, 5) make the Bible their guide and advisor and finally; 6) never make an intimate friend of anyone who is not a friend of God. In this last point, he makes sure his readers understand that he is referring not to acquaintances, but our most intimate friends.

In the final section of the book, Ryle give his final admonitions. Ryle exhorts his young readers to 1) break off from any known sin, no matter how small; 2) stay away from tempting situations; 3) remember that God's eyes see all; 4) be regular in making good use of the means of grace (church, listening to preaching, fellowship, etc.); and 5) pray. Under each of these exhortations, Ryle gives practical advice as to how to carry out his counsel, further Scriptural support for his exhortations, and various illustrations. Benefits that will flow from such pursuits will be a happy soul and eternal blessing; not to mention joyous parents.

This is a wonderful little book and deserves to be read and reread. It will benefit any young man who takes serious its contents. I highly recommend it!

Amazing small "book" that should be given to any and all young men. The contents are as if JC Ryle were living today and his words are so pinpoint to admonishing our young generation. I went through this book with a young man in my youth group and he hates to read, but by the end of our study he had so many highlighted portions it was hard to discern what WASN'T important to the young man.

JC Ryle, as usual, flows very well and his words are very poetic and well thought out. This book is not outdated so please don't think just becuase it was written in the mid 19th century that it doesn't have any value any more.

Pick this up for any young man in your life. You won't be disappointed.

This is a fine copy of Ryle's classic book and at $.99, it should be downloaded on every kindle that is used by tween or teen boys. While I first started with this edition, I also puchased another edition that has a study guide, which you'll find here:Thoughts for Young Men With Study Guide Whether or not you go the study guide route, this is a well-written, plain-spoken book that will stand the test of time for generations.

Although this book is good for all men, this book is a gem to teens and college student. It is masterpiece..This covers many aspects of a young mans life from pride to sexual purity...This book is full of Godly information, that is sure to convict, and lead to a deeper faith, obedience and walk with the Jesus Christ. This book should be given to every young man that you know, or all the ones that are in your church. This book needs to be distributed in bulk.