John Charles Ryle was born on May 10, 1816 and is arguably the best-known and most influential Anglican bishop of the nineteenth century. Ryle is most celebrated for his uncompromising convictions, faithful exposition of the Scripture, powerful Christ-centered preaching, diligence in his pastoral work and clarity in his writing. Since his death on June 10, 1900, Ryle has continued to be a profound voice for the edification of the church and the furtherance of the gospel.
The following article, Sickness, was written by Ryle to pursue that purpose. He approaches this topic in a biblically faithful, pastoral and thoughtful manner.
The universal prevalence of sickness and disease
- Sickness is everywhere
- Sickness is among all classes
- Sickness is not preventable by anything man can do
- Sickness is one of the indirect evidences that the Bible is true
The general benefits which sickness confers on mankind
- Sickness helps to remind men of death
- Sickness helps to make men think seriously of God, and their souls, and the world to come
- Sickness helps to soften men’s heart’s, and teach them wisdom
- Sickness helps to level and humble us
- Sickness helps to try men’s religions, of what sort it is.
The special duties to which sickness calls us to
- Living habitually prepared to meet God
- Living habitually ready to bear it patiently
- Feel with and help your fellow man
Read Ryle’s heart on this matter, be challenged, and may it lead to a gospel-driven understanding of sickness.
Parkside Blog
Recommended Reading: Sickness
- On Fri 20, November 2009
