J.C. Ryle has become one of the most loved of British authors on church matters. He was the first Bishop of Liverpool, managing to establish a thriving diocese in that most sectarian of English cities. Although a convinced evangelical he was regarded as fairminded by those who disagreed with him. Even Ryle's opponents in church politics wept when he died.

His books have remained in print for a hundred years because Ryle was able to touch the person in the street with clear teaching on doctrinal matters. He showed how the Bible was relevant.

His writings thus lend themselves to...