From the Introduction to "Holiness": "The twenty papers contained in this volume are a humble contribution to a cause which is exciting much interest in the present day--I mean the cause of Scriptural holiness. It is a cause which everyone who loves Christ, and desires to advance His kingdom in the world, should endeavour to help forward. Worldly people sometimes complain with reason that "religious" persons, so-called are not so amiable and unselfish and good-natured as others who make no profession of religion. Yet sanctification is quite as important as justification. It is of great importance that the whole subject should be placed on right foundations."
In "Practical Religion", Ryle explores the daily realities and necessities of the Christian life. Through frank and scriptural discussions about prayer, bible reading, communion, fellowship, and other vital topics, Ryle gives classic yet fresh direction to the believer hungry for Bible truth.
From the first chapter of "Thoughts for Young Men": I shudder to think how few young men are led by the Spirit, how few are on that narrow road which leads to life, how few are setting their affections on things above, how few are taking up the cross, and following Christ. Young men, you form a large and most important class in the population of this country; but where, and in what condition, are your souls? Let us ask any faithful minister of the gospel, and note what he will tell us. How many unmarried young people can he remember who come to the Lord's Supper? Who are the most backward about the doctrines of salvation, the most irregular about Sunday services, the most difficult to draw to weekly Bible studies and prayer meetings, the most inattentive to whatever is being preached? Which part of his congregation fills him with the most anxiety? Who in his flock are the hardest to manage, who require the most frequent warnings and rebukes, who cause him the greatest uneasiness and sorrow, who keep him most constantly in fear for their souls, and seem the most hopeless? His answer will always be, "The Young Men!"
This volume contains Holiness, Practical Religion, and Thoughts for Young Men.