One of my favorite writers is J.C. Ryle. His book, “Holiness” written in 1877 was one of the most nourishing books to my heart I have ever read. Known as a great theologian, bishop, preacher and man, many folks may forget that John Charles Ryle was also a parent to five children.
J.C. Ryle suffered much heartache in his life. Most heartbreaking was the fact that he was widowed three times. Here is a brief snapshot of Ryle’s marriage and family life as described by William P. Farley:
“Ryle suffered through the poor health of his first two wives. At age 29, he married Matilda Plumptre. After a few years, she died leaving him a baby daughter to care for. Then, death took his mother, older brother, and younger sister. He felt like Job undergoing God’s trials."
“At age 33, he married longtime friend, Jessie Walker, and once again, joy and happiness filled his rural cottage. After 6 months of marriage, Jessie developed a lingering sickness from which she never recovered. Ryle nursed her for 10 years while managing their growing family (Jessie gave birth to four children). In addition to this stress, he managed his pastoral responsibilities."
“During these years, Ryle began receiving speaking engagements. Because of his love for Jessie he often traveled 30 miles in an open carriage in the dead of winter rather than spend a night away from her. In Ryle’s 43rd year, Jessie died. For a second time he was widowed, with five children for which to care."
“At age 45, he was transferred to the parish at Stradbroke. There he met Henrietta Clowes and married a third time. Unlike his previous wives, Henrietta enjoyed good health. This marriage proved long and fruitful.” [Henrietta died in 1889, Ryle died 11 years later in 1900]
In the midst of this intense grief and pain, Ryle was still a father, parenting his children to love God and His Word. In this context, he wrote an inspiring 34 page booklet titled “The Duties of Parents.” Here is a brief introduction to the booklet:
“Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” [Proverbs 22:6]
“I believe that most professing Christians are acquainted with this text. The sound of it is probably very familiar to your ears, like an old tune. It is likely that you have heard it, or read it, talked of it, or quoted it, many times."
“Permit a word of exhortation from a minister, about the right training of children. Believe me, the subject is one that should hit home to every conscience, and make every one ask himself the question, “In the matter of training children, am I doing what I am supposed to do?”
“You can be sure, that if you want to train your children for heaven, then the hints that follow ought not to be lightly set aside.”
(Over the next few days, I will present some of J.C. Ryle’s hints.)
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