J.C. Ryle was a prolific writer, vigorous preacher, faithful pastor, husband of three wives, (widowed three times) and the father to five children. He was thoroughly evangelical in his doctrine and uncompromising in his Biblical principles. From his conversion [in 1837] to his burial [in 1900], J.C. Ryle was a one-book man. Steeped in Scripture, it was said that he "bled the Bible." As only Ryle could say, The Bible is still "the first book which fits the child's mind when he begins to learn religion, and the last to which the old man clings as he leaves the world." This is why Ryle's works have lasted, and will continue to last. Today, more than a century after his passing, Ryle's works stand at the crossroads between the historic faith and modern evangelicalism. Like signposts, they direct us to the 'old paths.' And, like signposts, they are meant to be read.