J. C. Ryle is best known for his plain and lively writings on practical and spiritual themes. His great aim, in all his ministry, was to encourage strong and serious Christian living. He recognized that, as a pastor of the flock of God, he had a responsibility to guard Christ's sheep and to warn them whenever he saw approaching dangers. His love for the church shines through all his preaching and writing. His fearless proclamation of biblical truths, his insight into the dangers threatening the church, his practical wisdom and his penetrating comments are as wise and relevant today as they were when he first wrote them.