Happiness

by J.C. Ryle, Mary Davis (Editor)

JC Ryle was a faithful evangelical Christian and prolific writer as well as Bishop of Liverpool; his larger works such as Holiness and Practical Religion have never been out of print since they were written in the later nineteenth century. But Ryle also wrote shorter works that are of great value. In this new series these have been lightly updated and produced for the twenty-first century church. The needs that Ryle identified and that led him to write have not changed! Happiness addresses a topic that has fascinated mankind and remains a hot topic what is true happiness? How can it be found and held on to, even when life throws a curved ball? Ryle gives answers you can trust and that all Christians will find helpful.

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Theology, Christianity, Christian Non Fiction

60 pages, Paperback

Published January 18, 2018

About the author

(John Charles Ryle) Ryle started his ministry as curate at the Chapel of Ease in Exbury, Hampshire, moving on to become rector of St Thomas's, Winchester in 1843 and then rector of Helmingham, Suffolk the following year. While at Helmingham he married and was widowed twice. He began publishing popular tracts, and Matthew, Mark and Luke of his series of Expository Thoughts on the Gospels were published in successive years (1856-1858). His final parish was Stradbroke, also in Suffolk, where he moved in 1861, and it was as vicar of All Saints that he became known nationally for his straightforward preaching and firm defence of evangelical principles. He wrote several well-known and still-in-print books, often addressing issues of contemporary relevance for the Church from a biblical standpoint. He completed his Expository Thoughts on the Gospels while at Stradbroke, with his work on the Gospel of John (1869). His third marriage, to Henrietta Amelia Clowes in 1861, lasted until her death in 1889.

Reviews

[Lacey Leazer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good quick read! Only 52 pages long so very easy to read during an afternoon. I enjoyed this book as a simple refresher and exhortation to find happiness in Christ. This book helped me understand peace and happiness are wrapped up together or as some say “grow on the same tree as each other.”

[Cameron McCartney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this quick read. Ryle writes with accessible style for one to read this book briefly and understandably.

I’m not sure if I agree with Ryle’s philosophy that all non-Christians are unhappy, but I like how Ryle presented the gospel in this book in a way that those who do feel unhappy, and realise their need for satisfaction in something which is outside our world, are pointed toward Christ.

Ryle helpfully points out the difference between real Christianity and fake Christianity, a topic which does need clear explanation for one who is outside of Christian circles. He shows that the true gospel, which puts God’s salvation through Christ at the very centre, is the only way to find all-encompassing, lasting happiness.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short and sweet from J.C. Ryle - like a Werther's Original for the heart.

It's basically an evangelistic tract: "The true Christian alone is the one who is truly happy, and the way to be happy is to be a true Christian." But it's a bear-hug of a reminder for believers, too.

If I were reworking this for the 21st century, I'd add some other ways we seek happiness. Ryle deals with wealth, rank, comforts, and intelligence. I think our generation seeks fulfilment in different spheres: relationships (both romantic and familial); self-expression; global harmony (how can I be at peace in view of international violence, pandemics, climate change and inequality?); and physical flourishing (how can I be happy when my biochemistry makes me anxious, depressed, neurodivergent, etc?)

A helpful reminder that we have far more fundamental conscience-needs and soul-needs.

[bex 🌱 · Rating 5 out of 5]

short, sweet & interesting

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. Short and compact (52 pages), it is challenging and thought-provoking about the happiness we are all looking for and how to truly find it.

[Jonathan Downing · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great short exposition on how the Christian faith offers lasting happiness. Can be read within an hour easily. J.C. Ryle never fails to write fantastic simple prose, brilliantly accessible 130 years on.

[Mackenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

“To be truly happy, a person must be able to look in every direction without uncomfortable feelings. They must be able to look back to the past without guilty fears; they must be able to look around themselves without discontent; they must be able to look forward without anxious dread. They must be able to sit down and think calmly about things past, present, and things to come, and feel prepared. The person who has a direction that he does not like to contemplate or think about is not really happy.”

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Closely tied to contentment. A question worth exploring: are you truly happy? What (Who) is the way to true happiness?
A purse-sized book, great to carry and read in nibbles instead of scrolling my phone.

[Josh Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a simplicity to the writing of the older authors and yet a profundity. Solid Biblical advice regarding the pursuit of happiness in the heart of mankind.

I am going to look into getting the public domain of this file and republishing it for our church members. The original text will have the King James as originally written. It will flow more naturally with the words of Ryle. Not a big fan of taking older works and using a different version of the Bible than when it was written.

[Jonny · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short book on the key to happiness I got through while waiting in the airport.

[Aiden Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little book about what Happiness rooted in God looks like practically in one’s life.

[Maria Liu]

couldn’t sleep so read this short book instead - glad I did!

[Barnaby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, pithy, no frills. Exposes the inadequacies of the modern pursuit of happiness and points to a better answer, both for now and forever.

[David Dunlap · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short, concise book on the subject of happiness -- what it is, what it is not, the various ways we erroneously search for it, and the Only True Source of happiness. (Given the fact that the author was an evangelical Anglican bishop, it comes as no surprise that this True Happiness comes from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.) The book is clear and easily understood -- I have not compared the original text to this 'lightly edited and updated' version, but it is well done. (By my lights, I find that Dr. Ryle seems to conflate 'happiness' and 'joy' at times...but this is a minor semantic quibble...)

[Alice Oliver · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a sweet book and reminded me of some things I’d forgotten/ hadn’t let myself think about for a while. I love all the references to the Bible so that I can read the passages myself and I also love how he goes into detail about all the things we believe we will find happiness in but won’t and the reasons why + evidence to support it! My only complaint is that it was difficult to wrap my head around at times as it was originally written so long ago and showed but sometimes it’s nice to go back to the past to see how it’s still relevant today! I would recommend reading it but not when you’re tired.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short but excellent book on the nature of true happiness and where to find it.

[Peter Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before John Piper, there were guys like Edwards and JC Ryle saying the same thing! This is a short, punchy book, getting at the reality that Christianity is the answer to our pursuit of joy. We cannot be truly happy with anything else. Fame, fortune, and the accumulation of possessions cannot satisfy or keep the soul happy. Happiness can only truly endure in a life connected to Jesus by faith in the good news about his death, burial and resurrection for sinners. Do you want to be happy? Run to God through Jesus! Or, as Ryle puts it, "I beg you, by the mercies of God, to come to Christ. In view of the fact that you want to be happy, I beg you to come to Christ. Shake off any delay. Awake from your slumber; get up and be free! Come to Christ today."

[Dustin Tramel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you yourself really feel happy? "True happiness is not perfect freedom from sorrow and discomfort." p.12, "To be truly happy, a person must have sources of gladness which do not depend on anything in this world." p.15, "The true Christian is the only truly happy person." p34, "But deep down in their heart, they have a mine of solid peace and substantial joy which is never exhausted." p.35, "The true Christian is the only truly happy person because they have sources of happiness which are entirely independent of this world." p.37, "The plain truth is that without Christ there is no happiness in this world." p.39

[Ben Wooding · Rating 5 out of 5]

JC Ryle picks a fight with you on whether you have truly understood the gospel of Jesus Christ. If you have not, you will likely be offended, by what he says. But as one who cannot see any way that life would be better without Jesus, I cannot find fault with his argument.

“Believers, if you want to be even happier in Christ’s service, work hard each year to grow in grace. Beware of standing still. The holiest men are always the happiest. Let your aim be every year to be more holy; to know more, to feel more, to see more of the fullness of Christ. Do not rest upon old grace; do not be content with the degree of grace that you have so far attained.” (Pg.50-51)

[Jonathan Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryle summarizes his main point this way: I say that there is no happiness among worldly people which can possibly compare with that of the true Christian.

And he argues this very cogently. With lots of scripture and logic. Very well done.

A final quote: I know these are age-old thoughts. They have been said a thousand times before without effect and I suppose they will be said without again effect. The stubbornness with which we seek happiness where happiness cannot be found is extraordinary.

[Carmen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I agree with what Ryle is saying but I am only giving 3 stars for the book since I believe the Scripture referencing in this book is inadequate. If you any longing to become more holy and pursue contentment in Christ, I recommend Christian Hedonism by John Piper. Piper is essentially tackling the same question as Ryle (where and how to find happiness) but gives more attention to the Word of God and to the theological foundation to happiness in God.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a light read with meaningful truths that were delivered in such a kind way without the guilt trip. You can hear the heart Ryle has for people to come to Christ and the compassion his voice carries, it encourages you to listen and understand thoughtfully.
Will be reading over and over again!

[Emily Granier · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a decent read, it definitely would have helped me more as a “newer” christian with it being geared towards non believers and new believers looking for next steps. it didn’t get into practicals for believers until the last 5 pages of the book, but i still found it appealing to know and remember what i felt as a non believer when i looked at true christ-followers!

[Nicholas Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ryle’s short little book on happiness is a great apologetic for the Christian faith but also a simple and straightforward reminder that the Christian faith should be accompanied by a deep joy and happiness in God.

[Alex Stein · Rating 5 out of 5]

We all want to be happy yet look in the wrong direction for true happiness. Our happiness should be found in Christ and not the temporary pleasures of the world that only leave us wanting more. Only Christ can give true, lasting happiness.

[Joe Koehler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great little tract-type book that reads a little lighter than Ecclesiastes, challenging its readers to consider the shallowness of all happiness that is not ultimately grounded in Christ. Bought it as graduation gift for Seniors. Good Read

[Myra-Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short & sweet write up on happiness - that which all human beings look for in life. Ryle shows how happiness & holiness are inseparable, and encourages readers to reconsider their pursuit of happiness in life.

[Petra Stoneman · Rating 5 out of 5]

J.C.Ryle is always to the point, and this little book is no different! It would be a great gift for someone seeking purpose and happiness in life apart from Christ, but it is just as inspirational and thought-provoking for Christians, a great reminder to keep your eyes on what truly matters in this life.

[Isaac · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick read (you can listen to it on YouTube in 1hr and 11min). Very helpful. There’s a deeper happiness and eternal satisfaction to be found in God than the temporary pleasures the world has to offer.

[Blake Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

“To be truly happy, the needs of your souls and consciences must be satisfied.”
Come to Christ; He will give rest for your soul.
Brief, simple, and stirs the affections for Christ.
Ryle has become a household favorite.