J.C.Ryle was born at Macclesfield in 1816, the son of John and Susanna Ryle. His father was a banker. It was after suffering a severe chest infection at the age of about 14years, that he sought God by reading the Bible and earnest prayer. He arrived late for church during that time and hearing Ephesians 2 being quoted and, verse 8 standing out, he turned to God and found Him as Saviour with no human aid but from the illumination of the verse to his soul. Ryle showed promise as student doing exceptionally well in sport and academics at Eton and the Oxford University. His initial intentions were to stand for parliament and follow a political career but his father’s bank having to declare bankruptcy, he felt compelled to enter the ministry of the Church of England. He was ordained in 1842 and first went to Exbury, Hampshire later St Thomas, Winchester after which he went to Helmingham, Suffolk. In 1861, he resigned from Helmington to go to the vicarage of Stradbroke which was restored under his care. He preached at Cambridge in 1873 and at Oxford between 1874 and 1876 as well as 1879 and 1880. He was also appointed Dean of Salisbury. Ryle was known for his uncompromising preaching and keen trust in the Scriptures alone. He wrote many books as well as tracts and the written text continues to inspire many to a deeper walk with God. He died in 1900 at the ripe age of 90.