About this ebook
The current edition (the product of more than two years of meticulous work) attempts, as much possible, to be a faithful reproduction of the Blackie and Son (Scotland) edition, published in 1865. While no attempt has been made at a thoroughgoing modernization, genuinely obsolete words or phrases have been replaced with those more common and intelligible to the contemporary reader. Archaic spellings have been modernized. Hundreds of Scripture references are embedded with hyperlinks—no internet connection is required. Dozens of Greek and Hebrew terms are correctly rendered throughout the text.
Includes the biographical preface by J.C. Ryle, and is appended with his two sermons "The Magistrate's Portraiture" and "The Christian's Labor and Reward".
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About the author
William Gurnall was a 17th-century English Puritan pastor and theologian best known for his substantial devotional work The Christian in Complete Armour. Writing in the context of post-Reformation England and the spiritual struggles of everyday believers, Gurnall distinguished himself by combining rigorous theological reflection with intensely practical pastoral application. His work is marked by an extended meditation on spiritual warfare, drawing from Ephesians 6, and is notable for its depth, vivid imagery, and sustained exhortation toward perseverance in holiness. Unlike some of his contemporaries, Gurnall’s legacy rests almost entirely on this single, expansive treatise, which has continued to be valued for its experiential divinity and insight into the inner life of the believer.
J. C. Ryle was a 19th-century English evangelical leader whose influence extended far beyond his parish and later episcopal ministry as the first Bishop of Liverpool. Writing during a period of rapid industrial and social change, Ryle became known for his clear, direct prose and his unwavering emphasis on personal holiness, assurance of salvation, and the authority of Scripture. His works—such as Holiness and Practical Religion—reflect a pastoral concern shaped by Reformed theology and a desire to reach ordinary readers without sacrificing doctrinal substance. Ryle also stood firmly within the evangelical wing of the Church of England, often contending for Protestant convictions amid rising ritualism, and his legacy endures through his accessible yet deeply earnest approach to Christian living.
Gerald Mick is known for his work in preserving and promoting classic Reformed and Puritan literature through his role with Digital Puritan Press. With a focus on making historically significant theological works accessible to modern readers, Mick has contributed to the careful editing and republication of texts that might otherwise remain obscure or difficult to obtain. His efforts reflect a commitment to both doctrinal fidelity and practical edification, often emphasizing clarity, readability, and faithfulness to the original authors. In this way, his work functions less as original theological contribution and more as a curatorial and editorial ministry, helping to bridge the gap between early modern Protestant writings and contemporary audiences.
