Holiness - Ryle - I - Preface and introduction

Required reading
Holiness by J C Ryle (available from Amazon or free on the internet, here for example) - Read Ryle's Preface and Introduction.

My summary
In the preface Ryle gives a little of the historical background that has led to his book being written.  Ryle is seeking to correct false understandings of holiness that have been generally been taught by preachers at certain camp-meetings.

To introduce his subject Ryle asks seven questions in his introduction:
1) Is it wise to speak of faith as the only thing required in handling sanctification?
2) Is it wise to make so little of the many practical exhortations in scripture to holiness in daily life?
3) Is it wise to use vague language about perfection which presses Christians to attain a standard of holiness in this life where they claim they no longer sin?
4) Is it wise to believe Romans 7 speaks of the unregenerate?
5) Is it wise to use the doctrine that 'Christ is in us' at the expense of the Holy Spirit's role?
6) Is it wise to believe there are three divisions in mankind: (i) unconverted; (ii) converted; and (iii) partakers of the higher life?
7) Is it wise to tell people to not struggle against sin but simply take a passive role of 'yielding to God'?

To all the questions Ryle answers no, it is not wise.

What grabbed me
At the beginning of the introduction Ryle gave a nice emphasis to how important it is to understand the doctrine of holiness properly: 'It is, however, of great importance that the whole subject should be placed on right foundations, and that the movement about it should not be damaged by crude, disproportioned and one-sided statements.  If such statements abound, we must not be surprised.  Satan knows well the power of true holiness and the immense injury which increased attention to it will do to his kingdom.  It is his interest, therefore, to promote strife and controversy about this part of God's truth.' 

Doctrine is important.  If anyone knows this, it is Satan.  Hopefully reading this book together in the club we will be able to promote a right understanding of holiness together and inflict serious harm on Satan's kingdom.

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.