Straightforward Thoughts for Young Men

For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary the one to the other - Galatians 5:17

Young men, you form a large and very important class in the population of this country; but where, and in what condition, are your souls? I am growing old myself, but there are few things that I can remember so well as the days of my youth. I have a most distinct recollection of the joys and the sorrows, the hopes and the fears, the temptations and the difficulties, the mistaken judgments and the misplaced affections, and the errors and the aspirations which surround and accompany a young man's life. If I can only say something to keep some young man walking in the right way and preserve him from faults and sins, which may hurt his prospects both for time and eternity, I shall be very thankful. There are four things which I propose to do:

1. I will mention some general reasons why young men need exhorting.
2. I will note some special dangers which young men need to be warned about.
3. I will give some general advice which I beg young men to receive.
4. I will set down some special rules of conduct which I strongly advise young men to follow.

On each of these four points I have something to say, and my young friend, I pray to God that what I say may do good to your soul.

- J. C. Ryle

Updated edition based on Thoughts for Young Men