If the best way to understand the Christian Faith is to read the Gospels, then the next best books to read, other than the scriptures, have to be those which aid in understanding the Gospels. Observing this need in his own parish, J.C. Ryle prepared his Expository Thoughts on the Gospels which have enriched the earth for more than a century with undiminished popularity and usefulness. His plain and pointed words are a stimulus to the reading of the Bible itself fulfilling his main objective which is to help the reader know Christ himself.