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The Bruised Reed
Richard Sibbes (or Sibbs) (1577–1635) was an English theologian. He is known as a Biblical exegete, and as a representative, with William Perkins and John Preston, of what has been called "main-line" Puritanism.
147 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1630
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About the author
Richard Sibbes
238 books101 followersRichard Sibbes was born at Tostock, Suffolk, in 1577 and went to school in Bury St Edmunds. His father, 'a good sound-hearted Christian', at first intended that Richard should follow his own trade as a wheelwright, but the boy s 'strong inclination to his books, and well-profiting therein' led to his going up to St John's College, Cambridge in 1595. He was converted around 1602-3 through the powerful ministry of Paul Bayne, the successor of William Perkins in the pulpit of Great St Andrew's Church.
After earning his B.D. in 1610, Sibbes was appointed a lecturer at Holy Trinity Church, Cambridge. Later, through the influence of friends, he was chosen to be the preacher at Gray's Inn, London, and he remained there until 1626. In that year he returned to Cambridge as Master of St Catherine's Hall, and later returned to Holy Trinity, this time as its vicar. He was granted a Doctorate in Divinity in 1627, and was thereafter frequently referred to as 'the heavenly Doctor Sibbes'. He continued to exercise his ministry at Gray's Inn, London, and Holy Trinity, Cambridge, until his death on 6 July 1635 at the age of 58.
After earning his B.D. in 1610, Sibbes was appointed a lecturer at Holy Trinity Church, Cambridge. Later, through the influence of friends, he was chosen to be the preacher at Gray's Inn, London, and he remained there until 1626. In that year he returned to Cambridge as Master of St Catherine's Hall, and later returned to Holy Trinity, this time as its vicar. He was granted a Doctorate in Divinity in 1627, and was thereafter frequently referred to as 'the heavenly Doctor Sibbes'. He continued to exercise his ministry at Gray's Inn, London, and Holy Trinity, Cambridge, until his death on 6 July 1635 at the age of 58.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 587 reviews
October 31, 2024
Read slowly. Highly recommend if you feel confused, lost, or discouraged. A great treatise on the Christian idea of the now and the not yet.
June 23, 2013
I think Martin Lloyd Jones' endorsement of this book is a good place to start: "I shall never cease to be grateful to...Richard Sibbs who was balm to my soul at a period in my life when I was overworked and badly overtired, and therefore subject in an unusual manner to the onslaughts of the devil...I found at that time that Richard Sibbes who was known in London in the early seventeenth century as 'The Heavenly Doctor Sibbes' was an unfailing remedy."
There are many reasons why we may feel like this: our struggle with sin is finding little or no progress, we are overwhelmed by the remaining corruption that abounds in our hearts, we have been blindsided by devestating circumstances, we have entered into a perpetual state of doubt regarding the reality of our salvation, or a combination of all the above. Many of us can attest to the fact that we have often felt like a bruised reed.
The good news that Sibbes labors to provide his readers in this wonderful little book is that truth found in Isaiah 42:3: Jesus will not break the bruised reed, nor will he extinguish a dimly burning wick. On the contrary, Christ cherishes the least amount of grace in a believer's heart and seeks to fan it into flame. Sibbes realizes that we, like the author of Hebrews reminds us, "are in need of endurance" (Hebrews 10:36), in times where we feel only steps away from foregoing the battle altogether. In order to provide us with the strength to persevere, Sibbes gives hopeful counsel. Although there is much excellent material throughout this book, for the sake of space I will mention only a few.
1. First, we need to remember that bruising is absolutely essential. "This bruising is required before conversion that so that Spirit may make way for himself into the heart by levelling all proud, high thoughts, and that we may understand ourselves to be what indeed we are by nature" (4). It is also essential after conversion, "After conversion we need bruising so that reeds may know themselves to be reeds, and not oaks" (5). There is good reason for why Christ, in his wisdom, bruises us. One primary reason is so that we might be humbled and brought off of relying upon ourselves. Sibbes later explains, "Hence proceed those spiritual desertions in which he often leaves us to ourselves, in regard to both grace and comfort, that we may know the spring head of these to be outside ourselves" (115). Christ bruises us in order to show us, mercifully, that we are fully dependent upon Him.
2. Christ may allow us to be conquered by sin in order to help us have victory over other, more serious sins. Sibbes explains, "A Christian conquers, even when he is conquered. When he is conquered by some sins, he gets victory over others more dangerous, such as spiritual pride and security" (95).
3. In order to keep from endless despair, we must treasure the least amount of grace we find in our hearts. Sibbes again, "Since there is such comfort where there is a little truth of grace...let us often try what God has wrought in us, search our good as well as our ill, and be thankful to God for the least measure of grace..." (124). In other words, morbid introspection that sees only sin and not the grace that God has worked in our hearts (however small) is not wise or healthy. We must, in order to persevere, be able to see and thank God for any true grace we find in our hearts.
4. Finally, always remember that faith will prevail. Sibbes closes, "The Lord reveal himself more and more to use in the face of his Son Jesus Christ and magnify the power of his grace in cherishing those beginnings of grace in the midst of our corruptions, and sanctify the consideration of our own infirmities to humble us, and his tender mercy to encourage us...And may he grant that the prevailing power of His Spirit in us should be an evidence of the truth of grace begun, and a pledge of final victory, at that time when He will be all in all, for all eternity. Amen" (128).
As I stated above, there is much, much more. And I heartily recommend this book to those who are currently feeling bruised and battered and who need great encouragement. Let Sibbes be a means of grace and comfort to your weary soul.
There are many reasons why we may feel like this: our struggle with sin is finding little or no progress, we are overwhelmed by the remaining corruption that abounds in our hearts, we have been blindsided by devestating circumstances, we have entered into a perpetual state of doubt regarding the reality of our salvation, or a combination of all the above. Many of us can attest to the fact that we have often felt like a bruised reed.
The good news that Sibbes labors to provide his readers in this wonderful little book is that truth found in Isaiah 42:3: Jesus will not break the bruised reed, nor will he extinguish a dimly burning wick. On the contrary, Christ cherishes the least amount of grace in a believer's heart and seeks to fan it into flame. Sibbes realizes that we, like the author of Hebrews reminds us, "are in need of endurance" (Hebrews 10:36), in times where we feel only steps away from foregoing the battle altogether. In order to provide us with the strength to persevere, Sibbes gives hopeful counsel. Although there is much excellent material throughout this book, for the sake of space I will mention only a few.
1. First, we need to remember that bruising is absolutely essential. "This bruising is required before conversion that so that Spirit may make way for himself into the heart by levelling all proud, high thoughts, and that we may understand ourselves to be what indeed we are by nature" (4). It is also essential after conversion, "After conversion we need bruising so that reeds may know themselves to be reeds, and not oaks" (5). There is good reason for why Christ, in his wisdom, bruises us. One primary reason is so that we might be humbled and brought off of relying upon ourselves. Sibbes later explains, "Hence proceed those spiritual desertions in which he often leaves us to ourselves, in regard to both grace and comfort, that we may know the spring head of these to be outside ourselves" (115). Christ bruises us in order to show us, mercifully, that we are fully dependent upon Him.
2. Christ may allow us to be conquered by sin in order to help us have victory over other, more serious sins. Sibbes explains, "A Christian conquers, even when he is conquered. When he is conquered by some sins, he gets victory over others more dangerous, such as spiritual pride and security" (95).
3. In order to keep from endless despair, we must treasure the least amount of grace we find in our hearts. Sibbes again, "Since there is such comfort where there is a little truth of grace...let us often try what God has wrought in us, search our good as well as our ill, and be thankful to God for the least measure of grace..." (124). In other words, morbid introspection that sees only sin and not the grace that God has worked in our hearts (however small) is not wise or healthy. We must, in order to persevere, be able to see and thank God for any true grace we find in our hearts.
4. Finally, always remember that faith will prevail. Sibbes closes, "The Lord reveal himself more and more to use in the face of his Son Jesus Christ and magnify the power of his grace in cherishing those beginnings of grace in the midst of our corruptions, and sanctify the consideration of our own infirmities to humble us, and his tender mercy to encourage us...And may he grant that the prevailing power of His Spirit in us should be an evidence of the truth of grace begun, and a pledge of final victory, at that time when He will be all in all, for all eternity. Amen" (128).
As I stated above, there is much, much more. And I heartily recommend this book to those who are currently feeling bruised and battered and who need great encouragement. Let Sibbes be a means of grace and comfort to your weary soul.
July 22, 2021
This book sets forth my favorite characteristic of Puritan writing: deep meditation on the beauty of the person and work of Jesus Christ. Christianity has never been about moralism nor about a certain set of codes or behaviors. It is about the beauty of Christ. I know many people think of the Puritans as those who doggedly preached against sin and of the wrath of God against sinners, which is true, to a degree. But the Puritans main focus was to preach the wonder and glory of Christ our Savior. Sibbes’ “The Bruised Reed” is a case study in this practice. He spends over 100 pages meditating on Isaiah 42:1-3 and the Lord Jesus Christ’s fulfillment of Isaiah’s words. God must bruise us before we can confess our weakness and need of Christ. And God must continue to bruise us post-conversion to remind us of our dependence upon his Spirit to sanctify us and preserve us unto death, “lest reeds think they are oaks.” This bruising is never meant to destroy us nor torture us but to strengthen us in the arms of our Savior. He also works in the metaphor of the smoking flax from Isaiah. The flax represents a weak flame that is about to die. God fans this smoking flax into a greater flame, a process we call sanctification, whereby God makes us holy until we are made completely pure at our glorification. Perhaps the best part of this book is that it marries the head and the heart. Far from esoteric, existential, extravagant truths that remain in the ether of the intellect, Sibbes applies the meditations of Christ into the Christian life. Knowledge of God must always stir our affections for God. Toward that end, Sibbes skillfully and pastorally guides his readers down the path from knowledge to affection which results in landing at the trailhead of joyful obedience to God. If you’re a weary pilgrim, a bruised saint, a discouraged follower…read this work to be led to the fount of God’s grace in Jesus Christ whose balm soothes the sickest sores of sin. Whose care quiets the most restless heart of anxiety. And whose sufficient work covers the greatest sinner’s shame. After all, “Whatever may be wished for in an all-sufficient comforter is all to be found in Christ.”
October 17, 2022
2022: I’m so very grateful for this book. It always encourages my soul to press on and exercise the grace God has freely given me.
Excellent.
Excellent.
May 21, 2016
"A bruised reed shall He not break, and the smoking flax shall not He quench; He shall bring forth judgment unto truth" (Isaiah 42:3; Matthew 12:20).
Beginning with this verse in reference to its fulfillment in Christ, Richard Sibbes, in classic Puritan fashion, seeks to extract the essence by exploring the whole of Scriptural teaching on the subject.
Sibbes defines the "bruised reed" as one who "is sensible of sin and misery, even unto bruising; and, seeing no help in himself, is carried with restless desire to have supply from another, with some hope, which a little raises him out of himself to Christ..."
In other words, we come to Christ cognizant of our deep need and weakness. We confess our sins as God reveals them to us, and we trust that the Lord will not break the already broken. Rather, it is in our weakness that we learn to rely on God, and in our disappointments and failures that we cry out and find His grace ever sufficient.
"God knows we have nothing of ourselves, therefore in the covenant of grace He requires no more than He gives, but gives what He requires, and accepts what He gives."
It is at the Cross that we find both assurance of God's grace and the evidence of His love. Christ was forsaken for a season that we might not be forsaken for an eternity. "As His Father was never nearer Him [Jesus] in strength to support Him than when He was furthest off in sense of favor to comfort Him, so Christ is never nearer us in power to uphold us than when He seems most to hide hide His presence from us."
When we bring to the Lord the spark of grace implanted in our hearts at salvation, He is faithful to fan that spark into a consuming flame.
"The meaning then is that the gracious frame of holiness set up in our hearts by the Spirit of Christ shall go forward until all contrary power is subdued. The spirit of judgment will be a spirit of burning to consume whatever opposed corruption eats into the soul like rust."
By faithful obedience and through the gracious working of the Spirit, "we should always be fit for communion with God, and be heavenly-minded in earthly business, and be willing to be taken off from it to redeem time for better things. We should be ready at all times to depart hence, and to live in such a condition as we should be content to die in."
And finally, "Let us think when we are troubled with our sins that Christ has this in charge from His Father, that He shall not 'quench the smoking flax' until He has subdued all."
Regardless of where you might find yourself spiritually, Sibbes has a relevant word. All of us are bruised. Perhaps it is the bruising of a soul that has yet to realize its need for salvation. Or maybe, it is the bruising a newer believer experiences who has begun to understand the import of Jesus' words, "Apart from Me you can do nothing." Or perhaps, like Martyn Lloyd-Jones, who found great comfort in this book at a dark period in his life and ministry, you find yourself at a place in your spiritual development where the Lord desires to teach you that "power is perfected in weakness."
Beginning with this verse in reference to its fulfillment in Christ, Richard Sibbes, in classic Puritan fashion, seeks to extract the essence by exploring the whole of Scriptural teaching on the subject.
Sibbes defines the "bruised reed" as one who "is sensible of sin and misery, even unto bruising; and, seeing no help in himself, is carried with restless desire to have supply from another, with some hope, which a little raises him out of himself to Christ..."
In other words, we come to Christ cognizant of our deep need and weakness. We confess our sins as God reveals them to us, and we trust that the Lord will not break the already broken. Rather, it is in our weakness that we learn to rely on God, and in our disappointments and failures that we cry out and find His grace ever sufficient.
"God knows we have nothing of ourselves, therefore in the covenant of grace He requires no more than He gives, but gives what He requires, and accepts what He gives."
It is at the Cross that we find both assurance of God's grace and the evidence of His love. Christ was forsaken for a season that we might not be forsaken for an eternity. "As His Father was never nearer Him [Jesus] in strength to support Him than when He was furthest off in sense of favor to comfort Him, so Christ is never nearer us in power to uphold us than when He seems most to hide hide His presence from us."
When we bring to the Lord the spark of grace implanted in our hearts at salvation, He is faithful to fan that spark into a consuming flame.
"The meaning then is that the gracious frame of holiness set up in our hearts by the Spirit of Christ shall go forward until all contrary power is subdued. The spirit of judgment will be a spirit of burning to consume whatever opposed corruption eats into the soul like rust."
By faithful obedience and through the gracious working of the Spirit, "we should always be fit for communion with God, and be heavenly-minded in earthly business, and be willing to be taken off from it to redeem time for better things. We should be ready at all times to depart hence, and to live in such a condition as we should be content to die in."
And finally, "Let us think when we are troubled with our sins that Christ has this in charge from His Father, that He shall not 'quench the smoking flax' until He has subdued all."
Regardless of where you might find yourself spiritually, Sibbes has a relevant word. All of us are bruised. Perhaps it is the bruising of a soul that has yet to realize its need for salvation. Or maybe, it is the bruising a newer believer experiences who has begun to understand the import of Jesus' words, "Apart from Me you can do nothing." Or perhaps, like Martyn Lloyd-Jones, who found great comfort in this book at a dark period in his life and ministry, you find yourself at a place in your spiritual development where the Lord desires to teach you that "power is perfected in weakness."
March 20, 2023
Richard Sibbes in the 17th century was known as “the heavenly Doctor Sibbes.” His book “The Bruised Reed” has been used by many bruised christians as a “balm” to their soul. This book in many ways is like today's book “Gentle and Lowly” by the way it represents the tender care God has for his hurting children. This book proved to be a great comfort to me by showing me despite how bruised my soul and weak my faith may be, God will not quench my faith nor will he remove his spirit from me.
February 21, 2018
This book, written by a 17th century Puritan divine, is a treatise entirely focused on these words from scripture:
"A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench"
Isaiah 42:3
Who is the bruised reed? A person whose misery has driven them to God; one in whom a small spark of divine grace has been bestowed. It seems dubious that such a small spark could be enough to bring transformation to a soul bruised and battered by life. But God protects and guards that tiny spark, and begins the work of bringing that life under His governance.
His work is gentle, ". . . He shall not break." Sibbes is masterful at focusing attention to the patient character of a God who encourages the tiniest effort on the part of the weak, and coaxes a spark to become a flame.
This is not difficult reading, though it is dense and imbued with many scriptures and tangential concepts. It requires thoughtful concentration, which is richly rewarded. The underlying theme is encouragement for the weak and hope for those who long for spiritual growth and transformation.
Being in the public domain, this book is easily found online. There is also an audio reading available on YouTube. It's a little devotional gem.
"A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench"
Isaiah 42:3
Who is the bruised reed? A person whose misery has driven them to God; one in whom a small spark of divine grace has been bestowed. It seems dubious that such a small spark could be enough to bring transformation to a soul bruised and battered by life. But God protects and guards that tiny spark, and begins the work of bringing that life under His governance.
His work is gentle, ". . . He shall not break." Sibbes is masterful at focusing attention to the patient character of a God who encourages the tiniest effort on the part of the weak, and coaxes a spark to become a flame.
This is not difficult reading, though it is dense and imbued with many scriptures and tangential concepts. It requires thoughtful concentration, which is richly rewarded. The underlying theme is encouragement for the weak and hope for those who long for spiritual growth and transformation.
Being in the public domain, this book is easily found online. There is also an audio reading available on YouTube. It's a little devotional gem.
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March 11, 2025So comforting, encouraging, pastoral, and Christ-exalting.
June 11, 2022
Such a comforting book! I am welcomed and wanted by Christ. He will never leave me nor forsake me. He will never be exasperated by me. He will never snap me off or snuff me out in frustration. It's a tremendous struggle for me to believe these things, so I need to read and reread books like this that are so laden with reminders.
The narrator, Simon Bubb, was good, but perhaps a bit too Puddleglumish (Bubbleglumish?). I think he was going for Very Comforting and Soothing, but it'd've been better to go for Very Joyful and Amazed.
The narrator, Simon Bubb, was good, but perhaps a bit too Puddleglumish (Bubbleglumish?). I think he was going for Very Comforting and Soothing, but it'd've been better to go for Very Joyful and Amazed.
August 5, 2022
What a treasure — so comforting and encouraging! Sibbes describes how Jesus fulfills Isaiah 42:3. Such a good balance between acknowledging our weakness and yet not excusing us from effort/obedience. The lyrics “I labor on in weakness and rejoicing, for in my need, His power is displayed” repeatedly came to mind. One of the best books I’ve read in a while. Hopeful, heartening, and challenging. Definite reread.
January 22, 2021
Jesus is gentle with struggling Christians and he will complete what he began in them.
Although originally written in 1630 by Puritan Richard Sibbes, it is short and easy to read. Sibbes unpacks Isaiah 42:3, drawing our attention to our gentle and triumphant Savior. It deserves to be read again and again.
Although originally written in 1630 by Puritan Richard Sibbes, it is short and easy to read. Sibbes unpacks Isaiah 42:3, drawing our attention to our gentle and triumphant Savior. It deserves to be read again and again.
March 28, 2018
So glad to pick this back up again after a few years. Sibbes truly is the sweet-dropper.
Full of encouragement and wise counsel for anyone discouraged by their own struggle for holiness. Wonderful reminders of Christ’s precious patience and abounding grace.
Full of encouragement and wise counsel for anyone discouraged by their own struggle for holiness. Wonderful reminders of Christ’s precious patience and abounding grace.
February 11, 2021
Profound. An excellent encouragement for those struggling to walk with Christ. I need to read this every year if not more often. Laced with pithy quotes and wise advice.
July 11, 2008
I read this book as part of a Puritan challenge, and have found it to be a very worthwhile book. The book was written by Richard Sibbes, who lived from 1577 to 1635, and was one of the most influential figures in the Puritan movement in the early part of the 17th century.
The book is based on Isaiah 42: 1 - 3
Isa 42:1 Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations.
Isa 42:2 He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street;
Isa 42:3 a bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice.
The basic point of the book is how we as Christians need to be bruised to understand our need of Christ. But that Christ will never break that bruised reed or quench the smoking flax (faintly burning wick), because it is in bruising us or allow us to smoke or faintly burn that brings us out of our self-sufficiency and into our understanding that we need to rely totally and completely on Christ.
I recommend it to any who are wondering about their suffering and trying to resolve their pain and discouragement with what God is really doing in their life.
The book is based on Isaiah 42: 1 - 3
Isa 42:1 Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations.
Isa 42:2 He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street;
Isa 42:3 a bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice.
The basic point of the book is how we as Christians need to be bruised to understand our need of Christ. But that Christ will never break that bruised reed or quench the smoking flax (faintly burning wick), because it is in bruising us or allow us to smoke or faintly burn that brings us out of our self-sufficiency and into our understanding that we need to rely totally and completely on Christ.
I recommend it to any who are wondering about their suffering and trying to resolve their pain and discouragement with what God is really doing in their life.
April 22, 2013
Available through Librivox at: http://www.booksshouldbefree.com/book...
hmm, it's not so much that I think the points he's making are wrong, it's just I'm not sure they really are necessarily so definitely related to the Isaiah bruised reed passage. He kind of just takes that image and runs with it, making all sorts of connections I'm not sure are there with respect to the bruised reed passage. But I'm not a scholar, so maybe they're there....
while I technically finished, I really didn't pay close attention to much of it. I started it thinking it was going to be about suffering, but it was much more generically about Christian life.
hmm, it's not so much that I think the points he's making are wrong, it's just I'm not sure they really are necessarily so definitely related to the Isaiah bruised reed passage. He kind of just takes that image and runs with it, making all sorts of connections I'm not sure are there with respect to the bruised reed passage. But I'm not a scholar, so maybe they're there....
while I technically finished, I really didn't pay close attention to much of it. I started it thinking it was going to be about suffering, but it was much more generically about Christian life.
January 23, 2024
"Oh, what a confusion is this to Satan, that he should labour to blow out a poor spark and yet should not be able to quench it; that a grain of mustard seed should be stronger than the gates of hell; that it should be able to remove mountains of oppositions and temptations cast up by Satan and our rebellious hearts between God and us. Abimelech could not endure that it should be said, 'A woman slew him' (Judg. 9:54); and it must needs be a torment to Satan that a weak child, a woman, a decrepit old man should, by a spirit of faith, put him to flight." (p. 139)
September 1, 2012
This exposition of Isaiah 42:3 ("A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench . . .") is, I believe, Sibbes' best known work. It has been consistently praised by theologians and preachers I respect and seems to be very highly regarded by all who've read it.
Except me, apparently.
Honestly, I found it rather underwhelming. Maybe I've just heard it talked up too much; maybe my expectations were unreasonably high. Whatever the reason, this book was kind of a letdown for me.
A bit about the book: At 128 pages, the Puritan Paperback (by Banner of Truth Trust) is less intimidating than your average Puritan work. The text is broken up into 16 chapters, all of which address important topics like our view of Christ, Christ's coming judgment, and the importance of not quenching the Spirit/resisting Christ's mercy.
Sibbes starts out by defining his terms, which is quite helpful. To Sibbes,
Part of the problem I had with this book is that it simply did not hold my attention. I found myself re-reading sentences multiple times, and it wouldn't surprise me in the least if I only really retained maybe ten percent of what Sibbes had to say. I freely confess that this may be entirely my fault--I was reading it first thing in the morning, which can be a challenge with Puritan writers. But I've greatly enjoyed other Puritans like John Flavel, Thomas Watson, and even John Owen (as updated by Kelly Kapic and Justin Taylor), so I don't know that that's the issue. I suspect it's more a matter of Sibbes favoring a sentence structure that's just counter-intuitive to me, and thus requires a level of focus and dedication that I'm just not used to. Maybe that's why his writing just didn't sparkle to me. Which is an imprecise way to describe it, I know, but there you have it.
I'm still giving the book three stars--largely because it's so highly recommended by others. My own reading would result in more of a two star rating, but since I'm fairly certain that I'm at least part of the problem, I'm willing to give Sibbes the benefit of the doubt. After all, the Sibbes quotes I've heard have all been concise and artfully worded--crisp and insightful and striking and extremely encouraging. But the bulk of the writing in this book just didn't live up to those quotes. Which means either I just didn't notice them in the sea of text or they're in his other works. I may end up re-reading it later, when I've got more time and energy to devote to really parsing out his syntax. Or maybe I'll try a different Sibbes work in the hope it'll make a better impression.
Meanwhile, I'll leave you with my favorite Sibbes quote from the book (and my favorite quote of his to date):
Except me, apparently.
Honestly, I found it rather underwhelming. Maybe I've just heard it talked up too much; maybe my expectations were unreasonably high. Whatever the reason, this book was kind of a letdown for me.
A bit about the book: At 128 pages, the Puritan Paperback (by Banner of Truth Trust) is less intimidating than your average Puritan work. The text is broken up into 16 chapters, all of which address important topics like our view of Christ, Christ's coming judgment, and the importance of not quenching the Spirit/resisting Christ's mercy.
Sibbes starts out by defining his terms, which is quite helpful. To Sibbes,
The bruised reed is a man that for the most part is in some misery, as those were that came to Christ for help, and by misery he is brought to see sin as the cause of it, for, whatever pretences sin makes, they come to an end when we are bruised and broken. He is sensible of sin and misery, even unto bruising [...]Whereas
In smoking flax there is but a little light, and that weak, as being unable to flame, and that little mixed with smoke. The observations from this are that, in God's children, especially in their first conversion, there is but a little measure of grace, and that little mixed with much corruption, which, as smoke, is offensive; but that Christ will not quench this smoking flax.I got the impression that Sibbes focused more on the smoking flax than the bruised reed, but honestly, I can't swear to it.
Part of the problem I had with this book is that it simply did not hold my attention. I found myself re-reading sentences multiple times, and it wouldn't surprise me in the least if I only really retained maybe ten percent of what Sibbes had to say. I freely confess that this may be entirely my fault--I was reading it first thing in the morning, which can be a challenge with Puritan writers. But I've greatly enjoyed other Puritans like John Flavel, Thomas Watson, and even John Owen (as updated by Kelly Kapic and Justin Taylor), so I don't know that that's the issue. I suspect it's more a matter of Sibbes favoring a sentence structure that's just counter-intuitive to me, and thus requires a level of focus and dedication that I'm just not used to. Maybe that's why his writing just didn't sparkle to me. Which is an imprecise way to describe it, I know, but there you have it.
I'm still giving the book three stars--largely because it's so highly recommended by others. My own reading would result in more of a two star rating, but since I'm fairly certain that I'm at least part of the problem, I'm willing to give Sibbes the benefit of the doubt. After all, the Sibbes quotes I've heard have all been concise and artfully worded--crisp and insightful and striking and extremely encouraging. But the bulk of the writing in this book just didn't live up to those quotes. Which means either I just didn't notice them in the sea of text or they're in his other works. I may end up re-reading it later, when I've got more time and energy to devote to really parsing out his syntax. Or maybe I'll try a different Sibbes work in the hope it'll make a better impression.
Meanwhile, I'll leave you with my favorite Sibbes quote from the book (and my favorite quote of his to date):
There is more mercy in Christ than sin in us.Amen.
June 7, 2016
I think this is the fourth Puritan book I've read (fifth if you count J.I. Packer as one ;) ) and this is my favourite one. This is an encouraging spiritual classic that refreshes those beset by sin and draws the reader closer to the heart of Christ. Richard Sibbes reveals how even in the midst of temptation, the "smoking flax" of the believer will not to extinguished by a merciful and gracious God.
March 12, 2022
This book is incredible. Encouraging. Comforting. Exciting. Keeps pointing to God’s promises, His tenderness, His faithfulness. It is just so good. Every paragraph is quotable. A book I will continue to go back to again and again.
February 9, 2025
Such a good book for counseling your own soul and helping others being counseled/discipled in Jesus.
December 11, 2024
Very good. Perhaps the sweetest of the Puritan paperbacks. Although it does fall into the Puritan trapping of beating a horse twice dead. Still would recommend for the comfort of souls.
December 9, 2019
It's hard to rate this book. If I based it on my experience of the book, I would probably have to give it four stars. There were some sections/chapters that were hard to get through and which, after reading, I wasn't really sure what I had read. But there were lots of of sections/chapters that were convicting, challenging, encouraging and enlightening. I'll need to read this again, more slowly, to get its full worth. In short, I think the book deserves five stars and that giving it more time and effort would decrease the gap between its worth and what I got out of it.
From what I understood, I think this statement in one of the chapters toward the end really sums up the book: "As Christ will not quench the least spark kindled by himself, so will he damp the fairest blaze of goodly appearances which are not from above." In layman's terms I think the author's main points are that, in God's grace and mercy, he will preserve to the end the faintest measure of faith (because faith is not about quantity but quality, and any faith in God is of the finest quality) and God will win—he will have victory over the internal and external force that wage war against his rule and our hearts. The more I process these truths, the more I appreciate the author's focus. How encouraging to know that, as feeble as I am, God will carry me through to the end and that that end is complete and final victory.
Though there were some difficult sections, I loved many of the author's analogies/word pictures which were not only vivid but also very helpful. Some of my favorites are:
"The more sin is seen, the more it is hated, and therefore it is less. Dust particles are in a room before the sun shines, but they only appear then."
"Grace, as the seed in the parable, grows, we know not how. Yet at length, when God sees fittest, we shall see that all our endeavour has not been in vain. The tree falls upon the last stroke, yet all the strokes help the work forward."
"Thus the desperate madness of men is laid open, that they would rather be under the guidance of their own lusts, and in consequence of Satan himself, to their endless destruction, than put their feet into Christ's fetters and their necks under his yoke; though, indeed, Christ's service is the only true liberty. His yoke is an easy yoke, his burden but as the burden of wings to a bird which make her fly the higher."
"Christ performs his office in not quenching by stirring up suitable endeavors in us; and there are none more solicitous in the use of the means than those that are most certain of their good success. The reason is this: the means that God has set apart for the effecting of any thing are included in the purpose that he has to bring that thing to pass. And this is a principle taken for granted, even in civil matters; for who, if he knew before that it would be a fruitful year, would therefore hang up his plough and neglect tillage?"
"Where Christ establishes his government, he inspires care to keep the judgment clear and fresh, for while the judgment stands straight and firm, the whole frame of the soul continues strong and impregnable. True judgment in us advances Christ, and Christ will advance it. All sin is either from false principles, or ignorance, or thoughtlessness, or unbelief of what is true. By lack of consideration and weakness of assent, Eve lost her hold at first (Gen. 3:6). It is good, therefore, to store up true principles in our hearts, and to refresh them often, that, in virtue of them, our affections and actions may be more vigorous. When judgment is fortified, evil finds no entrance, but good things have a side within us to entertain them. While true convincing light continues, we will not do the least ill of sin for the greatest ill of punishment. `In vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird' (Prov. 1:17). While the soul is kept aloft, there is little danger of snares below. We must lose our high estimation of things before we can be drawn to any sin."
Other thoughts I found helpful are:
"We must acknowledge that in the covenant of grace God requires the truth of grace, not any certain measure; and a spark of fire is fire, as well as the whole element. Therefore we must look to grace in the spark as well as in the flame. All have not the like strong, though they have the like precious, faith (2 Pet. 1:1), whereby they lay hold of, and put on, the perfect righteousness of Christ. A weak hand may receive a rich jewel. A few grapes will show that the plant is a vine, and not a thorn. It is one thing to be deficient in grace, and another thing to lack grace altogether. God knows we have nothing of ourselves, therefore in the covenant of grace he requires no more than he gives, but gives what he requires, and accepts what he gives: 'If she be not able to bring a lamb, then she shall bring two turtle doves' (Lev. 12:8). What is the gospel itself but a merciful moderation, in which Christ's obedience is esteemed ours, and our sins laid upon him, wherein God, from being a judge, becomes our Father, pardoning our sins and accepting our obedience, though feeble and blemished? We are now brought to heaven under the covenant of grace by a way of love and mercy."
"It would be a good contest amongst Christians, one to labour to give no offence, and the other to labour to take none. The best men are severe to themselves, tender over others. Yet people should not tire and wear out the patience of others: nor should the weaker so far demand moderation from others as to rely upon their indulgence and so to rest in their own infirmities, with danger to their own souls and scandal to the church."
"But there is a difference between Christ and us in this case. Because Satan had nothing of his own in Christ his suggestions left no impression at all in his holy nature, but, as sparks falling into the sea, were presently quenched. Satan’s temptations of Christ were only suggestions on Satan’s part, and apprehensions of the vileness of them on Christ’s part. To apprehend ill suggested by another is not ill. It was Christ’s grievance, but Satan’s sin. But thus he yielded himself to be tempted, that he might both pity us in our conflicts, and train us up to manage our spiritual weapons as he did. Christ could have overcome him by power, but he did it by argument."
"It should encourage us to duty that Christ will not quench the smoking flax, but blow on it till it flames. Some are loath to do good because they feel their hearts rebelling, and duties turn out badly. We should not avoid good actions because of the infirmities attending them. Christ looks more at the good in them which he means to cherish than the ill in them which he means to abolish. Though eating increases a disease, a sick man will still eat, so that nature may gain strength against the disease. So, though sin cleaves to what we do, yet let us do it, since we have to deal with so good a Lord, and the more strife we meet with, the more acceptance we shall have. Christ loves to taste of the good fruits that come from us, even though they will always savor of our old nature."
"A Christian complains he cannot pray. `Oh, I am troubled with so many distracting thoughts, and never more than now!' But has he put into your heart a desire to pray? Then he will hear the desires of his own Spirit in you. `We know not what we should pray for as we ought' (nor how to do anything else as we ought), but the Spirit helps our infirmities with `groanings which cannot be uttered' (Rom. 8:26), which are not hid from God. `My groaning is not hid from thee' (Psa. 38:9). God can pick sense out of a confused prayer. These desires cry louder in his ears than your sins."
"Hence it is that we are saved by the grace of faith which carries us out of ourselves to rely upon another; and faith works best alone, when it has least outward support. Hence is is that we often fail in lesser conflicts and stand firm in greater, because in the lesser we rest more in ourselves, in the greater we fly to the rock of our salvation, which is higher than we (Psa. 61:2)."
"Oh, what a confusion is this to Satan, that he should labour to blow out a poor spark and yet should not be able to quench it; that a grain of mustard seed should be stronger than the gates of hell; that it should be able to remove mountains of oppositions and temptations case up by Satan and our rebellious hearts between God and us. Abimelech could not endure that it should be said, 'A woman slew him' (Judg. 9:54); and it must needs be a torment to Satan that a weak child, a woman, a decrepit old man should, by a spirit of faith, put him to flight."
"Grace conquers us first, and we, by it, conquer all else; whether corruptions within us, or temptations from outside us."
"And because knowledge and affection mutually help one another, it is good to keep up our affections of love and delight by all sweet inducements and divine encouragements; for what the heart likes best, the mind studies most. Those that can bring their hearts to delight in Christ know most of his ways. Wisdom loves him that loves her. Love is the best entertainer of truth; and when it is not entertained in the love of it (2 Thess. 2:10), lovely as it is, it leaves the heart, and will stay no longer. It has been a successful way of corrupting the judgment, to begin by withdrawing love, because, as we love, so we tend to judge. And therefore it is hard to be affectionate and wise in earthly things. But in heavenly things, where there has been a right informing of the judgment before, the more our affections grow, the better and clearer our judgments will be, because our affections, though strong, can never rise high enough to reach the excellency of the things. We see in the martyrs, when the sweet doctrine of Christ had once gained their hearts, it could not be removed again by all the torments the wit of cruelty could devise. If Christ has once possessed the affections, there is no dispossessing of him again. A fire in the heart overcomes all fires without."
"Of all persons, a man guided by Christ is the best; and of all creatures in the world, a man guided merely by will and affection, next to the devil, is the worst. The happiness of weaker things stands in being ruled by stronger. It is best for a blind man to be guided by him that has sight. It is best for sheep, and other feckless creatures, to be guided by man. And it is happiest for man to be guided by Christ, because his government is so victorious that it frees us from the fear and danger of our greatest enemies, and tends to bring us to the greatest happiness that our nature is capable of. This should make us rejoice when Christ reigns in us. When Solomon was crowned, the people rejoiced so that the city rang (1 Kings 1:45). Much more should we rejoice in Christ our king. And likewise for those whose souls are dear to us, our endeavor should be that Christ may reign in them also, that they may be baptized by Christ with this fire (Matt. 3:11), that these sparks may be kindled in them. Men labour to cherish the spirit and mettle, as they term it, of those they train up, because they think they will have use of it in the manifold affairs and troubles of this life. Oh, but let us cherish the sparks of grace in them; for a natural spirit in great troubles will fail, but these sparks will make them conquerors over the greatest evils."
"But if we have this for a foundation truth, that there is more mercy in Christ than sin in us, there can be no danger in thorough dealing. It is better to go bruised to heaven than sound to hell. Therefore let us not take off ourselves too soon, nor pull off the plaster before the cure be wrought, but keep ourselves under this work till sin be the sourest, and Christ the sweetest, of all things. And when God's hand is upon us in any way, it is good to divert our sorrow for other things to the root of all, which is sin. Let our grief run most in that channel, that as sin bred grief, so grief may consume sin."
As I look back through my favorite sections of this book, I appreciate it more and am assured that re-reading it would glean even more valuable insights. You can find this book online for free from a variety of sources and it is fairly short (about 130 pages in my paperback version). Lots of good stuff here and worth the effort.
From what I understood, I think this statement in one of the chapters toward the end really sums up the book: "As Christ will not quench the least spark kindled by himself, so will he damp the fairest blaze of goodly appearances which are not from above." In layman's terms I think the author's main points are that, in God's grace and mercy, he will preserve to the end the faintest measure of faith (because faith is not about quantity but quality, and any faith in God is of the finest quality) and God will win—he will have victory over the internal and external force that wage war against his rule and our hearts. The more I process these truths, the more I appreciate the author's focus. How encouraging to know that, as feeble as I am, God will carry me through to the end and that that end is complete and final victory.
Though there were some difficult sections, I loved many of the author's analogies/word pictures which were not only vivid but also very helpful. Some of my favorites are:
"The more sin is seen, the more it is hated, and therefore it is less. Dust particles are in a room before the sun shines, but they only appear then."
"Grace, as the seed in the parable, grows, we know not how. Yet at length, when God sees fittest, we shall see that all our endeavour has not been in vain. The tree falls upon the last stroke, yet all the strokes help the work forward."
"Thus the desperate madness of men is laid open, that they would rather be under the guidance of their own lusts, and in consequence of Satan himself, to their endless destruction, than put their feet into Christ's fetters and their necks under his yoke; though, indeed, Christ's service is the only true liberty. His yoke is an easy yoke, his burden but as the burden of wings to a bird which make her fly the higher."
"Christ performs his office in not quenching by stirring up suitable endeavors in us; and there are none more solicitous in the use of the means than those that are most certain of their good success. The reason is this: the means that God has set apart for the effecting of any thing are included in the purpose that he has to bring that thing to pass. And this is a principle taken for granted, even in civil matters; for who, if he knew before that it would be a fruitful year, would therefore hang up his plough and neglect tillage?"
"Where Christ establishes his government, he inspires care to keep the judgment clear and fresh, for while the judgment stands straight and firm, the whole frame of the soul continues strong and impregnable. True judgment in us advances Christ, and Christ will advance it. All sin is either from false principles, or ignorance, or thoughtlessness, or unbelief of what is true. By lack of consideration and weakness of assent, Eve lost her hold at first (Gen. 3:6). It is good, therefore, to store up true principles in our hearts, and to refresh them often, that, in virtue of them, our affections and actions may be more vigorous. When judgment is fortified, evil finds no entrance, but good things have a side within us to entertain them. While true convincing light continues, we will not do the least ill of sin for the greatest ill of punishment. `In vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird' (Prov. 1:17). While the soul is kept aloft, there is little danger of snares below. We must lose our high estimation of things before we can be drawn to any sin."
Other thoughts I found helpful are:
"We must acknowledge that in the covenant of grace God requires the truth of grace, not any certain measure; and a spark of fire is fire, as well as the whole element. Therefore we must look to grace in the spark as well as in the flame. All have not the like strong, though they have the like precious, faith (2 Pet. 1:1), whereby they lay hold of, and put on, the perfect righteousness of Christ. A weak hand may receive a rich jewel. A few grapes will show that the plant is a vine, and not a thorn. It is one thing to be deficient in grace, and another thing to lack grace altogether. God knows we have nothing of ourselves, therefore in the covenant of grace he requires no more than he gives, but gives what he requires, and accepts what he gives: 'If she be not able to bring a lamb, then she shall bring two turtle doves' (Lev. 12:8). What is the gospel itself but a merciful moderation, in which Christ's obedience is esteemed ours, and our sins laid upon him, wherein God, from being a judge, becomes our Father, pardoning our sins and accepting our obedience, though feeble and blemished? We are now brought to heaven under the covenant of grace by a way of love and mercy."
"It would be a good contest amongst Christians, one to labour to give no offence, and the other to labour to take none. The best men are severe to themselves, tender over others. Yet people should not tire and wear out the patience of others: nor should the weaker so far demand moderation from others as to rely upon their indulgence and so to rest in their own infirmities, with danger to their own souls and scandal to the church."
"But there is a difference between Christ and us in this case. Because Satan had nothing of his own in Christ his suggestions left no impression at all in his holy nature, but, as sparks falling into the sea, were presently quenched. Satan’s temptations of Christ were only suggestions on Satan’s part, and apprehensions of the vileness of them on Christ’s part. To apprehend ill suggested by another is not ill. It was Christ’s grievance, but Satan’s sin. But thus he yielded himself to be tempted, that he might both pity us in our conflicts, and train us up to manage our spiritual weapons as he did. Christ could have overcome him by power, but he did it by argument."
"It should encourage us to duty that Christ will not quench the smoking flax, but blow on it till it flames. Some are loath to do good because they feel their hearts rebelling, and duties turn out badly. We should not avoid good actions because of the infirmities attending them. Christ looks more at the good in them which he means to cherish than the ill in them which he means to abolish. Though eating increases a disease, a sick man will still eat, so that nature may gain strength against the disease. So, though sin cleaves to what we do, yet let us do it, since we have to deal with so good a Lord, and the more strife we meet with, the more acceptance we shall have. Christ loves to taste of the good fruits that come from us, even though they will always savor of our old nature."
"A Christian complains he cannot pray. `Oh, I am troubled with so many distracting thoughts, and never more than now!' But has he put into your heart a desire to pray? Then he will hear the desires of his own Spirit in you. `We know not what we should pray for as we ought' (nor how to do anything else as we ought), but the Spirit helps our infirmities with `groanings which cannot be uttered' (Rom. 8:26), which are not hid from God. `My groaning is not hid from thee' (Psa. 38:9). God can pick sense out of a confused prayer. These desires cry louder in his ears than your sins."
"Hence it is that we are saved by the grace of faith which carries us out of ourselves to rely upon another; and faith works best alone, when it has least outward support. Hence is is that we often fail in lesser conflicts and stand firm in greater, because in the lesser we rest more in ourselves, in the greater we fly to the rock of our salvation, which is higher than we (Psa. 61:2)."
"Oh, what a confusion is this to Satan, that he should labour to blow out a poor spark and yet should not be able to quench it; that a grain of mustard seed should be stronger than the gates of hell; that it should be able to remove mountains of oppositions and temptations case up by Satan and our rebellious hearts between God and us. Abimelech could not endure that it should be said, 'A woman slew him' (Judg. 9:54); and it must needs be a torment to Satan that a weak child, a woman, a decrepit old man should, by a spirit of faith, put him to flight."
"Grace conquers us first, and we, by it, conquer all else; whether corruptions within us, or temptations from outside us."
"And because knowledge and affection mutually help one another, it is good to keep up our affections of love and delight by all sweet inducements and divine encouragements; for what the heart likes best, the mind studies most. Those that can bring their hearts to delight in Christ know most of his ways. Wisdom loves him that loves her. Love is the best entertainer of truth; and when it is not entertained in the love of it (2 Thess. 2:10), lovely as it is, it leaves the heart, and will stay no longer. It has been a successful way of corrupting the judgment, to begin by withdrawing love, because, as we love, so we tend to judge. And therefore it is hard to be affectionate and wise in earthly things. But in heavenly things, where there has been a right informing of the judgment before, the more our affections grow, the better and clearer our judgments will be, because our affections, though strong, can never rise high enough to reach the excellency of the things. We see in the martyrs, when the sweet doctrine of Christ had once gained their hearts, it could not be removed again by all the torments the wit of cruelty could devise. If Christ has once possessed the affections, there is no dispossessing of him again. A fire in the heart overcomes all fires without."
"Of all persons, a man guided by Christ is the best; and of all creatures in the world, a man guided merely by will and affection, next to the devil, is the worst. The happiness of weaker things stands in being ruled by stronger. It is best for a blind man to be guided by him that has sight. It is best for sheep, and other feckless creatures, to be guided by man. And it is happiest for man to be guided by Christ, because his government is so victorious that it frees us from the fear and danger of our greatest enemies, and tends to bring us to the greatest happiness that our nature is capable of. This should make us rejoice when Christ reigns in us. When Solomon was crowned, the people rejoiced so that the city rang (1 Kings 1:45). Much more should we rejoice in Christ our king. And likewise for those whose souls are dear to us, our endeavor should be that Christ may reign in them also, that they may be baptized by Christ with this fire (Matt. 3:11), that these sparks may be kindled in them. Men labour to cherish the spirit and mettle, as they term it, of those they train up, because they think they will have use of it in the manifold affairs and troubles of this life. Oh, but let us cherish the sparks of grace in them; for a natural spirit in great troubles will fail, but these sparks will make them conquerors over the greatest evils."
"But if we have this for a foundation truth, that there is more mercy in Christ than sin in us, there can be no danger in thorough dealing. It is better to go bruised to heaven than sound to hell. Therefore let us not take off ourselves too soon, nor pull off the plaster before the cure be wrought, but keep ourselves under this work till sin be the sourest, and Christ the sweetest, of all things. And when God's hand is upon us in any way, it is good to divert our sorrow for other things to the root of all, which is sin. Let our grief run most in that channel, that as sin bred grief, so grief may consume sin."
As I look back through my favorite sections of this book, I appreciate it more and am assured that re-reading it would glean even more valuable insights. You can find this book online for free from a variety of sources and it is fairly short (about 130 pages in my paperback version). Lots of good stuff here and worth the effort.
July 12, 2022
The Bruised Reed. I have heard about this classic for years. Over the years, friends, fellow ministers, and former college professors (Mr. Stemen at PCC) have shared how this book has encouraged them. Please add me to that list now! For I have been thoroughly encouraged by Mr. Sibbes time-honored work first published in 1630. Since we are approaching the book's 400 year anniversary, it's about time I read the book.
Truth be told, I did not approach this book as a "down-in-the-dumps" discouraged minister. However, life has a way of beating you over the head. Therefore, I am a believer that every person needs encouragement. Sibbes in the first chapter states, "Before conversion all (except such as, being brought up in the church, God has delighted to show himself gracious to from their childhood) are bruised reeds, yet in different degrees, as God sees fit." I didn't realize until having read the book, that I needed the encouragement.
Sibbes' work delves into Jesus' words in Matthew 12 as He quoted Isaiah in the Old Testament. In his first chapter entitled The Reed & the Bruising, the author shows how "bruising" is needed both before & after conversion. I had never pondered the thought of "bruising" before conversion so his words here struck home with me:
"This bruising is required before conversion that so the Spirit may make way for himself into the heart by levelling all proud, high thoughts, and that we may understand ourselves to be what indeed we are by nature. We love to wander from ourselves and to be strangers at home, till God bruises us by one cross or other, and then we begin to think, and come home to ourselves with the prodigal (Luke 15:17). It is a very hard thing to bring a dull and an evasive heart to cry with feeling for mercy. Our hearts, like criminals, until they be beaten from all evasions, never cry for the mercy of the Judge."
The author then pivots and shows why those of us who come to know Jesus Christ need bruising AFTER salvation:
"After conversion we need bruising, so that reeds may know themselves to be reeds, and not oaks."
Sibbes then encapsulates the whole of the first chapter with the last sentence: "It is no easy matter to bring a man from nature to grace, and from grace to glory, so unyielding and intractable are our hearts."
One of the ways in which Sibbes masterfully shares the truth of the bruised reed & smoking flax is this: his writings are an excellent mix of grace and truth. This is something I struggle with. All too often, I am all about truth with just a bit of grace thrown in. Others live on the side of grace with very little truth inserted. Jesus Christ epitomes the perfect combination of grace & truth. "For the law was given by Moses, but grace & truth came by Jesus Christ." John 1:17
Although Sibbes provides a generous heaping of encouragement to those who are distraught & downright discouraged, he also points them to truth. Solid, biblical truth. Ultimately, that leads the author to showing us a side of Jesus Christ we too often miss. That of a tender-hearted, loving leader.
If you need to bask in the love, tenderness, and warmth of Jesus, read this classic. Better yet, read it twice. I plan to add to my re-read list.
Truth be told, I did not approach this book as a "down-in-the-dumps" discouraged minister. However, life has a way of beating you over the head. Therefore, I am a believer that every person needs encouragement. Sibbes in the first chapter states, "Before conversion all (except such as, being brought up in the church, God has delighted to show himself gracious to from their childhood) are bruised reeds, yet in different degrees, as God sees fit." I didn't realize until having read the book, that I needed the encouragement.
Sibbes' work delves into Jesus' words in Matthew 12 as He quoted Isaiah in the Old Testament. In his first chapter entitled The Reed & the Bruising, the author shows how "bruising" is needed both before & after conversion. I had never pondered the thought of "bruising" before conversion so his words here struck home with me:
"This bruising is required before conversion that so the Spirit may make way for himself into the heart by levelling all proud, high thoughts, and that we may understand ourselves to be what indeed we are by nature. We love to wander from ourselves and to be strangers at home, till God bruises us by one cross or other, and then we begin to think, and come home to ourselves with the prodigal (Luke 15:17). It is a very hard thing to bring a dull and an evasive heart to cry with feeling for mercy. Our hearts, like criminals, until they be beaten from all evasions, never cry for the mercy of the Judge."
The author then pivots and shows why those of us who come to know Jesus Christ need bruising AFTER salvation:
"After conversion we need bruising, so that reeds may know themselves to be reeds, and not oaks."
Sibbes then encapsulates the whole of the first chapter with the last sentence: "It is no easy matter to bring a man from nature to grace, and from grace to glory, so unyielding and intractable are our hearts."
One of the ways in which Sibbes masterfully shares the truth of the bruised reed & smoking flax is this: his writings are an excellent mix of grace and truth. This is something I struggle with. All too often, I am all about truth with just a bit of grace thrown in. Others live on the side of grace with very little truth inserted. Jesus Christ epitomes the perfect combination of grace & truth. "For the law was given by Moses, but grace & truth came by Jesus Christ." John 1:17
Although Sibbes provides a generous heaping of encouragement to those who are distraught & downright discouraged, he also points them to truth. Solid, biblical truth. Ultimately, that leads the author to showing us a side of Jesus Christ we too often miss. That of a tender-hearted, loving leader.
If you need to bask in the love, tenderness, and warmth of Jesus, read this classic. Better yet, read it twice. I plan to add to my re-read list.
May 3, 2025
Much needed for the soul in this season, here’s some favorite lines.
O beloved. it is a comfortable thing to conceive of Christ aright, to know what love, mercy and strength we have laid up for us in the breast of Christ. A good opinion of the physician, we say, is half the cure. Let us make use of this mercy and power of his every day in our daily combats: "Lord Jesus, thou hast promised not to quench the smoking flax, nor to break the bruised reed. Cherish thy grace in me; leave me not to myself; the glory shall be thine."
:
:
Satan will object, "You are a great sinner." We may answer, "Christ is a strong Savior." But he will object, "You have no faith, no love." "Yes, a spark of faith and love." "But Christ will not regard that." "Yes, he will not quench the smoking flax:
"But this is so little and weak that it will vanish and come to naught." Nay, but Christ will cherish it, until he has brought judgment to victory."
O beloved. it is a comfortable thing to conceive of Christ aright, to know what love, mercy and strength we have laid up for us in the breast of Christ. A good opinion of the physician, we say, is half the cure. Let us make use of this mercy and power of his every day in our daily combats: "Lord Jesus, thou hast promised not to quench the smoking flax, nor to break the bruised reed. Cherish thy grace in me; leave me not to myself; the glory shall be thine."
:
:
Satan will object, "You are a great sinner." We may answer, "Christ is a strong Savior." But he will object, "You have no faith, no love." "Yes, a spark of faith and love." "But Christ will not regard that." "Yes, he will not quench the smoking flax:
"But this is so little and weak that it will vanish and come to naught." Nay, but Christ will cherish it, until he has brought judgment to victory."
February 16, 2024
How I love to read a puritans thoughts on Christ! What an excellent devotional read. Jesus was exalted in my heart through the reading of this work!
August 6, 2022
This is one of 2 books which impacted me the most, Showing Christ's mercy even in our sin. Some people recently tout Gentle and Lowly. This book has the same message, just very well thought out and delivered with a deep, pastoral tone.
Some ideas to consider:
1. "There is more mercy in Christ than sin in us. It is better to go bruised to heaven than sound to hell. Therefore let us not take off ourselves too soon nor pull off the plaster before the cure be wrought, but keep ourselves under this work till sin be the sourest and Christ the sweetest in all things". There is a purpose for our experience of the bruising and devastation of sin to teach us to be contrite before God and turn to him in all things.
2. Christ understands our bruising from our sin and has a tender desire to brings out of it
Some ideas to consider:
1. "There is more mercy in Christ than sin in us. It is better to go bruised to heaven than sound to hell. Therefore let us not take off ourselves too soon nor pull off the plaster before the cure be wrought, but keep ourselves under this work till sin be the sourest and Christ the sweetest in all things". There is a purpose for our experience of the bruising and devastation of sin to teach us to be contrite before God and turn to him in all things.
2. Christ understands our bruising from our sin and has a tender desire to brings out of it
January 12, 2020
The Bruised Reed is one of the most beautiful and comforting books I have read about the Christian life. Its is also very readable despite the old English. A free e-book version of this book is available at monergism.com.
Update 2020: Just finished my second reading through The Bruised Reed. It remains one of the comforting books I’ve read. Well worth reading. Some noteworthy quotes:
“What a support to our faith is this, that God the Father, the party offended by our sins, is so well pleased with the work of redemption! And what a comfort is this, that, seeing God's love rests on Christ, as well pleased in him, we may gather that he is as well pleased with us, if we be in Christ!”
“Never fear to go to God, since we have such a Mediator with him, who is not only our friend but our brother and husband.”
“Peace and joy are two main fruits of Christ's kingdom.”
“It would be a good contest amongst Christians, one to labour to give no offence, and the other to labour to take none. The best men are severe to themselves, tender over others.”
“The ambassadors of so gentle a Saviour should not be overbearing, setting up themselves in the hearts of people where Christ alone should sit as in his own temple. Too much respect to man was one of the inlets of popery.”
“Preachers should take heed likewise that they hide not their meaning in dark speeches, speaking in the clouds. Truth fears nothing so much as concealment, and desires nothing so much as clearly to be laid open to the view of all.”
“It will prove a special help to know distinctly the difference between the covenant of works and the covenant of grace, between Moses and Christ. Moses, without any mercy, breaks all bruised reeds, and quenches all smoking flax. For the law requires personal, perpetual and perfect obedience from the heart, and that under a most terrible curse, but gives no strength. It is a severe task master, like Pharaoh's, requiring the whole tale of bricks and yet giving no straw. Christ comes with blessing after blessing, even upon those whom Moses had cursed, and with healing balm for those wounds which Moses had made.”
“The same duties are required in both covenants, such as to love the Lord with all our hearts and with all our souls (Deut. 6:5). In the covenant of works, this must be fulfilled absolutely, but under the covenant of grace it must have an evangelical mitigation. A sincere endeavor proportionable to grace received is accepted (and so it must be understood of Josiah, and others, when it is said they did that which was right in the sight of the Lord).”
Update 2020: Just finished my second reading through The Bruised Reed. It remains one of the comforting books I’ve read. Well worth reading. Some noteworthy quotes:
“What a support to our faith is this, that God the Father, the party offended by our sins, is so well pleased with the work of redemption! And what a comfort is this, that, seeing God's love rests on Christ, as well pleased in him, we may gather that he is as well pleased with us, if we be in Christ!”
“Never fear to go to God, since we have such a Mediator with him, who is not only our friend but our brother and husband.”
“Peace and joy are two main fruits of Christ's kingdom.”
“It would be a good contest amongst Christians, one to labour to give no offence, and the other to labour to take none. The best men are severe to themselves, tender over others.”
“The ambassadors of so gentle a Saviour should not be overbearing, setting up themselves in the hearts of people where Christ alone should sit as in his own temple. Too much respect to man was one of the inlets of popery.”
“Preachers should take heed likewise that they hide not their meaning in dark speeches, speaking in the clouds. Truth fears nothing so much as concealment, and desires nothing so much as clearly to be laid open to the view of all.”
“It will prove a special help to know distinctly the difference between the covenant of works and the covenant of grace, between Moses and Christ. Moses, without any mercy, breaks all bruised reeds, and quenches all smoking flax. For the law requires personal, perpetual and perfect obedience from the heart, and that under a most terrible curse, but gives no strength. It is a severe task master, like Pharaoh's, requiring the whole tale of bricks and yet giving no straw. Christ comes with blessing after blessing, even upon those whom Moses had cursed, and with healing balm for those wounds which Moses had made.”
“The same duties are required in both covenants, such as to love the Lord with all our hearts and with all our souls (Deut. 6:5). In the covenant of works, this must be fulfilled absolutely, but under the covenant of grace it must have an evangelical mitigation. A sincere endeavor proportionable to grace received is accepted (and so it must be understood of Josiah, and others, when it is said they did that which was right in the sight of the Lord).”
December 29, 2023
An exploration of the beauty and wonder of Christ. Better than Gentle and Lowly, oops I said it.
“God knows we have nothing of ourselves, therefore in the covenant of grace he requires no more than he gives, but gives what he requires, and accepts what he gives.”
“This bruising is required before conversion that so the Spirit may make way for himself into the heart by levelling all proud, high thoughts, and that we may understand ourselves to be what indeed we are by nature. We love to wander from ourselves and to be strangers at home, till God bruises us by one cross or other, and then we `begin to think', and come home to ourselves with the prodigal (Luke 15:17). It is a very hard thing to bring a dull and an evasive heart to cry with feeling for mercy. Our hearts, like criminals, until they be beaten from all evasions, never cry for the mercy of the judge.”
"The Lord reveal himself more and more to use in the face of his Son Jesus Christ and magnify the power of his grace in cherishing those beginnings of grace in the midst of our corruptions, and sanctify the consideration of our own infirmities to humble us, and his tender mercy to encourage us...And may he grant that the prevailing power of His Spirit in us should be an evidence of the truth of grace begun, and a pledge of final victory, at that time when He will be all in all, for all eternity. Amen"
“God knows we have nothing of ourselves, therefore in the covenant of grace he requires no more than he gives, but gives what he requires, and accepts what he gives.”
“This bruising is required before conversion that so the Spirit may make way for himself into the heart by levelling all proud, high thoughts, and that we may understand ourselves to be what indeed we are by nature. We love to wander from ourselves and to be strangers at home, till God bruises us by one cross or other, and then we `begin to think', and come home to ourselves with the prodigal (Luke 15:17). It is a very hard thing to bring a dull and an evasive heart to cry with feeling for mercy. Our hearts, like criminals, until they be beaten from all evasions, never cry for the mercy of the judge.”
"The Lord reveal himself more and more to use in the face of his Son Jesus Christ and magnify the power of his grace in cherishing those beginnings of grace in the midst of our corruptions, and sanctify the consideration of our own infirmities to humble us, and his tender mercy to encourage us...And may he grant that the prevailing power of His Spirit in us should be an evidence of the truth of grace begun, and a pledge of final victory, at that time when He will be all in all, for all eternity. Amen"
July 11, 2021
An encouraging read that served to remind me that. as sinners saved by the complete grace and blood of Christ, we as His people are both weak and powerless apart from Him yet more than conquerors with Him. He will never crush His own nor abandon them, but cherish and purify until we are like Him. How greatly He is to be praised and how worthy He is to spend our lives laboring for the glory of His Name and for the depth of knowledge and love that is to be found in Him. This book beautifully expounded upon these very truths. Warning: the Puritan writing does take some getting used to.
October 16, 2022
2011
2019: Very encouraging. Simple gospel truths to store up and meditate on in order to fan the smoking flax into flame.
2022: Always something new to underline and ponder.
2019: Very encouraging. Simple gospel truths to store up and meditate on in order to fan the smoking flax into flame.
2022: Always something new to underline and ponder.
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