Refreshment for the Soul: A Year of Daily Readings from the 'Heavenly Doctor'

by Richard Sibbes, David B. Mackinnon (Editor)

A pastor of forty years who has throughout his ministry found the Puritans to be a great source of spiritual encouragement, David MacKinnon presents here 366 extracts from the works of the Puritan pastor Richard Sibbes, which may be used each day of the year by readers as an aid to devotion. Each extract has been carefully selected, and a suitable accompanying Scripture text provided at the start of each daily reading. Occasional antiquated words in the original have been updated, and overly long sentences have been shortened, but all with a view to retain Sibbes' flow and meaning for present-day readers. For those who have never encountered Sibbes before, this volume will serve as an excellent introduction. All will find in these daily readings spiritual refreshment for the soul, coming from one who in his day was known, appropriately, as the 'heavenly doctor.'

Genres: Devotional, Christian, Theology

424 pages, Hardcover

Published November 23, 2022

About the author

Richard 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.

Reviews

[Michael Abraham · Rating 5 out of 5]

A drop of Sibbes for each day will sweeten your Christian life.

[Bobby Bonser · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will start by confessing that I am not one for daily devotionals typically. I prefer Bible Reading separately while I work through theological books. But this one was worth it. A whole year of Sibbes was a delight, gave my mind something to meditate on for the day, and encouragement in the gospel as he lays it forth. Highly recommend!

[Kali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greatly enjoyed our year with the heavenly doctor

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where can we find rest for our souls throughout the year? Compiled and edited by David B. MacKinnon, Refreshment for the Soul provides a year of daily devotional readings from the ‘Heavenly Doctor’ Richard Sibbes.

Each devotional reading includes a verse from the Bible and several paragraphs filling up 1-page per day. They are easy to read, yet go deep into the truths of God. Sibbes is incredible at bringing Scripture to life.

Practical and Relevant

Tenderness of heart and humility are a couple of topics first tackled in the book. Sibbes remains practical and relevant as his applications remain timeless. He presents a God who is warm and welcoming, ready to work on giving life to your soul.

I was most impressed by the theology included throughout the book. Sibbes speaks of the advantage we have with the help of the Holy Spirit, as well as Christ’s work of intercession. There is much to learn as Sibbes leads us to worship.

True Spirituality

I also appreciated the fact that the topics of several devotions continue over multiple days of reading. For instance, a 10-part series on spiritual discouragement allows Sibbes to speak of diagnosing it as well as present strong reasons against feeling spiritually discouraged. So while this is a devotional read, it can be quite thorough on certain subjects.

A prime example of the Puritan writing style, this book seeks to showcase true spirituality. Doctrine and practice go hand in hand. Christ is the focus of a life shaped by Scripture. Come and drink from springs of living water.

I received a media copy of Refreshment for the Soul and this is my honest review.

[Mark D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book last year becasue I needed some refreshement in my soul. I added it to my daily reading routine. I did not read it everyday. At times, I had to read multiple days to catch up. However, this book was a true blessing. The greatest blessing is to read the perspective of someone from years ago who viewed the world differently. The world in which Sibbes lived is very different from ours. However, I found his devotions encouraging and refreshing. This is a great daily devotional.

[Matthew Ranck · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid devotional for those interested in reading Puritan writing. Sibbes is pastoral, theological, and points the soul to the precious gospel of Jesus. Three stars for its formatting, editing, citations (all incredibly helpful), and content.