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The Bruised Reed (Puritan Paperbacks)

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Concerning Richard Sibbes, Charles Spurgeon claimed "Sibbes never wastes the student's time, he scatters pearls and diamonds with both hands." With the same profundity and richness that typically characterizes Puritan works Sibbes, in The Bruised Reed, masterfully and beautifully deals with things like brokenness, humility, mercy, and grace all wrapped up in the greater subject of hardships, whether they be brought by persecution or one's own sin. In a time where hedonism seems to reign supreme and commandeers the hearts of sinners and confused Christians alike, The Bruised Reed delivers a good dose of sobriety to those who would revel in their good circumstance.

Might it be if one is not under affliction of one sort or another that he has not been bruised, broken, or brought to the end of himself? And if not, has he, in his pride, been given over to his depraved mind, unable to hear the thunder of God's voice which grants a man repentance? May it not be for you, me, or anyone! The wise Puritan writes, "This is such a one as our Saviour Chirst terms 'poor in spirit' (Matt. 5:3), who sees his wants, and also sees himself indebted to divine justice..." and God lowers us "levelling all proud, high thoughts, and that we may understand ourselves to be what indeed we are by nature." Let the sinner see his suffering as God's kindness which leads to salvation. Let the saint see his suffering as the means by which God perfects grace in the heart of His servant, mortifying the flesh.

With simple language and Biblical saturation, Sibbes encourages the Christian to take comfort in tribulation while looking to victory, to show grace to the weak, and to believe in Christ's goodness to us despite afflictions undergone. I heartily encourage any and all to read this fine work and now I leave you with some words of wisdom from Richard Sibbes. "In pursuing his calling, Christ will not break the bruised reed, nor quench the smoking flax...he will not only not break nor quench, but he will cherish those with whom he deals."

Richard Sibbes was born in Suffolk in 1577 and started his studies at Cambridge in 1595. In 1632 he was sentenced to banishment to New England due to his strong Puritanical tendencies, but he died before the sentence could be carried out. He was one of the most influential Puritans in the early seventeenth century and was renowned for his powerful and eloquent preaching. He wrote many essays and books but he will always be remembered for writing The Bruised Reed. First published in 1630, it has now been reprinted numerous times and has comforted and reassured many a Christian soul.

The book centers around the third verse in Isaiah 42. It reads, "A bruised reed He will not break, And smoking flax He will not quench; He will bring forth justice for truth." Breaking that verse down, Sibbes does a masterful job of comforting and encouraging Christians in their walk with Christ. The great Anglican theologian, Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones, wrote of The Bruised Reed, saying it was a "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...The Bruised Reed...quietened, soothed, comforted, encouraged and healed me."

What to like: Widely recognized as a classical piece of Christian literature, The Bruised Reed shows Christians why Isaiah's comparison of us to a bruised reed and a smoking flax are accurate. We are bruised. We are in a body that constantly wars with God's Spirit. And our faith can hardly be compared to a fire, for often we barely give off enough heat to smoke. Yet Sibbes shows us this is no reason to be discouraged. While it is easy for us to get discouraged about our lack of faith at times and our sinful tendencies Christ will not let us break nor let our small spark of faith be quenched. Giving practical advice on Christian living, Sibbes masterpiece is gentle yet firm; theologically deep but practical.

What not to like: I'm going to be honest here - this book was hard for me to read and that's not something I say lightly. The text was written in 1630 and the old English used is exceedingly difficult at times. This is not a book I would recommend to light readers. The book only weighs in at 128 pages but it took me a good while to read it; I would say it took me at least as long as it would normally take me to read a more modern book twice the size. I'm not saying that it was not worth the effort or that I didn't mine significant spiritual gems from the contents - just that, at times, it was mentally draining.

Memorable Quote: The whole conduct of a Christian is nothing else but knowledge reduced to will, affection and practice. If the digestion of food in the stomach is not good, the working of the liver cannot be good; so if there is error in the judgment it mars the whole of practice, as an error in the foundation does a building. God will have no blind sacrifices, no unreasonable services (Isa. 1:13), but will have us to love him with all our mind (Rom. 12:2), that is, with our understanding part, as well as with all our hearts (Luke 10:27), that is, the feeling part of the soul.

Conclusion: Though not for the novice reader, this book is well worth the effort for Christians to read. The wisdom in it will go a long way to help us during those times of discouragement and downheartedness. I would also add that the gentle and humble tone of the book should be an example for all Christians to imitate when communicating the truth of the gospel. All in all, this was a most uplifting read and did much to encourage me to persist in my feeble attempts to live my life for Christ.

This is an awesome book! Sibbes examines suffering, sin, and the victory of Christ over it all! In his own words, "our comfort is that Christ lives and reigns, and stands on Mount Zion in defence of those who stand for him." This is the basic thesis of his book.

Into the so-called "self-help" genre of today, Sibbes speaks of the only true remedy for depression and low self-esteem. Page upon page provides soothing words of our Father's great love for us along with challenges to live as though we knew we were so loved. Help is not in ourselves but only in the one who created us and loves us with a love beyond human understanding.

Sibbes leads us to our Father and his word where the only answer for the trials and tribulations of the human condition can be found. In these pages are the insights and practical tools to battle depression and discouragement. Every heart can benefit from "doctor" Sibbes' great legacy to us.

The Bruised Reed, by Richard Sibbes

I decided to postpone reading Gospel Powered Parenting until February because of the fact that Sarah is reading it, which was not bad news at all. I was looking forward to reading Richard Sibbes' classic "The Bruised Reed" for a while now, and I decided to take this as an opportunity to read it this month. So here we are.

First of all, I must say that the book is not what I expected it to be at all. I expected it to contain much more "fire and brimstone" than it had. This thinking was prompted by every other Puritan writer that I have ever read. For instance, Joseph Alliene's "A Sure Guide to Heaven" gave me nightmares... I affectionately call John Owen my friend who "kicks my butt and makes me feel stupid"... and of course, who could forget Jonathan Edwards' classic sermon, "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God."

After seeing the name, and anticipating the genre of the book, I was very pleasantly surprised to see how much "The Bruised Reed" was genuinely filled with grace. The entire book is based off of Isaiah 42:1-3, which says "Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street. A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax he shall not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth."

Basically, we are the bruised reed. We have been bruised because our eyes have been opened to the sin in our lives, and our pride is crushed. But Jesus shall not break the bruised reed. He has compassion on us and is gentle towards us.

I came into this book fully prepared for another butt whooping, and what I got was a message of grace... what a breath of fresh air! Not only was it filled with grace, but Richard Sibbes communicated it in a way that was unlike what we hear today about grace. He was fully serious about sin, but he quickly pointed us to the sovereign King of the universe who is kind and gentle to us. Even in regards to sin, Sibbes was filled with grace and wisdom. "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."

To present a full review of Sibbes' work, I must also say that his words were forceful as well. He does not hesitate to talk about the justice delivered to those who reject God's great mercy. But overall, the message of this book strikes me differently than I would have imagined, and I'm very thankful for the words that he wrote so long ago. This was timely. I really believe that God wanted me to read this book at this exact point in my life.

In this excellent work Sibbes concerns himself with mining the depths of Isaiah 42:1-3. He skillfully teaches us about bruised reeds, smoking flax, and Christ's victorious government. This work will prove helpful to pastors and lay persons alike. For the struggling believer it will comfort and calm your doubting. It will remind you of the mercy of Christ and leave you in the arms of our gracious Savior. Sibbes continuously reminds us that, "there is more mercy in Christ than sin in us". (13)

This work will also be highly beneficial for the pastor. Sibbes is a wonderful example of the grace and mercy that a minister of Christ ought to be; it is no wonder he was called the "sweet dropper". The minister will be reminded by Sibbes not to, "pitch matters to high" (26) nor to "kill a fly on the forehead with a mallet" (30).

Ministers and layperson alike are continuously brought to the foot of the Cross in this beautiful work by Sibbes. It has proved for centuries to be a "balm to souls" and will probably be so until the gracious Savior that it represents returns in victory.

This book is very Christ-centered, which is sweet refreshment compared to the mounds of man-exalting literature of our day. Sibbes does a marvelous job of setting up for us to view Jesus Christ, the Crucified and Risen One. As Sibbes points us to the Cross, he brings out of that three profound applications: that Christ mercy is full, we should be merciful, and Christ will reign victorious.

If you find yourself discouraged Sibbes will point you to the Cross and therein give you profound encouragement. If you find yourself bitter, harsh, or arrogant towards others, then Sibbes will hold your hand to the Cross and remind you of our Saviors grand mercy. If you are in despair over your remaining corruption, Sibbes will cast a vision of the victory of the Cross and pull you out of despair. Jesus is truly exalted in this work.

Should You Buy It?

Absolutely. I would suggest buying one for yourself; one for your spouse and each child; one for each person in your neighborhood; one for each member of your church; and just in case, you should buy one for your dog.

this book, through Scripture, is food to the hurting soul. Have you had those times where you are so torn by your sin that you feel as though there is no way that Christ would save you, or would want to commune with you? This book points to that thought as proof of the bruised reed that needs to be gathered by the One who created it. This book will lift you up to show you that you must be bruised to understand forgiveness. You must be bruised to understand your Saviour more intimitely. I highly recommend to anyone, whether you have felt this way or not about your life this book will lift you and place you in the Father's hands, making you understand, through Scripture, that the Father truly cares for His children.

Wow, what a powerfully encouraging and timeless message from Puritan pastor Richard Sibbes - first published in 1630, but as relevant today as it was 400 years ago! Think of Sibbes as that coach that first saw your hidden potential when no one else believed in you - he told you to keep striving, keep pushing, keep practicing. One day, he promised, you'll see the fruits of your labors. Sibbes is encouraging you in a similar fashion - but this time, God is the one at work in you - and if you keep walking faithfully (not perfectly), you'll see the fruits of His labors over time. Christ knows how weak and frail we are - and yet He continues to work in us and thru us for His divine glory. Sibbes isn't selling "cheap grace" though - he's honest about the hard work and toil necessary to be a true disciple of Christ in this fallen world - but he reminds the believer that "the victory lies not with us, but with Christ..."

This is an outstanding book for every Christian, but especially for a brother or sister in the Lord who is struggling in their faith or in life. It is a powerful and encouraging read - not an easy read, mind you, but well worth the effort. And it ends as powerfully as it begins - all 128 pages have gold nuggets to treasure in your heart. Make sure you order an extra copy or two of The Bruised Reed to have on hand to give to a friend.

When it came to my attention that Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones spoke so highly of Richard Sibbes's "The Bruised Reed", I thought I would give it a try and I am glad I did. The book is a lengthy discourse of Isaiah 42:3; the thesis being the Lord Jesus Christ will not break those struggling with and burdened by sins represented by the bruised reed, nor quench the small, barely visible beginning of grace represented by the smoking flax among the children of God, but will bind their wounds up with compassion, cherish the little spark of grace in the hearts of his people, defend it, kindle it to flame and overcome all oppositions in the end.

Sibbes begins with the definition what it means by the bruised reed and the smoking flax and how Christ deals with such. The truth is all Christians were at least once a bruised reed and a smoking flax. The purposes of being so are the leveling of all proud and high thoughts, the understanding of the remaining existence of corruption despite the rule of grace by the Holy Spirit, the cherishing of Christ and the encouragement to run and cling to Him, as well as to show kindness and support to those of us who are bruised reeds and smoking flaxes since Christ did the same to us when we were in such conditions (p.4-6, 21-25). Here is a precious lesson that I value greatly where Sibbes teaches that Christians ought not to be harsh Christians, and ministers of the gospel ought not only be theologians, but also gentle shepherds of the souls in their charge. Some examples of such ministers that I can think of are Richard Baxter, John Bunyan and John Newton.

"It is not the best way, to assail young beginners with minor matters, but to show them a more excellent way and train them in fundamental points. It is not amiss to conceal their defects, to excuse some failings, to commend their performances, to encourage their progress, to remove all difficulties out of their way, to help them in every way to bear the yoke of religion with greater ease, to bring them to love God and his service, lest they acquire a distaste for it before they know it" (p.22).

Sibbes has the following words of advice and warning against being harsh Christians, as well as a lesson to learn from the gracious dealing of Christ,

"The best men are severe to themselves, tender over others. Neither must they despise the gifts of God in others,... which may make their persons and their case obnoxious to scorn. When blindness and boldness, ignorance and arrogance, weakness and willfulness, met together in men, it renders them odious to God, burdensome in society, dangerous in their counsels, disturbers of better purposes, intractable and incapable of better direction.

When Christ shows his gracious power in weaknesses, he does it by letting men understand themselves so far as to breed humility and magnify God's love. He does it as a preservative against discouragement from weakness, to bring men into a less distance from grace, as an advantage to poverty of spirit, rather than greatness of condition... which yield to corrupt natural fuel for pride. The Holy Ghost is content to dwell in smoky, offensive souls. O, that that Spirit would breathe into our spirits the same merciful disposition! Why would we reject men of useful parts and graces, only for some harshness of disposition, which, as it is offensive to us, so it grieves themselves?" (p.23).

The second part deals with the marks of a smoking flax after which Sibbes offers some counsels on some common struggles that believers go through. While there is plenty of kind words whereby Sibbes exhorts them not to lose hearts over ill-thoughts and doubts and he does so by much exaltation of the grace and sufficiency of Christ to care and sustain them, there are also gentle reminders to be obedient, not to quench the Spirit and presume on the mercy of Christ (p.35-76).

The last section, as an added dose of an already-abundant supply grace to the readers, teaches what it means to be a Christian where Sibbes describes as when one lives under Christ's judgment and government; judgment in the sense of discernment, not in the sense of condemnation, or in other words, a well-guided life by the rules of Christ (p.83). To further clarify what judgment and government mean, he writes,

"By this judgment set up in us, good is discerned, allowed and performed; sin is judged, condemned and executed. Our spirit, being under the Spirit of Christ, is governed by Him, and so far it is governed by Christ, [He] governs us graciously" (p.77).

The nature and operation of this government is treated next. The government of Christ in a regenerate soul, though at times may seem to go through much opposition externally and internally, is a wise, conquering and victorious government at last, despite the weakness on our side that Christ uses to our and his advantage. Herein is implied the doctrine of perseverance of the saints. "Weakness with watchfulness will stand, when strength with too much confidence fails. Weakness, with acknowledgement of it, is the fittest seat and subject for God to perfect his strength in; for consciousness of our infirmities drives us out of ourselves to him in whom our strength lies" (p.96). The sanctifying operation of the Holy Spirit in a gracious soul is described as, "...if the wicked spirit is never idle in those whom God has delivered up to him, we can not think that the Holy Spirit will be idle in those whose leading and government is committed to Him. No, as He dwells in them, so He will drive out all that rise up against Him until He is all in all" (p.92). With Christ-dependent confidence in victory of grace through much conflict already laid out, the last few pages of "The Bruised Reed" is a pastoral charge to fight a good fight of faith, that I appreciate and take to heart; for example,

"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 the better things. We should be ready at all times to depart hence, and to live in such a condition as we would be content to die in. We should have hearts prepared for every good duty, open to all good opportunities, and shut to all temptations, keeping our watch" (p.105).

Now I understand why Dr. Lloyd-Jones considered this book, "... an unfailing remedy... quietened, soothed, comforted, encouraged and healed me." It has the choice meat of timeless pastoral wisdom taken from the timeless treasure of the Word of God for the use of the church of all ages.

This book will warm your heart and motivate your Christian walk with Christ. There is much here to learn of God's glorious character and the beauty of God's Word. I would recommend getting the full 7 vol. works of Sibbes on cd-rom from richardsibbes.com which includes this individual book. They are cheeper and searchable on your computer. But you wont be dissapointed in Sibbes.