The Bruised Reed and Smoking Flax: Complete and Unabridged with Introductory Essay

"A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench." — Matthew 12:20

What does Christ do with weak, struggling, half-broken believers? He does not crush them. He does not give up on them. He cherishes the smallest spark of faith and fans it into flame.

First published in 1630, Richard Sibbes's The Bruised Reed is one of the most beloved works of Puritan pastoral theology ever written. It is a book for the discouraged and the doubting — for anyone who has ever wondered whether their faith is too small, too feeble, or too mixed with failure to be real.

Richard Baxter said a copy of this book, left by a travelling peddler, was instrumental in his conversion. Charles Spurgeon wrote that Sibbes "scatters pearls and diamonds with both hands." Martyn Lloyd-Jones testified that it "quietened, soothed, comforted, encouraged and healed" him during a period of exhaustion. Michael Reeves has called Sibbes "the best introduction to the Puritans," adding: "Reading him is like sitting in the sunshine: he gets into your heart and warms it to Christ."

About this edition:

This FlotsamPress edition presents Sibbes's complete and unabridged text, based on the fifth edition of 1635 — the last corrected during his lifetime. An introduction to Sibbes's life and significance, and a glossary of archaic terms, are included.

Part of The Puritan Treasury series from FlotsamPress.