The Bruised Reed

First published in 1630, The Bruised Reed is one of the most cherished works of Puritan pastoral theology — a tender, patient unfolding of Christ's own promise that he will not break the bruised reed or snuff out the smoldering wick, but will nurse even the weakest, most struggling faith into full flame.

This edition has been carefully modernized in essentially-literal style — archaic pronouns, verbs, and obsolete vocabulary updated, long sentences loosened for the ear — while Sibbes' own Scripture quotations and theological vocabulary are left exactly as he wrote them. The Dedication and the first two chapters are free to read; the rest of the book is part of the Silva Island membership library.