Richard Sibbes (1577–1635)

The Tender Heart demands a true and honest reflection of faith. While so many seek only to soothe the superficial issues of the heart and mind, Richard Sibbes dives into the true core of one’s behavior and into the real heart of Christianity. Those who truly love God do not feel called to follow him under a sense of guilt-ridden commitment or burdened duty. Sibbes discusses how truly loving the Lord is the only way to enjoy communion with God and to be driven farther from sin. Rather than show more living life in fear of God’s punishment or wrath, Sibbes reveals that a heart softened to God and devoted to him in sincere love is the only way to true freedom and joy in Christ. This series, published by ONE audiobooks, seeks to produce Classic Christian titles read by well known and loved audiobook narrators. ONE takes great care to cast these titles with readers who will provide an unmatched listening experience for these important works. Arthur Morey brings his passion to every performance and is considered to be one of the top audiobook narrators in the industry. show less

Superb little book. Originally a funeral sermon by Sibbes on Philippians 1:23. Full of brilliant, warm and practical heavenly insights.

Lately I have been reading (and enjoying) the works of Edwards, Flavel, Fuller, Owen and Sibbes. Each of these great men contributed something unique, but my own favorite is Sibbes. So far none of his works top Owen's "The Glory of Christ", and his writings lack the clarity and simplicity of Flavel or the profundity of Edwards. Yet, reading Sibbes brings me into the presence of God like none of these other authors. There's something quite wonderful about his style and content that is show more impossible to put into words.

While I haven't yet read the entire set of his works, I doubt that any of them will top volume 2. This volume contains 5 pieces written by Sibbes. Three of them - two on the Canticles and one titled 'A Breathing After God' - are simply marvelous. Surely nothing outside of Scripture can top these fine pieces. I rank them alongside Owen's 'The Glory of Christ', Andrew Bonar's Memoir & Remains of Robert Murray M'Cheyne and Samuel Rutherford's letters. show less

在本书中，清教徒传道人薛伯斯探讨以赛亚书四十二章1～3节，提供温柔、高举基督的诠释和应用。 薛伯斯依循马太对这处经文的解释，认为它在耶稣基督的生平与事奉中应验了（太十二18～20）。 他的讲解基本上分为三个部分：(1) 基督不折断压伤的芦苇；(2) 基督不吹灭将残的灯火；(3) 基督不做这两件事，直到祂施行公理，叫公理得胜。 show more 薛伯斯分这三个标题来解释主要的经文，然后在全书各处穿插着深入人心的应用。 在你的属灵旅程中，无论是刚开始寻求神，与祂建立关系，在你与祂的关系中奋力前行，或者一直顺服神和祂的旨意，这本书都会带给你安慰、鼓励、盼望与帮助。

《压伤的芦苇》自一六三零年首次出版以来，为无数人带来属灵的安慰与帮助。 理查˙巴克斯特（Richard Baxter）忆述：「一位贫穷的小贩来到我家门前，...... 父亲从他那里买来薛伯斯的这本《压伤的芦苇》。 …… 它正切合我当时的需要，...... 它把神的爱更多地向我揭开，活泼地阐述救赎的奥秘，我何等感激耶稣基督。 …… 神就是喜欢借着书本让我释疑，重回祂的怀抱。 」这些见证与日俱增。 钟马田（Martyn Lloyd Jones）医生在他的著作《讲道与讲道的人》里提出，最切合讲道者在任何境况下需要阅读的书：

你需要自己去挖掘，在不同的情形当中，你需要读些甚么。 我认为，大体上你会发现，清教徒的作品通常总是有帮助的。 我不能过多进入这个话题，但有各式各样的清教徒！ 总体来说，约翰˙欧文（John Owen）的书比较难读，他是一个知识水平很高的人。 有的清教徒作家则比较温和，更直率，更具实践性。 我对他们其中一个叫理查德˙薛伯斯的人一直非常感恩。 有一段时期，我曾经操劳过度、疲惫不堪，因此受到魔鬼不同寻常的攻击。 这种状态和情形之下，读神学作品解决不了问题。 事实上，根本不可能解决问题，你需要的是温和、柔软的灵性治疗。 那时我发现，十七世纪早期，薛伯斯在伦敦被誉为「天堂医生薛伯斯」，他的著作是一剂永恒的良药。 他的《压伤的芦苇》和《灵魂的冲突》，平息、安抚、安慰、鼓励、医治了我。 有的牧师在必须走过的各个灵性阶段中，还不知道有甚么良药适合自己，我很同情这样的人。 show less