The Soul's Conflict with itself by Richard Sibbes was one that I found to be such a help in my growth as a Christian. It took me a long time to read the book, but that was only because it is so full of Scripture and God's Word can be quite convicting at times. In a roundabout sort of way, this book helped me along with my One Word resilience's synonym perseverance. Even though it took a long time to read, I persevered because I didn't want to miss anything that God might have for me in this book. And there was a time when I would have just given up about halfway through the book.
The entire book deals with one verse of Scripture...Psalm 42:5, which says,
"Why are thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance."
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Richard Sibbes was a Puritan who lived between 1577 - 1635, but don't let that put you off when it comes to his writings. I was introduced to his writings by our pastor and even though Richard's sentences can often be quite lengthy, I have enjoyed everything I've ever read by him.
I'll share a couple of quotes from the book.
"It is an indignity for men to be led with surmises and probabilities, and so to pass a rash judgment upon persons and things. Oftentimes falsehood hath a fairer gloss of probability than truth; and vices go masked under the appearance of virtue, whereupon seeming likeness breeds a mistake of one thing for another."
"It is evidence that man lives more to opinion and reputation of others than to conscience, when his grief is more for being disappointed of that approbation which he expects from men, than for his miscarriage towards God."
"This is a sign of a man's victory over himself, when he loves health and peace of body and mid, with a supply of all needful things, chiefly for this end, that he may with more freedom of spirit serve God in doing good to others."
And lastly,
"Satan could not deceive us, unless we deceived ourselves first, and are willing to be deceived."
Would I recommend? Definitely!
Resilience ~ Perseverance
Oh boy...that last quote is a humdinger! I've been seeing Sibbes quoted more and more since you've mentioned him and this book on your blog. This year I'm reading through the Bible with the Church History Study Bible that has quotes by many puritans, Etc. for the passages you read each day. I'm really enjoying it. Sibbes is one of the men in the study notes. There are authors of books that I can only read a paragraph at a time. I have a feeling Sibbes is one of those. Enjoy the end of January!
ReplyDeleteI know, Ellen. It was rather thought provoking. Yes, I think with Sibbes, it isn't that his language is hard to understand, but his sentences can be long, so they definitely take concentration to digest what he's saying. Richard Sibbes is my favorite of the Puritan writers that I've read so far.
DeleteI think the language would take time time to work through, but perhaps that helps the reader slow down and truly consider the writing. It does sound convicting!
ReplyDeleteI really don't find his language to be hard to understand, but it's the depth of what he is imparting that takes some time to digest.
DeleteSounds like he was an encourager to his readers to trust in God's mercy and find comfort in His promises, even when the soul feels troubled deep inside. This book might would take me a while to read because of the depth of the sentences, but I am sure it is a good read. It takes perseverance to keep our minds focused on what is right and what is good.
ReplyDeleteYes, Shug, that's it. Thanks for understanding how perseverance fit into this book review, my friend.
DeleteI can see why it took you some time to read it. Like Ellen said, it may be a paragraph at a time to take it in but that's not so bad. Sometimes I have a tendency to read fast and not retain.
ReplyDeleteIt's the conviction of the Holy Spirit, too, Mari, that caused me to take so long to finish this book. The depth of Sibbes' statements as he brought out questions, objections and answers really did cause me to take my time with the read. The slowing down was a very good thing in this case.
DeleteYes, I know you've taken your time reading this. Some books have to be ingested and digested slowly. When I read any Puritan writers, it takes me quite some time. Not fluff for sure. Thank you for the review.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right...not fluff for sure.
DeleteI understand how it can take perseverance to get through some books that we really need to read slowly. I finally finished a communication book that I'd been reading for months. But that's okay. Some books deserve our time. I'm glad this was one of those for you!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lisa, for understanding....and for the heads up because if it's the same book on communication that you shared on your blog, it's on my wish list. When I order it, I will remember that it will take time to go through it. xx
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