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Reading the Next Classic Together
- 04/10/10
- 22
Ten days ago I announced the next classic book we’ll be reading together. To refresh your memory, it will be The Bruised Reed by Richard Sibbes. If you’ve been reading this blog for more than a few months, you know the pattern. Through the week anyone who wishes to participate reads a chapter from the book and on Thursdays we come here and discuss it. It’s that simple, really. The impetus for this project was the simple realization that, though many Christians want to read through the classics of the faith, few of us have the motivation to actually make it happen. I know this was long the case for me. This program allows us to read such classic works together, providing both a level of accountability and the added interest of comparing notes as we read in community. The Bruised Reed is, by all accounts, the kind of book any Christian will benefit from. So please do consider reading it with us.
One thing I forgot to address in that announcement is the start date for this effort. So let me do that today. We will begin reading together this Thursday. So, before Thursday April 15, simply read the first chapter. Then come back here and I will begin the discussion.
One thing we will want to talk about is whether we read the book one chapter per week or two chapters per week. The Bruised Reed has sixteen chapters, all of which are quite short. I think I would prefer, after week one, to start doubling up, simply because 16 weeks is a long reading project. Four months in a short book seems like it will draw things out too much so that the early chapters are lost from our minds by the time we get to the end. However, I’m open to ceding to those who would rather go slower.
If you would like to read along with us, please get the details here. All it takes is the commitment to read the book.
I am a follower of Jesus Christ, a husband to Aileen and a father to three young children. I worship and serve as a pastor at 
Releasing on April 1, The Next
Published in 2008, this book
This is a guide that calls men,
This review of the bestselling
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Comments (22)
I’m looking forward to it and would also prefer 2 chapters a week.
I second that motion.
You can get The Bruised Reed online at Theology Network http://theologynetwork.org/christian-beliefs/the-holy-spirit-and-christi…
I neglected to say the first time this was mentioned that I’ll be joining you. The Bruised Reed is a wonderful book, full of solid pastoral wisdom and advice, overflowing with tremendous comfort for sinners. It should prove to be a great joy reading it with others and hearing what they have to say.
My vote is for 2 per week.
Yep, I agree - 2 chapters per week
I agree, two chapters a week is preferable. The pace isn’t burdensome, and his theme will be best preserved this way.
Thanks!
2 chapters.
I’m in. It’s been sitting on my Puritan bookcase shelves. Thanks for the much-needed push!Two chapters a week would be ideal; however, reading one chapter a week may allow for more participants. It may also allow the participants who read faster an opportunity to read it again, and perhaps even more carefully and thoughtfully (not that all faster readers don’t read carefully). Just some thoughts.Professor Chris BoucherCapital Bible SeminaryLanham, Md
I bought my own copy and it just came in the mail today. I’ve been reading my husband’s copy. Love this book, I would prefer 2 chapters also. Looking forward to the 15th.
Man…. I finally decided to get on board with your reading the classics and the next too books you did I had already read.Pick one I haven’t read yet next time! Maybe something by Owen.
I will be joining you as well, but I just ordered the book yesterday, so for that reason I would like to read one chapter the first week. Two chapters each week after the first week would be my preference.
I am in and two chapters a week after the first sounds fine to me. Looking forward to it!
Tom
Thank you for sharing this; I would now be able to join the conversation on time. I already ordered my book, but since I live in another country, it was not going to arrive on time.
Thanks again!
2 a week would be good.
I’m joining in, too. Just got my book today. 2 per week sounds great.
I will also read the book. I just got it yesterday. Two chapters at a time should be good.
Great! Two chapters will suit me. My 2nd hand book (used, I think it’s also called!) arrived in pristine condition from a great supplier (www.bookdonors.co.uk) and ready to go……will start tonight…’see’ you Thursday.
Hi Tim,
2 Chapters a week are good for me. So, I will read that first chapter tonight!
Richard Sibbes’ book made me a Reformed Baptist? !
Back in 1984 I was browsing books in a Christian book store in Alexandria LA. The store clerk asked me if I was looking for anything in particular. I asked if they have puritan books. She said she had some. I asked if they had “The Bruised Reed” by Richard Baxter? A young man in the corner of the store overheard the conversation and called me over to show me where I could find it in Sibbes works volume 1.
I told him that I had been under awakening for some time and that I had read that this book, and the Soul’s Conflict were really helpful for D M Lloyd-Jones. As I began to talk to him, he was wondering who I was and why I would be interested in this book down here in the Bible Belt.
I told him my story and how depressed I was at the Southern Baptist church scene in LA.
It turned out he was a Reformed Baptist and attended a church in Shreveport, LA. I was in the Coast Guard and had orders to N Y C.
To make a long story short, I wanted to find a Reformed Baptist church and ended up at Trinity Baptist Church in Montville in 1984 under the ministry of Albert Martin. If I hadn’t been looking for that book, I wonder where I would be attending church today?
Thomas - I’m shocked that you were in a Christian bookstore that actually had a single Puritan work. I’ve never experienced that!