by Richard Sibbes
in ePub, .mobi & .pdf formats
Richard Sibbes’ The Saint’s Comforts: An Exposition of Psalm 130 is a deeply pastoral and theological meditation on one of the most comforting penitential psalms in Scripture. Sibbes, a prominent English Puritan, unpacks Psalm 130 with a blend of biblical exposition, spiritual encouragement, and practical application, making this work a wellspring of hope for struggling Christians.
At the heart of this book is the theme of God’s mercy in the midst of affliction. Sibbes begins by acknowledging that even the most faithful Christians will experience depths of misery—whether through external suffering or internal spiritual turmoil. Yet he quickly moves to offer gospel hope, demonstrating how the psalmist's cry, “Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O Lord” (Ps. 130:1), serves as a model for believers who find themselves burdened by sin or sorrow. Sibbes explains that afflictions are often used by God to stir up devotion, drive us to prayer, and increase our dependence on His grace.
One of the book’s most compelling aspects is its treatment of divine forgiveness. Sibbes expounds on the psalmist’s confidence in God’s mercy, particularly in verse 4: “But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.” He argues that true reverence for God is born not out of terror but out of gratitude for His boundless grace. This theme of grace permeates the work, as Sibbes continually points readers to Christ as the only hope for a guilty conscience.
Sibbes also addresses the practical outworkings of faith in the life of the believer. He explores the necessity of patient waiting on God, the power of fervent prayer, and the assurance that comes from trusting in God’s promises. His writing is both doctrinally rich and pastorally warm, making it accessible for readers seeking comfort amid life’s trials.
For those who have ever wrestled with guilt, discouragement, or the feeling of being abandoned by God, The Saint’s Comforts is a book that will uplift the soul and draw it nearer to Christ. Sibbes’ deep biblical insight and tender pastoral care make this work an invaluable resource for anyone seeking reassurance of God’s mercy and the hope found in His unfailing love.
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Table of Contents
The children of God fall into extremity of misery and affliction
Six reasons of it
Two uses of it: first, not rashly to censure ourselves or others; secondly, against profane mockers at the dejected
God upholdeth his from sinking in trouble
Four reasons of it
Seven uses of it
Affliction stirs up devotion
Two uses of it
Prayers to be made only to God
How to make our prayers fervent
Six directions
Sin hinders prayer
The way to get out of misery is to get discharged of sin
The way to take away sin, is by confession
Sin is in the best
Community of offenders lessens not sin
God makes his children see and feel what sin is
Four reasons of it
How to be sensible of sin with seven directions
Three uses of it
A soul stung with sin, should fly to the free mercy of God
God only can relieve a guilty conscience
God only forgives sin
God's mercy is free
The best Christian needs forgiveness
Forgiveness is general to all that cast themselves on his free mercy
God's goodness stirs up to duty
It stirs up to faith, love, and fear
Three uses of it
Wait upon God