[Sibbes, Richard. “Christ’s Sufferings for Man’s Sin — (Matthew 27:46).” In The Complete Works of Richard Sibbes, vol. 1, 537–555. Edinburgh: James Nichol, 1862.]

Richard Sibbes, born circa 1577 at Tostock in Suffolk, emerged as a luminous figure among the English Puritan divines of the early seventeenth century. Schooled at St John’s College, Cambridge, where he earned his B.A. in 1595 and subsequently advanced to Doctor of Divinity, Sibbes distinguished himself by both his erudition and his tender pastoral spirit. Ordained in the Church of England, Sibbes served as Lecturer at Holy Trinity Church, Cambridge, before assuming the Mastership of Catherine Hall, Cambridge, and later the esteemed office of Preacher at Gray’s Inn, London. Though steadfastly committed to Reformed theology, Sibbes eschewed needless contention, preferring the way of evangelical grace and inward piety. His pulpit and pen were renowned for their gentle yet piercing application of Gospel consolation, earning him the appellation “the sweet dropper.” Unlike some of his more rigid contemporaries, Sibbes sought not separation, but reform within the national church, laboring for the purity and vitality of both doctrine and life. His principal writings, The Bruised Reed (1630), The Soul’s Conflict (1635), and a host of sermons and devotional treatises, abound in Christ-centered encouragement and the promotion of experimental godliness. Through his works and personal influence, Sibbes shaped a generation of ministers and believers, fostering an evangelical piety that would echo far beyond his own age. He fell asleep in the Lord on July 5, 1635, leaving behind a legacy of spiritual consolation and practical divinity esteemed by the faithful.

Richard Sibbes, born circa 1577 at Tostock in Suffolk, emerged as a luminous figure among the English Puritan divines of the early seventeenth century. Schooled at St John’s College, Cambridge, where he earned his B.A. in 1595 and subsequently advanced to Doctor of Divinity, Sibbes distinguished himself by both his erudition and his tender pastoral spirit. Ordained in the Church of England, Sibbes served as Lecturer at Holy Trinity Church, Cambridge, before assuming the Mastership of Catherine Hall, Cambridge, and later the esteemed office of Preacher at Gray’s Inn, London. Though steadfastly committed to Reformed theology, Sibbes eschewed needless contention, preferring the way of evangelical grace and inward piety. His pulpit and pen were renowned for their gentle yet piercing application of Gospel consolation, earning him the appellation “the sweet dropper.” Unlike some of his more rigid contemporaries, Sibbes sought not separation, but reform within the national church, laboring for the purity and vitality of both doctrine and life. His principal writings, The Bruised Reed (1630), The Soul’s Conflict (1635), and a host of sermons and devotional treatises, abound in Christ-centered encouragement and the promotion of experimental godliness. Through his works and personal influence, Sibbes shaped a generation of ministers and believers, fostering an evangelical piety that would echo far beyond his own age. He fell asleep in the Lord on July 5, 1635, leaving behind a legacy of spiritual consolation and practical divinity esteemed by the faithful.

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CHRIST’S SUFFERINGS FOR MAN’S SIN

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NOTE

‘Christ’s Sufferings’ follows ‘Christ is Best,’ and closes the ‘first part’ of the volume. It was reprinted in the ‘Saint’s Cordial’ (2d edition, 1637; 3d edition, 1658), forming No. 7. The separate title-page is subjoined.* — G.

Title-page—

CHRIST’S SUFFERINGS,

FOR MAN’S SIN.

Laid open in a Passion Sermon at Mercers Chapel London, upon Good Friday.

By R. SIBBES, D.D.

ISAIAH 53:5

He was wounded for our transgressions, and bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes are we healed.

LONDON,

Printed by M. F. for R. Dawlman, at the Brazen Serpent in Paul’s Church-yard. 1634.

CHRIST’S SUFFERINGS FOR MAN’S SIN