There is no better introduction to the Puritans than the writings of Richard Sibbes, who is, in many ways, a typical Puritan. Sibbes never wastes the student's time, ' he scatters pearls and diamonds with both hands.' (C. H. Spurgeon) Richard Sibbes was known in London in the early 17th century as "the Heavenly Doctor Sibbes." The Bruised Reed and Smoking Flax; is a masterful exposition of Matthew 12:20. In this the author explains what the reed refers to, then he explains what is to be "a bruised reed.