Comfort "where brooding darkness spreads his jealous wings" (John Milton)

Thursday, October 14, 2010

From The Mourner's Comforter Preface

Heavy Heart,

This book is meant for you. He who sends forth this volume knows the heart of a mourner by a kindred experience, and is most anxious to be a "son of consolation" to the sorrowing. This little book is meant to scare the night-raven, which Milton tells us sits "where brooding darkness spreads his jealous wings." Most men know it as Religious Melancholy, but we call it by the older and more scriptural name of Mourning in Zion. By whatever name it is called it is none the more pleasant....

Jesus Christ Himself is anointed to comfort the distressed in heart, and fulfills His office by giving Himself to them to meet all their needs. The pages of this book are full of Christ Jesus, the consolation of Israel; and if, in any degree, they cheer the despondent, it will be entirely due to Him, their object and their theme....

No heart, however broken, needs any balm but Jesus to work its perfect cure. Sorrows, which like Noah's flood drown all, are soon assuaged by a word from His lips. Get Him and keep Him, O bruised and bleeding heart, and you are healed. For broken hearts the broken-hearted Saviour died, and for them He lives and pleads. Look to Him, mourner, and the black horror of despair shall end.

Yours heartily,
C H Spurgeon




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