The Bruised Reed and The Smoking Flax

The work of God's Holy Spirit begins with bruising. In order to be saved, the fallow ground must be plowed up. The hard heart must be broken. The rock must be split apart. An old clergyman says there is no going to heaven without passing next to the gates of hell – without a great deal of soul trouble and heart exercise. I understand the bruised reed to be a picture of the poor sinner when God first begins His operation upon the soul.