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Thomas Brooks
Thomas Brooks (1608 - 1680). English Puritan preacher and author born in Glastonbury, Somerset. Likely educated at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, he entered ministry during the English Civil War, possibly serving as a chaplain in the Parliamentary navy. By 1648, he preached in London, becoming rector of St. Margaret’s, New Fish Street, in 1652, where he ministered through the Great Plague and Great Fire of 1666. A nonconformist, he was ejected in 1662 under the Act of Uniformity but continued preaching privately. Brooks wrote over a dozen works, including Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices (1652) and The Mute Christian Under the Rod, blending practical theology with vivid illustrations. Known for his warm, accessible style, he influenced Puritan spirituality, emphasizing repentance and divine sovereignty. Married twice—first to Martha Burgess in 1640, with whom he had four sons, then to Patience Cartwright—he faced personal loss but remained steadfast. His sermons drew crowds, and his books, reprinted centuries later, shaped Reformed thought. Brooks’ legacy endures through digital archives and reprints for modern readers.
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Thomas Brooks emphasizes the profound blessing of being 'poor in spirit,' which refers to those who are humble, broken, and aware of their spiritual needs and unworthiness. He explains that true humility leads individuals to recognize their inability to save themselves and their dependence on God's grace, righteousness, and support. The poor in spirit are those who willingly accept their lowly condition and seek refuge in God's mercy and strength. This state of humility opens the door to the kingdom of heaven, as it aligns one's heart with God's will and grace.
Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit;" that is—the broken and humble in heart, who has no high thoughts or conceits of himself—but is lowly in his own eyes, like a young child. "Blessed are the poor in spirit;" that is—he who has no lofty or puffed up spirit. The poor in spirit are those who are lowly, being truly conscious of their own unworthiness. None are poor in spirit—but the humble. "Blessed are the poor in spirit;" that is—blessed are those whose spirits are brought into such a humble gracious frame, as willingly, quietly, and contentedly to lie down in a poor low condition—when it is the pleasure of the Lord to bring them into such a condition. "Blessed are the poor in spirit;" that is—blessed are those who are truly and sincerely sensible of their spiritual needs, poverty, and misery. They see an utter inability and insufficiency in themselves, and in all other creatures —to deliver them out of their sinful and miserable estate. They see nothing in themselves upon which they dare venture their everlasting estates—and therefore fly to the free, rich, sovereign, and glorious grace of God in Christ, as to their sure and only sanctuary! They see their need of God's free grace to pardon them. They see their need of Christ's righteousness to clothe them. They see their need of the Spirit of Christ to purge, change, and sanctify them. They see their need of more heavenly wisdom to counsel them. They see their need of more . . . of the power of God—to support them, of the goodness of God—to supply them, of the mercy of God—to comfort them, of the presence of God—to refresh them, of the patience of God—to bear with them, etc. They see their need of greater measures of faith —to conquer their fears. They see their need of greater measures of wisdom— to walk holily, harmlessly, blamelessly, and exemplary in the midst of temptations, snares, and dangers. They see their need of greater measures of patience —to bear their burdens without fretting or fainting. They see their need of greater measures of zeal and courage—to bear up bravely against all sorts of opposition, both from within and from without. They see their need of greater measures of love —to cleave to the Lamb, and to follow the Lamb wherever He goes. They see their need of living in a continual dependence upon God and Christ—for fresh influences, incomes, and supplies of grace, of comfort, of strength—by which they may be enabled . . . to live for God, to walk with God, to glorify God, to bring forth fruit to God, to withstand all temptations which tend to lead the heart away from God. "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:3
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Thomas Brooks (1608 - 1680). English Puritan preacher and author born in Glastonbury, Somerset. Likely educated at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, he entered ministry during the English Civil War, possibly serving as a chaplain in the Parliamentary navy. By 1648, he preached in London, becoming rector of St. Margaret’s, New Fish Street, in 1652, where he ministered through the Great Plague and Great Fire of 1666. A nonconformist, he was ejected in 1662 under the Act of Uniformity but continued preaching privately. Brooks wrote over a dozen works, including Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices (1652) and The Mute Christian Under the Rod, blending practical theology with vivid illustrations. Known for his warm, accessible style, he influenced Puritan spirituality, emphasizing repentance and divine sovereignty. Married twice—first to Martha Burgess in 1640, with whom he had four sons, then to Patience Cartwright—he faced personal loss but remained steadfast. His sermons drew crowds, and his books, reprinted centuries later, shaped Reformed thought. Brooks’ legacy endures through digital archives and reprints for modern readers.