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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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Sermon Summary
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the immense worth and preciousness of time, illustrating that understanding its value can profoundly impact a person's heart. He argues that time is a critical factor in determining our eternal fate, as it serves as the prologue to eternity, where the choices we make now will yield either bliss or bane in the afterlife. Brooks highlights that time is a fleeting commodity, and if one were in hell, they would trade anything for just a moment more. He encourages listeners to view their current time as an opportunity to sow seeds of grace rather than sin, as this will determine their eternal harvest. Ultimately, Brooks calls for a wise use of time to exchange earthly struggles for heavenly rewards.
Scriptures
The Worth and Preciousness of Time
There is nothing which puts a more serious frame into a man's heart, than to know the worth and preciousness of time. "Time," says Bernard, "would be a good commodity in hell, and the selling of it most gainful; where, for one day, a man would give ten thousand worlds if he had them." One called his friends, "Thieves!" because they stole time from him. Certainly time is infinitely precious, in regard of what depends upon it. What can there be of more worth, and weight, and importance—than eternity? Eternity is the heaven of heaven—and the hell of hell. Without eternity, heaven would not be so desirable— nor hell be so formidable. Eternity depends upon time. Time is the prologue to eternity. The great weight of eternity—hangs upon the small wire of time. Upon the spending of our time, depends either the bliss or the bane of body and soul to all eternity! Now is our seed-time, eternity is the harvest. Whatever seed we now sow, whether of sin or grace—it comes up in eternity! Now is our market-time, in which, if we are wise merchants, we may make a happy exchange of earth—for heaven; of a valley of tears—for a paradise of delights. Though time itself does not last—yet whatever is everlasting, depends upon time.
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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.