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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 that the Scriptures are God's love-letter to humanity, offering invaluable guidance and remedies for every aspect of life. He describes the Bible as a source of comfort, strength, and truth, suitable for all people regardless of their spiritual maturity. Brooks urges listeners to cherish, read, and study the Bible above all other books, as it is essential for salvation and judgment. He highlights the Bible's role as a constant preacher in every situation, encouraging a deep love and appreciation for its teachings.
God's Love-Letter
The Scripture is God's love-letter to men. Here the lamb may wade—and here the elephant may swim! The blessed Scriptures are of infinite worth and value! Here you may find . . . a remedy for every disease, balm for every wound, a plaster for every sore, milk for babes, meat for strong men, comfort for the afflicted, support for the tempted, solace for the distressed, ease for the wearied, a staff to support the feeble, a sword to defend the weak. The holy Scriptures are . . . the map of God's mercy—and man's misery, the touchstone of truth, the shop of remedies against all maladies, the hammer of vices, the treasury of virtues, the exposer of all sensual and worldly vanities, the balance of equity, the most perfect rule of all justice and honesty. Ah, friends, no book befits your hands like the Bible! The Bible is the best preacher. This book, this preacher will preach to you . . . in your shops, in your chambers, in your closets, yes, in your own bosoms! This book will preach to you at home and abroad; it will preach to you in all companies; and it will preach to you in all conditions. By this book you shall be saved—or by this book you shall be damned! By this book you must live. By this book you must die. By this book you shall be judged in the great day! Oh, therefore . . . love this book above all other books, prize this book above all other books, read this book before all other books, study this book more than all other books! For he who reads much—and understands nothing, is like him who hunts much—and catches nothing. "Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long!" Psalm 119:97
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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.