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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.
Sermon Summary
Thomas Brooks emphasizes that it is unreasonable for any living man to complain when facing punishment for his sins, as all humans deserve far worse than their current sufferings. He argues that, given our sinful nature and the grace we receive from God, we should instead marvel at His mercy and kindness. Brooks reminds us that even the smallest suffering is a reminder of God's grace, and we should focus on gratitude rather than complaint. He urges listeners to recognize the severity of their sins and the greatness of God's forgiveness, encouraging a heart of admiration for divine grace.
Why Should Any Living Man Complain
"Why should any living man complain when punished for his sins?" Lamentations 3:39 Oh what a foolish, senseless, brutish, blockish thing it is, for a man, a mortal man, a sinful man, a man on this side hell—to complain or murmur against a holy and righteous God! He who is on this side everlasting burnings, on this side a devouring fire, has no just cause to complain, whatever his losses, crosses, or sufferings are. He who has deserved a hanging, if he escapes with a whipping—has no cause to complain or murmur. Men who have deserved a damning, if they escape with the loss of house, goods, etc., they have no cause to complain or murmur. Oh sirs! Spend your days in a serious and deep admiration of that free, that rich, that infinite, and that sovereign grace that spared you, in that day when you were compassed about with flames of fire on every hand!
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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.