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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 conscience serves as God's preacher within us, acting as a witness to our actions and intentions. He warns that tampering with sin leads to a guilty conscience, which obstructs our peace and assurance in God. Brooks explains that harboring unconfessed sins creates a barrier between us and God, preventing Him from revealing His love and grace. He stresses that God will not listen to the prayers of those who continue to indulge in sin, as it is contrary to His holiness. Ultimately, a clear conscience is essential for true communion with God.
God's Preacher in the Heart
"I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man." Acts 24:16 Conscience is God's preacher in the heart. Conscience is a thousand witnesses for or against a man. Those who dally and tamper with this sin or that sin, develop a guilty conscience—which clouds, clogs, and distracts the soul with many fears, doubts, and scruples. God will have no communion with those who, against light and checks of conscience—dally and tamper with this sin or that sin. The harboring of some unmortified lust, some secret, special, peculiar sin—is the greatest and most common cause of the lack of assurance, comfort, and peace. How should it be otherwise, seeing God, who is infinitely wise, holy, and righteous—will not reveal the secrets of His love to those who harbor His known enemies in their bosoms? The great God will not regard the prayers of those who play and dally with that very sin, or that very lust—for which He hides His face from them.
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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.