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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 God's afflictions do not alter His unwavering love for His people. Despite the harshness of His hand, God's affections remain constant, as His love is rooted in His own grace rather than in our worthiness. He illustrates this with the example of Munster, who viewed his suffering as God's precious adornments. Brooks reassures that God's love is everlasting and not dependent on our actions, affirming that He loves us simply because He chooses to love us.
Scriptures
However Harsh His Hand May Be
("A Heavenly Cordial" 1665) None of God's afflictions upon His people ever make any change or alteration of God's affections towards His people. However harsh His hand may be against them— yet His love, His heart, His favor, His affections—are still one and the same to them. When Munster lay sick, and his friends asked him how he felt? He pointed to his sores and ulcers, whereof he was full, and said, "These are God's gems and jewels with which he decks His best friends; and to me they are more precious than all the gold and silver in the world!" God's dear love to His people is not founded upon anything good in His people, nor upon anything good which is done by His people—but only upon His own free grace and goodness! What could move the holy God to love us, who are poor, worthless, fruitless sinners? This question is best resolved in these words, "He loves us because He loves us!" The root of His love to us lies in Himself! God's love to His people is a lasting love, yes, an everlasting love! It is a love which never decays nor waxes cold. "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness." Jeremiah 31:3
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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.