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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 warns against the seductive nature of the world, which he describes as 'sweet poisons' that can ensnare the soul and lead to spiritual destruction. He emphasizes that while the world may appear beautiful and enticing, it ultimately betrays and harms those who pursue it, often leading them to forsake their relationship with God. Brooks illustrates how many souls are lost not just by the world's challenges but by its allure, urging believers to seek a greater glory in heaven rather than being captivated by earthly treasures. He encourages a perspective shift, suggesting that a deeper understanding of heavenly promises can help believers disdain worldly pursuits. The sermon calls for a focus on eternal values over temporal gains.
Sweet Poisons!
"I will give You all these things—if You will fall down and worship me." Matthew 4:9 Satan presents the world in such a dress, and in such a garb, as to ensnare the soul, and to win the affection of the soul. He represents the world to them in its beauty and finery, which proves a bewitching sight to carnal men. Satan can no sooner cast out his golden bait—but we are ready to play with it, and to nibble at it! He can no sooner throw out his golden ball—but men are apt to run after it—though they lose God and their souls in the pursuit! Ah! the time, the thoughts, the hearts, the souls—which the inordinate love of this wicked world eats up and destroys! Where one thousand are destroyed by the world's frowns —ten thousand are destroyed by the world's smiles! The world, siren-like, sings to us—then sinks us! It kisses us—then betrays us, like Judas! It kisses us—then stabs us under the rib, like Joab. The honors, splendor, and all the glory of this world, are but sweet poisons, which will much endanger us, if they do not eternally destroy us. Ah! the multitude of souls that have glutted on these sweet baits, and died forever! Such men will sell Christ, heaven, and their souls for a trifle! "How long will you love what is worthless and pursue a lie?" Psalm 4:2 Ah, how many thousands are there now on earth, who have found this true by experience; who have spun a lovely rope to strangle themselves, both temporally and eternally, by being bewitched by the beauty and finery of this world! The main reason why men dote upon the world, and damn their souls to get the world, is, because they are not acquainted with a greater glory! Men ate acorns, until they were acquainted with the use of wheat. Ah, did men but taste more of heaven, and live more in heaven, and had more glorious hopes of going to heaven, ah, how easily would they trample the world under their feet! "You joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions." Hebrews 10:34 Let heaven be a man's object, and earth will soon be his abject. Assurance of more great and glorious things, breed in the soul a holy scorn and contempt of all these poor, base worldly things —which the soul before valued above God, Christ and heaven.
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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.