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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 the profound assurance of belonging to Christ, declaring that believers can confidently affirm their relationship with Him as their Head, Husband, and Savior. This assurance fosters patience, courage, and joy, enabling Christians to endure life's challenges with a heart full of hope and gratitude. Brooks encourages believers to remember the immense love and eternal promises of God, which far outweigh their earthly troubles, urging them to focus on rejoicing rather than whining. He reminds Christians that their mercies surpass their miseries, and a moment in Christ's presence will outweigh all earthly suffering.
Scriptures
Whining and Whimpering?
"My Beloved is mine, and I am His!" Song 2:16 "I know," says the spouse, "that Jesus Christ is mine! I can with the greatest confidence and boldness affirm it. He is . . . my Head, my Husband, my Lord, my Redeemer, my Justifier, my Savior. And I am His! I am sure that I am His. I am His by purchase; I am His by conquest; I am His by election; I am His by covenant; I am His by marriage; I am wholly His; I am specially His; I am universally His; I am eternally His!" A well-grounded assurance will make a man . . . patient in waiting, courageous in doing, cheerful in suffering. It will make a heaven in a man's heart—on this side heaven; and make him go singing into paradise, despite all of life's calamities and miseries—as he realizes that he is . . . everlastingly chosen and beloved of God, that God's heart is set upon him, that his name is written in the book of life, that there is laid up for him a crown of righteousness, and that nothing shall be able to separate him from Him who is his light, his life, his crown, his all in all. Ah, Christians! only remember what Christ has done for you, and what He is still a-doing for you in heaven, and what He will do for you to all eternity—and you will not be able to spend your days in whining and whimpering. Christians, your mercies are greater than your miseries! One hour's being in the bosom of Christ, will recompense you for all your trouble and travail on earth! Why, then, do you spend more time in sighing, than in rejoicing?
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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.