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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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Thomas Brooks emphasizes the importance of prioritizing certain thoughts in our lives. He urges us to reflect on our sins to foster humility, recognize God's grace to inspire submission, and focus on Jesus Christ for strength in our duties. Additionally, he highlights the significance of the Scriptures as a guiding light and the afflictions of others to cultivate compassion. Finally, he encourages contemplation of eternal glory to fortify us against temptations.
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First Place in Your Thoughts
Friends, these things must have first place in your thoughts: 1. Your sins—to humble you and abase you before God. 2. God's free and rich and sovereign grace—to soften and melt you down into submission to His holy will. 3. The Lord Jesus Christ—to assist, help, strengthen, and influence you in all your duties and services. 4. The blessed Scriptures—to guide you and lead you, "and to be a lamp unto your feet, and a light unto your paths." 5. The afflictions of the godly—to draw out your charity, mercy, pity, sympathy and compassion to men in misery. 6. The glory and happiness of the eternal world—to arm you and steel you against all your sins, snares and temptations.
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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.