- Home
- Speakers
- Thomas Brooks
- The More Vile Christ Made Himself For Us
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.
Download
Sermon Summary
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the profound suffering and humiliation that Christ endured for humanity, urging believers to keep the image of a crucified Christ at the forefront of their minds. He reflects on the deep wounds, heavy burdens, and bitter cup that Jesus faced, illustrating the extent of His agony and the shame He bore. Brooks encourages the faithful to find sweetness and consolation in the remembrance of Christ's sacrifice, recognizing that the more vile Christ made Himself for us, the more precious He should be to us.
The More Vile Christ Made Himself for Us
"Let the thoughts of a crucified Christ," says one, "be never out of your mind, let them be food and drink unto you, let them be your sweetness and consolation, your honey and your desire, your reading and your meditation." Ah! remember this, His wounds were deep, His burden weighty, His cup bitter, His suffering painful, His agony and torment above conception, beyond expression. That blessed head of His—was crowned with thorns. Those eyes of His, which were purer than the sun —were put out by the darkness of death. Those ears of His which now hear nothing but hallelujahs —were filled with the blasphemies of the multitude. That blessed beautiful face of His, which was fairer than the sons of men—was spit on by beastly filthy wretches. That gracious mouth and tongue, which spoke as never any man spoke—was slandered and accused of blasphemy. Those hands of His, which healed the sick, which gave out pardons, which swayed a scepter in heaven—were nailed to the cross. Those feet, which brought the glad tidings of peace and salvation into the world—were also nailed to the cross. All these great and sad things, did Jesus Christ suffer for His people! Oh! The more vile Christ made Himself for us—the more dear He ought to be unto us.
- Bio
- Summary
- Transcript
- Download
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.