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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 discipline is ultimately for our good, as it allows us to share in His holiness. He illustrates that afflictions can lead to the flourishing of grace, much like how spices release their fragrance when bruised. Brooks points out that throughout history, God's people have thrived in times of suffering, as trials often revive and strengthen their faith, love, and hope. He uses various metaphors, such as stars shining in darkness and gold shining brighter after being scoured, to convey that hardships can lead to spiritual growth and deeper reliance on God.
Scriptures
He Bruises His Spices
"God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in His holiness." Hebrews 12:10 Grace always thrives most when saints are under the rod. When Christians are under the rod, then their graces do not only bud, but blossom and bring forth fruit, as Aaron's rod did. The snuffing of the candle makes it burn the brighter. God beats and bruises His children, to make them burn the brighter; He bruises His spices, to make them send forth the greater aromatic fragrance. The Jews were always best when they were in an afflicted condition. Stars shine brightest in the darkest nights. Vines grow the better for bleeding. Gold shines the better for scouring. Juniper smells sweetest when in the fire. By afflictions, God many times revives, quickens, and recovers the decayed graces of His people. By afflictions, God many times inflames that love which is cold; and He strengthens that faith which is failing; and he puts life into those hopes which are languishing; and new spirits into those joys and comforts which are withering and dying. Sharp afflictions recover and revive our decayed graces. The smarting rod abases the loveliness of the world, which entices us; it abates the lustiness of the flesh within, which incites us to vanity and folly.
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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.