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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 transient nature of earthly glory, comparing it to flowers that quickly wither and fade. He reflects on the historical rise and fall of great kingdoms, illustrating that all worldly inheritances ultimately lose their splendor. In contrast, he highlights the eternal and unchanging glory of the heavenly inheritance promised to believers, which remains vibrant and everlasting. Brooks encourages his listeners to seek this incorruptible inheritance, reminding them of the joy and security it brings. The sermon serves as a powerful reminder of the fleeting nature of worldly achievements compared to the lasting glory found in God.
Scriptures
Fading Glory!
"An inheritance which does not fade away." 1 Peter 1:4 This is a metaphor taken from flowers. The beauty of flowers, and the sweetness of flowers—wither in a moment, and are quickly gone. And then they are good for nothing but to be cast upon the ash-heap! So it is with all earthly inheritances—they soon lose their glory and fragrancy. Where is the glory of the Chaldean, Persian, Grecian, and Roman kingdoms? Fading glory! has been long since, written upon them all! Yes, all the glory of the world is like the flower of the field—which soon fades away! How many great men and great kingdoms have for a time shined in great glory, even like so many suns in the sky—but are now vanished away like so many blazing comets! How soon is the courtier's glory eclipsed—if his prince does but frown upon him! And how soon does the prince become a peasant—if God does but frown upon him! Indeed the excellency of the heavenly inheritance, is that it will never fade or wither away. All the glory of heaven is like God Himself—lasting, yes, everlasting! This never-fading inheritance of believers is always fresh and resplendent. The glory of believers shall never fade nor wither, nor grow old nor rusty. Thrice happy are those who have a share in this incorruptible inheritance!
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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.