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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.
Sermon Summary
Thomas Brooks emphasizes that salvation is solely a result of God's free grace, not based on any merit or goodness in humanity. He explains that God's choice to show mercy is rooted in His own will, often selecting the weak, poor, and unworthy to demonstrate that no one can boast in their own righteousness. This divine selection serves to highlight the glory of God's grace, leading all to proclaim 'Grace, grace!' as the source of their salvation. Brooks reinforces that our identity and worth come from God's grace alone, as stated in 1 Corinthians 15:10.
Grace, Grace!
"That no flesh should glory in His presence." 1 Corinthians 1:29 God does not look for any goodness or merit in the creature to draw His love—but He will justify, pardon, and save for His name's sake. All the motives which move God to show mercy are in His own bosom. Salvation is only from free grace, and not from anything good in us, or done by us. God is free to bestow His promises upon whomever He pleases. He often steps over the rich, and chooses the poor; He often steps over the learned, and chooses the ignorant; He often steps over the strong, and chooses the weak; He often steps over the sweet nature, and chooses the wicked nature; He often steps over the noble, and chooses the vile; etc., that no flesh may glory, and that all may shout out "Grace, grace!" "By the grace of God I am what I am!" 1 Corinthians 15:10
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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.