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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 the dire consequences of living without holiness, warning that it leads to eternal separation from God and the unbearable torment of hell. He challenges the audience to consider the gravity of their spiritual state and urges them to pursue holiness with fervor, as it is essential for salvation and true happiness. Brooks reminds us that without holiness, we cannot see the Lord, and thus, we must strive for sanctification to attain eternal life.
Well, Ladies and Gentlemen
"Without holiness no one will see the Lord." Hebrews 12:14 Well, Ladies and Gentlemen—Do you think that it is good to be going to hell—that it is good to be dwelling with everlasting burnings—that it is good to be forever separated from the glorious presence of God? Do you think that it is good to forever lie a-sweltering under the wrath of an infinitely just God, and to abide forever and ever under those pains and torments which are endless, easeless, hopeless, and remediless? Do you think that it is good to be fettered with devils and damned spirits for all eternity? "Oh no! this cannot be good! for the very thoughts of these things are enough to raise a hell on this side hell—in our hearts!" Oh then, with all your might press after holiness, and pursue hard after holiness—as after the one thing necessary; for without holiness you shall as certainly go to hell—as holy people shall certainly go to heaven! Oh that you would forever remember this—that without all question, you shall never be saved, unless you are sanctified; you shall never be truly and eternally happy, unless you are truly holy! "Without holiness no one will see the Lord." Hebrews 12:14
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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.