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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 fervent prayer is the greatest remedy for life's troubles, particularly when faced with God's chastening. He illustrates that true prayer emerges from deep distress, highlighting biblical figures like Jonah, Daniel, and David, who prayed earnestly in their times of trouble. Brooks encourages Christians to seek the sanctification of their afflictions rather than merely wishing for their removal, aiming for spiritual growth and readiness for eternal glory. He asserts that the most sincere prayers often arise under the weight of God's rod, leading to a deeper relationship with Him.
Scriptures
They Poured Out a Prayer
The greatest antidote against all the troubles of this life, is fervent prayer. "Lord, in trouble have they visited You; they poured out a prayer when Your chastening was upon them." Isaiah 26:16 "They poured out a prayer." Before, they would say a prayer—but now, they poured out a prayer. Saints never visit God more with their prayers —than when He visits them most with His rod. Saints never pray with . . . that seriousness, that spiritualness, that heavenliness, that humbleness, that brokenness, that fervency, that frequency—as they do, when they are under the mighty chastening hand of God! A sincere Christian never prays so sweetly—as when under God's rod. When a Christian is in trouble—then prayer is his food and drink. Oh, what a spirit of prayer was . . . upon Jonah—when he was in the whale's belly; and upon Daniel—when he was among the lions; and upon David—when fleeing in the wilderness; and upon the dying thief—when he was on the cross; and upon Jacob—when his brother Esau came to meet him with four hundred bloody cut-throats at his heels! When a Christian is under great troubles, deep distresses, and most extreme dangers; he should pray . . . more for the sanctification of affliction—than its removal; more to get off his sins—than to get off his chains; more to get good by the rod—than to get free from the rod; that his afflictions may be a purifying and refining fire, that his heart may be low and his graces high, that he may be more weaned from this world, that he be more ripe for eternal glory.
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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.