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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 affliction serves as a divine tool to purify and strengthen believers, drawing them closer to God. He reflects on Psalm 119:67, illustrating how trials can lead to spiritual growth and deeper communion with God. Brooks notes that while initial reactions to affliction may include murmuring and struggle, understanding its purpose can lead to acceptance and gratitude, as expressed in Psalm 119:71. Ultimately, afflictions are portrayed as necessary for enhancing one's relationship with God and manifesting His love and grace.
Scriptures
He May Murmur and Struggle at First
"Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey Your word." Psalm 119:67 Affliction is a fire to purge out our dross, and to make our graces shine. Affliction is the remedy which cures all our spiritual diseases. By afflictions, God humbles the hearts of His people, and betters the hearts of His people, and draws the hearts of His people nearer and closer to Himself. "It was good for me to be afflicted." Psalm 119:71 The saints gain by their crosses, troubles, and distresses. Their graces are more raised, their fellowship with God is more multiplied, their comforts are more augmented, their communion with God is more heightened. The grand design of God in all the afflictions which befall His people—is to bring them nearer and closer to Himself. When a great affliction arrests a sincere Christian, he may murmur and struggle at first; but when he considers it as sent from God, to bring him to God, the King of glory—he willingly and readily submits to the rod, and kisses the rod, saying, "It was good for me to be afflicted!" Ps. 119:71 The power of God, the love of God, and the grace of God—are most gloriously manifested by bringing the hearts of His people nearer and closer to Himself by all the troubles, distresses, and dangers which attend them. In the winter season, all the sap of the tree runs down to the root; just so—in the winter of affliction, the soul runs out more and more to God, and gets closer and nearer to God!
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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.