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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 immense value of the soul, describing it as a precious and immortal jewel that is capable of union and communion with God. He warns that the eternal safety of one's soul is the most critical concern in life, asserting that if the soul is secure, everything else is secure. Brooks laments that many people neglect this vital aspect of their existence, treating their souls with indifference and ultimately risking their eternal fate. He cautions that a time will come when those who have disregarded their souls will realize the grave loss of God, Christ, and heaven. The sermon serves as a poignant reminder to prioritize the well-being of our souls above all else.
They Trample That Matchless Jewel
The soul is that spiritual and immortal substance, which is capable of union with God, and of communion with God, and of an eternal fruition of God. There are none but bear about with them, precious and immortal souls, which are more worth than ten thousand thousand worlds. The first great work that men are to attend in this world—is the eternal safety and security of their souls. If the soul is safe—all is safe. If the soul is well—all is well. If the soul is lost—all is lost. I have read that there was a time when the Romans wore their jewels on their shoes. Most men in this day do worse, for they trample that matchless jewel of their souls under feet! Many at last will cry out, "Oh, what have I lost! I have lost God, and Christ, and heaven; and have betrayed my precious and immortal soul into the hands of divine justice, and into the hands of Satan!"
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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.