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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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Thomas Brooks emphasizes the importance of recognizing and detesting vain thoughts, which are often hidden from others but significant in the eyes of God. He illustrates that a holy man is aware of the dangers of secret sins, understanding that they require repentance just as openly visible sins do. Brooks points out that these hidden sins can be more perilous and that they grieve the Holy Spirit, urging believers to confront and humble themselves regarding their inner struggles. He draws on the example of Hezekiah, who humbled himself for the pride of his heart, highlighting the need for self-examination and accountability in one's spiritual life.
I Hate Vain Thoughts
"I hate vain thoughts." Psalm 119:113 The heart of a holy man rises against secret sins, against such as lie furthest off from the eye of man. What is more secret than vain thoughts? And yet against these, the heart of a holy man rises. Hezekiah humbled himself for "the pride of his heart." Heart-sins lie most hidden and secret; and yet for these, a holy man humbles himself. A holy man knows that secret sins are sins—as well as those which are open. He knows that secret sins must be repented of—as well as others. He knows that God takes notice of secret sins—as well as of open sins. He knows that secret sins—like secret diseases and secret wounds—do oftentimes prove most dangerous and pernicious. He knows that secret sins are the price of Christ's blood—as well as open sinnings. He knows that secret sins are a grief to the Spirit—as well as those which are manifest. Upon all which accounts—a holy heart rises in a detestation of secret sins.
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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.