Thomas Brooks (Puritan) facts for kids
Thomas Brooks (born 1608, died 1680) was an English preacher and writer. He was known as a Puritan, which was a group of Christians who wanted to make the Church of England simpler. He was also a "non-conformist," meaning he didn't always follow the official rules of the church.
Life of Thomas Brooks
Most of what we know about Thomas Brooks comes from his own books. He was born in 1608, and it seems his family was quite wealthy.
In 1625, he started studying at Emmanuel College, Cambridge. Famous preachers like Thomas Hooker and John Cotton had studied there before him. By 1640, he was officially allowed to preach. Before that, he spent several years at sea, probably working as a chaplain for the navy.
After the First English Civil War ended, Thomas Brooks became a minister in London. He was so well-known that he was asked to preach to the House of Commons (a part of the English government) on December 26, 1648. His sermon was later printed as a book. A few years later, he moved to another church in London.
A famous preacher named C. H. Spurgeon once said that Brooks "scatters stars with both hands." This means he was a very inspiring and imaginative writer.
In 1662, a new law called the Act of Uniformity made it hard for non-conformist preachers like Brooks. Even so, he stayed in his area and kept preaching whenever he could. He also continued to write many books.
Books by Thomas Brooks
Thomas Brooks wrote several important books. Here are some of them:
- Precious Remedies Against Satan's Devices, first published in 1652. This book helps people deal with temptations.
- The Secret Key to Heaven: The Vital Importance of Private Prayer, first published in 1665. This book talks about how important private prayer is.
- Heaven on Earth: A Treatise on Christian Assurance, first published in 1654. This book is about feeling sure of your faith.
- Anexichniastoi ploutoi tou Christou (The Unsearchable Riches of Christ). This book is a collection of 22 sermons printed in 1655.
- A Mute Christian Under the Rod.
- The Works of Thomas Brooks, a collection of all his writings.
- Smooth Stones taken from Ancient Brooks, a book that includes writings by both Thomas Brooks and C.H. Spurgeon.
