Smooth Stones Taken From Ancient Brooks, Selections from the Writings of Thomas Brooks by C H Spurgeon, published by the Banner of Truth Trust in their Puritan Paperbacks series, 197 pages, £5.75, obtainable from the Free Presbyterian Bookroom.
This compilation of quotations was gleaned from the writings of the well-known Puritan writer Thomas Brooks by C H Spurgeon and first published in 1855. The work will already be familiar to a number of our readers but we are glad that this new edition has been produced by the Banner of Truth Trust in their Puritan Paperbacks series.
Thomas Brooks’ writings on practical and experimental themes have proved helpful to many over the years and we hope that this collection will be used by the Lord to continue to bring the wisdom and skill of a master spiritual physician to needy souls. This work clearly shows how gifted Brooks was in the use of memorable language and vivid illustration. It is rather a pity that the quotes were not referenced or laid out in a more thematic order when originally compiled but, nevertheless, one may take even a page or a few pages at a time and find the variety of matter very stimulating for devotion and further reflection.
A few examples may suffice to whet the appetite for more. Concerning the sympathy of Christ exhibited in Isaiah 63:9, Brooks writes, “The Lord Jesus shares with saints in their afflictions . . . It is between Christ and His Church as between two lute-strings – no sooner one is struck, but the other trembles.” He offers comfort to believers lacking assurance with the following: “Doubtless, when the soul cleaves to Christ in the face of all afflictions and difficulties, this carries with it very great evidence of its interest in Christ. . . . Christ cannot, Christ will not throw such into hell that hang about Him, that cleave to Him.” Practical teaching abounds here, for example: “Clothes and company do oftentimes tell tales in a mute but significant language”. On the subject of prayer, Brooks comments, “Private prayer is a golden key to unlock the mysteries of the Word unto us. The knowledge of many choice and blessed truths are but the returns of private prayer, The Word dwells most richly in their hearts who are most in pouring out their hearts before God in their closets.”
(Rev) A W MacColl
The doctrine of the atonement is put in its proper light only when it is regarded as the central truth of Christianity and the great theme of Scripture. The principal object of revelation was to unfold this unique method of reconciliation by which men, once estranged from God, might be restored to a right relation, and even to a better than their primeval standing.
George Smeaton