Precious Remedies Against Satan's Devices is a timeless Christian classic written by Puritan preacher Thomas Brooks in 1652. We have updated this book into modern, updated English so you can understand exactly what Brooks wrote hundreds of years ago!
This insightful work offers believers practical guidance and spiritual wisdom to defend against the subtle and cunning strategies of Satan. Brooks outlines the specific methods Satan uses to ensnare and deceive Christians—whether through temptation, discouragement, or distraction—and provides biblically grounded remedies to combat these attacks.
Structured in a clear and accessible format, the book identifies various "devices" used by Satan, such as misleading thoughts, temptations of pride, fear, and worldly enticements, and equips readers with remedies based on Scripture, prayer, faith, and reliance on God’s promises. Each device is carefully explained with relevant biblical examples, and the countermeasures offered are both spiritually enriching and deeply practical for daily Christian living.
What sets Precious Remedies apart is its compassionate tone, as Brooks writes not just with theological precision, but also with pastoral care, encouraging believers to persist in faith and hope even in the midst of trials and temptations. For those seeking a deeper understanding of spiritual warfare, this book remains a crucial resource for strengthening one’s walk with Christ and standing firm against spiritual adversaries.
About Thomas Brooks (1608-1680) was a prominent English Puritan preacher and author, known for his deeply theological yet pastoral writings that reflect his devotion to the Christian faith and his desire to guide believers in spiritual growth. Educated at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, Brooks went on to serve as a preacher in various capacities, earning a reputation for his heartfelt sermons and spiritually edifying books. His works, including Precious Remedies Against Satan's Devices, are beloved for their rich scriptural insights and practical applications, offering encouragement and instruction to Christians of all generations. Brooks' writings continue to inspire readers today, offering timeless wisdom for navigating the challenges of Christian life.
Little is known about Thomas Brooks as a man, other than can be ascertained from his many writings. Born, probably of well-to-do parents, in 1608, Brooks entered Emmanuel College, Cambridge, in 1625. He was licensed as a preacher of the gospel by 1640 at the latest. Before that date he seems to have spent a number of years at sea, probably as a chaplain with the fleet. After the Civil War, Brooks became minister at Thomas Apostle s, London, and was sufficiently renowned to be chosen as preacher before the House of Commons on 26 December, 1648. Three or four years later he moved to St Margaret s, Fish-street Hill, London, but encountered considerable opposition as he refused baptism and the Lord s Supper to those clearly unworthy of such privileges. The following years were filled with written as well as spoken ministry. In 1662 he fell victim to the notorious Act of Uniformity, but he appears to have remained in his parish and to have preached the Word as opportunity offered. Treatises continued to flow from his agile pen. In 1677 or 1678 he married for the second time, 'she spring-young, he winter-old'. Two years later he went home to his Lord.
A sincerely practical book concerning the various ways in which Satan tempts, plagues, or wearies a soul. At first I began reading this book with the purpose of gaining encouragement only for the use by others in my life. Within the first few chapters, I quickly came upon the author describing temptations to sin of which I am unfortunately familiar. But it was such a comfort and a help to read those descriptions because he would then talk them to death in all the ways (inasmuch that God had given him wisdom) to bring to remembrance of sweet biblical truth against such temptations, to resist, and how to put them to death. I have hardly read from an author, how often one quotes the Bible as Brooks does in this book, which is one of the reasons why it is of such practical help! And in the introduction of this book, I couldn’t help but experience a deep brotherly fondness and affection for the author that I’ve never had before; Brooks wrote this book to be a strong, tested help - for those experiencing hardship of all kinds - purely motivated by a sincere, Godly love for the reader. There is SO much packed into this book that is applicable to almost everyone in any stage of life. I would recommend reading the introduction, then the very last chapter where he records a letter from a friend of his, before undertaking to read the first of the “devices” and “remedies”.
I recommend this book to all people. Those who believe in Jesus. Those who don't. And those who want to draw closer to Him and have try victory over this world.