The Mute Christian, Under the Smarting Rod: With Sovereign Antidotes Against the Most Miserable Exigents: Or, a Christian with an Olive Leaf in His Mouth

by Thomas Brooks

To all afflicted and distressed, dissatisfied, disquieted and discomposed Christians throughout the world. But God, who is infinite in wisdom and matchless in goodness, hath ordered troubles, yea, many troubles to come trooping in upon us on every side. And yet, Christians, it is mercy, rich mercy that every affliction is not an execution; that every correction is not a damnation. The higher the waters rise, the nearer Noah's ark was lifted up to heaven; the more thy afflictions are increased, the more thy heart shall be raised heavenward.

Genres: Theology, Christian

180 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1659

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Nik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding

If there was a standard reading list for Christians, this book should be on it. If you’ve wrestling with suffering or even the problem of suffering, this book can take you a long way into building a powerful and transformative perspective.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Whilst Satan is tempting of thee, Christ in the court of glory is interceding for thee: “And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not” (Luk 22:31, 32). Satan would gladly have shaking of him up and down, as wheat is shaken in a fan. But Christ’s intercession frustrates Satan’s designed temptations. Whenever Satan stands at our elbow to tempt us, Christ stands at His Father’s to intercede for us: “…he ever liveth to make intercession for them” (Heb 7:25).”
Amen!

Great book!

[Zack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Because this work is full of spiritual truth, it is timelessly valuable for Christian believers. It is both timeless and timely in its expositions and applications. I thoroughly recommend it, especially to those who - like me - oftentimes grow impatient when enrolled in the "school of affliction."

[David Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m recommending highly the unabridged version published by The Sovereign Grace Book Club, and also included in The Works of Thomas Brooks vol 1 from Banner of Truth.

[Deanna Alexander]

After reading "Precious Remedies Against Satan's Devices, " I came across this book by the same powerful Puritan writer, Thomas Brooks. This book is NOT for the faint-hearted Christian, neither in the old language style presented, nor in its brutal, direct biblical truths presented, but is really a more advanced theological read. Fair warning here, if you are a Christian prone to murmuring and complaining, you will find this book heavy with electrifying stinging conviction, and Brooks does not sweeten his words or beat around the bush. Brooks clearly lays murmuring and complaining out as sin. Not only sin, but sin which breeds many other sins. It is, as the author describes, A God-provoking sin " which bears the image of Satan and most resembles Satan. Yet, a gracious, quiet spirit is of great esteem with God, and Brooks does a beautiful job in providing scripture references which encourage a quiet, silent spirit before the Lord. As Brooks points out, "The murmurer can taste no sweetness in his sweetest morsels. "

This book is a brutal reminder that, as Christians, we have the least cause to live in a murmuring spirit. Has God not given you a changed heart, a renewed nature and a sanctified soul? Has He not given His self to save you, and His Spirit to lead you?

Why must Christians be mute and silent under the greatest afflictions? To better hear and understand the voice of the rod, for "As the Word has a voice, and the Spirit a voice and conscience a voice, so the rod has a voice. "

Along with the author's strength of brutal conviction, you will also find comforting reassurances, such as the reminder that Brooks gives that our afflictions do not last longer than necessary, and that they come with a purpose, designed for your eternal good. There is also the assuring reminder that there can be no comparison between the afflictions that God has inflicted upon you and those that He COULD HAVE layed upon you. This reminder brought to mind for me the scripture verse from Psalm 103:10, a sobering reminder that God has not dealt with us according to what our sins deserve.

I also find it to be a comforting reminder that although the Lord may at times temporarily "hide His face from you, " for whatever reason during times of testing and teaching, yet His presence remains with you.

Overall, I give "The Mute Christian Under the Smarting Rod " a stellar five star review, but I would recommend this book along with the understanding that it is not a book for the faint-hearted Christian who would take easy offense at strong, brutal truth presented. If you are wanting a rich, deep theological read that carries brutality of force along with a nice blend of comforting scriptural truth, then this book is for you. Thomas Brooks is a bold, powerful Puritan writer, and if you can handle his brutality, then you will find this book to be the treasure trove of wisdom, for which it truly is.

[Tom James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on Psalm 39: 9 which says, "I was dumb, I opened not my mouth; because thou didst it ..." the author contends that the proper response to the afflictions that God sends is to remain silent--to accept that our trials come from God and to submit to them willingly, humbly, and quietly. While this is never easy to do, God knows what is best for us and will discipline us as He sees fit for His glory and for our benefit. Filled with wise words of comfort to prepare the Christian for the adversity that must inevitably come to all of us. Brooks' writing is saturated in Scripture along with anecdotes from the Church Fathers, from classical literature, and from history. His style, though quaint by modern standards, is nevertheless readable. Highly recommended.

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is terrific, very profitable. This quote sets the stage -" it is the great duty & concernment of gracious souls to be mute & silent under the greatest afflictions, the saddest providences, & sharpest trials that they meet with in this world." The author, Thomas Brooks, deals with suffering in a way that modern Christians rarely do. He writes from the perspective of God's sovereignty, & writes as a man that was living at the time when life was hard & short for most. Suffering was normally understood to be the discipline of a loving God dealing with his children, shaping them into the image of Christ.

Short but meaty.

[Evandro Junior · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excelente livro do sr. Books sobre como o cristão deve enfrentar as provações e tentações. Deus é magnificado nas nossas provações, e não convém reclamarmos durante o tempo que estamos sob a vara da disciplina ou do fogo purificador de Deus. A dor na vida de um crente não é sem propósito. Sr. Books é um médico da alma. Recomendo a todo cristão esse excelente livro do puritano congregacional Thomas Brooks.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent compiling of exhortations to humbly submit to the often misunderstood dealings of the God's smiting rod. References to the life of Job were very insightful, particular satan's goals in gaining a footing in our hearts. Satan seeks not to make us miserable in our afflictions but to entice us to question & murmur against God because of our miseries, even blaspheme His name. Brooks encourages us to expect lifelong interchange between sickness & health, weakness & strength, disgraces & honor & joys & sorrow. Helpful perspective & encouragement to press on when we get weary from the never ending daily battle with sin, the flesh & the devil.

[Aaron Beane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friend, Spurgeon’s title was right when he chose “smooth stones from ancient Brooks”. If you are suffering, afflicted by trials, questioning “why” God would ever allow you to suffer such. Then pick up this smooth stone and turn it over and over until your heart is at ease, resting in the truth of Gods sovereignty. He wounds you to heal you!

You do not have to go digging for treasure here, the ground on every page is scattered with jewels. Reading one paragraph, if believed, would encourage a days worth of meditation.

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ten out of five stars. If you're suffering and struggle with trusting the Lord because of it (looking at you Calvinists) because he's sovereign - this book is for you. Felt like a personal message from Jesus in my struggle.

[John Wise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good, good words for those suffering.