Heaven on earth by Thomas Brooks (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read the 'Epistle dedicatory' and the 'Epistle to the saints'.
Today we begin 'Heaven on earth' by Thomas Brooks.
Firstly we read the Epistle Dedicatory. We see who the book is dedicated to (English soldiers) and the advice that Brooks gives them:
(i) get and keep communion with God;
(ii) make a speedy and a thorough improvement of all opportunities of grace and mercy;
(iii) take no truths upon trust, but all upon trial;
(iv) be exemplary to those among whom you walk and over whom you command;
(v) as you are in public places, so lay out yourselves impartially for the common good, of all that have interest in you, or dependence upon you;
(vi) make it more and more your chiefest work to make plentiful provisions for the eternal welfare of your souls.
Secondly we read the Brooks address to the saints who read his work. In this section Brooks outlines the reasons he published the work:
(i) to gratify requests
(ii) the good acceptance of his other works;
(iii) he wants to warn as a watchman;
(iv) the lack of assurance among Christians;
(v) his life is short;
(vi) to show his love for for the saints.
I think I'm going to like Brooks; his style is easy to read and he is full of great advice.
I particularly liked his emphasis in today's reading on communion with God: 'Communion with God is a shield upon land, and an anchor at sea ; it is a sword to defend you, and a staff to support you ; it is balm to heal you, and a cordial to strengthen you. High communion with Christ will yield you two heavens, a heaven upon earth, and a heaven after death. He enjoys nothing that wants communion with God ; he wants nothing that enjoys communion with God ; therefore above all gettings get communion with Christ, and above all keepings keep communion with Christ. All other losses are not comparable to the loss of communion with Christ. He that hath lost his communion, hath lost his comfort, his strength, his all, and it will not be long before the Philistines take him, and put out his eyes, and bind him with fetters of brass, and make him grind in a prison, as they did Samson, Judges xvi. 20, 21. '
Get communion with God and you will be safe, now and for evermore!
Next week's reading
Read the Preface and Chapter 1.
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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