The Works of Thomas Goodwin, vol. 3

by Thomas Goodwin

Publisher:

James Nichol

, 1861

Overview

The first part of Volume Three contains Goodwin’s chapter-by-chapter exposition of Revelation, in which he ponders the purpose of the book and the nature of its prophecy. He brings a uniquely Puritan approach to a book more often touted for its bizarre imagery and apocalyptic prophecies than its connections to Puritan theology. Goodwin’s writings on Revelation also include two short summary works on Revelation’s depiction of Christ’s kingdom.

The middle part of Volume Three includes a lengthy excursus on the metaphor of darkness and light in Isaiah 50. In particular, Goodwin ponders the prominence of this metaphor in Isaiah’s prophecy and the implications of the contrasts it draws today.

Volume Three concludes with a Goodwin’s writings on Christian growth, including not only the instances where the church flourishes, but also the obstacles which impede Christian growth.

Contents

Top Highlights

“Thirdly, Of all apprehensions else, get thy heart possessed with deep, strong, and powerful apprehensions and impressions of God’s holiness, majesty, omnipresence, and omniscience.” (Page 527)

“Eighthly, In thy calling, and all thy ways, for the success and thy ways therein, ‘commit thy ways to God.’” (Page 528)

“No one thought passeth, but it stirreth some affection of fear, joy, care, grief, &c” (Page 510)

“A few thoughts of faith would save us many thoughts of cares and fears,” (Page 528)

“To set up a church is to set up God and Christ a throne. A church is his only visible throne on earth, till the kingdoms of the world become his visibly.” (Page 3)

Praise for the Print Edition

He speaks the intimacies of things from an inward sense and feeling of them in his own heart, to the particular cases and experiences of others.

—James Barron

Product Details

• Title: The Works of Thomas Goodwin, vol. 3
• Author: Thomas Goodwin
• Publisher: James Nichol
• Publication Date: 1861
• Pages: 527

About Thomas Goodwin

Thomas Goodwin (October 5, 1600–February 23, 1680) was an English Puritan theologian and preacher. He was born in Norfolk in England as the oldest son of Richard and Catherine Goodwin. At the age of six, Goodwin, in his own words, “began to have some slighter workings of the Holy Spirit.” He attended Christ’s College in Cambridge, and was ordained as a preacher in 1625 and as a lecturer at Trinity Church in 1633.

In 1634, he resigned and in 1639 was forced to flee to the Netherlands to escape persecution.

After Goodwin returned to England, he became a member of the Westminster Assembly, and frequently preached in Parliament. In 1656, he also became chaplain to Oliver Cromwell. Along with John Owen, Thomas Goodwin was instrumental in writing the Westminster Confession of 1658.

In 1660, Goodwin returned to London and served as pastor of Fetter Lane Independent Church, where he remained until his death.