The Works of Thomas Goodwin, vol. 11

by Thomas Goodwin

Publisher:

James Nichol

, 1865

Overview

In the wake of the Reformation, Protestant denominations were faced with the prospect of determining church authority and governing themselves apart from Roman Catholic rule. Goodwin was among many theologians following the Reformation who addressed concerns about church governance from an unapologetically Protestant perspective. Volume Eleven begins with an exposition of the function and role of the church in the New Testament, and outlines the words Jesus himself used to describe the church. Regardless of divisions and infighting, the preaching of the Gospel remains the church’s primary identity marker.

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. 11
• Author: Thomas Goodwin
• Publisher: James Nichol
• Publication Date: 1865
• Pages: 544

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.