The Synagogue of Incarnate Devils!
Thomas Brooks warns of the dangers of sinful places, where God's name is blasphemed and sin is encouraged.
Thomas Brooks laments the prevalence of ale-houses, gaming-houses, and whore-houses, describing them as the 'synagogue of incarnate devils' and nurseries of sin. He emphasizes the blasphemy against God and the moral decay that occurs in these establishments, which lead to the impoverishment of families and the corruption of children. Brooks calls for a recognition of the destructive impact these places have on society and the urgent need for repentance and reform.
Text
O sirs, this is and this must be for a lamentation, that there are so many ale-houses, and gaming-houses, and whore-houses, which are usually stuffed with vain people, yes, with the very worst of the worst of men. Certainly these houses are the very suburbs and seminaries of hell. "Where have you been?" "In hell," said Erasmus, merrily comparing ale-houses to hell. Doubtless, they are the nurseries of all sin, and the synagogue of incarnate devils! In the above-mentioned houses, how notoriously is the name of God blasphemed, and how shamefully are the precious fruits of the earth abused! and how many hundred families, are there impoverished! and how many thousand children, are there impoisoned! and how is all manner of wickedness and lewdness, are there encouraged and increased!
Sermon Outline
- The Problem of Sinful Places
- The Blasphemy of God's Name
- The Consequences of Sin
- Many families are impoverished
- Many children are poisoned
- All manner of wickedness and lewdness are encouraged
Key Quotes
“Doubtless, they are the nurseries of all sin, and the synagogue of incarnate devils!” — Thomas Brooks
“In the above-mentioned houses, how notoriously is the name of God blasphemed, and how shamefully are the precious fruits of the earth abused!” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- We must avoid places that breed sin and encourage wickedness.
- We must protect our families from the consequences of sin, such as poverty and child poisoning.
- We must reverence and honor the name of God in all we do.