Seven Characteristics of False Teachers by Thomas Brooks (1608 - 1680)
The 17th-century non-conformist pastor Thomas Brooks is perhaps best known by his classic book, Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices. The intent of the book was to edify believers with a Biblically-informed understanding about Satan and his temptations, and provide practical “remedies.' In Seven Characteristics Of False Teachers, Brooks outlines the evident characteristics that, since the initial warnings of Christ about “wolves in sheep’s clothing,” have remained consistent throughout church history.
The 17th-century non-conformist pastor Thomas Brooks is perhaps best known by his classic book, Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices. The intent of the book was to edify believers with a Biblically-informed understanding about Satan and his temptations, and provide practical “remedies.' In Seven Characteristics Of False Teachers, Brooks outlines the evident characteristics that, since the initial warnings of Christ about “wolves in sheep’s clothing,” have remained consistent throughout church history.
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Luther complained <strong>of</strong> such in his time as would strain at a<br />
gnat, and swallow a camel. This age is full <strong>of</strong> such teachers,<br />
such monsters! The high priest's spirit (Matt. 23:24) lives and<br />
thrives in these days.<br />
[5.] <strong>False</strong> teachers cover and color their dangerous principles<br />
and soul-deceptions with very fair speeches and plausible<br />
pretenses, with high notions and golden expressions.<br />
<br />
Many in these days are bewitched and deceived <strong>by</strong> the<br />
magnificent words, l<strong>of</strong>ty strains, and stately terms <strong>of</strong><br />
deceivers. As strumpets paint their faces, and deck and<br />
perfume their beds, the better to allure and deceive simple<br />
souls; so false teachers will put a great deal <strong>of</strong> paint and<br />
garnish upon their most dangerous principles and<br />
blasphemies, that they may the better deceive and delude<br />
poor ignorant souls. They know sugared-poison goes down<br />
sweetly; they wrap up their pernicious, soul-killing pills in<br />
gold! (Gal. 6:12; 2 Cor. 11:13-15; Rom. 16:17, 18; Matt. 16:6,11,12;<br />
7:15.)<br />
In the days <strong>of</strong> Hadrian the emperor, there was one Ben-<br />
Cosbi gathered a multitude <strong>of</strong> Jews together, and called<br />
himself Ben-cocuba, the son <strong>of</strong> a star, applying that promise<br />
to himself (Num. 24:17)—but he proved Bar-chosaba, the son<br />
8 <strong>of</strong> 12
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