Review: The Vanity of Thoughts by Thomas Goodwin
The Vanity of Thoughts by Thomas Goodwin
Book info
P. #: 77
Author: Thomas Goodwin (1600-1680)
Life: The book does include a short biography of Goodwin, so I will give a little bit of information for context. From a very young age, he was extremely sensitive to the Holy Spirit. At the age of 6, he was so convicted of his sin, he was brought to tears. By 13, he was enrolled at Christ’s College, Cambridge. Goodwin was known as the “Elder” of English Puritans, and was a huge influence on many of the Puritans to follow after him. He was the chaplain of Oliver Cromwell, and played a vital role in the Savoy Declaration of 1658, a foundational confession of faith for Congregationalism.
General info about author: Goodwin was a pastor, theologian, author, husband, and father.
Overall Summary/review:
This is one of Goodwin’s shortest and earliest books. But despite its very small size, it has a massive value to the reader. The editor offers us four reasons why the book is worth reading today (p. Xiii-xiv)
The editor has also updated this book for the modern reader. He removed the archaic words, updated or clarified the metaphors, and fixed incorrect Scripture references, and added context. One of the biggest additions is references to other works have been added in the footnotes. (p. Xiv-xv)
Goodwin set out in this book to show the wickedness and vanity of the heart by nature (p. 3-4).
This book is very convicting and contains many ideas about thinking and the dangers of even good thoughts at the wrong time.
Quotes: 15, 21, 34, 59