The Works of Thomas Goodwin (12 vols.)

by Thomas Goodwin

Publisher:

James Nichol

, 1861–1866

Overview

The Works of Thomas Goodwin (12 Vols.) contains the commentaries, sermons, and theological treatises of one of Puritan England’s most influential theologians. Thomas Goodwin’s theological reflection, biblically-rooted sermons, and deep piety stems from a close acquaintance with religious persecution and a profound respect for Scripture. Because his writings affirm the work of God in a perilous world, Goodwin’s theological and biblical exposition was as important to his original audience as it is inspirational to contemporary readers.

Logos is pleased to offer The Works of Thomas Goodwin—the twelve volume academic standard published by James Nichol. In addition to dozens of theological treatises, sermons, commentaries, and discourses, these volumes also contain Goodwin’s memoirs and a lengthy appendix of his short quotes and aphorisms—all completely searchable and more accessible than ever with your Libronix Digital Library.

Key Features

• All of Thomas Goodwin’s sermons, commentaries, and theological treatises
• A collection of short quotes and aphorisms
• Comprehensive index

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
• Author: Thomas Goodwin
• Publisher: James Nichol
• Volumes: 12
• Pages: 6,228

The Works of Thomas Goodwin, vol. 1

• Publisher: James Nichol
• Publication Date: 1861
• Pages: 563

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Volume One contains Goodwin’s commentary on the first of two volumes on the book of Ephesians. Goodwin deeply valued the minutia of Ephesians, and devotes much of his commentary to portions of the epistle overlooked by other commentators. Throughout his commentary, Goodwin displays a humble awareness for the richness of Paul’s writings and for the grace of God working through the words of the apostle.

The Works of Thomas Goodwin, vol. 2

• Publisher: James Nichol
• Publication Date: 1861
• Pages: 467

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Volume Two of The Works of Thomas Goodwin concludes his verse-by-verse exposition of the book of Ephesians. The second half of the volume contains an exposition of James 1:1–5, entitled “Patience and Its Perfect Work: Under Sudden and Sore Trials.” The volume also includes Thomas Goodwin’s lengthy memoirs, which recount his childhood, education, ministry, and the experiences that informed his writings and commentaries.

The Works of Thomas Goodwin, vol. 3

• Publisher: James Nichol
• Publication Date: 1861
• Pages: 527

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12

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.

The Works of Thomas Goodwin, vol. 4

• Publisher: James Nichol
• Publication Date: 1862
• Pages: 569

Table of Contents: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Volume Four contains Thomas Goodwin’s general theological works, including treatises on Christ, on the relationship between Christianity and sin, and the glory of God represented in the Gospels. The second half of the volume is also devoted to a lengthy synopsis of the means by which we come to know God, the relationship between the Son and the Father, and the various divine attributes.

The Works of Thomas Goodwin, vol. 5

• Publisher: James Nichol
• Publication Date: 1863
• Pages: 548

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

Volume Five of Goodwin’s works is devoted to Christology. This volume includes numerous treatises on Christ’s twin acts of mediation and reconciliation. Goodwin also writes at length about the connection between the redemptive work of Jesus and the Old Testament sacrificial system.

The Works of Thomas Goodwin, vol. 6

• Publisher: James Nichol
• Publication Date: 1863
• Pages: 522

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12

Goodwin wrote at length about the Holy Spirit. Volume Six includes his writings on the work of the Holy Spirit in salvation, the connection between the person of the Spirit and the person of Jesus, and the role of the Spirit in both conversion and sanctification. Goodwin’s works on the Holy Spirit are interspersed with key biblical texts on the Spirit, as well as the theological controversies about the doctrine of the Trinity.

The Works of Thomas Goodwin, vol. 7

• Publisher: James Nichol
• Publication Date: 1863
• Pages: 576

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

Volume Seven contains numerous theological treatises on the doctrine of creation and the relationship between God’s creation and Adam’s fall. Goodwin’s exposition on the doctrine of creation is littered with commentary on the book of Genesis. From the context of his discussion of the doctrine of creation and his exposition of Genesis, he also writes at length about the contrast between the holiness of God and the depravity of humanity.

This volume concludes with treatises on the intermediate state—the period of time between our death and final judgment—and two works on grace and repentance.

The Works of Thomas Goodwin, vol. 8

• Publisher: James Nichol
• Publication Date: 1863
• Pages: 593

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

Volume Eight includes Goodwin’s work on justification. He acknowledges the theological truth that we are saved by grace through faith—but how does that inform the life and thought of believers? Goodwin writes extensively the nature and object of faith, and the relationship between grace and faith. He also explores the ways in which faith is represented in the lives of believers, and concludes with an honest appraisal of faith’s challenges and difficulties.

The Works of Thomas Goodwin, vol. 9

• Publisher: James Nichol
• Publication Date: 1864
• Pages: 514

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Much of Goodwin’s ninth volume is devoted to election. He begins by connecting election to grace—using his discussion of grace and faith in Volume Eight as a springboard—and argues that a theology which does not acknowledge election thereby improperly understands grace. In this way, Goodwin’s entire discourse on election is firmly rooted in the covenant of grace—a connection he makes explicit in the final part of the volume.

The Works of Thomas Goodwin, vol. 10

• Publisher: James Nichol
• Publication Date: 1865
• Pages: 567

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Volume Ten is devoted to punishment, reprobation, and the state of all fallen individuals before God. Goodwin begins with a review of the doctrine of sin, and shows why all individuals are sinful before God and cannot be reconciled to God without God’s initiative and invitation. He confronts the honest reality that not all people want or receive God’s grace, given the pervasive nature of sin. The volume concludes with a rationale for God’s judgment and an excursus on hell.

The Works of Thomas Goodwin, vol. 11

• Publisher: James Nichol
• Publication Date: 1865
• Pages: 544

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

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.

The Works of Thomas Goodwin, vol. 12

• Publisher: James Nichol
• Publication Date: 1866
• Pages: 238

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

The final volume contains five of Goodwin’s sermons. Three of his sermons offer expositions of key texts on Christ’s coming and future glory, along with a sermon on Zechariah 4, and a sermon from Psalm 106 on states and kingdoms. This volume also includes a complete index to The Works of Thomas Goodwin and an appendix of Goodwin’s quotes and short addresses.

About Thomas Goodwin

Thomas Goodwin was born in Norfolk in England on October 5, 1600 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 in 1680.