When Christians Suffer: Pocket Puritans Series (Thomas Case)

When Christians Suffer

In the Pocket Puritans Series

Thomas Case, a prisoner of the Lord during dark days for the gospel in England, believed that “Discourses on affliction can never be out of season. Providence has so ordered that whosoever will follow the Lord fully like Caleb (Num. 14:24) will be exposed to the world’s hatred, but the glorious Spirit will rest upon them (1 Pet. 4:14).”  On this topic he expounds at length in When Christians Suffer.

With persuasive arguments drawn from God’s Word and verified by his own experience, Case convinces us that God’s rod and God’s love may stand together, for “the Lord disciplines those he loves”. Here is sweet comfort for all of Christ’s cross-bearing disciples.

A Review from Marilyn L. Sedgwick

This is the clearest to the point writing on this subject I have read. I am 81 and have been reading and studying God’s Word most of my life. A friend shared his copy with me and I see it as a vital tool in every believer’s hand. Too many of us use the question ‘why’ without ever going to God’s Word where we are told we will suffer – if – we faithfully follow Christ Jesus. Thank you for publishing this little yet powerful booklet! I praise God for Thomas Case’s love for the Lord and for his writings. I pray God’s blessings upon each of you that work with publishing and pray each of you will take the time to read When Christians Suffer.

About the Author

Thomas Case (1598-1682) was born at Boxley, Kent where his father, George Case, was vicar. He seems to have been converted at a very young age. He obtained his BA (1620) and MA (1623) at Christ Church, Oxford, before being ordained in the diocese of Norwich in 1626.

As rector of St. Mary Magdalen Church, Milk Street, he originated the famous ‘Morning Exercises’ during the Civil War to cope with the number of prayer requests from church members for those serving in the army. These continued after the war and were eventually moved to Cripplegate.

Case served in the Westminster Assembly as a stout advocate for Presbyterianism. In 1651 he spent five months in the Tower of London for preaching against the proceedings of Parliament. He was also under suspicion for association with Christopher Love, who was executed for his contact with the exiled Stuart court. After his release, Case became lecturer at St Giles in the Fields, succeeding to the rectorship in 1654. Ejected for nonconformity in 1662, he continued to preach in London as opportunity arose. Case died at the age of 84 in 1682.