The Poor Doubting Christian Drawn to Christ: Wherein the Main Hindrances Which Keep Men from Coming to Christ Are Discovered, with Special Helps to Recover God's Favor

by Thomas Hooker

The issues of a tender conscience and assurance of salvation are such that they can greatly perplex many true believers. This book offers help and guidance in how to use the Word of God for evidence and assurance, and practical instructions in obtaining an interest in God's promises. Thomas Hooker (1586-1647), who was eventually to become the founder of Hartford, Connecticut, was the first rector of Esher, in Surrey, England. Francis Drake was his patron and benefactor there. Drake's wife was under the impression that she had committed the unpardonable sin and she could find no ease for her conscience or peace for her troubled mind until Thomas Hooker began to deal pastorally with her. This book came out of his successful efforts in dealing with Mrs. Drake's troubled soul.

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Theology

165 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1652

Reviews

[Josh Stowers · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book with allegory that will make you underline for more miles than an average pen can handle. It seems like puritan writers were more illustrative, but also had longer trains of thought and that is true with this book. A good book on assurance that understands the value of faith as well as the horrid sin of not trusting that Christ can do what he said he would do ; seek and save that which is lost.

[Joshua Pearsall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that will likely challenge you, but acts much like a balm for a wound. amAt first it might sting, but then the ointment takes hold and the relief overpowers and outlast the pain. Do you doing, or know someone who doubts, or preach to and care for those who doubt? This book may be the ointment you need

[Richard Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book easily ranks among my all-time favorites.

[Jasmine · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book is about the plots of Satan on the believer to guide them away from coming to Christ but it’s also and mainly our own depravity through sin and pride that impacts on our unwillingness to turn to Christ. Then the last few chapters deals with how to read, understand and hold onto the promises of God found in the Bible. By far the best part of this book.
Hooker is very frank, he holds nothing back and certainly does not beat around the bush. He has some GREAT points that really speak volumes. His principles of holding onto the promises of God, I will immediately put into practice and hold close to my heart. He doesn’t have the same pastoral tone as someone like a Spurgeon because he doesn’t deal delicately with sensitive matters.. but for the person who needs to hear the harsh truth in love, then this is the book I’d recommend to them.

[Gary · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were many nuggets of beauty and wisdom in this book but also lists of things to do to seemingly obtain assurance and peace in Christ. I can't say they are wrong, but they seemed to be more method than faith. Perhaps sanctification is more our work than I make it to be but I was left unsure. However, his final word on the sufficiency of faith bringing in all the other virtues was excellent.

[Mark Nenadov]

Some good stuff in here, the writing is good though perhaps tedious at times.