Fuller, Thomas (1608-1661)

Davids Hainous Sinne, Heartie Repentance, Heavie Punishment.

Description: Thomas Fuller was one of England’s most prolific authors, publishing works of history, theology and poetry during his lifetime. As well as an encyclopedia of England’s noble families, he wrote a history of the Crusades, a history of the Church of England, and several volumes’ worth of sermons. In 1631, Fuller composed and shared “Davids Hainous Sinne,” a lyric retelling of David’s seduction of Bathsheba in 2 Samuel. The poem contains three movements, the first recounting David’s sins of adultery and murder, the second narrating David’s repentance, and the last telling how God punished David for his crimes. At Trinity College, Cambridge, “Davids Hainous Sinne” earned him the reputation of an accomplished wordsmith.

Kathleen O’Bannon
CCEL Staff

Good Thoughts in Bad Times and Other Papers.

Description: Thomas Fuller was one of England’s most prolific authors, publishing works of history, theology and poetry during his lifetime. As well as an encyclopedia of England’s noble families, he wrote a history of the Crusades, a history of the Church of England, and several volumes’ worth of sermons. Throughout most of his adult years, England was fraught with civil war and religious persecution. Good Thoughts in Bad Times addresses a hurt and violent Christian community, offering words of encouragement and advocating a way of peace. The editor includes several of Fuller’s other diagnostic, cultural-critical essays, Good Thoughts in Worse Times and others among them. Readers have taken comfort in Fuller’s words in days of conflict and strife.

Kathleen O’Bannon
CCEL Staff