The Mischief of Sin

by Thomas Watson

This is Watson's treatise on the devastating effects of sin. It includes four "The Mischief of Sin," "The Desperateness of Sinners," "An Alarm to Sinners," and "Hell's Furnace Heated Hotter." The appendix includes a scarce treatment by Watson on "The Mystery of the Lord's Supper."

Genres: Christian Living, Theology, Christian, Christianity, Religion

163 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1671

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Thomas Watson (c. 1620 - 1686) was an English, non-conformist, Puritan preacher and author. He was educated at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, where he was noted for remarkably intense study. In 1646 he commenced a sixteen year pastorate at St. Stephen's, Walbrook. He showed strong Presbyterian views during the civil war, with, however, an attachment to the king, and in 1651 he was imprisoned briefly with some other ministers for his share in Christopher Love's plot to recall Charles II of England. He was released on 30 June 1652, and was formally reinstated as vicar of St. Stephen's Walbrook. He obtained great fame and popularity as a preacher until the Restoration, when he was ejected for nonconformity. Not withstanding the rigor of the acts against dissenters, Watson continued to exercise his ministry privately as he found opportunity. Upon the Declaration of Indulgence in 1672 he obtained a license to preach at the great hall in Crosby House. After preaching there for several years, his health gave way, and he retired to Barnston, Essex, where he died suddenly while praying in secret. He was buried on 28 July 1686.

(Information from wikipedia.org)

Reviews

[Douglas Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Watson is top tier. One of my personal devotional goals is to be always reading something by him.

[Ryan Jankowski · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not much of a fan of Watson. I've given him a few opportunities - but he's not one I would recommend. There are some nuggets here though.

[Colten Griffith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The miracle and beauty of grace and mercy given over to the sinner will only be sweet when we have an understanding of the horror, the disgust, the vileness, and the mischief of sin. Watson, in his clear and puritanical fashion, faithfully reveals this reality.
In a time when most churches dare not talk about sin, this work is much needed.

The second half of the book, titled “The Mystery of the Lord’s Supper,” is an excellent treatise on Communion. Watson plows the depths of the Lord’s Supper in its meaning and how we ought to come to the table.

[Ryan Shackelford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very clear look into the depths of sin, and its consequences. How it brings one low, and stifles growth. Thoroughly enjoyed the appendix on Communion/The Lord's Supper.

[Micah Natal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Watson is masterful. From the very first page, he pulls no punches. Sin is not just bad, it is poison, madness, rebellion, and murder of the soul. Watson exposes sin’s true nature with vivid imagery, but doesn’t leave the readers hopeless. Instead, he emphasizes the beauty and sufficiency of Christ.

This book will humble you, sober you, and deepen your hatred for sin. In doing so, it will make grace taste all the sweeter. If you’re ready to stop treating sin lightly, read this. It will search your soul and send you running to Christ.

[Gary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Watson is always abundant in pithy remarks and illustrations, he is a keen writer. But this was not his best work. Some of the first section was very convicting and potent, but most of the rest was quite bland.

The treatise on the Mystery of the Supper, which is added as an appendix to this work, was good--though he presents a sacrament significantly less rich than Calvin presents it, so it was also a touch disappointing.

Just okay.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sin is a great evil. It is our greatest enemy. It will destroy our souls, but for Christ. Run to Him and abandon sin. This is the theme of this book.

I would recommend Thomas Watson's writings to everyone. He excels at every subject he writes upon, as you will see in this short, but important book

[Mahlangu · Rating 5 out of 5]

In today's age, many tend to be highly subjective of what sin is. But sin is beyond bad deeds, it is a nature from which we must be saved. This book uses the absolute truth of the Bible to bring light on the issue of sin and how terrible it is.

[Ty Luizinho · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s something about 17th century writing that does a better job of instilling the fear of God in you than modern contemporaries.

I’ll be reading more of Watson - and not just because of his medieval mystique.

[Dean Cradduck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thorough use of Scripture combined with his passionate writing style made for a convicting read. Some points in here that will stick with me for many years.

[Mark A Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Watson, a puritan pastor, examines sin and its many effects on our lives. We often fail to see just how deeply and darkly it runs within us, in part due to the built-in limitations of our own intellect and perception, and in part due to sin’s deceptive nature. Although written more than 300 years ago (which explains some of the dated language and spelling) this book’s principles remain sound, for the human condition has not changed.

[Dr. David Steele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply the best of the best.

[Paul Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since having read two books by Watson I now want to keep reading anything he wrote.

These are must reads and even more must spend time thinking on.

[Logan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pithy exhortations from Watson. The first section (choice sayings) wasn't really my thing but the rest of it was very instructive and convicting, with many uses to apply.