The Duty of Self-Denial and Ten Other Sermons

by Thomas Watson

One may go to heaven without earthly comforts, but will not go without self-denial.
 
We have a natural tendency to fight for our rights and to exert our own will. We have been taught to look out for number one. Yet Jesus clearly said that the first step in following Him is to deny ourselves (Luke 9:23). In this classic treatise, Thomas Watson reminds Christians of their sacred duty of self-denial by explaining what it is and demonstrating how its every act asserts the supremacy of Jesus Christ. This volume also contains ten additional messages by Watson, further challenging readers to forsake all in order to gain all in Christ.

Table of Contents:
The Duty of Self-Denial
The Comforting Rod
The Peace of Christ
Kiss the Son
Till My Change Comes
His Heart Is Fixed
Light in Darkness
The Good Shepherd
How Must We Make Religion Our Business?
The Day of Judgment Asserted
How God Is His People’s Great Reward

Genres: Theology, Christian Living

216 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1997

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

[Dane Jöhannsson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first part of this volume is Watson's sermon on self-denial followed by 10 sermons on similar themes. Watson is likely the most immediately practical and experiential puritan author.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Puritan writings typically fall into two camps, lots of depth, ala John Owen, or straight to the point, ala Thomas Watson here. What this book may lack in depth, it makes up for by going straight to the heart and soul with challenging, encouraging, and gracious exhortation to deny self and serve Christ. Oh how many ways Watson points out how selfish I am. I could have stopped at the first one and spend the rest of my days repenting, yet he keeps piling on more. Thankfully the Holy Spirit grants grace and strength to repent and obey.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the reasons to love Watson are here. Close reading and application of scripture, vivid illustrations of both along the way. The titular sermon is excellent, but the sermon on the day of judgment was the most impactful as I read it.

[Leila McGrath · Rating 5 out of 5]

1675. Outstanding. So little of this today.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful reflections by a deeply thoughtful preacher.