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The Great Gain of Godliness: Practical Notes on Malachi 3:16-18
Among C.H. Spurgeons 12,000 Puritan books, one prize was said to be missing: Thomas Watsons Notes on Malachi 3:16-18. Wrote Spurgeon, This would be a great find, for Watson is one of the clearest and liveliest of Puritan authors. The book that Spurgeon longed for, reset and lightly edited, rich spirituality, nourishing doctrine, practical wisdom.
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First published January 1, 1682
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About the author
Thomas Watson
664 books242 followersLibrarian 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)
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)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
July 19, 2017
Originally published in 1682 as "Religion Our True Interest", this is yet another good book from the author, written in easygoing, clear manner (some words have been modernized to make things easier for us today). It ponders on a Bible text, malachi 3:16-18, on what the gain of godliness (piety) is.
First part talk about the character of the godly,
of staying such in evil days (and be motivated with strong zeal to be faithful),
on having a good fear of God (and how to know if one has it),
on how the godly speak about things of faith (examples of subjects are given, and also what does not belong there),
and meditate on God's name frequently (what he's like, his works, his mercy and so on).
In the second part the subject is what the good effects of this behavior is, how God reacts to our good conduct: He notices, records it, rewards it (here and after life).
A chapter on the difference between the righteous and the world-persons,
and finally there's a short chapter of consolation for the afflicted believers, to strenghten them.
This was a breeze to read - and this is true with some authors, that you know they write in a way that makes things flow smoothly. Another good sign was that I got many notes out of the text, especially the good fear of God part. There are religious books that are very good yet you don't get much to write down from them. Kind of wish I had more of the author's books, but then I can reread after a while. Very enjoyable read. :)
First part talk about the character of the godly,
of staying such in evil days (and be motivated with strong zeal to be faithful),
on having a good fear of God (and how to know if one has it),
on how the godly speak about things of faith (examples of subjects are given, and also what does not belong there),
and meditate on God's name frequently (what he's like, his works, his mercy and so on).
In the second part the subject is what the good effects of this behavior is, how God reacts to our good conduct: He notices, records it, rewards it (here and after life).
A chapter on the difference between the righteous and the world-persons,
and finally there's a short chapter of consolation for the afflicted believers, to strenghten them.
This was a breeze to read - and this is true with some authors, that you know they write in a way that makes things flow smoothly. Another good sign was that I got many notes out of the text, especially the good fear of God part. There are religious books that are very good yet you don't get much to write down from them. Kind of wish I had more of the author's books, but then I can reread after a while. Very enjoyable read. :)
August 23, 2024
Puritan power.
June 13, 2020
There are so many blessings waiting for those who pursue godliness! Let's press on, Christians!
August 13, 2021
Great, convicting, solid encouragements to pursue Holiness out of love for Christ. I was kinda surprised by how often Watson was in dialogue with the church fathers throughout the whole book, wasn’t really expecting that. Only gripe is that it occasionally feels like the law- gospel distinction was blurred but that could’ve just been me reading into things.
August 11, 2021
Thomas Watson is hands down my favorite Puritan. The way he writes so draws me into the experience of what he's writing about, I cannot help but love his books & the life changing messages they bring. As always, he opened my eyes to so many new perspectives on godly living & provided the usual practical examples he's so famous for. Chapter 6 - 'Is the Fear of God in Our Hearts' really impacted me & shed new light on many texts concerning this subject.
Watson is not so hard to read as some of the other Puritans so this book could easily be read in a few days or week & be easily understood. Putting it into practice, now that is the hard part.
Watson is not so hard to read as some of the other Puritans so this book could easily be read in a few days or week & be easily understood. Putting it into practice, now that is the hard part.
November 1, 2021
I enjoyed this one a lot. Watson is the most tweetable Puritan I've encountered. Let's see if I can post some of the quotes I gleaned:
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Ha. Well, evidently I can't! 😆 They're all on my other socials, so go look there.
The narrator was adequate.
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Ha. Well, evidently I can't! 😆 They're all on my other socials, so go look there.
The narrator was adequate.
December 10, 2013
Watson is very clear in his exhortations. He doesn't beat around the bush. Just like the subtitle explains, this is a good collection of practical notes on Malachi 3:16-18, full of instruction, exhortation, and encouragement.
For example (from page 74):
"Question: How may good conference [i.e. conversation] be arrived at?
Answer 1: If you wish to discourse of religion, get your minds well furnished with knowledge…Some are backward to speak of good things for lack of matter...If you would have your tongues run fluently in religion, they must be fed with a spring of knowledge….
Answer 2: If you would discourse readily in the things of God, make religion your delight. What men delight in, they will be speaking of….
Answer 3: Pray that God will both gift and grace you for Christian conference: 'O Lord open thou my lips' (Ps. 51:15)…."
For example (from page 74):
"Question: How may good conference [i.e. conversation] be arrived at?
Answer 1: If you wish to discourse of religion, get your minds well furnished with knowledge…Some are backward to speak of good things for lack of matter...If you would have your tongues run fluently in religion, they must be fed with a spring of knowledge….
Answer 2: If you would discourse readily in the things of God, make religion your delight. What men delight in, they will be speaking of….
Answer 3: Pray that God will both gift and grace you for Christian conference: 'O Lord open thou my lips' (Ps. 51:15)…."
August 30, 2024
”The fear of God is the sum of all true true religion. ”Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13 ). Fear is the leading grace, the first seed which God sows in the heart. When a Christian can say little of faith, and perhaps nothing of assurance, yet he dares not deny that he fears God (Neh. 1:11). Doctrine: It is an indispensable duty incumbent on Christians, to be fearers of God. "Fear God!" (Eccles. 5:7). "That you may fear the glorious and awesome name of the Lord your God" (Deut. 28:58)! This fear of God, is the very foundation of a saint. One can no more act as a Christian without the fear of God—than he can act as a man without reason. […] Be encouraged therefore, saints of God—to persist in a course of holiness. Though now you seem to be lowermost—yet in the resurrection you shall be uppermost.” - Thomas Watson
January 12, 2020
Need to be convicted? Read (or listen to) what the Puritans have to say about Godliness. Watson included a dose of encouragement as well. I know I would have gotten more out of a print edition, but I appreciate hoopla and it's good selection of Puritan works.
October 30, 2021
"Books are the "children of the brain". In this writing age, when they are brought forth ad nauseam, I intended that my pen should have been silent—but the variety and weightiness of this subject, as also the desire of some friends, did prevail with me to publish it. The main design of this excellent Scripture, is to encourage solid piety, and confute the atheists of the world, who imagine there is no gain in godliness."
"Let us keep up the vigor of our zeal, in degenerate times. We should by a holy contrariness—burn hotter in a frozen age. We live in the dregs of time; sin is grown common and impudent. It is excellent to walk contrary to the world, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world!" (Romans 12:2). Let us be as lilies and roses among the briars. Sin is never the better, because it is in fashion! Nor will this plea hold at the last day—that we did as the most did."
—Thomas Watson, London, November 22, 1681
"Let us keep up the vigor of our zeal, in degenerate times. We should by a holy contrariness—burn hotter in a frozen age. We live in the dregs of time; sin is grown common and impudent. It is excellent to walk contrary to the world, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world!" (Romans 12:2). Let us be as lilies and roses among the briars. Sin is never the better, because it is in fashion! Nor will this plea hold at the last day—that we did as the most did."
—Thomas Watson, London, November 22, 1681
June 17, 2024
Beautiful and full of heavenly thoughts!
“When knowledge is turned into taste, and digested into practice, then it is saving.”
“Thoughts are freer from hypocrisy than words. We judge men by their actions; God judges them by their thoughts.”
“Faith stays upon God, patience stays for God.”
“God remembers everything but their sins. He writes down their good thoughts and speeches in a merciful book of remembrance; but theirs sins are as if they had never been; they are carried into the land of oblivion. “
“When knowledge is turned into taste, and digested into practice, then it is saving.”
“Thoughts are freer from hypocrisy than words. We judge men by their actions; God judges them by their thoughts.”
“Faith stays upon God, patience stays for God.”
“God remembers everything but their sins. He writes down their good thoughts and speeches in a merciful book of remembrance; but theirs sins are as if they had never been; they are carried into the land of oblivion. “
November 18, 2023
Really good. He has some really funny satirical bites at people, made me think of him as the Doug Wilson of the puritans
July 22, 2019
A reminder that a healthy fear of God has wholesome effects upon one's life.
February 18, 2022
Audible.com. 5 hours 20 min. Narrated by Ted Denison (A)
Last year I listened to at least three books written by Puritan minister's and was blessed by their writings. The title of this book called to me. Thomas Watson was a Puritan priest who spent time in prison for preaching his beliefs when they were out favor with the king of England. As Americans in the 21st century, we are mostly uneducated on the history of the Protestant church in England and Europe. We don't understand the importance of the separation of church and state. I can only imagine the courage it took for a non-conformist priest to hold firmly to beliefs and to continue to preach the truth of Scriptures when a new monarch supporting traditional Anglicanism came to the throne and promptly ousted the non-conforming priests. Since the Church of England was financially supported by the state, a priest and his family would be left destitute. Of course that was progress--after the monarchs stopped burning priests/pastors, and just sent them to prison.
This book was written in 1681 and the editors have updated the language to modern English, but still some of the illustrations used are not as familiar. However the message to Christians in 2022 are as relevant and important as when the book was written. Why should I live a life that pleases God? Does it matter? Who does it affect? What is godliness? Who sets the standard? Is godly living optional for Christians? This thought-provoking classic answers these questions with Scripture. What does God say?
Note: This book has more chapters (259) than pages (166.) I'd be interested in seeing a print version. The audiobook was read straight through similar to a long sermon.
Last year I listened to at least three books written by Puritan minister's and was blessed by their writings. The title of this book called to me. Thomas Watson was a Puritan priest who spent time in prison for preaching his beliefs when they were out favor with the king of England. As Americans in the 21st century, we are mostly uneducated on the history of the Protestant church in England and Europe. We don't understand the importance of the separation of church and state. I can only imagine the courage it took for a non-conformist priest to hold firmly to beliefs and to continue to preach the truth of Scriptures when a new monarch supporting traditional Anglicanism came to the throne and promptly ousted the non-conforming priests. Since the Church of England was financially supported by the state, a priest and his family would be left destitute. Of course that was progress--after the monarchs stopped burning priests/pastors, and just sent them to prison.
This book was written in 1681 and the editors have updated the language to modern English, but still some of the illustrations used are not as familiar. However the message to Christians in 2022 are as relevant and important as when the book was written. Why should I live a life that pleases God? Does it matter? Who does it affect? What is godliness? Who sets the standard? Is godly living optional for Christians? This thought-provoking classic answers these questions with Scripture. What does God say?
Note: This book has more chapters (259) than pages (166.) I'd be interested in seeing a print version. The audiobook was read straight through similar to a long sermon.
December 30, 2024
Thomas Watson is one of my favorite Puritan writers. It is always a joy and challenge to read his works, as they take me to a deeper meditative and spiritual place. This particular book highlights the gain of godliness by using Malachi 3:16-18. This is the one book (he had thousands in his library) that Spurgeon wanted to get his hands on but couldn't. We are so blessed to have access to such great literature like this.
There are two parts to this book. The 1st part talks about the character of the godly and the 2nd speaks of the "good effects of godliness.
The book is written in such a way that you could outline the various chapters into a lesson, maybe for a home study with the family, a Sunday School setting, or men's study.
I would highly recommend this little book.
There are two parts to this book. The 1st part talks about the character of the godly and the 2nd speaks of the "good effects of godliness.
The book is written in such a way that you could outline the various chapters into a lesson, maybe for a home study with the family, a Sunday School setting, or men's study.
I would highly recommend this little book.
March 19, 2021
What a wonderful sermon in book form! Charles Spurgeon lamented that this that this text was not part of his library of 12,000 books, so praise the Lord that Banner of Truth has made it available for the modern reader. The main themes of the book cover the character of the godly (fearing God, speaking of God, meditating on God) and the good effects of being godly (how God regards and rewards those who are his). The last chapter is worth the price of the book for it gives one of the greatest explanations for how and why we can know that God is good in the midst of affliction. Read this book and it will bless your soul!
January 3, 2020
This book was on Spurgeon’s “wish list” and I’m so glad he wrote about it and thankful it’s been reprinted. It was originally called "Religion Our True Interest: Or Practical Notes upon the Third Chapter of Malachy, the Sixteen, Seventeen and Eighteen Verses" but reprinted by Banner of Truth as "The Great Gain of Godliness." The book was first printed in 1682 and it appears to have not been reprinted until 1992. My copy was printed in 2018. Definitely a great treasure to read from and rich preaching material for sure!
April 21, 2025
This short read by Watson is full of the Word of God and, in good Puritan style, squeezes everything out of the passage at hand. In I Timothy 6:6, Paul admonishes his son in the faith that "godliness with contentment is great gain." Watson goes on to encourage the believer to live a life of holiness before God, for it is the greatest life that one could ever live.
March 31, 2025
The most quotable book I’ve read. Spurgeon’s only regret was not having read it; he couldn’t find a copy anywhere. It is a great privilege to own this book for a few bucks. It is worth endless re-reads and will turn your heart toward Jesus each time.
June 11, 2021
Excellent. I appreciate how Watson, like many Puritans, saturates his writing with scriptural references. His section on the fear of God was just splendid.
July 19, 2021
My first introduction to Thomas Watson and I am hooked.
October 16, 2022
Amazing.
April 12, 2021
Amazingly simple, clear style. It’s hard to believe he lived at roughly the same time as Milton.
September 26, 2020
Wow! What a firecracker of a book! Watson takes his text from three verses toward the end of Malachi and preaches over 100 pages on it. But the whole is comprised of numerous bite sized nuggets of truth and encouragement to the believer. One could spend many months reading the book devotionally by taking daily a separate little exegetical portion (one or two paragraphs) and meditating on the truths therein. This is a little book worth reading and then reading again.
December 5, 2012
What a blessing it is to read Thomas Watson! His works truly are treasures. All Watson's writings are devotional, and it warms my heart incredibly to read him. In this work he lays down the case for godly living and of holy fear, for we, God's children, are his treasures, his for all eternity.
June 12, 2012
Wow. What an incredible book. There's so much to benefit from in it. Can't recommend it highly enough.
February 9, 2022
This is a collection of notes on Malachi 3:16, 17, 18.
Watson's notes are short, but thorough. He focuses on God a lot in his notes. Know him. Think of his attributes. Fear him. Worship him.
Some of my notes:
p.13 - God is so great that the Christian is afraid of displeasing Him, and so good that he is afraid to lose him.
p.15 - The fear of God is mixed with prudence - though divine feat does not make a person cowardly, it makes him cautious.
p.26 - The fear of God teaches a person to examine the state of his soul critically. O my soul, how is it with you? Does grace of sin prevail? A great part of wisdom lies in consideration. He who fears God considers how vain the world is and therefore does not love it, how short time is and therefore does not lose it, how precious salvation is and therefore does not neglect it.
p.33 - Feat nothing but sin.
p.38 - Sin is worse than hell. Hell is a burden only to the sinner. Sin is a burden to God.
p.62 - The Christian not only has the law of God on his heart, but on his tongue.
p.64 - Silence in religion is a loud sin.
p.66 - Many do not complain of their sins, but of their needs. When men distrust God's providences, they murmur at his providences.
p.67 - You can smite a man, yet never touch him. A slanderer wounds anothers fame.
p.71 - The more spiritual we are in our speech, the more we resemble Christ.
p.91 - Think of God as a Spirit full of immense glory, propitious to us through a Mediator. Get a love of God! Get an interest in him!
p.95 - God takes special notice of the good which He sees in his people through Christ.
p.102 - God remembers the good designs and pious endeavors of his people. They are written down. He writes: a. the names of his saints
b. the good speeches of his people
c. the tears of his people
d. the thoughts of his people
e. the desires of his people
f. the prayers of his people
g. the alms of his people
h. the sufferings of his people
p.107 - Every lie a sinner tells, every oath he swears, every drunken bout - God writes it down in his book of remembrance, and woe to him if the book is not crossed out with the blood of Christ!
p.136 God will make up his jewels
p. 165 - Let us think well of God - If God deals well with us then He chastises us, then it is fitting for us to cherish good thoughts of God.
Watson's notes are short, but thorough. He focuses on God a lot in his notes. Know him. Think of his attributes. Fear him. Worship him.
Some of my notes:
p.13 - God is so great that the Christian is afraid of displeasing Him, and so good that he is afraid to lose him.
p.15 - The fear of God is mixed with prudence - though divine feat does not make a person cowardly, it makes him cautious.
p.26 - The fear of God teaches a person to examine the state of his soul critically. O my soul, how is it with you? Does grace of sin prevail? A great part of wisdom lies in consideration. He who fears God considers how vain the world is and therefore does not love it, how short time is and therefore does not lose it, how precious salvation is and therefore does not neglect it.
p.33 - Feat nothing but sin.
p.38 - Sin is worse than hell. Hell is a burden only to the sinner. Sin is a burden to God.
p.62 - The Christian not only has the law of God on his heart, but on his tongue.
p.64 - Silence in religion is a loud sin.
p.66 - Many do not complain of their sins, but of their needs. When men distrust God's providences, they murmur at his providences.
p.67 - You can smite a man, yet never touch him. A slanderer wounds anothers fame.
p.71 - The more spiritual we are in our speech, the more we resemble Christ.
p.91 - Think of God as a Spirit full of immense glory, propitious to us through a Mediator. Get a love of God! Get an interest in him!
p.95 - God takes special notice of the good which He sees in his people through Christ.
p.102 - God remembers the good designs and pious endeavors of his people. They are written down. He writes: a. the names of his saints
b. the good speeches of his people
c. the tears of his people
d. the thoughts of his people
e. the desires of his people
f. the prayers of his people
g. the alms of his people
h. the sufferings of his people
p.107 - Every lie a sinner tells, every oath he swears, every drunken bout - God writes it down in his book of remembrance, and woe to him if the book is not crossed out with the blood of Christ!
p.136 God will make up his jewels
p. 165 - Let us think well of God - If God deals well with us then He chastises us, then it is fitting for us to cherish good thoughts of God.
September 18, 2022
In typical, but glorious Puritan fashion, Thomas Watson meditates on Malachi 3:16-18 over the course of 166 pages. Like holding up a diamond and intensely studying its each and every facet, Watson sucks all of the narrow he can find from this brief passage. Watson is one of the easiest Puritans for modern readers to engage with. Like a modern pop preacher, Watson’s prose is full of snappy, one-liners except with the precision and devoted depths of classic Reformed theology. Here’s a small sample of his wit:
“The more outrageous others are in sin, the more courageous we should be for truth.” (p. 5)
“As God’s Word is our tule, so his will is our warrant.” (p.5)
“[People of the world] prefer a whole skin before a clean conscience.” (p.6)
“How will he endure the stake, who cannot bear a scoff?” (p.11)
“[Speaking of sins of omission] Not dressing a wound brings death.” (p. 55)
“[Speaking of people who make showy professions but aren’t truly saved] We have seen some ships which had glorious names given them, the Good-speed, the Hope, the Safeguard, lost at sea.” (p. 60)
“Did men’s hearts stand where their faces do they would blush to look at one another” (p. 82)
Examples are legion.
The book is clearly laid out. Similarly, in typical Puritan fashion, Watson begins by explaining the verse, the explains the doctrine, and closes with the use or application.
You can’t walk away from the book without seeing the immense value and reward of godliness. In a world that eschews holiness, Watson gives us a clear scriptural charge to live like Christ. But he doesn’t just stop at explaining the duty; he also lays out the great and glorious reward: God Himself.
The closing section of the book is especially good for folks who struggle to see God purpose in pain and affliction. Watson shows the litany of ways Hod uses pain to prosper and prepare His people for Himself.
One recommendation would be to read this book as part of your devotional plan. The chapters are very short. One chapter per day would give you more than enough to meditate on alongside Scripture.
Take up and read this classic!
“The more outrageous others are in sin, the more courageous we should be for truth.” (p. 5)
“As God’s Word is our tule, so his will is our warrant.” (p.5)
“[People of the world] prefer a whole skin before a clean conscience.” (p.6)
“How will he endure the stake, who cannot bear a scoff?” (p.11)
“[Speaking of sins of omission] Not dressing a wound brings death.” (p. 55)
“[Speaking of people who make showy professions but aren’t truly saved] We have seen some ships which had glorious names given them, the Good-speed, the Hope, the Safeguard, lost at sea.” (p. 60)
“Did men’s hearts stand where their faces do they would blush to look at one another” (p. 82)
Examples are legion.
The book is clearly laid out. Similarly, in typical Puritan fashion, Watson begins by explaining the verse, the explains the doctrine, and closes with the use or application.
You can’t walk away from the book without seeing the immense value and reward of godliness. In a world that eschews holiness, Watson gives us a clear scriptural charge to live like Christ. But he doesn’t just stop at explaining the duty; he also lays out the great and glorious reward: God Himself.
The closing section of the book is especially good for folks who struggle to see God purpose in pain and affliction. Watson shows the litany of ways Hod uses pain to prosper and prepare His people for Himself.
One recommendation would be to read this book as part of your devotional plan. The chapters are very short. One chapter per day would give you more than enough to meditate on alongside Scripture.
Take up and read this classic!
October 15, 2021
My first read from this author and I know that I need to read more of his works. This sermon is a must-read/listen for any serious-minded Christian. In a world that most of God's word has been watered down to appease the culture, and to not offend. It was a breath of fresh air, to hear the word in its purest form.
There was so much meat in this one. below are some quotes that resonated with me:
the profaneness of the times should not slacken our zeal—but heighten it. The looser others are—the stricter we should be. In those degenerate times when men were arrived at the peak and height of impudence and dared to speak treason against heaven—then those who feared the Lord spoke often one to another. When others were plaintiffs—these were defendants; when others spoke against God—these spoke for God.
Watson, Thomas. The Great Gain of Godliness. UNKNOWN. Kindle Edition.
Reproaches are but splinters of the cross. How will he endure the stake—who cannot bear a scoff? Reproaches for Christ, are ensigns of honor, and badges of adoption (1 Peter 4:14). Let Christians bind these reproaches, as a crown about their head. Better have men reproach you for being godly—than have God damn you for being wicked! Be not laughed out of your religion. If a lame man laughs at you for walking upright—will you therefore limp?
Watson, Thomas. The Great Gain of Godliness . UNKNOWN. Kindle Edition.
There was so much meat in this one. below are some quotes that resonated with me:
the profaneness of the times should not slacken our zeal—but heighten it. The looser others are—the stricter we should be. In those degenerate times when men were arrived at the peak and height of impudence and dared to speak treason against heaven—then those who feared the Lord spoke often one to another. When others were plaintiffs—these were defendants; when others spoke against God—these spoke for God.
Watson, Thomas. The Great Gain of Godliness. UNKNOWN. Kindle Edition.
Reproaches are but splinters of the cross. How will he endure the stake—who cannot bear a scoff? Reproaches for Christ, are ensigns of honor, and badges of adoption (1 Peter 4:14). Let Christians bind these reproaches, as a crown about their head. Better have men reproach you for being godly—than have God damn you for being wicked! Be not laughed out of your religion. If a lame man laughs at you for walking upright—will you therefore limp?
Watson, Thomas. The Great Gain of Godliness . UNKNOWN. Kindle Edition.
September 29, 2020
This is another dense read - to be fair is what written ~360 years ago. I found he hard-lined too much on works in salvation and the coercion of devil in choices and a few other things that I do not entirely disagree with, but were over-stated... again, he was a Puritan ~360 years ago.
Watson throws down some shade at Arminian through a few sick burns, which was nice to hear. He kept referring to the saints in one portion as 'God's jewels' and the 12 year old in me had a hard time keeping it together for obvious reasons.
It's another good, solid, foundational read that is thick with thought, consideration, and insight.
Watson throws down some shade at Arminian through a few sick burns, which was nice to hear. He kept referring to the saints in one portion as 'God's jewels' and the 12 year old in me had a hard time keeping it together for obvious reasons.
It's another good, solid, foundational read that is thick with thought, consideration, and insight.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews