Meditation: A Christian on the Mount

by Thomas Watson, Dustin W. Benge (Editor)

Throughout the history of the church, Christians ardently pursued biblical meditation as a frequent practice in their spiritual growth. The Puritan era reveals many works and sermons dedicated to the injunction of meditation. The Puritans recognized meditation as a doorway through which they could lift their thoughts above the temporal trappings of this world and ascend to the mountain of God as they contemplate the beauties of God, the excellencies of Christ, the glories of heaven, the reality of sin, and the need to self-examine every nook and cranny of their lives.

Genres: Theology, Christian Living

118 pages, Paperback

Published February 9, 2021

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

[Madeline Lugo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of the best I’ve read on Christian meditation. As someone who wanted/needed to understand the subject better, and wanted to know the differences between the practice of meditating on the Word vs worldly meditation, Thomas Watson’s summary and guidance made everything very clear. He walked step by step through meditating on sin, death, mercy, grace, Jesus’s death, love, hell, heaven, etc. and gave ideas for how the mind must think about these serious matters, while also marveling at the depth of each. His practical counsel and wisdom about how and when to meditate was very helpful.
As a Puritan writer, Watson’s book is deep, rich and full of theological gold. He no doubt understands this subject so well because his own life benefits from daily meditation on God and His word.

[Grady Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meditation Much Needed In the Christian’s Life

By far I needed to read this. In the busyness of today’s world as a child of the LORD of lords and KING of kings, I like many I know get caught up in the world and rush through my seriousness with my GOD!! It’s time to slow down, meditate, chew on HIS HOLY SCRIPTURES and spend quality time with my LORD JESUS CHRIST. If this is missing in your life then you need not only to read this book but to apply it to your life!!

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incisive, stirring, practical, and best of all, short.

[Drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am ALL IN with the various re-presentations of the Puritans! Here's Watson at his best!

[Andrew Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent short book on Christian meditation. Watson offers much biblical wisdom and guidance that would be worthwhile reading for believers today.