The Great Gain of Godliness

by Thomas Watson

C.H. Spurgeon had a well-stocked library of around 12,000 volumes. However, one rare book was not to be found amongst that valuable Thomas Watson on Malachi 3:16-18. With a note of sadness in his voice he said to his College 'This volume would be a great find if we could come at it, for Watson is one of the clearest and liveliest of Puritan authors. We fear we shall never see this commentary, for we have tried to obtain it, and tried in vain'. In this reset and lightly edited edition you can now read the book that was on Spurgeon's 'wish-list'! The Great Gain of Godliness is Watson's exposition of Malachi 3:16-18. In it he aims 'to encourage solid piety and confute the atheists of the world, who imagine there is no gain in godliness.' This book has all the hallmarks of Thomas Watson's other a combination of rich spirituality, nourishing doctrine, and sane practical wisdom coupled with fascinating illustrations and a very pleasant style.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Devotional, Nonfiction

176 pages, Paperback

Published November 4, 2022

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

[Timothy Tumutod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Convicting and comforting. Thomas Watson has a shepherd’s heart.

[Anna Kilpatrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly wonderful book on a single portion of Scripture, Malachi 3:16-18. Watson was clearly a lovely writer, caring pastor, and admirable Christian. His use of illustrations both biblical and non were especially poignant.

“When prosperity makes grace rust, God scours us with affliction…The sharp frosts of affliction bring on the spring flowers of grace. Now if God, while he is chastising, is doing us good, then surely he deals well with us….
And the Lord will not try us above our strength, he will not lay a giant’s burden upon a child’s back. Either he will make our yoke lighter, or our faith stronger. This promise is honey at the end of the rod.”

[Margaret Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very insightful, thought-provoking and encouraging read. I finished this book with a very grateful heart for all that God says about His people and who I am in Christ. All of which does, and should, motivate Christ followers to gratitude and seeking to live in a way that honours and pleases God.

[Blake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Using Malachi 3:16-18 as a launching point, Thomas Watson does what Watson does best: Breaking down a passage into very fine, specific points to encourage the believer to a life of piety while at the same time confronting those who see no value in godliness. Watson is very clear that there is great gain in godliness, both in this life and in the life to come. Besides the weakness of trying to apply Song of Solomon to the relationship between Christ and the church and the weakness of older English structure, Watson's writing is a jewel.

One side note: C.H. Spurgeon had a large library of 12,000 volumes but this was one of the few books to not be found in his library. Spurgeon said, "This volume would be a great find if we could come at it, for Watson is one of the clearest and liveliest of Puritan authors. We fear we shall never see this commentary, for we have tried to obtain it, and tried in vain."

We are blessed at this time in history to have access to it. The reader will be blessed and challenged by Watson's writing.

[Parker Bentley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short work consists of Thomas Watson’s exposition of Malachi 3:16-18. As usual, he provides clear doctrine, great illustrations, and practical wisdom. He is ultimately guiding his readers towards considering the importance of godliness, grounded in godly fear of the Lord and knowledge of His character. One great help in the book is that he raises questions/objections and interacts with them in order to debunk those who would claim there is no gain in godliness. Would recommend to those looking for a very readable and helpful Puritan work.

[JJ Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really should read these instead of listening to them, but I always hope that I’ll enjoy the next one more. This is a great book, and Watson has a lot of really good insights, but it’s just difficult to track the flow of his thought when you’re listening to it. I still really enjoyed it, but maybe one day I’ll have time to actually sit down and read it.

[Sam Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spectacular book on the great mercies that the Lord gives His children, as well as the gravity of refusing the Almighty God. Watson gives so much to think on and writes in a manner that is steeped in biblical truth, will probably read more of him sometime soon!

[Gabriel Magill · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short work on the value of godliness amidst a wicked age. This is well written as all of Watson’s works are, though I don’t think this was his best work. Still a valuable read with some sweet encouragements.

[Justin Mohr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thomas Watson is a legend. All his books get a 5 star

[Andrew Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. Very simple style:

Key Points supported with scripture
Has questions and answers for readers
Has references and short descriptions of key people or concepts

[Johnny G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended!

[Sean Dupont · Rating 5 out of 5]

By far one of the most accessible Puritan works I’ve read. This has gotten me hooked and I hope to read most of Mr. Watson’s work. Doctrinal and practical, relevant to Christians today.

[Mandie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t do this book justice. Just read it. You will be blessed. So good.