Collected herein are seven of Thomas Watson's best loved works. Watson is the author of "A Body of Practical Divinity," the foremost Puritan classic on the Westminster Catechism and easily the premiere systematic theology of the Puritan age. Watson spoke with a clarity, depth, conciseness (especially) and wit that few modern theologians can match.
Works included in this volume:
"The Art of Divine Contentment" studies Paul's words on contentment in difficult circumstances in Philippians 4.11-13.
"The Beatitudes" is Watson's exposition on the first 12 verses of Christ's Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5.
In "The Christians' Charter", Watson explores the privileges of the believer. "Happiness is the mark and center which every man aims at."
"A Divine Cordial" reflects on Romans 8.28, "We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."
"The Doctrine of Repentance" is Watson's exposition on the means and meaning of repentance.
"The Godly Man's Picture": In Watson's words, "Drawn with a Scripture Pencil, or, Some Characteristic Marks of a Man who is going to Heaven."
"The Great Gain of Godliness". Clearly, the title speaks for itself.
"Watson's depth of doctrine, clarity of expression, warmth of spirituality, love of application, and gift of illustration enhanced his reputation as a preacher and writer." --- Joel Beeke and Randall Pederson in "Meet the Puritans"
"Watson was one of the most concise, racy, illustrative, and suggestive of those eminent divines who made the Puritan age the Augustan period of evangelical literature. There is a happy union of sound doctrine, heart-searching experience and practical wisdom throughout all his works." Charles Spurgeon
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.
Thomas Watson 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.
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