I am wishing Teampyro's online store had a "Thomas Watson is my Homeboy" t-shirt, because I have found the writings of this man to be wonderful pieces of Christian exhortation and admonition. Some time ago I read Jerusalem's Glory, in which Watson concerns himself with the people of God and what they should be like and lessons we may take from the Scriptures to live true and pure as that people.
Currently, I am making my way through A Godly Man's Picture - essentially a portrait of what a saint should (or must) look like in character and life, in order to be called godly in a Biblical sense.
The latter has so far shown itself to be a commendable work in the study of godliness, which those who have delighted in exploring eusebeia would find beneficial.
But it is the one I have read in the middle, The Great Gain of Godliness, which I wish to discuss here.
We have explored the Scripture from which the title is derived earlier on here, however the title is a modern construction by the editors of the version that I read (published by Banner of Truth Trust). Watson's title was Religion our True Interest and the book is more an exposition of Malachi 3:16-18 than 1 Timothy 6:6.
For your consideration, Malachi 3:16-18 reads:
Mal 3:16 Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.
Mal 3:17 And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.
Mal 3:18 Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.
It is a concern for many committed Christians today that the fear of God is a topic, which considering its importance, has become much neglected in various circles. Sometimes it is beneficial to go back to something with a bit of "date" to put us back on the right footing. And Watson would certainly be a good option.
Great Gain of Godliness delves deep into this vital aspect of Christianity, observing the difference that the fear of God will make in a person's life and how it will affect their attitude towards other issues.
There is a chapter each on how the godly should speak of God (for the purpose of information, reproof and exhortation) and how they should similarly meditate on God's name and indeed God Himself (for reproof, exhortation and direction).
A great deal of the latter part of Great Gain of Godliness provides comfort for the godly by revealing the promises of the Scriptures. Watson reveals that the deeds of the righteous will be remembered by God and rewarded as surely as the deeds of the wicked will be remembered and judged. Furthermore, the saints are exhorted to look forward to the day when God makes His precious people the jewels spoken of in Mal 3:17. There is also the promise of distinction between godly and ungodly in the final age. It will be a wonderful thing for the saint and a terrible thing for the sinner to observe the great difference between those treasuring eusebeia and those who have no concern for the things of God.
Finally, Watson exhorts the godly to endure afflictions and the discipline of God, noting how God works goodness and kindness to His saints through these unpleasant but necessary occurences of life.
A thoroughly good discourse on godliness, worth digesting if you desire to live a life concerned with eusebeia and thanks to the new edition, readers need not be troubled by the age of the book when they contemplate reading it. Puritan authors may at times be a challenge for 21st century readers, but the benefit that can be gained from their study (especially in the area of godliness and reverence) outweighs any difficulties that may need to be overcome.
