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[b]The Great Gain of Godliness[/b] by Thomas Watson (1620-1686)

This was the book Charles Spurgeon ardently sought after all his life, but was unable to find. He lamented over not being able to acquire it. Indeed, this is a very strong work (despite being extremely easy to read), and full of classic "Watsonisms" such as:

[i]"Remember, O hard-hearted sinner, how many ways God can be revenged on you. He can raise an army of diseases against you in your body. He can arm every creature against you: the dog, the bear, the elephant. He can arm conscience against you. O, dread this Lord of hosts!"

"If men's hearts stood where their faces did, they would blush to look upon one another"

"The soul is the jewel, and the sinner is fearless of it, he will throw it away upon the world; as if one should throw pearls and diamonds at pear trees"[/i]

I would be dishonest if I didn't say Watson is almost as fun as he is edifying to read! I pray this post would strike up an interest for those yet unacquainted with this remarkable Puritan divine. This book is a great place to get introduced to him. It is considerably lighter than his more formidable works, such as "Body of Divinity", "Ten Commandments" and "A Divine Cordial". TGGOG (The Great Gain of Godliness) is an exposition on Malachi 3:16-18, designed "to encourage solid piety and confute the atheists of the world, who imagine there is no gain in godliness" (Watson's own words). The entire book is basically Watson's practical notes and ruminations on the scripure, and along the way he infuses rich illustrations and practical wisdom with solid doctrine and a level "purity" that can make your heart burn in Christ exhaltation. Watson, in general, is very easy to read, and this work is probably the easiest I've encounted by him. A major part of this book focuses on and expounds upon the fear of God.

Trivia: Watson died while in prayer in 1686. They found him in his prayer closet "sleeping". How blest are the deaths of God's dear saints.

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Paul Frederick West