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G.D. Watson
George Douglas Watson (1845–1924). Born on March 26, 1845, in Accomac County, Virginia, G.D. Watson was a Methodist holiness preacher, evangelist, and prolific author who became a leading voice in the late 19th-century holiness movement. Raised in a devout Methodist family with godly influences like family prayer and Sunday school, he felt convictions at age five or six, singing “Rock of Ages” with siblings, and sensed a call to preach by 12 or 13. Despite early rebellion, described as the “black sheep” among six siblings, he sought religion during revivals and joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Ordained in 1868, he pastored in Kentucky but struggled spiritually until 1876, when he sought sanctification, achieving it after a Cincinnati evangelists’ conference, transforming his ministry with a focus on holiness. Watson’s evangelistic campaigns spanned the United States, England, the West Indies, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and Korea, preaching a deeper Christian life. He authored over 18 books, including Soul Food, Our Own God, Bone of His Bone, and The Heavenly Life, emphasizing sanctification, the Holy Spirit, and victory over sin, many still in print via publishers like Kingsley Press. Married to Eva, who wrote his biography, Glimpses of the Life and Work of G.D. Watson, he faced personal trials, including his wife’s illness and his lapse into tobacco use during a period of spiritual backsliding. Watson died in 1924, leaving a legacy as an “Apostle to the Sanctified.” He said, “The Holy Spirit never comes to us to make us smart, but to make us holy.”
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G.D. Watson preaches about the deep need for the Holy Spirit in our lives, emphasizing how every grief and pain can draw us closer to God and reveal His comforting presence. The sermon highlights the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, turning our sorrows into songs of praise and leading us from self-reliance to complete surrender to God. Watson expresses the surpassing value of the Holy Spirit Himself over any material gifts, purchased by the precious blood of Christ. The speaker acknowledges the Holy Spirit as the guide through life's trials, storms, and loneliness, leading us into a boundless sea of love and filling us with divine love and presence.
The Holy Spirit's Presence
Dear Holy Spirit, who can know The Comforter Thou art, Till they have felt deep need of Thee From out a broken heart. Ten thousand griefs, dear Lord, have swept Across this heart of mine, But every one has pushed me out Still deeper into Thine. I know Thou workest for my good, The soul's unfathomed pains, The deep, dark dungeon's doleful cries Thou turn'st to mellow strains. Thou art far sweeter than Thy gifts, Though they surpass all thought; And yet Thy presence in my breast With precious blood was bought. O Comforter! it is Thyself Who shows the blood to me, And in my mind revealest Christ Like an effulgent sea. No creature in this world can know The way Thou leadest me, Through storms and pangs and lonely griefs, From self out into Thee. Dear, peaceful Spirit, Thou hast borne My sad heart far away Into a gulf of tender love, Which melts it day by day. Blest Holy Ghost, to me Thou art A boundless crystal sea, And I can lose all loneliness When all alone with Thee. I have no wish in all the world But to be filled with Thee, And drink my being full of love From Thine immensity.
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George Douglas Watson (1845–1924). Born on March 26, 1845, in Accomac County, Virginia, G.D. Watson was a Methodist holiness preacher, evangelist, and prolific author who became a leading voice in the late 19th-century holiness movement. Raised in a devout Methodist family with godly influences like family prayer and Sunday school, he felt convictions at age five or six, singing “Rock of Ages” with siblings, and sensed a call to preach by 12 or 13. Despite early rebellion, described as the “black sheep” among six siblings, he sought religion during revivals and joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Ordained in 1868, he pastored in Kentucky but struggled spiritually until 1876, when he sought sanctification, achieving it after a Cincinnati evangelists’ conference, transforming his ministry with a focus on holiness. Watson’s evangelistic campaigns spanned the United States, England, the West Indies, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and Korea, preaching a deeper Christian life. He authored over 18 books, including Soul Food, Our Own God, Bone of His Bone, and The Heavenly Life, emphasizing sanctification, the Holy Spirit, and victory over sin, many still in print via publishers like Kingsley Press. Married to Eva, who wrote his biography, Glimpses of the Life and Work of G.D. Watson, he faced personal trials, including his wife’s illness and his lapse into tobacco use during a period of spiritual backsliding. Watson died in 1924, leaving a legacy as an “Apostle to the Sanctified.” He said, “The Holy Spirit never comes to us to make us smart, but to make us holy.”