The Godly Man's Picture added January 22, 2011

The back cover of the Puritan Paperback edition of this book published by The Banner of Truth Trust states that:

Few preachers in the Puritan era (or any other period of church history) match Thomas Watson for his ability to combine rich spirituality, nourishing doctrine and sane wisdom with fascinating illustrations and a pleasant style. Watson is remembered chiefly for his posthumously published Body of Practical Divinity (reprinted by the Trust in three volumes). But his extant sermons also include this marvelous series on the character of the Christian. It is, as C. H. Spurgeon said of his other work, ‘a happy union of sound doctrine, heart-searching experience and practical wisdom.’

Watson is always the essence of sanity and reliability. But in addition, this work shows how attractive the grace of God is. Christians of all ages, reading it for the first time, will feel as if they have entered the gallery of a great portrait painter. As his sub-title suggests, Watson works with ‘a Scripture pencil’ in this priceless sketch of the true believer.

I am grateful for the privilege of having access to the work of Thomas Watson in this book. It has been helpful and instructive to me, and I regularly re-read portions of it. THe book is filled with useful exhortations to the Christian and is composed in a reverent style. Many necessary attributes are discussed, and I find the discourses humbling and inspiring.

Thomas Watson's introductory remarks are worth noting:

To the Reader

Christian Reader,

The soul being as precious, and salvation so glorious, it is the highest point of prudence to make preparations for another world. It is beyond all dispute that there is an inheritance in light, and it is most strenuously asserted in Holy Scripture that there must be a fitness and suitability for it (Col. 1:12). If anyone asks, ‘Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord?,’ the answer is, ‘He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart’ (Psa. 24:4). To describe such a person is the work of this ensuing treatise. Here you have the godly man's portrait, and see him portrayed in his full lineaments. What a rare thing godliness is! It is not airy and puffed up, but solid, and such as will take up the heart and spirits. Godliness consists in an exact harmony between holy principles and practices. Oh, that all into whose hands this book shall providentially come, may be so enamored with piety as to embrace it heartily. So sublime is godliness that it cannot be delineated in its perfect radiance and lustre, though an angel should take the pencil. Godliness is our wisdom. ‘The fear of the Lord, that is wisdom’ (Job 28:28). Policy without piety is profound madness. Godliness is a spiritual queen, and whoever marries her is sure of a large dowry with her. Godliness has the promise of the present life and of that which is to come (1 Tim. 4:8). Godliness gives assurance, yes, holy triumph in GOd, and how sweet that is (Isa. 32:17). It was old Lutimer who said, ‘When sometimes I sit alone, and have a settled assurance of the state of my soul, and know that God is my God, I can laugh at all troubles, and nothing can daunt me.’ Godliness puts a man in heaven before his time. Christian, aspire after piety; it is a lawful ambition. Look at the saints' characteristiccs here, and never leave off till you have got them stamped upon your own soul. This is the grand business that should swallow up your time and thoughts. Other speculations and quaint notions are nothing to the soul. They are like wafers which have fine works printed upon them, and are curiously damasked to the eye, but are thin, and yield little nourishment. But I will not keep you any longer in the porch. Should I have enlarged upon every one characteristic of the goldy man, it would have required a volume, but designing to go over many, I have contracted my sails, and given you only a brief summary of things. If this piece (however undigested) conduces to the good of souls, I shall have my desire. That the God of grace will effectually accomplish this shall be the prayer of him who is

Yours in all Christian affection,

Thomas Watson