"These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so."

Acts 17:11

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The Doctrine of Repentance

by Thomas Watson

First published in 1668.
Reprint: Banner of Truth, Puritan Paperback series

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SERMONS APPOINTED TO BE READ IN THE REIGN OF QUEEN ELIZABETH I QUOTE: "How necessary it is, that the Word of God, which is the only food of the soul, and that most excellent light that we must walk by, in this our most dangerous pilgrimage, should at all convenient times be preached unto the people" 1562 Preface

"To pretend to preach the truth without offending carnal men, is to pretend to be able to do what Jesus Christ could not do."

Thomas Wilson

JOHN NEWTON QUOTES ON BLINDNESS: "There are many who stumble in the noon-day, not for want of light, but for want of eyes" READ MORE QUOTES >>

QUOTATIONS: WORDS OF WISDOM by Thomas Watson

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Thomas Watson (1620-1686)

A Divine Cordial or The Transcendent Privilege of those that Love God, and are Savingly Called. by Thomas Watson Puritan Sermon on Divine Encouragement, Romans 8:28. 1838 Edition Hail & Fire REPRINT "Two things, which I have always looked upon as difficult: the one is, to make the wicked sad; the other is, to make the godly joyful. - Dejection in the godly, arises from a double spring; either because their inward comforts are darkened, or their outward comforts are disturbed - to cure both which troubles, I have put forth this ensuing piece, hoping, by the blessing of God, it will buoy up their desponding hearts ... I would prescribe them to take, now and then, a little of this Cordial: All THESE THINGS SHALL WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD TO THEM THAT LOVE GOD (Romans 8:28)." - Thomas Watson Read this Book Online >> - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - The Christian Soldier or Heaven Taken By Storm Showing the Holy Violence a Christian is to put forth in the pursuit after glory. To which is added, The Happiness of Drawing Near to God, and The Saint’s Desire to be with Christ. by Thomas Watson Puritan Sermon on Ephesians 6:11: “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” 1816 Edition Hail & Fire REPRINT "Truth has noble effects. Truth is the seed of the new birth. God does not regenerate us by miracles, or revelations, but by the Word of truth, James 1:18. As truth is the breeder of grace, so the feeder of it, 1 Timothy 4:6. Truth sanctifies, John 17:17. Sanctify them by thy truth. Truth is the seal that leaves the print of its own holiness upon us; it is both speculum and lavacrum, a glass to show us our blemishes, and a laver to wash them away. Truth makes us free, John 8:3. it bears off the fetters of sin, and puts us into a state of Sonship, Romans 8:2. and Kingship, Revelation 1:6. Truth is comforting; this wine cheers. When David's harp and viol could yield him no comfort, truth did, Psalm 129:50. 'This is my comfort in my affliction, for thy Word hath quicked me.' Truth is an antidote against error." - Thomas Watson Read this Book Online >>

Thomas Watson D.D., 1620-1686, was an English Puritan Divine and Preacher of the Gospel.

Difficulty of Making the Godly Joyful and the Wicked Sad:

"There are two things, which I have always looked upon as difficult: the one is, to make the wicked sad; the other is, to make the godly joyful." - Thomas Watson

read online: "A Divine Cordial" by Thomas Watson

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On God's Favor and Sin:

"The favour of God is the best jewel; it can sweeten a prison, and unsting death. Oh how odious then is that sin, which robs us of our best jewel!" - Thomas Watson

read online: "A Divine Cordial" by Thomas Watson

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Unfeigned Desire:

"An unfeigned desire is active, it flourishes into endeavor." - Thomas Watson

Thomas Watson, "Sermons"

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God Regards the Good in His People, but Men Seekout their Blemishes

"See the difference between God and men: God takes notice of the good in his people; the wicked pass by the good in the godly, and take notice only of their failings. If they can spy any impropriety or blemish in them, they upbraid them with it; like those children who reproached Elisha for his baldness, but took no notice of the prophet's miracles (2 Kings 2:23)." - Thomas Watson

Thomas Watson, "The Great Gain of Godliness"

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Every Lie an Unrepentant Sinner Tells is Written Down by God in His Book of Remembrance (Matthew 12:36)

"[Men] think because God does not speak to them by his loud judgments, therefore God does not know their sins ... 'They consider not in their heart that I remember all their wickedness' (Hosea 7:2) ... Every lie a sinner tells, every oath he swears, every drunken bout, God writes it down in his books of remembrance; and woe to him if the book is not crossed out with the blood of Christ! See the mercifulness of God to his children, who blots their sins out of his book of remembrance, and writes their good deeds in his book of remembrance: 'I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions' (Isaiah 43:25) ... Oh, the heavenly indulgence and kindness of God to his people! He remembers everything but their sins." - Thomas Watson

Thomas Watson, "The Great Gain of Godliness"

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Evidence that Sin is Worse than Affliction

"That sin is worse than affliction is evident because the greatest judgment God lays upon a man in this life is to let him sin without control. When the Lord's displeasure is most severely kindled against a person, he does not say, I will bring the sword and the plague on this man, but I will let him sin on: 'So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust' (Psalm 81.12). Now, if the giving up of a man to his sins (in the account of God himself) is the most dreadful evil, then sin is far worse than affliction. And if it be so, then how should it be hated by us!" - Thomas Watson