The Godly Man’s Picture

Testimonials

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1. 

   Linda Gabriel – March 31, 2015

   Thomas Watson is considered one of our church’s honorary elders (in absentia), since we enjoy reading and referencing his books and sermons so much. Although written some 350 years ago, the topic and illustrations of what it means to be a godly person are still quite valid and applicable to the Christian life today. Watson is a master illustrator, and as the title of the book states, he uses the Word of God to draw in some detail a portrait of what a godly person looks like, as well as what he or she is not like.

   The process of becoming godly begins with an act of God in which He forgives sin and justifies the sinner because of the work of Christ on the individual’s behalf. Thomas Watson defines godliness this way:

   “Godliness is the sacred impression and workmanship of God in a man, whereby from being carnal he is made spiritual. When godliness is wrought in a person, he does not receive a new soul, but he has ‘another spirit.’ The faculties are not new, but the qualities are; the strings are the same, but the tune is corrected.”

   Among other characteristics of godliness, Watson points out that godliness in a believer is a fact; it is supernatural, something that cannot come from the natural man but must come from God alone; it is extensive, affecting every area of the person’s life; and it is permanent and will be carried into eternity. After giving some words of warning to “pretenders of godliness,” Watson then proceeds with his portrait by listing, describing and explaining “Some Characteristic Marks of a Man who is Going to Heaven,” taking about 170 pages to address 24 traits. Watson identifies from Scripture that a godly person is:
   – A man of knowledge
   – A man moved by faith
   – A man careful about the worship of God
   – A man who serves God not men
   – A man who loves the Word
   – A man of humility
   – A man of prayer
   – A zealous man
   – A thankful man
   – A patient man
   – A man who strives to be an instrument for making others godly

   This section makes up the bulk of the text, followed by an exhortation to the reader toward godliness and some words of counsel and comfort to those who are sincere in their desire to live a godly life.

   I know that sometimes people are intimidated about reading the writers of centuries past because of archaic language, but Thomas Watson really is not difficult to read. He does make occasional historical or literary references or allusions with which we may not be familiar, but it’s not enough to make his works unreadable by any means. Watson has a way with words, and this book is chock full of short, pithy statements that are deep with spiritual meaning. Here are just a few tidbits to whet your appetite:

   “To know arts and science is to gather straw, but to know God in Christ is to gather pearl.”
   “Those who will add to one part of God’s worship will be as ready to take away from another.”
   “The Lord not only fits work for us, but fits us for our work.”
   “If God does not give us what we crave, he will give us what we need.”
   “Those who will not be taught by the Word shall be judged by the Word.”
   “Prayer is a bomb which will make heaven’s gates fly open.”
   “It is better to have God approve than the world applaud.”
   “Zeal is a mixed affection, a compound of love and anger. It carries forth our love to God and anger against sin in the most intense manner.”
   “The more outrageous the wicked are against the truth, the more courageous the godly are for it.”
   “A child of God keeps two books always by him: one to write his sins in, so that he may be humble; the other to write his mercies in, so that he may be thankful.”

   II Corinthians 13:5 says, “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified.” The Godly Man’s Picture gives much opportunity to reflect on who you are in Christ and to take a serious assessment of your own walk with God and the evidence of His sanctifying work in you.

2. 

   Mariano Leiras – November 30, 2018

   I have read this book some months ago by now.
   But this is those kind of books you would like to re-read from time to time.
   Undoubtely it is design to make you long for godliness, to see it for what it is, and to behold Christ as the incarnation and sum of all true godliness.
   You will be driven along the path of godliness trhough the Scriptures. Watson, as the gifted preacher he was, will bring for you the honey of the gospel and the rod of admoniton for the sake of holiness and of your own soul.
   You will be made to search into the deepest chambers of your heart and to examine yourself before the mirror of the Word in the light of Jesus Christ.
   Ste by step Watson – with the heart and mind of knowable pastor- will drawn for you this beautiful picture of the godly character of Jesus and His people in order for you to persued godliness by His grace with all that is in you, and to imitate the example of Jesus Christ and all the saints who followed.
   There is an unspeakable beauty in godliness that instructs the mind, captivate the heart, flames the affections and moves the will for God´s sake.
   Dou yourselve a favor and get your own copy.
   Grace be with all God´s people.

3. 

   Robert Norman – November 12, 2020

   Watson is now my favorite Puritan. This book was simply a delight to read.