The Beatitudes, by Thomas Watson
Thomas Watson was a learned, orthodox, powerful preacher of the 17th century. He was one of the eminent Puritan ministers who possessed the ability and gift of preaching and writing profound truths in simple terms and language. His style was lucid, beautiful and arresting.
“The Beatitudes” is one of the most precious books of Watson. He shows in this book, sparkling with gems of illustrations and anecdotes, what real, vital, saving Christianity is. Here we have sound doctrine and heart-searching application of the Truth.
He writes, “Perhaps this is one reason why the Word preached does not profit more, because people do not pray more. Perhaps you complain the tool is dull, the minister is dead and cold. You should have whetted and sharpened him by your prayer. If you would have the door of a blessing opened to you through our ministry, you must unlock it by the key of prayer.”
With regard to the “poor in spirit” he writes, “See the difference between a wicked man and a godly. Let a wicked man have never so many comforts, still he is cursed; let a godly man have never so many crosses, still he is blessed.”
He lays great emphasis on Meekness. “A meek man,” he says “is a valorous man. He gets victory over himself. Passion arises from imbecility and weakness.” Then he goes on to say, “Mildness prevails more than fierceness. Passion makes an enemy of a friend. Meekness makes a friend of an enemy.” Quoting from Seneca he writes, “Anger is a short fit of madness.” Thomas Watson had real meekness while he was bold as a lion in contending for the Truth. He would not allow the proud and arrogant to trample him under their feet. He writes, “Meekness is opposed to malice. Malice is the devil’s picture (John 8: 44). Malice is mental murder (I John 3: 15). He puts the question, “Is it your nature to be fierce and angry?” This is so far from being an excuse,” he answers “that it makes it so much the worse.” “If a man were indicted for stealing, and he would say to the judge, ‘Spare me; it is my nature to steal,’ were this an excuse? The judge would say, ‘You deserve rather to die,’ ‘Sinner, get a new nature.'”
Giving a description of “the pure in heart,” Watson says, “Where there is a study of purity and a loathing of ourselves for our impurity, this is to be ‘pure in heart’.” And again, “the heart is impure which sees no need of purity.” Not to be sensible of a disease is worse than the disease.”
On mercifulness, he writes that one can murder another in his good name and reputation and that a man by his unbridled tongue in defaming the good name and reputation of another can leave a scar on him for life. He warns seriously against the sins of an unbridled tongue.
“The Beatitudes” is an excellent book for our day and generation. The price is £1.20, and can be bought from The Banner of Truth Trust, 78b Chilton Street, London; the Religious Bookshop, High Street, Dingwall; the Religious Bookshop, Stornoway, and other Religious Bookshops.
The Banner of Truth Trust has done excellent work in republishing this instructive edifying book.
Angus MacKay (Tarbert).