The Great Gain of Godliness

C. H. Spurgeon had a well-stocked library of around 12,000 volumes. However, one rare book was not to be found amongst that valuable collection: Thomas Watson on Malachi 3:16-18. With a note of sadness in his voice he said to his College students: ‘This volume would be a great find if we could come at it, for Watson is one of the clearest and liveliest of Puritan authors. We fear we shall never see this commentary, for we have tried to obtain it, and tried in vain’. In this reset and lightly edited edition you can now read the book that was on Spurgeon’s ‘wish-list’! The Great Gain of Godliness is Watson’s exposition of Malachi 3:16-18. In it he aims ‘to encourage solid piety and confute the atheists of the world, who imagine there is no gain in godliness.’ This book has all the hallmarks of Thomas Watson’s other writings: a combination of rich spirituality, nourishing doctrine, and sane practical wisdom coupled with fascinating illustrations and a very pleasant style.

Publisher: Banner of Truth
Type: Paperback
ISBN: 9781800403093

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Thomas Watson (c. 1620-1686) was a Puritan preacher and author during the English Revolution and the Act of Uniformity. Watson’s works are a legacy that have continued to be a blessing to those who love sound, heart-searching exposition of the Scriptures.

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‘Thomas Watson is one of my favorite Puritan authors. As I read his writings, I can tell he walked with God, knew God, and drew strength for his ministry from his presence. That is what I love about the Puritans and this work specifically, the ability of Watson to concisely make us consider our union with Christ through inquiring if we have the fear of God in our hearts. The first book I read by Thomas Watson was ‘The Doctrine Of Repentance,’ from there I read ‘All things for Good,’ then ‘The Godly Man’s Picture,’ and now the ‘Great Gain of Godliness.’ Thomas Watson studied at Emmanuel College in Cambridge, one of the greatest Puritan seminaries. This is where William Perkins taught who wrote, ‘The Art of Prophesying,’ Out of all the volumes Spurgeon had in his library, he was unable to find this one. Thank you for making this available Banner.’ Jon