Meditation: A Christian on the Mount

Meditation is one of the lost spiritual disciplines of the Christian life. While the world is exploring various forms of spirituality, believers are called upon to grow in their spiritual knowledge of Scripture, dive deep into the divine doctrines of God, and grow in Christ through the practice of meditation. Thomas Watson defined meditation as “the soul’s retiring of itself, that by serious and solemn thinking upon God, the heart is raised up to heavenly affections.” Meditation was a duty practiced daily in the life of the Puritans and their forebearers. It was as natural as Bible reading, prayer, and even breathing. When practiced, meditation aids in our diligent pursuit of the means of grace, deepens our walk with Christ, stretches our understanding of Scripture, turns our hearts from temporal matters, and encourages more meaningful relationships with others. Watson takes believers by the hand and leads them into the subjects, practices, and applications of biblical meditation.

Publisher: H & E publishing
Type: Paperback
ISBN: 9781989174784

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Watson was educated at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, where he was noted for remarkably intense study. In 1646 he commenced a sixteen year pastorate at St. Stephen's, Walbrook. He showed strong Presbyterian views during the civil war, with, however, an attachment to the king, and in 1651 he was imprisoned briefly with some other ministers for his share in Christopher Love's plot to recall Charles II of England. He was released on June 30, 1652, and was formally reinstated as vicar of St. Stephen's Walbrook. Watson obtained great fame and popularity as a preacher until the Restoration, when he was ejected for nonconformity. Notwithstanding the rigor of the acts against dissenters, Watson continued to exercise his ministry privately as he found opportunity. Upon the Declaration of Indulgence in 1672 he obtained a license to preach at the great hall in Crosby House. After preaching there for several years, his health gave way, and he retired to Barnston, Essex, where he died suddenly while praying in secret. He was buried on 28 July 1686.

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‘Thomas Watson lays out a compelling case for regular Christian meditation. This book was both theologically sound and very practical.’ Cody Griggs