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.

Contents

PART ONE THE CHARACTER OF THE GODLY

1. Holding Fast in Evil Days
2. The Godly and the Fear of God
3. Reasons to Fear God
4. Walking in the Fear of God
5. The Excellence of the Fear of God
6. Is the Fear of God in Our Hearts?
7. The Godly Should Speak of God
8. The Godly Should Meditate on God’s Name

PART TWO THE GOOD EFFECTS OF GODLINESS

9. God Regards the Piety of His People
10. God Records the Piety of His People
11. God Rewards the Piety of His People
12. God Rewards His People by Owning Them
13. God Rewards His People by Honouring Them
14. God Rewards His People by Sparing Them
15. The Righteous and the Wicked Discerned
16. A Consolation in Affliction