Enamoured with Piety: Godliness as the Pervading Theme in the Thought and Ministry of Thomas Watson is written by Yarran Johnston and published by Tulip Publishing. This book is (I believe) the first volume in a new series called “Studies in Reformed Thought Monograph Series”.
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Enamoured with Piety: Godliness as the Pervading Theme in the Thought and Ministry of Thomas Watson
Anybody who has read the Puritans has most likely experienced the wonderful blessing of going ever deeper into the glories of the Triune God and His blessed Gospel. This book is a look at one of those Puritans, Thomas Watson, and his approach to godliness. This book is one that is sure to stir the reader’s affections for the Lord, leading the reader to an even deeper desire to grow in sanctification for the glory of Jesus Christ! Now I want to provide a short glimpse into the contents of the book.
The book consists of 6 parts and 12 chapters (plus a conclusion and an appendix). The first part provides a survey of literature on Watson as well as a short biography with key events that shaped his approach to godliness.
Part two deals with Watson’s approach to godliness in the Christian life through an affectionate lens (i.e. a response from the heart of the Christian toward God as He is revealed in His Word). Here Johnston deals with Watson’s book “Godly Man’s Picture” which I greatly enjoyed since I am currently reading that book at the time of this review.
The third section of the book dives into a historical theology of godliness. This is a fascinating section as Watson’s doctrine of godliness is compared to the writings of other Puritan giants such as John Owen and Stephen Charnock.
The fourth part deals with Watson’s (best known?) work, “Body of Divinity”. I loved how Johnston discussed the connection between confessional subscription (to the Westminster Standards) and practical godliness (especially as it’s connected to catechetical training).
Finally, there is a conclusion. I also want to point out the excellent excursus sections that are peppered throughout the book. I really liked the one on the Sabbath!
I think this is an excellent book for those who want to dive deeper into Watson in particular and godliness in general. I really enjoyed the read, and I’m sure that you will too! Tolle lege, take up and read!
Disclaimer: My thanks to Tulip Publishing for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Matt became a joyful follower of Jesus at the age of 21. He is very grateful to be a husband to Lindsey, and a father to four boys. He is an ordained minister (teaching elder) in the PCA. He previously served as a pastor of biblical counseling and is currently a corporate chaplain in southern Delaware. Matt received his Master of Divinity degree in Biblical Counseling from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and holds an advanced certification in biblical counseling from the Association of Biblical Counselors. In his free time, he loves playing with his boys, traveling with his wife, and reading (and buying!) books.
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