Customer Reviews

The Godly Man's Picture (Puritan Paperbacks)

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a must read for every Christian. With a high view of the LORD and His Word, Thomas Watson delivers a practical, Christ centered, treatise on what a Godly man will be characterized by. In his usual lucid profundity, Watson articulates and illustrates biblical truth without muddying the water. This book is truly edifying and is without a doubt one of my favorite books of all time. If you are used to a diet of contemporary Christian fluff, then proceed with caution. You will not find any self-centered psychobabble here. What you will find however, is rich and profound teaching that is Christ honoring and God centered.

Puritan writers are known for thier marvellous logic and their thorough commitment to Jesus Christ. Thomas Watson has these qualities in common with those who were his contemporaries, however he injects into this book many poetical, descriptive and even romantic images that cause the deep truths he is presenting to rush home vividly to the mind and heart. Watson deals with many practical matters of Christianity and his effort is most helpful to those who yearn to be more godly and more honoring to Jesus Christ. The title should not put women off! It is a book that applies to both sexes. It seems the term "man" is generic. If you are serious about practical Christianity then this will be a challenge and a blessing.

Thomas Watson exemplifies the nature of Puritan writing. This book is very practical, and is not emotive in it's theology. If you want to apply the Scriptures in a practical manner, this book is the ticket. If you're looking for "Evangelical fluff," go to your local Christian bookstore.

Thomas Watson is one of the most enjoyable authors of the Puritan era; he combines rich insight with captivating illustrations. One would expect, then, to breeze through 252 pages of such wonderfully written material. This would be the case if Watson's words were not as soul-searching and penetrating. Watson is straightforward and calls sin exactly what it is. He does not lower the bar of holiness but paints a picture of the godly man as he ought to be.

After slowly reading and thinking deeply upon Watson's 24 characteristics one is left feeling the weight of sin and longing for grace. I found myself wishing to hear from a dear Richard Sibbes, to remind me that my feeble spark of grace is enough. To my surprise a few chapters after exhorting us towards godliness Watson comforts us with the gracious words of Matthew 12:20. He, too, reminds us that Christ will not "crush grace in its infancy".

And finally, Watson closes by reminding us of our union with Christ. It is from this union that the believer is made godly and considered godly. Watson comes full circle in this book. He begins by pointing us to the Cross. Then he paints a picture of what we ought to be in response. And finally, he points us back to the Cross for repentance and cleansing because we are often not what we ought to be.

What I Liked:

The word pictures that Watson employs are mind awakening. He paints pictures to help the believer think thoughts he never thought before. This makes such a soul-piercing work actually enjoyable. One can scarcely open the book without finding a metaphor on the page you opened to. This causes Watson to be remembered and very quotable.

Had the book ended without the final two chapters it would not have been as effective. However, had the book only contained the last two chapters it would not have been as effective. Watson does a wonderful job of raising the bar of holiness where it ought to be, then pointing to the grace of Christ when we fail. In reading through this book I felt the weight of sin and yet at the same time the depths of grace.

What I Disliked:

Watson does do a good job of providing grace and pointing to Christ. However, because this book is so soul-piercing one finds it difficult to get to page 222 without receiving comfort. It is occasionally hinted at throughout the book. As it stands, though, this book could be applied quite dangerously. If the believer goes about trying to attain the characteristics Watson mentions, and paint the picture of godliness himself, then he will find much despair. Therefore, it would have been more effective in my opinion for Watson to have paused occasionally and pointed us back to the Savior and to the powerful working of the Holy Spirit.

Because of this I would suggest three different ways to read it for maximum benefit. First, this would be a wonderful book to read alongside a book like The Bruised Reed, or a Cross-Centered CJ Mahaney type of book. Secondly, one could read a few sections of chapter four...stop...let the weight of sink in...and then go to chapter 11 or 12. Thirdly, sit down and read the entire thing in one or two sittings.

Should You Buy It?

I would certainly suggest this. Watson's beautiful way of putting things is enough to recommend this book for your collection. If Watson's words are heeded and they are used to point to the Cross and inspire in holiness then certainly this book is well worth whatever time you put into it.

This little book is an absolute treasure and should be read by every Christian. It has deep insight and rich theological truths that will penetrate your heart and challenge the way you think about God and spirituality. The Puritans should not be forgotten because they understood man's sinfulness (depravity) and were God centered and put a strong emphasis on grace.

For those of us striving to lead a Godly life, we are always looking for vivid examples of how to live and think. Thomas Watson paints the perfect picture of the Godly man, and puts it in a rather readable and condenced format, being very organized in his lay-out. The style of the book is closely related to the Westminster Confession. The picture that is painted in this book is so clear and backed so strongly by Scripure that it shows how far we as humans have to go before we are elligable for a Godly Man's lable. It will bring tears to the eyes of those who's heart God has softened, and yet gives encouragement to those who are failing in their calling to be Godly.

This book is a definite MUST for any Christian's bookshelf!

For those of us striving to lead a Godly life, we are always looking for vivid examples of how to live and think. Thomas Watson paints the perfect picture of the Godly man, and puts it in a rather readable and condenced format, being very organized in his lay-out. The style of the book is closely related to the Westminster Confession. The picture that is painted in this book is so clear and backed so strongly by Scripure that it shows how far we as humans have to go before we are elligable for a Godly Man's lable. It will bring tears to the eyes of those who's heart God has softened, and yet gives encouragement to those who are failing in their calling to be Godly. This book is a definite MUST for any Christian's bookshelf!

This book is a gem. For those men who are genuinely seeking to know godliness in their own lives, this book is invaluable. Watson lays out in such simple terms what it means to be a man of God. However, I will say this: Read this book over time; don't speed through it. After you read a portion, sit in it for a few days. Then return for another round. God bless.
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One of the best books that I have read. Every believer should read this book at least one time if not more. Very convicting and encouraging. Definitely a classic. You won't be sorry you read it.
Rich

My two star rating is not based on the content, but on this Kindle edition. The formatting is awful, no table of contents, and it has been modified! The texts quoted are from a Bible translation based on corrupted manuscripts with dozens of verses missing (the NIV). This leads to weird distortions in the text where Thomas Watson discusses a portion of scripture but the words are not found in the quoted portion.

Unfortunately I cannot recommend this edition, but have given 1 star for effort.