The Godly Man's Picture

The Godly Man's Picture, Drawn with a Scripture Pencil, or, Some Characteristic Marks of a Man who is Going to Heaven

By Thomas Watson

 

Christian Reader,

The soul being so precious, and salvation so glorious - it is the highest point of prudence to make preparations for the eternal world. It is beyond all disputes, that there is an inheritance in light; and it is most strenuously asserted in Holy Scripture that there must be a fitness and suitability for it (Col. 1:12).

“…giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.”

If anyone asks, “Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord?” the answer is,

“He who has clean hands, and a pure heart” (Psalm 24:4).

To describe such a person is the work of this ensuing treatise. Here you have the godly man's portrait, and see him portrayed in his full lineaments.

What a rare thing godliness is! It is not airy and puffed up - but solid, and such as will take up the heart and spirits.

Godliness consists in an exact harmony between holy principles and practices. Oh, that all into whose hands this book shall providentially come, may be so enamored with piety as to embrace it heartily. So sublime is godliness that it cannot be delineated in its perfect radiance and luster, though an angel should take the pencil. Godliness is our wisdom.

“The fear of the Lord, that is wisdom” (Job 28:28).

Morality without piety is profound madness.

·         Godliness is a spiritual queen, and whoever marries her, is sure of a large dowry with her.

·         Godliness has the promise of the present life and of that which is to come (1 Tim. 4:8).

“For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.”

·         Godliness gives assurance, yes, holy triumph in God; and how sweet is that! (Isaiah 32:17).

“The work of righteousness will be peace,
And the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever.”

It was old Latimer who said,

“When sometimes I sit alone, and have a settled assurance of the state of my soul, and know that God is my God - I can laugh at all troubles, and nothing can daunt me.”

Godliness puts a man in heaven before his time. Christian, aspire after piety; it is a lawful ambition. Look at the saints' characteristics here, and never leave off until you have got them stamped upon your own soul.

This is the grand business which should swallow up your time and thoughts. Other speculations and quaint notions are nothing, compared to the priceless soul. They are like wafers which have fine words printed upon them, and are curious to the eye - but are thin, and yield little nourishment.

But I will not keep you longer in the porch. Should I have enlarged upon any one characteristic of the godly man, it would have required a volume - but designing to go over many, I have contracted my sails, and given you only a brief summary of things. If this piece conduces to the good of souls, I shall have my desire. That the God of grace will effectually accomplish this shall be the prayer of him who is…

Yours in all Christian affection,
Thomas Watson

[Pastor: We will be pursuing this great treatise by Thomas Watson during the month of September - It has meant a great to me over the years and I trust it will to you as well…]