God is His Peoples Great Reward by Thomas Watson 1620-1686
Thomas Watson is no doubt one of the most well-beloved of all of the Puritan authors. Few better guides have existed in this or any other area of spiritual experience than Thomas Watson. He was a master of both Scripture and the human heart, and wrote with a simplicity and directness that keeps his work fresh and powerful for the twenty-first century. 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.
Thomas Watson is no doubt one of the most well-beloved of all of the Puritan authors. Few better guides have existed in this or any other area of spiritual experience than Thomas Watson. He was a master of both Scripture and the human heart, and wrote with a simplicity and directness that keeps his work fresh and powerful for the twenty-first century. 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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need of nothing." <strong>God</strong> will never bestow Himself on those who<br />
see no need of Him.<br />
Second, let us beg <strong>God</strong> to be our reward. It was Augustine's<br />
prayer, "Lord, give me Yourself!" Psalm 17:14, "O do not put me<br />
off with common mercies; give me not my portion in th<strong>is</strong> life." Be<br />
earnest suitors—and <strong>God</strong> cannot find it in H<strong>is</strong> heart to deny<br />
you. Prayer <strong>is</strong> the key of heaven which, being turned <strong>by</strong> the hand<br />
of faith, opens all <strong>God</strong>'s treasures!<br />
BRANCH 3. Live every day in the contemplation of th<strong>is</strong><br />
reward. Be in the altitudes. Think what <strong>God</strong> has prepared for<br />
those who love Him! Oh, that our thoughts<br />
could ascend! The higher the bird flies the sweeter it sings. Let us<br />
think how blessed they are, who are possessed of their eternal<br />
heritage! If one could but look a while through the chinks of<br />
heaven's door—and see the beauty and bl<strong>is</strong>s of Parad<strong>is</strong>e; if he<br />
could but lay h<strong>is</strong> ear to heaven—and hear the rav<strong>is</strong>hing music<br />
of those seraphic spirits and the anthems of pra<strong>is</strong>e which they<br />
sing—how would h<strong>is</strong> soul be exhilarated and transported with<br />
joy!<br />
Oh, Chr<strong>is</strong>tians, meditate on th<strong>is</strong> reward! Slight, transient<br />
thoughts do no good. They are like breath upon steel which <strong>is</strong><br />
immediately off again. But let your thoughts dwell upon glory—<br />
until your hearts are deeply affected! "What, Lord! Is there<br />
such an incomprehensible reward to be bestowed<br />
upon me! Shall these eyes of mine be blessed with transforming<br />
thoughts of You? Oh, the aston<strong>is</strong>hing love of <strong>God</strong> to sinners!"<br />
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