Inspirational Quotes by Thomas Watson

“Affliction teaches what sin is. In the word preached, we hear what a dreadful thing sin is, that it is both defiling and damning, but we fear it no more than a painted lion; therefore God lets loose affliction, and then we feel sin bitter in the fruit of it. A sick-bed often teaches more than a sermon.”

“confutes the Armenians, who cry up the power of the will. They hold they have a will to save themselves. But by nature, we not only want strength, but we want will to that which is good. Rom 5: 6. The will is not only full of weakness, but obstinacy. ‘Israel would none of me.’ Psa 81: 11. The will hangs forth a flag of defiance against God. Such as speak of the sovereign power of the will, forget ‘It is God that worketh in you both to will and to do.’ Phil 2: 13. If the power be in the will of man, then what need is there for God to work in us to will? If the air can enlighten itself, what need is there for the sun to shine? Such as talk of the power of nature, and their ability to save themselves, disparage Christ’s merits. I may say (as Gal 5: 4), ‘Christ has become of no effect to them.’ They who advance the power of their will in matters of salvation, without the medicinal grace of Christ, do absolutely put themselves under the covenant of works. I would ask, ‘Can they perfectly keep the moral law?’ Malum oritur ex quolibet defectu [Evil is manifested in any blemish at all]. If there be but the least defect in their obedience, they are lost. For one sinful thought the law of God curses them, and the justice of God condemns them. Confounded be their pride, who cry up the power of nature, as if, by their own inherent abilities, they could rear up a building, the top whereof should reach to heaven.”

“The serious thoughts of our short stay here would be a great means of promoting godliness. What if death should come before we are ready? What if our life should breathe out before God's Spirit has breathed in? Whoever considers how flitting and winged his life is, will hasten his repentance!”

“Some of the fathers were of opinion that every believer has his guardian angel. This subject needs no hot debate. It may suffice us to know the whole hierarchy of angels is employed for the good of the saints.”

“To seem to be zealous, if it be not according to the word, is not obedience, but will-worship.”

“God made the world only as a dressing room to dress our souls in. He sent us here on the grand errand of godliness.”

“Better is that temptation which humbles me, than that duty which makes me proud.”

“Love is an industrious affection; it sets the head studying for God, hands working, feet running in the ways of his commandments.”

“Be often among the godly. They are the salt of the earth—and will help to season you. Their counsel may direct you; their prayers may enliven you. Such holy sparks may be thrown into your breasts as may kindle devotion in you. It is good to be among the saints, to learn the trade of godliness: "He who walks with wise men shall be wise" (Proverbs 13:20).”

“It is more honour to serve God, than to have kings serve us.”

“God’s method in calling sinners may vary, but the effect is still the same.”

“After a bitter pill, God gives sugar.”

“To obey God, is not so much our duty—as our privilege; his commands carry food in the mouth of them. He bids us repent—and why? That our sins may be blotted out. Acts 3:19. He commands us to believe—and why? That we may be saved. Acts 16:31. There is love in every command. It is as if a king should bid one of his subjects dig in a gold mine, and then keep the gold for himself.”

“The motion of our praise must be like the motion of our pulse, which beats as long as life lasts.”

“Vemos aquí la honra y dignidad del creyente. Tiene el nombre de Dios escrito sobre sí (Ap. 3:12), al Espíritu Santo que habita en él (2 Ti. 1:14), y una guardia de ángeles que le asiste.”

“Every cross, to a child of God, is like Paul’s cross wind, which, though it broke the ship, it brought Paul to shore upon the broken pieces.”

“Conscience is God’s diocese, where none has right to visit, but He who is the Bishop of our souls (1 Peter 2:25).”

“There is no one member of the body breaks forth more in God’s dishonour than the tongue.”

“A carnal person can no more value spiritual blessings than a baby can value a diamond necklace.”

“A man may as well go to hell for not working in his calling, as for not believing.”