We're beginning to study the book The Godly Man's Picture -- Drawn With Scripture Pencil by famous Puritan author Thomas Watson.

Come over to Caribou Coffee on Minnesota Ave. at 8AM on Saturdays. Give us a heads up, and we'll have an extra copy of the reading waiting for you to join in discussion, or just listen.

Publisher's Description: Few preachers in the Puritan era (or any other period of church history) match Thomas Watson for his ability to combine rich spirituality, nourishing doctrine and sane wisdom with fascinating illustrations and a pleasant style. Watson is remembered chiefly for his posthumously published Body of Practical Divinity (reprinted by the Trust in three volumes). But his extant sermons also include this marvelous series on the character of the Christian. It is, as C. H. Spurgeon said of his other work, 'a happy union of sound doctrine, heart-searching experience and practical wisdom.'

Watson is always the essence of sanity and reliability. But in addition, this work shows how attractive the grace of God is. Christians of all stages, reading it for the first time, will feel as if they have entered the gallery of a great portrait painter. As his sub-title suggests, Watson works with 'a Scripture pencil' in this priceless sketch of the true believer.

 

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The prevous book we studied was Worldly Saints: The Puritans As They Really Were by Leland Ryken.

Dr. Ryken's presentation of the Puritan view and style of life is perceptive and accurate. He allows the Puritans to speak for themselves on topics ranging from "Church and Worship" to "Money" and "Marriage and Sex."

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. What Were the Original Puritans Like?
2. Work
3. Marriage and Sex
4. Money
5. Family
6. Puritan Preaching
7. Church and Worship
8. The Bible
9. Education
10. Social Action
11. Learning From Negative Example: Some Puritan Faults
12. The Genius of Puritanism: What the Puritans Did Best

 

Another book we have studied: With Reverence and Awe: Returning to the Basics of Reformed Worship. 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction: Sound Doctrine and Worship
1. The Church and the World
2. The Purpose of the Church
3. A Worshiping Community
4. The Holy Day of Worship
5. Acceptable Worship
6. Reformed Liturgy
7. Leading and Participating in Worship
8. Worship with Godly Fear
9. The Means of Grace
10. Worship: Elements, Circumstances, and Forms
11. Song in Worship
Conclusion: Discernment in Worship