While on the plane headed for Los Angeles last week, I started reading Thomas Watson’s The Doctrine of Repentance. (The book, from Banner of Truth, is not out of print, but I was unable to find it new anywhere when I was looking for it, so I purchased a used copy online.) I say started reading, because I didn’t get very far into the book before I had to close it and allow what I’d read to soak in.
I’ll share a few quotes from the introductory Epistle to the Reader here:
The two great graces essential to a saint in this life are faith and repentance. These are the two wings by which he flies to heaven.
Repentance is never out of season; it is of as frequent use as the artificer’s tool or the soldier’s weapon.
How happy it would be if we were more deeply affected with sin, and our eyes did swim in their orb. We may clearly see the Spirit of God moving in the waters of repentance, which though troubled, are yet pure. Moist tears dry up sin and quench the wrath of God.
I’ll write more on this book as I continue to read it. If you are so inclined, find yourself a copy and read along. You won’t regret it.
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If you need help finding a source for used books, leave a message in the comments here, and I’ll try to help you locate a copy.
This was a terrific book. I read it back in January. There is not enough discussion these days on what repentance is and every Christian would benefit from Watson’s discussion of it.