The Art of Divine Contentment

by Thomas Watson
Reatil: $20.00 RHB: $15.00
December, 2008

There is much in this world to leave us wearied. Yet the Apostle Paul could say, “I have learned, in

whatsoever state I am therewith to be content.” Commenting on Philippians 4:11, Thomas Watson provides us great encouragement as he points us to the only hope of gaining true contentment. He not only explains the nature of this contentment, but also gives motives to seek it and instructions for obtaining it. Watson’s works are all marked by profound spirituality, terse style, impressive remarks, and practical illustrations. This book, first printed in 1653, is no exception.

“Discontent is to the soul as a disease is to the body: it puts it out of temper and greatly hinders its regular and sublime motions heavenward. For my part, I know not any ornament in religion that doth more bespangle a Christian, or glitter in the eye of God and man, than this of contentment. Nor certainly is there anything wherein all the Christian virtues do work more harmoniously, or shine more transparently, than in this orb. If there is a blessed life before we come to heaven, it is the contented life.”
—Thomas Watson

Logic: The Right Use of Reason in the Inquiry after Truth

by Issac Watts
Retail: $28.00 RHB: $21.00
December, 2008

As a child of Puritan parents, it is not surprising that Isaac Watts was greatly concerned about people’s ability to think clearly. Whether a man was studying for the ministry or any other of the sciences, the ability to reason rightly was of utmost importance. Watt’s work on logic and reason became a standard textbook for nearly 200 years, being used in such schools as Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, and Yale.

In Logic, Watts address proper thinking under the four basic functions of the human mind: perception, judgment, reasoning, and disposition. In part one, Watts addresses human perception, the cultivation of ideas, and how we associate them with words. In part two, Watts treats human judgment and its ability to construct various kinds of propositions, while giving guidance for avoiding the formation of bad judgments. Part three covers our ability to reason, giving instruction on the use of syllogisms for constructing a good argument. Part four discusses the mind’s disposition as a method of arranging our thoughts for better understanding and memory. This book will help discipline the mind and train the reader to discern proper thinking and argumentation in seeking truth.