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All Things for Good
Thomas Watson's book 'All Things For Good' provides the biblical answer to the contemporary question; Why do bad things happen to good people?
Thomas Watson, the 17th century minister of St. Stephen's Walbrook, believed he faced two great difficulties in his pastoral ministry. The first was making the unbeliever sad, in the recognition of his need of God's grace. The second was making the believer joyful in response to God s grace. He believed the answer to the second difficulty could be found in Paul's teaching in Romans 8.28: God works all things together for good for his people.
First published in 1663 (under the title 'A Divine Cordial'), the year after Watson and some two thousand other ministers were ejected from the Church of England and exposed to hardship and suffering, 'All Things For Good' contains the rich exposition of a man who lived when only faith in God's Word could lead him to such confidence.
Thomas Watson's exposition is always simple, illuminating and rich in practical application. He explains that both the best and the worst experiences work for the good of God's people. He carefully analyses what it means to be someone who 'loves God' and is 'called according to his purpose'.
Thomas Watson, the 17th century minister of St. Stephen's Walbrook, believed he faced two great difficulties in his pastoral ministry. The first was making the unbeliever sad, in the recognition of his need of God's grace. The second was making the believer joyful in response to God s grace. He believed the answer to the second difficulty could be found in Paul's teaching in Romans 8.28: God works all things together for good for his people.
First published in 1663 (under the title 'A Divine Cordial'), the year after Watson and some two thousand other ministers were ejected from the Church of England and exposed to hardship and suffering, 'All Things For Good' contains the rich exposition of a man who lived when only faith in God's Word could lead him to such confidence.
Thomas Watson's exposition is always simple, illuminating and rich in practical application. He explains that both the best and the worst experiences work for the good of God's people. He carefully analyses what it means to be someone who 'loves God' and is 'called according to his purpose'.
128 pages, Paperback
First published September 25, 1660
349 people are currently reading
1,997 people want to read
About the author
Thomas Watson
571 books226 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Thomas Watson (c. 1620 - 1686) was an English, non-conformist, Puritan preacher and author. He 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 30 June 1652, and was formally reinstated as vicar of St. Stephen's Walbrook. He obtained great fame and popularity as a preacher until the Restoration, when he was ejected for nonconformity. Not withstanding 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.
(Information from wikipedia.org)
Thomas Watson (c. 1620 - 1686) was an English, non-conformist, Puritan preacher and author. He 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 30 June 1652, and was formally reinstated as vicar of St. Stephen's Walbrook. He obtained great fame and popularity as a preacher until the Restoration, when he was ejected for nonconformity. Not withstanding 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.
(Information from wikipedia.org)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 234 reviews
June 30, 2017
Originally titled, in 1663: "A Divine Cordial", and it's a book to strenghten and cheer the believers. After reading it, I believe it's a neat little book that does what it says it aims to be, to motivation us to keep going on the narrow road with joy. It talks about how the best things and the worst things both all happen for us good.
The best things are given to us by all three parts of the Holy Trinity, the angels, and fellow believers (the text goes on to details within each). The worst things (affliction, temptation, desertion (also known as the Dryness, periods of spiritual drought - only the believers get them, so having dryness *is* a sign of being a believer!) and sin) also benefit us, if we know how; it's good to know in detail why - I think Watson does all the examples and details so well - and I think this part is especially important for the newer believers, and should be more talked about.
Then the book goes on to talk about what our love of God is like, if and when we have it. There is the exhortation to become more loving towards God, to preserve in it, and to increase it. On how God calls us, and exhortation to make our calling certain, and what to do then. And finally on God's purpose: salvation to those He has called.
I made a lot of notes. The language shows it's age only a little, so this story flows very clearly and working on cheering us. Love is the oil of religion; just doing the moves outwardly and inwardly won't do if the love of God is missing. Human love and Divine love work so well together, and the reward, which we already know is great, will feel mindblowing when we see it completely. The book shows us the many reasons to be cheerful, motivated believer.
The best things are given to us by all three parts of the Holy Trinity, the angels, and fellow believers (the text goes on to details within each). The worst things (affliction, temptation, desertion (also known as the Dryness, periods of spiritual drought - only the believers get them, so having dryness *is* a sign of being a believer!) and sin) also benefit us, if we know how; it's good to know in detail why - I think Watson does all the examples and details so well - and I think this part is especially important for the newer believers, and should be more talked about.
Then the book goes on to talk about what our love of God is like, if and when we have it. There is the exhortation to become more loving towards God, to preserve in it, and to increase it. On how God calls us, and exhortation to make our calling certain, and what to do then. And finally on God's purpose: salvation to those He has called.
I made a lot of notes. The language shows it's age only a little, so this story flows very clearly and working on cheering us. Love is the oil of religion; just doing the moves outwardly and inwardly won't do if the love of God is missing. Human love and Divine love work so well together, and the reward, which we already know is great, will feel mindblowing when we see it completely. The book shows us the many reasons to be cheerful, motivated believer.
July 15, 2023
I’ve yet to read a Puritan Paperback or anything by Thomas Watson that isn’t 5 stars. Every Christian should read this little gem to gain a deeper love for Romans 8:28. You will also laugh a little as you go along seeing Watson’s great use of points, sub-points, and sub-sub-points along with anywhere from 14 to 20 reasons for a number of the words that can be found in verse 28 😂
December 24, 2022
Have I given in to star inflation with two 5 star reviews in a row? I think not. Have James KA Smith prime you to the preciousness of the moment God has given you, and then consider that the Spirit has been doing similar work for 400 documented years between these two texts, and you would be handing out stars too.
Plus, this isn’t the enthusiasm of novelty. I’m still at a book a day pace for 2022. God be praised that He can kindle maintain, stoke HOTTER passion for anything to that degree. If Goodreads thinks me a book monk, I’m a HAPPY book monk. This text encapsulates with pith and power why
Plus, this isn’t the enthusiasm of novelty. I’m still at a book a day pace for 2022. God be praised that He can kindle maintain, stoke HOTTER passion for anything to that degree. If Goodreads thinks me a book monk, I’m a HAPPY book monk. This text encapsulates with pith and power why
July 12, 2023
If only I could give this more stars!
August 31, 2023
Every single Christian ought to read this beautiful, comforting, and convicting book. I wish I could give this more than five stars to express how incredible it was. This is the best book I have read this year. Thomas Watson speaks to the soul of the Christian, the one that suffers, the one that doubts, and the one that is fighting temptation.
March 29, 2023
This is no soft soap intended merely to mollycoddle with emotional fluff—the stuff that may assuage for a moment but lacks the enduring quality of something with true substance. No, no. It is hearty, weighty, wise, profound; and it will put serious fiber in your spine.
June 1, 2021
Um dos livros mais especiais que li na vida. É impressionante como de um só versículo tanto pode ser extraído e compartilhado para a edificação dos cristãos. Todos deveriam ler este livro. Thomas Watson, apesar de ter vivido há quase 400 anos, ainda fala alto hoje em dia.
November 15, 2024
Good foundational reminders. Worth re-reading many times.
2018, 2021, 2024 with the Puritan Book Club
2018, 2021, 2024 with the Puritan Book Club
May 17, 2021
Splendid. I love Watson for his theological warmth. And no, that’s not an oxymoron.
July 24, 2024
It is funny how God uses some books to teach and convict you of things that you weren’t asking for
from reading the title. I opened this book to read more in depth how I could better understand how God uses all things for good. But I was not ready to be confronted with so much talk of what it means to love God. So much so I was scratching my head, “do I actually love Him.” I know Watson wrote this book to encourage Christians in their faith, but he surprised me in helping me see how inadequate my love for the Lord is. He says “you can never love God enough.” I appreciated the practical help in this book, but especially the wisdom he imparts in a chapter on love to God.
He says, “What shall we do to love God?… (1) Study God…take a view of his superlative excellences, His holiness, His incomprehensible goodness…(2) labour for interest in God. ‘O God, thou art my God’ (Ps 63:1)…a man loves that which is his own. The more we believe, the more we love: faith is the root, and love is the flower that grows upon it. (3) Make an earnest request to God, that He will give you a heart to love him…surely this prayer pleases the Lord, and He will pour of His spirit upon you, whose golden oil shall make the lamp of your love burn bright.”
from reading the title. I opened this book to read more in depth how I could better understand how God uses all things for good. But I was not ready to be confronted with so much talk of what it means to love God. So much so I was scratching my head, “do I actually love Him.” I know Watson wrote this book to encourage Christians in their faith, but he surprised me in helping me see how inadequate my love for the Lord is. He says “you can never love God enough.” I appreciated the practical help in this book, but especially the wisdom he imparts in a chapter on love to God.
He says, “What shall we do to love God?… (1) Study God…take a view of his superlative excellences, His holiness, His incomprehensible goodness…(2) labour for interest in God. ‘O God, thou art my God’ (Ps 63:1)…a man loves that which is his own. The more we believe, the more we love: faith is the root, and love is the flower that grows upon it. (3) Make an earnest request to God, that He will give you a heart to love him…surely this prayer pleases the Lord, and He will pour of His spirit upon you, whose golden oil shall make the lamp of your love burn bright.”
December 27, 2024
Very good and encouraging old book. Watson is always a joy to read.
The book’s main strengths are its details of what God may be up to in seasons of suffering or trials of various kinds. God’s heart for his children is for their good. This book’s focus is on how evil in life might be designed by God for good for his saints. This was a balm for the soul. A very life giving book.
The latter half of the book speaks on assurance for Christians. It gives a very detailed analysis of how a Christian is to go about examining themselves to see whether they are in the faith.
The book is absolutely excellent on both fronts!
The book’s main strengths are its details of what God may be up to in seasons of suffering or trials of various kinds. God’s heart for his children is for their good. This book’s focus is on how evil in life might be designed by God for good for his saints. This was a balm for the soul. A very life giving book.
The latter half of the book speaks on assurance for Christians. It gives a very detailed analysis of how a Christian is to go about examining themselves to see whether they are in the faith.
The book is absolutely excellent on both fronts!
March 18, 2019
Very convicting and encouraging, both at the same time.
2nd time read April 2015
3rd time read April 2016
4rd time read March 2019
2nd time read April 2015
3rd time read April 2016
4rd time read March 2019
January 26, 2022
Nothing better than to take the medicine straight. Good slap in the face for me.
April 2, 2018
In the realm of a classic. I was pleasantly surprised with how good and easily applicable the content was. Highly recommend. I felt happy in Christ every time i read it.
December 18, 2018
All protein. No fat.
May 13, 2023
In All Things For Good, Watson exposits Romans 8:28 to demonstrate how it is that all things can work for good and who all things work for good for. Watson is pastoral in his approach seeking to comfort those who are in Christ and strengthen them in their faith, no matter the circumstances they find themselves in.
Notable Quotes:
“God doesn’t bring his people into troubles & leave them there. He will stand by them; He will hold their hands & hearts when they are fainting.… God will be the strength of our hearts…. Either He will make His hand lighter or our faith stronger.”
“The mercies of God have a melting influence upon the soul; they dissolve it in love to God. God’s judgments make us fear Him, His mercies make us love Him.”
“Let us endeavor to make the name of God glorious and renowned. If God seek our good, let us seek His glory. If He make all things tend to our edification, let us make all things tend to His exaltation.”
Notable Quotes:
“God doesn’t bring his people into troubles & leave them there. He will stand by them; He will hold their hands & hearts when they are fainting.… God will be the strength of our hearts…. Either He will make His hand lighter or our faith stronger.”
“The mercies of God have a melting influence upon the soul; they dissolve it in love to God. God’s judgments make us fear Him, His mercies make us love Him.”
“Let us endeavor to make the name of God glorious and renowned. If God seek our good, let us seek His glory. If He make all things tend to our edification, let us make all things tend to His exaltation.”
March 8, 2024
This book was very well written! I've never read any Puritans, but I think Thomas Watson is the easiest to read because he talks 'normal' haha. I loved the issues he addressed and also included questions and answers. With every point there was a sub-point and sub-sub-points. Also twenty points in one chapter! but I loved it!
December 26, 2024
"Our graces are imperfect, our comforts ebb and flow, but God's foundation standeth sure. They who are built upon this rock of God's eternal purpose need not fear falling away; neither the power of man, nor the violence of temptation, shall ever be able to overturn them."
Fantastic book, wonderful truth on which to meditate at the close of the year.
Fantastic book, wonderful truth on which to meditate at the close of the year.
February 16, 2022
I've decided that Thomas Watson is not for me. I liked this book better the last one I read by him, but I still had trouble following at times. Also, I just don't love his style.
Not a horrible writer, just not for me.
Not a horrible writer, just not for me.
August 29, 2023
“A sickbed often teaches more than a sermon. “
February 15, 2022
Excelente! Recomendado para todo mundo que ama a Deus.
September 28, 2024
“Our graces are imperfect, our comforts ebb and flow, but God's foundation standeth sure. They who are built upon this rock of God's eternal purpose, need not fear falling away; neither the power of man, nor the violence of temptation, shall ever be able to overturn them.”
April 28, 2024
I received this into my soul like a small field mouse welcomes a soft Brie.
September 2, 2023
“If it is good for us, we shall have it; if it is not good for us, then the withholding of it is good.”
Excellent.
Excellent.
December 20, 2022
“This is all the hurt the devil does: when he foils a saint by temptation, he cures him of his careless neglect. He makes him watch and pray more.” — Thomas Watson, All Things for Good (Ch. 3)
What a great read! Listened to it twice in a row.
What a great read! Listened to it twice in a row.
February 24, 2025
This is apparently the fifth edition of this book I've read, and I think it's got the best narrator so far. It came out last October. Still...I wish audiobook publishers would produce titles that we don't already have multiple available versions of. There are so many Puritan titles yet to be done! Bubb does a decent job — give him a pile more to read.
I started this a few months back with a book group, and kind of forgot about the last couple of chapters, so it was time to jump back in and polish those off. I think I still prefer the Burroughs book on contentment, but I'll keep rereading them both!
I started this a few months back with a book group, and kind of forgot about the last couple of chapters, so it was time to jump back in and polish those off. I think I still prefer the Burroughs book on contentment, but I'll keep rereading them both!
January 2, 2012
What a book.
I've heard frequently that people who read Puritans typically refer to the general body of work produced during this period as a "feast". If the Puritans as a whole be a feast, then this book is the most delicious desert of the mind you could conjure.
As the title alludes, this book is an exegesis of Romans 8:28 and unpacks all sorts of intricacies of God "working all things for good". I hesitate to write more so as to not ruin your appetite, so I'll just say this: if you are a Christian, read this book. This is the ideal book to couple with Sabbath rest, so stop reading my review and add it to your "to read" list!
I've heard frequently that people who read Puritans typically refer to the general body of work produced during this period as a "feast". If the Puritans as a whole be a feast, then this book is the most delicious desert of the mind you could conjure.
As the title alludes, this book is an exegesis of Romans 8:28 and unpacks all sorts of intricacies of God "working all things for good". I hesitate to write more so as to not ruin your appetite, so I'll just say this: if you are a Christian, read this book. This is the ideal book to couple with Sabbath rest, so stop reading my review and add it to your "to read" list!
August 3, 2017
A thorough exposition of Romans 8:28 that is well worth your time. The language is a bit dated of course, but all said it is very readable. He is a master illustrator. One illustration that has really stuck with me is the fact that Satan tempts us by placing a magnifying glass before our eyes as we look at the world such that things loom larger than they actually are and distract us from the glory of God in the face of Jesus.
One Wednesday night we read through chapter 5 with some brief comments. The 14 fruits of a love for God which Watson explains were extremely edifying for our congregation.
One Wednesday night we read through chapter 5 with some brief comments. The 14 fruits of a love for God which Watson explains were extremely edifying for our congregation.
July 21, 2022
My heart is not warm enough to fully appreciate and grasp the treasures of this puritan book. I have realized that in all of God’s good providence in my life, literally “all” has been for my good. May He give us the grace to have an ever increasing love for Him.
December 31, 2017
Here's my book review in sermon form (28 minutes): Thomas Watson and the Way Afflictions Work for Good
Displaying 1 - 30 of 234 reviews