A Body of Divinity

Title: A Body of Divinity
Author: Thomas Watson
Publisher: Banner of Truth, reprint 2008
Pages: 316
Begun: August 23, 2009
Completed: November 14, 2009


A Body of Divinity, first published in in 1692, is a compilation of sermonic treatises on several questions/answers from the Westminster Catechism. Some of the questions that Watson expounds on are:

What is the chief end of man?
What rule hath God given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy Him?
What was the sin whereby our first parents fell from the estate wherein they were created?
Did all mankind fall in Adam's first transgression?
How does Christ execute the office of a priest?
How does Christ execute the office of a king?
Wherein did Christ's humiliation consist?

Basically, Watson covers key doctrines in his expositions of the questions. Most of his discussion focuses on Christology, soteriology, anthropology, and theology proper. Though not extensive, Watson gives good overviews of these doctrines.

Watson's writing style is simple, straightforward, and highly accessible compared to other of his Puritan contemporaries, Specifically John Owen and Thomas Brooks.

This work was a blessing and highly recommended.