by John Howe
in ePub, .mobi & pdf formats
IN TWO TREATISES, ON PSALM 17:15, AND PSALM 89:47
John Howe’s The Blessedness of the Righteous is a profound and deeply theological meditation on the eternal hope and joy that await the people of God. Grounded in Psalm 17:15—“As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness”—Howe masterfully explores the nature, certainty, and experience of the believer’s ultimate blessedness in God’s presence. Unlike the fleeting pleasures of this world, which he contrasts with the portion of the ungodly, the righteous are promised an unshakable, eternal satisfaction in seeing God’s face and being transformed into His likeness.
What makes this book compelling is Howe’s ability to blend rich doctrinal exposition with deeply practical and devotional insights. He systematically unpacks what it means to “behold God’s face,” linking it to the believer’s conformity to Christ and the experience of divine joy. Throughout, he argues that true satisfaction for the soul cannot be found in anything but God, and that our final and greatest joy is being made like Him in holiness and glory. His reflections on the “awaking” mentioned in the psalm—a reference to the believer’s resurrection and full glorification—are particularly moving, offering readers a compelling vision of eternity.
Another striking aspect of this work is its pastoral warmth and philosophical depth. Howe does not merely discuss theological concepts in an abstract manner; he speaks to the longing heart, the weary pilgrim, and the suffering saint, reminding them that the struggles of this present life will one day give way to eternal communion with God. He also masterfully counters materialistic and worldly notions of happiness, emphasizing that true joy is not in wealth, power, or fleeting earthly comforts, but in God alone.
Readers will find this book particularly uplifting and thought-provoking, as Howe calls Christians to set their hearts on things above and not on the fleeting pleasures of this world. He presents heaven as the true home of the believer, where righteousness dwells, and where all sin, suffering, and sorrow will be swallowed up in divine joy. This book is a must-read for those who long for a richer understanding of heaven, assurance of salvation, and deeper intimacy with God. With its theological depth, scriptural richness, and spiritual encouragement, The Blessedness of the Righteous remains a timeless treasure for any believer eager to meditate on the glory that awaits them in Christ.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
To the Reader by John Howe
Christian Reader by Richard Baxter
Chapter I: Introduction to the Text
Chapter II: A summary proposal of the doctrine contained in this scripture.
Chapter III: The nature of this blessedness propounded unto consideration
Chapter IV: The second ingredient into this blessedness considered.
Chapter V: The relative consideration of these three ingredients of the saint's blessedness
Chapter VI: What the vision of God's face contributes to the soul's satisfaction
Chapter VII: Wherein assimilation (the likeness or glory of God impressed) contributes unto satisfaction:
Chapter VIII: The satisfaction carried in the glory of God impressed,
Chapter IX: The pleasure arising from knowing, or considering ourselves to be like God:
Chapter X: The season of this satisfaction, which is twofold; at death, and at the resurrection.
Chapter XI: An introduction to the use of the doctrine hitherto proposed.
Chapter XII: Third inference.—That a change of heart is necessary to this blessedness.
Chapter XIII: Fourth Inference. That the soul in which such a change is wrought, restlessly pursues this blessedness till it be attained.
Chapter XIV: Seventh inference. That since this blessedness is limited to a qualified subject
Chapter XV: Two other inferences, from the consideration of the season of this blessedness:
Chapter XVI: The second general head of the improvement or use of the doctrine propounded from the text,
Chapter XVII: Rule 3
Chapter XVIII: Rule 4
Chapetr XIX: Rule 5.
Chapter XX: Rule 8. That we love not too much this present life.
The Vanity of Man as Mortal, Dedicated to John Upton
A Treatise on the Vanity of Man as Mortal