Thomas Watson (Puritan)

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Thomas Watson
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Thomas Watson

Thomas Watson (c. 1620—1686) was an English, non-conformist, Puritan divine.

He was educated at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, where he was noted for remarkably intense study. In 1646 he was commenced a sixteen year pastorate at St. Stephen's, Walbrook. He showed strong Presbyterian views during the civil war, with, however, an attachment for 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 June 30, 1652, and was formally reinstated vicar of St. Stephen's Walbrook. He obtained great fame and popularity as preacher until the Restoration, when he was ejected for nonconformity. Notwithstanding 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 for the great hall in Crosby House. After preaching there for several years, his health gave way, and he retired to Barnston in Essex, where he died suddenly while praying in secret. He was buried on 28th July, 1686. [1]

[edit] Writing

Watson still has numerous titles in print that are available from various publishing houses that specialize in Puritan works, including the Banner of Truth Trust and Soli Deo Gloria Books. Some of these titles include:

[edit] See also

This article includes content derived from the public domain Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge, 1914.