Thomas Watson (Puritan) facts for kids

Thomas Watson

Thomas Watson (born around 1620, died 1686) was an English Puritan preacher and writer. A Puritan was a person who wanted to make the Church of England simpler and more "pure." He was a very popular speaker in London. After the king returned to power in England, Thomas Watson was forced to leave his church. But he kept on teaching and preaching in private.

Thomas Watson: A Puritan Preacher

His Early Life and Education

Thomas Watson studied at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, a famous university in England. He was known for studying very hard there. In 1646, he started working as a pastor at St. Stephen's Church in London. He stayed there for 16 years.

Preaching and Challenges

During the English Civil War, Thomas Watson had strong Presbyterian beliefs. Presbyterians believed that churches should be run by groups of elders, not by bishops. Even so, he still supported the king. In 1651, he was briefly put in prison with other ministers. This happened because they were involved in a plan to bring King Charles II of England back to power.

He was set free in June 1652. After that, he was officially allowed to be the vicar (a type of priest) at St. Stephen's Church again. He became very famous and well-liked as a preacher.

However, when the king came back to power in England (this was called the Restoration), Thomas Watson was removed from his church. This was because he was a "Nonconformist." This meant he did not agree with the rules of the official Church of England. Even though there were strict laws against people who disagreed, Watson kept on preaching in private whenever he could.

In 1672, a special rule called the Declaration of Indulgence was made. This rule allowed people like Watson to preach again. He got a license to preach at a large hall in Crosby House. After preaching there for several years, his health became poor. He then moved to Barnston, Essex. He died suddenly there while praying by himself. He was buried on July 28, 1686.

His Books and Writings

Thomas Watson wrote many books and sermons about faith and how to live a good Christian life. Many of his works are still printed and read today. Some of his well-known books include:

• All Things for Good (first called A Divine Cordial) ISBN: 0-85151-478-2
• The Godly Man's Picture ISBN: 0-85151-595-9
• The Ten Commandments ISBN: 0-85151-146-5
• The Doctrine of Repentance ISBN: 0-85151-521-5
• Sermons of Thomas Watson (a collection of his talks) ISBN: 1-877611-23-9
• A Plea for the Godly: And Other Sermons ISBN: 1-877611-74-3
• The Duty of Self-Denial: (And 10 Other Sermons) ISBN: 1-57358-015-5
• The Fight of Faith Crowned: The Remaining Sermons of Thomas Watson, Rector of St. Stephen's Walbrook, London ISBN: 1-57358-047-3
• The Beatitudes ISBN: 0-85151-035-3
• The Lord's Prayer ISBN: 0-85151-145-7
• The Lord's Supper ISBN: 0-85151-854-0
• The Art of Divine Contentment ISBN: 1-57358-113-5
• Jerusalem's Glory: A Puritan's View of the Church ISBN: 1-85792-569-6
• Heaven Taken by Storm: Showing the Holy Violence a Christian Is to Put Forth in the Pursuit After Glory ISBN: 1-877611-50-6
• The Mischief of Sin ISBN: 1-877611-85-9
• A Body of Divinity: Contained in Sermons upon the Westminster Assembly's Catechism ISBN: 0-85151-383-2 and ISBN: 1-58960-314-1
• Gleanings from Thomas Watson (another collection) ISBN: 1-57358-009-0
• Harmless as Doves: A Puritan's view of the Christian Life ISBN: 1-85792-040-6
• The Great Gain of Godliness ISBN: 978-1546812586