Thomas Watson (1) [1620–1686]

Thomas Watson was a highly esteemed, seventeenth-century, non-conformist Puritan preacher and author. He earned a Master of Arts degree from Emmanuel College. Cambridge, where he was known for "hard study." Upon completion of his studies in 1646, he commenced a sixteen-year pastorate at St. Stephen's, Walbrook, London, interrupted by a few months of imprisonment in 1651 for his part in a plot to reestablish the monarchy. Watson gained renown as a godly preacher particularly gifted in extemporaneous prayer. When the Act of Uniformity in 1662 put so many pastors out of their churches, Watson was one of the many Puritan divines to open a private meeting place. After the Declaration of Indulgence in 1672, he obtained a license for Crosby Hall where he preached for several years until he retired to Essex. He died in 1686 suddenly while praying in secret

— biography from The Art of Divine Contentment

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