The Art of Divine Contentment by Thomas Watson

The Art of Divine Contentment by Thomas Watson

Thomas Watson (c. 1620 - 1686) was an English, Nonconformist, Puritan preacher and author.

He was educated at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, where he was noted for remarkably intense study. In 1646 he commenced a sixteen-year pastorate at St. Stephen's, Walbrook. He showed strong Presbyterian views during the civil war, with, however, an attachment to the king, and in 1651 he was imprisoned briefly with some other ministers for his share in Christopher Love's plot to recall Charles I of England. He was released on 30 June 1652, and was formally reinstated as vicar of St. Stephen's Walbrook. He obtained great fame and popularity as a 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 licence to preach at the great hall in Crosby House. After preaching there for several years, his health gave way, and he retired to Barnston, Essex, where he died suddenly while praying in secret. He was buried on 28 July 1686. (wikipedia.org)

Thomas Watson (c.1620-1686) was a Nonconformist Puritan preacher and novelist who lived in England. In 1651, Watson was imprisoned for his role in a plot to depose King Charles II. He became a prominent preacher after his release in 1652 until the Restoration in 1660, when he was banished for nonconformity.