Biographical Sketch of Thomas Watson

Of the early life of Mr. Watson, there are not many traces. It is said that he was a hard student. Richard Baxter, in his own history, edited by Sylvester, says, p. 95, part 3: “Mr. Watson is so well known for his ability and piety, that I need not describe him.” There is an interestmg anecdote respecting his pulpit performances. Once on a public lecture, in London, the learned Bishop Richardson came in to hear him, and was much pleased with the sermon, and especially with the prayer after it; so that he called on him at his house, to return him thanks and ask for a copy of it. “Alas,” said Mr. Watson, “that is what I cannot give, for I do not use to pen my prayers “t was not a studied theory, but uttered as God enabled me, from the abundance of my heart and affections.” The good Bishop was surprised that any man could pray in that manner extempore. Mr. Watson, after his ejectment, continued to preach in London, as Providence opened a door.

It is worthy of note that he was one of the party arrested by the Rump parliament, on the charge of treason, for assisting the royal cause in Scotland. Mr. Christopher Love was beheaded on Tower hill. Mr. Jenkin, the famous commentator on Jude, died in prison. Mr. Watson deserved a better treatment from Charles than he received. This fact is only a solitary one, while a mass may be collected, to prove that the overturn of the monarchy was not the work of Puritan ministers alone — very many of whom were attached to the royal family, and bitterly regretted the death of Charles; and a remonstrance signed by sixty-nine of the leading ministers was addressed to Cromwell, to prevent that tragedy. (See Bennett’s Memorial, p. 227.) In the admirable collection of “Farewell Sermons,” there are three by Mr. Watson, in which he exemplifies much of the spirit of the gospel, in recommending love to enemies. In one of the discourses he insists largely on “the ardent affections of a right gospel minister towards his people.”

Mr. Watson is best knowTi at the present day by his folio volume of one himdred and sevent5-six sermons on the Assembly’s Catechism, recommended by Dr. Bales, Mr. Howe and others. His popularity as a preacher kept him constantly engaged. At length nature gave way, and he retired into Essex, and there was found dead in his closet at prayer.