A Body of Practical Divinity

by Thomas Watson (Creator)

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Genres: Theology

788 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1734

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Thomas Watson (c. 1620 - 1686) was an English, non-conformist, 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 II 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. Not withstanding 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 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.

(Information from wikipedia.org)

Reviews

[Stephen P · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's Watson, what more can I say? An extraordinary exposition of the Westminster Shorter Catechism. Although written in the 17th Century, Watson is one of the more readable Puritans. After first reading this twenty-plus years ago, I was recently prompted by a Bible Study to take it up again.

[Andrew Micah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read an old copy from Sovereign Grace publishing—as edited by Spurgeon. Very, very good. The author is a Puritan through and through, with all the few flaws and many virtues implied in that name. He is also the most quotable Puritan that I have read. Far too many memorable and pithy moments to count. TW would have ruled Twitter.