Thomas Taylor (Scottish minister)

Thomas Taylor (c. 1610 - 1682) was a Scottish Presbyterian minister during the turbulent times of the 17th century, marked by religious and political conflict in Scotland.

Born around 1610, Taylor received his education at the University of St Andrews, graduating with an MA. He was ordained as minister of the parish of Carmichael, South Lanarkshire, in 1638.

Taylor's ministry coincided with the period of the National Covenant and the subsequent conflicts between Covenanters and those loyal to the Crown. He adhered to the principles of the Covenanters, supporting Presbyterianism and resisting the imposition of Episcopacy.

Following the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660, the government attempted to reinstate Episcopalianism in Scotland. Taylor, refusing to conform to the new religious order, was deprived of his living in 1662 under the Act of Glasgow, which ejected ministers who had not accepted Episcopacy.

After being deprived of his parish, Taylor continued to preach and minister to his former parishioners in secret conventicles, risking persecution. He faced fines and imprisonment for his nonconformity.

Thomas Taylor died in 1682. He is remembered as a steadfast Covenanter who endured hardship for his religious beliefs. He exemplified the spirit of resistance to religious oppression that characterized the period. His life reflects the broader struggle for religious freedom and Presbyterianism in 17th-century Scotland.