Thomas Parker was born in Wiltshire, England. His father was a non-conformist and Thomas was his only son. His father had to flee to the Netherlands in 1607. Thomas studied and matriculated at Trinity College in Dublin in 1610. Following that, he went on to Magdalena College in Oxford. Thereafter he studied theology under William Ames at Leiden. He was later to receive a master’s degree in philosophy in 1617, having studied under Johannes Maccovius. He at first returned to England where he had a post as a teacher at Bartholomew school as well as assisting the preacher, William Twisse. He next embarked with others likeminded, for New England eventually settling in Massachusetts where he again taught as well as aiding the pastor, Nathaniel Ward. Parker and others to establish the settlement of Newberry where he remained until his death being appointed the pastor of the settlement. His life has been described as dedicated, holy, humble, and abounding in Christian charity. Parker helped students in their studies to prepare to enter Harvard refusing any pay for his labours. Although he was steadily becoming blind, he continued to teach at least twelve students for their preparation for university. He was also very adept in teaching languages much of it from memory. He died in 1677, still single, his life having influenced many. Parker wrote on many subjects in his lifetime, among them prophesy and we can still gain insight into his works by means of printed text.