COTTON. 151 This, however, is a very partial and incorrect statement, as will appear fromMr. Rogers's own words. Speaking of the improper use made of his words by a certain writer, in favour of the peculiar sentiments of the baptists, he says, " If I were to answer that anabaptist, I should answer him .silencio et contenzptu, by silence and contempt. For why should I not ? since in that very place of my " Sacraments," part i. p. 78, 79, where I confute those schismatics, he snatches my words from their own defence. My words are, 6 I confess myself unconvinced by any demonstration of scripture for pndobaptism;' meaning by any positive text. What is that to help him, except 1 thought there were no other arguments to evince it ? Now, what I think of that my next words shew. I need not transcribe them. In a word, this I say, though I know none, yet that is no argu- ment for the non-baptizing of infants ; since so many scriptures are sufficiently convincing for it. Therefore, this want of positive text must no more exclude infants, than the like reason should disannul the christian sabbath, or women from partaking of the Lord's supper."' Mr. Rogers was a divine of great fame and usefulness in his day. He is classed among the learned writers and fellows of Christ's college,.Cambridge, and styled a divine of vast parts. f His Wosas.-1. David's Cost, wherein every one who is desirous to serve God aright may see what it must Cost him, 1619.-2. A Practical Catechism, 1633.-3. Naaman the Syrian, his Disease and. Cure, 1642.-4. Matrimonial Honour, 1642.-6, A Treatik on the Sacraments. .JOHN COTTON, B. D.-This celebrated person was born at Derby, December 4, 1585, and educated first in Trinity, then Emanuel college, Cambridge, in the latter of which he was chosen fellow. He received some convictions of sin under the awakening sermons of the famous Mr. Perkins ; but his prejudice and enmity against true holiness, and against this holy man's preaching, were so great, that when he heard the bell toll for Mr. Perkins's funeral, he greatly rejoiced that he was then delivered from his heart-searching ministry. The remembrance of this, when afterwards lie became acquainted with the gospel, almost broke his heart. The ministry of the excellent Dr. Sibbs proved the means Marshall's Defence of Infant Baptism, p. 5,6, Edit. 1646. 1 Fuller'. Hist. of Cam. p. 92.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=