COTTON. 159 " creature, and not worthye of the name of a worme ; yet accepted to serve the Lord and his people. Indeed, my " dear friend, between you and me, you knowe not me ; my weaknesses, my inordinate passions, my unskillfullnesse, " and every way unfitnesse to my worke ; yett the Lord, " who will have mercye on whome he will, does as you " see. Pray for me. Salute all christian friendes, though " unknown. " I rest your affectionate friend to serve you, " O. Cuomwmt.". Mr. Cotton was a divine indefatigably, laborious all his days. He lived under a conviction of that sacred precept, " Be not slothful in business, but fervent in spirit, serving the Lord." He rose early, and commonly studied twelve hours a day, accounting that a scholar's day. He was re- solved to wear out, rather than rust out. He was a man of great literaryacquirements, and so well acquainted with the Hebrew, that he could converse in it-with great ease. He was a most celebrated preacher, delivering the great truths of the gospel with so muchgravity and judgment, that his hearers were struck with admiration and reverence ; and with so much plainness,that persons of the weakest capacity might understand him. He was remarkable for practical religion and christian benevolence, and his whole life was filled with acts of piety and charity. He was a person of great modesty, humility, and good-nature ; and though he was often insulted by angry men, he never expressed the least resentment. A conceited ignorant man once followed him, home after sermon, and with frowns told him his preaching was become dark or flat. .To whom he meekly replied,- " Both, brother; it may be both : let me have your prayers that it- may be- otherwise." At another time, Mr. Cotton being insulted by an impudent fellow in the street, who called him an old fool, replied, " I confess I am so: The Lord make thee andme wiser than we are, even wise unto salvation." We give one'instancemore. Mr. Cotton having, by the desire of a friend, given his thoughts upon the doctrine of reprobation, against the exceptions of the arminians, the manuscript fell into the hands of the cele- 4rated Dr. Twisse, who published 'a refutation of it; upon which Mr. Cotton thus modestly observed, " I hope God will give me an opportunity to consider the doctor's labour of love. I bless the Lord, who has made me willing to be Sloane's MSS. No. 4156.
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