Rev. Theophilus Cotton
May 6, 1682 – August 16, 1726
The Boston News-Letter, From Thursday August 18, to Thursday August 25, 1726
Hampton, August 18, 1726. Last Tuesday died here the Mr. Theophilus Cotton, after about three Days Sickness of a Fever, in the 45 Year of his Age : who was this day decently interred at the Charge of his Parish, (to their great commendation be it spoken) as a Testimony of their singular Veneration for & Affection to him. He was descended of an honourable Family, and had a liberal Education : who having well improved himself in Learning & Religion, and being endow’d with singular Gifts & Graces for the work of the Ministry devoted himself to it : about 15 Years agone he was called to and settled in that work in this Town, being Pastor of the Second Church here : in which Station he approv’d himself as a good Christian & a painful & faithful Minister of Jesus Christ : a good Practical Preacher, and of singular Piety & Devotion. He ever manifested an eminent Zeal for promoting the great Interest of Christ’s Kingdom, and the saving good of Men both in his Publick Administrations & Private Applications to the Souls of his Flock upon all proper occasions : in which having a peculiar gift, he was very industrious & successful. He was free & pleasant, inoffensive & exemplary in his Conversation : and notwithstanding the many difficulties he laboured under by reason of his uncommon bodily pains & indispositions, he continued stedfast & unwearied in his great work, and shewed himself a bright Example of Faith & Patience in suffering Affliction to the last.