Cornwell, Francis

Cornwell, Francis an English Baptist minister, lived in the time of Charles I. He was educated at Emmanuel College, Cambridge; was an object of per secution at the hands of archbishop Laud, because he objected to the surplice, kneeling at the Lord's Supper, and making the sign of the cross in baptism. He became an avowed Baptist about 1644, and published, not long after, a work in defence of his principles, entitled, The Vindication of the Royal Commission of King Jesus, which "created much excitement and some wrath." He gathered a company of Christians whose faith was in harmony with his own, and became their pastor. Neal speaks of him as "one of the most learned divines that espoused the cause of the Baptists." See Cathcart, Baptist Encyclop. page 280. (J.C.S.)