An account of the life and death of Mr. Philip Henry, minister of the gospel near Whitechurch in Shropshire, who dy'd June 24, 1696, in the sixty fifth year of his age

CHAP. VI. (Book 6)

His Liberty by the Indulgence in 1672. and thence forwards, to the Year 1681.

NOtwithstanding the severe Act against Conventi∣cles, in the Year 1670. yet the Nonconformists in London, ventur'd to set up Meetings in 1671. and were conniv'd at; but in the Country there was little Liberty taken till the King's Declaration of March 15. 1671/2. gave Countenance and Encouragement to it. What were the secret Springs which produced that De∣claration Time Discovered; however, it was to the poor Dissenters, as Life from the Dead, and gave them some reviving in their Bondage, God graciously ordering it so, that the Spirit he had made might not fail before him. But so precarious a Liberty was it, that it should never be said, those People were hard to be pleased, who were so well pleased with that, and thanked God who put such a thing into the King's Heart. The Tenor of that Declaration was this; In Consideration of the inefficacy of Rigor, tryed for divers Years, and to invite Strangers into the Kingdom, ratify∣ing the Establishment of the Church of England, it su∣spends Penal Laws against all Nonconformists and Recu∣sants,

promiseth to License separate places for Meet∣ings, limiting Papists only to private Houses.

On this Mr. Henry writes,

It is a thing diversly resented, as Mens Interests lead them; the Confor∣mists displeased, the Presbyterians glad, the Indepen∣dents very glad, the Papists triumph. The danger is (saith he) lest the allowing of separate places help to over-throw our Parish-Order, which God hath own'd, and to beget Divisions and Animosities a∣mong us, which no honest Heart but would ra∣ther should be healed. We are put hereby (saith he) into a Trilemma, either to turn Independents in Practise, or to strike in with the Conformists, or to sit down in former Silence and Sufferings (and Si∣lence he accounted one of the greatest Sufferings) till the Lord shall open a more effectual door.

That which (he saith) he then heartily wished for, was,

That those who were in place, would admit the so∣ber Nonconformists, to Preach sometimes occasionally in their Pulpits; by which means he thought Preju∣dices would in time wear off on both sides, and they might mutually strengthen each others Hands against the common Enemy the Papists; who (he foresaw) would fish best in troubled Waters.

This he would chuse much rather than to keep a separate Meeting: But it could not be had; no, not so much as leave to Preach at Whitewel Chapel when it was vacant, as it often was, though 'twere three long Miles from the Parish-Church. He found that some People, the more they are courted, the more coy they are; however, the Overtures he made to this purpose; and the slow steps he took towards the setting up of a distinct Congre∣gation yielded him satisfaction afterwards in the Re∣flection, when he could say, we would have been uni∣ted, and they would not.

'Twas several Weeks after the Declaration came out, that he received a License to Preach, as Paul did, in his own House, and elsewhere, no Man forbidding him. This was procur'd for him by some of his Friends at London, without his Privity, and came to him alto∣gether unexpected. The use he made of it was, that at his own House, what he did before to his own Fa∣mily, and in Private, the Doors being shut for Fear, he now did more Publickly; threw his Doors open, and welcomed his Neighbours to him, to partake of his Spiritual things: Only one Sermon in the Evening of the Lord's Day, when there was Preaching at White∣wel Chapel, where he still continued his Attendance with his Family and Friends, as usual; but when there was not, he spent the whole Day, at publick time, in the Services of the Day, Exposition of the Scrip∣tures read, and Preaching, with Prayer and Praise. This he did gratis, receiving nothing for his Labours, either at home or abroad, but the Satisfaction of do∣ing good to Souls (which was his Meat and Drink) with the trouble and charge of giving Entertainment to many of his Friends, which he did with much cheer∣fulness; and he would say, he sometimes thought, that the Bread did even Multiply in the Breaking; and he found, that God did abundantly bless his Pro∣vision, with that Blessing, which, as he used to say, will make a little go a great way. He was wont to ob∣serve, for the encouragement of such as had Meetings in their Houses, (which sometimes drew upon them in∣conveniencies) That the Ark is a Guest, that always pays well for its Entertainment. And he Noted, that when Christ had borrowed Peter's •…•…oat to preach a Sermon out of it, he presently repaid him for the Loan, with a great draught of Fishes, Luke 5. 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 4.

Many thoughts of Heart he had, concerning this use he made of the Liberty, not knowing what would be in the end hereof; but after serious Consideration, and many Prayers, he saw his way very plain before him, and addressed himself with all diligence, to the improvement of this Gale of Opportunity. Some had dismal apprehensions of the issue of it; and that there would be an after-reckoning: but (saith he) let us mind our Duty, and let God alone to order Events, which are his Work, not ours.

It was a word upon the Wheels, which he preached at that time for his own Encouragement, and the En∣couragement of his Friends, from that Scripture, Eccl. 11. 4. He that observes the wind shall not sow, and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap. Those that are minded either to do good, or get good, must not be frighted with seeming Difficulties and Discourage∣ments. Our Work is to Sow and Reap; to do good, and get good; and let us mind that, and let who will mind the Winds and Clouds. A Lion in the way, a Lion in the streets; a very unlikely place (he would, say) for Lions to be in; and yet that serves the Sluggard for an Excuse.

While this Liberty lasted, he was in labours more a∣bundant; many Lectures he Preached abroad in Shrap∣shire, Cheshire, and Denbighshire, laying out himself exceedingly for the good of Souls, spending, and be∣ing spent in the work of the Lord. And of that Neigh∣bourhood, and of that Time it was said, that this and that Man was born again, then and there; and many there were who asked the way to Sion, with their Fa∣ces thitherwards, and were (not Proselyted to a Par∣ty, but) savingly brought home to Jesus Christ. I mean this; such as had been vain and wordly, and careless, and mindless of God and another World, became so∣ber

and serious, and concern'd about their Souls, and a Future State. This was the Conversion of Souls, aimed at, and laboured after, and through Grace not altogether in vain. Whatever Lectures were set up in the Country round, 'twas still desired that Mr Hen∣ry would begin them (which was thought no small En∣couragement to those who were to carry them on) and very happy he was, both in the choice and manage∣ment of his Subjects at such opportunities, seeking to find out acceptable Words. Take one Specimen of his Address, when he began a Lecture with a Sermon, on Heb. 12. 15.

I assure you, (saith he) and God is my Witness, I am not come to Preach, either Sedition a∣gainst the Peace of the State, or Schism against the Peace of the Church, by perswading you to this or that Opinion or Party; but as a Minister of Christ, that hath received Mercy from the Lord, to desire to be faithful: My errand is to exhort you to all pos∣sible Seriousness, in the great Business of your Eter∣nal Salvation, according to my Text, which if the Lord will make as profitable to you, as it is materi∣al, and of weight in it self, neither you nor I shall have cause to repent cur coming hither, and our be∣ing here to day; looking diligently, lest any of you fail of the Grace of God. If it were the last Sermon I were to Preach, I did not know how to take my aim better to do you good.

In doing of this Work, he often said, that he look∣ed upon himself, but as an Assistant to the Parish Mi∣nisters, in promoting the common Interests of Christs Kingdom, and the common Salvation of precious Souls, by the Explication and Application of those great Truths, wherein we are all agreed. And he would compare the Case to that in Hezekiah's time, when the Levites helped the Priests to kill the Sacrifice, which was

something of an irregularity, but the exigence of af∣fairs called for it; the Priests being too few, and some of them not so careful as they should have been, to sanctifie themselves, see 2 Chr. 29. 34. and wherever he Preached, he usually pray'd for the Parish Minister, and for a Blessing upon his Ministry. He hath often said how well pleas'd he was, when after he had preach∣ed a Lecture at Oswestry, he went to visit the Minister of the Place, Mr. Edwards, a worthy good Man; and told him, he had been Sowing a handful of Seed among his People, and had this Answer, That's well, the Lord prosper your Seed and mine too, there's need enough of us both. And another worthy Conformist that came privately to hear him, but was reprimanded for it by his Superiours, told him afterwards with tears, that his Heart was with him.

His Heart was wonderfully enlarged in his Work at this time, the Fields were white unto the Harvest; and he was busie, and God did remarkably own him, setting many Seals to his Ministry, which much con∣firm'd him in what he did. He hath this observable passage in his Diary, about this time, which he record∣ed for his after Benefit, (and the Example of it may be instructive) Remember, that if trouble should come hereafter, for what we do now in the use of present Li∣berty, I neither shrink from it, nor sink under it; for I do therein approve my self to God, and to my own Con∣science, in truth and uprightness; and the Lord whom I serve, can and will certainly, both bear me out, and bring me off with comfort in the end. I say, Remember, and forget it not, this 24th day of March, 1672/3.

'Twas at the beginning of this Liberty, that the So∣ciety at Broad-Oak did Commence; made up (besides the Neighbourhood) of some out of Whitchurch, and Whitchurch Parish, that had been Mr. Porter's People,

some out of Hanmer Parish, that had been Mr. Steel's, and some out of the Parishes of Wem, Prees, and El∣lismere, Persons generally of very moderate and sober Principles, quiet and peaceable Lives, and hearty well∣wishers to the King and Government; and not Rigid or Schismatical in their Separation, but willing to at∣tend (though sometimes with difficulty and hazard) upon those Administrations which they found most live∣ly and edifying, and most helpful to them, in the great business of working out their Salvation. To this Society he would never call himself a Pastor, nor was he willing that they should call him so; but a Helper, and a Minister of Christ for their good. He would say, That he look'd upon his Family, only as his Charge, and his Preaching to others was but accidental, whom if they came, he could no more turn away, than he could a poor hungry Man, that should come to his door for an Alms. And being a Minister of Iesus Christ, he thought himself bound to Preach the Gospel, as he had op∣portunity.

Usually once a Month he administred the Ordi∣nance of the Lord's Supper. Some of his Opportuni∣ties of that kind he sets a particular Remark upon, as sweet Sealing Days, on which he found it good to draw near to God.

When about the Years end there was a general Ex∣pectation of the Cancelling of the Indulgence: He hath this Note upon a precious Sabbath and Sacrament day, as he calls it;

perhaps this may be the last, Father thy will be done; it is good for us to be at such uncertainties; for now we receive our Liberty from our Father, fresh every day, which is best and sweet∣est of all.

On the 3d of March, 1676/7. being Saturday night, the Town of Wem in Shropshire (about six Miles from him) was burnt down; the Church, Market House, and about One hundred twenty six dwelling Houses, and one Man, in little more than an Hours time, the Wind being exceeding violent; at which time Mr. Hen∣ry was very helpful to his Friends there, both for their support under, and their improvement of this sad Pro∣vidence. It was but about half a Year before, that a threatning Fire had broke out in that Town, but did little hurt; some serious People there, presently after Celebrated a Thanksgiving for their Deliverance, in which Mr. Henry imparted to them a Spiritual Gift (Oct. 3. 1676) from Zech. 3. 2. Is not this a brand pluck'd out of the Fire? In the close of that Sermon, pressing them from the consideration of that remarka∣ble Deliverance, to personal Reformation and Amend∣ment of Life: That those who had been Proud, Co∣vetous, Passionate, Lyars, Swearers, Drunkards, Sab∣bath-breakers, would be so no more; and urging Ezr. 9. 13, 14. he added, If this Providence have not this effect upon you, you may in reason expect another Fire; for when God judgeth he will overcome; and minded them of Lev. 26. where 'tis so often threatned against those who walk contrary to God, that he would punish them yet seven times more. The remembrance of this could not but be affecting, when in so short a time af∣ter, the whole Town was laid in Ruins. The first time he went thither after that Calamity, a Neighbour∣ing Justice having Notice of it, sent to forbid him to Preach, to his own Grief, as well as to the Grief of many others, who came expecting. But (saith he in his Diary) there was a visible Sermon before us, the Ruins Preaching, that Sin is an evil thing, and God a terrible God. However, a few days after, he got

an opportunity of Preaching to them a word in Season, which some will not forget, from Hos. 6. 1. Come, and let us return unto the Lord, for he hath torn—And at the return of the Year, when the Town was in the Re∣building, he gave them another very suitable Sermon, from Prov. 3. 33. The Curse of the Lord is in the House of the wicked, but he blesseth the Habitation of the just.

Though it be rising again (saith he in his Diary) out of its Ashes, yet the burning of it should not be for∣gotten, especially not the Sin that kindled it.

He oft pray'd for them, that the Fire might be a Refining Fire.

In the Years 1677, 1678, and 1679, in the Course of his Ministry at Broad-Oak, he Preached over the Ten Commandments, and largely open'd from other Texts of Scripture the Duties requir'd, and Sins for∣bidden, in each Commandment. For, thô none de∣lighted more than he in Preaching Christ and Gospel-Grace; yet he knew, that Christ came not to destroy the Law and the Prophets, but to fulfil; and that, though through Grace we are not under the Law, as a Covenant; yet we are under it as a Rule, under the Law to Christ. He was very large and particular in pressing second Table Duties, as essential to Christiani∣ty.

We have known those (saith he) that have cal∣led Preaching on such Subjects, good Moral Preach∣ing; but let them call it as they will, I am sure it is necessary, and as much now as ever. How earnestly would he press upon People, the necessity of Righte∣ousness and Honesty, in their whole Conversations. A good Christian (he us'd to say) will be a good Husband, and a good Father, and a good Master, and a good Subject, and a good Neighbour, and so in other Relations.

How often would he urge to this purpose, that it is the Will and Command of the Great

God, the Character of all the Citizens of Sion, the Beauty and Ornament of our Christian Profession; and the surest way to thrive and prosper in the World. Hone∣sty is the best Policy. He would say, that these are things in which the Children of this World are competent Iudges. They that know not what belongs to Faith and Repentance, and Prayer, yet know what belongs to the making of an honest Bargain: they are also Par∣ties concern'd, and oftentimes are themselves careful in these things; and therefore those who profess Reli∣gion, should walk very circumspectly, that the Name of God and his Doctrine be not Blasphemed, nor Re∣ligion wounded through their sides. Thus he Preach∣ed, and his constant Practise was a Comment upon it. One thing I remember he was more than ordinarily enlarged in the pressing of, which was upon the Ninth Commandment, to speak evil of no Man, from Tit. 3. 2. If we can say no good of Persons, we must say nothing of them. He gave it as a Rule, Never to speak of any ones faults to others, till we have first spo∣ken of them to the Offender himself. He was himself an eminent Example of this Rule. Some that have Convers'd much with him, have said, That they ne∣ver heard him speak evil of any Body; nor could he bear to hear any spoken evil of, but often drove away a Backbiting-tongue with an angry Countenance. He was known to be as Faithful a Patron of Offenders be∣fore others, as he was a Faithful Reprover of them to themselves.

Whenever he Preached of Moral Duties, he would always have something of Christ in his Sermon; either his Life, as the great Pattern of the Duty, or his Love, as the great Motive to it; or his Merit, as making Atonement for the neglect of it.

In the Year 1680. he preached over the Doctrines of Faith and Repentance, from several Texts of Scrip∣ture. He us'd to say, that he had been told concern∣ing the famous Mr. Dod, that some call'd him in scorn, Faith and Repentance, because he insisted so much up∣on those two, in all his Preaching. But (saith he) if this be to be vile, I will be yet more vile, for Faith and Repentance are all in all in Christi∣anity.

Concerning Repentance he hath sometimes said,

If I were to dye in the Pulpit, I would desire to dye Preaching Repentance; as if I dye out of the Pulpit, I would desire to dye practising Repentance.

And he had often this saying concerning Repentance; He that Repents every day, for the sins of every day, when he comes to dye, will have the sins but of one day to repent of. Even Reckonings make long Friends.

That Year also, and the Year 1681 he preached over the Duties of Hearing the Word and Prayer; of the former, from the Parable of the four sorts of Ground; of the latter, from Luke 11. 1, &c. when he preached over the Lord's Prayer, in above Thirty excellent and elaborate Discourses. Helook'd upon the Lord's Prayer, to be not only a Directory or Pattern for Prayet, but (ac∣cording to the advice of the Assembly of Divines) pro∣per to be us'd as a Form; and accordingly he often us'd it, both in Publick and in his Family. And as he thought, 'twas an Error on the one hand, to lay so much stress upon it, as some do, who think no sol•…•…mn Pray∣er accepted, nor any solemn Ordinance or Administra∣tion of Worship compleat without it; and so repeat it five or six times, and perhaps oftner, at one Meeting; so he thought it an Error on the other hand not to use it at all; since it is a Prayer, a compendious comprehensive Prayer, and may be of use to us, at least

as other Scripture Prayers; but he thought it a much greater Error to be angry at those that do use it, to judge and censure them, and for no other reason to conceive Prejudices against them, and their Ministry.

A great strait (saith he) poor Ministers are in, when some will not hear them, if they do not use the Lord's Pray∣er, and others will not hear them if they do; What is to be done in this case? We must walk accord∣to the Light we have, and approve our selves to God, either in using or not using it, and wait for the day when God will mend the matter; which I hope he will do in his own due time.

He was in the close of his Exposition of the Lord's Prayer, when a dark Cloud was brought upon his Assemblies, and he was necessitated to contract his Sails.