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. VIII. (Book 8)

The last Nine Years of his Life in Liber∣ty and Inlargement at Broad-Oak, from the Year 1687.

IT was in the latter end of the Year 1685. when the stream run so very strong against the Dissenters, that Mr. Henry, being in Discourse with a very great Man of the Church of England, mentioned King Charles's Indulgence in 1672. as that which gave rise to his stated Preaching in a separate Assembly; and added, if the present King Iames should in like man∣ner give me leave, I would do the same again: to which that great Man replied, Never expect any such thing from him, for take my word for it, he hates you Nonconformists in his Heart. Truly (said Mr. Henry) I believe it, and I think he doth not love you of the Church of England neither. It was then little thought, that the same Right Reverend Person who said so to him, should have the Honour, as he had soon after, to be one of the Seven Bishops committed to the Tower by King Iames; as it was also far from any ones Expe∣ctation,

that the same King Iames should so quickly give liberty to the Nonconformists: But we live in a World, wherein we are to think nothing strange, nor be surprized at any turn of the Wheel of Nature, as 'tis cal∣led, Iam. 3. 6.

The Measures then taken by King Iames's Court and Counsel were soon laid open, not only to view but to contempt, being in a short time, by the over-ruling Providence of God broken and defeated: However the Indulgence granted to Dissenters in April, 1687. must needs be a reviving to those, who for so many Years had lain buried in Silence and Restraint; nor can any, who w•…•…ll allow themselves the liberty of sup∣posing the Case their own, wonder that they should re∣joyce in it, though the Design of it being manifest, they could not chuse but rejoyce with trembling. Mr. Henry's Sentiments of it were, Whatever Mens Ends are in it, I believe God's End is to do us good.

There were many that said, surely the Dissenters will not embrace the Liberty which is intended only for a Snare to them. Mr. Henry read and consider'd the Letter of Advice to the Dissenters, at that juncture; but concluded, Duty is ours, and Events are Gods. He remembred the Experience he had had of the like in K. Charles's time, and that did good and no hurt; and why might not this do so too. All Power is for Edi∣fication, not for Destruction. Did Ieremiah sit still in the Court of the Prison, because he had his Discharge from the King of Babylon. Nay, did not Paul, when he was presented by his Country-men, for Preaching the Gospel, appeal to Caesar; and find more kindness at Rome, than he did at Ierusalem? In short, the Principle of his Conversation in the World being not fleshly Wisdom, or Policy, but the Grace of God, and particularly the Grace of Simplicity and Godly Sincerity,

he was willing to make the best of that which was, and to hope the best of the Design and Issue of it. Doubtless it was intended to introduce Popery; but it is certain, that nothing could arm People against Popery more effectually, than the plain and powerful Preaching of the Gospel; and thus they who granted that liberty, were out-shot in their own Bow, which manifestly appear'd in the Event and Issue. And as they did good Service to the Protestant Religion among Scholars, who wrote so many Learned Books against Popery at that time, for which we return them our best thanks; so they did no less Service among the Common People (who are the Strength and Body of the Nation) that Preached so many good Sermons to arm their Hearts against that strong Delusion, which Mr. Henry (as the rest of the Nonconformists generally did) took all occasions to do. How often would he commend his Hearers (as Dr. Holland Divinity Professor in Ox∣ford was wont to do) to the Love of God, and the Ha∣tred of Popery.

Besides his Preaching professedly to discover the Er∣rours and Corruptions of the Church of Rome, (which he would have taken occasion to do more fully, had he seen those he Preached to, in any immediate danger of the Infection) there could not be a more effectual An∣tidote against Popery, than the instructing and con∣firming of People in the Truth, as it is in Jesus; and advancing the Knowledge of, and a Value and Vene∣ration for the Holy Scriptures; to which, how much Mr. Henry in his place did contribute, all that knew him well bear Record. He us'd to observe, that the Fall of Babylon followed, upon the free and open Preach∣ing of the Everlasting Gospel, Rev. 14. 6, 7. He ap∣prehended this Liberty likely to be of very short con∣tinuance, and to end in trouble; and because he could

not see how his not using of it would help to prevent the Trouble; but he did see, that his vigorous improve∣ment of it, would help to prepare for the Trouble, he set himself with all diligence, to make the best use he could of this Gleam, both at home and abroad, on Sabbath-days, and Week-days, to his Power, yea, and beyond his Power.

The great Subject of Debate at this time in the Nati∣on, was concerning the Repeal of Penal Laws and Tests; Mr. Henry's thoughts were, as to the Penal Laws, that if those against the Dissenters were all Re∣peal'd, he would Rejoyce in it, and be very thankful both to God and Man; for he would sometimes say, without Reflection upon any, he could not but look upon them as a National Sin; and as for those against the Papists, if our Law-givers see cause to Repeal them in a regular way; I will endeavour (saith he) to make the best of it, and to say, The Will of the Lord be done.

When King Iames came his Progress into that Coun∣try, in September 1687. to court the Compliments of the People, Mr. Henry joined with several others, in and about Whitchurch, Nantwich and Wem, in an Address to him, which was presented when he lay at Whitchurch; the purport of which was, not to Sacri∣fice their Lives and Fortunes to him and to his Interest, but only to return him thanks for the Liberty they had, with a promise to demean themselves quietly in the use of it.

Some time after, Commissioners were sent abroad into the Country, to enquire after the Trouble that Dis∣senters had sustain'd by the Penal Laws; and how the Money that was Levy'd upon them, was disposed of, little of it being found paid in the Exchequer; they sent to Mr. Henry to have an account from him of his

Sufferings; he returned Answer by Letter, that he had indeed been Fined some Years before, for a Con∣venticle, and Distreyn'd upon, and his Goods carried away, which all the Country knew, to which he re∣ferred himself. But being requir'd particularly to give account of it upon Oath; though, he said, he could be glad to see such Instruments of Trouble legally re∣moved; yet he declin'd giving any further Informati∣on concerning it; having (as he wrote to the Commis∣sioners) long since, from his Heart, forgiven all the Agents, Instruments and Occasions of it; and having purposed ne∣ver to say any thing more of it.

It was on Tuesday Iune 14. 1681. that he was di∣sturb'd at Weston in Shropshire, when he was Preaching on Psal. 66. 18. and on Tuesday Iune 14. 1687. that day Six Years he Preached there again without distur∣bance, finishing what he was then prevented from de∣livering, concerning Prayer, and going on to v. 19. 20. But verily God hath heard me,—Blessed be God.—Con∣cerning the Duty of Thanksgiving. This Seventh Year of their Silence and Restraint, prov'd, through God's wonderful good Providence the Year of Release.

In May, 1688. a new Commission of the Peace came down for the County of Flint, in which (by whose Interest or procurement was not known) Mr. Henry was nominated a Justice of Peace for that Coun∣ty. It was no small surprize to him, to receive a Letter from the Clerk of the Peace, Directed to Philip Henry, Esquire, acquainting him with it, and appointing him when and whither to come to be Sworn. To which he return'd answer, that he was very sensible of his Unworthiness of the Honour, and his unfitness for the Office, which he was nominated to, and therefore de∣sired to be excus'd, and he was so, and did what he

could, that it might not be spoken of in the Country. There were some, who upon this occasion unhappily remembred, that a few Years before, a Reverend Clergy-man in Shropshire told Mr. Henry to his Face, that he had done more mischief in the Country, than any man that ever came into it; and that he himself hoped shortly to be in the Commission of Peace, and then he would rid the Country of him. But alas, he •…•…as quite disappointed. Thus Honour is like the sha∣dow, which flies from those that pursue it, and follows those that flee from it.

For two Years after this Liberty began, Mr. Hen∣ry still continued his Attendance, as usual, at Whitewel-Chappel, whenever there was Preaching there; and he Preached at his own House only when there was no supply there, and in the Evening of those days when there was. For doing thus he was greatly cla∣mour'd against, by some of the rigid Separatists, and call'd a Dissembler, and one that halted between two, and the like. Thus (as he Notes in his Diary) one side told him he was the Author of all the mischief in the Country, in drawing People from the Church; and the other side told him, he was the Author of all the mischief, in drawing People to the Church: And which of these (saith he) shall I seek to please? Lord, neither, but thy self alone, and my own Conscience, and while I can do that, I have enough.

In a Sermon at Whitewel-Chappel, one Lord's-day in the Afternoon, where he and his Family, and many of his Congregation were attending, much was said, with some keen Reflections, to prove the Dissenters Schismaticks, and in a damnable State: When he came immediately after to Preach at his own House, before he begun his Sermon, he expressed himself to this pur∣pose; Perhaps some of you may expect now that I should

say something in answer to what we have heard, by which we have been so severely charged; but truly I have some∣thing else to do; and so, without any further Notice taken of it, went on to Preach Iesus Christ and him Crucified.

It was not without some fear and trembling, that Mr. Henry received the Tidings of the Prince of O∣range's Landing, in November 1688. as being some∣what in the dark concerning the clearness of his Call, and dreading what might be the consequence of it. He us'd to say, Give Peace in our time, O Lord, was a Prayer that he would heartily set his Amen to. But when secret things were brought to light, and a regu∣lar Course was taken to fill the vacant Throne with such a King and such a Queen; none rejoyced in it more heartily than he did. He Celebrated the Nati∣onal Thanksgiving for that great Deliverance, with an excellent Sermon on that Text, Rom. 8. 31. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

Soon after that happy Settlement, there were Over∣tures made, towards a Comprehension of the Mode∣rate Dissenters, with the Church of England, which Mr. Henry most earnestly desired, and wished for, if it could be had upon any Terms less than sinning a∣gainst his Conscience; for never was any more averse to that which looked like a Separation than he was, if he could possibly have helped it, salvâ Conscientiâ. His Prayers were constant, and his endeavours as he had opportunity, that there might be some healing Me∣thods found out and agreed upon. But it is well known, what was the Vox Cleri at that time, viz. That forasmuch as the Oaths, Subscriptions, and Ce∣remonies were impos'd only to keep out such Men, they would never consent to their Removal, for the

letting them in again. Nolumus Leges Angliae mutari, was a saying perverted to this purpose: And the fixed Principle was, Better a Schism without the Church, than a Faction within it, &c. This was at that time Publish'd and Own'd, as the Sense of the Clergy in Convocation. Which Temper and Resolve, so contra∣ry to that which might have been expected, upon that Happy and Glorious Revolution, did a little alter his Sentiments in that matter; and he saw himself per∣fectly driven from them. Despairing therefore to see an Accommodation, he set himself the more vigorous∣ly to improve the present Liberty. In Iune 1689. the Act of Indulgence pass'd, which not only Tolerated, but allowed the Dissenters Meetings, and took them under the Protection of the Government.

Soon after which, though he never in the least chan∣ged his Judgment, as to the lawfulness of joining in the Common-Prayer, but was still ready to do it occa∣sionally: Yet the Ministers that Preached at Whitewel-Chappel, being often uncertain in their coming, which kept his Meeting at Broad-Oak at like uncertain∣ties, to the frequent disappointment of many of his Hearers that came from far; he was at last prevailed with to Preach at Publick time every Lord's-day, which he continued to do while he lived, much to his own satisfaction, and the satisfaction of his Friends. An Eminent Minister in Lancashire, who did in like manner alter his Practise about that time, gave this for a rea∣son, That he had been for Twenty seven Years striving to please a Generation of Men, who after all would not be pleased, and therefore he would no longer endeavour it as he had done.

It may be of use to give some account how he ma∣naged his Ministerial Work, in the latter part of his time, wherein he had as signal Tokens of the Pre∣sence

of God with him, as ever; enabling him still to bring forth Fruit in old Age; and to renew his Youth like the Eagles. Though what he did, he still did gratis, and would do so, yet he was not willing to have any constant Assistant, nor had he any; so much was he in his Element, when he was about his Master's Work: 'Twas his Meat and Drink to do it.

1. As to his constant Sabbath Work, he was Uniform, •…•…nd abundant in it. He began his Morning Family-Worship on Lord's dayes, at 8 a Clock, when he Read and Ex∣pounded pretty largely, Sung a Psalm and Prayed; and many strove to come time enough to join with him in that Service. He began in Publick just at Nine a Clock Winter and Summer. His Meeting-place was an Out-building of his own, near adjoining to his House, fitted up very decently and conveniently for the purpose. He began with Prayer, then he sung Psal. 100. without reading the Line; next he read and expounded a Chapter in the Old Testament in the Morning, and in the New Testament in the Af∣ternoon. He looked upon the Publick reading of the Scriptures in Religious Assemblies, to be an Ordinance of God; and that it tended very much to the Edifi∣cation of People by that Ordinance, to have what is Read Expounded to them. The bare reading of the Word, he used to compare to the throwing of a Net into the Water; but the Expounding of it, is like the spreading out of that Net, which makes it the more likely to catch Fish; especially as he managed it with Practical profitable Observations. Some that have heard him read a Chapter with this thought; how will he make such a Chapter as this useful to us? have been surprized with such pertinent useful Instructions, as they have owned to be as much for their Edification

as any Sermon. And commonly when he had Expoun∣ded a Chapter, he would desire them when they came home, to read it over, and recollect some of those things that had been spoken to them out of it.

In his Expounding of the Old Testament, he in∣dustriously sought for something in it concerning Christ, who is the true Treasure, hid in the Field, the true Manna hid in the Dew of the Old Testament. Take one Instance; The last Sabbath that ever he spent with his Children at Chester, in the publick Morning Worship, he Read and Expounded the last Chapter of the Book of Iob: After he had gone through the Chapter, and observed what he thought fit out of it, he expressed himself to this purpose: When I have read a Chapter in the Old Testament, I use to enquire what there is in it that points at Christ, or is any way ap∣plicable to Christ; Here is in this Chapter a great deal of Job, But is there nothing of Christ here? Yes; you have heard of the Patience of Job, and have in him seen the end of the Lord. This in Job is applicable to Christ, that after he had patiently gone through his Suf∣ferings, he was appointed an Intercessor for his unkind Friends. V. 8. Go to my Servant Iob, and my Ser∣vant Iob shall pray for you, for him will I accept. If any one hath an Errand to God, let him go to Iesus Christ, and put it into his hand, for there is no acceptance to be hoped for with God, but by him, who is his beloved Son; not only with whom he is well pleased, but in whom, viz. with us in him: he hath made us accepted in the Be∣loved.

After the Exposition of the Chapter he sung a Psalm, and commonly chose a Psalm suitable to the Chapter he had Expounded; and would briefly tell his Hea∣rers how they might sing that Psalm with Understand∣ing,

and what affections of Soul should •…•…e working to∣wards God, in the singing of it; his hints of that kind were of great use, and contributed much to the right Performance of that Service; he often said, The more singing of Psalms there is in our Families and Con∣gregations, on Sabbath-days, the more like they are to Hea∣ven, and the more there is in them of the Everlasting Sab∣bath. He would say sometimes, he loved to sing whole Psalms rather than pieces.

After the Sermon in the Morning, he sung the 117th Psalm, without reading the Line.

He intermitted at Noon about an Hour and a half, and on Sacrament days not near so long, in which time he took some little Refreshment in his Study, ma∣king no solemn Dinner; yet many of his Friends did partake of his Carnal, as well as of his Spiritual things, as those did that follow'd Christ, of whom he was careful they should not faint by the way. The Morning Sermon was repeated, by a ready Writer, to those that staid in the Meeting place, as many did, and when that was done, he begun the Afternoons Exercise; in which he not only Read and Expounded a Chapter, but Catechized the Children, and Ex∣pounded the Catechism briefly before Sermon. Thus did he go from strength to strength, and from Duty to Duty, on Sabbath-days; running the ways of God's Command∣ments with an enlarged Heart. And the variety and vi∣vacity of his publick Services, made them exceeding pleasant to all that joined with him, who never had cause to complain of his being tedious. He us'd to say, Every Minute of Sabbath Time is precious, and none of it to be lost; And that he scarce thought the Lord's day well spent, if he were not weary in Body at Night; wearied with his Work, but not weary of it, as he used to distinguish. He would say sometimes to

those about him, when he had gone through the Duties of a Sabbath; Well, if this be not the way to Heaven, I do not know what is. In pressing People to Number their days, he would especially exhort them to Num∣ber their Sabbath-days, how many they have been, and how ill they have been spent; how few 'tis like they may be, that they may be spent better; and to help in the Account he would say, that for every twenty Years of our Lives, we enjoy above a thousand Sabbaths, which must all be accounted for in the day of Reckon∣ing.

As to his constant Preaching, it was very Substanti∣al and Elaborate, and greatly to Edification. He us'd to say, he could not Starch in his Preaching; that is, he would not; as knowing that where the Language and Expression is stiff, and forced, and fine (as they call it) it doth not reach the greatest part of the Hea∣rers. When he grew old he would say, sure he might now take a greater liberty to talk, as he call'd it, in the Pulpit; that is, to speak familiarly to People; yet to the last he abated not in his Preparations for the Pulpit, nor ever delivered any thing raw and undigest∣ed; much less any thing unbecoming the Gravity and Seriousness of the Work. If his Preaching were talk∣ing, it was talking to the purpose. His Sermons were not Common Place, but even when his Subjects were the most plain and 〈◊〉〈◊〉, yet his management of them was usually peculiar and surprizing. In those Years as formerly, he kept for the most part in a me∣thod for Subjects, and was very seldom above one Sabbath upon a Text. And his constant Practise was, as it had been before, when he concluded a Subject that he had been a good while upon, he spent one Sabbath in a brief Rehearsal of the Marrow and Sub∣stance, of the many Sermons he had Preached upon

it; which he call'd the clenching of the Nail, that it might be as a Nail in a sure place. So very industrious was he, and no less ingenious in his endeavours, that his Hearers might be able, after his Decease, to have these things always in remembrance, 2 Pet. 1. 15. and it is hoped, that by the Blessing of God, the effect did not altogether disappoint his Expectation. In the la∣ter times of his Ministry, he would often contrive the Heads of his Sermons to begin with the same Letter, or rather two and two of a Letter; but he did not at all seem to affect or force it; only if it fell in natu∣rally and easily, he thought it a good help to Memory, and of use, especially to the younger sort. And he would say, the chief reason why he did it, was because 'tis frequently observed in the Scripture, particularly the Book of Psalms. And though it be not a fashionable Ornament of Discourse, if it be a Scripture Ornament, that is sufficient to recommend it, at least to justifie it against the imputation of Child∣ishness; (Mr. Porter of Whitchurch very much us'd it, so did Mr. Malden) But the Excellency of his Ser∣mons, lay chiefly in the Enlargements, which were al∣ways very solid, grave and judicious; but in expres∣sing and marshalling his Heads, he often condescended below his own Judgment, to help his Hearers Memo∣ries. Some of his Subjects (when he had finished them) he made some short Memorandums of in Verse, a Distich or two of each Sabbaths work, and gave them out in Writing, among the young ones of his Congregation, many of whom wrote them, and learn∣ed them, and profited by them.

It might be of use (especially to those who had the happiness of sitting under his Ministry) to give some Account of the Method of his Sabbath Subjects, du∣ring the last Eight or Nine Years of his Ministry;

and it was design'd, till 'twas found 'twould swell this Narrative into too great a Bulk.

2. As to the Administration of the Sacraments, those Mysteries of God, which Ministers are the Stewards of.

As to the Sacrament of Baptism, he had never (that I know of) Baptized any Children (except his own) from the time he was turn'd out in 1662. till this last Liberty came, though often desir'd to do it; such was the tender regard he had to the Established Church; but now he reviv'd the Administration of that Ordi∣nance in his Congregation. The occasion was this; One of the Parish-Ministers Preaching at Whitewe•…•… Chappel, Mr. Henry and his Family, and many of his Friends being present, was earnestly cautioning People not to go to Conventicles, and us'd this as an Argument against it, That they were Baptized into the Church of England: Mr. Henry's Catholick Charity could not well digest this Monopolizing of the great Ordinance of Baptism, and thought it time to bear his Testimony against such narrow Principles, which he ever expressed his dislike of in all Parties and Per∣swasions. Accordingly he took the next opportunity that offer'd it self, publickly to Baptize a Child, and desir'd the Congregation to bear witness, That he did not Baptize that Child into the Church of England, nor into the Church of Scotland, nor into the Church of the Dissenters, nor into the Church at Broad-Oak, but in∣to the visible Catholick Church of Iesus Christ. After this he Baptized very many, and always publickly, though being in the Country they were commonly car∣ried a good way. The publick Administration of Baptism, he not only judged most agreeable to the Nature and End of the Ordinance, but found to be very profitable and edifying to the Congregation; for

be always took that occasion, not only to explain the nature of the Ordinance, but affectionately and pathe∣tically to excite People duly to improve their Baptism. He usually received the Child immediately out of the hands of the Parent that presented it, and return'd it into the same hands again, with this or the like charge, Take this Child, and bring it up for God. He us'd to say, that one advantage of publick Baptism was, that there were many to join in Prayer for the Child, in which therefore, and in Blessing God for it, he was u∣sually very large and particular. After he had Bapti∣zed the Child, before he gave it back to the Parent he commonly used these words; We receive this Child in∣to the Congregation of Christ's Church, having washed it with Water, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, in token that hereafter it shall not be ashamed to confess Christ Crucified, and man∣fully to fight, &c.

He Baptized many adult Persons, that through the Errour of their Parents, were not Baptized in Infancy, and some in Publick.

The Solemn Ordinance of the Lord's Supper he con∣stantly Celebrated in his Congregation once a Month, and always to a very considerable number of Commu∣nicants. He did not usually observe publick days of Preparation for that Ordinance, other than as they fell in course in the weekly Lectures; nor did he e∣ver appropriate any particular Subject of his Preach∣ing to Sacrament-days, having a great felicity in adapt∣ing any profitable Subject to such an occasion: and he would say, What did the Primitive Christians do, when they Celebrated the Lord's Supper every Lord's day? His Administration of this Ordinance was very solemn and affecting. He had been wont to go about in the Congregation, and to deliver the Elements with his

own hand; but in his latter time, he delivered them only to those near him, and so they were handed from one to another, with the assistance of one who sup∣plied the Office of a Deacon, as having also the Cu∣stody and disposal of the Money gathered for the use of the Poor; Mr. Henry taking, and carefully keeping a particular account of it.

Such as desir'd to be admitted to the Lord's Supper, he first discoursed with concerning their Spiritual State; and how the Case stood between God and their Souls, not only to examine them, but to instruct and teach them, and to encourage them as he saw occasion; gent∣ly leading those whom he discern'd to be serious, though weak and timorous: He usually discoursed with them more than once, as finding Precept upon Precept, and Line upon Line necessary: but he did it with so much Mildness and Humility, and tenderness, and endea∣vour to make the best of every body, as did greatly affect and win upon many. He was herein like our Great Master, who can have compassion on the ignorant, and doth not despise the day of small things.

But his admission of young People, out of the rank of Catechumens into that of Communicants, had a pe∣culiar solemnity in it. Such as he Catechiz'd, when they grew up to some Years of discretion, if he ob∣served them to be intelligent and serious, and to set their Faces Heaven-wards; he marked them out to be admitted to the Lord's Supper; and when he had a competent number of such, twelve or fifteen per∣haps, or more; he order'd each of them to come to him severally, and discoursed with them of the things be∣longing to their Everlasting Peace; put it to their choice whom they would serve; and endeavoured to affect them with those things with which by their

Catechisms they had been made acquainted; drawing them with the Cords of a Man, and the bands of Love, into the way which is called Holy. For seve∣ral Lord's days he Catechized them, particularly in Publick, touching the Lord's Supper, and the Duty of Preparation for it, and their Baptismal Covenant, which in that Ordinance they were to take upon them∣selves, and to make their own Act and Deed. Often telling them upon such occasions, that they were not to oblige themselves to any more than what they were already obliged to by their Baptism, only to bind them∣selves faster to it. Then he appointed a day in the Week before the Ordinance; when in a solemn As∣sembly on purpose, he prayed for them, and preached a Sermon to them, proper to their Age and Circum∣stances; and so the following Sabbath they were all received together to the Lord's Supper. This he look∣ed upon as the right Confirmation, or Transition into the State of adult Church membership. The more solemn our Covenanting with God is, the more deep and the more durable the impressions of it are likely to be. He hath Recorded it in his Diary, upon one of these occasions, as his Hearts desire and prayer for those who were thus admitted;

That it might be as the day of their Espousals to the Lord Jesus, and that they might each of them have a Wedding Gar∣ment.

3. The Discipline he observed in his Congregation was, not such as he could have wished for, but the best he could get, considering what a scatter'd Flock he had, which was his trouble, but it could not be helped. He would sometimes apply to the circum∣stances he was in, that of Moses, Deut. 12. 8, 9. However, I see not but the end was effectually attained by the methods he took, though there wanted the formality

of Officers and Church-Meetings, for the purpose. If he heard of any that walked disorderly, he sent for them, and reproved them, gently or sharply, as he saw the Case required. If the Sin had scandal in it, he suspended them from the Ordinance of the Lord's Supper, till they gave some tokens of their Repen∣tance and Reformation. And where the offence was publick and gross, his judgment was, that some pub∣lick satisfaction should be made to the Congregation, before Readmission. But whatever offence did hap∣pen, or breaches of the Christian Peace, Mr. Henry's peculiar Excellency lay in restoring with the Spirit of meekness; which, with his great Prudence and Love, and Condescension, did so much command the respects of his People, and win upon them, that there was a Universal Satisfaction in all his Management; and it may truly be said of him as it was of David, 2 Sam. 3. 36. That whatsoever he did pleased all the People. And it is an Instance and Evidence, that those Mini∣sters who will Rule by Love and Meekness, need no Laws or Canons to Rule by, other than those of the Holy Scripture. How forceable are right words? Iob. 6. 25.

4. He was very strict and very serious in obser∣ving the Publick Fasts appointed by Authority, and cal∣led them a delight. He had seldom any one to assist him in carrying on the Duties of those Days, but per∣form'd the Service of them himself alone. He be∣gan at Nine of the Clock, or quickly after, and ne∣ver stirred out of the Pulpit till about four in the Af∣ternoon, spending all that time in Praying and Expoun∣ding, and Singing, and Preaching, to the admiration of all that heard him, who were generally more on such days than usual. And he was sometimes ob∣served, to be more warm and lively towards the

latter end of the Duties of a Fast-day, than at the be∣ginning; as if the Spirit were most willing and enlar∣ged when the Flesh was most weak. In all his Per∣formances on Publick Fast-days; he did, hoc agere, attend to that which was the proper work of the day; every thing is beautiful in its Season. His Prayers and pleadings with God on those days, were especially for National Mercies, and the pardon of National Sins; How excellently did he order the Cause before God, and fill his Mouth with Arguments in his large and particular Intercessions for the Land, for the King, the Government, the Army, the Navy, the Church, the French Protestants, &c. He was another Iacob, a Wrestler, an Israel, a Prince with God, Before a Fast-day he would be more than ordinarily inquisitive concerning the state of publick affairs, as Nehemiah was, Neh. 1. 2. that he might know the better how to order his Pray∣ers and Preaching: for on such a day (he hath some∣times said) as good say nothing, as nothing to the pur∣pose. He made it his business on Fast-days, to shew People their Transgressions, especially the House of Iacob their Sins. 'Tis most proper (said he) to Preach of Christ on Lord's days, to Preach of Sin on Fast-days, and to Preach Duty on both. He went over the third Chapter of the Revelation, in the Fast Sermons of two Years. Another Year he Preached over the par∣ticulars of that Charge, Zeph. 3. 2. Hypocrisie in Hearers, and Flattery in Preachers (as he would sometimes say) is bad at any time, but it is especially abominable upon a day of Humi∣liation.

5. He Preached a great many Lectures, in the Coun∣try about, some stated, some occasional, in supplying of which he was very indefatigable. He hath sometimes Preached a Lecture; ridden eight or nine Miles, and

Preached another, and the next day two more: To quicken himself to diligence he would often say, our opportunities are passing away, and we must work while it is day, for the Night cometh. Once having very wet and foul Weather to go through to Preach a Lecture; he said, he comforted himself with two Scriptures, one was 2 Tim. 2. 3. Endure hardness as a good Soldier of Iesus Christ. The other (because he exposed and hazarded his Health, for which some blamed him) was 2 Sam. 6. 21. It was before the Lord. He took all occasions in his Lectures a broad, to possess the minds of People with sober and moderate Princi∣ples, and to stir them up to the serious regard of those things wherein we are all agreed. We are met here to∣gether (said he once in an Exhortation, with which he often began at his Lecture) not because we think our selves better than others, but because we desire to be better than we are.

He was very happy in the choice of his Subjects for his Week-day Lectures. At one which was stated, he Preached against Errors in general, from Iam. 1. 16. Do not err my beloved Brethren, particularly from di∣vers other Scriptures he shewed, that we must not Err; concerning God and Christ, and the Spirit, concerning Sin and Repentance, Faith and Good Works; concern∣ing God's Ordinances, concerning Grace and Peace, and Afflictions and Prosperity, and the things of the Life to come. At the Monthly Lectures at his own House, he chose to Preach upon the Four last things Death and Iudgment, Heaven and Hell, in many particulars, but commonly a new Text for every Sermon. When he had in many Sermons finished the first of the Four; one that us'd to hear him sometimes, enquiring of his progress in his Subjects, asked him if he had done with Death? meaning that Subject concerning Death;

to which he pleasantly replied, No, I have not done with him yet; I must have another turn with him, and he will give me a Fall; but I hope to have the Victory at last. He would sometimes remove the Lectures in the Country from one place to another, for the benefit of those that could not Travel. Once having adjourn∣ed a Lecture to a new place, he began it there with a Sermon on Acts 17. 6. These men that have turned the World upside down, are come hither also; in which he shew'd how false the Charge is as they meant it; for Religion doth not disturb the Peace of Families or Societies, doth not cause any disorder or unquiet∣ness, &c. And yet that in another sense there is a great Truth in it; That when the Gospel comes in Power to any Soul, it turns the World upside down in that Soul, such is the Change it makes there.

All this he did gratis, and without being burthen∣some to any; nay he was best pleas'd, when at the places where he Preached, nothing was got for his En∣tertainment, but he came home (though some Miles) Fasting; as in other places it was a trou∣ble to him to see his Friends careful about much serving, tho' it was out of their respect to him.

Lastly, As he was an excellent Preacher him∣self, so he was an exemplary Hearer of the Word, when others Preached, though every way his Infe∣riours, so reverent, serious, and attentive was he in hearing, and so observant of what was spoken. I have heard him tell, that he knew one (and I suppose it was as Paul knew a Man in Christ) who could truly say, to the Glory of God, that for Forty Years he had never slept at a Sermon. He was diligent also to improve what he heard afterwards by Me∣ditation, Repetition, Prayer and Discourse; and he

was a very great Encourager of young Ministers that were humble and serious, though their Abi∣lities and Performances were but mean. He hath noted in his Diary, (as that which affected him) this saying of a godly Man, a Hearer of his,

I find it easier to go six Miles to hear a Sermon, than to spend one quarter of an Hour in Meditating and Praying over it in Secret, (as I should) when I come home.

As to the Circumstances of his Family in these last nine Years of his Life, they were somewhat diffe∣rent from what they had been; but the same Candle of God which had shined upon his Tabernacle, con∣tinued still to do so. In the Years 1687, and 1688. he Married all his Five Children, the three eldest in four Months time, in the Year 1687. and the other two in a Year and a half after; so many Swarms (as he us'd to call them) out of his Hive; and all not only with his full Consent, but to his abundant Comfort and Satisfaction. He would say, he thought it the Duty of Parents to study to oblige their Children in that affair. And though never could Children be more easie and at rest in a Father's House than his were, yet he would sometimes say concerning them, as Naomi to Ruth, Ruth 3. 1. Shall I not seek rest for thee? Two advices he us'd to give, both to his Children and others, in their Choice of that Relation: One was, Keep within the bounds of Profession, such as one may charitably hope is from a good Principle. The other was, Look at Suitableness, in Age, Quality, Educati∣on, Temper, &c. He us'd to observe from Gen. 2. 18. I will make him a help meet for him; that where there is not Meetness, there will not be much Help. And he would commonly say to his Children, with reference to that choice; Please God and please your

selves, and you shall never displease me; and greatly blamed those Parents, who conclude Matches for their Children, and do not ask Counsel at their Mouth. He never aim'd at great things in the World for his Children, but sought for them in the first place the Kingdom of God, and the Righteousness thereof. He us'd to mention sometimes the saying of a Pious Gentlewoman, that had many Daughters. The Care of most People, is how to get good Husbands for their Daughters; but my care is to fit my Daughters to be good Wives, and then let God provide for them. In this as in other things, Mr. Henry steer'd by that Princi∣ple; That a Man's Life consisteth not in the abun∣dance of the things that he possesseth. And it pleased God so to order it, that all his Children were disposed of, into Circumstances very agreeable and comforta∣ble, both for Life and Godliness. He was greatly af∣fected with the Goodness of God to him herein, with∣out any forecast or contrivance of his own. The Coun∣try (saith he in his Diary) takes notice of it, and what then shall I render? Surely this is a Token for good.

All his Four Daughters were Marry'd at Whitewel Chappel, and he Preach'd a Wedding Sermon for each of them, in his own Family after. He would often tell his Friends, That those who desire, in the Mar•…•…ied Condition, to live in the Favour of God, must enter upon that Condition in the Fear of God. For it's an ill Omen to stumble at the Threshold; and an Error in the first Concoction, is seldom amended in the second.

While he lived, he had much comfort in all his Chil∣dren and their Yoke fellows, and somewhat the more, that by the Divine Providence, four of the five Fa∣milies

which Branched out of his, were settled in Chester.

His youngest Daughter was Married April 26. 1688. the same Day of the Year (as he observes in his Diary) and the same Day of the Week, and in the same place that he was Married to his dear Wife, twenty eight Years before; upon which this is his Re∣mark, I cannot desire for them, that they should receive more from God than we have received, in that Relation and Condition; but I would desire, and do desire, that they may do more for God in it than we have done. His usual Complement to his New-Married Friends, was, others wish you all Happiness, I wish you all Holiness, and then there is no doubt but you will have all Hap∣piness.

When the Marriage of the last of his Daughters was about to be concluded on, he thus writes; But is Joseph gone, and Simeon gone, and must Benjamin go also? We will not say that all these things are against us, but for us: If we must be thus in this merciful way bereav'd of our Children, let us be bereav'd; and God turn it for good to them, as we know he will if they love and fear his Name. And when, sometime after she was Married, he parted with her to the House of her Husband, he thus writes; We have sent her away, not as Laban said he would have sent his Daughters a∣way, with Mirth, and with Songs, with Tabret, and with Harp, but with Prayers and Tears, and hearty good wishes; And now (saith he in his Diary) we are a∣lone again, as we were in our beginning; God be better to us than twenty Children. Upon the same occasion he thus writes to a dear Relation; We are now left as we were, One and One, and yet but one One; the Lord, I trust, that hath brought us thus far, will enable us to

finish well; and then all will be well, and not till then.

That which he often mentioned, as the matter of his great Comfort that it was so, and his desire that it might continue so, was, the Love and Unity that was among his Children; and that (as he writes) the Transplanting of them into new Relations, had not lessened that Love, but rather increased it; for this he often gave thanks to the God of Love; noting from Iob 1. 4. That the Childrens Love to one another is the Parents Comfort and Joy. In his Last Will and Testament, this is the Prayer which he puts up for his Children, That the Lord would build them up in Holiness, and continue them still in Brotherly Love, as a bundle of Arrows which cannot be broken.

When his Children were removed from him, he was a daily Intercessor at the Throne of Grace, for them and their Families. Still the Burnt-offerings were of∣fered according to the number of them all. He used to say, Surely the Children of so many Prayers will not miscarry. Their particular Circumstances of Afflicti∣on and Danger, were sure to be mentioned by him with suitable Petitions. The greatest Affliction he saw in his Family, was the Death of his dear Daughter in Law, Catharine, the only Daughter of Samuel Hard∣ware, Esq who, about a Year and a half after she was Transplanted into his Family (to which she was the greatest Comfort and Ornament imaginable) dy'd of the Small-Pox in Child-bed, upon the Thanks giving day for King William's coming in. She dy'd but a few Weeks after Mr. Henry had Married the last of his Daughters, upon which Marriage he had said; Now we have a full Lease, God only knows which Life will drop first. She comforted her self in the extremity of her illness with this word, Well, when I come to Hea∣ven,

I shall see that I could not have been without this Affliction. She had been for some time before under some Fears as to her Spiritual State, but the Clouds were through Grace dispell'd, and she finished her Course with Joy, and a Cheerful Expectation of the Glory to be reveal'd. When she lay ill, Mr. Henry (being in fear not only for her that was ill, but for the rest of his Children in Chester, who had none of them past the Pikes of that perillous Distemper) wrote thus to his Son, on the Evening of the Lord's Day; I have just done the publick Work of this Day, wherein, before many scores of Witnesses, many of whom I dare say, are no little concerned for you: I have absolute∣ly, freely, and unreservedly given you all up to the good Will and Pleasure of our Heavenly Father, waiting what he will do with us, for good I am sure we have received, and shall we not receive Evil also. He Preached at Chester, upon occasion of that sad Breach in his Fami∣ly, on Iob 10. 3. Shew me wherefore thou contendest wich me.

When two of his Children lay ill, and in perillous Circumstances, after he had been wrestling with God in Prayer for them, he wrote thus in his Diary;

If the Lord will be pleased to grant me my Request this time concerning my Children, I will not say as the Beggars at our Door use to do, I'll never ask any thing of him again; but on the contrary, he shall hear oftner from me than ever; and I will love God the better, and love Prayer the better, as long as I live.

He us'd to say, Trades-men take it ill, if those that are in their Books, go to another Shop; while we are so much indebted to God for past Mercies, we are bound to attend him for further Mercies.

As he was an Intercessor for his Children at the Throne of Grace, so he was upon all occasions a Re∣membrancer to them, both by Word and Letter, to quicken them to that which is good. How often did he inculcate this upon them? Love one another, and the God of Love and Peace will be with you. Do all you can, while you are together, to help one another to Hea∣ven, that you may be together there, for ever, and with the Lord. When the Families of his Children were in Health and Peace, the Candle of God shining upon their Tabernacles, he wrote thus to them;

'Twas one of Iob's Comforts in his Prosperity, that his Children loved one another, and feasted together: The same is ours in you, which God continue. But you will not be offended, if we pray that you may none of you Curse God in your Hearts. Re∣member, the Wheel is always in Motion, and the Spoke that is uppermost will be under, and therefore mix Tremblings always with your Joy.

He much rejoyced in the Visits of his Children, and made that as other things, which were the matter of his Rejoycing, the matter of his Thanksgiving. His usual saying at parting, was, This is not the World we are to be together in, and 'tis well it is not, but there is such a World before us: And his usual Prayer was, That our next Meeting might be either in Heaven, or further on in our way towards it.

He had in eight Years time, twenty four Grand-children Born, some by each of his Children, concern∣ing whom he would often bless God, that they were all the Sealed ones of the God of Heaven, and Enroll'd among his Lambs. On the Birth of his Second Grand-Child, at a troublesome time as to publick Affairs, he thus writes, I have now seen my Childrens Children,

let me also see Peace upon Israel; and then I will say, Lord, now lettest thou thy Servant depart. Some were much affected with it, when he Baptized two of his Grand-children together at Chester, publickly, and Preached on Gen. 33. 5. They are the Children which God hath graciously given thy Servant. He observed in what a savory, pious, gracious manner Iacob speaks. He had spoken good Sense if he had only said, They are my Children, but then he had not spoken like Iacob, like one that had so lately seen the Face of God. Though our Speech be not always of Grace, yet it must be always with Grace, Grace pour'd into the Lips. There is a kind of Language, the air of which speaks it the Language of Canaan; Christians should speak like Christians.

It was not long after his Children were Married from him, but his House was fill'd again with the Chil∣dren of several of his Friends, whom he was, by much importunity, perswaded to take to Table with him. All that knew him, thought it a thousand pi∣ties, that such a Master of a Family, should have but a small Family, and should not have many to sit down under his Shadow. He was first almost neces∣sitated to it, by the death of his dear Friend and Kins∣man, Mr. Benyon of Ash, who left his Children to his Care. Some he took gratis, or for small Considerati∣on; and when by reason of the advances of Age he could not go about so much as he had done, doing good, he laid out himself to do the more at home. He kept a Teacher to attend their School-Learning; and they had the benefit, not only of his Inspection in that, but (which was much more) his Family-Worship, Sabbath Instructions, Catechizing and daily Converse, in which his Tongue was as choice Silver, and his Lips sed many. Nothing but the hopes of doing some

good to the rising Generation could have prevailed with him, to take this trouble upon him. He would often say, We have a busie House, but there is a Rest remaining. We must be doing something in the World while we are in it; but this fashion will not last long, me∣thinks I see it passing away.

Sometimes he had such with him, as had gone through their Course of University Learning, at pri∣vate Academies, and desired to spend some time in his Family, before their Entrance upon the Ministry, that they might have the benefit, not only of his Publick and Family Instructions, but of his Learned and Pious Converse, in which, as he was throughly furnished, for every good Word and Work, so he was very Free and Communicative. The great thing which he used to press upon those who intended the Ministry, was to study the Scriptures, and make them familiar. Bonus Textuarius est bonus Theologus, was a Maxim he often minded them of. For this purpose he recommended to them the study of the Hebrew, that they might be able to search the Scriptures in the Original. He also advised them to the use of an inter-leav'd Bible, wherein to insert such Expositions and Observations, as occur occasionally in Sermons or other Books; which he would say, are more happy and considerable sometimes, than those that are found in the professed Commentators. When some young Men desir'd the Happiness of coming in∣to his Family, he would tell them,

You come to me as Naaman did to Elisha, expecting that I should do this and 'tother for you, and alas, I can but say as he did, Go wash in Iordan; Go, Study the Scrip∣tures. I profess to teach no other Learning but Scripture Learning.

It was but a little before he dy∣ed, that in reading Isa. 50. he observed from v. 4. The Lord God-hath given me the Tongue of the learned &c.

That the true Learning of a Gospel Minister consists not in being able to talk Latin fluently, and to dispute in Philosophy, but in being able to speak a word in Sea∣son to weary Souls. He that knows how to do that well, is a learned Minister.