Life and Death of Philip Henry, Chapter 3

Life and Death of Philip Henry · Chapter 3

p. 27CHAP. III.

His removal to Worthenbury in Flint-shire; His Ordination to the Ministry, and his Exercise of it there.

WOrthenbury is a little Town by Dee side in that Hundred of Flint-shire, which is separated some Miles from the rest of the County, and known by the name of English Mailoes, because tho it is reputed in Wales, as pertaining to Flint-shire, yet in Language and Customs it is wholly English, and lies mostly between Cheshire and Shrop-shire. Worthenbury was of old a Parochial Chapel belonging to the Rectory of Bangor, but was separated from it in the Year 1658 by the Trustees for uniting and dividing of Parishes, and was made a Parish of itself. But what was then done being vacated by the Kings coming in, it then came to be in statu quo, and continued an appurtenant to Bangor, till in the Second Year of the Reign of King William and Queen Mary, it was again by Act of Parliament separated, and made Independant upon Bangor. p. 28That was the only Act that passed the Royal Assent with the Act of Recognition, at the beginning of the Second Parliament of this Reïgn. The Principal Family in Worthenbury Parish, is that of the Pulestons of Emeral. The Head of the Family was then Iohn Puleston Serjeant at Law, one of the Iudges of the Common-Pleas.

This was the Family to which Mr. Henry came from Christ-Church, presently after he had compleated his Master's Degree, in 1653. Order'd into that remote, and to him unknown, corner of the Country, by that Over-ruling Providence which determineth the times before appointed, and the bounds of our Habitation.

The Judges Lady was a Person of more than ordinary Parts and Wisdom, in Piety inferiour to few, but in Learning Superiour to most of her Sex, which I could give Instances of from what I find among Mr. Henry's Papers, particularly an Elegy she made upon the Death of the Famous Mr. Iohn Selden, who was her great Friend.

This was the Lady whose Agency first brought Mr. Henry into this Country. She wrote to a Friend of hers Mr. Francis Palmer Student of Christ-Church, to desire him to recommend to her a Young Man to be in her Family, and to take the over-sight of her Sons (some of whom were now ready for the University) and to Preach at Worthenbury on the Lord's-Dayes, for which a very honourable Encouragement was promised. Mr. Palmer proposed it to his Friend Mr. Henry, who was willing for one half Year to undertake it, provided it might be required of him to Preach but once on the Lord's-Day, and that some other supply might be got for 'tother part of the day, he being now but Twenty two Years of Age, and newly entred upon that great Work. Provided also, that he should be engaged p. 29but for half a Year, as little intending to break off so soon from an Academical Life, which he delighted in so much. But preferring Usefulness before his own private Satisfaction, he was willing to make trial for a while, in the Country, as one that sought not his own things, but the things of Jesus Christ, to whose Service in the Work of the Ministry he had intirely devoted himself, bending his Studies wholly that way. In the latter part of his time at Oxford, as one grown weary of that which he used to say he found little to his purpose; he employed his time mostly in searching the Scriptures, and collecting useful Scripture Observations, which he made very familiar to him, and with which he was throughly furnished for this good Work. He got a Bible interleav'd, in which he wrote short Notes upon Texts of Scriptures as they occur'd. He would often say, I …ad other B…k, that I may be the better al… to …nderstand the Scripture.

'Twas a stock of Scripture Knowledge that he set up with, and with that he traded to good advantage. Tho he was so great a Master in the eloquence of Cicero, yet he prefer'd far before it, that of Apollos, who was an eloquent Man, and mighty in the Scriptures, Act. 18. 24.

He bid very fair at that time for University preferment, such was the Reputation he had got at the late Act, and such his Interest in Dr. Owen: but the Salvation of Souls was that which his heart was upon, to which he post-poned all his other Interests.

In September 1653, he came down to Emeral, from whence a Messenger was sent on purpose to Oxford to conduct him thither. Long after when it had pleased God to settle him in that Country, and to build him up into a Family, he would often reflect upon his coming into it first, what a Stranger he then was, and how p. 30far it was from his thoughts ever to have made his home in those parts, and passing over the Brook that parts between Flint-shire and Shrop-shire would sometimes very affectionately use that word of Iacob's, With my Staff I passed over this Iordan, and now I am become two bands.

At Emeral he pray'd in the Family, was Tutor to the young Gentlemen, and Preach'd once a day at Worthenbury, other help being procur'd for the other part of the day, according to his request, out of a fear, being so young, to take the whole Work upon him. But it soon hapn'd, that one Lord's-day the supply that was expected, fail'd, and so he was necessitated rather than there should be a vacancy to Preach twice, in which he found the Promise so well fulfill'd, as the day is so shall the strength be, and to him that hath (i. e. that hath and useth what he hath) shall be given, and he shall have abundance, that to the great satisfaction of his Friends there, from thence forward he wav'd, looking out for other help than what came from above, and would sometimes speak of this as an Instance that we do not know what we can do, till we have try'd.

Here he apply'd himself to a plain and practical way of Preaching, as one truly concern'd for the Souls of those he spoke to. He would say sometimes, We study how to speak that you may understand us. And, I never think I can speak plain enough when I am speaking about Souls and their Salvation. I have heard him say, he thought it did him good, that for the first half year of his being at Worthenbury, he had few or no Books with him, which engaged him (in studying Sermons) to a closer search of the Scripture, and his own heart. What success his labours had in that Parish, which before he came to it, (I have been told) was accounted one of the most loose and prophane places in all the Country, may p. 31be gather'd from a Letter of the Lady Puleston's to him, at the end of the first half, Year after his coming to Emeral, when he was uncertain of his Continuance there, and return to settle at Christ-Church. Take the Letter at Large,

Dear Mr. Henry,

THE Indisposition that my Sad… hath bred, and the stay of Mrs. V. here yesterday, hindred my Answering your last Expressions. As to ordering the Conversation, and presevering to the Practise of those good intents, taken up while one is in pursuit of a Mercy: You and I will confer, as God gives opportunity, who also must give the Will and the Deed, by his Spirit, and by the Rule of his Word. As to begging that one thing for you, God forbid (as Samuel said) that I should cease to pray, &c. This I am sure, that having wanted hitherto a good Minister of the Word among us, I have oft by Prayer and some Tears, above Five Years besought God for such a one as your self; which having obtain'd, I cannot yet Despair, seeing he hath given us the good Means, but he may also give us the good End. And this I find, that your Audience is increased three for one in the Parish, (though in Winter more than formerly in Summer); and five for one out of other Places. And I have neither heard of their being in the Ale-house on our Lords Day, nor Ball-playing that day, which before you came was frequent (except that Day that young Ch. Preached) I think I can name four or five in the Parish, that of formal Christians are becoming or become real: But you know all are not wrought on at first, by the Word. (Some come in no misfortune like other Men, and this is the Cause they be so holden with Pride, &c) Hypocrites also have Converted Conversion itself: Yet God may have reserved those that have not bow'd the Kne… to Baal, &c. and p. 32may call them at the latter part of the Day, though not in this half Year, It is a good sign most are loth to part with you; and you have done more good i… this half Year, then I have discern'd these Eighteen Years. But however, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, you have deliver'd your own Soul. I have pray'd, and do pray, seeing God hath sent you, that you may be for his Glory, and not for our Condemnation.

It is easie to imagine what an Encouragement this was to him, thus at his first sitting out to see of the Travel of his Soul, and what an inducement it was to him not to leave those among whom God had thus own'd him. However that Spring he returned to Oxford. The Lady Puleston soon after came to him thither, with her Five Sons, of whom she placed the two Eldest under his Charge, in the Colledge. In the following Vacation he went to London to visit his Relations there; and there in October he received a Letter from Judge Puleston, with a very solemn and affectionate Request subscribed by the Parishoners of Worthenbury, earnestly desiring his Settlement among them, as their Minister, which he was perswaded to comply with, having fix'd to himself that good Rule, In the turns of his Life, to Follow Providence, and not to force it: So in the Winter following he came down again, and settled with them. He continued in his Students place in Christs-Church for two or three Years, attending the Service of it once a Year; but disposing of most of the Profit of it for the use of poor Scholars there.

The Tithe of Worthenbury belong'd to Emeral Family, paying some Rent to the Rector of Bangor; this Tithe Judge Puleston was willing to give (clear of that Charge) to the Minister of Worthenbury for ever: p. 33But such was the peculiar and extraordinary kindness he had for Mr. Henry, upon the Experience of his Merits, that he chose rather by Deed of Indenture, bearing Date Octob. 6. 1655. between himself and Mr. Henry, In consideration of his being pleas'd to undertake the Cure of Souls, and to Preach and teach, and perform other Duties of Divine Service in the Parish-Church of Worthenbury (so the Deed runs) to give, grant and confirm for himself and his Heirs, unto the said, Philip Henry, the Yearly Rent of One Hundred Pounds, charged upon all his Messilages, Lands and Tenements in the several Counties of Flint, Denbigh, and Chester, to be paid Quarterly, until such times as the said Philip Henry shall be promoted or preferred to some other Spiritual or Ecclesiastical Living or Preferment, with Power of Distress in Case of Non-payment. A Hundred a Year was more than Worthenbury Tithes were worth at that time; and the manner of the Gift freed the maintenance from much of that Loss and Incumbrance which commonly attends the gathering of Tithe.

He still continued for some Years in Emeral Family, where he laid out himself very much for the Spiritual good of the Family, even of the meanest of the Servants, by Catechizing, repeating the Sermons, and Personal Instruction, and he had very much Comfort in the Countenance and Conversation of the Judge and his Lady. Yet he complains sometimes in his Diary of the Snares, and Temptations that he found in his way there, especially because some of the Branches of the Family who did not Patrizare were uneasie at his being there, which made him willing to remove to a House of his own, which when Judge Puleston perceived, in the Year 1657. out of his abundant and continued kindness to him, he did at his own proper Cost and Charges build him … very handsome p. 34House in Worthenbury, and settled it upon him by a Lease, bearing Date March. 6. 1657. for Threescore Years, if he should so long continue Minister at Worthenbury, and not accept of better Preferment.

He hath Noted in his Diary, that the very Day that the Workmen began the Building of that House, Mr. Mainwaring of Malpas, preached the Lecture at Bangor, from Psal. 127. 1. Except the Lord build the House, they Labour in vain that build it. There never was Truth (saith he) more seasonable to any than this was to me: It was a word upon the Wheels. He hath Recorded it as his great Care, that his Affections might be kept loose from it, and that it might not incroach upon God's Interest in his Heart. When it was finished he thus writes. I do from my Heart bless God, that no hurt or harm befel any of the Workmin in the Building of it.

Thus was his Maintenance settled at Worthenbury. In the Year 1659. he was by a Writing of Judge Puleston's, Collated, Nominated and Presented to the Church of Worthenbury, and (the Powers that then were, having so appointed) he had an Approbation thereof from the Commissioners for Approbation of publick Preachers.

Some little opposition was made to his Settlement at Worthenbury by Mr. Fogg then Rector of Bangor, because he conceiv'd it an Intrenchment upon his Right to Worthenbury. and thought it might prejudice his Recovering of it by Course of Law. I only mention this for the sake of the Note he hath upon it in his Diary, which is this, I do earnestly desire that the Iudge may give Mr. Fogg all reasonable Satisfaction, that there may be no appearance of wrong to him, or any other in this thing. And when Mr. Fog insisted upon it, that he would have Mr. Henry give it under his p. 35Hand, that he desired the Consent of the said Mr. Fogg to be Minister of Worthenbury; he yielded to do it for peace-sake, and from thence forward there was an intimate intire Friendship between Mr. Fogg and him.

Being thus settled at Worthenbury his next Care was touching Ordination to the Work of the Ministry, to which he would-see his Call very clear, before he Solemnly Devoted himself to it. And though afterwards in the Reflection (especially when he was Silenced) it was some trouble to him that he had so long deferred to be Ordain'd (and he would often, from the Consideration of that press those who intended the Ministry, not to put it off) yet as the times then were, there was something of a reason for it.

The nearest acting Class of Presbyters, was in the Hundred of Bradford. North in Shropshire, wherein Mr. Porter of Whitchurch was the leading Man, of whom Mr. Baxter gives so high a Character in his Life, Part 3. Pag. 94, and who was one of those whom he recommended to the Lord Chancellor, as fit to be made a Bishop Part 2. p. 283. This Class was Constituted by Ordinance of Parliament, in April 1647. the Members of it then, were the aforesaid Mr. Porter, Mr. Boughy of Hodnet, Mr. Hougton of Prees, Mr. Parsons of Wem, and Mr. Iohn Ruby by, and afterwards Mr. Malden of Newport, Mr. Binney of Ightfield, and Mr. Steel of Hanmer, (though in Flintshire) were taken in to them, and acted with them. This Class in Twelve Years time publickly Ordained Sixty three Ministers. Mr. Henry was very desirous to have been Ordained at Worthenbury, plebe praesence, which he thought most agreeable to the Intention, but the Ministers were not willing to set such a Precedent: However that was one thing which o…asioned p. 36the Delay, so that he was not Ordained till Sept. 16. 1657.

The way and manner of his Ordination was according to the known Directory of the Assembly of Divines, and the common usage of the Presbyterians; and yet he having left among his Papers a particular Account of that Solemnity, and some of the Workings of his Soul towards God in i…; I hope it may be of some use both for Instruction and Quickning to Ministers and for the information of such as are perhaps wholly strangers to such a thing, to give some account of te whole Transaction.

He made Addresses to the Presbytery, in order to his Ordination Iul. 6. at Prees, when he submitted to Trial, and Enquiry was made in the first place, concerning his Experience of the Work of Grace in his Heart; in Answer to which he gave a reason of the Hope that was in him, with Meekness and Fear; that the Spirit of Grace had been dealing with him when he was young, and he hoped had Discovered to him his need of Christ, and had bow'd his Will in some Measure to close with him upon his own Terms, &c. His Skill in the Original Languages of the Scripture was then tried; and he read and construed two Verses in the Hebrew Bible, and two in the Greek Testament: He was then Examined in Logick and natural Philosophy, next in Divinity, what Authors he had read, and what Knowledge he had touching the Mediation of Christ, &c. and his Skill in the Scripture was tried, by propounding to him a Difficult Text to give his Sense of; a Case of Conscience was also put to him to be resolv…d, and Enquiry made into his Acquaintance with Church History. Lastly, a Question was given him to provide a Thesis upon against next Meeting, which was this, An Providentia Divina extendat p. 37se ad omnia … Aff. On this Question he exhibited his Thesis, Aug. 3. and defended it. Several of the Ministers oppos'd, and Mr. Porter moderated. He then produced two Certificates, which he left with the Register of the Class, one from Oxford Subscribed by Dr. Wilkinson, Dr. Langley, &c. the other from the Neighbour Ministers, Mr. Steel, Mr. Fogg, &c. both testifying of his Conversation, &c. The Lord forgive me (saith he in his Diary upon this) that it hath not been more Exemplary as it ought for Piety and Industry. Amen, Lord, in Christ. The Day for Ordination was appointed to be Sept. 16. at Prees, of which Notice was given at Worthenbury by a Paper, read in the Church, and afterwards affixed to the Church-door the Lord's Day before, signifying also, That if any one could produce any just Exceptions against the Doctrine or Life of the said Mr. Henry, or any sufficient Reason why he might not be Ordained, they should certifie the same to the Classis, or the Scribe, and it should be heard and considered.

On the Day of Ordination there was a very great Assembly gathered together; Mr. Porter began the Publick work of the Day with Prayer, then Mr. Parsons Preached on 1 Tim. 1. 12. I thank Christ Iesus who hath enabled me, for that he counted me Faithful, putting me into the Ministry. Putting Men into the Ministry is the Work of Jesus Christ. After Sermon Mr. Parsons, according to the usual Method, requir'd of him a Confession of his Faith, which he made as follows.

The Ground and Rule of my Faith towards God, is the Scripture of the Old and New Testament; I believe they were written 2 Pet. 1. 21.2 Pet 1:21by Holy Men, immediately inspir'd by p. 38the Holy Ghost; having found the efficacy of them in some measure upon my own Heart; I believe they are further able to make me wise to Salvation.2 Tim. 3. 15.2 Tim 3:15

Concerning God, I believe that he is, and that he is the Rewarder of those that diligently Heb. 11. 6.Heb 11:6seek him.

The Trinity of Persons in the Unity of the Godhead, I receive and own as a Truth, 1. Ioh. 5. 7.1 John 5:7I admire and adore as a Mystery; though no Man hath seen God at any time, yet the only. Begotten Son, which is in the Bosom Ioh. 1. 18.John 1:18of the Father, he hath declared him, and what he hath declared concerning him that I believe. I believe that God is a Spirit, for the Son hath said, God is a Spirit. Ioh. 4. 24.John 4:24I believe that he hath Life in himself, and that he hath given to the Son to have Ioh. 5. 26.John 5:26Life in himself. I believe all things were made by him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. I believe by his Providence he preserves, guides, and governs all the Creatures, according to the purpose of his own, Will to his own Glory; for the Father worketh hitherto, and the Son Ioh. 5. 17.John 5:17also worketh.

I believe he made Man upright after his Eccl. 7. 29. Gen. 1. 26. Col. 3. 10. Eph. 4. 24.Eccl 7:29Gen 1:26Col 3:10Eph 4:24own Image and Likeness, which Image consisted in Knowledge, Righteousness, and true Holiness, but Man by Sin lost it.

I believe we were all in the Loins of our first Parents, and that they stood, and fell as publick Persons, and upon that Account justly, without any colour of wrong, we bear our share, both in the Guilt of their p. 39Ps. 51. 5.Ps 51:5Disobedience, and also the Corruption of Nature following thereupon; so that we Eph. 2. 3. Zech. 11. 8.Eph 2:3Zech 11:8come into the World Children of Wrath, and Heirs of the Curse, one as well as another; Enemies to God, hating him, and Rom. 7. 18.Rom 7:18hated of him: Averse to what is good, and prone to all manner of Evil. Though all are born in, this Condition, yet there are Gen. 6. 5.Gen 6:5some that do not dye in it.

I believe, there is a Mediator, and 1 Tim. 25.there is but one Mediator between God and Men, the Man Christ Iesus. Those whom the Father hath from Everlasting pitched his Eph. 1. 4, 5.Eph 1:4Eph 1:5Love upon, and given to Christ, not because of Works or Faith foreseen, but meerly of Rom. 5. 11.Rom 5:11his Free Grace; for those, I believe Christ was sent forth into the World made of a Woman, made under the Law; for their Gal. 4. 4. Ioh. 17. 19.Gal 4:4John 17:19sakes he sanctified himself, and became obedient to Death, even the Death of the Phil. 2. 8, 9.Phil 2:8Phil 2:9Cross; wherefore God also highly exalted him; and having raised him from the Dead Eph. 1. 20. 21.Eph 1:20Eph 1:21on the third Day, se… him at his own Right Hand, where he ever lives, to make Intercession Heb. 7. 25. Ioh. 17. 9.Heb 7:25John 17:9for those for whom he shed his Blood. All these Elect redeemed ones I believe are in due time, sooner or later, in their Lives effectually called, washed, sanctified, justified Rom. 8. 30.Rom 8:30in the Name of the Lord Jesus, and by 1 Cor. 6. 11.1 Cor 6:11the Spirit of our God.

I believe the Righteousness of Christ alone, Ro. 5. 1.Rom 5:1apprehended by Faith, is the matter of our Justification before God; and that Ps. 143. 2.Ps 143:2no Flesh can stand in his Sight upon any other terms, for he is the Lord our Righteousness, p. 40Ier. 23. 6.Jer 23:6and in him only the Father is well Mat. 3. 17.Matt 3:17pleas'd.

I believe the Work of Sanctification, managed by the Spirit, who dwelleth in us, Rom. 15. 16.Rom 15:16though in respect of Parts it be compleat, for the whole Man is renewed; yet in respect Col. 3. 11.Col 3:11of Degrees it is not fully perfected till we come to Glory; and I believe all that 1 Cor. 13. 9, 10.1 Cor 13:91 Cor 13:10are Justified shall be Glorifi'd, for we are kept by the Fower of God, through Faith unto Salvation.1 Pet. 1. 5.1 Pet 1:5

I believe the gathering in and Building up of Saints, is the special end why Pastors and Eph. 4. 11.Eph 4:11Teachers are appointed in the Church; and that Jesus Christ, according to his Promise, will be with them, in that Work to the end Matt. 28. 20.Matt 28:20of the World.

The Two Sacraments of the New Testament, Baptism and the Lord's Supper, I receive and own as Signs and Seals of the Rom. 4. 11.Rom 4:11Covenant of Grace; the former Instituted by our Lord Jesus, as a Sign and Seal of Matt. 28. 1… Rom. 6. 7.Matt 28:1Rom 6:7our engrassing into him, due of right to all the Infants of Believing Parents, and but Acts 2. 39. Matt. 26. 26.Acts 2:39Matt 26:26once to be Administred; the other instituted by our Lord Jesus in the Night wherein he was Betrayed, to shew forth his Death, and to 1 Cor. 11. 26.1 Cor 11:26Seal the Benefits purchased thereby to his Church and People, and to be often repeated.

When the Body returns to the Dust, I believe the Soul returns to God that gave it; Eccl. 12. 7.Eccl 12:7and that immediately it receives from him the Sentence, according to what hath been Matt. 25. 34, 41.Matt 25:34Matt 25:41done in the Flesh, either Come inherit the p. 41Kingdom, o… Depart accursed into everlasting Fire.

I believe besides this, a Day of general Judgment in the end of the World, wherein Acts 17. 31.Acts 17:31we must all appear before the Tribunal of Jesus Christ; and that our Bodies being 2 Cor. 5. 10.2 Cor 5:10raised by an Almighty-Power from the Dust, shall be United to the same Souls again, and shall partake with them in the same Condition, 1 Cor. 15. 42.1 Cor 15:42either of Happiness or Misery; to all Eternity. Those that have done good shall come forth unto the Resurrection of Life, and those that have done evil to Ioh. 5. 29.John 5:29the Resurrection of Damnation:

This is the Sum and Substance of my Faith, into which I was Baptized, and in which, by the Grace of God I will live and Dye.

Mr. Parsons then propos'd certain Questions to him, according to the Instructions in the Directory, to which he return'd Answer as followeth:

Question 1. What are your Ends in undertaking the Work and Calling of a Minister?

Answer. As far as upon search and Enquiry I can hitherto find, though there be that within me that would seek great things for my self (if indeed they were to be found in this Calling) yet with my Mind I seek them not. But the Improvement of the Talent which I have Received in the Service of the Gospel, for the Glory of God and the Salvation of Souls, I hope is in my Eye; if there be any thing else I own it not, I allow it not; while so many seek their own, it is my desire, and shall be my endeavour, to seek the things of Jesus Christ.

p. 42Qu. 2. What are your purposes, as to Diligence and Industry in this Calling?

Answ. I do purpose and resolve, by the help of God, to give my self wholly to these things; to Prayer, Reading, Meditation, instant Preaching in Season and out of Season, wherein I shall very gladly spend and be spent, if by any means I may both save my self and them that hear me. And when at any time I fail herein, I desire God by his Spirit, and my Christian Friends, Neighbours and Brethren, by seasonable Reproof and Admonition, to put me in mind of this Engagement now made, in the presence of this great Congregation.

Qu. 3. Do you mean to be Zealous and Faithful in the Defence of Truth and Unity, against Error and Schism?

Answ. I believe what the Spirit hath foretold, that in the last days, perilous times shall come, wherein Men will not endure sound Doctrin, but after their own lusts shall heap unto themselves Teachers. 'Tis my resolution by the Grace of Christ to watch in all things; to contend earnestly for the Faith, to hold fast the Form of sound and wholsom Words, even the Words of our Lord Jesus, and the Doctrine which is according to Godliness, in Meekness as I am able; instructing those that oppose themselves: And for Peace and Unity if my heart deceive me not, I shall rather chuse to hazzard the loss of any thing that is most dear to me, than be any way knowingly accessary to the disturbance of these in the Churches of Christ.

Qu. 4. What is your Perswasion of the Truth of the Reformed Religion?

Answ. My perswasion is, that the Bishop of Rome is that Man of Sin and Son of Perdition, whom the Lord Jesus will consume with the Spirit of his Mouth, and whom p. 43he will destroy by the Brightness of his coming. And the Separation which our first Reformers made I do heartily rejoyce in, and bless God for, for had we still continued to partake with him in his Sins, we should in the end have partaked with him also in his Plagues.

Qu. 5. What do you intend to do when the Lord shall alter your condition, and bring a Family under your charge?

Answ. When the Lord shall please in his Providence to bring me into new Relations, I hope he will give me Grace to fill them up with Duty, it is my purpose to wait upon him and to keep his way, to endeavour in the use of means, that all that are mine may be the Lords.

Qu. 6. Will you in Humility and Meekness submit to Admonition and Discipline?

Answ. I believe it to be a Duty incumbent upon all that profess the Name of Christ to watch over one another, and that when any is overtaken in a fault, those that are Spiritual are to set him in joynt again with the Spirit of Meekness. It shall be my endeavour in the strength of Jesus Christ to walk without rebuke, and when at any time I step aside (for who is there that lives and sins not) I shall account the smitings of my Brethren kindness, and their wounds Faithful.

Qu. 7. What if Troubles, Persecutions, and Discouragements arise, will you hold out to the end notwithstanding?

Answ. Concerning this I am very jealous over my own heart, and there is cause, I find a great want of that Zeal and courage for God, which I know is requir'd in a Minister of the Gospel, nevertheless I perswade my self that no Temptation shall befall me but such as is common to Man, and that God who is faithful will not suffer me to be tempted above that which p. 44I am able, but that with the Temptation he will also make a way to escape, that I may be able to bear it. I promise faithfulness to the Death, but I rest not at all in my promise to God: But in his to me, when thou goest through the Fire, and through the Water, I will be with thee.

When this was done, Mr. Parsons Pray'd; and in Prayer he and the rest of the Presbyters (Mr. Porter, Mr. Houghton, Mr. Malden and Mr. Steel) laid their hands upon him with words to this purpose, Whom we do thus in thy Name set apart to the Work and Office of the Ministry. After him there were five more after the like previous Examinations and Trials, Professions and Promises at the same time in like manner set apart to the Ministry.

Then Mr. Malden of Newport clos'd with an Exhortation, directed to the newly Ordained Ministers, in which (saith Mr. Henry in his Dairy) this word went near my heart. As the Nurse puts the Meat first into her own mouth, and chews it, and then feeds the Child with it, so should Ministers do by the Word, Preach it over before-hand to their own hearts, it loses none of the vertue hereby, but rather probably gains. As that Milk nourisheth most which comes warm, from the warm Brest, so that Sermon which comes warm from a warm heart. Lord quicken me to do thy will in this thing.

The Classes gave him, and the rest, Instruments in Parchment certifying this, which it may satisfy the curiosity of some to read the Form of.

Whereas, Mr. Philip Henry of Worthenbury, in the County of Flint Master of Arts, hath addressed himself unto us, Authorised by an Ordinance of both Houses of Parliament, of the 29th of August 1648, for the Ordination of Ministers, desiring to be Ordain'd a Presbyter, for that he is chosen and appointed for the Work of the p. 45Ministry at Worthenbury in the County of Flint, as by a Certificate now remaining with us, touching that his Election and Appointment appeareth, And he having likewise exhibited a sufficient Testimonial of his deligence and proficiency in his Studies, and unblameableness of his Life and Conversation, he hath been examin'd according to the Rules for Examination in the said Ordinance expressed; and thereupon approved, there being no just exception made, nor put in against his Ordination and Admission. These may therefore testifie to all whom it may concern, that upon the Sixteenth day of September 1657. We have proceeded solemnly to set him apart for the Office of a Presbyter, and work of the Ministry of the Gospel, by laying on of our hands with Fasting and Prayer, By virtue whereof we do declare him to be a lawful and sufficiently authoriz'd Minister of Iesus Christ: And having good Evidence of his lawful and fair Calling, not only to the Work of the Ministry, but to the Exercise thereof at the Chappel of Worthenbury in the County of Flint: We do hereby send him thither, and actually admit him to t…e said Charge, to perform all the Offices and Duties of a faithful Pastor there, exhorting the People in the Name of Iesus Christ, willingly to receive and acknowledge him as the Minister of Christ, and to maintain and encourage him in the Execution of his Office, that he may be able to give up such an account to Christ of their Obedience to his Ministry, as may be to his joy, and their everlasting comfort. In Witness whereof we the Presbyters of the Fourth Class, in the County of Salop, commonly called Bradford-North Class, have hereunto set our Hands, this 16th day of September, in the Year of our Lord God, 1657.

Tho. Porter, Moderator for the time.

Andrew Parsons, Minister of Wem.

Aylmar Haughton, Minister of Prees.

p. 46John Malden. Minister of Newport.

Richard Steel, Minister of Hanmer.

I have heard it said by those who were present at this solemnity, that Mr. Henry did in his Countenance, Carriage and Expression, discover such an extraordinary Seriousness and Gravity, and such deep Impressions made upon his Spirit, as greatly affected the Auditory, and even struck an Aw upon them.

Read his Reflection upon it in his Diary. Methoughts I saw much of God in the carrying on of the work of this day…, O how good is the Lord, he is good and doth good; the Remembrance of it I shall never loose, to him be Glory. I made many promises of Diligence, Faithfulness, &c. but I lay no stress at all on them, but on God's Promise to me, that he will be with his Ministers always to the end of the World. Amen, Lord, so be it. Make good thy Word unto thy Servant, wherein thou hast caused me to put my Trust. And in another place, I did this day receive, as, much Honour and Work, as ever I shall be able to know what to do with; Lord Iesus proportion supplies accordingly, Two Scriptures he desir'd might be written in his Heart, 2 Cor. 6. 4, 5, &c. and 2 Chron. 29. 11.

Two Years after, upon occasion of his being present at an Ordination at Whitchurch, he thus writes; This Day my Ordination Covenants were in a special manner renew'd, as to diligence in Reading, Prayer, Meditation, Faithfulness in Preaching, Admonition, Catechizing, Sacraments, Zeal against Error and Profaneness, Care to preserve and promote the Unity and Purity of the Church, notwithstanding Opposition and Persecution, tho' to Death. Lord thou hast filled my Hands with Work, fill my Heart with Wisdom and Grace, that I may discharge my Duty to p. 47thy Glory, and my own Salvation, and the Salvation of those that hear me. Amen.

Let us now see how he applied himself to his Work at Worthenbury. The Sphere was narrow, too narrow for such a burning and shining Light: There were but Forty one Communicants in that Parish, when he first set up the Ordinance of the Lord's Suppe; and they were never doubled: Yet he had such low Thoughts of himself, that he not only never sought for a larger Sphere, but would never hearken to any Overtures of that kind made to him: And withal, he had such high thoughts of his work, and of the worth of Souls, that he laid out himself with as much diligence and vigor here, as if he had had the over-fight of the greatest and most considerable Parish in the Country.

The greatest part of the Parish were poor Tenants, and labouring Husbandmen; but the Souls of su… (he us'd to say) are as precious as the Souls of the Rich, and to be look'd after accordingly. His Prayer for them was, Lord, despise not the day of small things in this place where there is some willingness, but much weakness. And thus he writes upon the Judges settling a handsome Maintenance upon him: Lord, thou knowest, I seek not theirs but them: Give me …he Souls.—

He was in Labours more abundant to win Souls; besides Preaching, he Expounded the Sciptures in order, Catechized and Explain'd the Catechism At first he took into the Number of his Catechumens some that were adult, who (he found) wanted Instruction; and when he had taken what pains he thought needful with them, he dismiss'd them from further attendance, with Commendation of their Proficiency, and Counsel to hold fast the form of found Words; to be watchful p. 48against the Sins of their Age, and to apply themselves to the Ordinance of the Lord's Supper, and make ready for it; afterwards he Catechized none above Seventeen or Eighteen Years of Age.

He set up a Monthly Lecture there of Two Sermons, one he himself Preached, and the other his Friend Mr. Ambrose Lewis of Wrexham, for some Years. He also kept up a Monthly Conference in private from House to House, in which he met with the more knowing and judicious of the Parish; and they discoursed Familiarly together of the things of God, to their mutual Edification, according to the Example of the Apostles; who tho' they had the liberty of publick Places, yet taught also from House to House, Acts 5. 42. 20. 20. That which induced him to set and keep up this Exercise as long as he durst (which was till August, 1660.) was, that by this means he came better to understand the state of his Flock, and so knew the better how to Preach to them, and pray for them, and they to pray one for another. If they were in doubt about any thing relating to their Souls, that was an opportunity of getting Satisfaction. It was likewise a means of encreasing Knowledge and Love and other Graces; and thus it abounded to a good Account.

He was very industrious in visiting the Sick, instructing them, and preying with them; and in this he would say, he aimed at the good, not only of those that were Sick, but also of their Friends and Relations that were about them.

He Preach'd Funeral Sermons for all that were Buryed there, rich or poor, old or young, or little Children; for he looked upon it as an opportunity of doing good: He called it, setting in the Plow of the Word when the Providence had softned and prepared the Ground p. 49He never took any Money for that or any o…er ministerial Performance, besides his stated Salary, for, which he thought himself obliged to do his whole Duty to them as a Minister.

When he first set up the Ordinance of the Lord's Supper there, he did it with very great solemnity. After he had endeavoured to instruct them in his publick Preaching, touching the Nature of that Ordinance, he discoursed personally with all that gave up their Names to the Lord in i… touching their Knowledge, Experience, and Conversation, obliged them to observe the Law of Christ, touching brotherly Admonition in case of Scandal; and gave …otlce to the Co…gre ga…on who they were that were …mitted; adding th… … Concerning these, and my self, I have two things to say, 1. As to what is past we have sinned, if …e should say we have n…; we should deceive our selves and the Truth were not in us; and yet this withal we can say, and have said it some of us with Tears, We are grieved that we have sinned. … For time to come we are resol…ed by God's G…ce to walk in new Obedience; and yet le…g. we are not Angels, but Men and Women, compassed about with Infirmities and Temptations, it is possible we may fall, but if we do, it is our declared Resolution to submit to Admonition, and censure according to the Rule of the Gospel. And all along he took care so to manage his Admissions to that Ordinance, as that the weak might not be discouraged, and yet the Ordinance might not be profaned. He would tell those whom he was necessitated to debar from the Ordinance for Ignorance, that he would undertake, if they were but truly willing, they might in a Weeks time by the Blessing of God upon their diligent use of Means, Reading, Prayer, and Conference, get such a competent Measure of Knowledge, as to be p. 50able to …scern the Lord's Body. And those that had been scandalous, if they would but come in and declare their Repentance and Resolutions of new Obedience, they should no longer be excluded.

To give a Specimen of his lively Administrations of that Ordinance, let me transcribe the Notes of his Exhortationat the first Sacrament that ever he administred, Nov. 27. 1659. I suppose they are but the Hints of what he enlarged more upon, for he had always a great fluency upon such occasions.

Dearly. beloved in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, We are met together this day about the most solemn weighty Service under Heaven; we are come to a Feast, where the Feast-maker is God the Father, the Provision God the Son, whose Flesh is Meat indeed, and whose Blood is Drink indeed; the Guests a company of poor Sinners, unworthy such an Honour; the Crumbs under the Table were too good for us, and yet we are admitted to tast of the Provision upon the Table; and that which makes the Feast is hearty welcome: God the Father bids you welcome; and ten Thousand Welcomes this day, to the Flesh and Blood of his Son; think you hear him saying it to you, ô believing Souls, Cant. 5. 1. Eat, O Friends, drink, yea, drinkabundantly, O Beloved. The end of this Feast is to keep in remembrance the Death of Christ, and our Deliverance by it, and thereby to convey spiritual Nourishment and Refreshment to our Souls. But withal, give me leave to ask you one Question, What Appetite have you to this Feast? Are you come hungring and thirsting? such have the Promise, they shall be filled. He filleth the Hungry with good things, but the Rich are sent empty away; a Honey-Comb to a full Soul is no Honey-Comb—Canst thou say as Christ said? With desire I have desired p. 51to eat this. In this Ordinance here's Christ and all his Benefits exhibited to thee. Art thou weak? here's Bread to strengthen thee; Art thou sad? here's Wine to comfort thee: What is it thou standest in need of, a Pardon? here it is seal'd in Blood, take it by Faith, as I offer it to you in the Name of the Lord Jesus, though thy Sins have been as Scarlet, they shall be as Wool, if thou be willing and obedient. It may be, here are some that have been Drunkards, Swearers, Scoffers at Godliness, Sabbath-breakers, and what not? And God hath put it into your Hearts to humble your selves, to mourn for, and turn from all your Abominations; O come hither, here's forgiveness for thee. What else is it thou wantest? O (saith the poor Soul) I would have more of the Spirit of Grace, more Power against Sin, especially my own Iniquity; why, here it is for thee, from the fulness, that is in Jesus Christ we receive, and Grace for Grace, Joh. 1. 16. We may say as David did, Psal. 108. 7, 8. God hath spoken in his Holiness, and then Gilead is mine, and Manasseh mine. So God hath spoken in his Word sealed in his Sacrament, and then Christ is mine, Pardon is mine, Grace is mine, Comfort mine, Glory mine; here I have his Bond to shew for it. This is to those among you, that have engaged their Hearts to approach unto God this Day.

But if there he any come hither with a false, unbelieving, filthy, hard Heart, I do warn you seriously, and with Authority, in the Name of Jesus Christ, presume not to come any nearer to this sacred Ordinance, you that live in the practice of any Sin, or the omission of any Duty against your Knowledge and Conscience; you that have any Malice or Grudge to any of your Neighbours, leave your Gift and go your ways; be reconcil'd to God, be reconciled to your p. 52Brother, and then come—! Better shame thy self for coming so near, than damn thy self by coming nearer: I testifie to those, who say they shall have Peace, though they go on still in their Trespasses, that there's Poyson in the Bread; take it and eat it at your own Peril; there's Poyson in the Cup too, you drink your own Damnation: I wash my Hands from the guilt of your Blood, look you to it. On the other hand, you poor penitent Souls that are lost in your selves, here's a Christ to save you, Come, O come ye that are weary and heavy laden, &c.

It may not be amiss to transcribe also some Hints of preparation for the administring of the Ordinance of Baptism, which I find under his Hand at his first setting out in the Ministry, as follows.

It is a real Manifestation of the Goodness and Love of God to Believers, that he hath not only taken them into Covenant with himself, but their Seed also; saying, I will be thy God, and the God of thy Seed. Tho' to be born of such, doth not necessarily intitle Infants to the spiritual Mercies of the Covenant, for Grace doth not run in a Blood; we see the contrary many times, even godly Parents have wicked Children; Abraham had his Ishmael, and Isaac his Esau, yet questionless it doth entitle them to the external Priviledges of the Covenant. The like Figure unto Noah's Ark, even Baptism doth also now save us: Noah, and all that were his, entred into the Ark, though we have cause to doubt whether they all entred into Heaven. While our Lord Jesus was here upon the Earth, they brought little Children to him, and he laid his Hands on them, and blessed them; and said moreover, Suffer little Children to come unto me, and forbid, them not, (there are many at this day that forbid little Children to come to Christ); he adds the reason, for of such p. 53is the Kingdom of Heaven. Whether it be meant of the visible Church, often so called in the Gospel, or of the state of Glory in another World; either way it affords an Argument for Proof of Infant Baptism. When either Parent is in Covenant with God, their Children also are in Covenant with him; and being in Covenant, they have an undoubted Right and Title to this Ordinance of Baptism, which is the Seal of the Covenant. So that in the Administration of this Ordinance this Day, according to the Institution of Jesus Christ, we look upon you who are the Father of this Child, as a Person in Covenant with God: How far you have dealt unfaithfully in the Covenant, is known to God and your own Conscience; but this we know, the Vows of God are upon you; and let every one that nameth the Name of Christ depart from Iniquity. But before we Baptise your Child, I am to acquaint you in a few words what we expect from you.

Q. (1.) Do you avouch God …n Jesus Christ this Day to be your God?—See to it that this be done in Truth and with a perfect Heart: you may tell us you do so, and you may deceive us, but God is not mocked. Q (2.) And is, it your desire, that your Children also may be received into Covenant with the Lord, and that the Lord's Broad-seal of Baptism may be set to it? Q. (3.) And do you promise in the presence of God and of this Congregation, that you will do your endeavour towards the training of it u… in the way of Godliness, that as it is by you through Mercy that it lives the Life of Nature, so it may by you also, through the same Mercy, live the Life of Grace; else I must tell you, if you be wanting herein, there will be a sad Appearance one Day, when you shall meet together before the Judgment-seat of Christ, and this p. 54solemn Engagement of yours will be brought in to witness against you.

These were but the first Instances of his Skilfulness, in dispensing the Mysteries of the Kingdom of God. He declin'd the private Administration of the Lord's Supper to sick Persons, as judging it not consonant to the Rule and Intention of the Ordinance. He very rarely, if ever, Baptised in private; but would have Children brought to the solemn Assembly upon the Lord's Day, that the Parents Engagement might have the more Witnesse… to it, and the Child the more Prayers put up for it, and that the Congregation might be edified. And yet he would say there was some inconvenience in it too, unless People would agree to put off the Feasting part of the Solemnity to some other time, which he very much perswaded his Friends to; and observed, that Abraham made a great Feast the same Day that Isaac it is weaned, (Gen. 21. 8.) not the same Day that he was circumcised.

His Carriage towards the People of his Parish was very exemplary, condescending to the meanest, and conversing familiarly with them; bearing with the Infirmites of the weak, and becoming all things to all Men. He was exceeding tender of giving Offence, or occasion of Grief to any body, minding himself in his Diary upon such occasions, that the Wisdom that is from above, is pure, and peaceable, and gentle, &c. Yet he plainly and faithfully reproved what he saw amiss in any, and would not suffer Sin upon them; mourning also for that which he could not mend. There were some untractable People in the Parish, who sometimes caused Grief to him, and exercised his Boldness and Zeal in reproving. Once hearing of a merry Meeting at an Ale-house on a Saturday Night, he went himself and broke it up, and scattered them. At another time, p. 55he publickly witnessed againt … …rolick of some vain People, that on a Saturday Night came to the Church with a Fidler before them, and dress'd it up with Flowers and Garlands, making it (as he told them) more like a Play-house; And, was this their preparation for the Lord's Day, and the Duties of it? &c. He minded them of Eccl. 11. 9. Rejoyce, O young Man in thy Youth, but know thou—

Many out of the neighbouring Parishes attended upon his Ministry, and some came from far, though sometimes he signifi'd his dislike of their so doing, so far was he from glorying in it. But they who had spiritual Senses exercised to discern things that differ, would attend upon that Ministry which they found to be most edifying.

He was about Eight Years from first to last, labouring in the Word and Doctrine at Worthenbury, and his Labour was not altogether in vain: He saw in many of the travel of his Soul to the rejoycing of his Heart, but with this particular Dispensation (which I have heard him sometimes speak of) that most or all of those in that Parish whom he was (through Grace) instrumental of Good too, died before he left the Parish, or quickly after; so that within a few Years after his removal thence, there were very few of the visible Fruits of his Ministry there; and a new Generation sprung up there who knew not Ioseph. Yet the opportunity he found there was there of doing the more good, by having those that were his Charge near about him, made him all his days bear his Testimony to Parish Order, where it may he had upon good Terms, as much more elegible, and more likely to answer the end, than the Congregational way of gathering Churches from places far distant; which could not ordinarily meet to worship God together. From his Experience here p. 56(though he would say, we must do what we can, when we cannot do what we would) he often wished and prayed for the opening of a Door, by which to return to that Order again.

He had not been long at Worthenbury, but he began to be taken notice of by the neighbouring Ministers, as likely to be a considerable Man. Though his extraordinary Modesty and Humility (which even in his Youth he was remarkable for) made him to sit down with silence in the lowest Room, and to say as Elihu, Days shall speak; yet his eminent Gifts and Graces could not long be hid, the Ointment of the Righthand will betray it self; and a Person of his Merits could not but meet with those quickly, who said, Friend, go up higher; and so that Scripture was fulfilled, Luke 14. 10. He was often called upon to preach the Week-day. Lectures, which were set up plentifully, and diligently attended upon in those parts, and his Labours were generally very acceptable and successful. The Vox Populi fasten'd upon him the Epithet of Heavenly Henry, by which Title he was commonly known all the Country over, and his Advice was sought for by many neighbouring Ministers and Christians, for he was one of those that found Favour and good Understanding in the sight of God and Man. He was noted at his first setting out (as I have been told by one who was then intimately acquainted with him, and with his Character and Conversation) for three things, 1. Great Piety and Devotion, and a mighty savor of Godliness in all his Converse. 2. Great Industry in the pursuit of useful Knowledge; he was particularly observed to be very inquisi…ive when he was among the Aged and Intelligent, hearing them, and asking them Questions; a good Example to young Men, especially young Ministers. 3. Great Self-denial, Self-diffidence, and p. 57Self-abasement; this eminent Humility put a Lustre upon all his other Graces. This Character of him, minds me of a Passage I have sometimes heard him tell us, a check to the forwardness▪ and conference of young Men, That once at a Meeting of Ministers, a Question of Moment was started, to be debated among them; upon the first proposal of it, a confident young Man shoots his Bolt presently, Truly (saith he) I hold it so; You hold Sir, (saith a grave Minister) it becomes you to hold your Peace.

Besides his frequent preaching of the Lectures about him, he was a constant and diligent Attendant upon those within his reach, as a Hearer; and not only wrote the Sermons he heard, but afterwards recorded in his Diary what in each Sermon reach'd his Heart, affected him, and did him good; adding some proper pious Ejaculations, which were the Breathings of his Heart, when he meditated upon and prayed over the Sermon.

What a wonderful degree of Piety and Humility doth it evidence, for one of so great acquaintance with the things of God, to write, This I learnt out of such a Sermon; and this was the Truth I made up to my self out of such a Sermon; and indeed something out of every Sermon. His diligent improvement of the Wo…d preach'd, contributed (more than any one thing, as a means) to his great Attainments of Knowledge and Grace. He would say sometimes, that one great use of Week-day Lectures, was, that it gave Ministers an opportunity of hearing one another preach, by whi…h they are likely to profit, when they hear not as Masters, but as Scholars, not as Censors, but as Learners.

p. 58His great Friend and Companion, and Fellow Labourer in the Work of the Lord, was the worthy Mr. Richard Steel (Minister of Hanmer, one of the next Parishes to Worthenbury) whose praise is in the Churches of Christ, for his Excellent and Useful Treatises, The Husbandman's Calling; An Antidote against Distractions, and several others. He was Mr. Henry's alter idem, the Man of his Counsel; with him he joined frequently at Hanmer and else-where, in Christian Conference, and in Days of Humiliation and Prayer: Besides, their Meetings with other Ministers at Publick Lectures; after which it was usual for them to spend some time among themselves in set Disputations in Latin. This was the Work that in those Days was carried on among Ministers, who made it their Business, as Iron sharpens Iron, to provoke one another to Love and to good Works. What was done of this kind in Worcestershire, Mr. Baxter tells us in his Life.

In the beginning of his Days he often laboured under Bodily Distempers; it was fear'd that he was in a Consumption; and some blamed him for taking so much pains in his Ministerial Work, suggesting to him Master spare thy self: One of his Friends told him, he lighted up all his Pound of Candles together; and that he could not hold out long at that rate; and wished him to be a better Husband of his Strength: But he often reflected upon it with comfort afterwards, that he was not influenced by such Suggestions: The more we do, the more we may do (so he would sometimes say) in the Service of God. When his Work was sometimes more than ordinary, and bore hard upon him, he thus appealed to God; Thou knowest, Lord, how well contented I am to spend and to be spent in thy Service; and if the outward Man decay, O, let the inward Man be renewed. Upon the returns of his Indisposition p. 59he expresseth a g…eat Concern, how to get Spiritual good by it; to come out of the …urnace, and leave some Dross behind; for it is a great Loss to loose an Affliction. He mentions it as tha… which he hoped did him good, that he was ready to look upon every return of Distemper, as a Summons to the Grave; thus he learn'd to dye daily. I find (saith he) my earthly. Tabernacle t…tering, and when it is taken down, I shall have a Building in Heaven, that shall never fail. Blessed be God the Father and my Lord Iesus Christ, and the good Spirit of Grace, Even so, Amen. This was both his Strength and his Song, under his Bodily Infirmities.

While he was at Worthenbury he constantly laid by the Tenth of his Income for the Poor, which he carefully and faithfully dispos'd of, in the liberal things which he devis'd, especially the teaching of poor Children: And he would recommend it as a good Rule to lay by for Charity (in some proportion, according as the Circumstances are) and then it will be the easier to lay out in Charity; we shall be the more apt to seek for opportunities of doing good when we have Money lying by us, of which we have said, This is not our own but the Poors. To encourage himself and others to Works of Charity, he would say, He is no Fool who parts with that which he cannot keep, when he is sure to be Recompensed with that which he cannot loose. And yet to prove Alms to be Righteousness, and to exclude all Boasting of them, he often express'd himself in these words of David, Of thine own, Lord have we given thee.

In the Year 1658. the Ministers of that Neighbourhood, began to enlarge their Correspondence with the Ministers of North-Wales; and several Meetings they had at Ruthin and other places that Year, p. 60for the settling of a Correspondence, and the promoting of Unity and Love, and good Understanding among themselves, by entring into an Association, like those some years before of Worcestershire and Cumberland, to which, as their pattern (those two having been Published) they did refer themselves. They appointed particular Associations; and (notwithstanding the differences of Apprehension, that were among them; some being in their Judgments Episcopal, others Congregational, and others Classical) they agreed to lay aside the thoughts of Matters in Variance, and to give to each other the Right Hand of Fellowship; that with one Shoulder and with one Consent, they might Study each in their places to promote the Common Interest of Christ's Kingdom, and the Common Salvation of precious Souls. He observ'd that this Year, after the Death of Oliver Cromwell, there was generally throughout the Nation, a great Change in the Temper of God's People, and a mighty tendency towards Peace and Unity, as if they were by Consent weary of their long clashings, which in his Diary he expresseth his great Rejoycing in, and his Hopes that the time was at Hand, when Iudah should no longer vex Ephraim, nor Ephraim envy Iudah, neither should they learn War any more. And though these hopes were soon disappointed by a Change of the Scene; yet he would often speak of the Experience of that and the following Year in those parts, as a Specimen of what may yet be expected; (and therefore in Faith prayed for) when the Spirit shall be poured out upon us from on high. But alas, Who shall live when God doth this? From this Experience he likewise gather'd this Observation, That it is not so much our Difference of Opinion that doth us the mischief; (for we may as soon expect all the Clocks in the Town p. 61to strike together, as to see all good People of a mind in every thing on this side Heaven) but the mismanagement of that difference.

In the Association of the Ministers it was referred to Mr. Henry to draw up that part of their Agreement which concerned the Worship of God, which task he performed to their Satisfaction: his Preface to what he drew up begins thus: Though the main of our Desires and Endeavours be after Unity in the greater things of God; yet we judge Uniformity in the Circumstances of Worship, a thing not to be altogether neglected by us, not only in regard of that influence, which external visible Order hath upon the Beauty and Comliness of the Churches of Christ; but also; as it hath a Direct Tendency to the strenthning of our Hands in Ministerial Services, and withal to the removing of those Prejudices which many People have conceiv'd even against Religion and Worship itself. We bless God from our very Souls, for that whereunto we have already attained; and yet we hope some further thing may be done, in reference to our closer walking, by the same Rule, and minding the same things. The word of God is the Rule which we desire and resolve to walk by in the Administration of Ordinances; and for those things wherein the Word is silent, we think we may and ought to have recourse to Christian Prudence, and the Practise of the Reformed Churches, agreeing with the general Rules of the Word: And therefore we have had (as we think we ought) in our present Agreement, a special Eye to the Directory, &c.

These Agreements of theirs were the more likely to be for good, for that here (as in Worcestershire) when they were in agitation, the Ministers set apart a Day p. 62of Fasting and Prayer among themselves to bewail Ministerial neglects, and to seek to God for Direction and Success in their Ministerial. Work. They met sometimes for this purpose at Mr. Henry's House at Worthenbury.

One Passage may not improperly, be inserted here, that once at a Meeting of the Ministers, being desired to subscribe a Certificate concerning one whom he had not sufficient acquaintance with; he refus'd, giving this Reason, That he preferred the peace of his Conscience before the Friendship of all the Men in the World.

Sept. 29. 1658. the Lady Puleston dyed. She was (saith he) the best Friend I had on Earth, but my Friend in Heaven is still where he was, and he will never leave me nor forsake me. He preached her Funeral Sermon from Isa. 3. last, Cease from Man whose Breath is in his Nostrils. He hath noted this Expression of hers not long before she dy'd: My Soul leans to Iesus Christ, lean to me sweet Saviour. About this time he writes, A dark Cloud is over my Concernments in this Family, but my desire is, that whatever becomes of me and my Interest, the Interest of Christ may still be kept on foot in this place. Amen, so be it. But he adds soon after that saying of Athanasius, which he was us'd often to quote and take comfort from; Nubecula est & citò pertransibit. It is a little Cloud, and will soon blow over.

About a Year after, Sept. 5. 1659. Judge Puleston dy'd, and all Mr. Henry's Interest in Emeral Family was buryed in his Grave. He preached the Judges Funeral Sermon from Neh. 13. 14. Wipe not out my good Deeds that I have done for the House of my God, and for the Offices thereof; the Design of which Sermon was not to …pplaud his Deceased Friend; I find not p. 63a word in the Sermon to that purpose: But he took occasion from the instance of so great a Benefactor to the Ministry, as the Judge was, to shew that Deeds done for the House of God and the Offices thereof, are good Deeds: and to press People according as their Ability and Opportunity was, to do such Deeds. One passage I find in that Sermon which ought to be Recorded; That it had been for several Years the practise of a worthy Gentleman in the Neighbouring County in renewing his Leases, instead of making it a Condition that his Tenants should keep a Hawk or a Dog for him, to oblige them that they should keep a Bible in their Houses for themselves, and should bring up their Children to learn to Read and to be Catechized. This (saith he) would be no charge to you, and it might oblige them to that which otherwise they would neglect. Some wish'd (saith he) in his Diary, that I had chosen some other Subject for that Sermon, but I approved my self to God, and if I please m…n, I am not the Servant of Christ.

What personal Affronts he received from some of the Branches of that Family at that time need not be mentioned, but with what Exemplary Patience he bore them, ought not to be forgotten.

In March, 165…. he was very much sollicited to leave Worthenbury, and to accept of the Vicaridge of Wrexham, which was a place that he had both a great Interest in, and a great kindness for, but he could not see his Call clear from Worthenbury, so he declin'd it. The same Year he had an offer made him of a considerable Living near London, but he was not of them that are given to Change, nor did he Consult with Flesh and Blood, nor seek great things to himself.

That Year he had some disturbance from the Quakers, who were set on by some others, who wished p. 64ill to his Ministry; they Challenged him to dispute with them; and that which he was to prove against them, was, that the God he Worshipped was not an Idol; that Iohn Baddely (a Blacksmith in Malpas, and the Ring-leader of the Quakers in that Country) was not Infallible nor without Sin; That Baptism with Water, and the Lord's Supper are Gospel Ordinances; that the Scriptures are the word of God, and that Jesus Christ will come to judge the World at the last Day: But he never had any publick Disputes with them, nor so much disturbance from them in publick Worship, as some other Ministers had elsewhere about that time. He had some apprehensions at that time, that God would make the Quakers a Scourge to this Nation; but had Comfort in this Assurance, that God would in due time vindicate his own Honour, and the Honour of his Ordinances, and those of them who will not Repent to give him Glory, will be cast into the Fire.

One passage I cannot omit, because it discovers what kind of Spirit the Quakers were of: A Debauch'd Gentleman being in his revels at Malpas, Drinking and Swearing, was after a sort reproved for it by Baddely the Quaker, who was in his Company; Why (saith the Gentleman) i'll ask thee one Question, Whether is it better for me to follow Drinking and Swearing, or to go and Hear Henry? He answered, Of the two, rather follow thy Drinking and Swearing.

The Cheshire Rising this Year (in Opposition to the Irregular Powers that then were …ppermost) under Sir George Booth (afterwards Lord Delamere) and that of North-Wales under Sir Thomas Middleton, could not but affect Worthenbury, and the Country thereabouts. Mr. Henry's Praye… for them in …his Di…y the Day of their first appearing is, Lord own them, if they p. 65truly own thee. He note…, that Lambert's Forces which came down to Suppress them, did in that Neighbourhood espouse the Quakers Cause, and offer Injury to some Ministers; and therefore, (saith he) unless God intend the Ruin of the Nation by them, they cannot prosper: Nor did they long, though in that Expedition they had Success. In their Return some of Lambert's Soldiers were at Worthenbury Church hearing Mr. Henry upon a Lord's Day; and one of them sat with his Hat on, while they were Singing Psalms, for which he Publickly admonish'd him: And there being many Anabaptists among them, he hath Recorded it as a good Providence, that those Questions in the Cate…hism which are concerning Baptism, came in Course to be Expounded that Day. The first Rising of the Cheshire Forces was Aug. 1. 1659. and the 19th following they were worsted and scattered by Lambert's Forces, near Northwich, a strange Spirit of fear being upon them, which quite took off their Chariot Wheels. The Country call'd it not the Cheshire Rising, but the Cheshire Race. Some blamed him, that he did not give God thanks publickly for the defeat of Sir George Booth; to whom he answer'd with his usual mildness, that his Apprehensions concerning that Affair, were not the same with theirs. We are now (saith he) much in the dark, never more. He preach'd the Lecture at Chester soon after, just at the time when Mr. Cook, a… eminent Minister in Chester, and several others were carried Prisoners to London, for their Agency in the late Attempt: and the City was threatned to have their Charter taken away, &c. The Text in Course that day (for they Preached over the latter part of that Epistle, if not the whole, at that Lecture) happen'd to be Heb. 13, 14. We have here no continuing City, which he thought a word upon the Wheels at p. 66that time. He Notes in his Diary, that when, after that, the Army Rul'd, disturb'd the Parliament, and carry'd all before them, with a high Hand, there were great Grounds to fear sad times approaching; and his Prayer is, Lord, fit thy People for the Fiery Trial.

He was a hearty well-wisher to the return of the King, the Spring following, April, 1660. and was much affected with the Mercy of it. While others rejoyce carnally, (saith he) Lord, help thy People to rejoyce spiritually, in our publick National Mercies. 'Twas upon that occasion that Mr. Baxter preached his Sermon of Right Rejoycing, on Luke 10. 20. But he and others soon saw cause to Rejoyce with Trembling, and to sing both of Mercy and Judgment; for about that time he hath this Melancholy Remark; Religion loses Ground exceedingly, and Profan…ss gets it: Help Lord! However he was very Industrious to quiet the minds of some who were uneasie at that great Revolution; and that Scripture yielded him much Satisfaction: Ioh. 3. 35. The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his Hands. If Christ be not only Head of the Church, but Heir over all things to the Church, we may be assured, that all things shall be made to work together for good to it. The Text also which the Lord put it into his Heart to preach upon, on the day of Publick Thanksgiving for the King's Restoration, was very comfortable to him▪ Prov. 21. 1. The Kings Heart is in the hand of the Lord. His sence of that great Mercy of God to the Nation, in the unbloody, peaceable and legal Settlement of King Charles the 2d, upon the Throne, was the same with that of Multitudes, besides both Ministers and others that were of the quiet in the Land, who yet not long after suffered very hard things under p. 67him. Soon after the Return of the King, he notes, how industrious some were to remove him from Worthenbury, on which he writes this as the Breathing of his Soul towards God; Lord, if it please thee, fasten me here as a Nail in a sure place; if otherwise, I will take nothing ill which thou dost with me: and when press'd by his Friends more earnestly than before to accept of some other place; Lord, (saith he) Mine Eye is up unto thee, I am wholly at thy disposal, make my way plain before my Face, because of mine Enemies; my Resolution is, to deny my self if thou callest me. Here (or any where, 'tis no great Matter where) I am. Many Years after the King's Return, he Dated a Letter May 29. foreign.

There are two things further which I think it may be of use to give some account of in the close of this Chapter. 1. Of the Course of his Ministry at Worthenbury, and 2. Of the State of his Soul, and the Communion he had with God in those Years: The former out of his Sermon-Notes, the latter out of his Diary.

As to the Subjects he Preached upon, he did not use to dwell long upon a Text. Better one Sermon upon many Texts, (viz. many Scriptures opened and applied) than many Sermons upon one Text: To that purpose he would sometimes speak.

He used to Preach in a fixed Method, and linked his Subjects in a sort of a Chain; not confining himself to the Method of the Assemblies Catechism; (which some commend) but he adapted his Method and Style to the Capacity of his Hearers, fetching his Similitudes for Illustration, from those things which were familiar to them. He did not shoot the Arrow of the Word over their Heads in high Notions, or the Flourishes of affected Rhetorick, nor under their p. 68Feet by blunt and homely Expressions, as many do under pretence of plainness, but to their Hearts in close and lively Applications. His Delivery was very graceful and agreeable, far from being either noisie and precipitate on the one Hand, or dull and slow on the other. His Doctrine did drop as the Dew, and distil as the soaking Rain, and came with a charming pleasing Power, such as many will bear witness to, that have wonder'd at the gracious words which proceeded out of his Mouth.

He wrote the Notes of his Sermons pretty large for the most part, and always very legible; he wrote most of them twice over. But even when he had put his last Hand to them, he commonly left many imperfect Hints, which gave room for Enlargements in Preaching, wherein he had a very great Felicity. And he would often advise Ministers not to tye themselves too strictly to their Notes, but having well digested the Matter before, to allow themselves a liberty of Expression, such as a Man's Affections, if they be well rais'd, will be apt to furnish him with. But for this, no certain Rule can be given, there are diversities of Gifts, and each to profit withal.

He kept his Sermon-Notes in very neat and exact Order; Sermons in Course, according to the Order of the Subject▪ and occasional Sermons according to the Scripture-order of the Texts; so that he could readily turn to any of them. And yet, tho' afterwards he was removed to a place far enough distant from any of that Auditory, yet (though some have desired it) he seldom preach'd any of those hundreds of Sermons which he had preach'd at Worthenbury, no not when he preach'd never so privately, but to the last he studied new Sermons, and wrote them as elaborately as ever; for he thought a Sermon best preach'd, when it p. 69was newly meditated: Nay, if sometimes he had occasion to preach upon the same Text, yet he would make and write the Sermons over; and he never offered that to God which cost him nothing.

When he went to Oxford, and preach'd there before the University in Christ-Church, as he did several times, his Labours were not only very acceptable, but successful too; particularly one Sermon which he preach'd there, on Prov. 14. 9. Fools make a mock at sin; for which Sermon, a young Master of Arts came to his Chamber afterwards to return him thanks, and to acknowledge the good Impressions, which Divine Grace by that Sermon had made upon his Soul, which he hoped he should never forget.

In his Diary, he frequently records the frame of his Spirit in studying and preaching. Sometimes blessing God for signal help vouchsafed, and owning him the Lord God of all his Enlargements; at other times, complaining of great deadness and straitness. It is a wonder (saith he) that I can speak of Eternal things, with so little Sense of the reality of them. Lord, strengthen that which remains, which is ready to die. And he once writes thus upon a studying Day; I forgot explicitly and expressly when I began to crave help from God, and the Chariot Wheels drove accordingly. Lord, forgive my Omissions, and keep me in the way of Duty.

As to the state of his Soul in these Years, it should seem by his Diary, that he was exercised with some Doubts and Fears concerning it. I think, (saith he) never did any poor Creature pass through such a mixture of Hope and Fear, Ioy and Sadness, Assurance and Doubting, down and up, as I have done these Years past—(The Notice of this may be of use to poor drooping Christians, that they may know their Case is not singular; p. 70and that if God for a small Moment hide his Face from them; he deals with them no otherwise than as he useth sometimes to deal with the dearest of his Servants). It would affect one; to hear one that liv'd a Life of Communion with God, complaining of great straitness in Prayer. No Life at all in the Duty, many Wandrings; If my Prayers were written down, and my vain Thoughts interlined, What incoherent Nonsense would there be? I am ashamed, Lord, I am ashamed, O pitty, and Pardon. To hear him suspecting the workings of Pride of Heart, when he gave an Account to a Friend, who enquired of him, touching the success of his Ministry, and that he should record this concerning himself, with this Ejaculation annexed, The Lord pardon and subdue: 'Twas a sign that he kept a very watchful Eye upon the Motions of his own Heart.

To hear him charging it upon himself, that he was present at such a Duty in the midst of many Distractions not tasting sweetness in it, &c. When a Fire is first kindled (saith he) there is a deal of Smoak and Smother, that afterwards wears away; so in young Converts, much peevishness, frowardness, darkness: So it hath been with my Soul, and so it is yet in a great measure. Lord pity, and do not quench the smoaking Flax; though as yet it do but smoak, let these Sparks be blown up into a Flame.

Great Mercies, but poor Returns, signal Opportunities, but small Improvements: Such are his Complaints frequently concerning himself. And though few or none excell'd him in profitable Discourse, yet in that he often bewails his Barronness, and Unprofitableness. Little good done or gotten such a day for want of a Heart; 'tis my Sin and Shame. O that I had Wings like a Dove.

p. 71Yet when he wanted a Faith of Assurance, he li…'d by a Faith of Adherence. Such a Day (saith he) a full Resignation was made of all my Concernments, into the Hands of my Heavenly Father, let him deal with me, as seemeth good in his Eyes; I am learning and labouring to live by Faith, Lord help my Unbelief. Another time he notes, that many perplexing Fears being upon his Spirit, they were all silenced with that sweet Word which was seasonably brought to his remembrance, Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer.

He very frequently kept Days of Fasting and Humiliation in secret, which he calls his Days of Atonement. Sometimes he observed these monthly, and sometimes only upon special occasions; but the Memorandums in his Diary (not only while he was at Worthenbury, but often after) shew what sweet Communion he had with God in those solemn Duties, which no Eye was Witness to, but his who sees in secret, and will reward openly. Remember (O my Soul) such a Day, as a Day of more then ordinary Engagements entred into, and strong Resolutions taken up of closer Walking, and more Watchfulness, O my God, undertake for me! And upon another of those Days of secret Prayer and Humiliation, he notes, If sowing in Tears be so sweet, what then will the Harvest be when I shall reap in Ioy? Bless the Lord, O my Soul, who forgiveth all thine Iniquities, and will in due time heal all thy Diseases.