Life and Death of Philip Henry, Chapter 9

Life and Death of Philip Henry · Chapter 9

p. 193CHAP. IX.

His Sickness, Death, and Burial.

IN the time of his Health, he made Death very familiar to himself, by frequent and pleasing Thoughts and Meditations of it; and endeavoured to make it so to his Friends, by speaking often of it. His Letters and Discourses had still something or other which spoke his constant expectations of Death; thus did he learn to dye daily: And it is hard to say, whether it was more easie to him to speak, or uneasie to his Friends, to hear him speak of leaving the World. This minds me of a passage I was told by a worthy Scotch Minister, Mr. Patrick Adair, that Visiting the famous Mr. Durham of Glasgow. in his last Sickness, which was long and lingring; he said to him, Sir, I hope you have so set all in order, that you have nothing else to do but to dye: I bless God (said Mr. Durham) I have not had that to do neither these many Years. Such is the comfort of dying daily, when we come to dye indeed.

p. 194Mr. Henry's Constitution was but tender, and yet by the Blessing of God upon his great Temperance, and care of his Diet, and moderate Exercise by walking in the Air, he did for many Years enjoy a good measure of Health, which he us'd to call The Sugar that sweetens all Temporal Mercies, for which therefore we ought to be very thankful, and of which we ought to be very careful. He had sometimes violent Fits of the Cholick, which would be very afflictive for the time. Towards his latter end he was distress'd sometimes with a pain, which his Doctor thought might arise from a Stone in his Kidnies. Being once upon the Recovery from an ill Fit of that Pain, he said to one of his Friends, that ask'd him how he did, he hoped by the Grace of God, he should now be able to give one blow more to the Devil's Kingdom; and often profess'd, he did not desire to live a day longer than he might do God some Service. He said to another, when he perceived himself Recovering; Well I thought I had been putting into the Harbour, but find I must to Sea again.

He was sometimes suddenly taken with fainting Fits, which when he recovered from, he would say, Dying is but a little more.

When he was in the Sixty third Year of his Age, which is commonly called the Grand Climacterick, and hath been to many the Dying Year, and was so to his Father, he numbred the Days of it, from August 24. 1693. to August 24. 1694. when he finished it: And when he concluded it, he thus wrote in his Diary. This Day finisheth my commonly dying Year, which I have numbred the Days of; and should now apply my Heart more than ever to Heavenly Wisdom. He was much pleased with that Expression of our English Liturgy p. 195in the Office of Burial, and frequently us'd it. In the midst of Life we are in Death.

The Infirmities of Age, when they grew upon him, did very little abate his vigour and liveliness in Preaching, but he seemed even to renew his Youth as the Eagles; as those that are Planted in the House of the Lord, who still bring forth Fruit in old Age; not so much to shew that they are upright, as to shew that the Lord is upright, Psal. 92. 14, 15. But in his latter Years, Travelling was very troublesome to him; and he would say, as Mr. Dod us'd to do, that when he thought to shake himself as at other times, he found his hair was cut; his Sense of this led him to Preach an occasional Sermon not long before he dyed, on Iohn 21. 18. When thou wast young thou girdedst thy self, &c. Another occasional Sermon he Preached when he was old, for his own Comfort, and the Comfort of his aged Friends, on Psal. 71. 17, 18. O God thou hast taught me from my Youth, &c. he observed there, That it is a blessed thing to be taught of God from our Youth; and those that have been taught of God from their Youth, ought to declare his wondrous Works all their days after. And those that have been taught of God from their Youth, and have all their days declared his wondrous Works, may comfortably expect, that when they are old he will not forsake them. Christ is a Master that doth not use to cast off his old Servants.

For some Years before he dyed, he us'd to complain of an habitual weariness, contracted he thought, by his standing to Preach, sometimes very uneasily, and in inconvenient places, immediately after Riding. He would say, every Minister was not cut out for an Itinerant; and sometimes the manifest attention and affection of People in Hearing, enlarged him both in p. 196length and fervency, somewhat more then his strength could well bear. It was not many Months before he dy'd, that he wrote thus to a dear Relation, who enquir'd sollicitously concerning his Health. I am always habitually weary, and expect no other till I lye down in the Bed of Spices. And (blessed be God) so the Grave is to all the Saints, since he lay in it who is the Rose of Sharon, and the Lily of the Vallies. When some of his Friends perswaded him to spare himself, he would say, It's time enough to rest when I am in the Grave; What were Candles made for, but to burn?

It doth not appear that he had any particular Presages of his Death; but many instances there were of his actual gracious expectation of it, somewhat more than ordinary for some time before. The last Visit he made to his Children in Chester, was in Iuly, 1695. almost a Year before he dy'd, when he spent a Lordsday there, and Preached on the last Verse of the Epistle to Philemon, The Grace of our Lord Iesus Christ be with your Spirit. By Grace he understood nor so much the good Will of God towards us, as the good Work of God in us, call'd the Grace of Christ, both because he is the Author and finisher of it, and because he is the Pattern and Samplar of it. Now the choicest Gift we can ask of God for our Friends is, that this Grace of our Lord Iesus Christ may be with their Spirit. This is the one thing needful, the better part, the Root of the Matter, the whole of Man, the Principal thing, the more excellent Way, a Blessing indeed, and the thing that accompanies Salvation. The Grace of Christ in the Spirit, enlightens and enlivens the Spirit, softens and subdues the Spirit, purifies and preserves the Spirit greatens and guides the Spirit, sweetens and strengthens the Spirit, and therefore what can be more desirable. A Spirit p. 197without the Grace of Christ, is a Field without a Fence, a Fool without Understanding; it is a Horse without a Bridle, and a House without Furniture; it is a Ship without Tacle, and a Soldier without Armour; it is a Cloud without Rain, and a Carcass without a Soul; it is a Tree without Fruit, and a Traveller without a Guide. How earnest therefore should we be in praying to God for Grace, both for our selves and for our Relations. He had intended to preach upon that Text, when he was at Chester the Year before, but was then prevented, by a particular sad occasion, which obliged him to a Funeral Sermon, Divine Providence reserving that Benediction (which his Heart was much upon) for his Valediction. The Thursday following, being kept as a Fast in his Sons Congregation at Chester, he Preached on Luke 19. 41. He beheld the City and wept over it, which proved his Farewel to the Town, as the former was his Farewel to his Friends and Relations in it.

It was not many Weeks before he dyed, that he wrote thus to one of his Children, We are well here, thanks be to God, and are glad to hear that you and yours are well also, God in Mercy continue it: But why should we be well always? Do we deserve it? Are there no mixtures in our Obedience? Are there any Persons or Families, at whose door Sickness and Death never knock'd? Must the Earth be forsaken for us, or the Rock removed out of its place? Is it not enough that we be dealt with according to the manner of Men? and that we have a Promise, that it shall end well, everlastingly well.

To another of his Children, about the same time he writes, We are sensible that we decline a pace, but the best of it is, that as Time goes, Eternity comes; p. 198and we are in good hope, through Grace, that it will be a comfortable Eternity.

It was in April, 1696. a few Weeks before he dy'd, that his Sons Father-in-Law, Robert Warbinton, Esq was gather'd to his Grave in peace, in a good old Age; Upon the tidings of whose Death, Mr. Henry wrote thus to his Son; Your Fathers, Where are they? Your Father-in-Law gone, and your own Father going; but you have a God-Father that lives for ever. He was wont sometimes to subscribe his Letters, Your ever-loving, but not ever-living Father.

It was not a Month before he Dy'd, that in a Letter to his very dear and worthy Friend and Brother, Mr. Tallents of Shrewsbury, he had this passage; Methinks it is strange, that it should be your Lot and mine, to abide so long on Earth by the Stuff, when so many of our Friends are dividing the Spoil above, but God will have it so; and to be willing to live in obedience to his Holy Will, is as true an Act of Grace, as to be willing to dye when he calls, especially when Life is Labour and Sorrow. But when it is Labour and Joy, Service to his Name, and some measure of Success and Comfort in serving him; When it is to stop a Gap, and stem a Tide, it is to be rejoyced in; 'tis Heaven upon Earth: nay, one would think, by the Psalmists oft repeated Plea, Psal. 6. & 30. & 88. and 115. and 118. that it were better than to be in Heaven itself, and can that be?

A little before his Sickness and Death, being Summer time, he had several of his Children, and his Childrens Children about him, at Broad-Oak, with whom he was much refreshed, and very cheerful; but ever and anon spoke of the fashion he was in, as passing away; and often told them, he should be there but a p. 199while to bid them welcome. And he was observed frequently in Prayer, to beg of God, that he would make us ready for that which would come certainly, and might come suddenly. One asking him how he did, he answer'd, I find the Chips fly off apace, the Tree will be down shortly.

The last time he Administred the Lord's Supper, a Fortnight before he dy'd, he closed the Administration with that Scripture, 1 Ioh. 3. 2. It doth not yet appear what we shall be; not yet, but it will shortly.

The Sabbath but one before he dy'd, being in the course of his Exposition, come to that difficult part of Scripture, the 40th of Ezekiel, and the following Chapters; he said he would endeavour to explain those Prophecies to them; and added, If I do not do it now, I never shall: And he observed, that the only Prophetical Sermon which our Lord Jesus Preached, was but a few days before he dy'd. This many of his Hearers not only Reflected upon afterwards, but took Notice of at that time with a Concern, as having something in it more than ordinary.

On the Lord's Day, Iune 21. 1696. he went through the work of the Day with his usual vigor and liveliness. He was then Preaching over the first Chapter of St. Peter's second Epistle, and was that day on those words, add to your Faith Virtue, v. 5. he took Virtue for Christian Courage and Resolution in the Exercise of Faith; and the last thing he mentioned, in which Christians have need of Courage, is in Dying; for (as he was often us'd to say) It is a serious thing to dye, and to dye is a work by itself. That day he gave Notice, both Morning and Afternoon, with much Affection and Enlargement, of the Publick Fast, which was appointed by Authority the Friday following, Iune 26. pressing his Hearers as he us'd to do upon such occasions, to come p. 200in a prepared Frame, to the solemn Services of that day.

The Tuesday following, Iune 23. he rose at Six a Clock, according to his Custom, after a better Nights Sleep than ordinary, and in wonted Health. Between seven and eight a Clock he performed Family Worship, according to the usual manner; he Expounded very largely, the former half of the 104th Psalm, and sung it; but he was somewhat shorter in Prayer than he us'd to be, being then (as it was thought) taken ill. Blessed is that Servant, whom his Lord, when he comes, shall find so doing. Immediately after Prayer he retired to his Chamber, not saying any thing of his illness, but was soon after found upon his Bed in great Extremity of pain, in his Back, Breast and Bowels; it seem'd to be a complicated Fit of the Stone and Cholick together, with very great Extremity. The means that had been. us'd to give him Relief in his illness were altogether ineffectual; He had not the least intermission or remission of Pain, neither up nor in Bed, but in a continual toss. He had said sometimes, that God's Israel may find Iordan rough; but there's no Remedy, they must through it to Canaan; and would tell of a good Man who us'd to say, He was not so much afraid of Death as of Dying. We know they are not the Godly People, part of the Description of whose Condition it is, that there are no Bands in their Death, and yet their End is Peace, and their Death Gain, and they have Hope in it.

In this Extremity he was still looking up to God, and calling upon him, who is a present. Help in the needful Hour. When the Exquisiteness of his Pain forced Groans and Complaints from him, he would presently Correct himself with a patient and quiet submission to the Hand of his Heavenly Father, and a cheerful p. 201acquiescence in his Heavenly Will. I am ashamed (saith he) of these Groans, I want Virtue, O for Virtue now when I have need of it (referring to his Subject the Lord's day before) For give me that I groan thus, and I will endeavour to silence them; But indeed my stroak is heavier than my groaning. It is true what Mr. Baxter said in his Pain, there's no disputing against sense. It was his trouble, as it was Mr. Baxter's, that by reason of his bodily pain, he could not express his inward comfort; however that was it, with which God graciously strengthned him in his Soul. He said to those about him, they must remember. what Instructions and Counsels he had given them when he was in Health, for now he could say but little to them, only to refer them to what he had said, as that which he would live and dye by.

It was two or three Hours after he was taken ill, before he would suffer a Messenger to be sent to Chester for his Son, and for the Doctor, saying, he should either be better or dead before they could come; but at last he said, as the Prophet did to his importunate Friends, Send. About eight a Clock that Evening they came, and found him in the same Extremity of Pain, which he had been in all day. And Nature being before spent with his constant and indesatigable Labours in the Work of the Lord now sunk, and did perfectly suceumb under its Burthen, and was q…ite disabled to grapple with so many Hours uncessant pain. What further means were then us'd proved fruitless, and did not answer the intention. He apprehended himself going a pace, and said to his Son when he came in, O Son you are welcome to a dying Father: I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my Depart…e. is at Hand. His pain continued very acute, but he had Peace within. I am tormented (said be once) but blessed p. 202be God not in this Flame; and soon after I am all on Fire (when at the same time his extreme parts were cold) but he presently added, Blessed be God it is not the Fire of Hell. To some of his next Neighbours who came in to see him (for those at a distance had not notice of his illness) he said, O make sure work for your Souls, by getting an Interest in Christ while you are in Health, for if I had that work to do now, what would become of me? but I bless God I am satisfied. It was a Caution he was often wont to give; See to it, that your work be not undone, when your time is done, lest you be undone for ever.

Towards ten or eleven a Clock that Night, his Pulse and Sight began to fail; of the latter he himself took notice, and inferred from it the near approach of his Dissolution. He took an affectionate farewel of his Dear Yoke-fellow, with a thousand thanks for all her Love and Care, and Tenderness, left a Blessing for all his dear Children, and their dear Yo…e-fellows and little ones, that were absent. He said to his Son who sat under his head; Son, the Lord bless you, and grant that you may do worthily in your Generation, and be more serviceable to the Church of God than I have been, such was his great Humility to the last. And when his Son reply'd, O Sir, pray for me that I may but tread in your steps; he answered, yea follow Peace and Holiness, and let them say what they will—More he would have said to bear his Dying Testimony to the way in which he had walked, but Nature was spent, and he had not strength to express it.

His Understanding and Speech continued almost to the last Breath, and he was still in his dying Agonies calling upon God, and committing himself to him. One of the last words he said, when he found himself p. 203just ready to depart, was, O Death, where is thy;—with that his Speech falter'd, and within a few Minutes (after, about sixteen Hours illness) he quietly Breathed out his precious Soul, into the Embraces of his dear Redeemer, whom he had trusted, and faithfully served in the work of the Ministry, about forty three Years. He deparetd betwixt twelve and one a Clock in the Morning, of Iune 24. Midsummer-day, in the Sixty fifth Year of his Age. Happy, thrice Happy he, to whom such a sudden Change was no surprize, and who could Triumph over Death, as an unstung, disarmed Enemy, even when he made so fierce an onset. He had often spoke of it as his desire, that if it were the Will of God, he might not out-live his usefulness; and it pleased God to grant him his desire, and give him a short passage from the Pulpit to the Kingdom, from the height of his usefulness, to receive the recompence of Reward. So was it ordered by him, in whose Hands our Times are.

After the Account we have given of his great Usefulness, it is easie to imagine what sorrow and Mourning there was among his Friends, when they heard that the Lord had. taken away their Master from their Head. One that liv'd so much desir'd, could not but dye as much lamented. The surprize of the stroke put People into a perfect astonishment; and many said, the Lord remov'd him so suddenly, because he would not deny the many Prayers that would have been put up for his Recovery, had it been known that he was in Peril. One thing that aggravated this severe Dispensation, and made it in the apprehension of many look the more dismal, was, that this powerful Intercessor was taken away just before a Fast-day, when he would have been Wrestling mightily with God, for Mercy for the Land. However it proved a Fast-day indeed, p. 204and a day of Humiliation to that Congregation, to whom an empty Pulpit was an awakening Sermon. The Broad-Oak was then like that under which Rebekah's Nurse was buried, Gen. 35 8. Allon-bacuth Bochim, a place of Weepers. They who had many a time fitten with dry Eyes, under melting Ordinances, could not sit so under such a melting Providence, by which the Lord God call'd so loudly to weeping and to mourning, and to girding with Sack cloth. But because Mr. Henry had been wont to give it for a Rule, that Weeping must not hinder Sowing; a Mite was cast into the Treasury of the Nations Prayers, and a word spoken to bring the Work of the day, and the event of the day together, from 2 Kings 13. 20.

The day following being Saturday, Iune 27. the Earthen Vessel, in which this Treasure had been lodg'd was laid up in the Grave, in Whitchurch Church, attended thither with a very great Company of true Mourners, all the Country round; many from Chefler and Shrewsbury, and the Towns about, came to do him Honour at his Death: And besides the Floods of Tears that were shed, there were abundance of Testimonies given to him, by Persons of all sorts, like that Iehojadah, 2 Chron 24. 16. That he was one that had done good in Israel. And there were those who said, He was a Man that no Body did or could speak evil of, except for his Nonconformity. He was us'd to say to his Relations, when I am dead make little a do about me, a few will serve to bring me to my Grave; but his mind could not be observed in that; 'twas impossible such a burning and shining light could be extinguished, but there must be a Universal Notice taken of it. Multitudes came unsought unto, not to fill their Eyes (as Mr. Vines expresseth it) but to empty them; nor was p. 205there any other noise there, but that of general Lamentation.

That Morning, before the removal of the Corpse, a most affectionate Sermon was Preached in Mr. Henry's Meeting place, by his dear and worthy Friend Mr. Tallents of Shrewsbury, who was eleven Years elder than he, and through God's goodness still survives him. He was willing to take that opportunity, to testifie the great Love and Honour that he had for Mr. Henry, whom he call'd a Friend that is nearer than a Brother. His Text was Rom 8. 23. And not only they, but our selves also, which have the first Fruits of the Spirit, even we our selves groan within our selves, waiting for the Adoption, to wit the redemption of our Body. In his Application he shew'd excellently, and with much affection, how the consideration of the Spirit and Life of this Eminent Servant of God, would greatly lead us to believe on Christ, and to have the Spirit of Christ and live after it; and to suffer with Christ, and to groan for our Adoption. Several things were hinted concerning him, which have been mentioned already in this Narrative, and a very honourable Testimony born to him. From a long acquaintance with him, he witnessed concerning him, to those who knew his Record to be true, that he was humble and meek, kind and peaceable, wise and charitable, and one in whom the Fruits of the Spirit were eminently: That he was a Friend and a Counsellor, and a Father to many; that his Expounding and Preaching was plain and pleasant, warm and savory, full, and such as few could reach, and greatly blessed by God; and that in it he labour'd more abundantly than any. And after a great encomium of him, it was excellently observed, and must be mentioned here, as that which was highly agreeable to p. 206Mr. Henry's Spirit, and his Expressions upon all occasions; That it was not his own Righteousness that saved him, nor his own strength that quickned and upheld him, but Christ's Righteousness and Christ's Strength, for to him to live was Christ: And in all his Discourses, Sermons and Letters, he was very careful to ascribe the Honour of all to Christ, and to make Christ his All in-all. He concluded with some words of seasonable Advice to those of that Society and Neighbourhood.

1. Give thanks to God, that ever you had him or saw him, and that you had him so long, above thirty Years in this place. Do not many of you owe even your very Souls to him under God? While you Mourn, give thanks to God that you ever knew him; old and great Mercies must be thankfully remembred.

2. Rejoyce in the Glory that he now enjoys; weep not for him, but weep for your selves: 'Twas the Text on which he Preached, not much above a Year ago, at the Funeral of that intelligent, holy, useful Man, Mr. William Lawrence of Wem. The Primitive Christians buried their Saints with Hymns and Psalms of Joy. Chrysostom on the Hebrews saith, we are to glorifie God, and give thanks to him, that he hath Crown'd the Deceased, and freed them from their Labours; and chides those that Mourn'd and Howl'd. And the Days of their Death were called Natalitia Martyrum & Sanctorum, the Birth-days of the Saints and Martyrs. And Hierom in his Epitaph on Holy Paula (and in the Lives of other Holy Persons, writ by him) saith, that at her Funeral no Shreeks were heard, but multitudes of Psalms and Hymns were sung in divers languages.

p. 2073. Bewail the Loss, the general Loss, and yours in particular, yet so as to have Hope in God. I need not tell you how great your loss is, you teel it more than I am able to express. If any rejoyce that he is gone, because he tormented them, say as the Church, Mic. 7. 8, 9.

4. Seek out for a Supply; do not mourn and sit still, but up and be doing in your places; you have had a cheap Gospel hitherto; God sent you one that could Preach freely, and which is more that would do so too; one that sought not yours but you; and now God will see what you will do for your selves, that now the Shepherd is smitten, the Sheep may not be scattered. Pray to God to raise up others like him, and graciously to give you one.

5. Take heed of liking no Preacher, now he is gone. This a usual Fault among many that have had excellent Preachers, no Body can please them. But God may bless weaker means, and make your Souls live and thrive under them.

6. Hold fast that which you have; it is the advice given to Philadelphia, the best of the Churches, Rev. 3. 11. Keep that good thing which is committed to you, that savoriness of Heart, that love to Christ and to Saints, to all Saints, that Knowledge of the Truth. Keep to his sober Principles. Remember his dying Counsel, Follow Peace and Holiness; have these things always in remembrance. Take heed of falling off, take heed of falling away; the World will draw you, and Satan will tempt you, and your own busie Hearts will be apt to betray you; but go on humbly and honestly in the strength of Christ, and fear not. Be not like those Jews that turned aside, when Iohn Baptist was dead, Iohn 5. 35. The p. 208Lord keep you from being such, and give you to go on so his Heavenly Kingdom.

It would have swelled this Book too much, if we had inserted the Sermon at large, and therefore we forbear it.

The next day being Lord's day, Mr. Owen of Oswestry Preached a most excellent Sermon in the Morning, agreeable to that sad occasion, upon that pathetical Farewel which Elisha gave to Elijah, 2 Kings 2. 12. My Father, my Father, the Chariots of Israel and the Horsemen thereof, and he saw him no more; and he took hold of his own Cloths, and rent them. He observed, 1. That faithful Ministers are the Fathers of a People, and their Chariots and Horsemen; the former a Metaphor taken from a Family, a peaceable Society; the latter from an Army, a warlike Body. Fathers to provide good things, Chariots and Horsemen to protect from evil things. 2. There is a time when we shall see these Fathers, these Chariots and Horsemen of Israel no more. Their time is appointed, their work cut out for them, and when those are finished they are removed. 3. When God takes away our Fathers, the Chariots of our Israel, and the Horsemen thereof, it is a proper Season for Mourning and Lamentation. Under this he did most affectionately excite us, 1. To be sensible of our Loss, which is better felt than exprest. 'Tis the loss of one that was a Father; a Father to his Family, to whom he was constant, in unfolding the Holy Oracles; a Father to the Prophets, for Counsel, and Conduct, and Example; the Sons of the Prophets never Conversed with him, but they were, or might have been the better for him; a Father to his Congregation, now left Orphans: 'Tis the loss of one of the Chariots and Horsemen of our Israel; so eminent p. 209was he for Prevalency in Prayer, Courage in Duty, Conduct in Affairs, Constancy in Religion, and a firm adherence to his Ministerial Vows, and Lastly, a Contempt. of the World, in which, as he that Warreth, he did not entangle himself. 2. To be sensible of those Sins, which have provoked God to deprive us of him. Barrenness and Unfruitfulness under his Ministry; 'tis for this that God hath a Controversie with us. 3. To bless God that we enjoy'd him so long; eaten Bread must not be forgotten. 4. To be Followers of him, as he was of Christ. He was a Pattern for Ministers, excelling in the knowledge of the Scriptures, which made this Man of God perfect, and industrious to advance the Honour of Jesus Christ, whom he made the Alpha and Omega of his Religion; not addicted to Controversies, but walking in the good old way, unwearied in the Work of God; it was the delight of his Heart, to be laying out himself for the good of Souls. Exemplary for Humility and low Thoughts of himself, and his own Performances, for meekness and readiness to forgive Injuries, for Candor in speaking of others, and their words and actions, on which he ever put the best Construction, and was never apt to speak evil of any Man. Eminent for Family-Religion, and in that an excellent Copy to all Masters of Families. Those things therefore which you have heard and seen in him do, and the God of Peace shall be with you. These were the Heads which were copiously and excellently enlarged upon in that Sermon.

In the Afternoon of that Sabbath, another Sermon was Preached by a near Relation of Mr. Henry's, on Heb. 11. 4. And by it, he being dead yet speaketh, foreign is yet spoken of by us, and yet speaketh to us.

p. 210The Wednesday following, Iuly 1. being the Lecture in course at Danford in Whitchurch Parish, Mr. Samuel Lawrence of Nantwich, whose turn it was to Preach that Lecture brought up the-long train of Mourners, (as he express'd it) in a most savoury and pertinent Discourse on Heb. 13. 7. Remember them which have (or have had) the Rule over you, who have spoken unto you the words of God, whose Faith follow, considering the end of their Conversation. Bishops no doubt (saith he) are here meant, Scripture Primitive Bishops, the Pastors of particular Congregations, for they were such as had spoken to them the word of God, and watched for their Souls, v. 17. Such a one Mr. Henry was, that great Man, who is fallen this day in Israel, removed from us, but hath left behind him a good Name to be remembred, a good Example to be imitated; many a good word spoken to us, and many a good Prayer put up for us. Remember him with thankfulness, that God has given such Power, such Gifts and Graces unto Men. I never knew a Man (said he) in all my Acquaintance, in whom I have seen so much of God as in good Mr. Henry, whose Holy, Humble, Heavenly, Gracious Conversation hath been to me, no small Confirmation of the Truth of the Christian Religion; that God gave him to you, and continued him so long, to see the Church in a better State than he had sometimes seen it; that God Crown'd his Labours with such great Success. Many Souls in Heaven, and some on Earth blessing God that ever they saw his Face, and that God continued him in his usefulness to the last. Remember him with a quiet submission to the Hand of God in his Removal from us. Sensible we must be of the stroke; 'tis a publick Loss, a Loss to to the Ministry, our Hands are this Day weak; a p. 211Loss to the Nation, for which he was a powerful Intercessor; a Loss to this Country, in which he was a burning and shining Light; but yet we must acquiesce in the Divine Will. The Treasure was in an Earthen Vessel, and God will bring us to depend more upon himself; and he is teaching us to live, and live to Christ without good Mr. Henry, though we have sometimes said, we did not know how we could live without him. Remember him to pay all Honour and Respect to his Name and Memory; rise up, and call him Blessed. That's a foul Tongue, as well as a lying one, that can say any thing of him unbecoming a Disciple, Servant, and Minister of Jesus Christ. Remember him, to imitate his good Example. Many of you will be called Mr. Henry's Followers, be so indeed. He was a Pattern to Ministers of Diligence, Zeal, Humility, and great Meekness in dealing with all People, which contributed abundantly to his Success; his Preaching affectionate, without affectation. To all People he was a Pattern of Faith and Charity, and Contempt of the World, of Zeal and Moderation, patience in Suffering, and of Constancy and Perseverance to the end. Remember him, and remember your Sins which have provoked God to take him away. Have not we grieved this good Man's Spirit? &c. Remember him, and remember Christ's fulness, who is the same, v. 8. and hath the residue of the Spirit. Instruments shifted, Cisterns emptied, but there is the same in the Fountain. Remember him, and remember your own Death, and Heaven where he is: We may think the worse of this World. which is much impoverished, and the better of Heaven which is somewhat enriched, by the removal of this good Man.

p. 212Thus we have gleaned a little out of the Sermons, which very well des…ed to have been Published at large some of the Testimonies that were born to him, by such as had had long and intimate acquaintance with him, that knew his Excellencies very much, and knew as little to give flattering Titles; nor was it any invidious piece of Service, to speak thus Honourably of one, who like Demetrius, had a good report of all Men, and of the Truth it self.

Nor was it there only, but from abroad, that very Honourable Testimonies were given of him. Sir Henry Ashhurst (whose great worth and usefulness the World hath been made to know, by some of the best Pens of the Age) besides the personal Acquaintance he had with Mr. Henry, both at Boreatton and in London, had kept up a constant Correspondence with him, by Letter, for many Years. Read the Character he gave of him, in a Letter to a near Relation of Mr. Henry's, upon the Tidings of his Death. I need not tell you how sadly I received the doleful News of Mr. Henry's Translation, who, I do think, liv'd the greatest Example of sincere Godliness, with Prudenc… and sweetness of Temper, of any I ever knew. And i… another Letter, not only proposing, but pressing th… Publication of an Account of his Life, he professeth he thought there was none like him in his day, at lea… of his Acquaintance, which is known to be both o… the largest and of the best: And (saith he) if Si… Fulk Grevil, would have it inscribed upon his Tomb… stone, that he was a Friend to Sir Philip Sidney. I m… well be pleased to have it told the World, that I Lov'd an… Honour'd Blessed Mr. Henry; a Man of so much Prudence, and withal so much Sincerity, of so good a Temper, so much a Gentleman, and yet of such strict Pie… p. 213and Devotedness to God, that I scarce ever knew his Fellow.

The Reverend Mr. William Turner, now Vicar of Walburton in Sussex, (of whom mention was made before) lately sent to me a very kind Letter, Ex mero motu, with his free Consent to have it inserted in this Account; some hints whereof I think sit to subjoin.

Worthy Sir,

I am glad to hear that you have been prevailed with to set upon so good a Work, as Recording the most remarkable Passages of Mr. Henry's Life. I doubt not but you will meet with some, that will give such a History but a cold Reception. All that part of the World that lies in Darkness, will be offended, when Beams of clear Light and Sun-shine first dart into their Faces. Virtutem praesentem odimus.

A little before I went to the University, I was, upon the Commendation of my worthy School-master Mr. E. (yet living) and with my Father's Consent, half a Year a Domestick with him; partly as a Tutor to his young ones, and partly as a Pupil to himself; and in some little Degree as a Companion; where I had the opportunity of informing my self more fully concerning the Humour and Principles, and Conversation of a sort of People (and especially him and his Family) whom I had heard aspers'd very freely in former Companies, and represented to the World, as very Hypocritical and Disloyal People. At my first going I resolved to stand upon my Guard, and pry into the Cause, which was then the great Subject of Difference and Dispute; and upon the whole do say, That Mr. Henry was a Man of so clear a Brain, so gentle a Behaviour, so steddy a Conversation, so regular a Devotion, was so courteous and p. 214condescending to Inferiors, so respectful and Dutiful to Superiours, so sweet and obliging to all; was so careful to improve his time well, to do as much good as possible to every Body, so constantly affectionate in his Prayers for the King and Government, so desirous to keep up a fair Correspondence and Communion with his conformable Brethren, so very indifferent in making Proselytes to his particular Opinions; and withal, so zealous to promote substantial Goodness and true Christianity, so mighty inoffensive and peaceable in all his Expressions and Actions; so prudent, pure, pious, just, sober, charitable, chearful and pleasant, that I profess I am almost afraid to give him his due Character without some Correctives, lest they that knew him not should suspect my veracity, and imagine my Pen to be managed by some mercenary Hand. I remember the Worshipful Rowland Hunt of Boreatton, Esq speaking of Mr. Henry, thus expressed himself to me (and if I mistake not, the Lord Embassador Pagett was present) I was (said he) near seven Years resident in the Universities, and seven more at the Inns of Court in London, and had opportunity of knowing and acquainting my self with the most eminent Divines and Preachers in both those places; yet I never found any every way so accomplished, for clearness and quickness of apprehension, solidity of Judgment, and roundness of Style, as Mr. Henry is. I have Noted in my Book of Providences, the Remark I made upon the Temporal Blessings God had rewarded him with; viz. a good and virtuous Consort, who brought him a good Estate, gave him a due Reverence, lov'd him with an intire affection, an ingenious and hopeful Offspring, well affected, well Educated, and well dispos'd of in the World, the favour of Men, and a p. 215quiet undisturb'd Habitation upon Earth, in great measure, &c.

Sic Testatus, sic monet, sic precatur. Amicus maerens, anhelus, superstes. W. Turner, A. M.

Another very worthy Conformist, formerly of his Acquaintance, but now living at a great distance, having occasion to mention him in a Letter to a Friend, calls him The Great, Good. and now Glorious Mr. Henry, whose Memory (saith he) shall ever be precious, and even sacred to me.

Such as these were the Honourable Testimonies which all that knew him, and knew how to value true Excellency attended him with. It is part of the Recompence of Charity and Moderation in this World, that it obtains a good Report of all Men. The Kingdom of God (saith the Blessed Apostle, Rom. 14. 17, 18.) is not meat and drink (which were then the matters of doubtful disputation) but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost; and he that in these things serveth Christ, is not only acceptable to God, but approved of men; as on the contrary, they that judge will be judged, and with what meas…re we meet, it will be measured to us again. And this is the Excellency of a Good Name, that it is out of the reach of Death, and is not Buried in the Grave, but rather grows up from it. It is not for nothing that Solomon hath joined this good Name, which is better than precious Oyntment, with the day of ones death, which upon that account is better than the day of ones birth, that it compleats the Character of those that finish their Course well, and are faithful unto Death; whereas a Great Name, like the Names of the great Ones of the Earth is often wither'd and blemished p. 216by Death. We read of those that bear their shame when they go down to the Pit, though they were the terror of the mighty in the Land of the Living, Ezek. 32. 35.

At a Meeeting of the Dissenting Ministers of Cheshire at Knutford, in May 1696. (a few Weeks before Mr. Henry dyed) it was agreed, that their next Meeting should be at Chester (though inconvenient to many of them) upon condition that he would meet them there, and give them a Sermon. It was with much difficulty that he was prevailed with to promise it, but his Master called for him before the time appointed came. Mr. Flavel of Devonshire dyed when he was under a like appointment. But happy they that are come to the General Assembly, and Church of the First Born, and to the Spirits of just Men made perfect.

As to his Bodily Presence, he was of a middle Stature, his Complexion not approaching to any extream, of a very pleasant Aspect, and an unusual mixture of Gravity and Sweetness in the air of his Countenance, which was the true Index of his Mind. When some of his Friends have sollicited him to have his Picture drawn, he would put them off with this, that the best Picture of a Minister is in the Hearts of his People.