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CONTENTS.

Sermons, Tracts, &c.

On the death of Mrs. Katharine Henry Appendix .... The pleasantness of a religions life . Concerning meekness and quietness Christianity not a sect Communicant's companion . Directions for daily communion with God Discourses ajinst vice and profaneness:— L Against Drunkenness. II. Uncleanness.

III. Sabbath-breaking. IV. Profane swearing Folly of despising oar own souls Folly of despising our own ways Sober-mindedness recommended to the young Right management of friendly visits A church in the house. Family religion Reformation of manners Popery a spiritual tyranny Method for prayer . . . .

Essa f on psalmody, with family hymns England's joys Eagland's hopes

Work and success of the ministry On the promises of God Disputes reviewed . . . .

Faith in Christ inferred from faith in God Forgiveness of sin . «

Hope and fear balanced OnflM catechising of youth . CwmemnratioB of the fire of London Inquiry iol ihe mttan oftebism

164 176 225 268 314 331 428

466 519 538 554 673 685 600 616 629 704

736 745 756 769 774 784 798 813 826 839

I

PAOI

Layman's reasons for communing with dissenters ..... 857 Catechism for children . 861 Scripture catechism in the method of the Assembly's .... 864 Christ's favour to children . . 929 Memoirs of Mrs. Radford . . 942 Memoirsof Mrs. Hulton 945 Account of Dr. John Tylston . 959 Sermon at Mr. Atkinson's ordination . 967 Exhortation at Mr. Clark*s ordination . 979 Funeral sermon on Mr. Owen 991 Funeral sermon on Dr. Benion 1007 LiFEof Dr. Benion . . 1019 Funeral sermon on Mr. Tallents . 1032 LiFEofMr. Tallents . 1044 Funeral sermon on Mr. Lawrence . 1055 Life of Mr. Lawrence . 1065 Funeral sermon on Mr. Stretton .. 1072 LiFEofMr. Stretton .... 1086 Funeral sermon on Mr. Burgess 1090 Life of Mr. Burgess . . 1102 LiFEof Lieut. lUidge . . 1106 Separation without rebellion 1132 A Treatise on Baptism 1145 Preface to the Life of the Rev. Thomas Beard 1205 Preface to Murrey's Closet Devotions 1206 Six sermons on the worth of the soul . 1209 Sermons and charges . 1236 Funeral sermons .... 1248 Fast sermons .... 1255 Funeral sermon on Mr. Matthew Henry, by .

W. Tong .... 1271

Ditto—by John Reynolds . 1282

Ditto—by Dr. Williams . . , \«!i

PREFACE.

" The lips of the righteous," said Solomon, " feed many;" and in our times especially is the assertion verified by the published relics of persons so denominated. In the publications referred to, as in ample storehouses, hath been laid up for the church most invigorating food; and the press, like the blessing upon the widow's stock, continues to multiply and perpetuate the treasure.

Few individuals have been more distinguished for their endeavours to advance the divine honour, by such means, than Matthew Henry. His name, because of his productions as an author, is deservedly great in Israel; and in tlie gates thereof do his works praise him. His course on earth terminated long ago, but not until, in a far more exalted sense than the racers in the Grecian games, he had delivered a torch to survivors—^a torch, which guides to heaven; and which not oidy has remained unextinguished, but still flames with increased and cheering brilliance.

The favourable reception given to the late edition of our author's Scripture Commentary, in three octavo volumes,* has induced the enterprising and zealous proprietor of that unique impression, to send forth, in a size exactly uniform, the ensuing collection of the same inestimable mans Miscellaneous Compositions.

Various editions, some smaller, and some more extended, bearing a similar titie, have heretofore appeared. But if the folio of 1726, and the quarto of X811, be excepted, not one has made the least pretension to completeness. Neither of those editions, though the most perfect of any, is fairly entided to the distinction. The quarto contained the Sermon at the opening of the Meeting-house in Chester, which was omitted in the folio; and the folio preserved the collection of Family Hymns, while the quarto retained only the Prefatory Essay to that collection. But neither embraced his Treatise on Baptism, nor yet his Memoirs of Mrs. Radford, Mrs. Hulton, or Dr. Tylston.

All Mr. Henry's publications, (except only the tract on the schism bill,t which cannot be discovered,) including the Prefaces he wrote to the Life of Thomas Beard, J and Mr. Murrey's book on Closet Devotion, § will be found in the present undertaking. Many discourses from original, and hitherto unpublished, manuscripts, are added; as are also the admirable aermons, delivered on occasion of his death, by the Rev. Dr. Daniel Wiliams, the Rev. William Tong, and the Rev. John Reynolds of Shrewsbury. Tliey are all, as I am informed, accurately corrected, as well as beautifully printed : and elegance is united with cheapness.

OrifioallJ printed ia 6 folioi. Bdr. Thoretby of Leeds, of antiquarian celebrity, and Mr. Henry's friend, (see the Life pfefiied to the Exposition, in oct tit «tipra, vol i. p. 35.) posseswed *' the memorable pen, wherewith the far greatest part of the volamet, in folio, was writ, the gift of the reverend author, 1712." See Thoresby's Docatus Leodensis, Dr. Whitsker's ed Uioo, p. 70. in the CaUlofae of Nstarsl and Arti6cial Rarities, fol. 1816.

f See the USt, ut mpra, p. 108. t The Holy Seed, or the Life of Mr. Tho. Beud.bi 3oi,^OT\ftt»^^'5AAn\\.

Had Mr. Henry's life been lengthened it was his intention to have published the manuscript sermons now introduced, and many others. * The series, alas! in present circumstances broken, would then liave been perfect

As selections from his usual pulpit preparations, and amounting to scarcely more, in any instance, than sermon skeletons, the manuscripts now published will, if compared with other parts of the volume, suffer from the common disadvantages of incompleteness. But while this circumstance has been felt as a reason against their introduction, the consideration of the welcome they are sure to meet with, and the prospect, therefore, of their usefulness, has outweighed that and several other objections. One of those objections—^brevity—will be to some persons, no doubt, a recommendation.

It will be observed, by careful readers, how well the manuscripts referred to accord with Mr. Henry's more finished productions, which it will now be seen, more clearly than ever were only a faithful representation of their author. What he appeared to the world to be as a preacher, he really was among his stated auditors, both at Chester and Hackney.

To the whole is appended a set of discourses by the venerable Philip Henry, his father, on what Christ is made to believers in forty real benefits. The subjects of this part of the volume are now first published from the hand-writing of the holy man who penned them; and being thus associated with his Life,t are not, it is thought, unsuitably preserved in the present volume. They have been introduced, indeed, because of their intrinsic excellence; for the greater honour of the writer; and for the sake of a wider circulation than would probably have been secured if published in a detached or separate form.

Independently of their interesting subjects, their author's special approbation of these sermons may be noticed, Philip Henry selected them from his accumulated collection of papers as a legacy to his excellent daugliter Mrs. Savage; J a fact perpetuated by herself in the commencement of the original manuscript, which forms a thick duodecimo volume.

" What Clirist is made of God to true believers in forty real benefits, preached at his moeting-housc, at Broad Oak, in Flintshire, by my honoured father, Mr. Henry, thus written with his o\\Ti dear hand, and left to me, S. S. by his last will, to the end I may learn Christ, and live Christ, and be eternally happy with him. Amen." §

The treasure thus distinguished, is possessed by my respected fiiend, Mrs. Bunnell, Lower Terrace, Islington, a descendant of Philip Henry; and at my request she kindly communis cated it for publication.

Notwithstanding similar regrets attach to the contents of the Appendix, as to the rest of the fragments now, for the first time, made public, the same arguments for their admission preponderated in the one case as in the other; and they fully demonstrate, though unfinished, oiu: author's accuracy, when he pronounced his father's preaching to be " very substanjtial, and elaborate, and greatly to edification."

All the sermons included in the Appendix are, as their title imports, concerning Christ— in various of those endearing relations which he bears towards his church. It is their individual and combined object to exalt him; to maintain his true and proper divinity; to illustrate the necessity and infinite nature of his atonement; and thus to fix every eye upon his cross. They exhibit likewise, in lively and familiar terms, those sources of satisfaction to believers, which alone can minister joy as they travel to their everlasting rest

It is the exclusive design of one discourse, the eighth of the series, to prove—that Jesus Christ is the Lord our Righteousness; and that it is the duty of believers to call him so. No

• See the Life, nf tupra, p. 111. f See p.9. % See her Life, duod. 1828. 4Ui. cd.

Mrs. Savise. The origi Dal MS. | See fott, p. 106.

resder, it is to be hoped, will slight the request which is prefixed to the discussion of that all-interesting topic. ^

Nor should it escape notice, in reference to the same sermons, that irrespectively of the uncommon importance of the subjects discussed, they are among the very choicest relics of their author. The date of the first is July 26, 1691, and of the last June 5, 1692. Philip Henry died June 24, 1696. So that, instead of containing any thing crude, they memorialize the piety and wisdom of that eminent man, when both were most matured.

Such are some of the claims which the present volume has upon the public attention.

Besides which the responsible duties of an editor of all the manuscripts now first printed, have been most judiciously and faithfully discharged by the Rev. Edward Hickman: a gentleman who numbers no less than three of the ejected worthies in the line of his ancestry; and who is himself the fourth in his family of a regular succession of nonconformist divines. His residence at Denton, in Norfolk, so near the press, rendered this service by him especially convenient; and his attainments in the knowledge pecu Uar to his sacred profession; his ardent attachment to the writings of Mr. Henry; and his deep admiration of their merits; attest his particular fitness for the task, which happily for the public, and the credit of our author, he imdertook.

In contemplating Mr. Henry's Miscellaneous Works, in themselves a library of theology, it naturally occurs, how much less known, and consequently less esteemed, they have hitherto been than his Exposition. So far, indeed, as paramount attention to Holy Scripture is concerned, this is just as it should be; and it is not wished by any effort, either of commendation or criticism, to weaken the force of that prepossession. The Exposition is, and ever must be, regarded as the magnum opus of its author. Nor can it be any presumption to predict of it, as Ovid is reported to have done respecting the far-famed poem of Lucretius, that it will Uve till the dissolution of all things.

Still it appears somewhat reproachful to the Christian pubUc, ihjL the Miscellaneous writings of our author should, in general, be, as a whole, in a comparative state of neglect: for it will be found on examination, that the same commanding excellences which have rendered Mr. Henry so celebrated as an expositor, distinguished him as a preacher; and have imparted to his Sermons, and Treatises, and Tracts, a charm not less fascinating than that which pervades the Commentary. There is, throughout, the same soundness of doctrine, the same " strange readiness, and fertility of invention," t the same novelty, the same felicity of Ulustration, the same pointedness of remark, the same ingenious contrivance of proverbial sentences, | and the same unvarying attention to usefulness. His zeal for this latter object, like the fire of the vestal virgins, was always burning.

Whatever prejudices may exist against theological compositions, in the form of Sermons that neither accounts satisfactorily for the neglect of Mr. Henry, nor does it annul the fact— thit one of the most interesting and valuable sections of English divinity, consists entirely of sermons. And the remark must not be withheld, that considering the age in which Mr. Hairy lived, he is entitled, as a sermonizer, to special honour. There are few discourses, ancient or modem, which possess more intrinsic excellences; or which contain, without the slightest pietensions to greatness, more various reading, more powerful appeals, more appropriate imagery, or a purer spirit of sacredness. Having explained his text, and so explained it as to fix the attention, he commonly divides his main proposition into parts; and generally restricts his observations, sometimes avowedly, as at p. (83.), to the context His explication of the doctrine deduced fix>m the text discovers occasionally, as do all his applica Uons, powers of discriminatioii equally uncommon and striking. The subdivisions are so managed as to

AppcDdiz, p. M. t Fooenl Sermon, by Mr. Reynoldi, p. 1291. t I>>tto, by Dr. Williami, p. 1301.

assist the memory; as when, for instance, he describes the nature of the sacramental supper —as a commemorating ordinance; as a confessing ordinance; as a communicating ordinance; and as a covenanting ordinance.* And although these intended helps appear, frequently, too jingling and fanciful for correct taste; yet in Mr. Henry there is such an air of naturalness, even about theniy as to prevent offence, if not to disarm criticism. When he comes to press the usesy and urge the motives connected with his leading topic, he rises in instructiveness. Nor does he lose sight of a single fact or circumstance with which the truths he nvishes to enforce can be associated. He seemingly exhausts the subject without exhausting the reader. Is there one, among all his discourses, which does not capitally illustrate those three qualifications of Baxter's " Best Teacher," which are essential to a good sermon ?—a clear explication of the gospel; the most convincing and persuading reasonings; and a manner at once serious, affectionate, and lively.t If Addison's test be true, that the secret of fine writing is, for the sentiments to be natural without being obnous, Mr. Henry, in whatever department of authorship he is considered, is entitled to a far more exalted rank among illustrious MTiters than he has yet attained.

In funeral sermons he so excelled as to render it just occasion for regret that he published so few. They all mingle liveliness with affection in a very remarkable degree. The are grave \iithout being dull; and seriousness is seen at the widest possible distance from gloom. One of them expatiates vAih singular beauty upon the duty of Christians giving thanks when in sorrow; J the death of " good men and good ministers" is represented in the exquisite imagery of the Scriptures; eternal realities are even familiarized; the instruction of the living is most powerfully attempted; and the ability and excitation of the biographical sketches, which are perfectly free from panegyric, cannot be estimated too highly. His sermon on the death of Mr. Tallents, is one of the finest specimens of preaching that can be instanced; the text selected by his revered friend was peculiarly appropriate, and, united with the occasion, called forth all Mr. Henry's powers. There are many passages in it of great strength and beauty; but his representation of ^' the delights of sense, and all earthly amusements and entertainments, as only despised crowds through which the soul of a Christian, big with expectation, presses forward in pursuit of everlasting joys," § is too noble not to be specially noticed. It is a kindred thought to that of the apostle, when he speaks of pursuing, or pressing toward the mark for the prize of the believer's high calling,—or should its originality be questioned, it must be allowed the merit of a happy paraphrase.

Another of those sermons is entitled, though in a different aspect, to more than incidental attention. It was preached on the death of the Rev. Daniel Biurgess, || after, as the reader will perceive by the date, Mr. Henry's removal to London, a circumstance here noticed, be-causer of the supposed influence of that event upon several of its statements. The allusions, coupled vnih the circumstances of the case, are, indeed, most significant; and admirably unfold our author's excellent spirit, his talentis, and masterly adaptation of passing occurrences to the purposes of general instruction.

The case is Uiis: Shortly before that discourse was delivered, Mr. Henry was attacked, through the press, by the able and untiring pen of De Foe—^not by name, but by inuendo; and so graphically as to appear as visible to the mind, as De Foe himself, a few years before, had been made, by a state advertisement for publishing a political squib. The delineation upon the face of it was highly honourable to Mr. Henry, but it was so completely neutralized by sarcasm, and no small portion of scorn, as to be grossly insulting. It touched nvith an unsparing hand the tenderest point in Mr. Henry's histor}'; and being published so soon

P. 206, kc. t Poor Man*i Family Book» p. 303. dood. 1091. Worki, vol. 19. p. 510. «ct.

ifter his settlement at Hackney, respecting which his Life fully details his distress * was but 00 well adapted for his own annoyance, and the irritation of his beloved, but dissatisfied, flock

It Chester.f

To De Foe*8 uncalled-for representation Mr. Henry opposed no express reply; still less did tie again revUe; he took occasion, however, firom the text of the sermon now under consider-ition—" We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us "—^to expatiate upon the infirmities of Christ's ministers; to acknowledge that " they have their faults, their flaws, their blemishes, as earthen vessels have;" X and to notice also, how frequently they are " despised and trampled upon," § even " loaded with reproach and calumny." || And then, applying the whole to himself and his brethren, he added, and it must have stung such a man as De Foe to the quick— ^^ By keeping the grace of humility in its strength and exercise," we shall have " this to say to those who think and speak Ughtly of us, That they cannot have a meaner opinion of us than we have of ourselves, DOT lay us lower before men, than we lay ourselves every day before God." %

The infusion of this spirit of Christianity through every part of Mr. Henry's works it is» which constitutes one of their peculiar charms. And—because of it, it cannot be otherwise than gratifying to those who admire him, either as a man or a writer, that increased attention is still likely to be given to his remains. The Exposition, indeed, which has been so long a &Tourite with studious dissenting ministers, and plain unlettered Christians, not to mention some members of the established church, is now greatly extending its range in the latter direction ; and that, notwithstanding the increasing circulation of the popular and invaluable Commentary of the Bev. Ihomas Scott The demand for that excellent work was, at one lime, such as to threaten our author's exclusion firom one large circle of the community; but the paroxysm being over, and reflection having succeeded excitement, Mr. Henry's unequalled irork has been restored to its rightfiil pre-eminence; and it has lately been afresh commended by a zealous clergj-man of the establishment

To prevent, as much as may be, the possibility of disappointment in any reader, who now, &r the first time, may resolve upon the study of all our author's writings—the Exposition ami those which are Miscellaneous—it may not be amiss to observe, how important, as well as just, it will be, to make proper allowance for the difierence of the ground-work in the two classes of the publications as so distinguished; and to keep especially in constant recollection, the aids to thought which are inseparable firom an exclusive consideration of the divine testimony : otherwise a comparison to the disadvantage of the latter class of authorship may easily, and even unintentionally, be formed. Witliout a caution so necessary, even in the absence of any thing else, our author's Exposition, like the Contemplations of Bishop Hall will be very apt to disparage his other productions; a consequence the more to be deprecatea because the Miscellaneous Writings, as is the case with tlic Sermons of the revered prelate just mentioned, actually evince quite as extraordinary faculties, both of ingenuity and instnictiveness, as the Commentary; though less obviously, because the opportunity for presenting uncommon remarks is less frequent, and because the range for observation is necessarily extended. The style of Mr. Henry, however, on every subject, as is the style of the good Bishop of Norwich, is enriched by Scriptural allusions; many of them surprising, and even delighting the reader, not less than some of those incidents, drawn from tlie same pure fountain, with which Milton adorned the sublimest of all poems.

The habit of sprightly and apt allusion to Scripture facts, and the use of Scripture language, irhich Mr. Henry diligently cultivated, has not only enriched, but xmspeakably enlivened

Uk, ui jwpr«, p. 46» Ice. t See De Foe's PieseDtSute of the Partiei id Great Briuio, p 307—309. oct. 1712.

the ensuing Miscellanies; and frequently more instruction is conveyed by the manner in which he has seized the hints scattered up and down in the sacred volume, than by the lengthened and elaborated topical discussions of many celebrated writers. And—his applu cation of such references b incomparable. In this poudt of view the exordiums to his sermons deserve especial regard. They are fine instances of the advantageous illustration of one scripture by another; while, as specimens of the beneficial observance of biblical phraseology, they are unrivalled. An attempt at citation would involve considerable extracts firom most of the sermons in the volume.

In the management of texts, as well as their illustration, every reader conversant with what are called the old divines, will perceive in Mr. Henry a vast improvement upon the canons of most preceding theologians. It is true his style, like that of the majority of the admirable persons referred to, was oftentimes too quaint, and too antithetical; but even in those respects, great advances are discoverable towards the happier modes of division and expression, which are now in use. Mr. Henry is both less strained and less excessive; as may be seen in the exordium to the ^' Pleasantness of a Religious Life,'* where, perhaps, he has put forth his antithetical prowess to the uttermost.

From another fashion of his predecessors and contem Doraries—the firinging of the margm, ** with variety of choice reading"—Mr. Henry, except in the "Treatise on Meekness," and the sermon entitled " Christianity no Sect," has still further departed. Not that he was unequal to the task; for his reading was extensive, and various, and well managed; and in the compositions thus mentioned, he has shown the ease with which he could have vied with eveo the most erudite of his brethren in citations firom antiquity. But ever after those two discourses were published, wiser in this respect than many of the ancients, he deemed it sufficient to state the results rather than the sources, of his thoughts. And so completely, firom that time, were the ideas he collected firom others moulded and fashioned in his own mind, as to render it almost as difficult to trace them as it would be to detect the fiowers and blossoms from whence has been extracted a mass of honev.

Socrates has directed mankind to limit their studies to things of real utility. And Mr. Henry, in his official capacity especially, diligently acted upon this counsel. Therefore it was, that in drawing the portraiture of a good minister, he declared he should do it " by his interest and fidelity, not by his learning, or the arts and languages" of which he was master.* And therefore it was, that instead, on the one hand, of hunting after novelties instead of the gospel; or, on the other, of borrowing largely from celebrated philosophers, and admired, but profane, classics, either to adorn his compositions, or display his learning; he bestowed all his energies to increase men's acquaintance with the Scriptures; to make, by the use of the words of truth, the " countenance of truth," as Hooker expressed it, " more orient." There is not in all his \vritings a single attempt to resolve any one of the absurd inquiries which are so common on the lips of mere speculators and trificrs. Like the apostle Paul, whom he admired more than all mere mortals, and whom he has signalized as " the most active, zealous servant that ever our Master had," t he daily studied to know nothing " save Jesus Christ, and him crucified." His preaching, as was the case with his beloved friend Mr. Samuel Lawrence, tended " to bring people to Christ and heaven ; to heaven as their end, and to Christ as their way." J This the reader may see beautifully illustrated at the close of the sermon entitled, " Faith in Christ inferred firom Faith in God." ^

Far from contenting himself with mere illustrations in geography, or natural history, or the " fine-spun cobwebs of school notions," or maxims of heathen ethics, Mr. Henry's whole soul was absorbed in a mighty effort to unfold the meaning of God's word; to convince

mankind of sin; to induce reflection; to exhibit the riches of salvation; and to guard against neglecting it. Instead of glancing, now and then, at the essential parts of the Christian system, as if at a spectre; instead of treating the doctrines of the cross >vith reserve and hesitation, as if afraid they should do harm; he evidently gloried in them, and delighted, upon all occasions, to give to them the greatest prominence. This spirit leavens the whole of his writings; and such is his regard to the necessity of divine influence, and such the earnestness of his solicitude that all might be savedy that we seem carried back to the ministrations of the apostles themselves; the energies of the soul are called into continual exercise; and holy cheerfulness is promoted. Mr. Henry, indeed, was a happy Christian, and aU his publications breathe the air of heaven. There is impressed upon them a calmness, a vivacity, a heart,* so strongly indicative of "joy and peace in believing," as to form a running commentary on his own memorable declaration, that— ^*^ a holy, heavenly life, spent in the service of God, and communion with him, is the most pleasant and comfortable life any man can live in the world ;"t or on that other striking assertion—" I would not exchange the pleasure of converse with the Scriptures, and divine things, for all the delights of the sons and daughters of men, and the peculiar treasures of kings and princes.'' X

It was this settled persuasion, combined with zeal that others might enjoy the same blessedness, which so urged him onward in his style of writing, as, oftentimes, to give an idea of almost breathless haste; an anxiety for the reader's good, which never seems to have allowed him to stop till all his emotions had found utterance. The reader must be struck with this m his Recommendation of Sdber-mindedness to the Young; § in his Improvement of the Death of Mr. Tallents; || and, indeed, in all his published labours, treatises as well as sermons.

As an author Mr. Henry is what Lord Bacon would pronounce a " full" writer. He takes many things, after the manner of Holy Scripture, for granted. There are no digressions.

He never aims at making a single sermon a complete body of divinity; and still less does he waste one page after another in a dry repetition of truisms, which when pronounced.are, because of their commonness, as ill calculated to move as to interest the mind. More is <rfien implied by him than expressed; and even the most important instructions are frequently conveyed incidentally. ** Gospel ordinances," he remarks, " in which we deal much im our way to heaven are very agreeable to all the children of God." IT And again—" we must take up our cross, when it lies in our way and bear it after Christ" ** The Miscellaneous Writings, like the Exposition, are full of such examples. But the most perfect and continuous of them, occurs in the 4th chai)ter of the Communicant's Companion, under the title of Helps for Self-examination.

Whatever oinr author's defects may be, they are never important; nor do his writings sustain by them more injury than a fine face does by a mole. He never oflcnds by Ugotxy, nor disgusts by mysticism, nor wearies by feebleness, nor puzzles by abstruseness. Some persons, notwithstanding even efforts to be intelligible, and efforts to all appearance as sbenuously put forth as was the strength of certain mariners when rowing towards Tarshish, are still obscure, and full of oracle-like uncertainty. Mr. Henry, on the contrary, is perfectly lacid, and clear.

His diction, always expressive, is often felicitous; and though it makes no pretension to elegance, is both nervous and forcible. His writings are not, it is true, " embossed," like Bishop Taylor's, " with graceful ornaments;" but ordinary subjects are treated by him m an extraordinary manner;—an attainment Horace thought so difficult Nothing can

• See p 1279. t P- 283. Life, ut lupra, p. 76. t P. 331.

be more appropriate or instructive than his description of his mother's wisdom—as consisting in being " well versed in Solomon's proverbs." * And—when he delineated " the plea8m*e of a proud man in his dignities, and the respects paid him, as Herod, in the acclamations of the crowd," he represents it as but affecting ^^ the fancy;" as ^Wain gloiy;** as " but the foUy of him that receives the honour, fed by the folly of them that give it:" t— does he desen-e less regard, or is he less accurate, than Shakspeare himself, in the celel»'ated catechism of Falstaff ?

In definitions, indeed, our author excelled greatly. His writings abound with them, and they are uniformly distinguished by the best characteristics; they are simple, original, and uncommon. ^'What is heaven," he asks, ^^but holiness in honour? grace crowned with glory ?":( ^' Meditation is thought engaged, and thought inflamed." § ^^ Our love to God in i this world is love in motion, in heaven it will be love at rest."

His allusions and imagery, in like manner, always please, and always edify; the former, because they are generally Scriptural; the latter, because, like the parables of our Lord, they are derived firom the most common occurrences. It is their reflection of the images of everyday life which gives to them such an inexpressible charm, and an impression, also, upon the memory so difficult to efface. Let his reference to Jacob and Boaz H be well considered in illustration of one of the classes now under consideration; and such instances as the following of the others;— *^ Wisdom not only makes the face to shine for the present, but leaves a good report to succeeding generations, like the after-beams of the sun when he is set, surrounded with which he lies down in honour." ** " The yoke of Christ is more than easy, it is sweet and gentle; not only easy as a yoke is to the neck when it is so well fitted as not to hurt it; but easy as a pillow is to the head when the head is weary and sleepy." ft

Sometimes he produces a singular and powerful effect by a peculiar and impressive repe-tition of a word. At first sight, indeed, the phrase may appear capricious; fiuently it really is so; but if considered, it will, nevertheless, be uniformly found to convey some truth of special moment, if not to unite with some portion of Scripture worthy of supreme attention. For instance—the concluding sentence of the exordium to the fimcral sermon for his mother; XX ^^ ^^^ paragraph of the same discourse; §§ and the close of the first branch of the application to the sermon entitled—Christ's Favour to Children.||||

It is remarkable, that when Mr. Henry is ever so awakening his address is always attractive. Though filled with zeal, he never indulges in the awful style of some ardent and talented writers, who, when writing against evil, have so expressed themselves as to make it questionable whether they did not mistake pride, or ma Ugnity, or passion, for Christian charity. Under a better influence Mr. Henry employed—^plain and Scriptural statements; tender and kind expostulations; the sweetness of condescension and respect; and no small portion of that " long suffering" M'hich,in reference to one of its brightest manifestations, was proclaimed a pattern to subsequent believers—^for guidance surely, as well as encouragement 1[i[ So that when he makes the reader start, it is not so much by a voice of terror, as of solemn importimity. If the individuals alluded to (and it seems to have been the case) were provoked by human offences, like warring elephants by " the blood of grapes and mulberries," to Jighty Mr. Henry's heart was melted. The dishonour done to God, and the imminence of man's danger, affected Aiwi, as they did David when he grieved because of transgression ; and David's Lord, who, beholding Jerusalem, wept. It is observable, that Mn Henry advised others to a like course.*** The truth is, he regarded the present world in connexion with a system of mediation; a system which it is the design of the New Testament

PREFACE. Jx

to unfold; and of individual ministers in proportion as they are actuated by a genuine desire of usefulness, to exhibit and enforce. Hence, how poignant soever his reproofs, his very tone and manner discover such love to mankind, as forbid the supposition of even an inclination to angry violence. In his Discourses against Profaneness, where all his hostility to sin is consolidated, there is actually nothing to inspire displeasure at his rebukes. Nay, the very titles of those productions are enough, if prejudice previously existed, to disarm it. One is a ** Friendly Admonition—^to Drunkards and Tipplers;" another a " Word of Ad-rice—^to the Wanton and Unclean;" the next is a " Serious Address—to those who Profane the Lords Day ;** and the last, a " Check—^to an Ungovemed Tongue."

Mr. Henry knew the terrors of the Lord, but, in imitation of the great apostle of the Gentiles, that knowledge was not used for purposes of intimidation. He persuaded men. He aimed, by means of motives and arguments, at " alluring" sinners "into the ways of yns-dom and holiness." * This was a method of treatment to which from childhood he had been accustomed; his honoured parents constantly used it towards their children: f and, suc-eessfiilly pursuing the same course, his own writings display a power of insinuation precisely similar to that which prophecy and poetry have attributed to the dews and the snow of heaven. How singularly is this the tendency of the Treatise on the Pleasantness of Religion. That inestimable little work is introduced by an allusion to a principle of ratiocination insisted upon by a great name in the Platonic school, Dr. Henry More; and upon that principle Mr. Henry proceeded in a train of holy argumentation, and with a persuasiveness vhich has never yet been surpassed. Though the treatise in question was the last our author wrote, it is a sample of all his other pub Ucations, and may be fitly recommended to such as tre unacquainted with his merits as the first to be read.

Let it not be inferred, however, firom any of the foregoing remarks, that, because Mr. Henry never provoked hostility, he trimmed, either in his writing, or preaching. Instead of withholding any part of God's counsel to please men, he paid as Uttle regard to human prejudice, or human passions, when opposed to the promulgation of truth, as an eagle does to flies. In the discourse entitled " Christianity no Sect," % he has expressed himself fidly on this point, as also in one of his ministerial exhortations; § and the works now collected admirably illustrate and confirm those statements. He greatly disapproved of not giving to each ^^ principle of religion its due weight, and each practice of it its due place and proportion.*' || He would not have " one precept of the gospel, any more than one table of the law, dashed in pieces."ir In spite, therefore, of cavillers he uniformly combines—^privileges with duties; and doctrines with obligations. He equally recognises dinne power, and human agency. He exhibits the grace that bringeth salvation; but he also maintains, and upon the same unerring anthori, that perdition is the firuit of sin.

He every where uses great plainness of speech; an acquirement of singular importance, but which, so fiail is human excellence, may easily degenerate into lowness, if not vulgarity. Instances of that kind do, it must be confessed, occur occasionally in our author's writings; and lest the present remarks should be considered as savouring of inordinate partiality, and lest, also, any person should follow even Mr. Henry, as an exemplar, injudiciously, one instance shall be noticed. It occurs in the " Directions how to Spend the Day with God." —** We must wait upon God,** says our author, " as the holy angels do, who always be-liold the face of their Father, as those who are at his beck, and ready to go upon the least intimation of his will, though but by a wink of his eye, wherever he sends them.*' ** It cannot, surety, admit of doubt, whether the words thus printed in Italics are a blemish to the passage or not. They do detract firom its force and dignity. The idea is actually

debased bj the homeliness of the illustration; and the familiarity of it reminds us of the lightness, and taste for punning, so assiduously cultivated in the middle ages.

Connected with Mr. Henry's studied plainness of speech, must be noticed his boldness. Frequently that quality is very striking. His exposure of transubstantiation in the Comma-nicanf s Companion; * the seventh direction at the close of his Advice to the Wanton and Unclean; f and the whole of the sermons entitled ^' Self Consideration necessary to Self-Preservation,*' X are deserving of especial remark in this respect Astonishment, indignation, inquiry, antithesis, and grave announcements, are so mingled, as to press upon the reader with a force absolutely overwhelming; comparable only to the fervid eloquence of Baxter; and best accounted for upon the. principle Mr. Henry once stated as a reason lot earnestness—a sight of death at the backs of his hearers. §

For the same reasons, when the exposure of error justified it, an observer will perceive that Mr. Henry did not conceal even Uis natural facetiousness; and occasionally it amounted to direct satire. He is evidently so to be understood when he alludes to the '^ cannon** of the angry; || when he mentions dragoons as the ^^ booted apostles'* of the church of Rome; % when he adverts to children intended for tradesmen learning Latin and Greek, with a design to forget it; ** and when, as if determined, if possible, to cure an inclination to mysticism, he observes in the Commentary, (to which in this edition of the whole works one allusion may be allowed,) that none should be puffed up with a conceit of visions and revelations, since *^ even an ass saw an angeL'^ff

A few remarks must be offered upon our author's compositions in the order in which, from time to time, they were first published; because a regard to this will discover, to great advantage, some of the excellences and characteristics of his spirit

The Tract on Schism, for example, his ^rst publication, instead of emitting controversial sparks, displays, like all his other works, the most enviable moderation; a moderation indicative of the sobriety and seriousness of a mind deeply impressed, as his certainly was, with the presence and the coming of Christ Nothing can be imagined better adapted than that small pamphlet to draw men off firom the circumstantials to the essentials of religion; to destroy a party spirit; to promote Christian unity and love; to put bigots to shame; and to explode superstitious fancies, as absurdities fraught with inexpressible danger. And the same excellent temper, it may be remarked in passing, breathes throughout his ^^ Laymans Reason for Dissent ;'*^XX ^^ Sermon delivered by him at the Opening of his New Meetinghouse ; §§ and, indeed, all his other works.

A Collection of Family Hymns followed the Tract on Schism. And these discover aa impidse still more celestial. The avowed design of this labour of love was to '^ help forward" the doing of God's will " on earth, somewhat like as it is done in heaven."

To the Psalms and Hymns succeeded the Life of his venerable and celebrated Father.lflF A volume in which he presented to the reader's eye a ^' living epistle of Christ;" just such an exemplification of the principles of piety as he longed to see imitated. Who that knows that lovely specimen of biography will not admit, that the peacea Ueness of its subject; his patience; his fireedom firom ambition; his entire deadness to the world; and habitual aspirations after the heavenly glory, are, in fact, a picture of what imagination supposes the life of an angel would be, if one of those supernal beings were permitted to tabernacle for a season among men!

Whether the reader concurs in these views or not, it will be worth his while to mark caie-

P. 238. t P. 490. t P. 519. $ Life.

Wt See p IS24, of tbe preient volume, where it it printed with the enlargeme Dti and illustrations recently added.

fii Djy as he proceeds, all the remaining tractates, and discourses; those, I mean, not already specifically noticed.

The Essay on Meekness, for instance, is eminently characteristic of the author; and it shows, that ^ehile the endeavours of many writers seem to have been directed to the scorching up of every vestige of Christian love ik>m the earth, Mr. Henry sought diligently '^ to promote, and to charm men" into another temper; a frame of mind "conducive to the comfort of human life, the honour of our holy religion, and the welfare and happiness of all societies, civil and sacred." *

The Communicant's Companion has no rival. All who preceded our author in that charming work; such as Dyke, (the title of whose "Worthy Communicant" Jeremy Taylor seems to have adopted,) and Vines, and Doohttle, and Shower, to mention no others, appear immeasurably below him. The productions of those good men, and they were all men of renown, had, it is willingly admitted, their individual excellences. Some of them, eqiecially Mr. Dyke's Manual, (a book much prized by Philip Henry,t) and the Treatise on die Lord's Supper by Doolittle, (Mr. Henry's tutor,) were exceedingly popular. But the "Instructions for the right receiving of the Lord's Supper"! evince to the most careless examiner, such a striking superiority for all the purposes of Christian edification, as to foibid comparison. When there has been conceded to Dyke and Shower all the judiciousness and good sense ; and to Vines all the learning and acuteness; and to DooUttle all the eamestness and simplicity; and to Bishop Taylor all the elaboration and splendour,—^they can fidily claim ; there will be found in Mr. Henry's Uttle book, such a combination of attractive pr o perties, in union with a native sweetness of disposition, pecu Uarly elicited by his subject, as fully* to justify the preference which so long, and so wisely, has been given to it by the religions public.

The Catechisms, again, though in a state of comparative neglect, are treasures of divine truth. That " in the method of the Assembly's" has been styled by an excellent friend of mine, who ranks deservedly high as a preacher, and a scholar— ^^ the ablest summary of divinity iq our language." §

Nor are the other pieces of Mr. Henry, his " Method for Prayer," and his Sermons, (chiefly delivered, it will be observed, on special occasions,) entitled to less praise. Those of them, not to repeat such as have been mentioned, which are designated—" Directions for Daily Commmiion with God;" the " Right Management of Friendly Visits;" || on " Family Religion ;** and " Disputes Reviewed" are deserving of peculiar attention ; and are sufficient, had their author written nothing else, to have embalmed his name through all succeeding generations. The admirable nature of the instructions he has there embodied; the way in which true religion is exhibited—as a matter of principle, as a continual disci-]dine of the heart and the life; and the skilful and impressive manner in which moral duties lie connected with the Saviour, as their source, their incentive, and their medium, do the utmost credit to his understanding, his ability, and his zeal.

In one word—^the direct tendettcy of all his compositions, those which have been specifically named, and those which have been included under a more general reference, is unmixedly md uniformly good. It is to render Christianity attractive; to divest it of those exorbitances and blemishes by which, during the lapse of ages, it has been dishonoured; it is to promote idf-knowledge; to draw men to the Redeemer; and to meeten believers for their inheritance. Thither he was himself perpetually looking. He does not, indeed, any where attempt a Dunnte descriptioii of what *^ the eye hath not seen, nor the ear heard, nor the heart of man

P. 26B. t P. 14. t P. 331. § MS. Uuet.

I See, ai to thii. Dr. Wilts's Humble Attempt. Works, y, 4. p. 616. oc\.

conceived ;'* but he does discover such a familiarity with that better state, as to show ^^ with what ease/* like his beloved friend James Owen, he could *^ take leave of the world as one well pleased to think of being no more in it*'* The comforts of grace, which Christians often experience, made Aim ^* long for heaven ;''t and the removal of other saints excited him, by faith, hope, and holy devotion, to ^^ follow them to the things above ; on which as Christians,'* said he, " we are to set our affections.'' J

It would be no irksome task to pursue these observations through all Air. Henry's writings, individually; so as not only to mark their chronology, but by suitable excerpts to make the reader acquainted with their respective merits; but after what has already appeared, § it seems an indispensable duty to refrain.

The broader lines of our author's literary character and genius having, in the work just alluded to, been attempted; with observations, Ukewise, upon his defects and peculiarities; it will be well if many of the notices already submitted are not deemed needless; or at all events an improper detention of the reader from the volume. Since, however, this Preface is perfectly gratuitous, originating in personal conviction, and contributed with a view to the obtaining from the public, if possible, renewed attention to the valuable remains thus introduced, the service, it is hoped, will be readily borne with. And if what is commendable and attractive in our author, should appear to have been principally dwelt upon, let it be remembered how much more pleasant it is to dilate upon excellences than imperfections; upon that which is worthy of regard and imitation, than of censure and aversion. Nor must the remark be withheld, that Mr. Henry's defects, as critically studied, will be found to be not only, what Dryden has so well stated of some errors, ^^ like stains flowing upon the surface," but so trivial as—^in comparison of positive and numberless beauties—to be umwor Uiy of notice. His constant endeavour aft;er perspicuity more than atones for some ^^ poornesses of expression;" and the " infusions of sentiment," and " felicities of fancy," which every where abound, for inattention to critical exactness and laboured po Ush. Mr. Henry has furnished other emplojrment than thinking upon words.

J. BicKERTON Williams.

The Creteenty Skrewthury December 21, 1829.

P. 746. t P. 412 t P. 757. § See the Life, vol. 1. p. 101, he.

THE LIFE

OF THE

REV. PHILIP HENRY, A. M

WITH

FUNERAL SERMONS FOR MR. AND MRS. HENRY.

BY THK

REV. MATTHEW HENRY, V. D. M.

Magnum et memorabile nomen. V i b oi l. An exainp1e,-in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in &ith, in purity. St. Paui.

CORRECTED AND ENLARGED,

BY J. B. WILLIAMS. F. S. A,

PREFACE

TO THE LIFE OF PHILIP HENRY.

In prenting to the poblic a new edition of the life of that *' wiacy goody and truly wonderful man, Mr. Philip Henry/'* the editor cannot forbear to state, that early and established prepossessions have powerfully concurred in its production.

The published work has been long distinguished by special approbation. Sir James Stonhouse designated it his '* favourite piece of biography.''t Dr. Doddridge *' often spoke of it as affording him much instruction and encouragement.''| By another writer it is represented, as " one of the most in-stnictiTe and interesting pieces of religious biography ever written."^ Mr. Chalmers pointedly notices '* the piety. Christian moderation, and good sense, which pervade the whole."|| And, by a late revered friend. Dr. Edward Williams, it is appropriately characterized, '* a beautiful delineation of primitive Christianity, and the power of godliness, where social religion and personal holiness are <bawn to the life, and eminently manifested; where, in a word, the doctrine of the life of God in the soul of man, derives a striking proof, and a venerable «anction."f

Judicious friends have repeatedly suggested to the writer, that existing manuscripts might be so

Life of the R«T. T. RoMwdl, p. 30. oct 1718.

t Lefttan hmn Hie Rev. Job Oritoo, tnd Uw Rer. Sir Jtme* Stoa. k«K, But. M. D. to tbe lUv. TboouM StcdoHUi, M. A. Vicar of St. OadX S hw wb a ry, od. VtfA, ?oL S. p. 300; aod aee alto, rol. 1. p.

171,1 selected, and incorporated with the work, as still to increase the estimation of this edifying volume, and have urged him to undertake the service. The materials in his possession, and within his reach, frequently disposed him to comply. Of late, various occurrences have served to engage his attention to it more fixedly, and the supply of numerous relics afforded a stimulus to the undertaking.

The whole seemed to form a deposit so favourable to the object, that, if attendant difficulties were not insurmountable, the obligation to publish was rendered imperative.

Indeed, had the task been declined, might not the editor have incurred an imputation of selfishness, for improperly hoarding treasure so calculated for general usefulness? These and other considerations determined him to commence the work, and to proceed with it as quickly as constant professional engagements would allow.

In the ** Entire Collection of Mr. Matthew Henry's Writings,"** the Life of his Father was inserted.

With this exception, the editor is not aware of any genuine edition, since the third, which was published in 1712; improved by the author's final t Uk, by Ortao, p- ^^ •^ ''"*' h 2

I Eclectic lUview, N. S. vol. 7. p. 273.

I Gen. Biof. Diet. vol. 17. p. 361. by Alexander Chalmers, F. S. A.

IF Preftce to Morrice's Social Religion Exemplified, p. xv. ed. 1786.

In aeveo volame«, 4to, 1811. edited \x% tbft R«ii. G«wV»x4tx and ^ Rev. Joaeph Hagbes, A. H.

RREFACE TO THE UFE OF PHILIP HENRY.

and the addition of a sermon, preached by himself, on the death of his honoured mother.

A new and valuable, but abridged, republication appeared in 1765, under the superintendence of the Rev. Job Orion. The copy which he used on that occasion,t with the alterations in his own hand, being in the possession of Mr. Stedman, through his kindness an opportunity was afforded to the present editor, of noticing the great extent of the variations. It was dedicated,—" To the Descendants and other Relations of Mr. Philip Henry;" and in the opinion there expressed roost readers will concur. '' I esteem it," says Mr. Orton, " one of the chief excellences of this book, that it is, as the author hints in his Preface, the history of a person who roani-fested such an eminence of piety, prudence, humility, zeal, and moderation, as would have adorned the highest station, and is scarcely to be equalled. He is, therefore, a suitable and bright example to persons of every rank, as well as an admirable model for the ministers of the gospel." t

Of the second edition, § of the original work, a re-impression has lately been given by a dignitary of the established church, || Dr. Wordsworth ; who, in his Preface, has observed, that '* if he could any where have found nonconformity united with more Christian graces than in Philip Henry," the example should have obtained its station in the work.

Various other editions, both Scotch and English, more or less inaccurate, might be enumerated, but the supply can furnish no reason for withholding one more correct and enlarged.

1711.13, January 23. I began to read orer my fiither'i Lifcp, to correct it for the preaa. Rev. Matthew Henry'a Diary, Orig. MS.

t The firat edition, 1696.

t Dedication, pp. iv. v. See Mr. Griffin'a Sermon on " The Decline of Religion,** oct 1813. p. 68. Mr. Henry*a Life ia there urgently recommended to roiniatera.

\ Printed in 1699.

R See Eccleaiaatical Biography; or Lirea of Eminent Men connected with the Uiatory of Religion in England, by Chriatopher Wordaworth, M. A. Dean and Rector of Booking, (now D. D. and Maater of Trinity College, Cambridge,) in 6 Tola. oct. 1810.

IT Id the poawaaion of Mr. Witton.

The following notice of the undertaking, in a letter to the Re?. F. Tallenta, ahowa the author'a anxioua deaire of accuracy:—

Clieater, Norember 81,1696.

If thia find you, aa I truat it will, aomewliat rerived, let it alao acquaint you that 1 am orer-persuaded royaelf to put together what nMteriala we have of my dear &ther*a life, wherein I ahall, aa well aa I can, puraue the directiona you gave me; when it ia done, (and it ia not yet begun,) I afaall aubroit it to your cenaure, and deaire you to put a abort prefoce liefore it. I purpoae, in a chapter by itaelf, to give aome very abort accounta of hia frienda and brethren in the miniatry, that went to heaven before him, having materiala for it out of hia own

A minute detail of the sources whence the new materials have been derived has been deemed unnecessary. Nor has it been thought expedient to distinguish, in every instance, the particular nature of the manuscript resorted to.

The diary, in compliance with well-established custom, is uniformly pointed out. A few but immaterial alterations have been made; such as occasional abridgments and transpositions, and the completion of here and there 'a sentence. Sometimes obsolete words or phrases have been changed or expunged.

In general,— " to prevent any repellent effect, it was thought advisable to adopt the modem orthography." In two instances, the one a letter from Lady Puleston, the other from Mrs. Henry, the original spelling has been retained.

Being favoured with nearly the whole of the Life, in Mr. Matthew Henry's hand-writing,IF the editor has, by collating, been enabled to make such comparisons and additions as to insure uniform accuracy.

As to the general plan, much difficulty was felt; but to have made alterations, or to have done otherwise than reprint, would have been to destroy the charm which will ever attend the volume, as a memorial of strict fidelity and filial affection ; as distinguished also by an enviable simplicity, and a ndiv Ste ** of expression, in perfect unison with the subject.

Objections may arise to such large additions to the original volume, and it may be feared that the diary; only I do not remember that I met with any thing there < cerniog Mr. Hilderaham of Felton, who yet I know waa hia great friend. When you are at leisure, 1 rtult be glad to have from you two or three linea concerning him, particularly hu age, and the time of hia death; and whether he ordered this to be hia epitaph, (aa 1 think I have heard,) —' Here lyes S. H. Minister of Welsh Felton,* till Auguat 34, 1668.*' Matthew Henry. Orig. MS. BriUsh Muaeum, fol. No. 4375. Pint. 111. E. Bibl. Birch.

It was not till after tlie above paragraph waa written, that tha (ditor noticed, in the History of Disaentera, by Meaara. Bogue and Bennett, vol. 3. p. 395. a like atatement The Rev. Maater of Trinity College has adopted a different phraseology. Ne aaya of the work ia question,—" It abounda aomewhat too largely in certain quaintoeana of expresaion introduced into religioua aulecta, and affi Kted by tha puritanical divines.*' Eccl. Biog v. 6. p. 109, ul aupro. If it ba bare intended to insinuate, that quaintncaa of expression waa peeuiiar to the puritana, a query at once preaents itaelf aa to Biabopa Latimer, and Andrews, and Fell, the poet Herbert, and other eminent epiacopaliana. See potf, p. 314.

Were lAey puritanical divines? And waa Sir Edward Coke of the same fraternity ? Mr. Justice Blackstone saya, " The great oracle waa fiol a lUtU infected vUh quaimtnese.'^ Comment v. 1. Introd. 13. p. 71. lh ed. The truth is, that, in thoae timea, to ad<^t a remark

PREFACE TO THE LIFE OF PHILIP UENKY.

xvu editor, tfaroagh impartiality, or for other reasons, has been led to introdace passages too unimportant for publicity. He hopes, howerer, to stand acquitted, at all events, by those who regard his end; and that, on perusal, the book will display somewhat of watchful caution for the avoidance of such an error. He does not expect, indeed, that mil will approve either the plan adopted or the selections furnished. It would be difficult, perhaps impossible, to arrange, or extract from, a mass of theological effusions, like Mr. Henry's, so as to give universal satisfaction. Nothing is made public, it is hoped, which can justly be deemed offensive to a discriminating judgment, inconsistent with a due regard * to the venerated writer, or prejudicial to the interests of that charity for which he was so deservedly famed.

To suppress what appeared fitted more fully to develop Mr. Henry's character, was deemed improper. And more especially so, as it was considered, that to give prominence to his sentiments on a variety of topics, would render more exemplary and more instructive his moderation and candour; virtues which, drawn into exercise by difference of judgment, impart gpracefulness to the determinations of a well-regulated mind, give weight to argnnacnt, and attraction to Christianity.

Excerpts of a nature so devout and so practical as those ordinarily introduced, appear, it is thought, with advantage in connexion with the events of their writers life. They illustrate and enforce each other. Letters, particularly when fraught with evangelic sentiment, and adapted for ^ewa/utility, are usually much esteemed, and for biographical purposes are invaluable.

vitun ipMiD horoinb repneaentant.—ERASMUS.

Letters, tlierefore, constitute a large proportion of the additions. For the sake of more convenient arrangement, these, vrith some other enlargements, have been interwoven with the original text, but, for easier distinction, are separated by brackets.

Many of the papers, thus exhibited, being scattered when the Life was originally written, were probably unknown to Mr. Henry's biographer. Various causes,t too, which might at that time have rendered omissions prudent, have now ceased to exist. We are happily removed to a distance from the irritations peculiar to that afflicted era;— a kindly feeling of brotherly love, between Christians of different parties, has gradually been diffused ;—the rights of conscience are more widely recognised, and better understood, and an agreement to differ is acknowledged practically, as well as in theory, to suit human affairs better than the prejudices of ignorance, the penalties of legislative enactments, or the dogmas of assumed infallibility.

The work, abounding with allusions, required references to other compositions, and, frequently, extracts from them. The reader will perceive, that an effort has been made to supply illustrations, wherever practicable, from manuscripts hitherto unpublished; and that brevity has been studied throughout.

A Scriptural phraseology characterizes the papers of Mr. Henry, and the Life now reprinted. In some instances only, has it been thought advisable distinctly to solicit the reader's attention to such borrowed passages. To have done so in all cases was unnecessary, and would have been tedious.

There being only one note to the original work, (see p. 18.) it was thought needless to apply any mark of distinction to the annotations now introduced.

The references, occurring in the first edition of the Funeral Sermon for Mrs. Henry, were placed in the margin. The same course, for distinctness sake, is followed on the present occasion.

If a desire of accuracy have occasionally led to an exactness apparently trivial, the error may be classed among the few which are harmless, if not beneficial.

Most of the authors quoted were contemporary with Mr. Henry, or immediately precedent. Some are of a date still more ancient. This arose partly from necessity, and in part from choice. The editor.

bf Mr. Niefaols in bw prefiKe to the improred edition of Fuller'* WortlMiorEaglaod,—" QoAiBtiieawas tlie characteriatic of almost evcrj vriter of Mnincncc.**

See Mr. Scotl*» CoroiiienUry, Deut xxx\7. Practical ObservatioiM. i 8e« pott, p. SS3.

XYlll

PREFACE TO THE LIFE OF PHILIP HENRY.

while he admires modern elega Dcy, believes, with an antiquated poet, that,—

" Out of the olde feldet, as men nietb, Cometh all tliii oewe corn, fro yere to yere;

And oot of olde bookes, in good fiiieth, Oonieth all thu newe science that men lere.***

He is convinced also, that many of the writings thus noticed, notwithstanding their style, and independently of the clue they furnish to Mr. Henry's studies, are of peculiar value.f This, he acknowledges, has sometimes influenced him in these citations,—^that the reader may be induced to study such compositions more at large. They commonly receive, it is admitted, a quaint designation,— "Old Dyuynes,"t—as if, by inculcating a ceremonious reverence, to obstruct intimacy;—but familiarity, instead of producing its ordinar}' el Tects, will excite attachment, and perpetuate esteem.^ Inquire of the former age, and prepare thyself to the search of their fathers. For we are but of yesterday, and hnow nothing, because our days upon earth are a shadow.

It is not, however, intended that the passages so given, or referred to, should be regarded as a selection, either complete, or preclusive. Quotations from the Fathers, not to mention almost innumerable later theologians, and others, unnoticed in the following pages, would have furnished notes, perhaps, equally apt and useful. But the design was to avoid diffusiveness, and, by a reference to publications of comparatively easy access, to meet general convenience. The diligent admirer of antiquity || will easily trace, in the more remote '' lights of the church," not a few of the sentiments and phrases here used, together with many illustrative parallels, which, for the reasons before mentioned, have been omitted.

Nor do the opinions, thus expressed, result from

Learn. Chancer*s Parliament of Birds, rerie 33.

See a Practical View of the Prevaihng Religious Syntem of Professed Christians, by William Wilberfbrce, Ettq. M. P. chap. vi. pp. 379. 383. Oct. 1707.

% The I>ore of Holy Scripture, 1540. oct. Ames and Herberts Typographical Antiquities, by the Rev. T. F. Dibdin, vol. 3 p. 410.

I When a young man, a little too forward, had, in presence of many, said, that he could conceive no reason, in the reading of the old au. thors, why men should so greatly admire Uiero;—" No marvel, indeed, (quoth Master Fox,) for, if you could conceive the reason, you would then admire them yourself.** Life of Fox, prefixed to the Mar. tjrrologjr, vol I. to), XOM, such love to the olden time as is implied in the perverse doting of indiscriminate veneration; f nor yet in '' a critical desire," as Dr. Johnson expresses it, ''to find the faults of the modems, and the beauties of the ancients." Non vetera extollimus recentium incuriosi. Such opinions cannot, therefore, be justly considered as disparaging to later compositions, particularly those, and they are various, whose prominent features display '' profound scholarship, disciplined and vigorous reason, masculine eloquence, and genius-breathing enchantment"** Productions so exquisitely ornate render comparisons invidious, and would aggravate detraction. The editor, because of their illustrious eminency, and without seeking to lessen their deserved influence, aims only to dissuade those who ** seek and intermeddle with wisdom," from such a regard, as, from its exclusiveness, might prove injurious. Not only will the neglect of much ** fruitful erudition " be thus effectually prevented, but, in the assiduous use of means so excellent, a kindly impulse will be given to the whole process of edification ;—

" For, though old wrytynges apere to be rude; Yet, notwithstandynge, they do include The py the of a matter most fructuously." tf

It furnishes an opportunity for congratulation, too congenial to be omitted, that, at a time when the capabilities of the English tongue, for elegant combination, have been so signally manifested, and so many invaluable productions have raised our national literature to an unprecedented elevation, sufficient encouragement should have been afforded to the enterprising spirit of typography, not only to reprint the remains of many early Reformers, and other Protestant Divines, but to give to the voluminous labours of Archbishop Leighton; Bishops Hall, Hopkins, Taylor, and Beveridge; Doctors Light-

!! Blessed be God, for the monuments of antiquity, and the primitive church. Matthew Henry. Orig. MS.

See Caryl on Job, v. i. p. 705. fol. 1676. And, Baxter*s Practical Workx, vol. V. p. 566. oct ed.

Eany on Popular Ignorance, by John Foster, p. 8D. 2d edit See Dr. Parr's Spital Sermon, pp. 63, 64. 4to, 1801. Sonoe curious remarks upon •• bokes," and their *' stile,** occur in " Nicholas Udall*s Prefcoe to the Translation of the Paraphrase of Erasmus upon Luke," the three last pages, fol. 1548.

H Ames*s Typographical Antiquities, by Herbert, voL 3. p. 1756.

PREFACE TO THE LIFE OF PHILIP HENRY.

XIX

oot, Barrow, Owen, Watts, and Doddridge; John ilowe, Chamock, Baxter, Matthew Henry, and President Edwards, permanent external respectability. The omen is fayoarable; and the impulse, it }B hoped, will not become extinct, nor even feeble.

Bat while so mach in the sigs of the times is calculated to cheer, by a conviction of increasing intelligence and liberality, there sdll remains enough to render too apposite, in a spirit of mild seooomiodation, the caustic remark of Milton;— *' Things of highest praise and imitation, under a right name, are mis-called, to make them infamous tnd hateful." * To those who follow the things ftkiek mmke for peaety it cannot be otherwise than grievous that such an attestation is not exclusively applicable to those times of perilous disquietude wbich prompted the complaint. And still more so, tbt of late especially, and among the literati too, tke originating cause of that complaint should have fomished new evidence of undecaying vigour. Ire needs, but a slight acquaintance with the re->oblic of letters, and particularly the history and (iography of the last thirty years, both original and dited, to notice many confirmatory instances ; in-tances which would have warranted, in the follow-ng annotations, a system widely different from that mrsued. How much might be adduced,—to hold M) inquest upon motires,—which is adapted to pro-ince party-prejudice, and antichristian temper! Has not the power of truth, by zeal for preferences, iBcrely secular or ritual, been lamentably obstructed, and the censures of deists thus disgracefully countenanced ? Has not godliness itself been so misrepresented and caricatured, iby attacks upon puritans, nonconformists, and Calvinists, and so identified with alleged imbecility or extravagance, as to inspire, in not a few caries, contempt and aversion ? How irrational, to say the least, is such a course! As if the exhortations to love and good-will, which abound in the sacred oracles, and which are enforced by tremendous sanctions, were to be mea-lured by human fancy ; as if they respected only tbose whose thoughts run harmoniously about

Tbc AMwer to Eikoo Builike. Miltoo*s Prose Works, toI. 3. p. %.oct f Mr. Doracje Acroont of the Her. Joarph Caryl. DWiDe Cod. iH&phtkRM, p. M4, dnod. lOM.

X la Middlcton** Bioc. Em. toI. hr. p. ?& oct. 1786.

trifles, who congregate as one party, or rally under one visible standard! Not more incongruous would be the assertion,—that the cause of truth is best promoted by ignorance and error; or, that the enmity against God, (including his image, as impressed upon the saints,) which constitutes a carnal mind, would be most effectually counteracted by the infusions of hatred, the " moroseness of bigotry," and the workings of bitter disaffection.

For the better avoidance of evils, like these referred to, the original design of the Life, the elevated spirit of Catholicism which it breathes, and the sweet fragrancy f which is uniformly associated with Mr. Henry's name, have been kept habitually in view.

The animadversions on some of Dr. Wordsworth's statements will appear to the reader, it is believed, in nowise inconsistent with this profession. Siqcerely regretting the existence of those statements, the writer would have passed them by, had it been warranted by a conviction of their accaracyi or been consistent with official fidelity.

It is hoped that the introduction of the fac-timiles and portraits will be deemed an improvement. Mrs. Henry's picture has not before been engraved. The print conveys the exact expression.

The engraving of Mr. Henry, by White, prefixed to the early editions of the Life, is a performance but ill evincing the justness of the character usually given of that once popular artist. Nor can any thing better be said of a subsequent attempt by Trotter.t A comparison of the three engravings, which are from the same painting,^ will demonstrate the superiority of the one now published.

The late Mrs. Brett, of West Bromwich, informed the editor, that Mrs. Savage, her near relation, and the eldest daughter of Mr. Henry, pronounced the representation in the painting good, but rather too sorrowful.

" Hit eye was raeek and gentle; and a imile Play'd on lii« lipii; and in his apeech wan heard Paternal sweetnen, diiiityi aud Iove."R

To Nicholas Ashton, of Woolton Hall, in the

) Thus dated, ** Ann. et. SO, Aug 34,1691." The portrait illontrat. ing Mr. Ortoo s Abridgment of the Life, fU nqtra, is a memorial of younger daya.

PREFACE TO THE LIFE OF PHILIP HENRY.

coanty of Lancaster, Esq., acknowledgments are due, and are thus publicly offered, for the contribution of the picture from which Mr. Henry's portrait, introduced into this volume, was taken, and of which it is a faithful resemblance.

For permission to copy the painting of Mrs. Henry, and also for the communication of the baptismal covenant, from which the/ae-«tmt has most accurately been made, as well as for various useful manuscripts, thanks are respectfully tendered to P. H. Witton, Esq., of the Ravenhurst, near Birmingham, a lineal descendant of Mr. Henry, whose name he bears.

The manuscript diaries used on this occasion, in addition to that which is possessed by the editor, were kindly furnished by his much respected friend, Joseph Lee, Esq., Redbrook, near Broad Oak ; also, by Miss Bunnell, (now Mrs. Lewis,) London ; Mrs. Osbom, Worcester ; and, through the friendly application of the Rev. J. Robertson, of Stretton-under-Fosse, by Mrs. Bunting, Sprat-ton. To all of whom the editor begs to express his grateful sense of their politeness and liberality.

The editor's excellent friend, the Rev. Dr. Raffles, of Liverpool, is entitled to particular remembrance, not only for the loan of manuscripts, but also for much personal trouble.

To the Rev. Thomas Stedman, and Thomas Weaver, Shrewsbury; J. Grundy, Leicester; James Payne, Ipswich ; J. £. Good, Salisbury; and John Pearce, Wrexham;—also, to Mr. and Mrs. Bunnell, Islington, London; Mrs. Kenrick, Wynne Hall, near Wrexham; Miss Hunt, Exeter; Joshua Wilson, Esq., Highbury Place, Islington, London; Joseph Lee, junior, Esq. Redbrook Farm, near Broad Oak; Mr. Lewin, Shrewsbury ; Mr. Lewis, Wrexham ; and Mr. W. Cook, Liverpool; the editor is likewise much indebted for the liberal communication of manuscripts.

Mr. Matthew Henry's sermon on the death of his father is now first published from an authentic transcript, obligingly communicated by Mr. Stedman.

To the learned and Rev. S. Butler, D. D. Archdeacon of Derby ; and also to the Rev. Mr.

• See ante, p. xr.

i See Dr. Doddridge*! Wofk% toL 4. p. 901, Ice. oct. 1802.

Archdeacon Owen, and the Rev. J. B. Blakeway, the elegant historians of Shrewsbury, the editor's obligations have been increased, in connexion with the present undertaking, by frequent information, as well as by friendly communications, at all times, from their curious and valuable librap ries.

Nor, in this reference to the editor's obligations, can he content himself to omit his esteemed friend, Mr. Chalmers.* He is entitled to special acknowledgments for repeated attentions, which, bestowed in the midst of laborious avocations, became doubly obliging.

Should the engagement result in the conction of but one fatal error,—^should it promote the establishment of only one sincere Christian,— should it assist in estimating the importance, reality, and necessary effects of primitive piety,—should it aid in a correct judgment of the principles of the nonconformists,t and evince that there is no '^ connexion between dissent and fanaticism^' any more than between Christianity and imposture,—should it, therefore, tend to bury unjust censures, and display, with additional clearness, that friendship te monarchy, loyalty to the king, and attachment to the English constitution, are perfectly compatible with separation from an ecclesiastical establishment,—should it, especially, be the means of promoting '' living, powerful religion," which ever disdains the limits of a party,—the editor will regard apology as misplaced, his object will be happily attained, and his toil delightfully rewarded; nor will he regret having devoted to the undertaking, hours which were redeemed from morning slumbers, or stolen from the vacancies of leisure.^

The writer cannot dismiss these prefatory remarks, without trespassing upon the reader's patience, by a few hints in ref Srence,more particularly, to the due improvement of biographical compositions. Mr. Henry's character will, thereby, be somewhat illustrated, his predilection for such writings § explained, and similar attachments, it may be, excited. It is in the use of means that divine influence, so essential to the vigour and very existence of spiritual life, is to be expected; and t See Lord Bacon, oo the Adyuiceinent of LearniDg, p. 10. 4to, lOOft. ) See the Ltfe» pott, p. 197.

PREFACE TO THE UFE OF PHILIP HENRY.

xxi

M increasing recognition of that inflaence, with mest desires for its possession, stands in near ifaity to the proper observation of its effects.

So great and so obvious are the attractions of liography, when brought efficiently to bear upon iciional history and individual excellence; and so decidedly is the meed of public approbation be-itoved upon it, that to explain at large, why the fires of wise and good men ought to be perused ■d esteemed; or to inquire haw it is that they are, k fact, daily read with profit and delight, would h a soperfluous discussion. It will suffice to re-Mrk, of Christian memoirs generally, with an appeal for confirmation to the present volume,— ftttk, by illuminating the judgment, by enriching te sKmory, by elevating the affections, by demon-inting that eminent religious acquirements are Munable, such memorials conduce, in a very kigh degree, to the best interests of man.* Reg^-kting the love of incident, and stimulating to Indable emulation, they are adapted to give to ftoeghtfal habits a correct tendency, and inquiries, II the narrative proceeds, instead of being insti-tiled for the gratification of curiosity, are asso-cialed with self-observance and self-improvement.f Wheaee, asks the awakened intellect, this compa-latiTe indifference (as in the case of Mr. Henry) to al things earthly, in the midst of their diligent use •■d happiest enjoyment? Wherefore an ardour in tbt service of Jehovah so vigorous and unabating ? By what process has subjection to his appointments, enlightened, and uniform, and acquiescent, attained ? Whence can be derived peace so hsiy, oprightness so inflexible ? Whence springs, what nourishes, compassion towards transgres-and affection even for enemies, so tender, and IS sincere!

To soch queries Christianity alone can furnish a sttisfactoiy reply. In accordance with the inspired Intimooy, a life of faith may thus luminously be

It 40ih ■■ good to md Mid hnr Mch troe, holy, tod mppro Ted talanMk wmmamtutM, oratioiM, ep Utlct, and letter*, m do aet forth uoto ■I Ike Uk» d belMTioar of God's dear ■erraota. Biihop Coverdale's liiiiB, prciaed to bia Lettenof the Martyrs; reprinted in '*The hlfam of the Eofliih Chorch." vol. 4. p. ix. oct 1800.

See Ifr. Ortoa't PrrfiMW to his Memoirs of Dr. Doddridge, p. riL tf mirm. ** One page of Philip Henry's Life," obeenres an eminent PMneber of Ow present day, ** makes me Uoah more than all the folios tf IMS SM liittheVs retrkm ExpoaUioB." The Re?. J. A. Jameiri demonstrated to be the path of the just, the principle of spiritual animation, and all real virtue. By that sublime grace,—significantly designated the evidence of things not seen, —it was, that the admired subject of the ensuing portraiture, beholding Aim who is invisible, connected all his actions, and all his thoughts, with eternity and with God.t

The subject thus exhibited, is both directive § and animating. Mr. Henry's biographer, indeed, has more than once given to the idea due prominence. Nor is it too much to affirm, that the volume, unfolding, with enviable attractiveness, the one thing needful, and the fruits of early instruction, so discovers the happy consequences of fervent piety and enlightened decision, as to instruct the inquiring, to cheer the timid, to invigorate the feeble, and to fill vrith joy the cup of the desponding. While it illustrates the Christian warfare, and shows, that high attainments in holiness furnish no exemption from the ordinary calamities of life, it inculcates the pleasantness of religion, and teaches all who tread her paths, instead of encouraging doubts, or yielding to despondency, to look constantly to the Saviour, as the centre and medium of revealed mercy, and as nuide of God, to all believers, wisdom and righteousness, sanctijication and redemption. Not only vrill the plants of righteousness, under such influence, bud and blossom, as did the rod of Aaron, but they will bear, in gladdening abundance, those fruits of peace, which, like the leaves of the tree of life, are intended for the healing of nations.

The editor feels it unnecessary to indulge in eulogy upon the illustrious character delineated in the following pages ; or to point out the light which they cast over the history of Britain, civil and ecclesiastical ; nor has he a desire to animadvert upon the persecuting spirit of the times,—a spirit, which, notwithstanding its hostile and provoking tendencies, seemed, in the case of Mr. Henry, and of

Addrea at his Brother's Ordination, appended to the Church Member's Guide, p. 831.

t There is a God. There is a judgment to come. Were these two firmly believed, what a change would it make! Philip Henry, Orig. MS.

) See Mr. Baxter's Remarks, prefixed to the Life of the Rev. Joseph Alleine, duod. 1678. Introd. p. 4. And, also, Mr. Wilberforce's Prac. tical View, di. vU. 111. pp. 465, 467, «l ntpra.

xxu

PREFACE TO THE LIFE OF PHIUP HENRT.

many others, to elicit and nerve the sublimest virtues. Yet he cannot forbear to reiterate the remark of Mr. Jay,—" Who, without sentiments of love and veneration, can think of Philip Henry V** If Ennius was justly commended by Cicero, for having bestowed lofty epithets upon poets, because of their peculiar gifts, a like course, in the present instance, would, for similar and more powerful reasons, have been defensible ; for, undoubtedly, Mr, Henry was ** one of the most pious and excellent men of the age in which he lived, or any other/'f At the same time, let it not be inferred, that he constituted an anomaly in the records of the new creation. Although he is even *' believed by many, to have come as near the pattern of the apostles, and the first ministers of the Christian church, as any that, to this day, have succeeded them;" | and although it deserves acknowledgment, to the glory of God, that no public blot defaces the accurate delineation here exhibited, enough of the ** stain of human frailtie" is visible, to show that he was AtiiiMn, and, therefore, to prevent '' esteem above that which behoveth/'§

Connected with, and perhaps in proportion to, such impressions, the work of praise to God, a duty always incumbent, will not be overlooked. The eye of the mind, instead of resting upon the picture, how beauteous soever, will ascend to the Eternal Benefactor,II in devout adoration of his mercy, and the triumphs of his grace. Love to the brethren is an affection, neither sordid nor imbecile: while ministering, with obedient assiduity, to the household of faithf it rises, instinctively, to the ever-blessed Jehovah; by whose power the new nature • is, in every instance, produced, and into whose image the indispensable transformation is invariably effected. When, therefore, that sacred renovation, which forms the attractive cause of Christian love, has been perfected though by the violence of death, the expectants of similar dignity, instead of occasioning, by inferior considerations, a suspension of the principle, should indtdge in lively gra-

Mcmoirf of Mra. Savage, Mr. Henry*! eldest daughter. Pre&ce, p. 1. f Dr. Rktiarda** Welsh Noncoaformitts* Mem. p. 360. % The New Spiritual Magazine, 1783, vol. I. p. 63. ) Hooker** Eccl. Pol. Pref. 14. fbl. 166S.

titude, and the anticipation of a more endeariii| friendship. Shall the entrance of the heirs of GW upon their unfading kingdom, occasion only heavaii§ ^ acclamations ? Shall it excite on earth no delight; ; inspire no *< hymn of laud, no solemn canticle!'' | Shall not hope restrain sorrow, and faith exilt i over the vanquished grave? When Mrs. Heuy was bereaved of her venerated husband, she expressed her thankfulness that she had him so long; and that she had the prospect of being eteiiiany with him in glory.11

It cannot escape remark, that those associafioot with eternity, which, by a moral necessity, attend written lives, gain, in a case like the presotit, special ascendency: they seize the mind with a firm grasp, and, if duly cherished, disentangle it from the world. Having traced the earthly ao-joumings of the heaven-bound traveller, and witnessed the increasing development of principlef» as unvarying as they are immortal, every advance towards the '* final hour'' occasions new and refined excitements. At length placed, in imagination, upon the brink of that river which '' has no bridge," we gaze upon the pilgrim as he draws nigh to th6 water, and listen to his parting salutation ; ai the billows rise and swell around him, every thing irrelevant and unhallowed is absorbed in personal interest; the '* reign of stillness'' commences, and other cares, and other thoughts, save those of future and interminable existence, are silenced and suppressed.

How singularly, how deeply, interesting** the communications of an expiring believer! The attention is arrested, nay, awed, by reflecting, that the chief result of vigilant observation is then imparted,—^in the immediate prospect of eternity. Mr. Henry, consciously unable to recapitulate his history, or to detail his enjoyments, or to dispense, minutely, his counsels, and in haste to enter upon the " blessedness of the righteous," gave utterance, with a rapidity peculiarly striking, to the one main sentiment of his soul. Follow peace and holiness.

I See ReeTea*t Apologies of Juttin Martyr, fcc. toL S. p. 35. oct 1709: alao, pott, p. 173.

IT See po9t, p. 120.

Sonoe remarks on this subject, with more pa Kicalar refereoce to the latest revelations of Jesus, introduce Bishop Heber's Lectures on the Personality and Office of the Christian Comforter, pp. 1—4.

PREFACE TO THE LIFE OF PHIUP HENRY.

XXIU

was the instmctiTe exhortation. The acce Dts, now that the spirit has long fled to celestial occupations, seem to linger apon the fancy; the last flashings of the fire ethereal are yet seen through the lengthened distance, and each word, at all times valaahle, becomes, hy no violent metamorphosis, a pearl iBdeed,^-deriying an additional lastre from the deepened shadowings of the " vale of death,'' the use of sacceeding generations, and the hope of that utold felicity, which will consist in their fullest exemplification, and ever-brightening splendour.

The disregard, or non-improvement, of an event » momentous as the soul's transition to unknown regions, involves deplorable indifference, if not itapidity, comparable only to that of the Egyptian Bonarcb, or the very auditors of Zechariah: con-eeining the latter of whom, it is affirmed, to their perpetual reproach, that they made their hearts as a ademumt stone. It should always be remembered, that death, in the case of every human being, is so inevitably certain, as to render, when the appointed season shall arrive, every plea, whether for exemption or postponement, fruitless. No man hath power in the day of death: there is no discharge in that war. And an apostle, as if to force onward the thoughts with an impetuous ardour, urges the solemn warning,— We must all appear before the J9ufyment-seat of Christ.

When man's probationary existence, its termination, and the altered, but endless mode of being which then commences, are thus contemplated, not only is biography suitably improved, but the pro-cfaunation, that— time shall he no longer—once to be heard from the apocalyptic angel,—will fill the mind, and chase to a distance, with irresistible aothority, all terrestrial attractions. Visions of eternity, succeeding in awful progression, and un-4efinable grandeur, obliterate those '' characters of divinity which men set upon absurdities, and errors;''* sweep away, as with hail, every refuge •f liesf and exalt the re Ugion of the Bible to her rightful pre-eminence. The glorified Saviour, as a prevailing intercessor,—as the vanquisher of un-

See Locke** Eamj eoocerning Human UodenUoding, ch. ill. | 2Al t Sec the Life, po&t. p- 1S7. The oamet of the aocieot father* should be feiy preciona with a*» so ^^ remains of their live* and labours; the frit Rcfimner* in our own land, in otlier lands; the good old pQritans; tbom bubMm* and Christians who have been eminent in seen foes,—as still effiecting the work of '' redeeming mediation," is beheld in the bright effulgence of uncreated divinity, and is invested, as the Lamb that was slain, with loveliness inexpressibly captivating. Employed in such meditations, the Christian participates in the grateful admiration and vehement aspirings of Stephen, when, full of the Holy Ghost J he saw Jesus standing on the right hand of God; and, mingling astonishment with triumph, uttered the memorable invocation,— Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!

These views of the subject, while they prevent our wonder at the multiplicity of Scripture narratives, and account satisfactorily for the interest Mr. Henry took '' in the lives, actions, and sayings of eminent men,"t discover also to the reflective and pious mind their legitimate effect. Nor can it escape notice, that the chief est of the apostles, when closing the early records of faith, has consolidated, in one unexampled address, and as a deduction from the whole, sentiments the most noble and sublime:— Seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and tlie sin which doth so easily beset us ; and let us run with patience the race that is set before ust loohing unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith; who, for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God,

Let it never be forgotten, that admiration, however glowing, bestowed upon the affecting structure of a passage, like that just cited, can avail, for practical purposes, cither personal, or in reference to the community, only as the metaphorical allusions, which it embodies, are duly regarded. But let that regard be once prevalent; let the eye be intently fixed upon high examples, and not upon those who rank, at best, only as inferiors in the school of Christ; let the attention be, especially, directed to the Great Exemplar himself; and effects, fruitful and all-pervading, will invariably follow. Then will be given to base companionship the hapour own country. We sliould not despise the way of our fathers, but be ashamed to think how short we come of them. We munt regard their testimony; and, as far as it afirees with the word of God, put a great value upon it We must follow them as far as tliey followed Christ. Matthew Henry. Orig. MS. And see pott. p. 188.

PREFACE TO THE LIFE OF PHILIP HENRY.

piest overthrow; then will calumniated piety be upheld by unanswerable vindications; religious attainments will be advanced to an enviable maturity; and, while individual happiness, and the prosperity of the '^ holy church" universal, are efficiently promoted, jflory in the hiyheit, ever justly due, will be secured to the only living and true God.

John Bickerton Williams.

Swan Hill, Shrewsbury, February 12, 1825.

TO HIS MUCH HONOURED FRIEND

SIR HENRY ASHURST,

BARONET.

Sir,

The ministers of the gospel are; in the Scripture language, stars in the right hand of Christ, to signify their diffusive Ught and beneficial influences. As in the futiu'c state of the resurrection, some stars shall differ from others in glory, so in the present state of the regeneration, tome ministers are distinguished fix)m others by a brighter eminence in their endowments, and a more powerful emanation of Kght in their preaching. Of this select number was Mr. Philip Henry, in whom there was a union of those real excellences of parts, learning,* and dirine graces, that signalized him among his brethren. This does evidently appear in the narrative of his life, drawn by one very fit to do it;—as having had entire knowledge of him, br long and intimate conversation; and having, by his holy instructions, and the impression <rf his example, been made partaker of the same sanctifying Spirit. The describing the external actions of saints, without observing the holy principles and aj Sections fi:om whence they derived their life and purity, is a defective and irregular representation of them. It is as if an account were given ol the riches and fecundity of the earth, firom the flowers and fnuts that grow upon it, without considering the mines of precious metals contained in its bosom. Now, only an inward Christian, that has felt tlie power of religion in his heart, can, fix)m the reflection upon himself, and his uncounterfeit experience, discover the operations of grace in the breasts of others.

Mr. Henry was dedicated to the service of Christ by his mother in his tender age. His first love and desires, when he was capable to make a judicious choice, were set upon God. He entered early into the ministry, and consecrated all tiie powers of his soul, understanding, memory, will, and aflections, with his time and strength, to the service of Christ And such was the grace and favour of God to him, that he lost no days in his flourishing age, by satisfying the voluptuous appetites; nor in his declining age by diseases and infirmities, but incessantly applied himself to his spiritual work. He was called to a private place in Wales, but his shining worth could not be shaded in a comer. A confluence of people fi-om other parts attended on his ministry. Indeed, the word of truth that dies in the mouths of the cold and careless, (for they are not all saints that serve in the sanctuary,) had life and spirit in his preaching; for it proceeded firom a heart burning with zeal for the hbnour of Christ and salvation of souls. Accordingly he siuted his discourses to the wise and the weak; and imitated the prophet who contracted his stature to the dead body of the widow's son, applying his mouth to the mouth of the child, to inspire the breath of life into him. The poor and demised were instructed by him with the same compassionate love and diligence as the rich, notwithstanding the civU distinction of persons which will shortly vanish for ever; for he considered their souls were of the same precious and immortal value. In the administration of the Lord's Supper, he expressed the just temperament of sweetness and severity. With melting compassion he invited all relenting and returning sinners to come to Christ, and receive their pardon sealed with his blood. But he was so jealous of the honour of Christ, that he deterred, by the most fearful consequences, the rebc Uious that indulged their lusts, firom

Every one knows Mr. Philip Henry was an excellent scholar; he was certainly possessed of a rich treainre of all polite and useful learning, both in languages and in the sciences. LUe oi Wie'^N •'^'o^^t!^ Henry, by W. ToDg, oot. 1716. p. 24.

B 2 coming to partake of the feast of the unspotted Lamb. He was not allured by temporal advantage, which is the mark of a mercenary, to leave the first place where, by the divine disposal, he was seated.

When the fatal Bartholomew-day came, though he had fair hopes of preferment, by his attendance upon the King and Duke of York in their early age,—of which the remembrance might have been revived,—yet he was guided by a superior spirit, and imitated the self-denial of Moses, (a duty little understood, and less practised by the earthly-minded,) rather choosing to suffer affliction mith the people of God, than to enjoy the good things of this world. As the light of heaven, when the air is stormy and disturbed, does not lose the rectitude of its rays; so his enlightened conscience did not bend in compliance with the terms of conformity, but he obeyed its sincere judgment.

After his being expelled firom the place of his public ministr}', his deportment was becoming a son of peace. He refused not communion with the Church of England in the ordinances of the gospel, so far as his conscience permitted. Yet he could not desert the duty of his office, to which he was, with sacred solemnity, set apart. He was faithful to improve oppor-timities for serving the interest of souls, notwithstanding the severities inflicted on him. And after the restoring our freedom of preaching, he continued in tlie performance of his delightfid work till death put a period to his labours.

After this account of him as a minister of Christ, I will glance upon his character as a Christian. His conversation was so holy and regular, so free from taint, that he was imac-cusable by his enemies. They could only object his nonconformity as a crime;—^but his vigilant and tender conscience discovered the spots of sin in himself, which so affected his soul, that he desired repentance might accompany him to the gate of heaven. An excellent testimony of humility, the inseparable character of a saint. His love to God was supreme, which was declared by his chosen horn's of communion with him every day. The union of affections is naturally productive of union in conversation. Accordingly, our Saviour promises ;— He that loveth me shall he loved of my Father ; and I will love him, and will manifest fnyself to him. And he repeats the promise;— If a man love me he will keep my words : and my tather will love him, and we wilt come to him, and make our abode with him. To his special and singular love to God, was joined an universal love to men. He did good to all according to his ability. His forgiving of injuries, that rare and difficult duty, was eminently conspicuous in the sharpest provocations. When he could not excuse the offence, he would pardon the offender, and strive to imitate 'the perfect model of charity exprest in our suffering Saviour; who in the extremity of his sufferings, when resentments are most quick and sensible, prayed for his cruel persecutors. His filial tnist in God was correspondent to God's fatherly providence to him. This was his support in times of trial, and maintained an equal temper in his mind, and tenor in his conversation. In short, he led a life of evangelical perfection, most worthy to be honourably preserved in the memory of future times. The following narrative of it, if read with an observing eye, how instructive and affecting will it be to ministers, and apt to transform them into his likeness!

Thus, Sir, I have given a short view of the life of that man for whom you had such a high veneration and dear love. It argues a clearer spirit, and a diviner temper, than is usual in persons of conspicuoui quality, when holiness is so despicably mean in the esteem of carnal men, to value it above adl tities and treasures, and the perishing pride of this world. I am persuaded it will be very pleasing to you, that your name, and excellent Mr. Henry's, are joined in the same papers.

I am.

Sir,

Your very humble and faithful servant,

William Bates. *

TAe Rev. W. Bates, D. D. died July 14, 1699, act. 74. See the Biog. Brit. v. l..p. 687.

A PREFACE

TO THE READER.

That which we aim at in this undertaking, and which we would set before us at our Dtnince upon it, is, not so much to embalm the memory of this good man, though that also blessed, as to exhibit to the world a pattern of that primitive Christianity, which all that new him well observed to be exemplified in him while he lived; and when they saw the end ^ kit conversation as it were with one consent, desired a public and lasting account of, or Iher demanded it, as a just debt owing to the world, by those into whose hands his papers ime, as judging such an account likely to conduce much to the glory of God's grace, and to le edification of many, especially of those that were acquainted with him. He was one horn the Divine Providence did not call out, as neither did his own inclinaticm lead him, to ly very pubUc scene of action. He was none of the for\i'ard men of the age, that made iCTiselves talked of. The world scarce knew that there was such a man in it. But in his iwand narrow sphere he was a burning and shining light: and therefore we think his pious uuDQple is the more adapted to general use, especially, consisting not in the ecstasies and iptnres of zeal and devotion,—which are looked upon rather as admirable than imitable;— Dt in the long series of an even, regular, prudent, and well ordered conversation, which he ad in the world, and in the ordinary business of it, with simplicity and godly sincerity; not iStifltshltf wisdom J but by the grace of God, It hath been said, that quiet and peaceable 9gns, though they are the best to live in, yet they are the worst to write of, as j4elding least uiety of matter for the historian's pen to work upon;—^but a quiet and peaceable life, in all odliness and honestyy being tlie sum and substance of practical Christianity, the recommend-ig of the example of such a life, in the common and familiar instances of it, together with 16 kind and gracious providences of God attending it, may be, if not as diverting to the irious, yet every whit as usefiil and instructive to the pious, readers. If any suggest that ic design of this attempt is to credit and advance a party, let them know that Mr. Henry 18 a man of no party, but true catholic Christianity, not debauched by bigotry, nor leavened r any private opinions or interests, was his very temper and genius. According to the excellent id royal laws of this holy religion, his Ufe was led with a strict and conscientious adherence tmth and equity; a great tenderness and inoffensivencss to all mankind; and a mighty Qcture of sincere piety and devotdness to God. And according to those sacred rules, we lall endeavour, in justice to him, as well as to our reader, to represent him in the following rcoont; and if any thing should drop from our pen, which might justly give offence to any, hich we promise industriously to avoid, we desire it may be looked upon as a false stroke; id, so far, not truly representing him, who was so blameless and harmless, and without rebuke. [uch of our materials for this structure we have out of his own papers, especially his diary, T by them his picture may be drawn nearest to the life, and firom thence we may take the nest idea of him, and of the spirit he was of Those notes being intended for his own pri-ile UM in the review, and never communicated to any person whatsoever; and appearing here as they ought to do, in their own native dress,* the candid reader will excuse it, if sometimes the expressions should seem abrupt; they are the genuine, unforced, and unstudied breathings of a gracious soul, and we hope will be rather the more acceptable to those who, through grace, are conscious to themselves of the same devout and pious motions. For, as in water face answers to face, so doth one sanctified and renewed soul to another; and as Mr. Baxter observes, in his Preface to Mr. Clark's Lives,t— ^^ God's graces are much the same in all his holy ones; and therefore we must not think that such instances as these are extraordinary rarities; but God hath in wonderful mercy raised up many, by whose graces even this earth is perfumed and enlightened." But, if one star be allowed to differ from another star in glory, perhaps our reader will say, when he hath gone through the following account, that Mr. Henry may be ranked among those of the first magnitude.

Tone's Life of the Rev. Matthew Henry, p. 3. ui supra, t The Lives of Sundry Eminent Persons in this latter Age; in Two Parts ; Part I. of Divines; Part 11. Of Nobility and Gentry of both Sexes. By Samuel Clark. Fol. 1683.

POSTSCRIPT.

This Account of the Life and Death of my honoured father, was first published the year after he died; and in a little time, there was a second impression of it, in which many con-aderable errors of the first were amended. It having now been long out of print, and often mquired for, this third edition comes abroad at the request of many who have found this portraiture of a Nathaniel, an Israelite indeed —a genuine son of faithful Jacob,— ihoi plain man dt Delling in tents —very serviceable to themselves and others, both for direction, quickening, and encouragement in the ways of God and godliness; for even this way, as well as in conversation,— as iron sharpens irony so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.

Frequent mention being made in the book of the comfort he had in all the branches of his family, whom, with satisfaction, he saw planted in families of their own, it may not be amiss here to mention the changes which the Divine Providence made among them, soon after the Lord had taken away our master fix)m our head, who was a daily intercessor for us.

In the year 1697, the year after my father died, two of his four daughters died, in Chester, of a malignant fever, within three weeks one of another: two excellent Christians; and one of them, by some papers of her writing found after her death, appearing to have had such an experimental acquaintance with the principles, powers, and pleasures, of the spiritual apd divine life, as few Christians, that have more than doubled her years, attain to.

In the year 1699, two of his four sons-in-law* died, likewise, in Chester, within four or five months one of another; both of them useful good men in their places, and blessings to their faunilies. One of them was Dr. John Tylston, a physician,—^like St Luke,— a beloved physician ; some time of Trinity College, in Oxford. Though he died at thirly-five years of age, he was for several years very eminent, and of great repute, in his profession. He was a imi-versal scholar, had abimdance of knowledge, and used it aright; and was a very devout, serious, conscientious Christian, and one that made it his business to do good. Many excellent papers he also left behind him, full fi*aught with proofs both of his learning and piety. He was greatly and generally lamented; and his memory is, and will be, very precious in this city. Having this occasion, I cannot forbear, even at this distance of time, dropping some tears afresh over his dust, thus publicly ; for he was to me as my own soul; and upon every remembrance of him, I must still say, as I did then, what David said of Jonathan,— 1 am distressed for thee, my brother ; very pleasant hast thou been unto me,

The one. Dr. John Tylston, died April 8,1699. See his life in the Investigator, v. 2. p. 254, Su;.

The other, Mr. Samuel Radford, died August 20,1699. See an interesting record of this event by Mrs. Savage, in the Memoirs of her Life and Character, p. 22, &c. Also Tong's Life of the Rev. Matthew Hemy, p. 149. nt Mupra.

It pleased God graciously to prolong the life of my dear and honoured mother almost eleven years after my father, very much to the comfort of all her relations : she continued, to the last, at her house at Broad Oak, where she was bom, a great example of wisdom, piety, and usefulness, and abounding in good works. I think I may say, in her sphere and capacity she was not inferior to what my father was in his. She was very happy in a constant calmness and serenity of mind, not easily disturbed; which, as it was a singular gift of the divine grace, and an instance of her wisdom, so it contributed very much to her close and comfortable walking with God, and her doing good. She lived and died rejoicing in Christ Jesus, and in a pleasing expectation of the glory to be revealed. Dr. Benyonf preached her funeral sermon in the meeting-place at Broad Oak, not a year before I preached his at Shrewsbuiy, on Hebrews vi. 12.— Be ye followers of them, who, through faith and patience, inherit the promises. The first sermon I preached at Broad Oak after that sad occasion, I wrote over at large afterwards, designing it for the benefit, not only of her children, but of her grand-children, of whom she had twenty-three following her to the grave. They have hawl it in manuscript among them, and now, in compliance with the desire of many of my friends, I have here added it to this edition of my father's Life; and it is all I have thought fit to add to it

I confess, I am not solicitous, as some perhaps may think I should be, to make an excuse, and to ask pardon for troubling the world with the little affairs of my poor family, and with the indulgences of my natural affection to it. I design nothing in it but, if it may be, by the grace of God, to do good to plain people like myself.

Matthew Henry. Chester, February 27, 1711-12.

♦ Appendix, No. I.

t Tator of an Academy at Whixall, in Shropshire, afterwards at Shrewsbury. He was bort June 14, 1073; and died March 4, 1707-8. set. 36.

AN

ACCOUNT

OF

THE LIFE AND DEATH

OF

MR. PHILIP HENRY.

CHAPTER I.

MS. PHILIP HVNRirS BIRTB, PAESKTAOB, BARIT FIETT, AND BDUCATIOK AT SCHOOL.

He was bom at Whitehall, in Westminster, on Wednesday, August 24, 1631, being Bartholomew Day. I find, usually, in his Diary, some pious remark or other upon the annual return of his birthday. As in one year he notes, that the Scripture mentions bat two who observed their birth-day with feasting and joy, and they were neither of them copies to be written after: viz. Pharaoh, Gen. xl. 20. and Herod, Matt. xiv. G.—But, saith he, I rather obsenrc it as a day of mourning and humiliation, because skapen in iniquity, and conceived in sin. And when he had completed the thirtieth year of his age, he noted this,—*So old, and no older, Alexander* was, when he had conquered the great world, but, saith he, I have not yet subdued the little world, myself. At his thirty-third year he hath this humble reflection,—A long time lived to small purpose. What shall I do to redeem it? And, at another,— I may mourn, as Csesar** did, when he reflected upon Alexander's early achievements, that others, younger than I am, have done much more than I have done for God, the God of my life. And, to mention no more, when he had lived forty-two years, he thus writes,—I would be loth to live it over again, lest, instead of making it better, I should make it vorse; and besides, every year and day spent on earth is lost in heaven. This last note minds me a Plntarcb's Uvea, v. 4. p. SO. ed. 1793, oct b JaliiisCcnr. Plut. v. 4. pp. 337, wt mipra. Also, Paradise Re. litiied. Book iii. 30. Jec. Miltoirs Poetical Works by the Rev. H. J.Todd,lf.A.F S.A« v. 5. p. U3,note.

c AppnwWy, Na IIdWbcn llMt eadnent martyr, "Master George Wischard," of a passage I have heard him tell of a friend of his, who, being gwn into years, was asked how old he was, and answered,-^On the wrong side of fifty;— which, said Mr. Henry, he should not have said; for, if he was going to heaven, it was the right side of fifty.

He always kept a will by him ready made; and it was his custom, yearly, upon the return of his birth-day, to review, and, if occasion were, to renew and alter it. For it is good to do that at a set time, which it is very good to do at some time. The last will' be made bears date,—^This 24ih day of August, 1605, being the day of the year on which I was bom, 1631, and also the day of the year on which, by law, I died,** as did also near two thousand faithful ministers of Jesus Christ, 10G2: alluding to that clause in the Act of Uniformity, which disposeth of the places and benefices of ministers not conforming, as if they were naturally dead.

His fathers name was John Henry, the son of Henry Williams, of Britton-Ferry, betwixt Neath and Swansey, in Glamorganshire. According to the old Welsh custom, (some say conformable to that of the ancient Hebrews, but now almost in all places laid aside,) the father's Christian name was the son's surname.* He had left his native country, and his father's house, very young, unprovided for by his was prohibited preaching, ** he grew pensive i and being asked the reason, said,—'What do I differ IVom a dead man, but that I eat and drink!' ** Clark's Gen. Martyr, p. 283. fol. 1677.

e See Verstcgan's Restitution of Decayed Intelligence, p 311. 1628. 4to.

THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.

relations ;' but it pleased God to bless his ingenaity and indastry with a considerable income afterwards, which enabled him to live comfortably himself, to bring up his children well, and to be kind to many of his relations; but public events making against him at his latter end, when he died he left little behind him for his children, but God gpraciously took care of them. Providence brought this Mr. John Henry, when he was young, to be the Earl of Pembroke's ' gentleman, whom he served many years. The Earl coming to be Lord Chamberlain, preferred him to be the King's servant. He was first made Keeper of the Orchard at Whitehall; [For which he had, besides a dwelling-house at the garden-stairs, with the perquisites of the water-gate, and lodgings of considerable yearly value,** and the profits of the orchard, ten gpxiats per diem' standing wages, with livery out of the wardrobe,

per annum, insomuch that he lived plentifully, and in good repute, but laid by nothing.^

He was] afterwards Page of the Back Stairs to the King's second son, James,'" Duke of York, which place obliged him to a personal attendance upon the Duke in his chamber. He lived and died a courtier, a hearty mourner for his royal master King Charles the First, whom he did not long survive." He continued, during all the war-time, in his house at Whitehall, though the profits of his places ceased. The King, passing by his door, under a guard, to take water, when ho was going to Westminster, to that which they called his trial, inquired for his old servant, Mr. John Henry, who was ready to pay hb due respects to him, and prayed God to—Bless his Majesty, and to deliver him out of the hands of his enemies; for which the gard had like to have been rough upon him.®

His mother was Mrs. Magdalen Rochdale, of the parish of St Martin's-in-the-Fields, in Westminster. jShe was a virtuous, pious gentlewoman, and one that feared God above many. She was altogether dead to the vanities and pleasures of the court, though she lived in the midst of them. She looked well to the ways of her household; prayed with them daily, catechized her children, and taught them the f He had from his flilher, as I have heard, but one groat. P. Henry. Orig. BIS.

g Ob. 23rd Jan. 1640-50. Collins's Peerage, v. 3. p. 127, kc. ed. 181*2.

h £50 or £60 per annum. Orig. MS. of the Life of P. Henry, by Matt Henry.

i Above £60 per annum. lb.

k £27 per annum. lb.

1 P. Hen. Orig. MS.

m Afterwards King James II.

n 1652, Feb. 28tlL My dear &ther, Mr. John Henry, died at his house in Whitehall. A very great affliction both to myself and sisters, especially the two little ones. The Lord provide for us! He was bom July 20.1590. P. Henry. Diary. Orig. MS.

o See a Mem. of the reign of K. Ch. I. by Sir P. Warwick, p. 379, and Sir Tho. Herbert*s Memoir, p. 163.

p The Rev. W. Perkins died A. D. 1602, aged 44. Clarke*s good knowledge of the Lord hetimes. I have heard him speak of his learning Mr. Perkins's p Six Principles,** when he was very young; and he often mentioned, with thankfulness to God, his great happiness in having such a mother, who was to him as Lois and Eunice were to Timothy, acquainting him with the Scriptures from his childhood; and, there appearing in him early inclinations both to learning and piety, she devoted him in his tender years to the service of God, in the work of the ministry. She died of a consumption, March 6,1645, leaving behind her only this son and five daughters. A little before she died, she had this saying, '* My head is in heaven, and my heart is in heaven; it is but one step more, and I shall be there too.''

His susceptors in baptism were, Philip ^ Earl of Pembroke, (who gave him his name, and was kind to him as long as he lived, as was also his son Philip after him,) James" Earl of Carlisle, and the Countess of Salisbury.^

Prince Charles°and the Duke of York being somewhat near of an age to him, he was in his childhood very much an attendant on them in their play, and they were often with him at his father's house, and they were wont to tell him what preferment he should have at court, as soon as he was fit for it He kept a book to his dying day, which the Duke of York gave him; and I have heard him bewail the loss of two curious pictures, which he gave him likewise. Archbishop Laud took a particular kindness to him when he was a child, because he would be very officious to attend at the water-gte, (which was part of his father's charge in Whitehall,) to let the Archbishop through when he came late from Council, to cro.ss the water to Lambeth.

[And when the Archbishop was a prisoner in the Tower, his father took him with him to see him, and he would remember that the Archbishop gave him some new money.*]

These circumstances of his childhood he would sometimes speak of among his friends, not as glorying in them, but taking occasion from thence to bless God for his deliverance from the snares of the court, in the midst of which it is so very hard to maintain

Bfarrow of Eccl. Hist p. 850.4to. 1654. It was the motto of the learned and godly divine. Mr. Perkins, F!t!ei vita vera et7a;-the true life is the life of fiaiith; a word which that worthy servant of God did both write and live. Bishop Hall. Works, vol. viii. p. 30. oct ed.

q See Mr. Perkins's Works, vol. i. p. 1. fol. 1608.

r See Dunton's Life and Errors, v. i. p. 344. ed. 1818. He died Dec. II, 1660. Collins's Peerage, v. 3. p. 140, &c. >/ suftra.

s Died without issue in 1660, on which his titles became extinct. Collins's Peerage, v. 7. p. 205. ut npra.

t Lady Catharine HowanI, youngest daughter of Thomas, Earl of Suflblk. She was married to William, the second Earl of Salisbury, Dec. 1.1608. Collins's Peerage, v. 2. p. 490. utsmpra, u Afterwards King Charles II.

V He was bom A. D. 1.573, and beheaded Jan. 10.1644-5. Hist of his Troubles, Trial, Diary. &c. 2 vols. fol. 1695.

w Life. Orig. HAS. v/ tvpra.

THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.

11 t good conscience and the power of religion, that it hath been said, thongh, blessed be God, it is not a role without exception. Exeat ex auU qui velit esse fius, * The breaking ap and scattering of the court, by the calamities of 1641, as it dashed the expecta-tUMis of hia court preferments, so it prc Tcnted the danger of court entanglements. And, though it was not, like Moses's, a choice of his own, when come to years, to quit the court; yet when he was come to years, he always expressed a great satisfaction in his remoral from it, and blessed God, who chose his inheritance 30 much better for him.

Yet it may not be improper to observe here, what vas ob Tious, as well as amiable, to all who conversed with him; yiz. that he had the most sweet and obliging air of courtesy and civility that could be; which some attributed in part to his early education at court. His mien and carriage were always so very decent and respectful, that it could not but win the hearts of all be had to do with. Never was any man fartiier from that rudeness and moroscness which some scholars, and too many that profess religion, either wilfully affect, or carelessly allow themselves in, sometimes to the reproach of their profession. It is one of the laws of our holy religion, exemplified in the cou Tersation of this goo8 man, to konour all mem. Sanctified civility is a great ornament to Christianity. It was a saying he often used,—Religion doth not destroy good manners; [it destroys not civility but sanctifies it;'] and yet he was very far from any thing of vanity in apparel, or formality of compliment in addross; but his conversation was all natural and easy to himself and others, and nothing appeared in him, which even a severe critic could justly call affected. This temper of his tended very much to the adorning of the doctrine of God oar Saviour; and the general transcript of such an excellent copy, would do much towards the healing of those wounds which religion hath roceived, in the house of her friends, by the contrary. But to return to his story.—

The first Latin school he went to was at St. Martin's church, under the teaching of one Mr. Bonner.' Afterwards he was removed to Batter-aey, * where one Mr. Wells was his schoolmaster. The grateful mention which in some of his papers he makes of these that were the guides and instructors of his childhood and youth, brings to mind that French proverb to this purpose,'' To father, teacher, and Grod all-sufficient, none can render equivalent.''

X Lncretiiis.

7 P. Henry. Orig. MB.

I Who was very loving to me, and took pains with me. P. Henry. Orig. MS.

a Where I tabled at one Mr. Heybom's by the water-side, and went to Bcbool to one Mr. Wells. P. Henry. Orig. MS.

b Died April 6, 1605. 0t 80. See Chalmers's Biog. Diet. v. 7. p. 438, Ice. And Mattaire's Ep. at the end of the Prefiuse in Vit Job. Birwick, S. S. P. ed. 173L In the same volume is preserved an

But in the year 1643, when he was about twelve years old, he was admitted into Westminster School, in the fourth fonn, under Mr. Thomas Vincent, then usher, whom he would often speak of as a most able, diligent schoolmaster; and one who grieved so much at the dulncss and non-proficiency of any of his scholars, that falling into a consumption, I have heard Mr. Henry say of him,—That he even killed himself with false Latin.

A while after he was taken into the upper school, under Mr. Richard Busby, afterwards Dr. Busby; ^ and in October, 1G45, he was admitted King's scholar, and was first of the election, partly by his own merit, and partly by the interest of the Earl of Pembroke.

Here he profited greatly in school-learning, and all his days retained his improvements therein to admiration. [Nor was there any part of his life which he did more frequently speak of with pleasure than the years he spent at Westminster School.'] When he was in years, he would readily in discourse quote passages out of the classic authors that were not common, and had them ad unguemy and yet rarely used any such things in his preaching, though sometimes, if very apposite, he inserted them in his notes. He was very ready and exact in the Greek accents, the quantities of words, and all the several kinds of Latin verse; and often pressed it upon young scholars, in the midst of their university-learning, not to forget their school-authors.

Here, and before, his usual recreation at vacant times was, either reading the printed accounts of public occurrences, or attending the courts at Westminster Hall, to hear the trials and arguments there, which I have heard him say, he hath often done to the loss of his dinner, and oftener of his play.

But paulo tnajora ranamti.—Soon after those unhappy Hurs begun, there was a daily morning lecture set up at the abbey-church, between six and eight of the clock, and preached by seven worthy members of the assembly of divines in course, viz. Mr. Marshal, Mr. Palmer, Mr. Heri, Dr. Staunton, Mr. Nye, Mr. Whitakcr, and Mr. Hill. It was the request of his pious mother to Mr. Busby, that he would give her son leave to attend that lecture daily, which he did, not abating any thing of his school-exercise, in which he kept pace with the rest; but only dispensing with his absence for that hour. And the Lord was pleased to make good impressions on his soul, by the sermons he heard there. His mother also took him with her every Thursday, to Mr. Case's* anecdote at once descriptive or the Doctor's exemplary temperance and the sad eflets of prejudice, p. 333.

c Life. Orig. MS. m/ npra.

d Thoma.H Case. P. Henry. Orig. MS. Thomas Case, M. A. died May 30. 168-2, aet 84. See the Noncon. Mem. t. I. p. 153. ed. 1802.

He preached a lecture at St. Martin's.!n-the-Pields every Thursday, which be kept up above twenty years. Fun. Serm. by Thomas Jacomb. D. D. p. 41. 4to. 1683.

THE UFE OF MR PHILIP HENRY.

lecture at St Martin's. On the Lord's day he sat under the powerful ministry of Mr. Stephen Marshal ; in the morning at Ncw-chapel, in the afternoon at St. Margaret's Westminster, which was tlicir parish church. In the former place Mr. Marshal preached long from Phil. ii. 5, 6, &c.; in the latter from John viii. 36. of our freedom by Christ. This minister, and this ministry, he would, to his last, speak of with great respect, and thankfulness to God, as that by which he was, through grace, in the beginning of his days, heyotten again to a lively hope, I have heard him speak of it, as the saying of some wise men' at that time,—That if all the Presbyterians had been like Mr. Stephen Marshal, and all the Independents like Mr. Jeremiah Burroughs,^ and all the Episcopal men like Archbishop Usher, s the breaches of the church would soon have been healed. He also attended constantly upon the monthly fasts at St Margaret's, where the best and ablest ministers of England preached before the then House of Commons; and the service of the day was carried on with great strictness and solemnity, from eight in the morning till four in the evening. [He likewise frequented extraordinary fasts and thanksgivings, i* Here he used to sit always upon the pulpit stairs,' and] it was his constant practice, from eleven or twelve years old, to write, as he could, all the sermons he heard, which he kept very carefully, transcribed many of them fair over after, and, notwithstanding his many removes, they are yet forthcoming.

At these monthly fasts, he himself hath recorded it, he had often sweet meltings of soul in pjayer, and confession of sin, (particularly once with special remark, when Mr. William Bridge,"^ of Yarmouth, prayed,) and many warm and lively truths came home to his heart, and he daily increased in that wisdom and knowledge which is to salvation. Read his reflections upon this, which he wrote many years after. '' If ever any child," saith he, *' such as I then was, between the tenth and fifteenth years of my age, enjoyed line vpon line precept upon precept I did. And was it in vain ? I trust, not altogether in vain. My soul rejoiccth, and is glad at the remembrance of it; the word distilled as the dew, and dropt as the rain, 1 loved it, and loved the messengers of it; their very feet were beautiful to me. And, Lord, what a mercy was it, that, at a time when the poor countries were laid waste; when the . noise of drums and trumpets, and the clattering of arms, was heard there, and the ways to Sion mourned, that then my lot should be where there was peace e Mr. Baxter used to ny so. Neal's History of the Puritans, v. 3. p. 349. ed. 1795.

f Nat. A. D. IM9. Ob. Nov. 14. I64fi. Lives of the Puritans, v. 3. p. i& g Nat. Jan. 4.1.580. ob. Mar. 21, 18W. Life and Utters, by his Chaplain. Dr. Parr, fol. 1686.

h P. Henry. Orig. MS.

and quietness, where the voice of the turtle was heard and there was great plenty of gospel opportunities! Bless the Lord, O my soul! As long as I live I will bless the Lord. I will praise my God while I have my being. Had it been only the restraint that it laid upon me, whereby I was kept from the common sins of other children and youths, such as cursing, swearing, sabbath-breaking, and the like, I were bound to be very thankful. But tliat it prevailed, through grace, effectually to bring me to God, how much am I indebted! And what shall I render f"

Thus you see how the dews of heaven softened his heart by degrees.—From these early experiences of his own,

1. He would blame those who laid so much stress on people knowing the exact time of their conversion, which he thought was, with many, not possible to do. Who can so soon be aware of the day-break, or of the springing up of the seed sown ? The work of grace is better known in its effects than in its causes.

He would sometimes illustrate this by that saying of the blind man to the Pharisees, who were so critical in examining the recovery of his sight. This, and the other, I know not concerning it, but,—TAit one thing I hnow, that, whereas I was blind, now I see, John ix. 25.

2. He would bear his testimony to the comfort and benefit of early piety, and recommend it to all young people, as a good thing to bear the yoke of the Lord Jesus in youth. He would often witness against that wicked proverb, " A young saint, an old devil;" and would have it said rather,—A young saint, an old angel.' He observed it concerning Obadiah, and he was a courtier, that he feared the Lord from his youth; 1 Kings xviii. 12. and it is said of him, verse 3. that he " feared the Lord greatly." Those that would come to fear God greatly, must learn to fear him from their youth. No man did his duty so naturally as Timothy did, Phil. ii. 20. who, from a child, knew the Holy Scriptures. He would sometimes apply to this that common saying,—He that would thrive, must rise at five. And, in dealing with young people, how earnestly would he press this upon them,—I tell you, you cannot begin too soon to be religious, but you may put it off too long. Manna must be gathered early, and he that is the first, must have the first. He often inculcated, Eccles. xii. I, Remember thy Creator in the days of thy youth ; or, as in the original, ** the days of thy choice,"—thy choice days, and thy choosing days.

I Life. Orig. MS. W npra.

k See the Noncon. Mem. v. a p. 19. He died Mar. 12, 1670. mtlO.

1 Remember the olde proverbe, yomig saints,old devils; which proverbe, in very deed, is naught and deeeitfull; therefore ^e may say thus,—Young devill, old devill; Young saints, old saints. Sermons by Bishop Latimer, p. 171. 4to. 1007.

THE LIFE OF MR, PHIUP HENRT.

13

[He would say sometimes,—The life of a Christian is a life of labour ; San, Go, work ;—it is necessary work, and excellent work, and pleasant work, and profitable work; and it is good to be at it when young.-]

I remember a passage of his in a Lecture Sermon, io the year 1674, which mach affected many. He was preaching on that text. Matt. xi. 30. My yoke is easy; and, after many things insisted upon, to prove the yoke of Christ an easy yoke, he at last appealed to the experience of all that had drawn in that yoke. —C(f//, now, if there be any that will answer you ; and to which of the saints will you turn ? Turn to which Tou will, and they will all agree, that they have foond wisdom's ways pleasantness; and Christ's com-mandments not grievous; —and, saith he, I will here witness for one, who, through grace, has, in some poor measure, been drawing in this yoke, now above thirty years, and I have found it an easy yoke, and like my choice too well to change.

3. He would also recommend it to the care of parents, to bring their children betimes to public ordinances. He would say, that they are capable, sooner than we are aware, of receiving good by them. The Scripture takes notice, more than once, of the Uttle ones in the solemn assemblies of the faithful; Deat. xxix. 11. Ezra x. 1. Acts xxi. 5. If we lay our children by the pool-side, who knows but the Blessed Spirit may help them in, and heal them." He used to apply that scripture to this. Cant. i. 8. Those that would have communion with Christ, must not only go forth by ihe footsteps of the flock, themselves, hnX feed their kids too, —^their children, or other young ones that are under their charge, beside the Shepherd's tents.

4. He would also recommend to young people the practice of writing sermons. He himself did it, not only when he was young, but continued it constantly till within a few years before he died, when the decay of his sight, obliging him to the use of spectacles, made writing not so ready to him as it had been. He never wrote short-hand, but had an excellent art of taking the snbstsmcc of a sermon in a very plain and legible hand, ** and with a great deal of ease. And the sermons he wrote, he kept by him, in such method and order, that, by the help of indexes.

m P. Henry. Orig. MS.

n See John v. 2 —8.

o It hath been observed of many eminent men, that they have wntten bat bad hands, and some think that is the meaning of Paul's rn Xicocf 'tpa4iiLa*rt9, Gal. vi. II. ** Ye see with what sort or letters (how ill made) I have written to you with my own hand." Rut if that be a rule, B(r. Henry was an exception from it. Life. Ori MS. 9t tmfrm. The aame could not be said of the excellent cofmneotator. Avrare of it, in a letter to his friend, the Rev. S. Clark, be tbos writes;— ** I oft blame myself for writing carelessly, etpeeiany when my mind is intent" Chester. Dec. 4, 1700. Orig MS.

p Mr. John Ireland, the editor of Hogarth's works, numbered Mr. Henry among hia aneeators. His mother, the daughter of the which he made to them, he could readily turn almost to any sermon that ever he heard, where he noted the preacher, place, and time; and this he called,— Hearing for the time to come. He recommended this practice to others, as a means to engage their attention in hearing, and to prevent drowsiness, and to help their memories after hearing, when they come cither to meditate tpon what they have heard themselves, or to communicate it to others; and many have had reason to bless God for his advice and instruction herein. He would advise people sometimes to look over the sermon-notes that they had written, as a ready way to revive the good impressions of the truths they had heard, and would blame those who made waste-paper of them;—for, saith he, the day is coming, when you will either thank God for them, or heartily wish you had never written them.

But it is time we return to Westminster School, Vhere, having begun to learn Christ, we left him in the successful pursuitof other learning, under the eye and care of that great Master, Dr. Busby; who, on the account of his pregnancy and diligence, took a particular kindness to him, called him his child, and would sometimes tell him he should be his heir; and there was no love lost betwixt them.' Dr. Busby was noted for a very severe schoolmaster, especially in the beginning of his time. But Mr. Henry would say sometimes, that, as in so great a school there was need of a strict discipline, so, for his own part, of the four years he was in the school, he never felt the weight of his hand but once, and then, saith he, in some of the remarks of his youth, which he wrote long after, I deserved it. For, being monitor of the chamber, and, according to the duty of his place, being sent out to seek one that played truant, ^ he found him out where he had hid himself, and, at his earnest request, promised to make an excuse for him, and to say he could not find him; which, saith he, in a penitential reflection upon it afterwards, I wickedly did. Next morning, the truant coming under examination, and being asked whether he saw the monitor, said. Yes, he did; at which Dr. Busby was much surprised, and turned his eye upon the monitor, with this word, Kal ffv rUvov ; What thou, my son!' and gave him correction, and appointed him

Rev. Thomas Holland, of Wem, in Shropshire, was Mr. Henry*i grea Ugrand.daughter.

The first time Mr. Ireland was introduced to Dr. Johnson, he was stated to be a descendant of Mr. Philip Henry, on which that great man remarked, in his emphatic manner,—" Sir, you are descended from a man, whose genuine simplicity, and unal Dscted piety, would have done honour to any sect of Christians-, and, as a scholar, he must have had uncommon acquirements, when Busby boasted of having been his tutor." Public Characters of iaoO-1801. p. 339.

q One Nath. Bull, afterwards a Master of Paul's School Life. Orig. MS. «/ npra.

r The historian, narrating the murder of Julius Cesar, records, that,—" with 3 and 20 wounds he was stabbed: duru

THE LIFE OF MR. PHIUP HENRY.

to make a penitential copy of Latin verses, which, when he brought, he gave him sixpence, and received him into his favour again.

Among the mercies of Grod to him in his youth, (and he would say, it were well if parents would keep an account of those for their children, till they came to be capable of doing it for themselves, and then to set them upon the doing of it,) he hath recorded a remarkable deliverance he had here at Westminster School, which was this: It was customary thei J, among the studious boys, for one, or two, or more, to sit up the former part of the night at study; and when they went to bed, about midnight, to call others; and they others, at two or three o'clock, as they desired. His request was to be called at twelve; being awaked, he desired his candle might be lighted, which stuck to the bed's head; but he dropt asleep again, and the candle fell, and burnt part of the bed and bolster, ere he awaked; but, through God's good providence, seasonable help came in, the fire was soon quenched, and he received no harm. This gve him occasion, long after, to say,— It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.

When he was at Westminster school he was employed by Dr. Busby, as some others of the most ingenious and industrious of his scholars were, in their reading of the Greek Authors, to collect, by his direction, some materials for that excellent Greek Grammar, which the Doctor afterwards published.

But, be the school never so ageable, youth is desirous to commence man by a removal from it. This step he took in the sixteenth year of his age. It was the ancient custom of Westminster School, that all the King's Scholars, who stood candidates for an election to the University, were to receive the Lord's Supper the Easter before, which he did with the rest, in St. Margaret's Church, at Easter, 1647; and he would often speak of the great pains which Dr. Busby took witli his scholars, that were to approach to that solemn ordinance, for several weeks before, at stated times; with what skill and seriousness of application, and manifest concern for their souls, he opened to them the nature of the ordinance, and of the work they had to do in it; and instructed them what was to be done in preparation for it; and this he made a business of, appointing them their religious exercises instead of their school exercises. What success this had, through the gnce of God, upon young Mr. Henry, to whom the doctor had a iog which time he gave but one frronn, without any worde uttered, and that was at the first thrust; although some have written, that, as M. Brutus came running upon him, he said, Kai ffv TCKvov; j1»d lk<m my tonnt /" Suetonius, p. 33. fol. 1006.

s Upon hearing of the death of Dr Busby, in April, 1695, after he had been near flfty-eight years Schoolmaster of Westminster School, Mr. Henry thus writes.^! believe 1 have as much reason to lless God for him, as any scholar that ever he had —he having particular regard, read from his own hand. '* There had been treaties," saith he, '* before, between my soul and Jesus Christ, with some weak overtures towards him; but then, then, I think, it was, that the match was made, the knot tied: then I set myself, in the strength of divine grace, about the great work of self-examination, in order to repentance; and then I repented; that is, solemnly and seriously, with some poor meltings of soul. I confessed my sins before God, original and actual, judging and condemning myself for them, and casting away from me all my transgressions, receiving Christ Jesus the Lord, as the Lord my Righteousness, and devoting and dedicating, my whole self, absolutely and unreservedly, to his fear and service. After which, coming to the ordinance, there, there I received him indeed; and He became mine;—I say. Mine, Bless the Lord, O my soul /"

Dr. Busby's agency, under God, in this blessed work, he makes a very g^^teful mention of, in divers of his papers,—The Lord recompense it, saith he, a thousand-fold into his bosom. *

I have heard him tell how much he surprised the Doctor, the first time he waited upon him after he was turned out by the act of uniformity: for when the Doctor asked him,'' Pr'ythee, child, what made thee a nonconformist ?—Truly, Sir, saith Mr. Henry, you made me one; for you taught me those things that hindered me from conforming."

" Encouraged by this experience, I have myself," saith he, in one of his papers, '* taken like pains with divers others at their first admission to the Lord's table, and have, through grace, seen the comfortable fruits of it, both in mine own children and others. To God be glory."

Mr. Jeremy Dyke's* book of the sacrament, I have heard him say was of great use to him at that time, in his preparation for that ordinance.

Thus was this great concern happily settled before his launching out into the world, which, through grace, he had all his days more or less the comfort of, in an even serenity of mind, and a peaceful expectation of the glory to be revealed.

May 17, 1647, he was chosen from Westminster School to Christ-church in Oxford, jure loci, with four others, of which he had the second place. At his election he was very much countenanced and smiled upon by his godfather, the Earl of Pembroke, who was one of the electors.

been so instrumental in beginning the good work in him. Lire. Orig. MS. tit twpra.

t He was " or a cheerful spirit; and know, reader* that an ounce of mirth, with the same degree of grace, will serve God farther than a pound of sadiiease." Fuller's Worthies. Hartfordshire, p. 38 fol. 1602. He died A. D. 16*20.

The book referred to is entitled, *• A Worthy Communicant; or, a Treatise, showing the due order of Receiving the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper." Duod. 1615.

THE LIFE OF MR. PHIUP HENRY.

15

CHAPTER n.

HIS TEARS SPENT AT OXFOED.

Though be was chosen to the Uniyersity in May, yet, being then yonng, under sixteen, and in loye with his achool-lcaming, he made no gat haste thither. It was in December* following, 1647, that he removed to Oxford. Some merciful providences, in his joamcy, he being a young traveller, affected him much, and he used to speak of them, with a sense of God's goodness to him in them, according to the impressions then made by them; and he hath recorded them with this thankful note,—That there may be a great mercy in a small matter; as the care that was taken of hipi by strangers, when ho fainted tnd was sick in his inn the first night; and his casual meeting with Mr. Anncsly, son to the Viscount Yalentia, (who was chosen from Westminster

School at the same time that he was,) when his other company, going another way, had left him alone, and utterly at a loss what to do. Thus the sensible remembrance of old mercies may answer the intention of new ones, which is to engage our obedience to God, and to encourage our dependence on him.

Being come to Oxford, he was immediately en-tocd commoner of Christ-church, where Dr. Samuel FelP was then Dean; the tutor assigned to him and the rest of that election was Mr. Underwood/ a very learned, ingenious gentleman.

His godfather, the Earl of Pembroke, had given him ten pounds to buy him a gown, to pay his fees, and to set out with. This in his papers he puts a remark upon, as a seasonable mercy in regard of some straits, which Providence, by the calamity of the times, had brought his father to. God had taught him from his youth that excellent principle, which he adhered to all his days, that every creature is that to us, and no more, that God makes it to be ;** and, therefore, while many seek the ruler's favour, and so expect to make their fortunes, as they call it, seeing every man's judgement procccdeth from the Lord, it is our wisdom to seek his favour, who is the Ruler of rolers, and that is an effectual wy to make sure our happiness.

To the proper studies of this place he now vigorously addressed himself; but still retaining a great kindness for the classic authors, and the more polite exercises he loved so well at Westminster School.

t Dec 15 Orig. BIS.

b Bora, 1584; Ob. Feb. IS48-9. Wood's Ath. Oxon. By Dr. mm, T. a p.* 343. 4to. ISIT c See Walker*s Sofkrings of tbe aeiig7, Part 11. p. 110. fol. mi.

d Dr. Harris ** would oHen say, God made It appear to all be-kolden, that the beat nan ia no more than God makes him hourly." Ufe. by W. D.Cuzham.3 p. 4S. duod. lew. See Wood's Ath. ▼. 4. pi 146L witaprm.

He was admitted student of Christ-church, March 24,1647-8, by Dr. Henry Hammond, ** that geat man, then Sub-Dean, who called him his god-brother, the Earl of Pembroke being his god-father also, and Prince Henry the other, who gave him his name.

The visitation of the University by the Parliament happened to be in the very next month after. Oxford had been for a good while in the hands of the Parliament, and no change made-; but now the Earl of Pembroke, and several others thereunto appointed, came hither to settle things upon a new bottom. The account Mr. Henry in his papers gives of this affair, is to this purpose : The sole question which the visitors proposed to each person, high and low, in every college, that had any place of profit, was this, ** Will you submit to the power of the Parliament in this present visitation V* To which all were to give in their answer in writing, and accordingly were either displaced or continued. Some cheerfully complied, others absolutely refused; (among whom he would sometimes tell of one that was but of his standing, who gave in this bold answer, " I neither can nor will submit to the power of the Parliament in this present visitation; I say I cannot, I say I mil not.'' J. C.^ Others answered doubtfully, pleading youth and ignorance* in such matters. Mr. Henry's answer was,—I submit to the power of the Parliament in the present visitation, as far as I may with a safe conscience, and without perjury. His reason for the last salvo was, because he had taken the oaths of allegiance and supremacy a little before, at his admission; which he was, according to the character of the good man, that he fears an oath, very jealous of doing any thing to contradict or infringe; which hath made him sometimes signify some dislike of that practice of administering oaths to such as were scarce past children, who could hardly be supposed to take them with judgment, as oaths should be taken. However, this answer of his satisfied; and, by the favour of the Earl of Pembroke, he was continued in his student's place. But geat alterations were made in that, as well as in other colleges, very much, no question, to the hinderance and discouragement of young scholars, who came thither to get learning, not to judge of the rights of government. Dr. Samuel Fell, the Dean, was removed, and Dr. Edward Reynolds, afterwards Bishop of Norwich, was put in his room. Dr. Hammond and all the Canons, " except Dr. Wall, were displaced, and Mr. Wilkinson, Mr. Pococke, and e See bis life by Dr. Fell. p. 3. duod. i661. Dr. H. was born 18 Aug. 1605. Ob. 25 Ap. 1600.

f John Carrick. P. Henry. Orig. MS. See Wallcer, »/ wpra. Part 11. p. 110. His answer provoked, and be was soon after turned out. P. Henry. Orig. MS.

g See tbe Lives o( Jobn Leland, Tbomas Haame, and Anthony i Wood, ▼. 2. p. 52. OCt 1772.

h Dr. George Morley. Dr. Rich. Gardiner, Dr. Morris. Dr. Sanderson, and Dr. Payn, and one more. P. Henry, Orig. MS.

THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.

others,' of the Parliament's friends, were preferred to their places. His thoughts of this in the reflection long after, was, that milder methods might have done better, and would have been a firmer establishment to the new interest; but, considering that many of those who were put out (being in expectation of a sudden change, which came not of many years after) were exasperating in their carriage towards the visitors; and that the Parliament, who at this time rode masters, had many of their own friends ready for University-preferments, (which, Oxford having been from the beginning a garrison for the King; they had been long kept out of,) and these they were concerned to oblige, it was not strange if they took such strict methods. And yet nothing being required but a bare submission, which might be interpreted but as crying quarter, he thought withal, that it could not be said the terms were hard, especially, saith he, if compared with those of another nature imposed since.

Among other student-masters removed, his tutor, Mr. Underwood, was one, which he often bewailed as ill for him, for he was a good scholar, and one that made it his business to look after his pupils, who were very likely, by the blessing of God, to have profited under his conduct. But, upon the removal of Mr. Underwood, he, with some others, was turned over to Mr. Finmore, who was then in with that interest which was uppermost, and was afterwards Prebendary of Chester; a person, as he notes, able enough, but not willing to employ his abilities for the good of those that were committed to his charge ; towards whom he had little more than the name of a tutor. This he lamented as his infelicity at his first setting out. But it pleased God to give him an interest in the affections of a young man, an under-graduatc then, but two or three years his senior fix>m Westminster, one Mr. Richard Bryan," who took him to be his chamber-fellow, while he continued at Oxford, read to him, overlooked his studies, and directed him in them. Of this gentleman he makes a very honourable mention, as one who was, through God's blessing, an instrument of much good to him. Mr. John Fell, also, the Dean's son, (afterwards himself Dean of Christ-church, ahd Bishop of Oxford,) taking pity on him, and some others that were neglected, voluntarily read to them for some time; a kindness which he retained a very grateful sense of, and for which he much honoured that learned and worthy person.

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