A26780:242
An account of the life and death of Mr. Philip Henry, minister of the…
An account of the life and death of Mr. Philip Henry, minister of the gospel near Whitechurch in Shropshire, who died June 24, 1696, in the sixty fifth year of his ageAn account of the life and death of Mr. Philip Henry, minister of the gospel near Whitechurch in Shropshire, who dy'd June 24, 1696, in the sixty fifth year of his age
London: printed for Tho. Parkhurst, 1698
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
When Emeral Family was unkind to him, he reckoned it a great Mercy, which he gave God thanks for (who makes every Creature to be that to us that it is) that Mr. Broughton and his Family (which is of considerable Figure in the Parish) continued their kindness and respects to him, and their countenance of his Ministry, which he makes a grateful mention of more than once in his Diary.
Many attempts were made in the Year 1661. to disturb and ensnare him, and it was still expected, that he would have been hindered; Methinks (saith he) Sabbaths were never so sweet as they are, now we are kept at such uncertainties; now a day in they Courts is better than a thousand; such a day as this (saith he of a Sacrament Day that Year) better than ten thousand; O that we might yet see many such days!
Many attempts were made in the Year 1661. to disturb and ensnare him, and it was still expected, that he would have been hindred; Methinks (saith he) Sabbaths were never so sweet as they are, now we are kept at such uncertainties; now a day in they Courts is better than a thousand; such a day as this (saith he of a Sacrament Day that Year) better than ten thousand; O that we might yet see many such days!
He was advised by Mr. Ratcliff of Chester and others of his Friends to enter an Action against Mr. P. for his Annuity, and did so; but concerning the Success of it (saith he) I am not over solicitous; for though it be my due, (Luke 10. 7.) yet it was not that which I Preached for; and God knows I would much rather Preach for ⟨p. 99⟩nothing than not at all; and besides I know assuredly, if I should be Cast, God will make it up to me some other way. After some Proceeding he not only moved but solicited Mr. P. to refer it, having learned (saith he) that it is no Disparagement but an Honour, for the Party wronged, to be first in seeking Reconciliation; The Lord (if it be his Will) incline his Heart to Peace. I have now (saith he) two great Concerns upon the Wheel, one in reference to my Maintenance for time past, the other as to my continuance for the future; the Lord b my friend in both, but of the two rather in the latter. But (saith he) many of greater Gifts and Grace than I are laid aside already, and when my turn comes, I know not, the Will of God be done; He can do his Work without us.