An account of the life and death of Mr. Philip Henry, minister of the…

Many thoughts of Heart he had, concerning this use he made of the Liberty, not knowing what would be in the end hereof; but after serious Consideration, and many Prayers, he saw his way very plain before him, and addressed himself with all diligence, to the improvement of this Gale of Opportunity. Some had dismal apprehensions of the issue of it; and that there would be an after-reckoning: but (saith he) let us mind our Duty, and let God alone to order Events, which are his Work, not ours.

It was a word upon the Wheels, which he preached at that time for his own Encouragement, and the Encouragement of his Friends, from that Scripture, Eccl. 11. 4. He that observes the wind shall not sow, and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap. Those that are minded either to do good, or get good, must not be frighted with seeming Difficulties and Discouragements. Our Work is to Sow and Reap; to do good, and get good; and let us mind that, and let who will mind the Winds and Clouds. A Lion in the way, a Lion in the streets; a very unlikely place (he would, say) for Lions to be in; and yet that serves the Sluggard for an Excuse.

While this Liberty lasted, he was in labours more abundant; many Lectures he Preached abroad in Shropshire, Cheshire, and Denbighshire, laying out himself exceedingly for the good of Souls, spending, and being spent in the work of the Lord. And of that Neighbourhood, and of that Time it was said, that this and that Man was born again, then and there; and many there were who asked the way to Zion, with their Faces thitherwards, and were (not Proselyted to a Party, but) savingly brought home to Jesus Christ. I mean this; such as had been vain and worldly, and careless, and mindless of God and another World, became sober ⟨p. 139⟩