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

He oft prayed for them, that the Fire might be a Refining Fire.

He oft pray'd for them, that the Fire might be a Refining Fire.

In the Years 1677, 1678, and 1679, in the Course of his Ministry at Broad-Oak, he Preached over the Ten Commandments, and largely opened from other Texts of Scripture the Duties required, and Sins forbidden, in each Commandment. For, though none delighted more than he in Preaching Christ and Gospel-Grace; yet he knew, that Christ came not to destroy the Law and the Prophets, but to fulfil; and that, though through Grace we are not under the Law, as a Covenant; yet we are under it as a Rule, under the Law to Christ. He was very large and particular in pressing second Table Duties, as essential to Christianity. We have known those (saith he) that have called Preaching on such Subjects, good Moral Preaching; but let them call it as they will, I am sure it is necessary, and as much now as ever. How earnestly would he press upon People, the necessity of Righteousness and Honesty, in their whole Conversations. A good Christian (he used to say) will be a good Husband, and a good Father, and a good Master, and a good Subject, and a good Neighbour, and so in other Relations. How often would he urge to this purpose, that it is the Will and Command of the Great ⟨p. 144⟩God, the Character of all the Citizens of Zion, the Beauty and Ornament of our Christian Profession; and the surest way to thrive and prosper in the World. Honesty is the best Policy. He would say, that these are things in which the Children of this World are competent Judges. They that know not what belongs to Faith and Repentance, and Prayer, yet know what belongs to the making of an honest Bargain: they are also Parties concerned, and oftentimes are themselves careful in these things; and therefore those who profess Religion, should walk very circumspectly, that the Name of God and his Doctrine be not Blasphemed, nor Religion wounded through their sides. Thus he Preached, and his constant Practise was a Comment upon it. One thing I remember he was more than ordinarily enlarged in the pressing of, which was upon the Ninth Commandment, to speak evil of no Man, from