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

The Rebukes he lay under at Broad. Oal•, betwixt the Years 1680. and 1687.

IN the beginning of the Year 1681. in April and May, the Country was greatly afflicted and threatened by an extreme Drought; there was no Rain for several Weeks, the Grass failed; Corn that was Sown languished, and much that was intended to be Sown could not; the like had not been known for many Years; 'twas generally apprehended that a Dearth would ensue, especially in that Country, which is for the most ⟨p. 147⟩part dry. And now it was time to seek the Lord; and (according to his own appointment) to ask of him Rain in the Season thereof: Several serious thinking People being together at the Funeral of that worthy Minister of Jesus Christ, Mr. Malden; It was there said how requisite it was that there should be some time set apart on purpose for Fasting and Prayer, in a solemn Assembly upon this occasion. Thomas Millington of Weston in Hodnet Parish in Shropshire, desired it might be at his House; and Tuesday June 14. was the Day pi•ch'd upon. The Connivance of Authority was presumed upon, because no disturbance of Meetings was heard of at London, or any where else. Mr. Henry was desired to come and give his assistance at that Days work. He asked upon what terms they stood with their Neighbouring Justices, and 'twas answered well enough. The Drought continuing in extremity, some that had not used to come to such Meetings, yet came thither, upon the apprehension they had of the threatening Judgment, which the Country was under. Mr. Edward Bury of Bolas (well known by several useful Books he hath Published) Prayed, Mr. Henry Prayed and Preached on Psal. 66. 18. If I regard iniquity in my Heart, the Lord will not hear me; whence his Doctrine was, that Iniquity regarded in the Heart, will certainly spoil the success of Prayer. When he was in the midst of his Sermon, closely applying this Truth, Sir T. V. of Hodnet, and Mr. M. of Ightfield, two Justices of the Peace for Shropshire, with several others of then Retinue, came suddenly upon them; disturbed them, set Guards upon the House door, and came in themselves, severely rallied all they knew, reflected upon the late Honourable House of Commons, and the Vote they passed, concerning the present Unreasonableness. of putting the Laws in Execution against Protestant Dissenters,