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

THE Ministers of the Gospel, are in the Scripture Language, Stars in the right Hand of Christ, to signify their diffusive Light, and beneficial Influences. As in the future State of the Resurrection, some Stars shall differ from others in Glory; so in the present State of the Regeneration, some Ministers are distinguished from others, by a brighter Eminence in their Endowments, and a more powerful Emanation of Light in their Preaching. Of this Select Number was Mr. Philip Henry, in whom there was Union of those real Excellencies, of parts, Learning, and Divine 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, by long and intimate Conversation: and having by his Holy Instructions, and the impression of his Example, been made partaker of the same sanctifying Spirit. The describing the External Actions of Saints, ⟨image 3⟩without observing the Holy Principles and Affections from whence they derived their Life and Purity, is a defective and irregular Representation of them. 'Tis as if an account were given of the Riches and Fecundity of the Earth, from the Flowers and Fruits that grow upon it, without considering the Mines of Precious Metals contained in its Bosom. Now, only an inward Christian that has felt the Power of Religion in his Heart, can from the Reflection upon himself, and his uncounterfeit Experience, discover the Operations of Grace in the Breasts of others.

THE Ministers of the Gospel, are in the Scripture Language, Stars in the right Hand of Christ, to signifie their diffusive Light, and beneficial Influences. As in the future State of the Resurrection, some Stars shall differ from others in Glory; so in the present State of the Regeneration, some Ministers are distinguish'd from others, by a brighter Eminence in their Endowments, and a more powerful Emanation of Light in their Preaching. Of this Select Number was Mr. Philip Henry, in whom there was Union of those real Excellencies, of parts, Learning, and Divine Graces, that signaliz'd 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 intire knowledge of him, by long and intimate Conversation: and having by his Holy Instructions, and the impression of his Example, been made partaker of the same sanctifying Spirit. The describing the External Actions of Saints, ⟨image 3⟩