may

God, to give myself wholly" to these things; to prayer, reading, meditation, instant preaching, in season and out of season, wherein I shall very gladly spend and be spent, if by any means I both save myself and them that hear me. And when at any time I fail herein, I desire God, by his Spirit, and my Christian friends, neighbours, and brethren, by scasonable reproof and admonition, to put me in mind of this engagement now made, in the presence of this great congregation.

Question 3. Do you mean to be zealous and faithful in the defence of truth and unity, against error and schism?

Answer. I believe what the Spirit hath foretold, that, in the last days, perilous times shall come, wherein men will not endure sound doctrine, but after their own lusts shall heap unto themselves teachers. It is my resolution, by the grace of Christ, to watch in all things; to contend earnestly for the faith, to hold fast the form of sound and wholesome words, even "the words of our Lord Jesus, and the doctrine which is according to godliness;" in meekness, as I am able, instructing those that oppose themselves. And for peace and unity, if my heart deceive me not, I shall rather choose to hazard the loss of any thing that is most dear to me, than be any way knowingly accessary to the disturbance of these in the churches of Christ.

Question 4. What is your persuasion of the truth of the Reformed Religion?

Answer. My persuasion is, that the Bishop of Rome is that man of sin, and son of perdition, whom the Lord Jesus will consume with the spirit of his mouth, and whom he will destroy by the brightness of his coming. And the separation which our first Reformers made, I do heartily rejoice in, and bless God for; for had we still continued to partake with him in his sins, we should, in the end, have partaken with him also in his plagues.

Question 5. What do you intend to do when the Lord shall alter your condition, and bring a family under your charge?

Answer. When the Lord shall please, in his Providence, to bring me into new relations, I hope he will give me grace to fill them up with duty; it is my purpose to wait upon him, and to keep his way, to endeavour, in the use of means, that all that are mine, may be the Lord's.

Question 6. Will you, in humility and meekness, submit to admonition and discipline ?

Answer. I believe it to be a duty incumbent upon all that profess the name of Christ, to watch over one another, and that when any is "overtaken in a

d 1686. Nov. 28. I was indisposed, yet refreshed with the exposition of Rev. xi. concerning the slaying and reviving of the two witnesses; nay, more than that, my father told us in discourse, at dinner, he believed some of us young ones might live to see the antichrist fall; for he thinks it is not far off. If I may

fault," those that are spiritual are to set him in jointe again" with the spirit of meekness." It shall be my endeavour, in the strength of Jesus Christ, to walk without rebuke, and when, at any time, I step aside, (for who is there that lives and sins not,) I shall account the smitings of my brethren kindness, and their wounds faithful.

Question 7. What, if troubles, persecutions, and discouragements, arise, will you hold out to the end notwithstanding?

me,

Answer. Concerning this I am very jealous over my own heart; and there is cause; I find a great want of that zeal and courage for God, which I know is required in a minister of the gospel; nevertheless, I persuade myself, that " no temptation shall befall but such as is common to man; and that God, who is faithful, will not suffer me to be tempted above that which I am able, but that with the temptation he will also make a way to escape, that I may be able to bear it." I promise faithfulness to the death, but I rest not at all in my promise to God, but in his to me; "When thou goest through the fire, and through the water, I will be with thee."

When this was done, Mr. Parsons prayed; and in prayer he and the rest of the Presbyters, Mr. Porter, Mr. Houghton, Mr. Malden, and Mr. Steel, laid their hands upon him, with words to this purpose, "Whom we do thus in thy name set apart to the work and office of the ministry." After him, there were five more,' after the like previous examinations and trials, professions and promises, at the same time, in like manner, set apart to the ministry.

Then Mr. Malden, of Newport, closed with an exhortation, directed to the newly ordained ministers, in which, saith Mr. Henry in his diary, this word went near my heart.-As the nurse puts the meat first into her own mouth, and chews it, and then feeds the child with it, so should ministers do by the word, preach it over beforehand to their own hearts; it loses none of the virtue thereby, but rather, probably, gains. As that milk nourisheth most which comes warm from the breast, so that sermon which comes warm from a warm heart. Lord, quicken me to do thy will in this thing.

The classis gave him, and the rest, instruments in parchment, certifying this, which it may satisfy the curiosity of some to read the form of.

"Whereas, Mr. Philip Henry of Worthenbury, in the County of Flint, Master of Arts, hath addressed himself unto us, authorized by an ordinance of both Houses of Parliament, of the 29th of August,

not see that happy day, however, I believe it shall be. Mrs. Savage. Diary. Orig. MS.

e Gal. vi. 1. Vid. Pol. Synop. in loc.

f Mr. Jones, of Llanarmon; Mr. Dickins, of Morton Say; Mr. Bradley, of Ness; Mr. Hall, of Newcastle; Mr. Hanmer, of White

1648, for the ordination of ministers, desiring to be ordained a Presbyter, for that he is chosen and appointed for the work of the ministry at Worthenbury, in the county of Flint, as by a certificate now remaining with us, touching that his election and appointment, appeareth. And he having likewise exhibited a sufficient testimonial of his diligence and profici- | ency in his studies, and unblamableness of his life and conversation, he hath been examined according to the rules for examination in the said ordinance expressed; and thereupon approved, there being no just exception made, nor put in, against his ordination and admission. These may therefore testify to all whom it may concern, that upon the 16th day of September, 1657, we have proceeded solemnly to set him apart for the office of a Presbyter, and work of the ministry of the gospel, by laying on of our hands with fasting and prayer. By virtue whereof we do declare him to be a lawful and sufficiently authorized minister of Jesus Christ. And having good evidence of his lawful and fair calling, not only to the work of the ministry, but to the exercise thereof at the chapel of Worthenbury, in the county of Flint, we do hereby send him thither, and actually admit him to the said charge, to perform all the offices and duties of a faithful pastor there; exhorting the people, in the name of Jesus Christ, willingly to receive and acknowledge him as the minister of Christ, and to maintain and encourage him in the execution of his office, that he may be able to give up such an account to Christ of their obedience to his ministry, as may be to his joy, and their everlasting comfort. In witness whereof, we the Presbyters of the Fourth Class, in the County of Salop, commonly called Bradford-North Class, have hereunto set our hands, this 16th day of September, in the year of our Lord God, 1657.

Thomas Porter, Moderator for the time. Andrew Parsons, Minister of Wem. Aylmar Haughton, Minister of Prees. John Malden, Minister of Newport. Richard Steel, Minister of Hanmer." 8

I have heard it said, by those who were present at this solemnity, that Mr. Henry did in his countenance, carriage, and expression, discover such an extraordinary seriousness and gravity, and such deep impressions made upon his spirit, as greatly affected the auditory, and even struck an awe upon them.

well Chapel. P. Henry. Diary. Orig. MS. As to Mr. Hall, see the Noncon. Mem. v. 3. p. 228.

« Mr. Orton, in his edition of the Life, p. 51. has here introduced the following note.

It is remarkable, that Mr. Steel should be likewise engaged in the ordination of his son, Mr. Matthew Henry, almost thirty years after this; viz. May 9, 1687. It was the honour of his younger days to be appointed by the classis of Ministers, one of those who

Read his reflection upon it in his diary.-" Methoughts I saw much of God in carrying on of the work of this day. Oh, how good is the Lord! he is good, and doth good; the remembrance of it I shall never lose; to him be glory. I made many promises of diligence, faithfulness, &c. but I lay no stress at all on them, but on God's promise to me, that he will be with his ministers always to the end of the world. Amen, Lord, so be it. Make good thy word unto thy servant, wherein thou hast caused me to put my trust." And in another place,—"“ I did this day receive as much honour and work, as ever I shall be able to know what to do with; Lord Jesus, proportion supplies according." Two Scriptures he desired might be written in his heart, 2 Corinthians vi. 4, 5, &c. and 2 Chronicles xxix. 11.

Two years after, upon occasion of his being present at an ordination at Whitchurch, he thus writes:"This day my ordination covenants were in a special manner renewed, as to diligence in reading, prayer, meditation, faithfulness in preaching, admonition, catechizing, sacraments, zeal against error and profaneness, care to preserve and promote the unity and purity of the church, notwithstanding opposition and persecution, though to death. Lord, thou hast filled my hands with work, fill my heart with wisdom and grace, that I may discharge my duty to thy glory, and my own salvation, and the salvation of those that hear me." Amen.

Let us now see how he applied himself to his work at Worthenbury. The sphere was narrow, too narrow for such a burning and shining light. There were but forty-one communicants in that parish, when he first set up the ordinance of the Lord's Supper; and they were never doubled. Yet he had such low thoughts of himself, that he not only never sought for a larger sphere, but would never hearken to any overtures of that kind made to him. And withal, he had such high thoughts of his work, and the worth of souls, that he laid out himself with as much diligence and vigour here, as if he had the oversight of the greatest and most considerable parish. in the country.

The greatest part of the parish were poor tenants and labouring husbandmen; but the souls of such, he used to say, are as precious as the souls of the rich, and to be looked after accordingly. His prayer for them was,-" Lord, despise not the day of small things in this place, where there is some willingness, but much weakness." And thus he writes upon the Judge's settling a handsome maintenance upon him,

should lay hands on Mr. Philip Henry; and it must be the comfort of his advanced years, that he had the opportunity of doing the same office for the son. This circumstance must be very pleasing both to father and son; and it could not be less pleasing to Mr. Steel, that he should be employed, under Christ, in sending out two such ministers into the church; such a father, and such a son. See Tong's Life of Matth. Henry, p. 93. ut supra.

and bring forth fruit. I can do all things, saith Paul, through Christ strengthening me, and without him we can do nothing. The terms of that blessed covenant that we are under, are, that we endeavour to do as well as we can, aiming at perfection; and wherein we come short, that we may be humbled for it, but not discouraged, as if there were no hope for we are not under the law, but under grace. I am glad to hear you have those servants of the Lord with you, who are better able than I to be the directors of your way in this main matter, and that God hath given you acquaintance with them, and an interest in their love and prayers, which I hope you do prize at a very high rate, and be sure you do upon all occasions make use of them, and be guided by them. If you have not joined in the fellowship of the holy supper, I would you should not by any means delay to do it. It is not privilege only, but | duty, commanded duty, and if you love the Lord Jesus, how can you answer for your neglect so long of such a gracious appointment of his, when you have opportunity for it? Behold, he calls you. It is one thing to be unworthy to come, and another thing to come unworthily. He that is not fit to-day, will be less fit to-morrow. I know those that can witness, though there were treaties before between their souls and the Lord Jesus, in order to that blessed match, yet the matter was never consummated, nor the knot fully tied," till they came to that ordinance: it is a sealing ordinance; God is there sealing to us, and we sealing to him in a precious Mediator. You cannot imagine the benefits of it, and, therefore, put not off. So, commending you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance amongst them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, I rest,

Your truly affectionate and well-wishing friend,

PHILIP HENRY. ]

Rom. vi. 4. My soul hath oft been refreshed with that sweet word,-"We are not under the law, but under grace;"-and, I may say concerning it,—It is "all my salvation, and all my desire, although be should not make my house to grow." P. Henry. Orig. MS.

A believer, says Mr. Mead, is under the law for conduct, but not for judgment; it is the guide of his path, but not the judge of his state. The good of early obedience. p. 307. duod. 1683. ■ See ante, p. 14.

Orig. MS.

Appendix, No. VI.

For a full account of the conduct of such interviews, and a Summary of their advantages, see Clark's Lives of Eminent Divines, ut supra. Pref. pp. 4, 5.

• On one occasion the question being proposed, What means are we to use that we may get knowledge, particularly that which is divine? Mr. Henry gave the following answer, which furnishes a corroboration of many statements in the volume, and will be a directory to others who are seeking instruction:

|

He was in labours more abundant to win souls; besides preaching he expounded the Scriptures in order;P catechised, and explained the catechism. At first he took into the number of his catechumens some that were adult, who, he found, wanted instruction; and when he had taken what pains he thought needful with them, he dismissed them from further attendance, with commendation of their proficiency, and counsel," to hold fast the form of sound words;" to be watchful against the sins of their age, and to apply themselves to the ordinance of the Lord's Supper, and make ready for it; afterwards he catechised none above seventeen or eighteen years of age. He set up a monthly lecture there of two sermons, one he himself preached, and the other his friend Mr. Ambrose Lewis, of Wrexham, for some years. He also kept up a monthly conference, in private, from house to house, in which he met with the more knowing and judicious of the parish; and they discoursed familiarly together of the things of God, to their mutual edification, according to the example of the apostles, who, though they had the liberty of public places, yet taught also from house to house, Acts v. 42; xx. 20. That which induced him to set and keep up this exercise as long as he durst, which was till August, 1660, was, that by this means he came better to understand the state of his flock, and so knew the better how to preach to them, and pray for them, and they to pray one for another. If they were in doubt about any thing relating to their souls, that was an opportunity of getting satisfaction. It was likewise a means of increasing knowledge,' and love, and other graces; and thus it abounded to a good account.

He was very industrious in visiting the sick, instructing them, and praying with them; and in this he would say, he aimed at the good, not only of

those that were sick, but also of their friends and relations that were about them.

never know too much.-Be diligent and constant in the use of ordinances. Public;-Hear the word preached. In hearing, be sure observe the doctrine, which, for the most part, is very short; and, for the help of such whose memories are weak, given usually in the very words of Scripture, which is taken for the text. If you can carry away nothing else, fail not to carry away that. But should I be speaking to you an hour about any worldly business, you would remember a great deal more than one sentence. Turn to proof afterwards. Private;-Read the scriptures, or get others to read them to you, in your families. Read those that are most for edification. Regard not so much how many chapters you read, as how many truths you can make up to yourselves from what you read. Unless where continuance of story requires, let, ordinarily, one or two chapters at a time suffice; and let them be read once and again. Also, get some good books, catechisms, &c. that contain the principles of religion. If thou canst not buy, borrow. Keep knowing company; and, when you are with such, be inquiring,-What means this?-not out of curiosity, but for edification. You, who have knowledge, be willing to communicate. You will lose nothing by it. Pray much; especially before hearing, reading, &c. See James i. 5. Prov. ii. 3, &c. Use some short ejaculation. Psalm cxix. is full of such. P. Henry. Orig.

• Appendix, No. VII.

He preached funeral sermons for all that were buried there, rich and poor, old or young, or little children; for he looked upon it as an opportunity of doing good. He called it,-setting in the plow of the word, when the Providence had softened and prepared the ground. He never took any money for that or any other ministerial performance, besides his stated salary, for which he thought himself obliged to do his whole duty to them as a minister. When he first set up the ordinance of the Lord's Supper there, he did it with very great solemnity. After he had endeavoured to instruct them in his public preaching, touching the nature of that ordinance, he discoursed personally with all that gave up their names to the Lord in it, touching their knowledge, experience, and conversation, obliged them to observe the law of Christ, touching brotherly admonition in case of scandal; and gave notice to the congregation who they were that were admitted; adding this: "Concerning these, and myself, I have two things to say. 1. As to what is past, we have sinned. If we should say, we have not, we should deceive ourselves, and the truth were not in us; and yet this withal we can say, and have said it, some of us with tears,-We are grieved that we have sinned. 2. For time to come we are resolved by God's grace to walk in new obedience; and yet seeing we are not angels, but men and women, compassed about with infirmities and temptations, it is possible we may fall; but if we do, it is our declared resolution to submit to admonition and censure, according to the rule of the gospel." And all along he took care so to manage his admissions to that ordinance, as that the weak might not be discouraged, and yet the ordinance might not be profaned.' He would tell those whom he was necessitated to debar from the ordinance for ignorance, that he would undertake, if they were but truly willing, they might in a week's time, by the blessing of God upon their diligent use of means, reading, prayer, and conference, get such a competent measure of knowledge, as to be able to discern the Lord's body. And those that had been scandalous, if they would but come in and declare their repentance, and resolutions of new obedience, they should no longer be excluded.

To give a specimen of his lively administrations of that ordinance, let me transcribe the notes of his exhortation at the first sacrament that ever he administered, November 27, 1659." I suppose they are but the hints of what he enlarged more upon, for he had always a great fluency upon such occasions.

"Dearly beloved in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, we are met together this day about the most

Some important observations on this subject, in connexion with the Test Act, occur in the Hist. of Dissenters, v. 4. p. 181 186.

solemn, weighty service under heaven; we are come to a feast, where the feast-maker is God the Father, the provision, God the Son, whose flesh is meat indeed, and whose blood is drink indeed; the guests, a company of poor sinners, unworthy such an honour; the crumbs under the table were too good for us, and yet we are admitted to taste of the provision upon the table; and that which makes the feast is hearty welcome. God the Father bids you welcome; and ten thousand welcomes this day, to the flesh and blood of his Son. Think you hear him saying it to you, O believing souls, Cant. v. 1.— Eat, O friends, drink, yea, drink abundantly, O beloved. The end of this feast is to keep in remembrance the death of Christ, and our deliverance by it, and thereby to convey spiritual nourishment and refreshment to our souls. But withal, give me leave to ask you one question,-What appetite have you to this feast? Are you come hungering and thirsting? Such as have the promise, they shall be filled. He filleth the hungry with good things, but the rich are sent empty away; a honey-comb to a full soul is no honey-comb. Canst thou say as Christ said,—With desire I have desired to eat this? In this ordinance here is Christ and all his benefits exhibited to thee. Art thou weak? here is bread to strengthen thee. Art thou sad? here is wine to comfort thee. What is it thou standest in need of? a pardon? here it is, sealed in blood, take it by faith, as I offer it to you in the name of the Lord Jesus; though thy sins have been as scarlet, they shall be as wool, if thou be willing and obedient. It may be, here are some that have been drunkards, swearers, scoffers at godliness, sabbath-breakers, and what not ;-and God hath put it into your hearts to humble yourselves, to mourn for and turn from all your abominations. Oh, come hither, here is forgiveness for thee. What else is it thou wantest? Oh, saith the poor soul, I would have more of the spirit of grace, more power against sin, especially my own iniquity. Why, here it is for thee: from the fulness that is in Jesus Christ, we receive, and grace for grace.' John i. 16. We may say as David did, Psalm cviii. 7, 8. God hath spoken in his holiness, and then Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine. So God hath spoken in his word sealed in his sacrament, and then Christ is mine, pardon is mine, grace is mine, comfort mine, glory mine; here I have his bond to show for it. This is to those among you, that have engaged their hearts to approach unto God this day.

"But if there be any come hither with a false, unbelieving, filthy, hard heart, I do warn you seriously, and with authority, in the name of Jesus Christ, presume not to come any nearer to this sacred ordinance. You that live in the practice of any sin,

u Is it not probable, this was 1657! Mr. Henry's ordination was September 16, in that year.

The one great cause of the great flourishing of religion in the