Philip Henry facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Philip Henry
|
|
|---|---|
.jpg) |
|
| Born | 24 August 1631 |
| Died | 24 June 1696 (aged 64) |
| Education | Westminster School |
| Spouse(s) | Kathrine Mathews (26 April 1660-1696) |
| Children | 6 |
| Parent(s) | John Henry, Magdalen Rochdale |
Philip Henry (born August 24, 1631, died June 24, 1696) was an English clergyman. He was known as a Nonconformist. This meant he didn't follow the official Church of England rules. He also kept a detailed diary. His son, Matthew Henry, became a famous Bible writer and minister too.
Contents
Growing Up
Philip Henry was born in London on August 24, 1631. His father, John Henry, worked at Whitehall Palace. He was the keeper of the orchard there. This job gave the family a good income. Philip was named after Philip Herbert, a powerful Earl.
Philip first went to a Latin school at St. Martin's Church. Later, he moved to Battersey. In 1643, when he was 12, he joined Westminster School. He became a special student called a King's Scholar. At Westminster, he learned Greek and Latin. He was known for quoting famous old writers. His teacher, Richard Busby, really liked him.
Learning and Faith
During the English Civil War, special morning talks were held. These talks were given by church leaders at Westminster Abbey. Philip's mother was a Puritan. Puritans were a group of Christians who wanted to make the church simpler. She got permission for Philip to attend these early talks.
Philip said his teacher, Richard Busby, helped him prepare for holy communion. This is an important Christian ceremony. In April 1647, Philip decided to dedicate his life to religion. This happened after he heard a sermon by Stephen Marshal.
In May 1647, Philip was chosen to study at Christ Church, Oxford. He moved there in December. He earned his first degree in 1650. He got his master's degree in 1652.
Witnessing History
In January 1649, Philip was home on leave. He saw King Charles I being taken to his trial. The King was moved by boat from Whitehall to Westminster every day. Philip even spoke to his father about it.
Philip saw the King's execution. He wrote about it in his diary. He said there was "such a Grone by the Thousands then present." He added, "I never heard before & desire I may never hear again." After his father died, the family faced money problems.
Family Life
Philip Henry married Katharine Mathews on April 26, 1660. They were married at Whitewell Chapel. Katharine was the only child of Daniel Matthews. She lived in a place called Broad Oak, Flintshire.
Philip and Katharine had six children together. Their names were John, Matthew Henry, Sarah, Katharine, Eleanor, and Ann. Their oldest daughter, Sarah, also kept a diary. Her diary was later published.
Becoming a Preacher
Philip Henry gave his first sermon on January 9, 1653. This was in South Hinksey, Oxfordshire. In September 1653, he got a job. He became a tutor for the sons of Judge John Puleston. He also preached at Worthenbury Chapel in Flintshire.
From 1655, Philip stayed mostly at Worthenbury. Judge Puleston built him a nice house there. He also gave Philip a long lease on the house. This was for as long as he stayed as the minister.
Ordination and Beliefs
Philip was officially made a minister on September 16, 1657. This happened in Prees, Shropshire. He shared his strong Christian beliefs. He believed in a type of church leadership. He thought it should be like James Ussher's system. In 1658, Worthenbury Chapel became its own parish. Philip became the minister there.
He was offered jobs in other towns. He turned down a job in Wrexham in 1659. He also said no to a job near London. Judge Puleston died in 1659. His eldest son, Roger, did not like Philip. Roger was happy when Charles II became King again in 1660.
After the King Returned
Philip Henry welcomed the return of King Charles II. He had just gotten married. The old rector, Henry Bridgeman, returned to Bangor. Philip's job became a curate at Worthenbury Chapel.
In September 1660, Philip was charged with not reading the common prayer. He was charged again later, but nothing happened. He had promised loyalty to the King. But he refused to be ordained again. This meant he could not get a better church job.
Losing His Position
On October 24, 1661, Philip was officially discharged. He was allowed to preach farewell sermons on October 27. The Uniformity Act of 1662 stopped him from preaching publicly. This law took effect on August 24, 1662.
He gave up his house and yearly payment for £100. He moved to Broad Oak, his wife's property. He talked to John Fell about his problems. Philip mainly refused to be ordained again. He thought it was wrong.
On October 10, 1663, he was arrested. He was held for four days. This was because of a suspected plot. In March 1665, he was called to court. This was for baptizing one of his own children. He was treated like a regular person. He even became a tax collector for his town.
The Five Mile Act of 1665 caused problems. Broad Oak was very close to Worthenbury. The law said he could not live within five miles. But after measuring, it was found to be just over five miles. Still, he moved to Whitchurch, Shropshire for a while. During this time, he still went to church. He would stand during the service.
Returning to Preach
In February 1668, he preached in a church in Betley, Staffordshire. This was reported to the government. He did not start public preaching again until 1672. This was when a special permission was given. He preached in his licensed house. He was careful not to preach during church hours.
In 1682, he had a public discussion with Quakers. This was in Llanfyllin. He also debated about ordination. This debate was with William Lloyd, a bishop.
Later Years
During Monmouth's rebellion, Philip was held in Chester Castle. He was there for three weeks in July 1685. This was by a general order. In September 1687, he signed a careful letter to King James II. In May 1688, he was asked to join the peace commission for Flintshire. But he said no. He hoped for more religious freedom after the revolution. He accepted the Toleration Act with some small concerns. He continued his ministry in an outbuilding at Broad Oak.
His last years were spent helping his community. He died suddenly at Broad Oak on June 24, 1696. He was 64 years old. He was buried in Whitchurch Church. His son, Matthew Henry, preached at his funeral.
A marble plaque was put up in his memory. It had a Latin message. In 1712, the church was rebuilt. His body was moved to the churchyard. The monument was moved to the porch. In 1844, an English version of the message was placed in the church. The original monument went to Whitewell Chapel. In 1996, his life was celebrated. This marked 300 years since his death.
Writings
- Diaries and Letters of Philip Henry (1882)
See also
