HENRY, Philip, a pious and learned nonconformist minister, son of Mr John Henry, page of the back stairs to James duke of York, was born at Whitehall in 1631. He was admitted into Westminster school at about twelve years of age; became the favourite of Dr Bushby; and was employed by him, with some others, in collecting materials for the Greek Grammar which he afterwards published. From Westminster he removed to Christ-Church, Oxford, where, having obtained the degree of master of arts, he was taken into the family of Judge Puleston, at Emeral, in Flintshire, as tutor to his sons, and preacher at Worthenbury. He soon afterwards married the only daughter and heiress of Daniel Matthews of Broad-oak, near Whitchurch, by whom he became possessed of a competent estate. When the king and episcopacy were restored, he refused to conform, was ejected, and retired with his family to Broad-oak, at which place, or in the immediate neighbourhood, he spent the remainder of his life, relieving the poor, employing the industrious, instructing the ignorant, and exercising every opportunity of doing good.
His moderation in his nonconformity was eminent and exemplary; and upon all occasions he bore testimony against uncharitable and schismatical separation. In church-government he wished for Archbishop Usher's reduction of episcopacy. But he thought it lawful to join in the common prayer in public assemblies, which, during the time of his silence and restraint, he devoutly and reverently attended along with his family.