We learn about:
(i) his settlement at the church in Chester, including his relationship with the current minister;
(ii) his first marriage and second marriage after his first wife died;
(iii) the birth and death of his daughters.
Some sad reading today with the death of Henry's wife and daughters.
After the death of his first daughter Henry said: '"She was a pretty, forward child, and very apprehensive; she began to go and talk, and observe things very prettily. I had set my affection much upon her. I am afraid too much; God is wise, and righteous, and faithful. Even this also is not only consistent with, but flowing from, covenant love. It is this day five years since I was first married. God has been teaching me to sing of mercy, and of judgment. Lord, make more perfect at my lesson; and show me wherefore thou contendest with me. Lord, wean me from this world by it. Blessed be God for the covenant of grace with me and mine; it is well ordered in all things, and sure. O that I could learn now to comfort others, with the same comforts with which, I trust, I am comforted of God! This goes near, but, O Lord, I submit. My dear wife is much distressed The Lord sustain her. I would endeavor to comfort her. We are now preparing for a decent interment of my poor babe. Many friends come to see us. I am much refreshed with 2 Kings iv. 20. ' Is it well with thee, is it well with thy husband, is it well with thy child? And she said, It is well.' When I part with so dear a child, yet I have no reason to say otherwise, but that it is well with us, and well with the child; for all is well that God doth. He performeth the thing that he appointed for me, and his appointment of this providence is in pursuance of his appointment of me to glory, to make me meet for it."'
A man in complete submission to the will of God even during painful suffering.
R
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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