Life of Matthew Henry - Williams - VIII - Chapter 9

Required reading
The life of Matthew Henry by J. B. Williams (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Chapter 9.

My summary
This week we hear about the agonising decision of Henry to leave his church to answer a call to another church.

Firstly we read about the invitations Henry received including letters from other ministers giving him counsel.

We then read of Henry's determination not to leave and then one particular church's determination to have him.

Then finally we are given Henry's reasons for deciding to leave.  Sadly no relief from his agonising is experienced once he has moved.

What grabbed me
This chapter was very interesting to read as it concerns one of those great difficulties in pastoral ministry.

I think the comment of Williams contained some good insight into this whole process: 'Still, may it not he fairly questioned, whether an application to a settled pastor, living happily among his own people, and not known even to think of moving, be reconcilable with those principles which inculcate love to our neighbour as to ourselves; and which condemn in every supposable instance, the slightest emotion of covetousness? Is the robbing of churches limitable to sacramental utensils, official vestments, or mere paraphernalia, and books?'

It did seem to me that the pressure applied to Henry by the other church and other ministers may have been a little extreme and may have indeed lacked love toward Henry and their brothers and sisters under his care.

For more good advice regarding accepting a call to another church, I'd recommend a January-February 2011 issue of the 9marks ejournal which can be found here.

Next week's reading
Read Chapter 10.

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.