Life of Matthew Henry - Williams - XI - Chapter 12

Required reading
The life of Matthew Henry by J. B. Williams (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Chapter 12.

My summary
Today we resume the swift narrative of Henry's life, covering the years 1712 to 1714.

We hear about Henry's:
(i) commencement and labours at the church in Hackney;
(ii) catechising of children;
(iii) work among the poor and rich;
(iv) decline in health;
(v) refreshing visitations back to Chester each year;
(vi) attendance at ordinations;
(vii) death and funeral.

What grabbed me
It was again interesting to see Henry's mourning over the loss of his previous congregation: 'I am sad in spirit, lamenting my departure from my friends at Chester ; but if they are well provided for, and the work of God go on among them, I shall be easy, whatever discouragements I meet with.'

And we saw Henry's delight in visiting his old church each year: 'I am now set out in the coach for Chester, to visit my friends in the country, as I purposed, and promised when I came hither, aiming at God's glory and the edification of souls. In prospect of that the change and trouble of the journey shall be as nothing to me...It was very pleasant to me to preach in the old place, where I have often met with God, and been owned by him.  On the Wednesday we kept a congregational fast; the next Lord's-day I preached, and administered the Lord's supper to my beloved flock; a great congregation.'

But then later Henry's affection does grow for his new church: 'I am here [at Chester] among my old friends, yet I find my new ones lie very near my heart among whom God has now cut out my work.'

I think this experience of Henry in changing churches highlights the great caution ministers should have in moving on from churches they love.

Next week's reading
Read Chapter 13 and Section I.

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