Life of Matthew Henry - Williams - X - Chapter 11

Required reading
The life of Matthew Henry by J. B. Williams (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Chapter 11.

My summary
Today we continue to learn about Henry's time at his first church in Chester.

We hear about:
(i) the poor spiritual state of the area;
(ii) work among prisoners;
(iii) preaching visits made to other towns both near and far;
(iv) meetings with other Dissenting ministers;
(v) involvement in the ordination of ministers;
(vi) opponents;
(vii) self-denial.

What grabbed me
Lots of reading about ministerial ordination today. 

For me it coincided nicely with the induction at our church today of another elder to our leadership.

I liked Henry's brief address he gave about ministers: 'You who are the candidates are concerned to consider what you do here. You are here to dedicate yourselves to Christ, and his honour and service. You have made some trial of his work, and you are now to be bound; as those that like it well, and would not go from it. You are to have your ears bored to his door-posts. You have sat down and counted the cost, and are at a point. You are resolved to make the ministry your business, and give yourselves to it.'

A minister is dedicated to Christ - his honour and service.

Next week's reading
Read Chapter 12.

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