Matthew Henry's Blessings

As to spiritual blessings, Matthew Henry was a master at recognizing them early in life. Henry clied in 1714 when only fifty-two years of age, but his influence has spanned three centuries, chiefly through his Bible Commentary.

He began the massive work in November 1704, and the first volume was published four years later. Four other volumes followed, and by his death he had completed his expositions through the book of Acts. After his death, thirteen scholars worked from his notes to finish the Epistles and Revelation.

The complete eclition of his great work appeared on bookstore shelves in 1811. Matthew Henry’s rich heart and mind were in evidence even at age thirteen. On October 18, 16 75, he made this entry in his journal. He called it “A Catalogue of the Mercies of God.”

Recording his conversion three years earlier, he wrote: For Spiritual Mercies; far the Lord Jesus Christ, his incarnation, Life, Death, Resurrection, Ascension and Intercession, far Grace, Pardon, Peace, far the Word, the means of Grace, far Prayer, for good Instructions, far the Good I have got at any time under the Word, far any Succour and Help from God under Temptation, far Brokenness of Heart, far an Enlightening. Lord Jesus, I bless thee for thy Word, far good Parents, for good Education, that I was taken into Covenant betimes at Baptism; and Lord, I give thee thanks, that I am thine and will be thine.

I think it was three years ago that I began to be convinced, hearing a Sermon by my Father on Psalm 51:17. “The Sacrifices of God are a broken Spirit; a broken and a contrite Heart, 0 God, thou wilt not despise.”

I think it was this that melted me, afterwards, I began to enquire after Christ.