Memoirs of the Life, Character, and Writings of the Rev. Matthew Henry

ALTHOUGH it is customary to value men according to their ancestry, their opulence, their literature, or other secular distinctions; and although the memorials which record such particulars, usually content the majority of readers; an attentive observer cannot fail to have remarked-how little notice is taken in scripture biography of circumstances so entirely adventitious. There-moral character is instructively placed in the utmost prominence, and measured by the highest standard. Not only is "the wisdom of this world" pronounced "foolishness with God;" but "the memory of the just," in distinction from all others, is declared "blessed;" and with "the righteous" exclusively, is associated a promise of" everlasting remembrance."

It will not follow, however, that no records of the descendants of Adam are to be preserved, unless the parties, in a scriptural sense, were righteous." Nor yet, that lives should be compiled of all good men, because such was their genuine character. The absurdity of either inference is obvious.

Yet, can it be denied, that occurrences now and then warrant suspicion, that the latter sentiment, notwithstanding its repugnance to common sense, is indulged? or that the danger occasionally appears imminent, lest every good man, especially if "put into the ministry," how feeble soever his pretensions, should be exhibited, when gone to his reward, in a distinct, if not a bulky, memoir?

A late acute author advised, "that in attending to written lives, those narratives should be selected which represent persons who were distinguished by unerring wisdom-for gifts, graces, and usefulness." *

• Hints to Ministers and Churches, by the late Rev. Andrew Fuller, p. 11

Nor is it easy to be impressed too deeply with a hint so discriminating and judicious.

Only as that regard is bestowed, may "the administration" of biographical "service" be expected to supply "the wants of the saints;" and to "become abundant, by many thanksgivings unto God."

Under such impressions the ensuing narrative was commenced, and prosecuted. And with whatever strength it might be objected, to any similar undertakings-that the mediocrity of the subject did not warrant them—the objection cannot be anticipated in connexion with Mr. Henry. For, without asserting that, like the Israelitish monarch, he stood higher than" any of the people," it may be affirmed confidently—that his claims to distinction, and honor, are well established; and that, let the numerical increase of similar records be as rapid or as extensive, as it may, there is no danger of unduly multiplying such lives as his.

Most readers are aware that, not long after Mr. Henry's decease, a life of him appeared from the pen of Mr. Tong. And the volume, it is more than probable, will be regarded by some persons as a discharge in full of every obligation-whether due from immediate descendants, friendly admirers, or the public at large.

As the result of long and close intimacy, and of strict fidelity in the application, so far as they went, of facts, its worth cannot be questioned. It is, the dissenting historians very justly observe, "highly valuable for laying open to us the soul of Mr. Henry himself."

But if the reader's attention be now drawn to the blemishes in a work thus estimated, and often admired, the motive will not, it is hoped, be misapprehended: especially as no wish is felt to diminish the weight of approving testimonies, or to create the slightest prejudice against Mr. Tong.

My sole object is to show, and every reader has a right to the information, why, instead of reprinting the former narrative, the present book has been written. Reasons for the course adopted do exist; and they may be found, notwithstanding many excellences, in the glaring imperfections which disfigure Mr. Tong's account: in its awkward and somewhat repulsive arrangement: in its entire

* Vol. iii. p. 445.

« Previous Continue »

Books