Matthew Henry
Recommendation: 5/5
Description of author: Matthew Henry (1662-1714), was a Puritan minister who pastored at Chester (1687-1712) and Hackney (1712-14) in England. He is most well known for his seven-volume Commentary on the Bible.
Comments: The very last sentence of this volume reads: We all wish to see quiet families, and quiet churches, and quiet neighborhoods, and quiet nations; and it will be so if there be quiet hearts; and not otherwise. This book, written by a man who by all accounts exemplified the title, is a good place to start in seeking to develop a quiet heart. Pointing us to the Scriptures, Henry, in typical Puritan thoroughness and logic, divides his essay into three parts: (1) The nature of meekness and quietness of spirit; (2) The excellency of meekness and quietness of spirit; and (3) Application. The work is superb for its simplicity and insight. Part of the beauty of this work is the imagery throughout. For example, regarding gaining wisdom through provoking circumstances, he writes: It is an ill weed indeed out of which the spiritual bee cannot extract something profitable and for its purpose (p. 129). Or regarding keeping our peace and integrity in trying circumstances: therefore, instead of being solicitous to subdue our enemies that lay siege to us, let us double our watch against the traitors within the garrison, from whom, especially, our danger is (p. 124). This book was truly a joy to read.