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tedious detail the many topics of importance suggested by the events of Matthew Henry's Life and Times. Brevity and point, combined with interest, have been my aim. In short, my design has been with respect

"to those, that have not read the story,
That I may prompt them and of such as have,
I humbly pray them to admit the excuse

Of time, of numbers, and due course of things,
Which cannot in their huge and proper life,
Be here presented."

I am indebted to Miss Williams, Duke Street, Chester, for the sketch from which has been taken the engraving of the Summerhouse, in which Matthew Henry studied and wrote part of his Commentary.

Hoping that what has been written may contribute, in some degree, to the just appreciation of a truly great and good man, and promote a healthful spirit of piety, I commit it to the considerate perusal of the public.

CHESTER; Dec. 1858.

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MATTHEW HENRY,

HIS LIFE AND TIMES.

CHAPTER I.

PRELIMINARY,

IN sending forth to the public the present volume, I feel no need of making an apology for taking, as the theme of my address, "The Life and Times of Matthew Henry;" for though we may naturally possess different habits of mind which incline to certain exclusive subjects of study; and though, by education, our tastes may find chief delight in pursuing the paths of science, philosophy, or general history,-yet every one will doubtless allow, that the contemplation of the

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character and deeds of a great man is fraught with instruction and entertainment; and that the events of a past age may afford important lessons, from which those who form the present generation may derive permanent benefits. And, although some may, in a few points, differ from him of whom we intend to speak, there surely are few who are not prepared to admire his genuine goodness, and acknowledge the wide-spread influence of his virtuous name.

In approaching this subject it will, perhaps, be proper to make some observations on the occasion and appropriateness of its being chosen in preference to any other, and to assign some reason why I, in particular, have made the attempt to draw general attention to it. Apart from the ordinary interest always felt, and the special interest now being awakened in the character and labours of the Henry family, the relation in which I stand to the church once under the pastoral care of Matthew Henry, is somewhat peculiar, and

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