Matthew Henry (1662 – 1714)
English non-conformist clergyman.
Here is bread, which strengthens man's heart, and therefore called the staff of life.
To fish in troubled waters.
Many a dangerous temptation comes to us in fine gay colours that are but skin-deep.
It is not fit the public trusts should be lodged in the hands of any, till they are first proved and found fit for the business they are to be entrusted with.
Were a man to live as long as Methuselah, and to spend all his days in the highest delights sin can offer, one hour of the anguish and tribulation that must follow, would far outweigh them.
I thank Thee first because I was never robbed before; second, because although they took my purse they did not take my life; third, because although they took my all, it was not much; and fourth because it was I who was robbed, and not I who robbed.
Blushing is the colour of virtue.
To their own second thoughts.
So great was the extremity of his pain and anguish that he did not only sigh but roar.
Those may justly be reckoned void of understanding that do not bless and praise God; nor do men ever rightly use their reason till they begin to be religious, nor live as men till they live to the glory of God. As reason is the substratum or subject of religion (so that creatures which have no reason are not capable of religion), so religion is the crown and glory of reason, and we have our reason in vain, and shall one day wish we had never had it, if we do not glorify God with it.
It is good news, worthy of all acceptation; and yet not too good to be true.
Saying and doing are two things.
It is common for those that are farthest from God, to boast themselves most of their being near to the Church.
Men of polite learning and a liberal education.
He rolls it under his tongue as a sweet morsel.
Hearkners, we say, seldom hear good of themselves.
Do nothing till thou hast well considered the end of it.
None is so deaf as those that will not hear.
The woman was made of a rib out of the side of Adam; not made out of his head to rule over him, nor out of his feet to be trampled upon by him, but out of his side to be equal with him, under his arm to be protected, and near his heart to be beloved.