Matthew Henry on Afflicting Providences

[VirginiaHuguenot]

Matthew Henry, The Covenant of Grace, pp. 241-242:

The Lord Jesus hath by dying taken the evil out of every providence. Hence it is that all works for good because the malignity of it is taken out by the dying of the Lord Jesus, which corrects the hurtful quality. Therefore it is that all works for good because Jesus Christ has taken the sting out of every affliction, and so it ceases to be hurtful. He has overcome the world (John 16:33), the good things of the world, the evil things of the world, so that they can do us no hurt. 'Tis through Christ that in these things, the providences that are concerning us, we are conquerors, nay, more than conquerors (Rom. 8:37), not only no losers but great gainers. Providences not only not hurt us but do us good, not only not keep us out of heaven but help us forward in our way to heaven. This is owing to Christ's victory. By faith in that we overcome the world (1 John 5:4). Christ's victory [is] made ours. Not only [are we] delivered out of Egypt, but enriched with the spoil. The world [is] not only our inn, but our ship to help forward our motion. 'Moab to the spoil' (2 Kings 3:23).

 

[VirginiaHuguenot]

From the Life of Philip Henry, quoting a query to Matthew Henry's father:

On another occasion it being asked -- When are we inordinately dejected and disquieted under afflicting providences? he answered, -- When we grieve beyond the nature of the thing for which we grieve. When we are wearied and faint in our minds. When we grieve as those that have no hope. When we are unfitted for the duties of our calling. When we are hindered from worshipping and rejoicing in God. When our grief exceeds bounds, -- in continuing too long. 1 Samuel xvi.1

 

[Presbyterian Deacon]

Of these two posts, what can be said, but

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