An exceptional opportunity to own a complete manuscript sermon entirely in the hand of Matthew Henry [1662-1714], the most influential Biblical commentator of the 17th century.
While other non-conformists certainly exerted considerable influence on the theological imagination of the 17th through 21st centuries, it would be difficult to argue that at the popular level, any divine of the era has had such a durable influence on the way Christians interact with the text of Scripture.
His warm, highly quotable prose made the Scriptures approachable for everyday readers and warmed the hearts of those preparing to preach the Sacred Text, directly influencing generations of prominent preachers and writers like George Whitefield, John Wesley, and Charles Spurgeon, each of whom routinely urged their followers to read Henry daily.
The present sermon, entirely in his distinctive hand, offers a wonderful opportunity to own a fascinating artifact from Henry's life. It is 20pp in length, on 8 leaves, and is a complete sermon.
The text is Psalm 49.13, This their way is their folly, and their posterity approve their sayings. Selah.
. . .there is nothing more ordinary in Scripture than to call sin folly & sinners fools. . .
. . . [regarding the man who stored barns of wealth] if his soul had been the soul of a swine, it had been another matter, but to think this was a man's soul, what folly was this. Worldly pelf is suited neither to the nature of the necessities of the human soul. . .
Housed in a custom pressure held archival folder crafted by Specs Fine Bindery. This makes it practical for shelf storage, and the eight magnet enclosure ensures it remains safe and secure.
