Henry Law

Henry Law (1797 - 1884). English Anglican clergyman, author, and evangelical born in Kelshall, Hertfordshire. Educated at Eton and St. John’s College, Cambridge, where he earned a B.A. in 1820 and an M.A. in 1823, he was ordained in 1821. Serving as curate in various parishes, he became rector of Kelshall in 1833 and later dean of Gloucester Cathedral from 1862 until his retirement. Law authored over 20 devotional books, including The Gospel in Genesis (1855) and Family Prayers, noted for their vivid imagery and Christ-centered focus. A staunch evangelical, he preached regularly at Holy Trinity, Tunbridge Wells, and supported the Church Missionary Society, influencing thousands through clear gospel expositions. Married to Mary Pakenham in 1824, they had 13 children, several entering ministry. His writings, blending doctrinal depth with warmth, remain in print, shaping Anglican and Reformed spirituality globally.
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Henry Law preaches about the exhortation for the ministers of the sanctuary to bless the Lord, with blessings invoked on the speaker in response. Public worship is emphasized as a perpetual ordinance where faithful servants gather in God's house to pray, praise, and listen to His truth. The ministers are called to respond with gratitude, acknowledging the vast blessings that come from the omnipotent Creator, particularly through Jesus as the High Priest in the Church.
Psalm 134
The ministers of the sanctuary are exhorted to bless the Lord. In response blessings are invoked on the speaker. 1-2. "Behold, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, which by night stand in the house of the Lord. Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the Lord." Public worship is a perpetual ordinance. From age to age God's faithful servants will frequent His house and join in common prayer and praise. It will be their delight meekly to listen to the proclamation of His truth. Those who lead in the outward form should precede, also, in inward grace. Those who conduct the hymns of praise should be foremost in offering heartfelt thanksgivings. In the early Church the lighted sanctuary was not a silent place during the hours of night. We have a sweet emblem here of the white-robed congregation, from whose lips unceasing hallelujahs sound. May we soon join the hallowed service! 3. "The Lord, who made heaven and earth, bless you out of Zion." The ministers of the sanctuary are supposed to give response. The grateful reply is, May He, whom we are thus exhorted to bless, pour blessings upon you. How vast must be the blessings which descend from Him who is the omnipotent Creator of the universe! Infinity is the measure of His goodness. All mercies surely come in accordance with His heavenly decree. But it is from Zion that His blessings go forth. Zion typifies the Church of which the blessed Jesus is the High Priest. In Him God blesses His people with all blessings in heavenly places. He who spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Heavenly Father, we bless You for Jesus; evermore bless us in Him!
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Henry Law (1797 - 1884). English Anglican clergyman, author, and evangelical born in Kelshall, Hertfordshire. Educated at Eton and St. John’s College, Cambridge, where he earned a B.A. in 1820 and an M.A. in 1823, he was ordained in 1821. Serving as curate in various parishes, he became rector of Kelshall in 1833 and later dean of Gloucester Cathedral from 1862 until his retirement. Law authored over 20 devotional books, including The Gospel in Genesis (1855) and Family Prayers, noted for their vivid imagery and Christ-centered focus. A staunch evangelical, he preached regularly at Holy Trinity, Tunbridge Wells, and supported the Church Missionary Society, influencing thousands through clear gospel expositions. Married to Mary Pakenham in 1824, they had 13 children, several entering ministry. His writings, blending doctrinal depth with warmth, remain in print, shaping Anglican and Reformed spirituality globally.