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 blessed description of God's children who trust in the Lord, emphasizing the unshakeable stability and protection they receive from Him. He encourages believers to find strength in their faith during spiritual battles, knowing that God surrounds them with His everlasting presence. Law highlights God's intervention to prevent the righteous from falling into iniquity and the promise of goodness to those who are upright in heart. He contrasts the fate of the wicked with the peace bestowed upon the true followers of God, urging listeners to remain faithful and rejoice in God's abundant peace.
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Psalm 125
This ode sings a blessed description of God's children. Earnest prayer is the fitting conclusion. 1. "Those who trust in the Lord shall be as Mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abides forever." It is the blessing of blessings to put all trust in God. Those who thus cling to Him shall never be cast off. Perils may surround them, but hostile might shall not prevail. As easily might puny man cast down the loftiest mountains as adverse power shake the firm stability of this faith. May this trust nerve us in the Christian warfare! 2. "As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about His people from henceforth, even forever." Jerusalem was guarded by natural barriers. Surrounding mountains spread protecting arms. This image shows the safety of God's people. On all sides He stands their sure protection. He must be removed or vanquished before an adversary can touch them. Our life is hidden with Christ in God. Can safety be more safe? 3. "For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity." Hostile might may often rage against the righteous. Foes may threaten to trample them beneath their feet. But God will check the overbearing enmity. If trials should long prevail there might be peril, lest the spirits of the righteous should faint. Fear of desertion might open the door to many doubts. But all such danger is averted by the hand of God. His ready help restores confiding hope. 4. "Do good, O Lord, to those who are good, and to those who are upright in their hearts." Believers are described as good. The name is explained by the Spirit as implying the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and of faith. It is proof that no deception is harbored in their hearts. Prayer is made that God would visit them with goodness. This prayer indited by the Spirit amounts to a heavenly promise that they shall receive such honor. 5. "As for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, the Lord shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity; but peace shall be upon Israel." Transition of scene shows the deceitful followers of evil led forth by God to merited execution, while the true Israel rejoice in abundant peace. May this happy state be our glad portion! Grant it, Heavenly Father, for Your love's sake, in Christ Jesus.
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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.