Matthew Henry, a distinguished non-conformist divine and biblical commentator; born October 28, 1662, at Broad Oak, Flintshire, England; died June 22, 1714, at Nantwich, England. He received his education under his father’s (Rev. Philip Henry) roof, and in an academy at Islington. On the return journey from a visit to Chester he was seized with apoplexy and died. His old intimate friend, Mr. Illidge, was present, who had been desired by Sir Thomas Delves and his lady to invite him to their house, at Doddington, whither their steward was sent to conduct him. But he was not able to precede any further, and went to bed at Mr. Mottershed’s house, where he felt himself so ill that he said to this friends, “Pray for me, for now I cannot pray for myself.”while they were putting him to bed, he spoke of the excellence of spiritual comforts in a time of affliction, and blessed God that he enjoyed them. To his friend, Mr. Illidge, he addressed himself in these memorable words: “You have been used to take notice of the sayings of dying men – this is mine: That a life spent in the service of God, and communion with Him, is the most comfortable and pleasant life that one can live in the present world. “He had a restless night, and about five o’clock on Tuesday morning he was seized with a fit, which is medical attendants agreed to be an apoplexy. He lay speechless, with his eyes fixed, till about eight o’clock, June 22, 1714, and expired. (From memoirs of the Rev. Matthew Henry).