Commentary on the Holy Bible by the Rev. Matthew Henry. With Memoirs of His Life, Character, and Writings, by Sir J. Bickerton Williams, and an Introductory Essay by the Rev. John Stoughton. Illustrated, Etc. [With the Text.]

Matthew Henry first published his monumental Exposition of the Old and New Testaments between 1708 and 1714, creating a work that prioritized practical piety and pastoral application over dry theological debate. This particular edition represents the long-standing tradition of reprinting and expanding his work for the Victorian era, incorporating scholarly essays and biographical memoirs to contextualize Henry's influence for 19th-century readers. By including the introductory essay by John Stoughton and memoirs by Sir John Bickerton Williams, the publishers sought to frame Henry as a quintessential figure of nonconformist historical devotion.

The design of this specific volume reflects the mid-to-late 19th-century penchant for substantial, comprehensive reference works intended for the domestic library. These editions were often produced to serve as authoritative household companions, emphasizing the durability of the text through clear, readable typography and the inclusion of contemporary scholarly perspectives. The work was widely received as a standard reference for both clergy and laypeople, maintaining the popularity of Henry’s original devotional insights while adapting the presentation to the aesthetic and academic standards of the era.