Puritan of the Week: Matthew Poole (1624-1679)

Known best for his commentary on the whole bible, of which Charles Spurgeon said,

“If I must have only one commentary, and had read Matthew Henry as I have, I do not know but what I should choose Poole. He is a very prudent and judicious commentator… not so pithy and witty by far as Matthew Henry, but he is perhaps more accurate, less a commentator, and more an expositor.”

Poole was also very outspoken about the dangers of Roman Catholicism.  He preached for only a few years before being removed from the puplit for nonconformity.   From that time on he dedicated himself to writing.  Due to his writings against the Pope and Roman Catholocism “his name was added to the list published in 1679 by Titus Oats of those that Rome wished to destroy in the Popish Plot.” (MTP pg 486)  Soon after he was ambushed at night while on his way home.

One the way home, in a narrow lane, two men were waiting to ambush him.  When one cried out, “Here he is!” the other responded, “Leave him alone, for someone is with him.”

Realizing his life was in danger he moved to the Netherlands, but died soon after, “possibly from being poisoned.”(MTP pg 486)

In the United States there is so much ecumenical thinking and political correctness that we find it hard to imagine such actions in a civilized society.  Or maybe it is that religious conviction is considered relative, thinking that our beliefs are only personal and simply important for us.  For fear of social rejection, few consider taking such a stand to say that there is but one way and that a way that diverts from the true path is wrong.  Souls are at stake though!  Any gospel or religion that does not rest wholly upon Christ for justification before God endagers souls for all eternity.

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.

Poole saw the dangers of a distorted gospel as part of the demands of the cross.