Matthew Henry, famous for his commentary published in 1706, set to write a book A Discourse On Meekness and Quietness of Spirit based on I Peter 3:4, “A meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.”
Henry contended for the greatness of Christian meekness and quietness in a world which sees greatness in an entirely different way:
“Meekness is commonly despised by the grandees of the age as cowardice and meanness, and the evidence of a little soul, and is posted accordingly; while the most furious and angry revenge is celebrated and applauded under the pompous names of valor, honor, and greatness of spirit…
To be meek is to be like the greatest saints, the elders that obtained a good report, and were of renown in their generation. It is to be like the angels, whose meekness in their converse with, and ministration to the saints, is very observable in the Scriptures; nay, it is to be like the great God himself, whose goodness is his glory, who is "slow to anger," and in whom "fury is not." We are then followers of God, as dear children, when we "walk in love," and are kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another. The more quiet and sedate we are, the more like we are to that God who, though he be nearly concerned in all the affairs of this lower world, is far from being moved by its convulsions and revolutions; but, as he was from eternity, so he is, and will be to eternity, infinitely happy in the enjoyment of himself. It is spoken to his praise and glory, The Lord sits upon the floods, even when the floods have lifted up their voices, have lifted up their waves. Such is the rest of the eternal Mind, that he sits as firm and undisturbed upon the movable flood as upon the immovable rock, the same yesterday, today, and forever; and the meek and quiet soul that preserves its peace and evenness against all the ruffling insults of passion and provocation, does thereby somewhat participate of a divine nature (II Peter 1:4).”
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