Memoir about Benjamin Beddome

Rev. Benjamin Beddome died in 1795. In 1835, a book of his sermons was published (see scan). There is a list of subscribers in front. I have included the names that might be connected with the families in this website. This book was called "Sermons printed from the manuscripts of the late Rev. Benjamin Beddome, A.M., of Bourton-on-the-water, Gloucestershire; with a brief memoir of the author." This memoir was an account of his life. I do not know who was the author. It is reproduced here:

LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS.
....
Barclay, Charles, Esq., M.P., Bury Hill, (8 copies.)
Barclay, Mrs., Sondes-place, Dorking, (2 copies.)
Barclay, David, Esq., M.P., (2 copies.)
Barclay, Mrs. David, (2 copies.)
....
Beddome, Mr. Benjamin, Manchester, (2 copies.)
Beddome, John Reynolds, Esq., Rumsey, (6 copies.)
Beddome, Mr. William, London.
Beddome, Miss Jane, ditto.
Beddome, Mrs. Boswell, Weymouth.
Beddome, Mr. Samuel, Camberwell.
Beddome, Mr. Richard B., Clapham.
Beddome, Mr. Josephus, Leamington.
Beddome, Elisabeth Favell, Camberwell.
Beddome, Annie Muriel, ditto.
....
Charlesworth, Rev. John, Ipswich.
Charlesworth, Mrs., ditto.

MEMOIR

The Rev. Benjamin Beddome, author of the following Sermons, was a native of Henley-in-Arden, Warwickshire, January 23, (old style) 1717. His father, the Rev. John Beddome, was born in London, and having been admitted a member of the church in Horsleydown, Southwark, was by them called to the work of the ministry; but in 1697 was dismissed to the church at Alcester, in Warwickshire. In this county, at Henley-in-Arden, he purchased a large house, which he fitted up partly for his own residence, and partly as a place of worship. During his labours here, he was assisted by the Rev. Bernard Foskett, as co-pastor, from 1711 till 1720, when Mr. Foskett removed to Broadmead, Bristol; and four years afterwards Mr. Beddome became co-pastor with Mr. Beazley, of the Pithay church, in that city, where he continued in the same capacity till 1757, when he died at the advanced age of eighty-three.

His wife, the mother of our author, was Miss Rachel Brandon, daughter of Mr. Benjamin Brandon, Silversmith, who resided near the Royal Exchange, London. She appears to have been an amiable and accomplished woman, and received a good education through the kindness of an aunt; at whose death she also received a considerable fortune.

Mr. Benjamin Beddome was about seven years of age when the family removed to Bristol; and after receiving a suitable education, was apprenticed to a surgeon-apothecary in that city. This profession seems to have engaged his attention, and very probably aided his usefulness, after he had decline the regular practice of it, as reference is made to his patients during his residence at Bourton; and from this source some of his most striking illustrations of divine truth are derived. His mind seems to have been altogether unimpressed about religion, till an event occurs which he himself records. "Mr. Ware, of Chesham, uncle, I believe, to Coulson Scottow, Esq. preached at the Pithay, Bristol, August 7, 1737, with which sermon I was, for the first time, deeply impressed. Text, Luke xv.7: 'Likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons that need no repentence.'" Thus more than twenty years had been devoted to the service of Satan, notwithstanding the numerous and affectionate discourses of the pulpit, the prayers, instructions, and examples of his parents; but when he heard the character of the penitent dscribed, it at once became his own. Indeed, so intense were his feelings, that as he could not suppress his tears, he selected the most retired part of the chapel to conceal them; but though his grief was thus hid from man, it was doubtless the cause of joy among the angels of heaven; while the language of one of his hyms, perhaps penned in immediate recollection of this period, may be regarded as expressing the sentiments of his heart.

He found much relief, however, in reading the Scriptures and in prayer, to which he devoted his leisure hours; and perceiving the ample provisions of the gospel to meet the guilt and destitution of the sinner, he reposed his soul upon its doctrines and promises; and "through Jesus Christ," found "peace with God." The glooms of penitential sorrow were chased by the "Sun of Righteousness;" and his heart, that once had been dissipated in folly, and enthralled by sin, became consecrated "An habitation of God through the Spirit."

As soon as he was brought under the influence of religion, he began to feel for the spiritual condition of others, and desireous of devoting himself to that great work, which God has appointed instrumentally to save mankind. When, therefore, the term of his apprenticeship expired, he relinquished all idea of following the medical profession, and, with a view to the minstry, became a student at the Baptist College, Bristol, then superintended by the Rev. Bernard Foskett, who had become the tutor in the year 1720.

Having pursued his studies for some time at this place, he removed to London for the purpose of completing his education under the tuition of Mr. John Eamos, at the Independent Academy, in Tenter Alley, Moorfields. Of this celebrated man, Dr. Watts once said, when speaking to one of his pupils, - " Your tutor is the most learned man I ever knew."

Notwithstanding the manifest change that had taken place in the character of our author, and the fact that he had already devoted himself to the christian ministry, yet he had not united himself to any religious society. On his removal to London, therefore, he joined the Baptist church in Little Prescot-street, Goodman's Fields, under the care of the Rev. Samuel Wibon, by whom he was baptized the latter end of September, or the beginning of October, 1739.

The following is an extract from a letter written to him, by his father, about this time, and in reference to this event.

"I am pleased to hear you have given yourself to a sturdy of Christ; but more, in that I hope you first gave yourself up to the Lord, to be his servant, and at his disposal. And now I would have you remember, that when Christ was baptized, how soon he was tempted of the devil; and I believe many of his followers in that, have been made conformable to their head. So also may you: therefore, of all the evils you may find working in your heart, especially beware of spiritual pride and carnal security."

According to the custom of the Baptist churches, he was requested to preach before the church, January 9, and February 28, 1740, with a view to try his abilities for the pulpit; and it appears from the following letter from his father, he was soon after called to the work of the ministry.

"May 21, 1740.
Dear Bemj.
I am sorry Mr. Wilson is in such a hurry to call you to the mmistry. It would have been time enough just before you came away; but supposing it must be so, I think you should not preach in public above once, or twice, at most, at your own place, and no where else, except Mr. Stennett, or his people, ask you; and if the latter do it, you may serve them as oft as their necessities require. The Lord, I hope, will help you to make a solemn dedication of yourself to him, and enter on the work of the Lord with holy awe and trembling. I hope to get sundry friends in this place to beg assistance for you, and a blessing, on Thursday next."

With many and great advantages as a public speaker, Mr. Beddome laboured under some defects of voice and habit. Being of a lively temperament, he fell into a hurried mode of delivery, so that his voice became unmanageable; and as he prolonged his discourses to an unreasonable length, the effort appeared painful, and thus the interest and efficiency of his preaching were considerably abated. The faults which are very common to young and ardent minds were soon corrected by the advice of his father; while the correction of them, by directing his attention to this part of ministerial qualification, contributed perhaps to his subsequent eminence even in this department. One or two letters from his father may suffice to illustrate the evil and its corrective.

"Bristol, May 17, 1742.
My Dear Benj.
I wish from my heart I could prevail with you not to strain your voice so much in the delivery of your sermons; and if you would make them shorter, and less crowded with matter, it would be more acceptable and edifying to your hearers, and more safe and easy for yourself. Strive, then, to comply with this advice, which is given in great affection, and, I think, with judgment. If you deliver the great truths of the gospel with calmness, and with a soft, mellow voices they will drop as the gentle rain or dew. For the good of souls then, and for your own good, be persuaded to strive after this."

"August, 1742.
My dear Benj.
I cannot but advise, and earnestly press you, to strive with all your might to soften your voice, and shorten your sermons; for it would be better both for you and your hearers. I say this, not merely from myself, but from many of the most judicious I know. I lately heard a great man say, that if you could deliver the matter you produce in the same manner as Mr. Evans, you would be more popular and useful than ever you are likely to be if you retain your harsh mode of speaking! Mr. Grant, not four days ago, said the same things in other words; and I well know, that those of your people who have the best sense, have said to several, that if you would strain yourself less, and shorten your sermons, it would be better for all. What all say, give ear to. Of one discourse I beg you will make two, and so take care of your health and my comfort. Let two hours be the longest time you spend in the pulpit at any place. This I leave as my special charge; and as I write with all the love and tenderness of a father, I hope you will consider these things."

How happy would it be if all persons in similar circumstances had such good advisers! What improprieties might be corrected; and useful energies, as in the case of our author, divested of all impediment, be exerted for the welfare of the church!

In July following, Mr. Beddome, on his way to Bristol, preached at Bourton-on-the- Water; and the church there, being destitute of a pastor in consequence of the death of the Rev. Thomas Flower, sen., invited him to supply them. But he appears to have had previous engagements at Warwick; and though it must have been very exhausting, he continued for some time preaching alternately at both places. Upon this subject his father writes -

"As to the continuance of your journeys between Bourton and Warwick, you are the best judge. If your strength will permit, and the people's desire remains strong, and there is a prospect of serving the interests of religion at both places, to my judgment, it may be best to continue at least some time longer: and if you pray fervently, and commit your way to the Lord, you will see the leadings of his providence. 'The humble he will teach his way.' Take notice of the feelings you are subject to, and the assistance you obtain at each place, and consider where the gospel is most needed and most likely to be received, for that place will yield most satisfaction to a gracious mind. We are not so much to consult our own ease or pleasure, as to honour Him who made us, and promote his interests."

There is no doubt he followed this excellent advice, and it soon issued in his fixing his residence at that place, where he spent the remainder of his days with so much pleasure and usefulness. Having received many very pressing invitations from the church at Bourton to become their pastor, he at length acceded to their request, and was ordained September 23, 1743. On this important occasion Mr. Foskett, of Bristol, gave the Charge from 1 Tim. iv. 12,["Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."] and offered the Ordination Prayer; and Dr. Joseph Stenett preached to the people from Hebrews xiii. 17 ["Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you."]; Messrs. Haydon, Cook, and Fuller, of Abingdon, prayed. His venerable father was not present to share the solenmity and pleasure of this occasion, owing to his incapacity for travelling, but sent the following letter, expressing the feelings and desires of his heart.

"I should have been glad to have attended your ordination, but cannot. I never expect to travel so far on horseback more. I hope what you are about to take upon you will be a stimulus to you to walk closer with God than ever, and make you more sincerely and simply concerned for the good of the souls of men. I desire, with my whole heart, that an unction of the Holy Spirit may be poured out upon you at the laying on of the hands of the Presbytery; and that your faith therein may be strong."

On settling among this people Mr. Beddome took up his residence at a neighbouring village, Lower Slaughter, in the house of Mr. Head, where he continued till September, 1749; but then, as he intended marrying, he removed to Bourton. The state of his mind during this period may be seen by a reference to the lines below, written about the year 1742.

[See Benjamin Beddome's personal life.]

Though this state of mind was one both to be admired and envied, and we cannot but wish Mr. B. had been permitted calmly to enjoy it; yet such was the estimate formed of the value of his labours, that, at this early period, he was warmly solicited to become co-pastor of the Pithay church, Bristol. With a view to this, his father addressed many letters to him, one of which is here given to show the nature and extent of those inducements which were presented to draw him from the secluded spot of his usefulness and labours.

Oct. 28, 1748.
My dear Bemj.
I wish from my heart the Lord would incline you to come to this city. Here you would have a comfortable income, and a better people than you take them to be. They very much desire you, and are willing to make extraordinary efforts for your comfortable support. But my principal reasons why I so much desire your removal are these: - 1. It would save a large number of people from sinking. 2. My children would be all together. 3. It would be a great comfort to your poor mother to sit under your ministry. 4. You would have less labour, an honest, good-hearted man to be your partner, much good conversation for your improvement, and an abundant harvest of souls, as well as any where else."

Nothing, however, prevailed with him to relinquish his pastoral charge at Bourton; he persevered, diligently discharging the duties of his office, and increasing in the affection of his flock. One portion of his "Wish" was at length granted to him, in his union with Miss Elizabeth Boswell, whom he married December 21, 1740. She was the daughter of Mr. Richard Boswell, of Bourton, who was a deacon of the Baptist church there, and a most valuable man. Shordy after his marriage, an alarming illness, of six weeks' continuance, brought Mr. Beddome to the margin of the grave. "Prayer was made by the church continually for him," and in due time he was restored. On his recovery, he wrote a pathetic hymn, expressive of his gratitude for returning health; but afterwards, reviewing the nearness of his approach to death, and the deep importance and solemnity of it, he added, on the same page, these lines:

He had not long been restored to the church, before another circumstance occurred to excite their fears lest he should leave them. The church in Goodman's Fields, (at that time the largest particular Baptist church in London,) being destitute of a pastor in consequence of the death of the Rev. Samuel Wilson, directed their attention to Mr. Beddome as a fit person to succeed him. He had formerly been in communion with them, and was still much beloved and admired. In addition to prospects of honour, comfort, and emolument, much more flattering than were connected with his situation at Bourton, our author had to resist the most pressing solicitations, couched in every form of argument and entreaty. Upon them all he put a direct negative; but so solicitous were they, that, as a last resource, he committed the whole affair to the decision of the church at Bourton. As might be expected, they sent a positive refusal; and he thus concludes his correspondence upon the business:- "If my people would have consented to my removal, though I should have had much to sacrifice through the affection I bear them, yet I should have made no scruple in accepting your call; but as they refuse it, 'the will of the Lord be done.' I am determined not to tear myself violently from them; but would rather glorify God in a station much inferior to that I am in, than obtrude myself into a higher without his direction."

Few circumstances can be more perplexing than those in which Mr. Beddome was thus placed, or more calculated to try and elucidate uprightness of motive and correctness of principle. The simplicity, disinterestedness, and firmness he displayed on this occasion, speak loudly for his moral and religious character. Thus his conduct was regarded by the members of the church, who became more attached to him than ever, and proved their affection by attempting to increase his comforts, and in removing the debt which had long lain upon the chapel.

It will readily be conceived, that the retirement of Bourton would furnish but few incidents for history; but there are interesting changes even in the domestic circle, and his labours were not confined to this important, though limited sphere. In a letter to the Association, in 1754, he mentions his plan of catechising both children and adults, which appears to have been truly interesting and profitable, increasing the number and the information of his flock. Of the nature of this service, some idea may be formed by referring to the catechism which he published, which is indeed a compendium of divinity, showing at once that the author "gave himself wholly to these things," and was truly "apt to teach." In the year 1757, he had to sustain a severe loss in the death of his father; an event which, though naturally to be expected, bereaved him of an excellent counsellor, and a constant friend. His faith and patience were again tried by the death of his son John, in 1765, before he had attained his fifteenth year, though this loss was much mitigated by the calmness and good hope that attended even his early death. In the same year that this calamity befel him, he published the circular letter of the Midland Association; the only printed production, except his Catechism, that he ever favoured the world with during his life.

Though Mr. Beddorae was one who never aspired after honours, yet his fame has passed beyond the Atiantic; so that, in 1770, the Senatus Academicus of Providence College, (now Hope University) Rhode Island, conferred on him the title of A.M. as a token of their esteem for his talents and learning.

When Mr. Beddome attained his 60th year, feeling his infirmities increase; the church, at his suggestion, sought and obtained an assistant for him, in the Rev. William Wilkins, of Cirencester, who having studied some time at the Bristol Academy, finished his education in Scotland. With this valuable coadjutor Mr. B. appears to have laboured with pleasure and success. The following year opened with one of the severest afflictions he ever had to endure, in the loss of his son Benjamin, who died of putrid fever after a few days' illness, at Edinburgh, January 4, 1778, in the 25th year of his age. He had been trained to the medical profession; and as he diligently improved many circumstances highly favourable to the cultivation of his mind, which was naturally active and powerful, he early rose to eminence in his studies. He made himself master of the Hebrew, Greek, and Latin languages, before he went from Bourton to London; and afterwards acquired a competent knowledge of the French and Italian. He was admitted a member of the Medical Society of Edinburgh before the usual time, and took his doctor's degree at Leyden, September 13, 1777. His inaugural Thesis has been very much admired, as displaying much ingenuity and very extensive research. It was on the varieties of the human species, and the causes of them. If high endowments, smiling prospects, and numerous and endeared connexions, could protect from the shafts of death, he had not died; but

It was very remarkable that Mr. Beddome, on the very day his son died, (though he was unacquainted with his illness) preached firom Psalm zxxi. 15, "My times are in thy hand," and composed that beautiful hymn so suitable to the time, though he knew it not, and which has so often eased the aching heart of the Christian while he has repeated the lines.

When recording these singular and painful events, Mr. Beddome says, "Alas, how much easier it is to preach than to practise! I will complain to God; but not of God. This is undoubtedly the most afflicting loss I have ever yet sustained in my family. Heavenly Father! let me see the smiles of thy countenance, while I feel the smart of thy rod. Thou destroyest the hope of man."

Six more years had scarcely revolved before he was called to part with her who had been for thirty-four years the companion of his life, in its sorrows, duties, and joys. Mrs. Beddome died January 21, 1784, of a fever, then very prevalent in the village. She was eminent for her unobtrusive piety, the amiableness of her temper, and the sincerity and permanence of her attachment; while her patience under suffering excited the admiration of all. There was scarce any one in the country who, when living, was more beloved, or whose death was more deeply lamented. The close of this year was again clouded by an awfully sudden bereavement. Another son of our author, whose name was Foskett, fell into the river Thames near Deptford, and was drowned, in the 26th year of his age. He, also, had been educated for the medical profession.

Notwithstanding the increasing infirmities of age, Mr. Beddome still continued to discharge his numerous and important duties. Besides attending to his own flock at Bourton, he travelled to different places, instructing and comforting the churches of Christ. The Association held at Evesham, in 1789, was the last at which he preached; that Association he had addressed seventeen times in forty-six years, which was as often as the rules of the Society would allow any minister. From this period, to the close of his life, he expended all that he received from his people on charitable purposes. He visited his children and friends in London in 1792, where he preached with undiminished acceptance. Indeed, his ministrations retained to the very last their wonted liveliness and attraction, improved by the increased solemnity and wisdom of age. It was his earnest desire not to be long laid aside from his beloved employment, and in this he was gratified; for having, during his infirmities, been carried to and from the chapel, where he preached sitting, he was confined only one Lord's day, and was composing a hymn for public worship only an hour before his death; and of this the subjoined is the portion he had actually written:-

In the prospect of this event, he was calm and resigned, in the full assurance, not only that the Almighty Father had a right to do as he pleased, but that his soul was secure in the hands of Jesus, and that "to die is gain." Thus prepared, he awaited the "last enemy," and "fell asleep" in Jesus, September 3, 1795, in the 79th year of his age, having laboured at Bourton fifty-five years. A funeral discourse was preached for him by his affectionate fidend, the Rev. Benjamin Francis, of Horsley, from Philippians i. 21, "To me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." He spoke of the excellent life and gainful death of the apostle; applying the whole to the deceased, not as the vaunting language of his lips, but as the fervent desire of his heart. At the close of his sermon, the mortal remains were consigned to the grave, while the preacher exhorted his numerous auditory to improve the labours of their late pastor, and prepare for the solemnities of death.

The usefulness of such a man can only be known at the resurrection of the just. In his numerous visits and public labours at Abingdon, Bristol, London, and the circle of the Midland Association, an incalculable amount of good was done in promoting the unity, awakening the zeal, and directing the energies of the people of God, while many sinners were coverted to the faith. At Bourton he was highly successful. When he went there the church only consisted of about seventy members: in 1751 they had increased to one hundred and eighty: and in 1766, since his residence amongst them, one hundred and ninety six persons had been added to the church. During that period, six were called to the work of the ministry, in whom he had reason to rejoice:- The Revs. John Ryland, sen. A.M. Richard Hayner, John REynolds, A.M. Nathaniel Rawlins, and Alexander Payne, to which may be added their present pastor, the Rev. Thomas Coles, A.M.

Of his powers of mind and tone of sentiment, though not of his powers as a preacher, some idea may be formed from the following short sketches of sermons which are taken from his manuscripts. [The sermons are not given on this website.] It must not, however, be forgotten, that they are the mere skeletons and hints, which he filled out in the pulpit, and preserved without the least design of publication. His invention seemed almost unlimited; while the extent and correctness of his biblical knowledge were evidently great. His diligence must have been incessant, as he generally selected each Sabbath evening the topics for the discourses of the next; besides composing a hymn to be sung after each sermon. These if collected, would fill several volumes; and he wrote hundreds of short discourses beside those that have appeared in print, and those which are here given. In the pulpit he was emphatically at home. He completely overcame the defect of his early efforts; and by high and various endowments, succeeded in arresting the attention, and exciting the feelings, of the most numerous auditories. But we cannot conclude this brief notice better than by introducing a graphic sketch of this extraordinary man, by the pen of one who was himself the greatest preacher of his day, the Rev. Robert Hall, furnished in a preface to a volume of Mr. Beddome's Hymns.

"Mr. Beddome was, on many accounts, an extraordinary person; his mind was cast in an original mould; his conceptions on every subject were eminently his own; and where the stamina of his thoughts were the same as other men's, (as must often be the case with the most original thinkers,) a peculiarity marked the mode of their exhibition. Favoured with the advantages of a learned education, he continued to the last to cultivate an acquaintance with the best writers of antiquity, to which he was much indebted for the chaste, terse, and nervous diction which distinguished his compositions, both in prose and verse. Though he spent the principal part of a long life in a village retirement, he was eminent for his colloquial powers, in which he displayed the urbanity of the gentieman and the erudition of the scholar, combined with a more copious vein of Attic salt, than any person it has been my lot to know. As a preacher, he was universally admired for the piety and unction of his sentiments, the felicity of his arrangeinents and the purity, force, and simplicity of his language, all which were recommended by a delivery perfectly natural and graceful."

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