Beddome's Sermons Vol.1

The
SERMONS OF
BENJAMIN BEDDOME
Volume 1
67 Sermons
PARTICULAR BAPTIST
HERITAGE BOOKS
Knightstown, Indiana

The Sermons of Benjamin Beddome – Volume 1
First PBHB Edition 2022
Particular Baptist Heritage Books
7346 S. Grant City Rd.
Knightstown, IN 46148
email: info@particularbaptistbooks.com
website: www.ParticularBaptistBooks.com
PBHB is committed to recovering and preserving the literary
heritage of Particular Baptists in an attractive, heirloom quality
hard-cased format.
General Editor: D.W. Barger
Copy Editor: A.J. Hammaker
ISBN: 978-1-64127-031-1
Book cloth – Hardcover
Cataloging data:
1. Baptists – Great Britain – Sermons
2. Baptists – Great Britain – History
3. Particular Baptists – England
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CONTENTS
Publisher’s Note .......................................................................... ix
Biographical Preface ................................................................... xi
Original Memoir ........................................................................... 1
1. Importance of Scripture Knowledge ........................ 21
Luke 1:4 – That thou mightest know the certainty of those things
wherein thou hast been instructed.
2. On the Manifestation of God ................................... 28
John 14:8 – Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and
it sufficeth us.
3. On the Love of God ................................................... 34
John 16:27 – For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have
loved me.
4. God No Respecter of Persons .................................. 42
Acts 10:34 – Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of
persons.
5. On the Triumph of Mercy ......................................... 49
James 2:13 – Mercy rejoiceth against judgement.
6. On the Special Salvation of Believers ...................... 56
1 Timothy 4:10 – Who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those
that believe.
7. On the Faithfulness of the Divine Being ................. 62
1 Thessalonians 5:24 – Faithful is he that calleth you, who also
will do it.
8. On the Divine Providence ......................................... 69
Proverbs 16:33 – The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole
disposing thereof is of the Lord.
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The Works of Benjamin Beddome – Volume 1
9. The Rule of the Sacred Word .................................... 76
Revelation 9:1 – And there was given me a reed.
10. The Character of Christ and Angels Compared ...... 83
Daniel 10:21 – There is none that holdeth with me in these
things, but Michael your prince.
11. On Rightly Seeking the Saviour ................................ 91
Luke 8:23 – Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring
to see thee.
12. On the Destruction of the Temple ........................... 98
Matthew 24:2 – And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these
things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone
upon another, that shall not be thrown down.
13. The Mutual Glory of Christ and His People ......... 105
John 17:22 – And the glory which thou hast given me have
I given unto them.
14. The Value of True Wisdom ..................................... 113
Proverbs 3:15 – All the things thou canst desire are not to be
compared unto her.
15. On the Value of the Soul .......................................... 118
Psalm 35:17 – My darling from the lions.
16. The Nature and Spring of the Christian’s Life ..... 126
Proverbs 15:24 – The way of life is above to the wise.
17. The Heavenly Calling ................................................ 134
Revelation 17:14 – Called.
18. Christ Manifested to the Soul .................................. 144
Galatians 1:16 – To reveal his Son in me.
19. On the Folly of Profession Without
Forethought ............................................................... 153
Luke 14:28 – Which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not
down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish
it?
20. The Happy Results of Repentance ......................... 160
2 Corinthians 2:2 – Who is he that maketh me glad, but the
same which is made sorry by me?
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Contents
21. The Duty of Imitating God ..................................... 169
Ephesians 5:1 – Be ye followers of God, as dear children.
22. On the Security of the Humble ............................... 177
Matthew 18:14 – Even so it is not the will of your father which is
in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.
23. On the Stability of the Gracious Character ........... 184
Hebrews 13:9 – It is a good thing that the heart be established
with grace.
24. On the Work of Faith ............................................... 192
John 6:29 – This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom
he hath sent.
25. The Worship of the Magi ......................................... 199
Matthew 2:11 – And when they were come into the house, they
saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down and
worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they
presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
26. The Nature and Exercises of True Fidelity ........... 205
Proverbs 20:6 – A faithful man who can find?
27. The Compassion of Jesus toward the Guilty ........ 215
Matthew 23:37 – O Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and
stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have
gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens
under her wings, and ye would not!
28. The Imperceptible Diffusion of Error
and Truth .................................................................... 222
Luke 13:21 – It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in
three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.
29. The Bitterness of Sin ................................................ 227
Jeremiah 4:18 – It is bitter, it reacheth to thine heart.
30. Mercy and Truth United in Justification ................. 232
Proverbs 16:6 – By mercy and truth iniquity is purged.
31. On the Fear of God .................................................. 239
Psalm 25:14 – The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him.
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The Works of Benjamin Beddome – Volume 1
32. Importance of the Grace of Christ ......................... 245
Philemon 25 – The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your
spirit. Amen.
33. Character Tried by the Word and Providence
of God ........................................................................ 252
Matthew 3:10 – The axe is laid to the root of the tree.
34. Practical Religion More Important than
Ceremonies ................................................................. 258
1 Corinthians 7:19 – Circumcision is nothing, and
uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of
God.
35. Christ the Subject of Prayer ..................................... 269
Psalm 72:15 – Prayer also shall be made for him continually.
36. On Christian Fruitfulness ........................................ 276
Proverbs 12:12 – The root of the righteous yeildeth fruit.
37. The Duty of an Entire Surrender to God ............. 285
Matthew 22:21 – And unto God the things that are God’s.
38. On the Sources of Ministerial Delight ................... 293
1 Thessalonians 2:20 – Ye are our glory and joy.
39. Ministerial Subordination to Christ ........................ 303
John 1:8 – He was not that light.
40. Christ a Glorious Resting Place .............................. 308
Isaiah 11:10 – His rest shall be glorious.
41. The Evil of Departing from God ........................... 315
Jeremiah 50:6 – They have forgotten their resting-place.
42. The Majesty and Faithfulness of God .................... 321
Nehemiah 1:5 – The terrible God that keepeth covenant.
43. The Confession of True Penitence ......................... 329
Daniel 9:8 – O Lord, to us belongeth confusion of face.
44. The Nature and Authority of the Christian
Ministry ....................................................................... 337
Matthew 4:19 – I will make you fishers of men.
45. On the Character and Results of Sin ...................... 346
Psalm 68:6 – But the rebellious dwell in a dry land.
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Contents
46. Sin Offensive both to God and Men ..................... 354
1 Thessalonians 2:15 – They please not God, and are contrary
to all men.
47. The Rejection of the Wicked ................................... 361
Joel 3:4 – Yea, and what have ye to do with me?
48. The Unity of True Believers ..................................... 365
Galatians 3:28 – Ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
49. The Right of Private Judgement ............................. 371
Romans 14:5 – Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
50. On the Richness of Divine Bounty ........................ 378
Psalm 23:5 – My cup runneth over.
51. The Final Rejection of the Wicked ......................... 385
Matthew 25:10 – And the door was shut.
52. On the Duty of Ministers to Promote their
People’s Joy ................................................................ 394
2 Corinthians 1:24 – Not that we have dominion over your
faith, but are helpers of your joy.
53. The Nature and Importance of Prayer .................. 401
1 Corinthians 14:15 – I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray
with the understanding also.
54. The Hidden Design of Christ’s Ministry ............... 409
John 4:4 – He must needs go through Samaria.
55. God the Supreme Disposer of Human Affairs .... 415
Psalm 31:15 – My times are in thy hand.
56. The Folly of Partial or Invidious Comparisons ..... 421
2 Corinthians 10:12 – But they, measuring themselves by
themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not
wise.
57. The Danger and Sin of Idolatry .............................. 428
John 5:21 – Little children, keep yourselves from idols.
58. Communion with God our Security and Bliss ...... 438
Psalm 69:18 – Draw nigh unto my soul.
59. The Reciprocal Duties of Friends ........................... 446
Proverbs 18:24 – A man that hath friends must show himself
friendly.
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The Works of Benjamin Beddome – Volume 1
60. The Similar Condition of Christ and His
Followers .................................................................... 452
1 John 4:17 – As he is, so are we in this world.
61. On the Dignity of the Christian Church ................ 458
Jeremiah 3:17 – At that time they shall call Jerusalem the throne
of the Lord.
62. The Mystery of the Burning Bush .......................... 464
Acts 7:31 – When Moses saw it he wondered at the sight.
63. On the Obedience of the Heart .............................. 471
Proverbs 3:1 – Let thine heart keep my commandments.
64. The Sin of Rejecting What is Good ....................... 479
Hosea 8:3 – Israel hath cast off the thing that is good.
65. Christ the Physician of Souls ................................... 487
Matthew 9:21 – She said within herself, If I may but touch his
garment, I shall be whole.
66. Christ the Teacher of Prayer ................................... 493
Luke 11:1 – One of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to
pray, as John as taught his disciples.
67. A Funeral Sermon (Preached at Warwick) ............ 498
Hebrews 2:15 – And deliver them who through fear of death were
all their life-time subject to bondage.
viii

Publisher’s Note
It is our privilege to republish the sermons of eighteenth-century
Particular Baptist minister, Benjamin Beddome (1717 – 1795).
When completed, this new multi-volume set will contain a total
of 225 sermons originally published during the years 1807 – 1835.
The present edition, the first in the series, contains 67 sermons.
It is a republication of Sermons Printed from the manuscripts of the late
Rev. Benjamin Beddome, A.M. with a Brief Memoir of the Author
(London: William Ball, 1835).
Future volumes will include an additional 158 sermons originally
published as eight separate volumes under the title: Twenty Short
Discourses adapted to Village Worship or the Devotion of the Family.
Beddome’s Sermons reflect a conviction that the Scriptures are the
pure and infallible Word of God. Upon reading his sermons it
becomes patently obvious that this conviction commanded all his
focus and thinking during sermon preparation. His arrangements
are simple, yet textually insightful. His outlines are not forced, but
form a natural contour, following the theme of the text. His
expositions are careful, clear and profound.
Beddome’s Sermons also reflect that, after the Bible, the main
influences upon his sermons were the Reformed and Puritan
writers of the seventeenth-century. In 1752 Beddome published
a Scriptural Exposition of what would later become known as The
Baptist Catechism (1693). Like C. H. Spurgeon, Beddome’s Sermons
reveal Beddome to be a theological heir of those English
Protestant orthodox writers and Puritans who belonged to the
Reformed confessional tradition.
These sermons also reveal Benjamin Beddome to be an eminent
Particular Baptist preacher, theologian, and exegete. Students of
God’s Word would be served well by reading them. Ministers of
God’s Word would be served by observing Beddome’s abilities in
the areas of observation, assimilation of biblical data, and
creativity.
ix

It is hoped that this series will reintroduce many of today’s
Calvinistic Baptists to Beddome and also the literary heritage of
their notable and largely forgotten forefathers, the Particular
Baptists.
Their written works were both spiritually rooted and theologically
driven. They offer not only penetrating insights into God’s Word,
but also a deep spirit of devotion to Christ.
Our team works hard to provide the reader with unabridged,
word-for-word renditions of these valuable works in new and
durable formats. This means keeping the original spellings,
punctuations, and sentence structures of the originals even as we
employ modern fonts and book binding techniques.
For clarity, we also wish to inform our readers that our publishing
of an author’s works does not necessarily entail a complete
endorsement of every doctrinal point held by that author. Our
goal is to give our readers access to Particular Baptist sources
which will edify the Church and continue the work of Baptist
historiography, not to stifle our heritage in the hope of
strengthening present convictions.
Among the many pressing needs of Calvinistic Baptist churches
today is the need to identify, recover, and preserve their rich
literary heritage.
If you agree, there is a way for you to help. Our publishing
ministry depends heavily upon financial partners eager to
subsidize the cost of republishing these valuable works.
Will you prayerfully consider becoming a publishing partner?
To do so, visit our website: www.ParticularBaptistBooks.com
Finally, we would like to express our gratitude to David Luke
(Prof. Historical Theology, Irish Baptist College) for contributing
the Biographical Preface. Also, special thanks to Rev. Ron Miller
of Covenant Baptist Church (Clarksville, TN) for loaning us his
editions of Beddome’s Twenty Short Discourses adapted to Village
Worship or the Devotion of the Family. Lastly, we extend our thanks
to Rev. T. D. Hale for the digital color portrait of Beddome.
x

BIOGRAPHICAL PREFACE
THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
BENJAMIN BEDDOME
(1717–1795)
The Cotswolds in England is an area of outstanding natural
beauty. With its quaint rural landscape and distinctive stone
buildings, it speaks of the country in an age gone by and is
today a popular tourist destination. One of the most visited
villages in the region is the picturesque Bourton-on-the-Water,
which exhibits evidence of a settlement dating back to the
Neolithic age and a church from the eighth century. Beginning
in the seventeenth century, a series of five bridges were
constructed in the village leading to it being dubbed ‘the
Venice of the Cotswolds.’ Looking at this idyllic village today
it is, perhaps, hard to imagine that it was once the scene of a
powerful movement of the Holy Spirit when God worked
through the life and ministry of Benjamin Beddome. Although
now largely forgotten, Beddome was a well-known and much
admired Particular Baptist minister. Contemporaries regarded
him as being on a par with figures who are more widely known
today, such as John Ryland, Abraham Booth and Andrew
Fuller.
Particular Baptist Life in the Early Eighteenth Century
In the early decades of the eighteenth century, English
Particular Baptist churches faced three key issues. In the first
instance, the latter decades of the seventeenth century had
been extremely difficult for Baptists. With the restoration of
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The Works of Benjamin Beddome – Volume 1
the monarchy under King Charles II in 1660, the Church of
England was also restored to its pre-Civil War form as the
established church of the realm. Alongside this, a range of laws
was introduced that placed Dissenters (those such as Baptists
who refused to conform to the Church of England) at legal
and social disadvantages. The zeal with which these laws were
implemented varied across place and time, and ranged from
outright persecution, such as imprisonment, to various forms
of social discrimination. Eventually, with the death of Charles
II, the dethronement of James II, and the accession of William
and Mary, Dissenters were granted a measure of relief with the
passing of the 1689 Toleration Act. They could now practice
their religion legally, but many of their disabilities remained
until long into the nineteenth century. They also continued to
face much popular hostility. For example, in some places
outdoor baptisms took place in the early hours of the morning
to avoid violent attacks. The consequence of this difficult
period of almost thirty years of struggle was that many Baptists
entered the eighteenth century exhausted and in poor spiritual
condition.
A second issue was that many Dissenters began to embrace
unitarian beliefs. In the seventeenth century Socinianism, with
its Arian convictions, had emerged in England, but it was
outlawed and gained little support. By the end of the century,
however, Socinianism became more acceptable as some
influential intellectual figures turned towards the rationalism
associated with Deism. Among those who embraced rational
religion were many Dissenters and, during the eighteenth
century, their congregations became unitarian in their theology.
This was a great problem among General Baptists and their
churches all but collapsed over the course of the century. The
debates also affected some Particular Baptist churches, and, for
2

Original Memoir
a time, it was unclear which way they would go. In the end,
they remained firmly Trinitarian, although the challenge of
rational religion remained.
The third concern among Particular Baptists was related to
High Calvinism. In the seventeenth century, Particular Baptists
had rejected the idea of virtual justification, meaning that
believers were justified, reconciled, and adopted on the day
Christ died. As a result, when a person was converted it was
simply the Holy Spirit assuring them in time of what had
occurred in eternity. By the 1720s this way of thinking was
gaining support among some Particular Baptists who wished
to keep a high view of God’s sovereignty in the matter of
salvation. As a result, many Baptists began to spurn the idea
that they should engage in ‘moral persuasion’ when preaching
the gospel, or that they should call upon sinners to repent and
put their faith in Christ. High Calvinism came to be associated
particularly with John Gill, who was known as a staunch
defender of Trinitarian orthodoxy and was the leading
Particular Baptist and Dissenting minister of the day. This
theological outlook had a deadening effect on many Baptist
churches and robbed them of their evangelistic thrust which
led in some areas to a significant decline.
These were the great issues of the age among Particular
Baptists. Yet, it is difficult to generalize about them, and the
degree to which they affected Baptist churches varied from
region to region. Some churches largely avoided persecution,
were not influenced by Arianism, and did not struggle with
High Calvinism. Some churches continued in the eighteenth
century to enjoy a lively, orthodox, Evangelical Calvinism that
bore much fruit. It was among such churches that John
Beddome came to faith.
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The Works of Benjamin Beddome – Volume 1
Background and Early Years
John Beddome was born into a Dissenting home and later
joined the congregation of Benjamin Keach in Horsley Down,
London. Keach was one of the most influential figures in
shaping the Particular Baptist movement in Post-Restoration
England. It was while a member of this congregation that John
was called to the ministry by the church and was appointed as
assistant minister in Alcester Baptist Church, a few miles from
Stratford-Upon-Avon. Here, like many other Dissenting
ministers of the day, he founded a school to support himself.
Within a few years, two new Baptist churches were established
in nearby towns and, in 1705 when the minister died, Beddome
became responsible for all three churches. As was common
practice at the time, he served a probationary period, and he
was not called as minister until around 1711.
Soon he was joined in the work at Alcester by Bernard
Foskett, who probably acted as his assistant. It was the
beginning of a lifelong friendship and association in the work
of the gospel which led to their relationship being described as
like that of David and Jonathan. Over the next thirteen years,
they conducted a fruitful ministry, with many converts and
people being baptized and added to the churches. They also
reorganized the three churches in their charge and reconnected
with the Midland Association of Baptist churches. In 1719
Foskett was called to be assistant minister at Broadmead
Baptist Church, Bristol, and to the role of tutor at Bristol
Baptist Academy. The great port of Bristol was then England’s
second city, and Broadmead was at the heart of a thriving
Baptist scene. In 1724 Beddome followed Foskett to Bristol
and became an assistant at Pithay, the oldest Baptist church in
the city. Cont…
4

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.
LONDON;–WILLIAM BALL,
ALDINE CHAMBERS,
13, PATERNOSTER ROW.
1835.

SERMON 1
IMPORTANCE OF SCRIPTURE KNOWLEDGE
Luke 1:4
That thou mightest know the certainty of those things
wherein thou hast been instructed.
THREE observations naturally arise from these words: that
there are some things in which all real converts have been
instructed; that the certain knowledge of these things may yet
be wanting, and is to be obtained; and that this certainty of
knowledge is very desirable.
OBS. I.—That there are things in which all real converts are
instructed by reading, meditation, the teachings of men, but
especially by the Spirit of God; and they are such things as
these:—
l. The nature of God, and his infinite adorable perfections;
his excellent majesty, inflexible justice, unspotted purity,
boundless mercy, inviolable faithfulness, and truth; what he is
in himself, and what he is to his people. “He hath given us,”
saith the Apostle, “an understanding to know him that is true”
(1 John v. 20); by which is meant, not a speculative knowledge,
which the devils have in a much greater degree of perfection
than we, but that which lies in the practical judgment, and
directs and governs the will and affections: thus, (Jer. xxiv. 7,)
“I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the Lord: and
they shall be my people, and I will be their God: for they shall
return unto me with their whole heart.”
2. The original corruption depravity of mankind. Of this the
heathens had obscure notions: it is expressly revealed in the
word, and every real penitent has been convinced of it by his
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own unhappy experience. He sees that his faculties are
debased, his boasted excellencies vanished, the lineaments of
the Divine image obliterated, and his glory laid in the dust;
groaning under a burden of guilt, and sensible of his inward
pollution, he puts his mouth in the dust, and cries out, with the
broken-hearted publican, “God be merciful to me, a sinner!”
3. The vanity of all sublunary objects, and their utter
insufficiency to satisfy the cravings of an immortal, or yield
relief to a distressed, soul.—They see that we are made for
nobler purposes than merely to amuse the fancy, or gratify the
senses; and that to be “cumbered about many things,” whilst
the “one thing needful” is neglected, is an instance of the most
preposterous folly. In a word, they now see that the creatures
are deceitful brooks and broken cisterns, which will ever
disappoint their hopes, whilst God is the only living fountain
from which their wants can be supplied.
4. The extent and spirituality of the Divine law, and
consequently the utter impossibility of obtaining salvation by
the works of it.—They can now say with David, “We have seen
an end of all perfection;” are convinced that we have it not;
despair of obtaining it in this world, for “thy commandment is
exceeding broad.” Their towering hopes and lofty imaginations
are now levelled with the dust; and though they retain the
highest regard to the law as a rule of walk and conversation,
yet they have no expectation from it, nor do they place any
confidence in it, as a covenant of works; they, “through the
law, are dead to the law,” and their grand principle of action
are changed.
5. That there is salvation in no other but the Lord Jesus
Christ, and that it is be obtained fully and freely through him;
that his blood has procured the remission of sin; that his grace
frees from the power and pollution of it, and that his
righteousness is the foundation of their acceptance with God.
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Sermon 1 – Importance of Scripture Knowledge
That by his obedience and sufferings justice is satisfied, the law
fulfilled, the greatest honour accrues to God, and the greatest
joy and happiness to man.—Thus the whole of religion is
expressed by having learned Christ. God expects all from him;
the sinner looks for all in him; and neither God nor the sinner
shall be disappointed.
6. That faith is absolutely necessary to a comfortable sense
of interest in Christ, and good works the genuine evidence of
it.—The enlightened sinner sees that, without faith in Christ, it
is impossible either to please God or enjoy him; but then he
considers this faith as an active and operative principle,
productive of repentance, love, meekness, humility, purity of
heart, and evangelical obedience. He considers no faith as
saving but that which is sanctifying; and whilst he depends
upon Christ for salvation, he yields an implicit subjection to his
authority, and is careful to adorn the gospel as well as to
embrace it.
OBS. II.—Where persons have been instructed in the
foregoing things, yet a certainty of knowledge with respect to
them may be wanting, and is to obtained; for the illustration of
which we may observe—
l. This is not a natural, but a divine, attainment; as knowledge
itself, so a certainty of knowledge is from God. Our own
industry, and the efforts of others, may contribute as means,
but God is the supreme author and agent. This is in Scripture
especially ascribed to the Spirit, who is therefore called the
Spirit of wisdom and understanding. He impresses divine
truths upon the mind at first, in conversion, and opens them
more fully after; shows their importance, harmony,
consistency, and removes all jealousies and suspicions
concerning them. One beam of light breaking in from the
Spirit of God does more towards confirming and establishing
the mind in the truths of religion than a thousand arguments
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The Works of Benjamin Beddome – Volume 1
of the most subtle disputers. Hence we read of “the
demonstration of the Spirit;” and the gospel is said to have
come to the Thessalonians “in the Holy Ghost, and in much
assurance.” What were doubtful opinions before, then
appeared as indisputable realities.
2. This is not an instantaneous, but gradual work. That
illumination which takes place at a sinner’s conversion,
dispelling the mists of ignorance and error from his
understanding, and making him who was once darkness, light
in the Lord, was instantaneous. “God said, Let there be light,
and there was light;” but many fresh unctions must be received
from above before he becomes a thorough proficient in the
school of Christ, or attains to that certainty of knowledge
which is here spoken of. Hence the path of the just is said to
be like “the shining light, which shineth more and more unto
the perfect day.” A touch of Christ’s hand at first so far
removes our spiritual blindness, that we see men, as trees,
walking; but the touch must be renewed again and again before
we can see all things clearly. Hence the different degrees of
knowledge among real Christians; some are rooted and built
up in Christ, and established in faith, whilst others are unsettled
and wavering.
3. This certainty of knowledge will not be so perfect as to
admit of no increase till the saints get to heaven. It is but a dim
twilight that we enjoy in world; in the upper world it will be all
noon-day. The moment we set our feet within the gates of the
celestial city, we shall have a greater insight into things of a
spiritual nature than we could attain to here by the laborious
researches of many years. The faculties will be enlarged, Christ
himself be our instructor, and the objects of knowledge no
longer enveloped in darkness and obscurity. We shall be freed
from all prejudices and passions, and the investigation of truth
will be no longer attended with toil and fatigue, uneasiness and
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Sermon 1 – Importance of Scripture Knowledge
pain. “Now we see but in part, and know but in part; but when
that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be
done away.”
OBS. III.—This certainty of knowledge is very desirable, and
that on the following accounts:—
1. Hereby our minds will be freed from doubtfulness,
distraction, and many perplexing inquiries; we shall no longer
be like children, carried about with every new notion, or, as the
Apostle expresses it, “ever learning, and yet never coming to
the knowledge of the truth.” This will be an antidote against
disquietude and uneasiness, and a great deal of unnecessary
trouble will be hereby prevented. Hence it is said to be “a good
thing to have the heart established by grace” (Heb. xiii. 9.); and
perhaps this may be the meaning of that much controverted
passage, 1 Cor. ii. 15. “He that is spiritual,” that is, who hath
attained to a considerable measure of spiritual light and
knowledge, “judgeth,” that is, hath a clear discernment of “all
things, yet he himself is judged of no man;” that is, his
judgment is not determined by others; he is fully assured of the
truth that holds, that their opinions weigh but little with him,
nor will he be governed by them.
2. This will prevent our being imposed upon by the arts and
intrigues of crafty and designing men; we shall stand unmoved,
like rocks in the midst of the foaming waves, resisting all their
force and impetuosity; the juggling tricks, the corrupt glosses,
and interpretations of those that lie in wait to deceive, will have
but little influence upon one who can distinguish between truth
and error, and is well settled in the principles of his holy
religion. They may threaten or promise, affright or allure, but
they cannot shake his faith or stagger his soul: it is true,
objections may be started, and difficulties arise in his mind, but
he will never renounce the important sentiments so deeply
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The Works of Benjamin Beddome – Volume 1
fixed, and of which he hath both tasted the sweetness and felt
the energy.
3. Certainty of knowledge tends to the improvement of our
graces, the increase of our comfort, and our growing
fruitfulness. The more knowledge the more holiness. “Sanctify
them by thy truth,” says Christ; “thy word is truth.” The more
knowledge, the more liberty, both with God and for God.
“The truth shall make you free.” The more knowledge, the
more inward peace; the more the understanding is enlightened
into the truths of the gospel, the more firmly doth the soul rest
itself upon God and Christ. “I know,” says the Apostle, “in
whom I have believed.” I can safely commit my eternal all into
his hands, for I know that he is every way equal to his
undertaking, and will faithfully discharge every trust reposed in
him: in a word, the more extensive our knowledge is, the more
universal will our obedience be. If the head be like the
summer’s sun, full of light, the heart will not be like the winter’s
earth, void of fruit; and, indeed, it is this that distinguishes
between the knowledge of the hypocrite and the true believer;
the one is barren and unfruitful, the other is animating and
enlivening, assimilating and transforming: thus, when the
Apostle prays for the Colossians, that they might be filled with
the knowledge of God’s will in all wisdom and spiritual
understanding; he adds, that ye might “walk worthy of God
unto all pleasing.”
4th, and lastly. Hereby we shall be emboldened to plead, and,
if called thereto, to suffer for the truth. A man that has attained
to the certain knowledge spoken of in my text, will not be silent
when called to speak for God. “We cannot but speak,” says the
Apostle, “the things which we have seen and heard.” Such will
be ready at all times to give a reason of the hope that is in them,
and be valiant for the truth, when others rage against it. They
will publish it with their mouths, exemplify it in their lives, and,
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Sermon 1 – Importance of Scripture Knowledge
if persecuted for their adherence to it, seal it with their blood.
“They overcame by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word
of their testimony, and they loved not their lives unto the
death.” It was a noble saying of Dr. Taylor, when promised his
life if he would renounce his wife: “That it is lawful for priests
to marry,” said he, “I know is not a fundamental truth: but
because I know it is the truth of God, rather than part with any
truth I will part with my life.”
Let all, then, be excited to seek after this certainty of
knowledge; you see how desirable it is, let it be the object of
your pursuit; pray for it; use the means to obtain it; and be not
contented till you acquire it. This will prevent apostasy, and
help perseverance, make you useful in life, comfortable in
death, and then an entrance will be ministered to you
abundantly the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour
Jesus Christ.
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