Marine References in the Sermons

A Calm, Dominic Serres, 1789

Beddome grew up in the bustling city of Bristol and so it is no surprise that he makes maritime references in his sermons sometimes. In no particular order, these are examples. His brother Joseph was a merchant involved in the Atlantic trade.

The Nature and Importance of Prayer 1 Corinthians 14:15

Or this may be understood of the assistance of the Divine Spirit whose agency and influence is absolutely necessary to the acceptable performance of this and every other duty he must prompt us to it and quicken us in it This heavenly wind must fill the sails and it is as necessary that the Spirit should make intercession in us as that Christ should make intercession for us.

On the stability of the gracious character Hebrews 13:9

Faith is to the soul what the anchor is to the ship or the foundation to the building. The Christian in himself is like a reed shaken by every wind but firmly united to Christ he is like the sturdy oak which braves the hurricane and defies the fury of the storms.

Self-examination Psalm 139:23

As we may be easily mistaken in the ideas we entertain of our state so such mistakes are very dangerous. Those who labour under them are in a very unhappy condition in this world for however they may seek after inward rest and satisfaction they will never attain these blessings and amidst all their confident hopes and expectations they have their doubts and fears which often prove very distressing. Such persons hover between heaven and earth and like sailors in a storm are sometimes mounting at other times sinking but at all times fluctuating and uncertain.

Importance of Scripture knowledge Luke 1:4

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. ...

Sin offensive both to God and men 1 Thessalonians 2:15

Those who make it their business to serve and please the Creator are most likely to promote the true interests of their fellow creatures. Hateful and hating one another is the character of wicked men but the Christian temper is all made up of love. Who is weak, says the apostle, and I am not weak; who is offended and I burn not? Carnal men seek their own things distinct from nay often in opposition to those of others. If they swim they do not care who sinks but the language of the benevolent saint is I will seek thy good O Jerusalem.

The right of private judgement Romans 14:5

The first moment we set our foot upon the heavenly shore we shall know inconceivably more than we can possibly attain to here by the most vigorous exertion of our mental powers and all the aid we can receive from others, (though neither the one or the other is to be neglected) for then all obstructions will be removed, our faculties greatly enlarged, the objects of knowledge brought nearer to view and God himself, our immediate instructor.

On the fear of God Psalm 25:14

Jonah's mariners are terribly afraid whilst their lives are endangered but when the storm is abated, their fears subside. But it is otherwise with the truly good man.

Christ the subject of prayer Psalm 72:15

This subject suggests a source of comfort to those that belong to Christ. Not only Christ himself prays for them but they are interested in the prayers of all the godly like a merchant who has an interest in many ships richly freighted and one or other of them is daily arriving.

On Isaiah 54:11

The church of God is also described as being "tossed with tempests" like a ship driven from her anchors, carried to and fro by the boisterous waves and ready every moment to be swallowed up. Neither sun nor moon nor stars appearing for many days, all hope is taken away; now mounting up to the heaven, as the Psalmist expresses it, and then going down again to the depths, the mariners are at their wits ends. - A storm at sea also well represents the terrors of an awakened conscience and the agonies of a mind in deep distress; when awful providences are joined with inward darkness so that one trouble excites and sharpens another.

On Proverbs 30:8

The same wind that carries a ship forward, may sink a smaller vessel; and the same degree of worldly substance that is helpful to one, and even necessary to support his character and dignity, may less and injurious to another.