Beddome on the Incarnation

In his sermon on Luke 23:18 Betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss Beddome says

The title which Jesus here assumes in calling him self the Son of man may teach us the following things 1 That he is really and properly man as well as truly divine. In the assumption of our nature he was found in fashion as a man he took on him the seed of Abraham and was made in the likeness of sinful flesh. There were some in the early ages of the church who supposed that the body of Christ was only an aerial substance not flesh and blood but having the form and appearance of it imagining that it was incompatible with divinity to become really incarnate. Against this error the apostle John bears his testimony in the following words

The Word was made flesh and dwelt amongst us. That which was from the beginning which we have heard which we have seen with our eyes which we have looked upon and our hands have handled of the Word of Life for the Life was manifested and we have seen it and bear witness and shew unto you that eternal Life which was with the Father and was manifested unto us Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God and every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God And this is that spirit of antichrist whereof you have heard that it and even now already is it in the world  John 1:14; 1 John 1:1,2, 4: 2, 3

The doctrine of Christ's incarnation is of such importance that it is fundamental to the truth of the gospel and to every doctrine contained in it. For if Christ were not really a man he could not have made atonement for every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer. Hence when he cometh into the world he saith sacrifice and offering thou wouldst not but a body hast thou prepared me. If his incarnation were a fiction his death and resurrection and ascension would be a fiction also and the gospel would not be true. Then would our faith be vain and we are yet in our sins. Christ was really God and it was necessary that he should be so in order that he might satisfy divine justice; he was really man and it was equally necessary that he should be so in order that he might suffer. Hence it is that the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

Hymn From that bright world

This is another hymn that touches slightly on the incarnation  but quickly moves to the cross. It is No 55 and is headed Christ's humility.

From that bright world where seraphs join

In songs and services divine

Where streams of purest pleasure flow

Jesus descends and dwells below

2 No glittering gems his robes adorn

He meets with cruelty and scorn

He loads of guilt and sorrow bears

Is bathed in sweat and blood and tears

3 Exposed his people long had been

To sin and wrath and endless pain

But lo he dies to set them free

Oh could I say he died for me.

Hymn Stupendous was the love

This hymn is 55 in the collection and is headed Incarnation and sufferings. Only the first verse is really about the incarnation. Beddome goes straight to the cross. Stupendous is a word found in another hymn we have mentioned. "His imperial throne" seems to be from Tate and Brady. The idea of Christ wading through a sea is in Jonathan Edwards (eg "The minister before the judgement seat of God" - But what are the labours of the most faithful and laborious of the ministers of the Gospel, and what is their self-denial in comparison of the labors and sufferings that Christ had gone through for souls, who has waded through a sea of blood and gone through a furnace of wrath for their salvation?)

1 STUPENDOUS was the love

Of God's eternal Son

Who left the blissful scenes above

And his imperial throne

2 He waded through a sea

Of overwhelming
wrath

That wretched sinners such as we

Might be redeemed from death

3 Expiring on the cross

He Satan's empire broke

Surprise and horror seized his foes

And hell's foundation shook

4 From him we grace receive

In him all good possess

And those who on his word believe

Shall reign with him in bliss

5 Hosanna to his name

Let heavenly hosts adore

But saints with pure seraphic flame

Should love and praise him more

Hymns Following the Lord 170 171

These adjacent hymns cover similar ground. The opening line of 170 anticipates Gadsby's great 'What matchless condescension'. 'Stupendous love' is the phrase that begins Wesley's 'Stupendous love of God most high!'. The line 'That Christ should tabernacle here' reveals a knowledge of the Greek of John 1. The final line (And join the triumphs of the sky) is practically the same as one found in Hark! The herald angels sing.

The final verse of 171 is reminiscent of the closing verse of Watts' magnificent 'When I survey'.

170 Following the Lord

What wondrous condescending love,
That Jesus should for sinners die,
Should leave his throne of bliss above,
To bring rebellious creatures nigh !
Stupendous love beyond compare,
That Christ should tabernacle here.

2 By him my debts are all discharged,
And now my foes assault in vain;
My future hopes has he enlarged,
And told me I shall with him reign:
Then let me his dear name adore,
And strive to serve him more and more.

3 I now through fire and water too,
Would follow my redeeming Lord,
Assured his arm can help me through
And all sufficient strength afford:
To him then I will live and die,
And join the triumphs of the sky.

171 Following Hard after God
By every means, in every way,
My soul shall seek the Lord ;
At home, abroad, by night, by day,
Till he his grace afford.

2 Does he retire? I'll still pursue,
And mend my heavy pace,
Till with rejoicing eyes I view
His lovely, smiling face.

3 I with his people will attend,
Expecting him to see;
Jesus, my Saviour and my friend,
Oh come and visit me!

4 Were I of all the world possessed,
I would the whole resign,
If I might only once be blessed,
And say that thou art mine.