Burrage on Beddome

We have never included this piece by Henry Burrage before

For fifty two years Benjamin Beddome was the beloved pastor of the Baptist church at Bourton on the Water in the eastern part of Gloucestershire. He was born at Henley in Arden a market town near Warwick January 23 1717. In 1724 his father Rev John Beddome removed to Bristol where he became a co pastor of the Pithay Baptist church. Here Benjamin Beddome spent his youth and in due time he was apprenticed to a surgeon and apothecary. His conversion occurred in connection with a sermon which was preached August 7 1737 by Rev Mr Ware in his father's church at Bristol from the text Luke xv 7 Likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth etc. At the expiration of his apprenticeship he entered upon a course of study preparatory to the work of the Christian ministry first under Mr Bernard Foskett then tutor in the Baptist Academy Bristol and afterward at the Independent Academy in London under the learned Rev John Eames. He was baptized in London September 27 1739 by Rev Samuel Wilson and united with the Baptist church in Goodman's Fields. By this church he was called to preach. The church in Bourton was at that time pastorless and Mr Beddome was invited to supply the pulpit. His labours were acceptable and he preached both at Bourton and Warwick. At length in answer to repeated solicitations he accepted the pastorate of the church at Bourton and he was ordained September 23 1743. Dr Joseph Stennett preached the sermon from the text Obey them that have the rule over you etc Heb xiii 17. December 27 1749 he married Elizabeth Boswell a daughter of one of his deacons. Some lines composed by Mr Beddome about the year 1742 were happily prophetic:

Lord in my soul implant thy fear

Let faith and hope and love be there

Preserve me from prevailing vice

When Satan tempts or lusts entice

Of friendship's sweets may I partake

Nor be forsaken nor forsake

Let moderate plenty crown my board

And God for all be still adored

Let the companion of my youth

Be one of innocence and truth

Let modest charms adorn her face 

And give her thy superior grace

By heavenly art first make her thine

Then make her willing to be mine

My dwelling place let Bourton be

There let me live and live to thee.

By his faithful ministrations Mr Beddome greatly endeared himself to his people. After the death of Rev Samuel Wilson Mr Beddome was invited to become Mr Wilson's successor. Call after call was sent to him and declined. At length so importunate were the brethren in London that Mr Beddome asked the people to make the decision for him. They sent a prompt refusal to London and Mr Beddome remained at Bourton until his death.

He seems to have exercised his poetical gift through out his ministry. It was his custom to prepare a hymn to be sung after his morning's sermon each Lord's day. A promising son who had just completed his medical studies died in Edinburgh January 4 1778. That day not knowing of his son's death not having been informed even of his sickness he preached from Psalms xxxi 15 My times are in thy hand. The hymn which he had composed for the day was the now familiar one commencing

My times of sorrow and of joy

Great God are in thy hand

My choicest comforts come from thee

And go at thy command

One of his best hymns Mr Beddome wrote after recovering from a severe illness. He had first written a hymn of gratitude for his restoration to health. On further reflection he wrote these lines

If I must die O let me die

Trusting in Jesus blood

That blood which hath atonement made

And reconciles to God.

If I must die then let me die

In peace with all mankind

And change these fleeting joys below

For pleasures more refined.

If I must die as die I must

Let some kind seraph come

And bear me on his friendly wing

To my celestial home

Of Canaan's land from Pisgah's top

May I but have a view

Though Jordan should o'erflow its banks

I'll boldly venture through#

Mr Beddome lived to a ripe old age and died after a long illness September 3 1795 having been engaged in writing a hymn only a few hours before his departure. Beside a Circular Letter of the Midland Association for 1765 his only publication was a Scriptural Exposition on the Baptist Catechism by way of Question and Answer which appeared in 1752. A second edition was printed in 1776. Ten years after his decease two volumes of his sermons were published and a third volume appeared in 1835. A volume of his hymns was published in 1818 entitled Hymns Adapted to Public Worship or Family Devotion Now first published from the manuscripts of the late Rev B Beddome AM With a Recommendatory Preface by the Rev R Hall AM. The volume contained 822 hymns and 8 doxologies. Of these more than fifty had appeared in Rippon's Selection and so had found their way into other collections. The most familiar of these hymns are

Did Christ o'er sinners weep

And must I part with all I have

Let party names no more

Come Holy Spirit come

Jesus my Lord my chief delight

If Christ is mine then all is mine

Prayer is the breath of God in man

God in the Gospel of his Son

Blest Comforter divine

Buried beneath the yielding wave

Of Beddome's hymns Montgomery says they are very agreeable as well as impressive being for the most part brief and pithy. A single idea, always important, often striking and sometimes ingeniously brought out not with a mere point at the end but with the terseness and simplicity of the Greek epigram constitutes the basis of each piece.

The honorary degree of AM was conferred upon Mr Beddome in 1770 by Rhode Island College now Brown University

Beddome Bibliography Yuta Seki

I should have mentioned well before now an essay in the latest Journal of Andrew Fuller Studies (Number 8; Number 9 is overdue). This is the article A resurgence of Benjamin Beddome studies: A bibliographic essay by Yuta Seki. It is very thorough and very helpful. It refers, of course, to this blog and we are glad for such publicity. (NB also articles on the Duttons and John Fawcett). 

Beddome's Horse (AI)

Benjamin Beddome, as a Baptist minister in 18th-century England, likely lived a modest and practical life. If he owned or rode a horse, it would probably have been a type suited to the rural setting and his ministerial duties, such as travelling between churches and visiting parishioners. The horse he might have ridden would fit the following characteristics:

Likely Type of Horse

Cob or Small Draft Horse A sturdy, reliable cob or small draft horse would have been ideal for traversing uneven rural roads. These horses were known for their endurance and ease of handling.

Geldings Over Stallions Geldings (castrated male horses) were more common among non-aristocrats for being calmer and easier to manage, especially for practical use.

Not a Warhorse or Racehorse Beddome, as a clergyman, would not have had the wealth or need for a flashy racehorse or a large, powerful warhorse. Instead, his horse would have been utilitarian.

Typical Colours

Horses commonly used for clergy were often bay (brown with a black mane), chestnut, or gray - solid, respectable colours.

Breed Possibilities

Cleveland Bay Popular in England at the time, the Cleveland Bay was a versatile and durable horse, suitable for light farm work and riding.

Fell Pony or Dales Pony These smaller, hardy breeds were common in the northern and western regions of England. Their strength and calm temperament made them ideal for ministers travelling over hills and rough terrain.

Welsh Cob If Beddome had ties to regions closer to Wales, a Welsh Cob might have been his choice. Known for their stamina and versatility, they were well-suited for ministers who needed dependable transportation.

Beddome’s horse would have reflected his simple, practical lifestyle rather than any aspirations of grandeur.

Lifespan

The lifespan of a horse depends on its breed, health, workload, and care, but typically:

Lifespan of a Working Horse

Average Lifespan: 20–30 years. However, working horses like those used by 18th-century ministers would often live 15–25 years, depending on their workload and the quality of care.

Factors Affecting Longevity

Breed

Hardy breeds like cobs, Fell ponies, and Cleveland Bays are known for their durability and might last longer in working conditions.

Workload

Horses used primarily for light riding (like travelling for ministerial duties) would likely have a longer working life (10-20 years as a riding horse).

Care and Nutrition

Horses with good feed, proper hoof care, and regular rest had a longer lifespan.

In 18th-century England, the level of care would vary, but practical owners often ensured their horses were well-fed and rested to sustain their utility.

Retirement Age

A well-cared-for working horse could continue light duties into its late teens or early 20s, after which it might "retire" to pasture.

If Beddome had a horse, and it was used exclusively for ministerial travel, it could have lasted him a significant portion of his ministry, potentially 15–20 years, assuming good care and a moderate workload.

(So in around 55 years, three or four horses, say)

The death of a horse, particularly one in the 18th century, would typically result from a combination of natural aging, work-related wear, or common health issues that were difficult to treat in that era. Here are the most likely causes of death for a horse used by someone like Benjamin Beddome.

1. Natural Aging and Wear

Horses experience a decline in physical condition as they age, particularly if they have had a working life.

Arthritis or Lameness

Over time, joint issues or lameness could make the horse unable to work or graze effectively, leading to a decline in health.

Dental Issues

Worn or lost teeth could make it hard for an older horse to eat properly, leading to malnutrition.

2. Overwork or Injury

Road Injuries

Horses regularly travelling on rough or muddy roads could sustain injuries like strained tendons, sprains, or even broken legs, which in many cases would be fatal in the 18th century due to lack of treatment options.

Fatigue and Collapse

If overworked or underfed, a horse might collapse and fail to recover.

3. Disease or Infections

Colic

A common and often fatal digestive condition caused by blockages, gas buildup, or other gastrointestinal problems. Veterinary knowledge was limited, so colic could easily be a death sentence.

Laminitis

A painful and often debilitating hoof condition, especially if the horse was overfed or worked on hard terrain.

Respiratory Illnesses

Horses living in cold, damp climates were prone to conditions like pneumonia or equine influenza.

4. Lack of Veterinary Care

In the 18th century, veterinary medicine was not as advanced as today. Many conditions that are treatable now (eg infections, wounds) could have been fatal then. For example

Infections

Even a simple hoof abscess or untreated wound could lead to sepsis.

Parasites

Worms and other parasites were common and could cause long-term health issues or death if left untreated.

5. Euthanasia (or Natural Predation)

If a horse became lame or chronically ill, it might have been euthanized (though practices were not as humane as today) to prevent suffering or financial burden.

In extreme cases, the carcass could attract predators (eg dogs or wolves, depending on the area).

End of Life for a Minister’s Horse

A horse like the one Beddome might have ridden would likely die from a combination of age-related decline or a chronic condition like colic or arthritis. If the animal became unable to work or graze, it might have been euthanized to spare it prolonged suffering.

Getting to the Meeting House (AI)

Benjamin Beddome, who served as pastor of the Baptist church in Bourton-on-the-Water for over 50 years, lived a considerable distance from the chapel. He resided in a house about a mile away from the church, located along the Rissington Road. Historical accounts suggest that he would often walk to the chapel on Sunday mornings.

Beddome’s Sunday Routine

Walking to the Chapel

Walking was the most common mode of transportation for clergy and congregants in the 18th century, particularly in rural areas like Bourton-on-the-Water. Beddome's relatively short distance to the chapel made walking practical and allowed him time for contemplation or prayer as he prepared to lead worship.

The Scenic Route

The walk along the Rissington Road would have taken Beddome through the charming countryside and village surroundings, offering a peaceful and reflective start to his Sunday duties.

Occasional Use of Horse or Carriage

While walking was the norm, it's possible that in adverse weather or later in life, Beddome might have occasionally used a horse or a small carriage for convenience, though no specific records confirm this.

Spiritual Reflection During Travel

As a hymn writer and theologian, it’s plausible that the walk provided Beddome with inspiration for his hymns or sermons. His pastoral duties required much mental and spiritual preparation, and a walk through the tranquil landscape of Bourton would have been a fitting prelude to worship.

This simple routine reflects the modesty and dedication of Beddome's life and ministry, hallmarks of 18th-century Baptist pastors. His example would have resonated with his congregation, emphasizing humility and devotion.

What about a sedan chair? An interesting idea, but it seems unlikely given his circumstances and the context of rural Baptist life in 18th-century England.

Sedan Chairs in 18th-Century England

Primarily Urban Transport

Sedan chairs were most commonly used in urban areas by wealthy individuals, as streets in cities like London or Bath were often too narrow or muddy for carriages. They were less common in rural settings like Bourton-on-the-Water.

Cost and Maintenance

Employing a sedan chair required not only the chair itself but also the services of at least two chairmen to carry it. For a Baptist minister like Beddome, known for his humility and modest means, this would likely have been seen as an unnecessary expense.

Cultural Considerations

The Baptist tradition emphasized simplicity and equality, and such a display of comfort or status might have been viewed as at odds with the values of his congregation.

How Beddome Likely Travelled
Walking

Walking remains the most plausible mode of travel for Beddome. It was practical, cost-free, and aligned with the modest lifestyle expected of a Baptist minister.

Horse or Simple Conveyance

If physical infirmity or weather made walking difficult, he might have used a horse or a small, locally available cart.

Community Support

In small, tight-knit communities, congregants often assisted their ministers. If necessary, someone in the congregation might have offered Beddome a ride in a cart or carriage.

Conclusion

While sedan chairs were a feature of 18th-century transportation, they would have been an unusual choice for a rural Baptist minister like Benjamin Beddome. Walking, with occasional assistance from a horse or cart, better aligns with both the geographical and cultural realities of his time and position.

*

If Benjamin Beddome was invited to preach at Stow-on-the-Wold, a neighbouring town approximately 4-5 miles from Bourton-on-the-Water, the journey would likely have been more complex than his usual Sunday routine. In such cases, his mode of transport would have depended on practicalities like weather, terrain, and available resources.

Travelling to Stow-on-the-Wold

Walking

Walking was a common mode of travel even for longer distances in the 18th century, especially for those in rural areas. While a 4-5 mile journey might have taken about 1.5-2 hours on foot, Beddome was known for his pastoral dedication and might not have minded the walk.

The journey would involve hilly terrain as Stow is situated at a higher elevation, making walking more strenuous than his local walk to the Bourton chapel.

Horseback

Riding a horse was a practical and relatively fast way to travel such a distance. Horses were commonly used for rural travel, even among modest clergy, as they provided a balance between speed and cost-effectiveness.

Given Stow’s location on the Cotswold hills, a horse would have been particularly helpful for navigating the uphill paths.

Cart or Carriage

If the journey required carrying items (eg books or materials for preaching) or if Beddome was travelling with others, a cart or carriage might have been used. While less common for rural Baptist ministers, borrowing or renting a cart from a local farmer or congregant could have been an option.

Assistance from Congregants

In the spirit of Baptist community, members of either the Bourton or Stow congregations might have offered Beddome a ride. This mutual support was typical in small church communities.

Conclusion

If Benjamin Beddome travelled to preach in Stow, horseback would have been the most likely and practical option, balancing efficiency with the modesty expected of a Baptist minister. However, walking or relying on the assistance of congregants were also plausible, reflecting the communal and resourceful nature of his ministry.

AI on baptisms at Bourton

The River Windrush, which flows through Bourton-on-the-Water, is typically shallow, especially in the village centre where its depth rarely exceeds a few feet. However, for baptisms by immersion, it is possible that the Baptists of Benjamin Beddome's era would have identified deeper sections of the river nearby or adapted to the available conditions.

Possibilities for Baptism in the Windrush

Identifying Deeper Sections

While the central part of Bourton-on-the-Water is known for its shallow riverbed, it is likely that the Baptists would have scouted locations along the Windrush where the water was sufficiently deep for full immersion. Deeper pools or bends in the river could have provided suitable spots.

Adapting the River

In cases where no naturally deep sections were available, Baptists might have temporarily dammed a portion of the river to raise the water level. Such practical measures were sometimes taken by Baptists in other locations when natural bodies of water were shallow. (This seems the most likely explanation to me)

Seasonal Considerations

The river’s depth varies with the seasons. During periods of higher rainfall, the Windrush could have been deeper, making it more suitable for baptism ceremonies. Spring or autumn, when rivers typically swell, might have been preferred for these events.

Local Alternatives

If no sufficiently deep sections of the Windrush were accessible, nearby ponds, larger tributaries, or man-made water sources might have been used. However, historical records specifically mentioning baptisms in the Windrush suggest the river was indeed utilized, possibly with adjustments.

Symbolism Over Practicality

For Baptists, the act of immersion was more about the symbolism of death, burial and resurrection than about the precise location or depth of the water. Practical adjustments, like partially kneeling in shallow water to achieve immersion, might have been made while maintaining the ritual's integrity.

The Windrush’s iconic presence in Bourton-on-the-Water would have made it an evocative and public location for baptisms, underlining the congregation’s commitment to public profession of faith despite logistical challenges.

Beddome Sound on the Trinity

In an essay on Particular Baptist at the Salters Hall debates Stephen McKay notes

The Baptist Catechism and Benjamin Keach's The Child's Delight were republished throughout the 18th century, while Benjamin Beddome's A Scriptural Exposition of the Baptist Catechism (1752, second edition 1776) and John Sutcliff's The first principles of the oracles of God (1795) communicated the Trinitarian theology of the Confession. Besides Stinton's catechism, which was an attempt to use only Scripture verses to answer catechism questions, the others emphasize the oneness of God and the equality of three distinct persons. Keach's catechism for children stated that there is one eternal, holy and true God and that there are three persons in the Godhead. The Baptism Catechism used the terms 'three persons in the godhead, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit and these three are one God, the same in essence, equal in power and glory. Beddomeemployed the term 'being' to express that he is an infinite, eternal and unchangeable being. Within this one being there are 'three persons in the godhead ... these three are one God, the same in essence, equal in power and glory.' Additionally, Beddome expressed the distinct personhood of each divine subsistence and that each person is eternal with no superiority or inferiority. Sutcliff's catechism agreed with Beddome, stating in answer 11 '[T]he one living and true God does subsist in three distinct persons, bearing the names of Father, Son and Holy Spirit.'

He also has a footnote saying

These catechisms were advertised and promoted in many of the association letters. The Western Association circular letter for 1771, 1775, 1776, 1777, 1780 and 1781 advertised the Baptist Catechism and/or |Beddome's Catechism. The Northampton Association circular letter for 1777 stated that the doctrines in the Baptist Confession and Catechism are of utmost importance to being churches of Christ. The Northampton Association circular letter for 1779 promoted the Baptist Catechism and Beddome's Catechism encouraging them to chatechise their children and to print the articles of the association. The Midland Association Circular Letter of 1783 exhorted churches to use Beddome's Catechism and read it once every month. The full title of the Baptist Catechism claimed that it is agreeable to the second London Baptist Confession.

More on Beddome's oldest son and his book borrowing

Subsequent to what was recorded before, it is apparent that while a student in Edinburgh University Beddome Junior borrowed books some 33 times between 1775 and 1777. This is the complete list except for the one recorded earlier.

1 Fingal 1775/2/17 (Friday) James Macpherson (1736-1796) Fingal: an ancient epic poem: in six books: together with several other poems Statement of responsibility composed by Ossian, the son of Fingal Translated from the Galic by James Macpherson Published London.1762

2 Brydon's Tour 2 Vols 1776/5/3 (Friday) Patrick Brydone (1736-1818) A tour through Sicily & Malta. In a series of letters to William Beckford, ... from P. Brydone, ... In 2 Vols Published London 1773

3 Halleri Elementa Vol 2 1776/5/14 (Tuesday) Baron Albrecht von Haller (1708-1777) Elementa physiologiæ corporis humani, etc. [Haller] Vol borrowed Vol 2 Latin Published Lausanne 1757-1766.

4 Cleghorn on Minorca 1776/5/28 (Tuesday) George Cleghorn (1716-1789) Observations on the epidemical diseases in Minorca. From the year 1744-1749 To which is prefixed, a short account of the climate, production, inhabitants & endemial distempers, of that island Published London 1768

5 Reid's Inquiry 1776/5/28 (Tuesday) Thomas Reid (1710–1796) Inquiry into the human mind: on the principles of common sense Published Edinburgh 1764

6 Priestly's Examination 1776/5/28 (Tuesday) Joseph Priestley (1733-1804) An examination of Dr. Reid's Inquiry into the human mind on the principles of common sense, Dr. Beattie's Essay on the nature & immutability of truth & Dr Oswald's Appeal to common sense in behalf of religion … Published London 1774

(Gilchrist on Sea Voyages - see elsewhere on this blog)

7 Dr Roberton's Chas V Vol 1 1776/6/20 (Thursday) William Robertson (1721-1793) History of the reign of the Emperor Charles V With a view of the progress of society in Europe, from the subversion of the Roman Empire, to the beginning of the sixteenth century Published London 1769

8 Diderot 8 vols 1776/7/18 (Thursday) Denis Diderot (1713-1784) Oeuvres de théâtre de M Diderot. French Pubished Brussels 1761 2 vols

9 Racine 2 tomes 1776/7/18 (Thursday) Jean Racine (1639-1699) Oeuvres de Racine. Vols borrowed Vols 1 & 2 French Pubished Brussels 1700

10 Boccace Decameron 1776/8/1 (Thursday) Giovanni Boccaccio (1313-1375) Le Décaméron de maistre Jean Bocace ... traduict d'italien en françois par M Anthoine Le Maçon. French Published Paris 1629

11 Davila's History Vol 1 1776/8/1 (Thursday) Arrigo Caterino Davila (1576-1631) Historie of the civill warres of France [Davila] Vol borrowed Vol 1 Published London 1647

12 Origin of Language Vols 1-2 1776/8/27 (Tuesday) James Burnet Lord Monboddo (1714–1799) Of the origin & progress of language Vols borrowed Vols 1 & 2  Published London 1773-1787 

13 Rousseau Tomes 13-16 1776/9/10 (Tuesday) Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712–1778) Oeuvres de M Rousseau de Genève Vols borrowed Vols 13-16 French Published Neuchâtel 1764

14 Buffon hist: Tomes 1-3 1776/9/10 (Tuesday) Comte de Georges Louis Leclerc Buffon (1707-1788) Histoire naturelle, générale et particuliére, avec la description du Cabinet du roi Vols borrowed Vols 1-3 French Published Paris 1752-1768

15 Orlando Furioso 2 Vols 1776/9/10 (Tuesday) Lodovico Ariosto (1474–1533) Orlando furioso ... Italian & English. Vols borrowed Vols 1, 2 Published London 1755 Translators: Crocker, T. H.

16 Goldsmith's hist of the Earth 2 Vols 1 & 2 1776/10/1 (Tuesday) Oliver Goldsmith (c.1730-1774) History of the earth, & animated nature Vols borrowed Vols 1, 2  (of 8) Published London 1774-8

17 Buffon 4, 5, 6 1776/10/1 (Tuesday)  See 14

18 Goldsmiths hist of the Earth Vols 3 & 4 1776/10/15 (Tuesday) See 16

19 Priestly on Electricity 1776/10/22 (Tuesday) Joseph Priestley (1733-1804) History & present state of electricity, with original experiments [Priestley] Latin. Published London 1767

20 Buffon hist: nat: Tomes 7-10 1776/10/22 (Tuesday) See 14, 17

21 Home's Sketches Vol 1 1776/10/29 (Tuesday). Henry Home Lord Kames (1696-1782) Sketches of the history of man in two Vols.Vols borrowed Vol 1 Latin Published Edinburgh.1774.

22 Buffon Hist: Nat: Vols 11-19 1776/11/5 (Tuesday) See 14, 17, 20

23 Comparative View 1776/11/19 (Tuesday) John Gregory (1724-1773) Comparative view of the state & faculties of man with those of the animal world [Gregory] Latin Published London 1766.

24 Penant's Tour 1776/11/19 (Tuesday).Thomas Pennant (1726-1798) Tour in Scotland & voyage to the Hebrides, 1772 [Pennant] Vols borrowed Vols 1, 2 Published London 1776

25 Home's Sketches Vol 2 1776/11/29 (Friday) See 21

26 Goldsmith's Nat: Hist: Vols 7-8 1776/12/13 (Friday) See 16, 18

27 Ferguson's Essay 1776/12/16 (Monday) Adam Ferguson (1723-1816) Essay on the history of civil society [Ferguson] Published London 1768

28 Oeuvres de Maupertius Vs 1-2-3 1776/12/16 (Monday) Pierre-Louis Moreau de Maupertuis (1698-1759) Œuvres de Maupertuis Vols borrowed Vols 1-3 French Published Lyon 1768 4 vols

29 Arbuthnot on Aliments 1777/1/24 (Friday) John Arbuthnot (1667-1735) An essay concerning the nature of aliments & the choice of them, according to the different constitutions of human bodies. Published London 1732

30 Hume's Essays Vol 2 1777/2/3 (Monday) See 21, 25

31 Linnaei Æmenitates Academicæ in 4 Vols 1777/2/21 (Friday) Linnaeus (1707-1778) Caroli Linnæi ... Amoenitates academicae; seu, Dissertationes variæ physicæ, medicæ, botanicæ. Vols borrowed Vols 1-4 Latin Published Stockholm.1749-1790

32 Montesquieu Vols 1, 2 1777/2/21 (Friday) Baron Charles de Secondat Montesquieu (1689-1755)  Oeuvres de Monsieur de Montesquieu. Vols borrowed Vols 1, 2 French Published London 1767

Hymn How quick my days have passed away

710 in the book

How quick my days have passed away,

How soon al­as, they’re gone!

Life’s gay­est scenes de­cline in haste,

Just like the set­ting sun.

Always in mo­tion, ne’er at rest,

My min­utes on­ward roll;

Swift to pur­sue their des­tined course,

And soon will reach the goal.

Eternal pains or end­less joys

Stand wait­ing at the door;

The mo­ments past or those to come,

Are not with­in my pow­er.

God of my strength and of my hope,

In whom I live and move,

Help me by Thine in­struct­ive grace

The pre­sent to im­prove.

And if through this re­volv­ing year,

Thou shouldst my life pro­long,

Oh may Thy wis­dom guide my steps,

Thy praise em­ploy my tongue.

Richard Brandon Beddome

The Edinburgh University alumni site (see here) states that Beddome's sixth child Richard Brandon Beddome (b 1769) began studying medicine in Edinburgh in 1792, 18 years after his older brother, Benjamin, who died in 1778.

Beddome's oldest son borrows a book

It is of limited interest, but we know that on Thursday, June 6, 1776, Beddome's son Benjamn borrowed Gilchrist on Sea Voyages, which he was free to keep for a fortnight, having paid a five shilling deposit. This was from the Edinburgh University Library. Beddome Junior had begun studying medicine in the university the year before. Scotsman Ebenezer Gilchrist (1707-1774) published The use of sea voyages in medicine in London in 1756, the second edition coming out with a supplement the next year. The Edinburgh copy was borrowed 49 times between 1769 and 1789. Gilchrist was one of the first doctors to recommend sea travel for the good of a person's health. One of Gilchrist's earliest writings was on typhus, the disease Benjamin Junior died from at the beginning of 1778. See here.