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.

Speaking on Beddome in Borehamwood Recently

It was good to be speaking once again at Borehamwood a short while ago, giving their annual historical lecture, on Benjamin Beddome. They provided a very nice brochure from which we sang some Beddome hymns and this year there was also a little booklet, attractively produced, covering his life story and adding a sermon and some hymns. My wife and I enjoyed the lovely tea afterwards. Great afternoon.

Astonished and distressed

1 Astonished and distressed,
I turn my eyes within;
My heart with loads of guilt oppressed
The source of every sin.

2 What crowds of evil thoughts,
What vile affections there!
Envy and pride, deceit and guile,
Distrust and slavish fear.

3 Almighty King of saints!
These tyrant lusts subdue;
Drive the old serpent from his seat,
And all my powers renew.

4 This done,–my cheerful voice
Shall loud hosannas raise;
My heart shall glow with gratitude,
My lips be filled with praise.

The above hymn by Beddome is referred to in a new biographical work on Spurgeon by Tom Nettles (The child is Father of the Man p 129). Nettles states that in our own hymn book Spurgeon included a section headed "Holy anxiety". It goes from 636-644. It includes hymns by Cowper, Doddridge, Watts, etc, and this gem from Beddome (644) headed The evil heart. See here. There appear to be 14 hymns in the book by Beddome.

James Newton 1732-1790

If Beddome is rather forgotten, he certainly has some even more forgotten contemporaries. James Newton would be an example. Born in Che­nies, Buck­ing­ham­shire, in 1732, we know nothing of his upbringing. A Baptist church did not exist there until 1760. Newton may well have attended a Baptist church in Reading or elsewhere. When he was 17 he moved to London, where he joined the Bap­tist church in Maze Pond led by Benjamin Wall­in (1711-1782). Presumably, Newton had been converted in his youth and was from a godly home. He was also a bright fellow and the church in Maze Pond soon recognised his abilities and assigned him to studies under Thomas Llewelyn LlD (c 1720-1783), a Welshman who ran an academy in London 1746-1770. Having completed his studies, in 1758, he be­came as­sist­ant min­is­ter to John Tom­mas (1724-1800), pas­tor of the Bap­tist church in Pith­ay, Bris­tol, and, in 1770, class­ic­al tu­tor at the Bap­tist col­lege in Bris­tol alongside Caleb Evans (1712-1781). One of Newton's students, John Rippon (1751-1836), wrote of Newton's fitnes for his academic task. "With the Latin and Greek classics, with the Christian Hebrew scriptures, the Misnah, Talmuds, and other Jewish writings, he was intimately acquainted." He remarks how former students "perfectly recollect with what humility, prudence and affection he entered on his office among us and with what patience and assiduity he sustained it." Newton held both po­si­tions un­til his death in 1790, in Bristol. He appears to have been a bachelor and it is possible that he lived with the Cottle family. Robert Cottle (c 1730-1800) was the father of the printer and publisher Joseph Cottle (1770-1853) publisher of Wordsworth. Clearly a popular and friendly fellow, Newton was especially close to the minister James Dore (1764-1825) who pastored Maze Pond from 1784. Newton preached the annual sermon at the Bristol Education Society in 1776, which was published. Ten years before he had published a pamphlet defending Caleb Ecans and orthodox teaching on the Trinity. Newton is the author of the hymn "Proclaim, says Christ, my wondrous grace".

Medical References in Sermons 23

This is from Volume 6, Sermon 3 on Proverbs 28:13

But let it be remembered, that excuses for sin necessarily imply the love of sin, which is actually inconsistent with the love of God. The wound is not less dangerous because it is covered over or the disease less fatal because it is concealed. Neither is the evil of sin lessened, but aggravated, by the pains taken to extenuate it; for these are only so many proofs of impenitence and unbelief and have a disposition to pass persevere in an evil course.