Sermon Volume 5:10 Foolish questions reproved (Titus 3:9)

Here is an outline of the tenth sermon in Volume 5 of the sermons. It is 9 pages.

This is the sermon preached at a ministers’ meeting in Fairford, Gloucestershire when Beddome coming to preach forgot what the sermon was to be. On the way from pew to pulpit he leaned over and asked the church’s pastor ‘Brother Davis, what must I preach from?’ Thinking it an odd remark Davis replied, in rebuke, ‘Ask no foolish questions’. Not understanding correctly, Beddome went on to deliver this ‘remarkably methodical, correct, and useful’ sermon on Titus 3:9 ‘Avoid foolish questions’!

Titus 3:9 But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.

I. Amongst the QUESTIONS TO BE AVOIDED, such as the following may be included.

1. Those which savour of scepticism and unbelief, or which imply a doubtfulness of the truth of Divine revelation, or of any of its fundamental doctrines. Religion is not intended to gratify our curiosity, or to answer our speculative inquiries; its object is to renew and sanctify the heart, and to meeten us for heaven.

2. Intricate and controversial questions are in general to be avoided, as engendering strife rather than ministering to godly edifying.

3. Prying questions relative to futurity, and which tend only to gratify a vain curiosity, ought to be avoided.

4. Questions arising from impatience and discontent are generally in a high degree improper, and unworthy of a Christian. When the mind is disquieted and full of trouble, we are commonly dissatisfied with everything about us, and wish if it were possible to have it otherwise. But this is a spirit which the Scriptures condemn, as utterly inconsistent with submission to the will of God, and as savouring of presumption and unbelief.

5. Perplexing and disquieting questions, which have no tendency to promote the great objects of practical religion, but only to excite unnecessary doubts and fears, are also prohibited in the text. Instead of asking the anxious question, for example, Are we elected? our great concern should be to know whether we be effectually called? Not, are our names written in heaven, but is God's law written in our hearts?

6. Trifling and uninteresting questions which serve only to amuse and not to impart any useful information, ought by all means to be avoided. There is too great a disposition, even in serious people, to indulge in frivolous disputes, or in a strife about words rather than things, to the neglect of the weightier matters of the law, judgment, charity, and the love of God.

II. Notice some things that are NECESSARY TO A PROFITABLE CONVERSATION.

1. Beware of loquacity, or too much speaking. Let not your words go before your thoughts; think twice before you speak once.

2. Accustom yourselves to a sober way of thinking and talking, using at all times sound speech which cannot be condemned.

3. It may be proper to lay in a stock of interesting questions as matter for after conversation. Inquiries relative to our state, tending to promote experimental religion, both in ourselves and others, would at all times be useful and edifying. We cannot too frequently ask ourselves, Are we in a state of acceptance with God; do we grow in grace; do we hate sin and love holiness; are we more weaned from the world, and fit for heaven? An awakened sinner would naturally inquire, What must I do to be saved? and those who have believed through grace should be anxious to inquire, What shall we do that we may work the works of God?

4. Living as in the sight of God, and under a conviction that for every idle word we must give an account in the day of judgment, will exclude a great deal of light and trifling conversation, and give a savouriness to our speech, which will minister grace to the hearer.

Sermon Volume 5:9 The Word of his grace (Acts 14:3)

Here is an outline of the ninth sermon in Volume 5 of the sermons. It is 9 pages.

Acts 14:3 The Lord gave testimony unto the word of his grace.

When Christ came into the World, God brought testimony to him by a voice from heaven, This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased. And this is the record, that God has given to us eternal life and this life is in his Son. He has also repeatedly borne testimony to his saints, which are in the earth, by the most remarkable interpositions of his providence; and he will do it still more signally in the last day by the most decisive proofs of his approbation. The Lord is here said to give testimony to the word of his grace, a particular instance of which is mentioned in the context. But instead of confining our attention to the precise point which the sacred historian had in view, it may be more profitable to consider the passage as intending to convey to us this important truth - that God does and ever will give testimony to the word of his grace. 

I. We shall notice the propriety of this appellation: the word of his grace 

1. The gospel is so-called because it originated in unmerited mercy and was sent to us as a matter of free favour. 

2. The gospel is a proclamation of grace and mercy and therefore very properly called the word of his grace. 

3. It is likewise so-called because it is grace alone that renders it effectual.

II. Consider the way in which God bears testimony to the gospel or to the word of his grace 

1. By miracles wrought in confirmation of it, hence it is added, he granted signs and wonders to be done by the apostles' hand. 

2. By raising up a constant succession of ministers to propagate and defend it the Lord is still giving testimony to the word of his grace.

3. The awel impressed upon the consciences even of wicked men by means of the gospel is another instance of the testimony that is born to it. 

4. The Lord gives testimony to the word of his grace by rendering it effectual to the Salvation of all them that believe and its influence on the heart is to them one of the most satisfactory evidences of its divine authority.

5. Additional testimony is given in the life and conversation of such as walk worthy of the gospel and who are called with a holy calling. 

6. God also gives testimony to the word of his grace by the triumphant deaths of his saints as well as by their useful and holy lives. 

How well are these truths adapted to increase our attachment to the gospel and our admiration of that mercy which is continually adding fresh testimonies in its favour. Its evidence is accumulating as its power is felt; and to the bright display of signs and wonders and mighty deeds wrought by the hands of the Apostles have succeeded ages of miraculous grace, in the conversion and salvation of multitudes which no man can number. Let it be our great concern that by exemplifying the purity and efficacy of the gospel we may add our individual testimony to its reality and importance and help to increase its prevalence in the world.

When earthly streams are passed away

And creature comforts gone

The Lord's my helper and my stay

Sufficient and alone.

My friend art thou where'er I go

The object of my love

My kind protector here below

And my reward above

When foes intrude or tyrants frown

Thou art my sure relief

To thee I make my sorrows known

And tell thee all my grief

This world would be a wilderness

If banished, Lord, from thee

And heaven without thy smiling face

Would be no heaven to me 

(156)

Sermon Volume 5:5 Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:29)

Pieter Lastman, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Here is an outline of the fifth sermon in Volume 5 of the sermons. It is 9 pages.

Acts 8:29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.

All we shall attempt will be to offer a few general observations on the subject with the view to our own edification and improvement.

1. It appears from this passage that the Holy Spirit is a divine and distinct person in the godhead issuing his commands, exercising supreme authority

2 it is a great mercy for any, especially ministers of the gospel, to act under the influence and direction of the Spirit of God

3. God will make all means subservient to the purposes of his grace however opposite they may seem to our wishes and designs

4. In the conversion of the Eunuch we see there are some in high life who are made partakers of the grace of God though not many mighty, not many noble are called

5. Though the conversation of a sinner is of God and all events are under his superintendents it is good to be found in his way for there he has promised to meet with us and to bless us

6. Though the reading of the scriptures is a necessary and profitable exercise, yet it is more especially the word preached that is rendered effectual; for it pleaseth God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe

7. From the example before us we are taught to embrace every opportunity of doing good and even to instruct those who we may happen to meet with on a journey

Come Jesus heavenly Teacher come

And set thy known instructions home

What mortals utter but in vain

Do thou with power speak o'er again 

Oh let me hear that cheering voice

At which the angelic host rejoice

That voice which winds and waves controul

And gives new life to dying souls 

Call me,oh call me, to thy feet

And there transported may I sit

With joy thy heavenly features trace

And feast upon they richest grace

When e'er I hear or read thy word

With every sentence ligh afford

Thy sacred truths to me reveal

Unfold the book and loose the seal

(128 Come Jesus, heavenly teacher, come

Convey thine own instructions home

While men thy sacred truth impart

'Tis thine alone to reach the heart

Whene'er I read or hear thy word

Thine inward teachings Lord afford

To me thy holy will reveal

Unfold the book and loose the seal

Call me, oh call me to thy feet

There transported may I sit

Joy thy heavenly features trace,

Feast upon thy richest grace )

Sermon Volume 5:4 A Wise and Good Resolution (Zechariah 8:23)

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Here is an outline of the fourth sermon in Volume 5 of the sermons. It is 8 pages.

Zechariah 8:23 Thus said the LORD of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations …

The kingdom of God was to be no longer confined to one nation or people; but multitudes in different climates, and the most distant parts of the earth, should submit to Christ as their ruler, and trust Him as their Saviour. The term "Jew" in this connection is descriptive of character rather than of person, and is to be understood of any one who is an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no guile; any humble and sincere believer, who adorns the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. In the days here predicted such characters shall be highly esteemed.

I. THE RESOLUTION — "WE WILL GO WITH YOU." This language implies —

1. Approbation and affectionate regard. When grace opens the eyes of a sinner, and takes possession of his heart, those persons and things are contemplated with delight, which before were the objects of aversion and scorn.

2. Earnest desire and a holy determination, is permitted, to associate with the people of God. The same disposition of mind which causes us to cleave to the Lord makes us of one heart with His people.

3. It implies an union of interests as well as of affection. True religion teaches us to renounce all other interests and attachments, to forsake our own people and our father's house, and cast in our lot with the people of God.

4. A holy ambition to learn of the people of God and to imitate their example. Congeniality of sentiment and feeling is the foundation of religious union, and where that union subsists there will be a desire after a nearer assimilation.

5. Fellowship and communion in Gospel worship and discipline are also included. To those who properly consult their own interest and the glory of God, fellowship with the saints will not only be an article of faith, but an object of fervent desire. One of the ancient fathers thought it a greater honour to be the member of a Christian Church than head of the Roman Empire. This will not only contribute to our safety, by providing a defence against apostasy, but also to our comfort and usefulness; for communion with the saints is oftentimes a step towards communion with God.

II. THE GROUND OF THE RESOLUTION. "For we have heard that God is with you." We have heard from the Divine Word, wherein this blessing is promised and declared. We have heard it from yourselves. You have acknowledged His protection and the consolation arising from the Divine presence. We have heard it from others, who observed how your faces shone when you came down from the mount. God is naturally and necessarily present with all His creatures; but He is in a gracious and special manner present with His own people. He draws near and manifests Himself unto them as He does not unto the world. They experience the care of His providence, and enjoy the smiles of His Countenance. He walks with them through the wilderness, He communes with them by the way, He puts His everlasting arms underneath them, and they doubt not of their interest in His favour. Then they can glory in tribulation, bid defiance to the powers of darkness, and look death in the face without fear. We may hence learn —

1. That seclusion from all society is neither the Christian's duty nor his privilege.

2. As the presence of God with His people is the principal inducement for others to join themselves to their society, how solicitous should they be to improve this sacred privilege, by seeking much communion with God. The ways of Zion would not So often mourn, if Zion's God were more frequently in the midst of her. When primitive believers were edified, walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, the Churches were greatly multiplied (Acts 9:31)

3. Young converts will learn from hence that it is their duty to unite in Christian society, when the Word and ordinances are faithfully administered.

Happy the church delightful place

Where Jesus loves to dwell

There he displays his wondrous grace

And saints his glories tell

The heart where Jesus reigns

With kind and gentle sway

Sweetly he the will constrains

To love and to obey

Thrice happy spirits round the throne

Secure in his embrace

Make his brighter glories known

And see him face to face

'Tis heaven on earth though through a glass

To view our absent Lord

To behold him as he is

Will greater joy afford 

(581)

Sermon Volume 5:3 Covering Sins (Proverbs 28:13)

Robert Smirke, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Here is an outline of the third sermon in Volume 5 of the sermons. It is 9 pages.

Proverbs 28:13 He that covers his sins shall not prosper: but whoever confesses and forsakes them shall have mercy.

Men's sins are often well known, when they flatter themselves that they are unknown, and the attempt to conceal deceives none but themselves. Sin is in itself too odious to appear without some disguise, and most men wish to be thought better than they are; but the policy is both weak and dangerous. To attempt to hide our sins from the eye of God is atheistical and vain. The mantle of Divine love is sufficient to cover all iniquity, and the interposing blood of atonement to secure from the inflictions of eternal wrath. There is also a love among brethren which covers a multitude of sins, and forms an amiable part of the Christian character. A truly good man will be tender towards every one's failings but his own. The charity we exercise towards others is, however, very different from those excuses which we are too apt to form for ourselves.

I. WHO ARE THEY WHO MAY BE SAID TO COVER THEIR SINS?

1. Those who endeavour to conceal themselves under falsehood, as did the servant of Elisha.

2. Those who palliate and excuse themselves in sin, by endeavouring to shift the blame on others, belong to the same class.

3. The attempt to dissemble and disguise sin, by specious pretences, is another way of covering it.

4. There are some who even justify and plead for sin, and these certainly can need but little disguise.

5. Sin is sometimes covered by vain and ineffectual endeavour to satisfy and atone for it.

II. CONSIDER THE FOLLY AND DANGER OF EVERY FALSE DISGUISE. "Shall not prosper."

1. His hopes shall be disappointed, and the end he had in view defeated. It is of no use to deny, to palliate, or in any other way to hide our sins, for God hath set them all in the light of His countenance.

2. Artifice and disguise shall not prosper, even as to our temporal interests.

3. Those who indulge in any manner of deceit shall be utter strangers to spiritual prosperity. Sin is the distemper of the soul; and covering it with false disguises only tends to increase the evil, and make it more dangerous.

4. A course of dissimulation will end in utter ruin and despair. God will neither be deceived nor mocked. Learn —

(1) How carefully we should avoid what will be attended with such tremendous consequences.

(2) As we are not to cover our own sins, so neither should we cover the sins of others, any farther than prudence directs or Christian charity allows.

(3) That we may not be tempted to use any other coverings, let us seek after those which are recommended to us in the gospel.

Sermon Volume 5:2 God's Promise to the Afflicted Church (Isaiah 54:11)

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Here is an outline of the second sermon in Volume 5 of the sermons. It is 9 pages.

Isaiah 54:11

O you afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will lay your stones with fair colours…

I. THE LOW AND AFFLICTED STATE OF THE CHURCH.

1. She is deeply distressed; and the language of Divine compassion towards her is, "Oh thou afflicted!" Piety exempts from future wrath, but not from present trouble. Saints have their afflictions in common with others.

2. 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. 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.

3. The Church is afflicted, "and not comforted." Sometimes light arises out of darkness, and God comforts His people in all their tribulations: but here every species of relief is withheld.

II. THE COMPASSION OF GOD TOWARDS HIS AFFLICTED PEOPLE, AND THE PROMISE MADE FOR THEIR RELIEF. "Behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colours," etc. This is as if the Lord had said, I will turn thy sorrow into joy, thy tears into triumphs.

1. The Church is here represented as a building, whether as a common dwelling or a temple is immaterial. The materials are various. Some are placed in a more conspicuous situation than others; but all are useful and necessary, in different degrees. The various parts of the edifice require to be united, in order to form an entire structure; a confused heap of materials, scattered and unconnected, afford no idea of a building. A temple is designed for worship, and a house for habitation; the Church of God is designed for both.

2. The several parts of this building are next described; the stones that are to be laid, and also the foundations. None but spiritual materials, none but living stones are fit to make a part of this building. The foundation of this building is Christ Jesus. All true believers are united to Him, and rest their eternal all upon Him, as a building rests upon its foundation.

3. We have a promise of future felicity, and glory to the Church. "I will lay thy stones with fair colours, and thy foundations with sapphires." These expressions may imply —

(1) The Church's worth and excellency.

(2) Its comeliness and beauty.

(3) Its firmness and stability. The precious stones and the sapphires, with which this building is to be erected, are durable as well as beautiful, and expressive of the perpetuity of the Gospel Church.

(4) Its future glory. The Church shall indeed be raised to a greater degree of glory in this world; but she shall be transcendently and eternally glorious in the world to come. The future glory of the Church, as predicted by the prophet, is similar to that of the New Jerusalem, which the apostle saw descending from God out of heaven. Let then the afflicted Church, and individual believers, bless God for such a promise! Let them exercise faith and patience, and wait its full accomplishment.

This world's a rough and stormy sea

Where winds arise and tempests roar

On every hand the quicksands lie

The rocks are near remote]s the shore.

Though mountainous the waters stand,

Dare to lift their voice on high.

When Jesus speaks, at his command

The waves subside, the tumults die.

The soul's a vessel rudely tossed

Tempest on this troubled sea

Not a saint shall e'er be lost 

Who seeks for refuge, Lord, in thee.

Then let the swelling billows roar

In awful majesty be drest

I'll brave them all to gain the shore,

The haven of eternal rest.

(750)

(Commenting on 1 Corinthians 15:24 Calvin says  ... as this world is like a stormy sea, in which we are continually tossed and our condition is so uncertain or rather is so full of troubles and there are in things such sudden changes, this might be apt to trouble weak minds.)

Sermon Volume 5:1 Party Spirit (Mark 9.38)

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Here is an outline of the first sermon in Volume 5 of the sermons. It is 9 pages.

Mark 9:38

And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in your name, and he follows not us: and we forbade him…

I. ATTEND TO A FEW GENERAL OBSERVATIONS ON THE PASSAGE.

1. On the introduction of a new dispensation the power of working miracles was necessary, in order to establish its Divine authority; and this power consequently attended the first ages of Christianity.

2. Some who profess a sacred regard for the name of Jesus, and the doctrines of the gospel, may nevertheless not follow Him in all things as we do, or as they themselves ought to do. This may arise from ignorance, indolence, and inadvertence.

3. In the conduct of the disciples we may see our own aptness to imagine that those do not follow Christ at all who do not follow Him with us.

II. INQUIRE INTO THE CAUSES OF THAT UNCHARITABLE JUDGMENT, WHICH PROFESSED CHRISTIANS ARE DISPOSED TO PASS UPON ONE ANOTHER.

1. An immoderate degree of self-love.

2. Bigotry and party spirit are another source of uncharitable judgment.

3. An idle and pragmatic temper is another of these causes.

4. A liberty taken to censure and condemn others, is often vindicated by the appearance of a similar disposition on the other side. Let us not judge of men's thoughts and intentions when there is nothing reprehensible in their conduct.

Let those who own the Christian name

Put spite and malice far away

Let not misguided zeal enflame

Nor restless passions bear the sway

Let them restrain a slandering tongue

Nor to detraction lend an ear

Refuse to do their neighbour wrong

Nor to his failings be severe

No bitter thoughts nor angry words

Among the saints should have a place

We should forgive a brother's faults

Nor seek to heighten his disgrace

Gentle and mild was Jesus' life

And love through all his actions ran

Lord free my soul from wrath and strife

And form my temper like thine own.

(175)

10 Points from a sermon on holiness

Distinguishing Character of Christians

This is from a sermon by Benjamin Beddome on John 17:16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

1. It is not that they have no connection with the men of the world. Grace does not dissolve the union between man and man.

2. It is not that they are to be wholly disengaged from the things of the world.

3. It is not that even the best of men are entirely divested of a worldly spirit, though they are not of the world.

4. They are in a considerable degree mortified to the things of this life, so as not to have "the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God." They are in the world, but not of it: it is their residence, but not their portion.

5. They possess different tempers and dispositions from the men of the world. "Old things are passed away, and all things become new."

6. They speak a different language from the rest of the world.

7. They are neither influenced by the maxims of the world, nor do they imitate its customs.

8. They do not take up their rest in this world. They are born from heaven, and are bound to heaven.

9. To illustrate this character Christ has given his own.

10. From this view of the subject we may learn what judgment we are to form of those about us what is our duty with respect to ourselves.

Medical References in Sermons 13

Coloured stipple engraving by J.J. after E.J. Pigal, c.1840 CC BY 4.0
<https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons (Wellcome Collection)

It is said that Beddome would often turn to the world of medicine for an apt illustration in his preaching.

Example 13

Consider what I say 2 Tim 2:3

We hearken to a physician when he prescribes for our health, and to a counsellor when he is to plead our cause; and shall we not much more hearken to the servants of the most high God, who shew unto us the way of salvation?

Sermon July 16 1780

Another note in the Angus Library reveals that on 16 July 1780 Beddome preached on Exodus iii. 4. The sermon manuscript is there.

Beddome on the Incarnation

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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.

Medical References in Sermons 12

Sermon on Romans 8:28

All second causes are under the direction of the great first Cause, That which in itself might be pernicious when mixed with other ingredients becomes medicinal and salutary.

Medical References in Sermons 11

The Important Question John 9:29

Persons do not step immediately out of a state of quietness in sin into a state of salvation. They must have a fearful apprehension of wrath before they will fly from it a painful sense of their disease before they will apply to the physician and none will seek after life and righteousness from another till they have seen themselves in a state of guilt and condemnation. Nothing but absolute necessity will drive a soul to Christ.

Medical References in Sermons 10

The Impotent Man Acts 3:8

2. His poverty added to his distress. If help was to be obtained by medicine he had not the wherewithal to procure it. We read of a woman who had spent her whole substance upon physicians but it is probable that this man never had any substance to spend. It is evident that at this time he lived upon charity and perhaps had to beg his bread. And thus it is with sinners they are wretchedly poor yet very proud. So poor that like this man they are ready to starve yet so proud that they will not beg.

Also later in the sermon

2 It was speedy and instantaneous. Peter does not put him upon a long course of medicine giving him to hope that after trying this or the other method he might obtain relief but takes him by the hand and lifts him up when suddenly the disorder be it what it will left him and his limbs were restored to their proper use ....

And

Heal thou me says the prophet and I shall be healed. The cure will be wrought if thou undertake it, All others are mere empirics* they may skin over the wound but thou wilt heal it. They may palliate the disorder but thou wilt remove it. Oh bring your sick and polluted souls to Christ and say as the centurion of his servant Speak but the word and I shall be healed or as the leper concerning himself Lord if thou wilt thou canst make me clean.

*Persons who, in medicine or other sciences, rely solely on observation and experiment. Quack doctors.

Medical References in Sermons 09

Zechariah 9:12

1 Consider the relief provided by a stronghold. However, not any stronghold which we may fancy or prepare for ourselves though the imagination of man is very fruitful in inventions of this kind. When conscience is alarmed any thing is sought to that will afford a little present ease and lying vanities are as common now as lying wonders were in the dark days of popery. The physician of souls is neglected and physicians of no value are applied to. When Ephraim saw his sickness and Judah saw his wound then went Ephraim to the Assyrian and sent to king Jareb yet could he not heal you nor cure you of your wound. Such has been and still is the conduct of sinful men. They make any thing their refuge rather than Him who is as a hiding place from the wind and a covert from the tempest and as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land. Some overwhelmed with a sense of guilt and terrified with apprehensions of future wrath fly to the absolute and uncovenanted mercy of God. Some to their church privileges and others to their good works and religious performances. Some hope to conciliate the divine favour by their prayers and tears their amendments and reformations and ....

Medical References in Sermons 08

Self-examination Psalm 139:23

THIS excellent Psalm so descriptive of the greatness and majesty glory and excellency of God concludes with a pathetic address to him Search me oh God. Do it thoroughly, search into my actions and all their springs, into the temper of my mind and every crevice of my soul. Take full cognizance of me, examine me as an artist does his work to see whether there be any flaw or defect in it, as a physician does the pulse or a surgeon the wounds of his patient, as a merchant his book of accompts or a shopkeeper his stock in trade. Try me as we try gold in a balance or by the touchstone or as candidates for honour and preferment to see whether their talents be equal to the station they are designed to occupy.

Medical References in Sermons 07

The imperceptible diffusion of error and truth Luke 13:21

Where the word leaven is understood in a bad sense it seems to have more immediate reference to error, false doctrine Beware, says Christ, of the leaven the Pharisees and Sadducees, the former of whom depended upon their own imperfect services for justification in the sight of God and the latter denied the being of angels, spirits, a resurrection and future state of rewards and punishments. Now as it was then it is at present. The greatest errors have many advocates, the most erroneous teachers many followers and there will be Pharisees and Sadducees to the end of the world. Leaven is not only sour and disgusting but penetrating and diffusive and so is false doctrine. It eats, says the apostle, as doth a canker or, as the word might be rendered, a gangrene, which beginning in the extremities soon reaches the vitals carrying with it inevitable disorganization and destruction. Now had not this gangrene, this leaven hid by Antichrist and disguised by plausible appearances or mingled with some important truths at one time infected and corrupted the whole visible church till God raised up Huss, Jerome, Wickliffe, Luther, Calvin and the other reformers. Thus the apostle Peter speaks of persons bringing in damnable heresies and adds, many shall follow their pernicious ways. Thus some apply the words of my text to a general defection from the way of truth and righteousness.

Medical References in Sermons 06

In the case of the sermon Christ the physician of souls on Matthew 9:21, the whole sermon is marked by illustrations drawn from Beddome's medical background. The sermon begins

The Son of Man came not to be ministered to but to minister and as he travelled from place to place various were the applications made to him for relief and none of them unsuccessful. The woman spoken of in my text had been afflicted with a severe disease for twelve years which wasted her strength and exhausted her spirits. The person concerning whom she speaks was the blessed Jesus who had in innumerable instances displayed his wisdom grace and power in the case of the most obstinate and inveterate maladies with which mankind could be afflicted and he does so still, his agency should be no less acknowledged in the blessing a medicine to the restoration of health than in the working a miracle for that purpose and to him the relieved should ever ascribe the praise. Who healeth all my diseases says the Psalmist. Art thou in health, give the glory to him to whom it is due; art thou sick, apply to him who hath healed those whom other physicians have been unable to relieve. In another place it is said of this same woman that she had spent all her substance in seeking relief but could not obtain it. ....

Medical References in Sermons 05

Process print, 1931, after J. Lamsveld, c. 1700. CC BY 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0>,
via Wikimedia Commons (Wellcome Collection)

It is said that Beddome would often turn to the world of medicine for an apt illustration in his preaching.

Example 5

God the supreme disposer of human affairs Psalm 31:15

Any singular appearances of God either in a way of wrath or mercy.

There is a time to wound and a time to heal a time to cast down and a time to build up. Thus David pleading with God for Zion's deliverance says, The time to favour her even the set time is come. As there is a decree goes forth for the sinner's destruction so also for the saint's deliverance and the one can no more be resisted than the other. The purpose promise and fulfilment exactly answer each other. Our times are in God's hand, our times of sickness and recovery, whether the one be short or long, moderate or severe or the other be sudden or gradual. Of this we have a remarkable instance in the case of Hezekiah.

Medical References in Sermons 04

Author unknown, CC BY 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0>,
via Wikimedia Commons  (Wellcome Collection)

It is said that Beddome would often turn to the world of medicine for an apt illustration in his preaching.

Example 4

On the value of the soul Psalm 35:17

Having considered the soul and body in a comparative light he is convinced of the great superiority of the former to the latter. Christ speaking of the body tells us it is more than raiment and the apostle says, No man ever yet hated his own flesh but loveth and cherisheth it, and no wonder for though but an animated lump of clay it is fearfully and wonderfully made and its whole frame is so skilfully contrived and so exquisitely put together as to awaken universal curiosity and admiration but one soul hath more real worth and excellency in it than a thousand yea than ten thousand bodies. The body is liable to many diseases and will at length be turned to putrefaction and decay but the soul will outlive the wrecks of time and the ruins of the creation. The body is but the house or tabernacle, the soul the inhabitant and as the man is more noble than the house so is the soul than the body The body is but a vessel or casket and the soul a precious jewel lodged there for a time. Now if the cabinet is so curiously wrought what must we think of the treasure contained in it? Surely the rich and various embellishments of the former should excite in us admiring thoughts of the latter. Thus it was with David and thus as far as spiritual light is communicated and grace in exercise it will be with us.