The Excellent Benjamin Keach

by Austin Walker

Ministering during turbulent times for Nonconformists, Benjamin Keach endured both persecution for his faith and rich blessing on his ministry. Arriving in London in 1668, Keach soon became pastor of a church in Southwark, on the south bank of the Thames, later known as the Metropolitan Tabernacle (where Charles Spurgeon was eventually to pastor). His extensive writings-including sermons, poetry, hymns, apologetics and treatises against theological errors-alongside his preaching ministry, made Keach one of the key Particular Baptist leaders of his day. His friends included Hercules Collins, William Kiffin, Hanserd Knollys, Henry Forty and Joseph Stennett. The Excellent Benjamin Keach is a major study of his life and thought and provides insight into the ecclesiastical and political turmoil of seventeenth-century England. Keach's solid character, integrity and Christian graces enabled him to defend scriptural truths while avoiding personal attacks. He is particularly known for his vigorous defence of the singing of hymns in church, the laying on of hands and the doctrine of justification by faith alone. His preaching was marked by fervency and zeal, for he said, "cold and lifeless preaching, makes cold hearing." Keach encouraged his hearers to flee to Christ for salvation, assuring them there was sufficient mercy at the cross for the worst of sinners. For believers, Keach encouraged them to love the truth, to get it deep into their affections, so that they could "show themselves bold and courageous in the cause and interest of God, and their souls." This is a book to invigorate your love for God and his Word. It will challenge you to stand boldly with holy men and women of the past, as you seek to live faithfully for Christ in the present day.

Genres: Christian

496 pages, Paperback

Published January 2, 2015

Reviews

[Ben Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Excellent Benjamin Keach” is an eye opening account of one of the leading men of the Particular Baptist movement in late 17th Century. As one of the signees of the 1689 London Baptist Confession, Keach was thrown into many controversies, faced many persecutions, and many hardships; things you might not even know existed during that time in church history. He was a man with a biblically convicted head and heart and his story is sure to drive any who will, to stand firm in the faith in Christ our Lord. I only wish this story was far better known and I pray that more and more people will learn for our days, by looking into the past. Austin Walker has put together a phenomenal work, given very limited resources for such a crucial time in history. I highly recommend this book.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book considers the life of Benjamin Keach and the time & place in which he lived. He was a man who endured much persecution & controversy throughout his life, from the civil authorities, the Church of England, his own congregation, and other Dissenters. He endured these things though with a zeal for the truth, a concern for God's people, and a love for His Saviour.

The author has provided us with an excellent sketch of an excellent man. He, of course, was not without his faults, but I found the legacy & example that Keach has left behind to be a great challenge to stand for & not compromise the truth, out of a longing to please the Lord & defend His cause.

[Rex Blackburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book so much.

I chose to study Keach's life and spirituality as part of a course at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and this biography by Austin Walker was central to my study. Walker does a great job incorporating the big picture, historical context and the intricate biographical details together into a readable biography. Walker has obviously spent great time combing through primary sources, and it has yielded a clear picture of this impressive man.

I look forward to encountering more of Keach's works!

[Andrzej Stelmasiak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it 5 years ago or so.

Very good historical research. Readable. Not a hagiography, but still sympathetic to Keach.