The Excellent Benjamin Keach, 2nd ed.

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.

Publisher: Joshua Press
Type: Paperback
ISBN: 9781894400633

______________

Austin Walker was born in north London in 1946. He became a Christian at the age of fifteen, and studied at the University of Aberystwyth. Wales. Following graduation from Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, he returned to the U.K. in 1971, and subsequently became pastor of Maidenbower Baptist Church in Crawley, Sussex, where he still preaches the Word of God. One of his specific interests is historical theology, especially that of the Reformation and the English Particular Baptists. The Excellent Benjamin Keach was first published in 2004. In addition, God's Care for the Widow was published in 2010 and caring for Widows (co-authored with Brian Croft) is planned for 2015. Married to Mai for over forty years, they have four married children and ten grandchildren.

______________

‘“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.’ Ben Chapman