The Travels of True Godliness

by Benjamin Keach, Howard Malcom

Benjamin Keach (1640-1704) was an important Particular Baptist preacher, author, and ardent defender of Baptist principles. Often in prison and frequently in danger for preaching the Gospel, he was the first to introduce singing hymns in the worship of English congregations. "While The Pilgrim's Progress is the most famous of the Christian journey allegories of the seventeenth century, it is not the only one. Though nearly forgotten today, Benjamin Keach's 'The Travels of True Godliness' was in the eighteenth century nearly as popular as Bunyan's great work. It is a great blessing to see it back in print. We hope that many will read, enjoy and benefit from it." - Dr. James M. Renihan

Genres: Theology, Christian Living, Fiction

236 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2005

About the author

Benjamin Keach (1640-1704) was a Particular Baptist preacher in London whose name was given to Keach’s Catechism.

Originally from Buckinghamshire, Keach worked as a tailor during his early years. He was baptized at the age of 15 and began preaching at 18. He was the minister of the congregation at Winslow before moving in 1668 to the church at Horse-lie-down, Southwark where he remained for 36 years as pastor (1668-1704). This congregation later became the New Park Street Church and then moved to the Metropolitan Tabernacle under the pastorship of Charles Spurgeon. It was as representative of this church that Keach went to the 1689 General Assembly and subscribed the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith. Keach was one of the seven men who sent out the invitation to the 1689 General Assembly. The signing of the confession was no mute doctrinal assent on the part of the church, for in the same year they entered into a Solemn Covenant which reflected, at the practical and congregational level, some of the doctrines of the confession. There was a secession from Horse-lie-down in 1673 and the Old Kent Road congregation was formed. Spurgeon later republished the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith for use in the congregation.

Keach wrote 43 works, of which his “Parables and Metaphors of Scripture” may be the best known. He wrote a work entitled “The Child’s Instructor” which immediately brought him under persecution and he was fined and pilloried in 1664. He is attributed with the writing of a catechism commonly known as “Keach’s Catechism”, although it is most likely that the original was compiled by William Collins. (From The Digital Puritan)

Reviews

[Mario Morales · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book. Many compare it to a sort of Pilgrims Progress for Kids. I imagine it would be hard for modern children to follow the train of thought in this book. It would be challenging for the parent to try to read this to their children as I have yet to find a modernized version and doubt there is one.

But, it is a good book. I did enjoy it and would probably read it again in the future.

[Mark Nenadov · Rating 5 out of 5]

A largely forgotten, but very helpful allegorical read (along the lines of Pilgrim's Progress) from a prominent 17th century Baptist leader. It follows the endeavours of True Godliness to enter various houses. It was written by Benjamin Keach (1640-1704) and was edited in the 1800s by Howard Malcom (who served as president of Georgetown College, Bucknell University and Drexel University).