Benjamin Keach

Benjamin Keach (1640-1704) was an influential leader among 17th century Particular Baptists. As a prominent nonconformist leader and a prolific writer, he helped shape the theological development of the Particular Baptists as they struggled through persecution and finally emerged under legal toleration near the end of that century. Keach originated from Buckinghamshire and worked as a Tailor. 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 Horsleydown, Southwark where he remained as pastor for 36 years. It was as representative of this church that Keach went to the 1689 General Assembly and subscribed to the London Baptist Confession of Faith.
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. It was originally published to clarify the theology of the Second London Baptist Confession that was written in 1677 and published in 1689. 
Keach is also known for his introduction of hymns into the worship service of his congregation at Horsleydown around 1673. This decision eventually sparked a very public discourse on whether or not singing was appropriate in worship, and if so, on the types of song that God found acceptable.
==Online writings==
*The Glory of a True Church, and its Discipline Displayed
*An Election of Particular Persons
*A Call to Self Examination
*Keach's Catechism
==Resources==
*Austin Walker, The Excellent Benjamin Keach, Canada: Joshua Press (October 2004).
==External links==
*Benjamin Keach and Hymnology
*A Biographical Sketch
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