One of the frequent misconceptions of English Particular Baptist life in the 1700s is that it was captive to a hyper-Calvinistic ethos that led it into decline. To a degree, this was true in some places, including central England and London. But the extent has often been exaggerated or misjudged. There are many counter-examples including the life and ministry of Benjamin Beddome and his father, John. As part of the Western Association of Particular Baptist churches, they were staunchly confessional in their church doctrine and life, which included the free proclamation of the gospel and the application of the moral law to the life of believers. They indiscriminately offered the gospel to sinners and opposed all forms of antinomianism. They were also characterized by a broad charity to orthodox believers who did not share their Baptist convictions.