Inheritance of Delight: The Spirituality of Joseph Kinghorn

Abstract

ABSTRACT Joseph Kinghorn is an underappreciated figure in the modern remembrance of Baptist history. Despite Kinghorn’s significant influence among English Baptists in his own time, he is rarely mentioned as a significant influence today. When he is remembered, it is often for his role in the controversy over strict communion. However, among those who knew the man, Kinghorn was best known for his remarkable amiability, character, and delight in the lord. In light of this, a reexamination of Kinghorn’s spirituality offers much to the modern reader. Of peculiar interest is how Kinghorn’s spirituality was formed in close relationship with his father. This study offers a short summary of Kinghorn’s spirituality within its historical context, with attention given to how it was formed in relationship with his father, and worked out in the life of the church.