George Benson (theologian)

George Benson (1 September 1699 Great Salkeld – 6 April 1762 London) was an English Presbyterian pastor and theologian who was noted for his publications on the Christian epistles.

Benson often conversed with dignitaries such as Lord Chancellor Peter King and Edmund Law, the bishop of Carlisle. According to Alexander Balloch Grosart, writing in the Dictionary of National Biography, Benson's views were "Socinian" though at this period the term is often confused with Arian.

Benson was born at Great Salkeld, Cumberland, on 1 September 1699. His grandfather, also George Benson, served with the Roundheads during the English Civil War. Benson received a classical education and attended an academy run by Thomas Dixon at Whitehaven for one year. Benson then went to the University of Glasgow.

Around 1721, Benson moved to London. After being approved by several Presbyterian ministers, Benson began preaching, first at Chertsey and then in London. Edmund Calamy let Benson live with his own family. With Calamy's recommendation, Benson moved to Abingdon in Berkshire to be the pastor of a congregation of Protestant dissenters. On 27 March 1723, Calamy and five other ministers officiated at Benson's ordination. He continued in Abingdon for seven years. When ordained, Benson held strictly Calvinist opinions and preached them fervently.

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