extraordinary pains, and pressed very earnestly upon them the necessity of sanctification; but had the mortification to find that they continued as unsanctifled as before. There was indeed a little more of the form of religion in the parish; but nothing more of the power. On account of the plainness of his discourses, and the impressive mode of his delivery, he was much followed as a preacher before his conversion; or before he obtained any proper views of the Gospel of Christ. He lived uprightly, and inculcated whatever he delivered with the utmost sincerity and concern to produce a due impression on the minds of his hearers; but he erred in the ground of dependence for acceptance with God. He did not, for that important purpose, exalt the Saviour, or point out the necessity of his obedience unto death. Hence he saw no fruit of his ministry in the change wrought upon the ungodly who constantly heard him, which frequently excited his grief and lamentation."

"In the former part of his ministry, even after he understood the way of salvation more perfectly, he chiefly aimed at reforming the outward appearance, knocking off, as he humorously expressed it, fine caps and bonnets; but after some time he found that this mode of preaching produced but little effect. He therefore saw it needful to lay the axe to the root of the tree, or to endeavour to reform the heart, from whence proceeds all evil thoughts, words, and works; that, the tree being made good, the fruit might also become good.'

"In the year 1755, he was admitted to the Vicarage of Everton, in the gift of Clare Hall, and he continued to reside there to the end of his life. Here again he pressed sanctification and regeneration upon his hearers, as strenuously as he could, but with as little success as before. Nor was it to be wondered at, as his preaching rather tended to make them trust in themselves as righteous, than to depend upon Christ for the remission of sins, through faith in his blood.

This happened about Christmas, 1757. But not being able to repel these secret misgivings, though he strenuously opposed them, his mind was wrought to a degree of embarrassment and distress, to which he had hitherto been a stranger. This, however, had a happy effect, as it led him to cry mightily to God for direction. The constant language of his heart was, Lord, if I am right, keep me so; if I am not, make me so and lead me to the knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus.' the almost incessant repetition of a prayer so evidently sincere and childlike, it is no wonder that God should lend a gracious ear, which he did by returning him an answer about ten days after, in the following remarkable manner: As he sat, one morning,musing upon a text of Scripture, these words were, in a wonderful manner, darted into his mind, and seemed indeed like a voice from heaven:

After

Cease from thine own works, only believe.' No sooner were these words impressed upon his mind, than the scales fell from his eyes, and he perceived the application. Just before this occurrence, he was in a very unusual calm, but now his soul experienced an immediate tempest. Tears gushed forth like a torrent. He saw the rock upon which he had been splitting for near thirty years, by endeavouring to blend the law and the Gospel, and unite Christ's righteous ness with his own. Immediately he began to think upon the words, Faith and Believe; and looking into his con cordance, found them inserted in many successive columns. This surprised him to a great degree, and he instantly formed the resolution to preach Jesus Christ, and salvation by faith. He therefore composed several sermons of this description, and addressed his hearers in a manner very unusual, and far more pointed than before.

"Now God began to bless his ministry; after he had preached in this strain two or three Sabbaths, and was ruminating whether he was yet right, as he had perceived no better effects from these than from his former discourses, one of his parishioners came to inquire for him. Being introduced, Well, Sarah,' said he. She replied,

what is the matter, Sarah ?'' Matter, why, I don't know what's the matter. These new Sermons. I find we are all to be lost now. I can neither eat, drink, nor sleep. I don't know what's to become of me.' The same week came two or three more on a like errand. It is easy to conceive what relief these visits must have afforded his mind in a state of such anxiety and

Now

suspense. So confirmed was he thereby, in the persuasion that his late im pressions were from God, that he determined in future to know nothing but Jesus Christ, and him crucified. he was deeply humbled, that he should have spent so many years of his life to no better purpose, than to confirm his hearers in their ignorance. Thereupon, immediately, he burnt all his old sermons, and shed a flood of the tears of joy in their destruction. These circumstances alarmed the neighbourhood; the Church quickly became crowded, and God gave testimony to the word of his grace, in the frequent conviction and conversion of sinners.

"Hitherto he had confined his la bours to his own parish, and had been accustomed to write his sermons at full length; but an incident occurred, as unexpected to him as it was novel in itself, which led him to preach extempore. He had not exercised his ministry in an evangelical strain many months, before he was invited to preach, what is commonly called, a Club Sermon. All his old ones were burnt, and much of his time was engrossed in writing new discourses. When he intended to compose this, he was so much engaged with people, who came under serious impressions, that he found himself straitened for time, and therefore resolved to give the people one of his new discourses, which he had delivered at home, not expecting that any of his parishioners would be present. On the Sabbath evening, one of his hearers informed him of his intention to accompany him the next day. This was an unwelcome intimation, and he endeavoured to dissuade him from his reso

lation, but to no purpose. Upon this he resolved to rise very early, pursue his journey, and compose his sermon at the place where it was to be delivered, that he might not be interrupted by the visits of his people. In going he com forted himself, that there would be but a small congregation, and that a long discourse might be dispensed with. But, to his great surprise, on his arri val, he was informed that all the Clergy and people of the neighbouring parishes were come to hear him. This wrought up his mind to such a degree of agitation, as absolutely incapacitated him for study; and he therefore was obliged to ascend the pulpit, and preach, bonâ fide, an extempore sermon. But here God wonderfully and most agreeably disappointed his fears, by affording him such extraordinary assistance, as enabled him to rise superior to all his embarrassment, and to command the most solemn attention from his numerous au

dience. This was a happy event both for himself and others, as it released him from the toil of writing his sermons before he delivered them, (for he never afterwards penned a discourse, except on a very particular occasion,) and gave him the opportunity of preaching more frequently, not only at home, but in the adjacent villages.

"Hitherto Messrs. Wesley and Whitfield were personally unknown to him ;and as common report had operated much to their disparagement, he found no inclination to seek an acquaintance with them. But as his ardent zeal and peculiar success became the general topics in religious circles, a correspondence was soon opened; this prepared the way for an interview, and a perfect intimacy succeeded.

"This acquaintance with Mr. Wesley commenced on the 2nd of June, 1758; and, on the 22nd, (not more than six months after the change in his religious sentiments,) he began to itinerate.'

The preceding statements and extracts bring down the narrative to the date of the revival with which the memory of Mr. Berridge is identified. It may interest the reader to peruse another series of passages from Mr. Whittingham's memoir, and which will be useful in showing the character and proceedings of the man under whose ministry such remarkable results took place. We must quote as before, without pausing to annotate; but this does not imply that we praise all that we do not blame, or blame all that we do not praise.

"In giving as exact a portraiture as possible of Mr. Berridge, as to his views of Systems of Religion, it appears proper

disposed to entertain in the latter part here to state the sentiments he was of his life on the subjects of controversy between Arminians and Calvinists. Be

ing of an ardent constitution, he was led to embrace, in the most prompt and avowed manner, that system of religion which appeared to him to be most consonant with the sacred Scriptures. When first brought to discover how erroneously he had been building his hope of eternal felicity, or that he had not been simply depending on the merits of Christ for salvation, but had been trusting in part in his own doings for that purpose, he strongly leaned to the side of Arminianism as held and incul. cated by the leaders of Methodism."

Some years afterwards he imbibed the peculiar sentiments of Calvinism, which he maintained and strenuously inculcated for several years. At length, however, through reading various works on theological subjects, and much thinking on them, his views of different Systems of Religion became moderate. The Editor well recollects his conversation with him on the points in debate between certain controversialists at that time. He frankly owned, that he saw such difficulties attending the Systems of Arminianism and Calvinism, as defied the reason of man to solve, or to show which was most agreeable to the counsels of the Most High. As all his judg ments are unsearchable, and his ways past finding out, so he deemed the system of the Infinite Mind, in regard to religion, beyond the penetration of the wisest of mankind, who, surrounded in this state of obscurity, know but in part, being at present incapacitated for a clear and comprehensive view of those truths which will be fully known here after. Hence he came to the determination of adhering steadily to one leading and important maxim, viz. That Salvation is of God, and Man's Destruction of himself.'

"Influenced by this maxim during the remaining part of his life, he became indifferent to the reading of controversial works. He wanted his mind to be kept at ease, and not to be disturbed by the opposing sentiments of different writers. His chief desire was to have his thoughts employed, without interruption, about the subjects of religion which are essentially necessary to sal vation. These he entertained with avowed and undeviating firmness for many years before he left earth for heaven.

"When, therefore, an eminent minister, paying him a visit, inquired whether he had read certain works on the controverted points relating to Arminianism and Calvinism, he replied, 'I have them on my shelves in my Library, where they are very quiet; if I take them down, and look upon them, they will begin to quarrel and disagree.' He regarded controversy, being often conducted with acrimony, with no favourable opinion, regarding it as injurious to heavenly mindedness, as well as to a peaceful state

of mind.*

One of his flock, in a letter written a few weeks after his death, said, "In 1776 I had the pleasure to be present, when the distinguishing benignity of the Christian character was beautifully exemplified in Mr. Berridge, and Mr. Fletcher (of Madeley), another eminent

"His mental powers were far from contemptible. He possessed a strength of understanding, a quickness of per

minister of Christ, now also in glory. They had not seen each other for sixteen years. Mr. Berridge had passed some strictures upon the polemical writings of his friend, in a tract which Mr. Berridge published about the year 1773. Mr. Fletcher replied; but no rejoinder took place on the part of Mr. B., who frequently expressed his regret at himself and Mr. F. having written on controversial subjects, observing that it would have been better let alone.

"The meeting of these two excellent men, was such as could not but bring to mind the apostolic days. It was at the Vicarage of Everton. They em braced each other with tears of affection, at first meeting, and saluted by the endearing name of brother: surely never did two more kindred spirits meet. How clearly was it to be seen that they had one Father-one Lord-one Baptism—notwithstanding their different opinions. Never was a fuller testimony that religion does not consist in opinions, and that its power rests upon men of totally different speculative sentiments-in short, that the kingdom of heaven is within all the true and loving disciples of a loving Saviour. Though Mr. B. had attacked Mr. F. with some warmth, because he thought he had written some things derogatory to the honour of the Redeemer, whom they both adored, and both would have given their lives to serve. And though Mr. F, in his reply, had used some expressions which occasioned Mr. B. to call it, in his humorous way, his horsewhip; yet did they now meet as most affectionate brethren.

"After the first expressions of re-. gard, they naturally adverted to their last meeting; and thence began to trace the circumstances of the intervening years. Myself and two other friends then purposely left them together for full two hours. On our return they told us they had been having a great deal of conversation; but we perceived, with great satisfaction, that the spirit with which they met had not evaporated: they were still consulting how they might be most useful to the Church of Christ. They were now to part, and as Mr. F. was in such an ill state of health, that he did not expect even to see Mr. B. again, it was the more solemn. They invited us, who were present, and also called in Mr. Berridge's servants, to join them in a parting address to the throne of grace. Mr. F. prayed fervently and affectionately; and

ception, a depth of penetration, a brilliancy of fancy, and a fund of prompt wit, beyond most men. A vein of innocent humour ran through all his public and private discourses. This softened, what some might call, the austerity of religion, and rendered his company pleasant to people of a less serious babit; but, what is very singular, it never overcame his gravity. He would often, by an unexpected sally of humour, throw a whole assembly into a sudden burst of laughter, but would himself keep his countenance.

"In learning he was inferior to very few of the most celebrated sons of science and literature at the University. His masculine ability, his uniform sobriety, and long residence at College, were favourable to improvement; and so insatiable was his thirst for knowledge, that from his entrance at Clare Hall, to his acceptance of the Vicarage of Everton, he regularly studied fifteen hours a-day. A clergyman, with whom he had been in the habits of friendship about fifty years, said of him, that he was as familiar with the learned languages, as he was with his mother tongue; and that he could be under no temptation to court respect by itinerant preaching; for he merited and enjoyed that in a high degree among all ranks of literary professions at the University."

66

Though he obtained the just reputation of being a learned man, and was conversant with all the beauties of language, so ardent was his desire of doing good to his most illiterate hearers, that he laid aside an affected style of elegance, and, from principle, cultivated an easy and familiar diction.

"The mode of his public ministrations was emphatically original. He evidently observed method in all his sermons, but it was unhacknied. It was not his custom to range his subjects under general heads of discourse; but when he made the attempt his divisions would be peculiarly natural, and rigidly adhered to. As he rarely allegorized, or accommodated the Scriptures, he was less liable to mistake their meaning. He seldom referred to the original text; but when he did, his remarks were pertinent. In his discussion of general topics, his figures were

having concluded, all were about to rise from their knees, when Mr. B. began to pray in language equally warm and loving with that of his dear brother. Their parting was such as might be expected after such a meeting. Their conduct reminds me of the saying of the persecutors of the Primitive Christians, 'See how these Christians love one another !'"

new, his illustrations apposite, and his arguments conclusive. His stature was tall, but not awkward; his make was lusty, but not corpulent; his voice was deep, but not hoarse; strong, but not noisy; his pronunciation was distinct, but not broad. In his countenance there was gravity, without grimace; his address was solemn, but not sour; easy, but not careless; deliberate, but not drawling; pointed, but not personal; affectionate, but not fawning. He would often weep, but never whine. His sentences were short, but not ambiguous. His ideas were collected, but not crowded. Upon the whole his manner and person were agreeable and majestic. But what transcended all the above excellencies, and gave him such an ascendancy in the consciences of his numerous hearers, were the doctrines he taught, together with their unbounded influence upon all the powers of his mind, and transactions of his life. Deep necessity compelled him to embrace and preach Jesus Christ; and the same necessity led him into more enlarged discoveries of his grace. Living under their perpetual control, and enjoying their ineffable sweetness, he was not only willing to impart the truths of the everlasting Gospel, but to consecrate himself to the service of the Lord, and the souls of men."

66

'Mr. Berridge was very striking in speaking of the evil passions, which are lamentably indulged by fallen man. Was it pride which he intended to exhibit to the view of his hearers? He would do it in such a way as to cause the meanest in the congregation to feel that he was guilty of it. In proof of this it is matter of fact-be mentioned the ploughman, and said,' Have not some of you, when you have ploughed a furrow, looked back, and observing it well done, proudly saidthere is not a man in the parish who can plough a better furrow than this.' A ploughman had actually expressed himself in such terms; and on hearing a further description of pride with its awful consequence, was savingly convinced of sin, and afterwards manifested a conversation and practice becoming the christian character. Was the infernal passion of envy to be set forth in all its horrid and disturbing operations? In the most vivid manner would he portray its foulness, and exhibit it, as it really is, in the most disgustful colours in the view of all who were indulging it in their hearts, or harassed with its frequent intrusion. A most excellent, popular, and useful clergyman, the rector of a church in London in a very populous parish, re

lated to the editor, in the most frank and unreserved manner, the following circumstances relative to the passion of envy. The clergyman, who has long since been placed beyond the reach of evil, and where the tempter to sin can never gain admission, informed the editor, that a clergyman, nearly of his own age and of his own standing in the ministry, was the object of his envy. Sensible of the evil of such a disposition, he lamented exceedingly that the thoughts of his heart should be infected with such a horrid and poisonous principle. He besought the Lord to remove the thorn which so grievously tormented bis breast; but still, on particular occasions, his mind was again disturbed by the intrusion of envy. And thus, for a considerable time, he had to struggle with this evil.

"He felt inclined to go and hear Mr. Berridge, at the place where he preached regularly for several years. The text was, What is thy name? And he said, Legion.' From this passage he took occasion to speak of the various evil dispositions which Sin has introduced into the heart of fallen man. Amongst them he particularly noticed envy, as a prominent leader in the Legion. And then he related how his own heart had been ready to indulge it. During his annual visits to London, and having then no curate, a clergyman was always provided to supply Ever ton. On his return home from Lon

don, he sometimes found that his people had been highly delighted with the preacher who had filled his pulpit in his absence. On hearing him so highly extolled, Envy,' said he, began to operate; and, my breast swelling like a toad, I said to myself, I will take care that he shall not supply my place again. My great self could not brook to be outdone by another. I took, however, the sword of the Spirit, and made supplication to my Lord and Master, and the fiendish foe was expelled. This relation of what Mr. Berridge had himself experienced was the means of completely delivering the clergyman alluded to from the tormenting evil which he had so long struggled with: for he had entertained the idea, that no minister had been so harassed with it as he had been. He afterwards enjoyed a calm and contented state of mind, and could think of other eminent ministers with thankfulness to the Giver of every good and perfect gift, for the talents with which he had been pleased to entrust them, as well as for those which he himself possessed."

Having so good a master he entered upon his work with cheer

ful steps, and pursued it with the greatest industry. He did not confine his labours to the narrow limits of Everton.

The

"In his itineracy, he would take the counties of Bedford, Cambridge, Essex, Hertford, and Huntingdon, making the episcopal exhortation the rule of his operation, To seek for Christ's sheep that are dispersed abroad.' In this circuit he preached, upon an average, from ten to twelve sermons a-week, and frequently rode a hundred miles. numbers that sometimes heard him were very great. Ten and fifteen thousand at some places composed his congregation; and he was well heard by all of them. People came to hear him from the distance of twenty miles, and were at Everton by seven o'clock in the morning, having set out from home soon after midnight. At that early hour he preached to very considerable congregations: also at halfpast ten and half-past two o'clock, and again in the evening. Thus was he engaged in preaching four times on the Sunday. The blessing of the Lord attended his ministry in a very powerful and extraordinary manner. the net, and many, whenever he did so, were enclosed in it, and departed not without letting him know how powerfully their hearts were impressed with the truths he had delivered. He at

He cast

first wrote down the names and places of abode, of those who applied to him for instruction, till he had written more than a thousand names, exclusive of the numbers that were convinced of the error of their ways, under his ministry in London, and other places at a distance from Everton. So impressive were some parts of his sermons, as to disarm those who went to hear him with the full intention of silencing him, and doing him some personal injury. On one occasion a man of more than the common size came to hear him at Everton, and placed himself immediately before the pulpit with the full design of incommoding him, and rendering him confused; for that purpose he made various gesticulations, and uttered most contemptuous expressions. Mr. Berridge, not in the least intimidated, thought it proper to address him personally, which he did in so powerful a manner, as to cause him to sink down in the pew, and to perspire through his great coat. As soon as he came out of church he acknowledged his intention, saying, I came to confuse this good man, but God has made him the means lost sinner.' The conviction thus proof convincing me that I am a sinful,