JOHN BERRIDGE,
LATE VICAR OF EVERTON AND AN
ITINERANT SERVANT OF JESUS CHRIST,
WHO LOVED HIS MASTER AND HIS WORK,
AND AFTER RUNNING ON HIS ERRANDS
MANY YEARS WAS CALLED UP TO
WAIT ON HIM ABOVE.
I was born in sin, February 1716.
Remained ignorant of my fallen state
till 1730.
Lived proudly on faith and works
for salvation till 1754.
Admitted to Everton Vicarage, 1755.
Fled to Jesus alone for refuge, 1756.
Fell asleep in Christ, 22nd January 1793.
READER, ART THOU BORN AGAIN?
NO SALVATION WITHOUT A NEW BIRTH.
JOHN BERRIDGE, one of the most devoted preachers of the eighteenth century, had the above inscription placed on his tombstone at his own request.
Like thousands in our day, he made one great mistake. For twenty-six years he labored and prayed, preached and strove, vainly hoping that in this way he could avert the wrath of God against his sins. Multitudes are fondly dreaming of getting to heaven at last in the same way, by faith and works. “Believe on Christ,” they say, “and do the best you can;” and thousands of pulpits are, occupied by men who preach this very thing, while the Word of God says, “But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness” (Rom. 4:66Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, (Romans 4:6)).
For twenty-six years Mr. Berridge tried this way, and at the end of that time found himself far from the kingdom of God. Lost and helpless, he looked to JESUS alone for salvation, and found―what works and prayers could never give a guilty sinner―peace with God. “Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 5:11Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: (Romans 5:1)).
And, reader, if you this moment cease from your own works and rest on the Saviour, our Lord Jesus Christ, and His finished work, you too will have peace; you will be immediately justified; and, knowing this, you can then labor with a right motive; and, like good John Berridge, you will love your Master and His work, because He first loved you.
Extracted.