A black hellish brand plucked from the burning!
(Letters of John Berridge, 1716-1793)
I sometimes hope at the closing hour, when I shall exchange worlds, that Jesus will help me to lay hold of every sinful serpent that has long twisted around my soul, and keeps me company all my pilgrimage; and enable me, by the hand of faith, to hold them up, crying out: Behold the heads of traitors, which shall never come to life again! Oh! what a joyful shout shall I give when I shall feel these vermin drop off!
At times I am ready to hope the gloomy territories of the grave are almost ready for me, that I may lay down this body of sin upon the block for everlasting execution. O! when shall these clogs and fetters be knocked off, and the dark and gloomy walks of this valley of tears be turned into bright and peaceful realms!
Alas! what has such a depraved, polluted, and corrupted miscreant as I to reckon upon, why mercy and grace should be exerted in my salvation--but free, rich, sovereign grace! This will be the topic of the eternal songs of redeemed souls. The theme of my song will be Grace! Grace! if ever I reach the heights of Zion.
As I have experienced some special advantage from the study of the old man and all his cursed artillery, with the powers of the infernal kingdom, and this world, with all its bewitching sweets--I would earnestly recommend soul-study, wiles-of-the-devil-study, and the snares-of-the-world study to every Christian friend. Commune with your own heart daily; beware of Satan's devices; and be ever on the watch lest you enter into temptation; for though the spirit may be willing, the flesh is weak.
When I get to Heaven I shall be truly a wonder there; I shall be as an eternal monument set up to the honor of divine grace, and the inscription upon me will be this: A black hellish brand plucked from the burning--now made, through rich mercy, a pillar to stand forever in the temple of God.
