In my experience, secret prayer is the hardest grace for the believer to cultivate, and yet I know that it is the best barometer of the soul’s condition. Preaching, writing or disputing is easy work compared to secret prayer. If ever I have written anything which placards my hypocrisy, what now follows is it. What is more, as I admit it, the previous chapter: ‘Pride’ rings in my ear. Nevertheless, I still go ahead and publish. Why? Because Berridge continues to issue challenge after challenge on this matter of private fellowship with God – at least to me. Reader, how about you?
On 3rd May 1773, Berridge wrote to John Thornton:
You judge exceedingly right to stand still and avoid disputings. They only gender strife, and stir up pride. A sweet behaviour, joined with secret prayer, will do more in this matter than a thousand eager disputations.
In a letter to Richard Woodgate, 21st April 1775, Berridge was blunt:
Elderly Christians are apt to grow lazy and lousy, wise and foolish, and thus we bring many stripes on our back. More secret prayer and watchfulness would prevent a deal of physic. |
