Berridge, John, a clergyman of the Church of England, was born in Nottinghamshire March 1, 1716. He became Vicar of Everton in 1755, and remained there until his death, January 22, 1793. His preaching was at first sadly lacking in spirituality; but being happily converted, he became one of the most earnest of the evangelical clergymen who sympathized with and aided the Methodist revival. Frequent allusions to him are found in the writings of [31]John Wesley, who esteemed him highly and found in him a helpful coworker. He was never married. In 1785 he published a volume of hymns titled Zion's Songs. His "wedding hymn," a prayer in song for the divine blessing on the bridal couple, is the only one of his three hundred and forty-two hymns that finds a place in this collection:

Since Jesus freely did appear 667