it seems that preaching and other pastoral duties were "weariness and pain to slothful flesh and blood." It is singular too, that, twenty years prior to his death, he should have an impression on his mind that his departure out of this world would be sudden.

LETTER IX.

To Mrs. Baiston.

"Nottingham, May 23, 1799. "MY DEAR SISTER,-I have promised to write to you, but oh! how slow in performing! This, God knows, is too much like my other works-done with reluctance. I have sometimes thought much on this head,-whether I shall receive so bright a crown as those who so readily enter into the greatest matters. To preach, to pray, &c, &c, continues to be my daily cross. Lord thy work and will be done in me, and by me, more heartily.

'My faith, my love to Jesus, my union with the saints and my prospect of glory increase daily. For some weeks past I have been seeking to be ready at any instant. I have received a persuasion that I shall go in a moment. Whether this be from my Father or not, I feel it has a good effect upon my mind: I live for him. Do, my dear sister, pray,-yea, always in private pray, that my soul may receive and retain all the glory!Amen, Lord Jesus!

"I hope you will still care for the feeblest child, the tenderest lamb. Never forget you were once weak,— wanting every prop, every prayer. Look well to the lambs. Your great work is to nourish these and lead them on to glory. But at the same time view the blessing which is prepared. Hunger, thirst, cry mightily to God for all he has to give. I am persuaded many draw back after the cleansing touch; and the cause generally is, their not determining to receive the WHOLE. Oh! see St. Paul, 'I reach forward:' hence, 'I have kept the faith.' You have received blessings of the greatest value in their nature: but these may all be

increased a hundred fold. Oh! I want you to live in the holy place, in the nearest union, in the greatest glory, being changed from one degree of it into another.

"I have thought, that if I am spared, I may receive in one month a double weight. I find all things removed that would hinder, all things at work to my help; and I have confidence that I shall pursue to the utmost the great salvation. What have we done? All seems nothing. I have stood to look back on all my works; but I cannot fix my mind on ONE that yields joy. I instantly look to Jesus, and in him I do rejoice. Lord, save me! save my dear family! save my friends! save thy church! Amen, Lord Jesus!

"I do and shall ever thank God, for your habitation, and the mercy under your roof. Our kind love to dear Mr. Baiston. Pray on! Oh pray more! I will join you.

"WM. BRAMWELL."

The subjoined letters to Mr. Thomas Jackson, of Dewsbury, and to Miss Barrett, show his spirituality of mind, his zeal for God, and his tenderness of conscience.

LETTER X.

To Mr. Thomas Jackson.

"Nottingham, June 21, 1799. "MY DEAR BROTHER,-If I had not promised, I should scarcely have ventured to write by the post. I thank God that you have peace and love restored. Oh! continue it with all prosperity! The Lord save you, your family, and the whole society! Give our dear love to them all. God is with us. I am nearer the throne; and never was so dependent on Jesus: HE IS MY ALL, bless the Lord:-God is working; but we want greater things. I trust we shall see such glory as we have not yet done. Do tell your dear wife we love her in the Lord, and shall pray for her. Oh! may she be the mother in your little church. My brother,

ve every moment in the spirit of prayer. Preach in he same power. Take courage, and work for your

Fod. Amen!

"Write to me soon, and let me know every thing. ontinue to pray for me. Be faithful to me. I must every thing. I can do no

ave a clear conscience in

ing because others do it. Oh! may I keep my soul re! Lord, stand by me and the church for ever! "I am your servant in Jesus,

"WM. BRAMWELL."

LETTER XI.

To Mr. Thomas Jackson.

Nottingham, September 4, 1799.

"MY DEAR BROTHER,-I thank you for your friendly tter; and I praise God that you continue to pray for e; which I hope you will ever do, till we meet in glory. am striving with continued prayer to live nearer to od than I have ever done; and he brings my soul into oser union; I live with Jesus: he is my all. Oh! he ys me at his feet. I am less than nothing in his sight. "This walking with God! this conversation in hean! Oh! how I am ashamed! I sink in silent love. I onder how the Lord has ever borne with me so long. never had such a view of God and myself. I pray at every moment of my life may show forth his praise. aise him for ever! Do give my love to Mr. Miller he Lord will make him a great blessing to you all: ay for him, and help him all you can. Your circuit, believe, will arise. May the Lord send you salvation, nd may all the circuit praise him!

* * * * *

"I pray that grace and peace may be multiplied mongst you all! The Lord is working in town and untry; but we wait for greater things than these. ome, Lord Jesus! Come quickly! Amen!

"I am yours, affectionately,

"WM. BRAMWELL."

"I write to you, my dear friend and companion in the tribulation of Jesus, our common Lord and Saviour; who is, and shall be, our glory, in this world, and in that which is to come! I am waiting for my place with earnest longing; and am truly desirous of being near my blessed Lord. I am more than ever convinced of this truth, that the degrees in heaven will astonish thousands. And should not we see our privileges on earth? Oh! let us labour with this view every day. We have not long to work; and, therefore,. may we suffer all his will!

"I am enabled to consider your calling, and how much you may be drawn from your own purpose. In this I say, 'Thy will be done!"

"Please inform us of the time of your coming, and so abide; because many are kept in a state of suspense, which is rather uncomfortable for us.

We are unworthy: I feel this! Yet God is among the people, saving and filling. But we want you; and God will come with you. Do come immediately, and let me know the time. Our love to you and all friends Yours, &c,

66

"WM. BRAMWELL,"

LETTER XIII.

To Miss Barrett.

"Taghill, Nottingham, October 16, 1800.

"MY DEAR SISTER,-I was much affected when I came home and found you were gone; especially as we had both promised for Dunnington circuit and Leicester, and thousands were waiting for you at Mount Sorrel. There is such an opening for you in that country as I never saw before.

"I bless God that you ever came amongst us. Were it in the order of God, I should not have the least objection to stand by you in every place till we take our seats in glory. Pray for us every day. I trust I shall ever pray for you.

"I have had a powerful season at Bulwell; several souls saved. The same at Watnal, and last night at Eastwood. Glory, glory, glory to God! Please write to me soon, and tell me of your journeys and labours in every place. The Lord bless you all! and may thousands be saved!

"Yours, &c,

"WM. BRAMWELL."

CHAPTER X.

Mr. Bramwell is appointed to travel in Leeds-His great popu larity and usefulness-His qualifications for the ministryLetters-Some severe trials-Begins to travel in the Wether. by circuit, and afterwards in Hull-Anecdotes-Letters.

IN 1801, the conference was held at Leeds. Many of the friends in this town were particularly desirous of having Mr. Bramwell stationed here. Their request was granted by conference, as a favour: and Messrs. Barber and Reece were appointed his colleagues. Previous to his arrival, many had entertained unfavourable sentiments concerning his ministerial talents; and, indeed, the opinion has perhaps been too prevalent, that if a man enter heartily into what has been termed THE REVIVAL, or, in other words, if he encourage prayer meetings, and exhort plain simple people to unite in carrying on the work of God,-this is a manifest proof of his being a person of only ordinary abilities. Now, were this sentiment actually correct, it would only prove, that the Lord is pleased at times to "choose the foolish things of the world to confound the wise." But the sentiment is extremely erroneous; for it is a fact, which none will be disposed to question, that Mr. Wesley was a man of the most profound erudition, and it is