labour now to be popular. It was said of one man at the conference, that 'he laboured for an hour to make the preachers and the people think that he knew something.' O poor labour! Are not numbers now thus labouring. I see them, and I see they do nothing. How shall such give an account to God? A man goes into a circuit with this view, I am determined I will make this circuit know I am somebody!' My brother Stones, the salvation of souls, and if possible, a soul brought to God in every day's labour, is of the greatest consequence. We shall be glad to see you whenever you can come. Give my love to Mr. and Mrs. Jackson.

"I am yours very affectionately,

"WM. BRAMWELL."

CHAPTER XIII.

Mr. Bramwell's labours in London-- His indisposition-Letters -His removal to Newcastle-Letters.

IN the year 1814 Mr. Bramwell was appointed to labour in the London West Circuit; and from the ideas which he had previously formed concerning the gayety and dissipation of the metropolis, that appointment was to him a source of considerable and painful perplexity. Indeed his entrance on a new circuit was very generally a time of great conflict; and therefore it is natural to suppose, that when about to engage in a spiritual warfare among the rich and the great in London, his mind would be unusually affected. However, he requested his Christian friends to unite with him in earnest prayer that the Lord of hosts might accompany him and crown his labours with abundant success. As he was well known in the Methodist connexion as an active leader in revivals, there were various and conflicting opinions respecting him; in consequence of which, great numbers soon flocked to hear the new preacher. The following letter clearly exhibits his views and feelings on his entrance into this circuit.

LETTER LVII.

To Mr. Thomas Crowther.

"Chelsea, 1814. "MY DEAR BROTHER,-I suppose you will by this time be returned from Scarbro'. I hope you have kept yourself in prayer and in the love of God. Many lose ground at the watering places; and one cause may be, some go without reason, or have no proper argument for being there. God will keep us in his own way. Nothing can harm us if we be true followers of Him. Oh that we may increase with the increase of God!

"I had a sore conflict respecting my appointment; but in my first meeting, the Lord poured out his softening Spirit. One man was so filled that he praised God aloud. I perceived at that time and since, that my coming here is of God. I have had several extraordinary seasons, and have been generally received. A number have been justified, and some awakened. I have been in all the chapels, and given many tickets. But we want METHODISM, DISCIPLINE, RELIGION. The Lord, the Lord God of Israel, help and bless us in all we have to do! I am weaker than ever, and nothing less than his almighty power can support me in this place. I have found a number of children from different places, who now reside here; several of whom I had not before known. This gives me joy. What shall we meet in the great day of God?

"Our situation in Chelsea is quite to our minds-a pleasant garden, &c. Yet we have a vast population around us. The society here is small and very low. A great debt rests on the chapel, and few seats have been let. We hope to see a change. God is able. We preach only twice on the Sunday and meet the societies; and on week nights about three times; much the same as at Birstal. My regular walking to my places, &c, is about thirty miles per week. But the friends will provide me beds at some of the places. I

am quite satisfied in being here rather than at any of the other places, for several reasons.. Oh what I feel when I consider the state of London! Ten hundred thousand people! Thirty thousand prostitutes! But so few of God-fearing persons! I often think of what the disciples said to our Lord: 'Behold what manner of stones, and what buildings are here! yet all shall be thrown down!' The thought of such numbers in the way to destruction, is nearly more than I can bear. Yet, with God, it is possible to bear me up. Pour out thy Spirit, O almighty God! Send us a flood from thy throne, and send it soon! Amen and Amen! "Your affectionate brother,

It was not long, however, before the Lord made bare his arm, and gave his servant to see his good pleasure prosper in his hand. Some letters addressed to his friends, had we room to quote them, would show that all his previous fears concerning his new station, were soon removed, and that he was quite satisfied with his appointment.

Whilst he was thus successfully and pleasantly labouring in the Lord's vineyard, he was again called to experience great bodily affliction. From the following letters it will be seen that he had a return of his old complaint, the rheumatism, which for a short time, rendered him incapable of labour, but which could not for a moment deprive him of the consolations of religion.

LETTER LVIII.

To Mr. William Stones.

"London, January 9, 1815. "MY DEAR BROTHER,-I should have written to you long ago; I have only been prevented by another severe attack of the rheumatism. I am now recovering, but the disorder has not yet left my right hand, &c, so that it is with great difficulty I now am able to write. When

I came to London, it was in an agony of prayer. I had power with God, and found universal reception. Effects were produced in every place, and in two love feasts we had a shower. Numbers were set at liberty. I never had greater love and liberty in preaching. Preachers are all in love and peace. A missionary, one who has been fifteen years abroad, supplied my place in my affliction. I have reason to believe I shall be in my work in a few days. The will of God be done! Amen! I was not able to be at our quarterly meeting, but am told, (not certain whether my information may be correct,) three hundred new members have been added this quarter. I wonder at the mercy of God!

Though I have been in the furnace, yet I assure you that I have had such views of the glory of heaven, and the torments of the damned, that, if I have strength I shall pour out such blessings and curses as I have never done before. O that my God may be with me! I thank God that you find yourself in your place, and that the work of God is seen among you. Never lose your edge. Keep a true Sheffield blade; let it be fine, but sharp.* Never rest till you can say, 'Thy blood cleanseth my soul from all sin.' O to feel it, and then to preach it! God will be with you. Invitations are now proceeding from several towns in France. committee are sending preachers. There was never known a greater opening. Nothing as yet from Ceylon. I wonder what these lads can do without tongues! "I am your affectionate brother,

The

"WM. BRAMWELL."

LETTER LIX.

To his Daughter.

"Chelsea, January 3, 1815.

"MY DEAR ANN,-It is with difficulty that I can answer yours with my own hand, as a stiffness yet re

* In allusion to Mr. Stones' former occupation in Sheffield.

mains in both of them. But I am quite recovered from the disease, and have walked out several days. I shall be able, through the blessing of God, to preach in Chelsea chapel on Sunday, and I hope then to proceed in the blessed work, in which I had success in London, without departing from my own way. Praise the Lord! Friends have been exceedingly kind.

"Your letter greatly refreshed us, and brought tears from us. You are not yet worn out with doing us good: you shall all have your reward. You say but little about the child: I hope he is quite well. I perceived, before I left you, that you would all have one lesson to learn, viz. to love the child, but to live every moment in the sacrifice. This the Lord has been striving to teach you. I hope you were all attentive to the voice of God, and can now say, 'Let William live or die, he is thine; do as thou wilt.' This is the glory of our dispensation, to love all in God.

"Your affectionate father,

"WM. BRAMWELL."

LETTER LX.

To Mr. Thomas Crowther.

"Chelsea, April 11, 1815.

I am

"MY DEAR BROTHER,—I have found it on my mind to write to you an account of my present state. able to go through all my work, and have been so nearly three months. My right hand remains stiff, and my fingers contracted. I am yet weak in my ankles, and extremely weary after walking a few miles. I was worn down, and extremely thin in my body, but my great difficulty now is, to prevent myself from growing too large.

"I never found greater power in preaching, and I see blessed effects under almost every sermon. I never lived in so near a union with God as at the present. I do seek to be ready every moment. The views respecting God and everlasting life, given me in my affliction,