sedulously to qualify himself for the important charge with which he had been entrusted. By this judicious course, he" studied to show himself approved unto God, a workman that needed not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." His "profiting soon appeared unto all men." They perceived that "the hand of the Lord was with him." And while he improved in gifts and graces, the people of his care "rejoiced in the light which was thus transmitted." Among those in the Colne circuit who received their first religious impressions under his ministry, many will be found to be "his crown of rejoicing in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming." And what feeling in this mortal state can be conceived more exquisite in anticipation, than that of a beloved pastor presenting the redeemed of his flock, before the throne of Jehovah, with, "Behold, I and the children whom the Lord hath given me !"

CHAPTER VI.

Mr. Bramwell's removal to the Dewsbury circuit-State of religion in that town and neighbourhood-He gives himself to prayer-The work of God begins to prosper-Ann Cutler is rendered useful in the revival Great numbers convertedA remarkable dream Causes of his great popularity-Mr. Wesley's rules for a helper.

AT the conference in 1791, Mr. Bramwell was stationed for Dewsbury. Before that period, some very unpleasant disputes had existed among the society in that place; in consequence of which, a Mr. Atlay was called by the trustees to be their minister, and the chapel was then lost to the Methodist Connexion.

On Mr. Bramwell's arrival, he soon found that religious animosities and foolish bickerings had nearly destroyed the religion of both parties. To a minister of Christ whose only desire is to see Zion in prosperity, such a state of things would be peculiarly afflictive, and perhaps few could have felt it more keenly than Mr. Bramwell. He mourned in private before the

Lord; and from the commencement of his ministry among that people, he resolved to enter into no disputes. His object was to win souls to Christ with him, the possession of chapels was a thing of little importance. Adverting to the state of the society, he on one occasion writes as follows:-"I could not find a person who experienced sanctification, and but few who were clear in pardon. The societies in some places increased, but active religion scarcely appeared!"

Having witnessed the powerful effects of prayer in other places, he now began to supplicate the God of all grace. He exhorted the people to join him in this important duty; and, to afford them more frequent opportunities of doing this, he instituted prayer meetings at five o'clock in the morning. The blessed effects of these earnest intercessions were soon apparent. At a band meeting, in November, 1792, four persons entered into the glorious liberty of sanctification; one of whom, Mr. Joseph Drake, an itinerant preacher, who died in the year 1815, testified to the last, of this great salvation. It has often been remarked, that when this doctrine is clearly and fully preached, and when a work of grace thus deepens in a society, there is generally a considerable increase of new converts: such was the case in the Dewsbury circuit.

About the same period, Ann Cutler was led to visit Dewsbury. It was her constant practice to rise between three and four o'clock in the morning and wrestle with God for a revival, while Mr. Bramwell was engaged in the same exercise at that early hour in another apartment. It was almost impossible for any one to take repose by sleep, or be unrefreshed in spirit, while near two such zealous persons, who often relieved the burden of their souls by praying aloud. At length the Lord was graciously pleased to manifest his saving power among the people. Mr. Bramwell remarks, "As I was praying in my room, I received an answer from God in a particular way, and had the revival discovered to me in its manner and effects. I had no more doubt.

All my grief was gone; I could say,

"The Lord will come;-I know he will come, and that suddenly.'

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He then says, "Nothing appeared very particular till, under Nanny Cutler's prayer, one person received a clean heart. We were confident that the Lord would do the same for others.

"At a prayer meeting, two found peace with God; and in that week, two more received the same blessing. On the Sunday morning we had a love feast for the bands, when several were much concerned for sanctification. One young woman received the blessing. On the Monday evening the bands met. A remarkable spirit of prayer was given to the people. Four persons received sanctification, and some were left in distress.

"Several who were the most prejudiced, were suddenly struck, and in agonies groaned for deliverance. On the Thursday, one who had been exceedingly pained for purity of heart, for a fortnight, was delivered.

"The work continued almost in every meeting; and sixty persons in and about Dewsbury received sanctification, and walked in that liberty. Our love feasts began to be crowded, and people from every neighbouring circuit visited us. Great numbers found pardon, and some perfect love. They went home and declared what God had done for them.

"The more I consulted the Acts of the Apostles and Church History, the more I was convinced, that this was no new thing, either in its manner or effects; but that in every great work of God, similar effects were produced. I consulted several of the senior brethren, who exhorted me to use every means to support the revival. Satan began to use his agents in different ways: some said one thing, and some another, but no man without the Spirit of God, can properly judge of the matter.".

The work then began to spread in almost every direction. In one quarter, about one hundred new members were added to the society, and many believers were quickened, and excited to greater diligence and

activity in the work of the Lord. Mr. Bramwell "rejoiced as one that had found great spoil." To see sinners awakened, penitents pardoned, and believers enjoying sanctification,-afforded him the most lively satisfaction.

This great revival occurred during the second year of his stay in Dewsbury. The first he describes as << a year of hard labour and much grief." It was the season of "his sowing in tears," but in the second year "he reaped in joy." On more occasions than this, he verified in his own experience that declaration of the psalmist,-" He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” Being a man " strong in faith, he continued instant in prayer." While he waited on the Lord, he was of good courage, and the Lord strengthened his heart. From the time when he first entered on his labours in the Dewsbury circuit, his heart would have fainted within him, "unless he had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living."

Thus was his joy fulfilled in many of the souls confided to his care by the great Shepherd. In order to be rendered more extensively useful, he visited them from house to house; and advised, reproved, exhorted, or comforted them, as circumstances might require. In some instances, his great concern for the temporal, as well as the spiritual welfare of the people, was instrumental in effecting the conversion of those who had before been careless and unconcerned about their personal salvation. His uniform conduct, and his conscientious and undeviating attention to the important duties of the ministry, soon rendered him extremely popular :-And even many of the rich and honourable frequently attended his preaching.

About this time, his intimate friend, Mr. John Nelson, had a remarkable dream: He thought he saw Mr. Bramwell standing on the top of a very high ladder, which appeared to be elevated in a perpendicular direction, its base resting on the ground; but it was without any support or stay at its summit. From this, Mr.

Nelson inferred, that Mr. Bramwell was placed in a most perilous situation. He immediately wrote and informed him of the dream; and by way of caution, added, that he appeared in that dream "to have mounted as high as he could get." "Yes," replied Mr. Bramwell, when he answered his letter, "but did you see me fall?”

For the information of those persons who may express some surprise at the popularity which Mr. Bramwell gained in the early part of his ministry, and which attended him to the close of his life,-it is necessary to state, that he was a man who strictly observed the twelve RULES, which are given in "The Large Minutes," respecting the office and duty of a Methodist preacher. He was one of those primitive HELPERS in whom Mr. Wesley delighted, and who carry with them the unction, life and power of godliness.

The following most important rules Mr. Bramwell particularly regarded they were the guides of his conduct, yet always in subordination to the Holy Scriptures. He viewed them indeed as an exposition of several scriptural directions; and valued them highly, on account of their salutary consequences.

"Be diligent. Never be unemployed. Never be triflingly employed. Never WHILE away time, nor spend more time at any place than is strictly necessary.

"Be serious. Let your motto be, Holiness to the Lord. Avoid all lightness, jesting, and foolish talking. "Believe evil of no one unless fully proved: take. heed how you credit it. Put the best construction you can on every thing. You know the judge is always supposed to be on the prisoner's side.

"Speak evil of no one; else YOUR word, especially, would eat as doth a canker: keep your thoughts within your own breast, till you come to the person concerned.

"Tell every one what you think wrong in him, lovingly and plainly, and as soon as may be, else it will fester in your own heart. Make all haste to cast the fire out of your bosom.