which occurred in Sheffield, and which is consistent with this feature in Mr. Bramwell's character. In consequence of certain persons in the principal street exhibiting at their shop windows prints and caricatures, many of which were of a ludicrous or an indelicate description, Mr. Bramwell warned his congregations of the evil and impropriety of allowing the mind to be diverted or corrupted by imagery of this kind. He blamed serious persons for stopping a moment to view such prints; and told them, that when he found a print of this sort hung up in a friend's house, he did not forget to give him a suitable reproof by turning the front of it to the wall.*

*

"The life and zeal which shone in Mr. Bramwell, kept him at the utmost distance from formality. Instead of being content during divine service, with the ordinary routine of singing and praying once before and once after the sermon, after having prayed at the close of preaching, he usually called on two or three persons to unite with him in supplication. At other times, whilst he was yet on his knees, and in the midst of his prayer, he would break forth into singing, in which he was immediately joined by the congregation. To me it appeared singularly solemn to see a whole congregation and their preacher singing in that suppliant posture. By such methods as these, the resolutions

* I cannot omit to relate a custom which I have ever admired in the late Bible Christian, the Rev. Mr. Rutherford. The daughters of that pious minister had from time to time wrought in needlework a variety of very important and apposite texts of Scripture, illustrative of its leading doctrines: Except two or three portraits of pious men, these were the only pictures that ornamented the walls of his dwelling. Whenever a stranger was admitted, or kept a few moments in waiting till Mr. R. could attend to him, there was scarcely a point of the parlour wall that did not preach to him a wholesome biblical lecture. I once turned for a moment to one of these silent monitors, and read, "Lean not to thine own understanding; but in all thy ways acknowledge HIM, and HE shall direct thy paths." This truth has, more or less, followed me ever since. I have found in it the cause of many of the mistakes which I have made in life, and the rule by observing which I might have avoided a thousand sorrows.

and impressions produced by the sermon were rendered, in many cases, much more effectual.

"From these several circumstances, therefore, we cannot wonder that it pleased the great Head of the Church to crown Mr. Bramwell's ministry with an abundant blessing. The writer of these lines is specially entitled to indulge in this sentiment: for, after a season of the deepest sorrow, as Mr. Bramwell was preaching at Norfolk-street chapel, the Lord was pleased to whisper peace to him who makes this communication. From that time the powers of the world to come' shone brighter and brighter, till he was enabled to witness, with full assurance, (yea, if needful, before assembled worlds,) that he had not followed cunningly devised fables.' He could then 'rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.' But he was not a solitary instance; for it was then by no means uncommon for those who had been present at such seasons of refreshment, to return home with the joyful tidings that many were born in Zion, without being able accurately to number those who were brought into that glorious liberty. While some were able to witness (by the Spirit of adoption, crying, 'Abba, Father!') that God for Christ's sake had blotted out as a thick cloud their transgressions, others were constrained to testify that God had not only power on earth to forgive sins,' but to cleanse them from all unrighteousness,' and to make them 'meet for an inheritance with the saints in light.'"

His respected colleague, Mr. Pipe, bears the following testimony to his piety and usefulness:

"In 1795 my lot was cast in the Bradford circuit, Yorkshire; and Mr. Bramwell having been stationed the two preceding years in the adjoining circuit, I had frequent opportunities of hearing the experience of those who had been benefitted by his ministry. His zealous endeavours to promote a spirit of piety among the different societies, his powerful praying and wrestling with God early and late, and his invariable aim to induce believers to 'perfect holiness in the fear of the

Lord,' caused him to be greatly noticed, and drew many to hear him from the neighbouring circuits. These caught the flame; and prayer meetings and watch nights were more strictly observed, and the work of God prospered in many places.

"Thus was he blessed to many in those parts of Yorkshire; but much more so afterwards in the Sheffield circuit. The Lord had greatly refreshed his heritage, before he had received that appointment; but it might be said of him, as of Barnabas, that when he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord; for he was a good man and full of the Holy Ghost, and of faith; and much people was added unto the Lord: for he helped them much which had believed through grace.'

The pious and composed state of his mind, during this great work of God, is clearly shown in the subjoined letters :

LETTER II.

To Mr. George Marsden.

"Sheffield, 1795.

*

"The Lord has begun to work among you. I pray that nothing may hinder. Go on your way using every prudent means. Speak evil of no man; neither be discouraged by any. Preach a present salvation, and pray for present blessings; the Lord always prospered this plan. Preach sanctification as a blessing Now to be received by faith.

"On the day appointed for thanksgiving, the work broke out here in our chapel, at the evening meeting. Many souls had been previously set at liberty in the classes, and at the prayer meetings; but on that night there was a general outpouring of the Spirit. We desired all in distress to come into the vestry, when eight souls were delivered from the bondage of sin. Eight more received pardon on the Sunday. Monday was

our love feast; and near the close of it the power of God came upon us. We concluded at the usual time, but begged of all in distress to stay, and before eight o'clock it appeared to many good men, that more than twenty souls were delivered: the work has gone forward every day since, less or more. In two classes more than twenty experienced salvation. I have had clear evidence, and, to speak within bounds, I am persuaded, of more than one hundred persons having found liberty in three weeks. O pray for us that nothing may hinder! The Lord be with us all in this great work!"

In another letter he refers to the society in Liverpool, and says,

'My prayer is, that you may yet see much greater things before you leave them! May that precious society revive and increase with the increase of God! The salvation of souls is the glory of the ministry. Shall we see the glory spread, or depart? May we hope for the former! and in our little way be willing to die, to see the life! The kingdom will yet come, but, I am led to believe, not in my time. However, I know I am drinking much deeper into its spirit: and, in praying without ceasing I shall receive the fulness of God. I am more than ever ashamed of unbelief,-O how it dishonours God and his truth! All is ours, and we shall receive all."

In a third letter he says,

"I have always union with God. I feel nothing but pure love in the greatest afflictions. I am often powerfully tempted, and sometimes heavy ;-this was in our Lord. I feel I am going on. I have a continual opening between God and my soul, in prayer, love, and gratitude. I have a constant heaven in dependence upon the Lord. I feel weaker than ever, and God my all. Amen!"

LETTER III.

To Mr. Hargreaves.

"DEAR BROTHER,

"Sheffield, June 30, 1796.

*

"A good work is still going on here, and many precious souls receive salvation. I am very desirous of more of the image of God, and do find some little increase. I often think of the example of St. Paul, but more of Jesus Christ. I believe it is our place to walk as he walked. I see that the world is in a miserable state; none truly at peace but they who leave all and follow him. Christ hath done all in point of merit,— but we must ask and receive, that our joy may be full.' I see more than ever, that those who are given up to God in continual prayer, are men of business both for earth and heaven; they go through the world with composure, are resigned to every cross, and make the greatest glory of the greatest cross. On the other hand, if not given up to God in prayer, every cross brings the greatest perplexity, and robs them of the little love and patience they enjoy. To be all alive to God is (as it were) two heavens; to be unstable, and not a whole Christian, is two hells. Oh my brother, I hope you and your house will serve the Lord! I would advise you to consider the great privilege of the gospel; and even beg, yea, beg with tears, that your house may be consecrated to God through the preaching of the word and much prayer, and by having God's servants under your roof. Remember the house of 'Obededom.'

A respected friend has kindly transmitted the subjoined account:

"Mr. Bramwell's method of preaching had considerable variety in it. Though he accounted it the Alpha