strict disciplinarian, it was evident that the greatest severity was exercised on himself, and that the law by which he had to govern others, was, in its execution, a system of real mildness.

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Who does not perceive that he who adheres concientiously to these, and similar directions, must be a pious and useful character? Such was Mr. Bramwell. By a constant observance of these excellent regulations, he became vessel unto honor, sanctified and meet for the Master's use, being prepared unto every good work," 2 Tim. ii. 21. Into whatever circuit he went, the people immediately perceived, from the zealous manner in which he discharged the duties of his sacred calling, that he considered the work of the ministry to be no trifling occupation. The simplicity of the method "by which it hath pleased God, in his infinite wisdom, to save them that believe," excited his admiration. And however it might be stigmatized, in the view of human wisdom, as "the foolishness of preaching," he felt in himself, and perceived in others, that the declaration of "CHRIST CRUCIFIED," universally proved to be "CHRIST the POWER of God and the WISDOM of God." Having these just views of the divinely appointed means of salvation, he meditated on the things which related to his labors; and adopted those plans which he deemed best calculated to render them efficient and acceptable. He endeavored truly to make it

All his business here below

To cry, BEHOLD the Lamb!

CHAPTER VII.

Mr. Bramwell's labors and success in the Birstal circuit-A great revival-Answers to prayer-Reflections on this revival.

MR. BRAMWELL was appointed, in the year 1793, to labor in the Birstal circuit. A revival of the work of God had commenced in the preceding year, under the ministry of Messrs. Jackson and Smith. On his entrance into this circuit, he did not use any extraordinary public efforts, but prayed much in private, sometimes whole nights, and exhorted every one in society to adopt the same practice. These nights were occasionally spent in intercessions before the mercy seat of God, in behalf of certain individuals, for whose spiritual welfare he felt an

uncommon concern.

At the love-feast on Christmas day, 1793, the Lord poured out his Spirit in a very remarkable manner. Many persons were clearly awakened, and not less than fifty souls "obtained redemption through the blood of Jesus Christ, the forgiveness of sins." Some of these “continued faithful unto death," and have long ago ceived a crown of life;" and others are 66 pressing toward the mark, for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."

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His colleague could not endure the apparent confusion which was frequent on these occasions. He therefore thought it his duty to oppose the revival, and his conduct influenced the

leaders, who for a time maintained a cautious reserve, and kept at a great distance, not knowing what judgment to form about these strange proceedings. One of the most judicious of them, Mr. Thomas Crowther, of Gomersal, declares the change of his sentiments thus: "In the love-feast on Christmas day, I had such a conviction that this work was of God as caused me immediately to close in with it, and to give it, not only my approval, but my hearty co-operation. When I came out of the chapel on that day, several of the leaders gathered around me, and asked me what I still thought about it. I replied, 'We have long been praying for a revival of religion, and now when it is granted to us, shall we be dissatisfied, and oppose its progress, because it does not exactly accord with our weak ideas, and does not manifest itself in the particular manner in which we expected it?'" From this time all the leaders joined heartily with Mr. Bramwell in the work, and their united labors were crowned with abundant success. In the Birstal society alone, six leaders are now living, who were converted during the revival, under Mr. Bramwell's ministry; independently of many other leaders belonging to different societies in the circuit, who obtained, at the same time, "like precious faith" with them.

The next love-feast, held on Easter Sunday, was also a time of refreshing from the presence of the Lord: other fifty souls were "turned from darkness to light."

About this time an extraordinary influence went forth and began to manifest itself among the people. Persons of every rank attended the preaching of the word; all the chapels, and the private houses appropriated to the purposes of divine worship, were exceedingly crowded.

It was customary with Mr. Bramwell when in the country, to visit the different families of his hearers, and pray with each of them. In company, he constantly endeavored to redeem the time by the most profitable exercises. He would not converse on trifling subjects; but the most common theme of his discourse was, "What shall we do to praise the Lord more, to promote his glory, and obtain greater blessings?" His sermons were attended with such mighty power, that several persons were generally in distress before the conclusion of the service. After preaching he often desired those who felt disposed, to stop and unite with him in holding a prayer meeting: so that, in general, it was ten or eleven o'clock at night before they left the chapel.

When opportunities offered, he occasionally held watch-nights in the circuit in private houses. In one held at Little Gomersal, there appeared to be nothing particular at the beginning. At ten o'clock Mr. Bramwell was about to conclude; but he commenced again, and continued engaged in prayer until twelve o'clock. At that hour he still felt unwilling to break off, and, like Jacob, said in his heart,

With thee all night I mean to stay,
And wrestle till the break of day.

In a short time a young woman cried aloud for mercy; several more were soon after in deep distress and before four o'clock in the morning fifteen souls enjoyed a sense of pardon, and were made glad in the God of their salvation. At another watch-night held in Hunsworth Lane, about the same time, there were many souls saved. Those meetings were frequent in several parts of the circuit, and were always attended with a manifest blessing.

After preaching at Morley one evening, he went into a friend's house to pray for a person in distress, and continued praying for the space of two hours. All that were present prayed in rotation more than once; but he prayed alternately with every one that engaged in the exercise. While he and his friends were thus employed, a young man, a stranger to the Methodists, who was passing by, heard them, and approached the door to listen: he was immediately seized with conviction, fell down on his knees, and, after remaining out of doors in that situation some time, entered the house and knelt down. He was seen to tremble exceedingly, and soon afterward fell down on the floor: he did not, however, lie long in that situation, but arose and began to praise God for pardoning his iniquities, and giving him to enjoy the light of his reconciled countenance.

"So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed," that at the close of Mr. Bramwell's