This is especially the case during a revival. They are like some eager fishermen, who, in their haste to obtain a fresh draught, neglect to secure those fishes which they had previously caught. Other class leaders are competent to build up believers in their most holy faith; but have not discernment enough to instruct recent converts in "the first principles of the doctrine of Christ," without a knowledge of which all attempts to raise a Christian character must be fruitless. When a young Christian falls into hands like these, he is required, at too early a period of his novitiate, to bear his part in social prayer, instead of being exhorted to “give attendance to reading." And at the time when he ought "to be swift to hear and slow to speak," his opinion is often asked about Church matters or religious doctrines, which should only engage the attention of more advanced disciples. It is in this way that the Bible becomes neglected, ignorance is engendered, and pride fostered. The youth, raw and inexperienced as he is, appears quite conscious that he has a capacity for every thing, and that "he has more understanding than all his teachers." He begins therefore to slight pious instruction; forms rash judgments about "things indifferent," and is not backward in giving them utterance. In the mean time, some good people can see nothing wrong in all this, but consider it a proof of "an independent spirit!" How much more consistent would it be in every Christian to inculcate and encourage "that mind which was

also in Christ Jesus," and to which all his followers have this special invitation,-"Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Such a yoke as this "it is good for a man to bear in his youth."

Though these observations apply with much propriety to some young people who forsake the way of peace, yet in many instances they are no less true respecting elder persons, who And themselves placed in similar circumstances, after their reception into the fold of Christ. However advanced they may be in years, they are but as new-born babes;" and from the Med nature of their former habits, are as liable as younger people to have their "minds corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ." It is e peculiar to any period of life for "the dog to turn to his own vomit again, and the sow that was washed, to her wallowing in the mire." An injudicious course of instruction, and the baneful infection of froward examples, may cause aged persons to relapse as speedily as their juniors. With less excuse for their sin," they can be more confident and dogmatical about many things that have no immediate reference to their salvation; and “having perverted their way," they are too apt to forget the Lord their God."

Mr. Bramwell therefore never acted more in the character of "a wise master builder," than when he made careful provision for recent

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verts. By painful experience, he had known, in himself, the pernicious consequences which accrue from a want of early Christian tuition. After he had felt the first gracious visitation of the Holy Spirit, no man cared for his soul." He had "stumbled about on the dark mountains" till at length he was favored with "the communion of saints." He was therefore well qualified to appreciate the value of Christian society and pious advice; and adopted measures in every place for insuring these benefits to all who were admitted within the pale of the Christian church. Directions were given to the most prudent and well informed class leaders, to take special charge of all who evinced a concern for their salvation. They were advised to encourage the timid, and by all gentle methods, to prevent those who were only "girding on their harness, from boasting themselves as they that were putting it off." It was also his practice to meet the converts of each sex separately, to give them appropriate counsel respecting their conduct, point out proper books for their perusal, and to recommend, above all, the constant reading of the Scriptures, and a strict attention to personal religion and private devotion.

When he perceived them observant of these precepts, he invited their attention to the doctrinal works of Wesley and Fletcher. He disliked that wavering humor in religious opinions which some persons have thought fit to dignify with the high-sounding title of LIBERALITY.

Knowing that superficial attainments in practical piety are too often caused by unsettled notions about religious truth, he introduced to their notice the immortal productions of those two great men, as a complete treasury of needful "erudition for a Christian man." Considering

that system of doctrines to be in perfect agreement with the Scriptures of truth, and admirably adapted to the wants of man, he was induced to dilate on their excellence at every fit opportunity. In this way, he labored not only to gain converts, but to form Christians and establish believers,

But after all his judicious precautions and laudable anxiety, he was sometimes called to mourn over miserable backsliders. It would have been most wonderful, if, in this respect, "the disciple had been above Christ, his Master," who had one Judas in his select company. Mr. Bramwell was too well acquainted with the constitution of human nature to be amazed at these unhappy occurrences, as though some strange thing had happened unto him." His compassion was on such occasions powerfully excited, and he earnestly longed to "reclaim and bring these wanderers back." In this department of the work of God he was uncommonly successful. Several who "did once run well," heard this "son of consolation," and "in the strength of grace," were induced again to commence their Christian career. His addresses, full of affection, were instrumental in their restoration to the favor of God, which

they had forfeited. On this account his memory will long be cherished by many, who, on this topic, "had heard him gladly," and who now adorn their Christian profession by blameless lives, and a holy conversation. He lived to see numbers of returning prodigals, and, in imitation of the paternal compassion of the God of heaven, he ran to meet them, gave them an affectionate welcome, and called on all around to the expression of gladness, because "those who had been dead were alive again; those who had been lost were found."

CHAPTER VIII.

Mr. Bramwell is stationed in the Sheffield circuitA great revival in that town-His diligence in the work of the ministry-His acquirements and the manner in which they were applied-Reflections on the improvement of time-Anecdotes-Letters.

THE Conference in 1795 directed Mr. Bramwell to labor in the Sheffield circuit. He was quite unknown to the friends in that town. The reason of this appointment is explained in the following communication by Mr. Henry Longden:

Early in the year 1794, our reverend father in the Gospel, Mr. A. Mather, paid a pastoral visit to Sheffield. As he had been twice stationed in this circuit, he knew many pious individuals there, and felt for them an unceasing affection. He had recently visited several circuits in the north of England, where there was