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It is well known that female preachers are not peculiar to Methodism. They have been recognized as accredited teachers by the Quakers from the beginning. It is probable, that, on this subject, Mr. Bramwell's sentiments were much in unison with those of the respectable society of Friends. He regarded Joel's prophecy as containing an obvious reference to the Gospel dispensation. In this view it was quoted by the Apostle Peter on the day of Pentecost: "And it shall come to pass in the last days, said God, I will pour out of my spirit upon all flesh : And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy; and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: and on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy." A few women of great piety were accustomed at an early period in the history of Methodism, publicly to warn sinners to flee from the wrath to come. They took up this cross, because they considered it a duty; and in bearing a testimony for Christ, they were sometimes called to suffer persecution. Their previous attainments and experience, under the teaching of the Holy Spirit, qualified them for this weighty undertaking; and their pious exertions were greatly blessed in the Lord. Among these ancient female worthies, was the late Miss Bosanquet, afterward Mrs. Fletcher, who frequently engaged in this interesting employment. Some persons had expressed a degree of surprise at her continuing occasion

ally to address a congregation. It was her desire to "abstain from all appearance of evil," and to do nothing by which a weak brother might be offended. She therefore wrote to that "great man in Israel," the Rev. John Wesley, stated her case, and received from him the following reply :—

To Mrs. Bosanquet.

"Londonderry, June 13, 1771. 'MY DEAR SISTER,-I think the strength of the cause rests there,-in your having an extraordinary call. So, I am persuaded, has every one of our lay preachers: otherwise I could not countenance their preaching at all. It is plain to me that the whole work of God termed METHODISM, is an extraordinary dispensation of his providence. Therefore I do not wonder if several things occur therein, which do not fall under ordinary rules of discipline. St. Paul's ordinary rule of discipline was, I permit not a woman to speak in the congregation;' yet, in extraordinary cases, he made a few exceptions; at Corinth in particular.

"I am, my dear sister,

"Your affectionate brother,
"J. WESLEY."

Similar to these were Mr. Bramwell's views. He considered that Miss Barrett had " an extraordinary call," and to him she appeared to be divinely qualified for the work. She had received a good education, and possessed great

strength of understanding; she was distinguished for the depth of her piety and the fervency of her zeal, and her labors in public were very successful. He therefore gave her every encouragement to proceed in the path in which, by the blessing of God, she had been rendered useful in her own confined neighborhood, and thought her called by Divine Providence to move in a more extensive circle. Many persons, in different parts of the kingdom, will have reason to bless God that they were favored with the privilege of hearing from her lips the Joyful sound of the Gospel. With the subjoined letter to her we will close this chapter.

LETTER VI.

To Miss Barrett.

"Sheffield, Saturday.

"MY DEAR SISTER IN CHRIST,-I live in much peace and love; but for a season I am not able to declare it. I have seen his arm made bare lately; but was forced to stop. I thank the Lord he is with you. May a greater power rest upon you and upon the people!— Your work is great; and the Lord can work with you.

"I had a blessed time with Mr. Blagborne. He wanted much to see you. God is with him. I hope you will pray for us more and more. Sister Rhodes is come, but she wants lifting up.

"I should hold a love-feast at Mansfield next Monday. Is it possible that you can go in my

place? I beg that you will return me an answer by the bearer. It is about twelve miles from Chesterfield. I shall not rest, unless I can have a proper supply. I beg you will give my love to all friends. I long to see them.

"I am, yours, &c.
"WM.

BRAMWELL.’

CHAPTER IX.

Mr. Bramwell's removal to the Nottingham circuit— Unsettled state of the society in that place-Great exertions to procure a place of worship-Remarkable answers to prayer-Letters-Anecdotes-His conduct as a superintendent.

NOTTINGHAM was the next scene of Mr. Bramwell's labors. The conference of 1798 appointed him to that circuit. A great number of our members had joined the new connection; and those who remained were in a very unsettled state. As Mr. Bramwell was much esteemed, it was thought that his labors might prove peculiarly beneficial, and tend to heal the wounds which the Church had received. The trustees of our large chapel in Nottingham had given it up to Mr. Kilham. Our preachers, therefore, were obliged to officiate in private houses and barns, or such other places as they could procure for the purpose. This was

very embarrassing, and caused many painful feelings to the preachers; but to Mr. Bramwell, who was leaving a circuit where all was harmony and love, these things must have been

peculiarly distressing. He entered, however, upon his new station with a fixed resolution not to engage in any controversy respecting the division, but to do every thing in his power to build up the broken walls of Zion, and to bring souls to Christ.

The following letter, written soon after his entrance into the circuit, will show what were the leading objects of his attention :—

LETTER VII.

To Miss Barrett.

"Nottingham, September 22, 1798.

"MY DEAR SISTER IN THE LORD,-I was sorry to hear of your sudden call. I hope your mind is kept composed. God hath given; he will take away when it pleaseth him. Our fathers and our mothers are His. O for submission to his blessed will in all things! This shows how uncertain we are in this world.

"I pray more; and will still cry, 'Lord, make us meet for thy glory!' Every moment may we live to him, and him alone! I am giving myself to continual prayer. What will be the answer, I cannot tell; but shall wait to see his glory in the blessed Jesus. He is our all, and must bring all we need.

"I found things flat in Nottingham. Building chapels are hard times. Almost in every country place I have seen the Lord work; and I do hope to see greater things that these.

"We all expect you immediately when you

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