William Bramford - Obituary Minutes of Conference 1867

(22.) William Bramford; who was born of religious parents at Scotton, Lincolnshire. From childhood he was the subject of religious impressions. When seventeen years of age he joined the church, and obtained peace with God.

Two years afterwards he vas enabled to testify that " the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin."

Having laboured five years as a Local Preacher, he was received as a probationer for the ministry in 1838 ; and for nearly nineteen years he laboriously discharged the duties of his high calling. His love to the holy Scriptures was ardent, and he regularly read them through twice every year. He was especially diligent as a Pastor ; he paid much attention to the lambs of the flock, and was most exemplary in his social deportment.

By his plain and faithful preaching many were brought to God. Solici- tude for souls constrained him to hazard health, and even life, for their benefit. In the last service he conducted, being at the time very unwell, he said, " I feel that I could die in the chapel, if I could be the means of your conversion." During four months affliction, he read six works on entire sanctification ; and he remarked, " If I should be spared to preach again, I will preach this doctrine as I have never yet done." A short time before his death he said, " It is all joy. I am going home ! sweet home !" And again, " If I do not speak another word, all is well. I am safe." With the word of prayer on his lips, " Lord, help me ! " he fell asleep, April 22nd, 1867 in the forty-fourth year of his age, and the nineteenth of his ministry.