asked my incensed brother, whether I, who preached in such places, without fee or reward, could be more culpable than those who were paid for it? I could not see that I was, and therefore concluded by saying, He that is without sin, in this respect, let him cast the first stone at me. Moreover, as I knew my testy brother to be very fond of cards, dice, tables, &c. which are expressly forbidden us, by the 75th canon, I made free to ask, if it was. not as criminal, and more so, to break the 75th as the 71st canon? From that time I heard no more of the canons.

But in a few years after my induction, I became acquainted with a neighboring clergyman*, in whom some good thing was found. He had great gifts for the pulpit, and spoke with a degree of animation, very unusual at that time; but like another Apollos, stood in need of being instructed in the way of the Lord more perfectly. We conversed together freely and familiarly; and as he seemed both humble and teachable, I opened to him my view of the gospel and manner of preaching it. What I said met his approbation, and in him I found a dear brother and faithful

The Rev. Mr. M'Robert.

fellow laborer in the work of the Lord.We were a great comfort and support to each other, and for many years assisted each other in diffusing the savour of the knowledge of Christ. We frequently visited each other, travelled together, and preached in each others churches-especially on sacramental occasions, where the communicants were so numerous, as to require assistance in the distribution of the elements. Our joint labors on these, and many other occasions, I trust, were not in vain in the Lord. Religion revived on all hands, and spread abundantly. He afterwards, in the year 1779, thought it his duty to renounce the church, and is now among the Presbyterians. He has never visited me since he left the church, though I have frequently visited him, and have reason to believe he still retains a great regard for me and what is still of much greater consequence, I believe he still has the cause of God at heart.

Having occasionally mentioned the sacrament, it may not be amiss to enlarge a little on that subject, as it may serve to illustrate the low state of religion in the Episcopal church, in Virginia, thirty or forty years ago, and also evince the good effects of

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preaching the humbling doctrines of the gospel of free grace, in their simplicity and purity. The sacrament of the supper had been so little regarded, in Virginia, by what were called Church people, that, generally speaking, none went to the table, except a few of the more aged, perhaps seven or eight at a church. The vast majority of all ages, sexes and classes seemed to think nothing about it, or else thought it a dangerous thing to meddle with.

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cordingly, the first time I administered the sacrament here, about seven or eight communed. But as soon as the people got their eyes opened to see their own wants and the necessity of a Saviour, and the nature and design of the ordinance was shewn, and the obligation, which all professing Christians are under to remember their dying friend, according to his own institution, the number of communicants increased from time to time, so that in the year 1773, including those who constantly attended from other parishes, the number was, at least, nine hundred or one thousand. A great part of these, I trust, were gracious souls, and such as were truly in earnest to work out their salvation. I did not suppose this to be the case of all, for notwithstanding my fencing the tables, by

laying down as clearly as I could, the marks and characters of such as were invited, and such as were not, and pointing out the danger of unworthy receivingyet some would go forward, who, as I feared, ought not. This I knew not how to avoid, as I never could get that assistance from others, which was necessary for the Godly discipline of the church. No one man can do this business.

But I had great comfort and satisfaction in this, that among the many hundreds, who attended the ordinance, and, in judgment of charity, were sincere souls, I heard no jarring string;-all seemed to be united in the same mind and judgmentthere was no bone of contention, no subject of doubtful disputation. Disputable points had no place in the pulpit, and the same pacific spirit seemed to prevail among the hearers. Contentions were out of the question-it is no wonder, therefore, that genuine religion, the religion of LOVE flourished.

The approach of a communion season diffused pleasure throughout the parish, among all the Godly, and great satisfaction, in common with the rest, have I enjoyed. on those occasions. To see so many hundreds convened from different quarters,

joining devoutly in the divine service; to hear them singing the praises of their God and common Saviour, lustily, and with one heart and voice-to see them listening to the word preached, with attention still as night-eagerly drinking in the balmy blessings of the gospel, dispensed by the instrumentality of one, whom they esteemed their pastor, their teacher, their guide, their father, and their friend-sweetly communing with me and one another, and myself with all. O, it was a little heaven upon earth-a prelibation of celestial joys. Then could I, with great propriety, adopt the Psalmist's words, and say " Behold how good and pleasant a thing it is for brethren to dwell together in unity." You can recollect some of those delightful seasons, for you have shared in them along with

me.

This harmony, though not without some interruption, continued for many yearsyears much to be remembered, and such as will be remembered, with praise and gratitude, throughout the ages of eternity.

But, oh! the instability of mortal man. Instability, that attendant on ́all below the skies, has now changed those pleasing prospects, and, in the place thereof, has introduced a most melancholy reverse, and