the Methodist meetings, upon pain of being punished for disobedience of orders. Application was made in vain to have the order done away; however, the regiment was soon after ordered for England, as was also the young officer mentioned above. But there being still some left to speak in the name of Christ, their labour was not in vain; for the number of those still increased who sought redemption in the blood of Christ. It was then thought adviseable to build a chapel, as we were at this time paying above two guineas per month. The chapel was accordingly. built, without delay, the expence of which amounted to upwards of 120 1. sterling. Our brethren were so desirous of the prosperity of Zion, that each gave freely of what the Lord had blessed him with; and when the house was finished, there was not a farthing of debt on it. This was a great encouragement to us. Our number at this time was about sixty, and our congregations commonly between 200 and 300.

We were but a short time settled in our new chapel when the regiments, of which our society chiefly consisted, were ordered on the expedition to Minorca; and shortly after this again, a few more to Malta and Egypt. Thus we were again reduced to about fourteen or fifteen yet, blessed be God, there has always been a few to keep open house for the worship of God; and though the enemies of the cross of Christ have often strove to overturn the work, we always found, that no weapon formed against us did prosper; and that they that were for us, were more than all that could be against us.

When I left them, in June last, our number was about 34 or 35, and our congregations frequently about 200. There was then a young man, a schoolmaster, that preached, and another, a clerk, that exhorted. There is a meeting every night of the week. On the Sabbath and Thurs days there is preaching; and on the other nights there are exhortations or prayer-meetings, as may be thought fit: and that every thing may be done decently and in order, we have a committee, consisting of eleven members, one of whom is the leader, and another the steward. These meet as often as occasion may require, to consider the best methods of conducting both the spiritual and temporal affairs of the society. The steward reads over the accounts and the resolutions of the committee once a month to the society. Our leader is set apart to his office by solemn prayer, and he also administers the Lord's supper to the society once a month. Farther, no one is admitted as a member amongst us till he has been two months on trial (unless we know that he has been serious before); then, if there be no objection to him, he is admitted with public prayer. This we think a prudent way to prevent reproach from being brought on the cause of God by unworthy members. We were led to this from having suffered much from this quarter in times past; and if any amongst us walk disorderly, we admonish him, and bear with him for a season; but if he still continues to walk disorder y, and contrary to the Gospel, we then at a public meeting, declare him to be no more of us.

Now, Sir, I have given you a kind of progressive account of the work of God in Gibraltar, and the simple manner in which it is carried on amongst us. We believe that the Lord doth not despise the day of feeble and small things; for we often find our hearts filled with joy and gladness when we are met together in his name. I believe he is carrying on a gracious work there; and, I hope, although it has been a place long a proverb for its wickedness, that it will yet be a praise in the carth; which, that he may grant for his name and mercy's sake, is the earnest prayer of your sincere well-wisher.

LETTER

Sir,

LETTER II.

Edinburgh, Dec. 4, 1801.

As I know that the least information concerning the spread of the Gospel gives joy to the soul that prays for prosperity to Zion, I will give you some farther account of what has fallen under my own notice.

In my last, I communicated a short account of the work of God in. Gibraltar. Blessed be God, that work was not wholly confined to Gibraltar; for, by the removal of the different regiments to Minorca, Malta, and Egypt, the Gospel was carried to these places; and though I have not the happiness to inform you that any of the natives were brought to the knowledge of the truth, yet some of our own countrymen were brought to see their need of a Saviour, In Minorca, meetings were held regularly in different parts of the island, where three of our brethren preached the Gospel to as many as came to hear; and I believe their labour was not in vain; for a considerable number was added to them, who evidenced their sincerity, by their respect to the commands of God. Since I arrived in Scotland, I learned, by a letter from my friends in Gibraltar, that there is a society formed in Malta; and I doubt not, but there will be good done; for I know that there are some amongst them, who have felt the Gospel to be the power of God in their souls, and are zealous advocates for the truth as it is in Jesus. May the Lord cause the little cloud to spread over that barren wilderness in the Mediterranean, till it become a fruitful field. Of Egypt I can give no particular account at present, whether our friends ever had an opportunity of meeting together or not.

In my last, I forgot to acquaint you, that, at different times, the Terpsichore frigate was repairing in Gibraltar harbour. Some of her crew being led to our meetings, and by means of the word preached amongst us, together with some religious pamphlets that were given them, seven or eight of them were brought to the knowledge of the truth, and, when on board, met together as often as duty would permit, to read and pray and I ought not here to omit, what to me appears as a strong proof of their love to the Gospel, that, having received a considerable sum of prize-money, each contributed what he could spare, and sent on shore to the steward of the society forty dollars; and every time their ship came to our harbour, they lost no opportunity of coming ashore to the means of grace.

On board the Hector, of 74 guns, there was one that was convinced by hearing the Gospel in England. When he came to Gibraltar, he attended our meetings; and as many as had them to spare, gave him pamphlets and other books; and in a short time there were five more that saw their need of turning to the Lord.

In the Defence, of 74 guns, there was also a number of the sailors that met regularly in the cable-tier; and one of them preached. While the ship lay in our harbour repairing, one of our preachers went on board, and preached to them. There were two or three pious men on board the Incendiary fire-ship, and some on board some of the transports, that used to attend our meeting when they had an opportunity. I often heard that there was a considerable number on board of the Queen, of 98 guns; but never saw any of them. I think that the praying few belonging to the navy, are in a particular sense entitled to the prayers of every Christian; for surely they have trials with which none on shore are acquainted.

Before I conclude, I would just inform you, that in Gibraltar we have a small library, consisting of about 150 volumes, most of them on experimental religion. To this library many owe a great deal of their knowledge in the ways of God.

Now,

Now, my dear friend, let me beg your prayers for the little church in Gibraltar, and that the Lord may follow your pious endeavours with his blessing, is the prayer of yours, &c.

AMERICA.

W. B,

Extract from the Report of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of the United States of America, 1801.

THE Assembly having heard a circumstantial narrative from almost every one of its members, on the state of religion in his own charge, and in other places to which his observation had extended, are of opinion, that in general the cause of religion has been progressive, and in some places eminently so. In some places, infidelity does not assume that bold and threatening aspect which it did for some years past; but seems to be, in some measure, abashed, and disposed to retire into its former state of concealment. In some instances, avowed and inveterate enemies to christianity have been remarkably converted, and have become, to all appear ance, sincere and lively Christians,

From mary of their churches, the General Assembly have heard the most pleasing accounts of the state of vital piety. Revivals, of a more or less general nature, have taken place in many parts, and multitudes have been added to the church. In the northern and eastern Presbyteries, there appears in several congregations, a serious attention to the great things of religion; and its interests appear evidently to be advancing. In several of their churches, "times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord" have been experienced; sinne.s have been brought to repentance; and saints have been comforted and edified: and these pleasing appearances, in some instances, still continue. From the west, the Assembly have received intelligence of the most interesting nature. On the borders of Kentucky and Tennesse, the influences of the Spirit of God seem to have been manifested in a very extraordinary manner. Many circumstances attending this work are unusual: and though it is probable that some irregularities may have taken place; yet, from the information which the Assembly have received, they cannot but exceedingly rejoice in the abundantevidence given them that God has visited that people, and poured out his Spirit remarkably upon them.

In the middle and southern Presbyteries, appearances are not so en. couraging for though in some of their churches religion flourishes, yet, in many others, the wise and foolish virgins are slumbering together; iniquity abounds, and the love of many waxes cold. Ignorance, vice, and infidelity, do, in many parts of our country, still prevail.

The new settlements, on our frontiers, appear very desirous to have the Gospel preached amongst them; and our Missionaries who have visited them do not appear to have laboured without success. Good impressions have, not unfrequently, been made; and churches are rapidly forming, which will soon need settled pastors.

The intelligence which the Assembly have received from the heathen tribes is very pleasing, viz.

That there is amongst them a willingness, yea an ardent desire, to have the Gospel preached to them: their prejudices feem to be removed, and many important obstacles are surmounted. Some of their chief men have offered to commit their sons to Presbyteries and Missionary Societies, in order that they may be instructed, not only in the arts of civilized life, but also in the principles of the Christian religion.

The prospect of the conversion of the Indians is now more flattering than it has ever been before. The wilderness already begins to bud

and

and, it is hoped, will soon blossom like the rose. The solitary cottage of the wandering savage will, the Assembly trust, be soon gladdened by the reception of the glorious Redeemer, with whom there is no difference between the Jew and Greek, between the barbarous and refined; for he is the "Saviour of all men," and the "propitiation not only for our sins, but for the sins of the whole world."

By printed accounts from the United States of America, we also learn, that to the churches of the Elkhorn Baptist Association, in the course of the last year, have been added 3011 members; and to all the Baptist churches in Kentucky, not less than 10,000! and that the revival of religion in the western country still spreads and increases.

ASSOCIATIONS.

THE Association for spreading the Gospel, in the county of Shropshire, met agreeably to appointment, at the meeting-house, Swan-hill, Shrewsbury, on Thursday, January 7th; when a sermon was preached, in the evening, by Mr. J. Robert, of Llanbrynmair, from Eph. v. 31, 328 and the next morning the ministers proceeded to the ordination of Mr. Rd. Everall, the county itinerant, in hearty compliance with the request of many persons from different villages, where he labours. Mr. T. Weaver, minister of the place, began the service with prayer and reading the Scriptures; Mr. J. Whitridge, of Oswestry, delivered the introductory address, proposed the queftions, and received the confession of faith; Mr. T. Weaver engaged in the ordination-prayer, Mr. P. Edwards, of Wem, gave the charge, from Mal. ii. 6, 7; and Mr. J. Roberts con cluded with prayer. The congregation assembled again in the evening, when Mr. D. Francis, of Ludlow, preached from 1 Thess v. 21.; Mr. W. Lewis, of Whitechurch, prayed before, and Mr. J. Palmer, of Shrewsbury, prayed after the sermon.

This Association was formed in the year 1796: by means of it, about twenty-eight places are supplied with preaching, most of which are well attended. There is reason to believe, that the word has been blessed to the reformation of several villages, as well as to the conversion of inany individuals; and there are also very pleasing prospects of future usefulness West Kent Association.

THE half yearly meeting of the ministers and brethren in this district, for the spread of the Gospel, was held at Maidstone, October 20, 1801; when the business of the Association was attended to and settled. Two sermons were preached on the occasion: the former by Mr. Stanger, from Acts xi. 21.; and the latter by Mr. Slatterie, from Pet. iv. 11. and the Brethren Beaufoy, Bentliff, John Stanger, jun. and Pilcher, engaged in prayer.

The next meeting is appointed to be held at Mr. Ralph's meetinghouse, Maidstone, on Tuesday April 13; when Mr. Stanger, jun. (a student in the Kentish seminary) is nominated to preach in the forenoun and Mr. Podmore, of Tunbridge, in the evening.

East Kent Association

Was held in Canterbury, October 21, 1801. Mr. Atwood preached the evening before, from Eph. iii. 8.; next morning Mr. Gore, from John vi 37; and Mr. Giles in the evening, from Rom. viii. 13: when it was agreed to recommend to the West Kent Association to join with them in providing a county fund, similar to Essex and Suffolk, for Gospelministers. The next Association is to be held at Ashford, April 21, 180z; when Mr. Crump is to preach the preceding evening; next morning Mr. Drew; and in the evening Mr. George Townsend.

ERRATA in some copies of this No. Page 83, line 2, for facient read faciunt 27,; for from read above