Rise and Progress of a Remarkable Work of Grace among the Indians in New Jersey and Pennsylvania (Brainerd's Journal) (part 2 of 6)

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zwakened, of the badness of their lives and actions past; and all were afraid of the anger of God, and of everlasting misery as the desert of their sins, Some of the white people who came out of curiosity to “ hear what this babbler would say” to the poor ignorant Indians, were also much awakened, and some appeared to be wounded with a view of their perishing state. Those who had lately obtained relief, were filled with comfort at this season; they appeared calm and composed, and seemed to rejoice in Christ Jesus. Some of them took their distressed friends by the hand, telling them of the goodness of Christ, and the comfort that is to be enjoyed in him, and thence invited them to come and give up their hearts to him. I could observe some of them, in the most honest and unaffected manner, without any design of being taken notice of, lifting up their eyes to heaven, as if crying for mercy, while they saw the distress of the poor souls around them. ‘There was one remarkable instance of awakening this day, that I cannot but take particular notice of here. A young Indian woman, who I believe never knew —before she had a soul, nor ever thought of any such thing, hearing that there was something strange among the Indians,.came to see what was the matter. In her way to the Indians she called at my lodgings; and when I told her 1 designed presently to preach to the Indians, she laughed: and seemed to mock, but went to them. I had not proceeded far in my public discourse, before she felt effectually that she had a soul; and before I had concluded my discourse, was so convinced of her sin and misery, and so distressed about her soul’s salvation, that she seemed like one pierced through with a dart, and cried out incessantly. She could neither go nor stand, nor sit without being held up. After public service was over, she lay flat on the ground praying earnestly; and would take no notice, nor give any answer to any that spoke to her. I hearkened to hear what she said, and perceived the burden of her prayer to be, Guttummaukalummeh wechaumeh kmeleh Ndah, i. e. “ Have mercy on me, and help me to give thee my heart.” Thus she continued praying | incessantly for many hours together.

This was indeed a surprising day of God’s power, and seemed enough to convince an Athiest of the truth, importance, and power of God’s word.

Aug. 9. Spent almost the whole day with the Indians;

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the former part of it in discoursing to many of them privately, and especially to some who hed lately received comfort. I inquired into the grounds of it, aad gave them some proper instructions, cautions, and directions.

In the afternoon discoursed to them publicly. There were now present about seventy persons, old and young. I opened and applied the parable of the sower, Matth. xiii. Was enabled to speak with much plainness, and found afterwards that this discourse was very instructive to them. There were many tears among them while I was speaking, but no considerable cry. Some were much affected with a few words spoken from Matth. xi. 28, with which I concluded my discourse. But while I was conversing near night with two or three of the awakened persons, a divine influence seemed to attend what was spoken to them in a powerful manner. They cried out in anguish of soul, although I spoke not a word of terror; but on the contrary, set before them the falness and all-sufficiency of Christ’s merits, and his willingness to save all that come to him, while at the same time I pressed them to come without delay.

Their cry was soon heard by others, who, though scattered before, immediately gathered round. I then proceeded in the same strain of gospel invitation, till they were all melted into tears and cries, except two or three; and seemed in thé greatest distress to find and secure au interest in the great Redeemer.—Some who had but little more than a ruffle made in their passions the day before, seemed now to be deeply affected and wounded at heart; and the concern in general appeared nearly as prevalent as it was the day before. There was indeed a very “great mourning” among them, and yet.every one seemed to “mourn apart.” Their concern was such that almost every one was praying and crying for ' himself, as if none had been near. Guttummaukalummeh, guttummaukalummeh; “ Have mercy upon me, have mercy upon me,” was the common cry.

It was very affecting to see the poor Indians, who the other day were hallooing and yelling in their idolatrous feasts and drunken frolics, now crying to God with such importunity for an interest in his dear Son.—I found two or three persons, who I had reason to hope had taken comfort upon good grounds since the evening before; and these, with others that had obtained comfort, were together, and seemed to rejoice much that God was carrying on his work with sucts power upon others.

’ Aug. 10. Rode to the Indians, and began to discourse more privately to those who had obtained comfort and satisfaction; endeavouring to instruct, direct. caution and comfort them. But others being eager of hearing every word that related to spiritual concerns, soon came together one efter another; and when I had discoursed to the young converts more than half an hour, they seemed much melted with divine things, and earnestly desirous to be with Christ. I told them of the godly soul’s perfect purity and full enjoyment of Christ, immediately upon its separation from the body; and that it would be for ever inconceivably more happy than they had ever been for any short space of time, when Christ seemed near to them, in prayer or other duties. And that | might make way for speaking of the resurrection of the body, and thence of the complete blessedness of the man. I| said, But perhaps some of you will say, I love my body as well as my soul, and { cannot bear to think that my body should lie dead, if my soul is happy. To which they all cheerfully replied, Muttoh, muttoh, (before 1 had opportunity to prosecute what I designed respecting the resurrection,) No, na. They did not regard their bodies, if their souls might but be with Christ. Then they appeared “ willing to be absent from the body, that they might be present with the Lord.”

When | had spent some time with these, I turned te the other Indians, and spoke to them from Luke xix. 10. I-had not discoursed long, before their concern ruse to a great degree, and the house was filled with cries and groans. Aud when I insisted on the compassion and care of the Lord Jesus Christ for “those that were lost,” who felt themselves undone, and could find no way of escape, this melted them. down the more, and aggravated their distress, that they could not find, and could not come to so kind a Saviour.

- Several who before had been but slightly awakened, were now deeply wounded with a sense of their sin and misery. One man in particular, who was never before awakened, was now made to feel that “the word of the Lord was quick and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword.” He seemed to be pierced to the heart with distress, and his concern appeared to be genuine. He said, “ all the wickedness of his past life was brought fresh to his remembrance, and he saw all the vile actions he had done formerly, as if done but yesterday.

Found one that had newly received comfort, after pressing distress from day to day. Could not but rejoice in and admire the divine goodness in what appeared this day. There seems to be some good done by every discourse; some newly awakened every day, and some comforted. It was refreshing to observe the conduct of those that had obtained comfort; while others were distressed with fear and concern, they were lifting up their hearts to God for them.

Lord’s day, Aug. 11. Discoursed in the forenoon from the parable of the Prodigal son, Luke xv. Observed no such remarkable effect of the word upon the assembly as in days past. There were numbers of the white people, Quakers and others, who were careless spectators.

In the afternoon I discoursed upon a part of St. Peter’s sermon, Acts ii. At the close of my discourse to the Indians, I made an address to the white people; and divine truth seemed then to be attended with power both to English and Indians. Several of the white Heathen were awakened, and could no longer be idle spectators, but found they had souls to save or lose as well as the Indians, and a great concern spread through the whole assembly. This also appeared to be a day of God’s power, especially towards the conclusion of it, although the influence attending the word seemed scarcely so impressive as in some days past.

The number of the Indians, old and young, was now upwards of seventy. One or two were newly awakened this day, who never had appeared to be moved with concern for heir souls before. Those who had obtained relief and comfort, and had given hopeful evidences of having passed a saving change, appeared humble and devout, and behaved in an agreeable and Christian manner. I was refreshed to. see the tenderness of conscience manifest in some of them, an instance of which I cannot but notice. Perceiving one of them very sorrowful in the morning, 1 inquired into the cause of her sorrow, and found the difficulty was, she had been angry with her child the evening before, and was now exercised with fears lest her anger had been inordinate and sinfal,.which so grieved her that she waked and began to sob before daylight, and continued weeping for several hours together.

Aug. 14. Spent the day with the Indians. One of them who had some time since put away his wife, as is common among them, and taken another woman, being now brought under some serious impressions, was much concerned about that affair in particular. He seemed fully convinced of the wickedness of that practice, and earnestly desirous to know what God would have him do in his present circumstances. When the law of God respecting marriage had been explained, and the cause of his leaving his wife inquired into; and when it appeared she had given him no just occasion by unchastity to desert her, and that she was willing to forgive his past misconduct, and to live peaceably with him for the future, and that she moreover insisted on it as her right to enjoy him; he was then told that it was his indispensable duty to renounce the woman he had last taken, and receive the other who was his proper wife, and live peaceably with her daring life. With this he readily and cheerfully complied, publicly renouncing the woman he had last taken, and promising to live with and be kind to his wife during life, she also promising the same to him. This afforded a clear demonstration of the power of God’s word upon their hearts. I suppose a few weeks before, the whole world could not have persuaded this man to a compliance with Christian rules in this affair.

I was not without fears, lest this proceeding might be like putting “new wine into old bottles,” and that some might be prejudiced against Christianity, when they saw the overtures made by it. But the man being much concerned about the matter, the determination of it could be deferred no longer, and it seemed to have a good effect among the Indians, who generally owned that the laws of Christ were good and right respecting marriage.

In the afternoon I preached to them from the apostle’s discourse to Cornelius, Acts x. 34. There was some affectionate concern among them, though not equal to what appeared in several of the former days. They still attended and heard: as for their lives, and the Lord’s work seemed still to be promoted among them.

‘ Aug. 15. Preached from Luke ‘iv. 16—21. The word was attended with power upon the hearts of the hearers There was much concern, many tears, and affecting ‘cries among them, and some in a special manner were deeply wounded and distressed. There were some newly awakened who came but this week, and convictions seemed to be promoted in others. Those who had received comfort, were likewise refreshed and strengthened, and the work of grace appeared to advance in all respects. The passions of the congregation in general were not so much moved as ia some days past, but their hearts seemed as solemnly and deeply affected with divine truths as ever, at least in many instances, although the concern did not seem to be so universal, and to reach every individual in such a manner as it had appeared to do some days before.

Aug. 16. Spent considerable time in conversing privately with several of the Indians. Found one that had got relief and comfort, and could not but hope, when I came to discourse particularly with her, that her comfort was of the right kind.—In the afternoon I preached from John vi. 26—34. Toward the close of my discourse, divine truth was’ attended with considerable power upon the audience: more especially after public service was over, when I addressed several distressed persons.

A great concern spread pretty generally among them. Two persons especially were awakened toa sense of their sin and misery, one of whom was lately come, and the other had all along been very attentive, but could never before obtain any lively view of her perishing state. But now her concern and spiritual distress was such, that 1 had never seen any more pressing. Sundry old men were also in distress for their souls, so that they could not refrain from weeping and crying out aloud; and their bitter groans were the most convincing as well as affecting evidence of the reality and depth of their inward anguish—God is powerfully at work among them. True and genuine convictions of sin are daily promoted in many instances, and some are newly awakened from time to time; although some few who felt a commotion in their passions in days past, seem now to dis- © cower that their hearts were never duly affected. I never saw the work of God appear so independent of means as at this —time. I discoursed to the people on what I hoped had

.& proper tendency to promote conviction; but God’s manner of working upon them appeared so entirely supernatural zZ2 and above means, that I could scarcely believe he used me as an instrument, or what [ spake as means of carrying on his work; for it seemed, as I thought, to have no connection with, nor dependance upon means in any respect. And though I could not but continue to use the means I thought proper for the promotion of the work, yet God appeared to work entirely without them; so that J seemed to do nothing, and indeed to have nothing to do, but to “ stand still and see the salvation of God.” 1 was obliged and delighted to say, “ Not unto us,” not unto instruments and means, “ but to thy name be glory.” The Lord appeared to work entirely alone, and I saw no room to attribute any part of this work to any created arm.

Aug. 17... Spent much time in private conferences with the Indians. Found one who had newly obtained relief and comfort, after a long season of spiritual trouble and distress. He had _ been one of my hearers in the Forks of Delaware for more than a year, and now followed me here under deep concern for his soul. 1 had abundant reason to hope that his comfort was well grounded. Afterwards discoursed: publicly from Acts viii. 29—39; and took occasion to treat concerning Baptism, in order to their being instructed and prepared to partake of that ordinance. They were yet hungry and thirsty for the word of God, and appeared unwearied in their attendance upon it.

Lord’s day, Aug. 18. Preached in the forenoon to an assembly of white people, made up of Presbyterians, Baptists, Quakers, Sc. Afterwards preached to the Indians from John vi. 35—40. Considerable concern was visible among them, though not equal to what has frequently appeared of late.

Aug. 19. Preached from Isai.lv.1. The word was attended with power upon those who had received comfort, and others also. The former were sweetly melted and refreshed with divine invitations, the latter much concerned for their souls, that they might obtain an interest in the glorious provisions of the gospel which were set before them. There were numbers of poor “impotent” souls that waited at the pool for healing, and “the Angel” seemed, as at other times of late, “to trouble the waters.” There was a most desirable and comfortable prospect of the spiritual recovery of

‘diseased perishing sinners. ’

Aug. 28. Spent some time with the Indians in private discourse; afterwards preached to them from John vi. 44—50. There was as usual great attention and affection among them. Several appeared deeply concerned for their souls, and could not but express their inward anguish by tears and cries. But the amazing divine influence that has been so powerfully among them in general, seems at present in some degree abated, at least in regard to its universality; though many that bave got no special comfort, still retain deep impressions of divine things.

Aug. 24. Spent the forenoon in discoursing to some of the Indians, in order to their receiving Baptism. When I bad opened the nature of the ordinance, the obligations attending it, the duty of devoting ourselves to God in it, and the privilege of being in covenant with him, several of them seemed to be filled with love to God, and delighted with the thoughts of giving up themselves to him in that solemn and public manner. They were melted and refreshed with the hopes of enjoying the blessed Redeemer.

Afterwards | discoursed publicly from 1 Thess. iv. 13—17. There was a solemn attention, and some visible concern and affection in the time of public service, which was afterwards increased by some further exhortation to come to Christ, and give up their hearts to him, that they might be fitted to “ascend up and meet him in the air, when he shall descend with a shout, and the voice of the archangel.”

There were several Indians newly come, who thought their state good and themselves happy, because they had sometimes lived with the white people under gospel-light. ‘They had learned to read, were civil, $c. but appeared utter strangers to their own hearts, and altogether unacquainted with the power of religion, as well as with the doctrines of grace. With those I discoursed particularly after public worship, and was surprised to see their self-righteous disposition, their strong attachment to the covenant of works for salvation, and the high value they put upon their supposed attainments. After much discourse, one appeared in a measure convinced, that “by the deeds of the law no flesh living should be justified,” and wept bitterly, inquiring “ what he must do to be saved?” This was very comfortable to others, who had gained some experimental acquaintance with their own hearts; for before they were grieved with the

z3 conversation and conduct of these new-comers, who boasted of their knowledge, and thought well of themselves, but evidently discovered to those that had any experience of divine truths, that they knew nothing of their own hearts.

Lord’s day, Aug. 25. Preached in the forenoon frem Luke xv. 3—7. There being a multitade of white people present, I made an address to them at the close of my discourse to the Indians; but could not so much as keep them orderly. Scores of them kept walking and gazing about, and behaved more indecently than any Indians I ever addressed. A view of their abusive conduct so sunk my spirits, that I could scarcely go on with my work.

In the afternoon discoursed from Rev. iii. 20. The Indians behaved seriously, though many others were vain. Afterwards baptized twenty-five of the lndians, fifteen adults and ten children. Most of the.adults I hope are really renewed; and there was not one of them but what-I entertained some hopes of in that respect, though the case of two or three appeared more doubtful.

After the croud of spectators was gone, I called the baptized persons together, and discoursed to them in particular, at the same time inviting others to attend. I reminded them of the solemn obligations they’ were now under to live to God, warned them of the evil and dreadful consequences of careless living, especially after this public profession of Christianity; gave them directions for their future conduct, and encouraged them to watchfulness and devotion, by setting before them the comfort and happy conclusion of a religious life—This was a delightful season indeed. Their hearts were engaged and cheerful.in duty, and they rejoiced that they had in a public and solemn manner dedicated themselves to God. Love seemed to reign among them.. They took each other by the hand with tenderness and affection, as if their hearts were knit together, while I was discoursing to them. Their deportment toward each other was such, that a serious spectator might justly be excited to cry out with admiration, -“ Behold how they Jove one another!” Several other Indians, seeing and hearing these things, were much affected and wept bitterly, longing to be partakers of the same joy and comfort that these discovered by their very countenances as well as conduct.

Aug. 26. Preached to my people from John vi. 51—55. After | had discoursed some time, I addressed those in particular who entertained hopes that they were “ passed from death to life.” Opened to them the persevering nature of those consolations Christ gives his people, and which I trusted he had bestowed upon some in that assembly; shewed them that such have already the beginnings of “ eternal life,” (ver. 54.) and that their heaven shall speedily be completed.

Ino sooner began to discourse in this strain, than the dear Christians in the congregation began to be melted with desire after the enjoyment of Christ, and of a state of perfect purity. They wept affectionately and yet joyfully; their tears and sobs discovered brokenness of heart, and yet were attended with real comfort and satisfaction. This humble: melting state of mind appeared to be the genuine effect of a spirit of adoption, and was very far from that spirit of bondage that they not long since laboured under. The influence seemed to spread through the whole assembly, and there quickly appeared a wonderful concern among them. Many who had not yet found Christ as an all-sufficient Saviour, were now engaged in seeking after him. Their number was now about ninety-five, old and young, and almost all affected either with joy in Christ Jesus, or with the utmost concern to obtain an interestin him.

Being fully convinced it was now my duty to take a journey far back to the Indians on Susquahannah river, (it being now @ proper season of the year to find them generally at home) after having spent some hours in public and private discourses with my people, I told them that I must now leave them for the present, and go to their brethren far remote and preach to them; that 1 wanted the Spirit of God should Zo with me, without whom nothing could be done to any good purpose among the Indians, as they themselves had had opportunity to see and observe by the barrenness of our meetings at some times, when there was much pains taken to affect and awaken sinners, and yet to little or no purpose. 1 also asked them, if they could not be willing to spend the remainder of the day in prayer for me, that God would go with me, and succeed my endeavours for the conversion of | those poor souls. They cheerfully complied with the motion, and soon after i left them (the sun being then about an hour

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and half high at night) they began, and continued praying all night till nearly break of day, not suspecting till they went out and viewed the Stars, and saw the morning-star a considerable height, that it was later than common bed-time. Thus eager and unwearied were they in their devotions. A remarkable night it was, attended, as my interpreter tells me, with a powerful influence upon those who were yet under concern, as well as those who had received comfort.

This day two distressed souls were brought I trust to the enjoyment of solid comfort in him, in whom the weary find rest. It was likewise remarkable, that this day an old Indian, who has all his days been an obstinate idolater, was brought to give up his rattles (which they use for music in their idolatrous feasts and dances) to the other Indians, who quickly destroyed them. This was done without any attempt of mine in the affair, for 1 said nothing to him aboutit. It seemed to be nothing but the power of God’s word, without any particular application to this sin, that produced this effect. Thus God has begun, thus he has hitherto surprisingly carried on a work of grace amongst these Indians. May the glory be ascribed to him, who is the sole author of it.

Forks of Delaware in Pennsylvania, 1745.

Lords day, Sep. 1. Preached to the Indians here from Luke xiv. 16——2?3. The word appeared to be attended with some power, and caused some tears in the assembly. Afterwards preached to a number of white people present, and observed many of them in tears, and some who had formerly been as careless and unconcerned about religion perhaps as the Indians. Towards night discoursed to the Indians again, and perceived a greater attention, and more visible concern among them than has: been usual in these parts.

Sep. 3. Preached to the Indians from Isai. liii. 3—6. The divine presence seemed to be in the midst of the assembly and a considerable concern was visible. Several persons seemed to be awakened, amongst whom were two stupid creatures that I could scarcely ever before keep awake while I was preaching. Could not but rejoice at this appearance of things, though at the same time I could not but fear lest the concern they at present manifested, might prove like “ a

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morning: cloud,” as ‘something of that nature had formerly done in these parts.

’ Sep. 5. Discoursed to the Indians from the parable of the ’ gower, and afterwards conversed with a few individuals, who wept and cried out in an affecting manner. Others were filled with surprise and concern, and a divine power accompanied what was then spoken. Several of these persons had been with me to Crosweeksung, and had there seen, and some of them, | trust, felt the power of God’s word in an. effectual and saving manner. I asked one of them who had obtained comfort, and given hopeful evidences of being truly religious, why he now wept? He replied, “ When he thought how Christ was slain like a lamb, and spilt his blood for sinners, he could not help crying when he was all alone.” He then burst out into tears and cries again. | then asked his wife, who had likewise been abundantly comforted, wherefore she cried? She answered, “ She was grieved that the Indians here would not come to Christ, as well as those at Crosweeksung.” I asked her if she found a heart to pray for them, and whether Christ had seemed to be near to her of late in prayer, as in time past? (which is my usual method of expressing a sense of the divine presence.) She replied, *© Yes, he had been near to her; and that at some times when she had been praying alone, her heart loved to pray so, that she could not bear to leave the place, but wanted to stay and pray longer.”

Sep. 7. Preached to the Indians from John vi. 35—39. There was not so much appearance of concern among them as at several a times of iate, yet they appeared serious and attentive.

Lord's day, Sep. 8. Discoursed to the Indians in the forenooh from John xii. 44—50. In the afternoon from Acts ii. 86—39. The word of God at this time seemed to fall with weight and influence upon them. There were but few present, but most of them were in tears, and several cried out under distressing concern for their souls. One man was considerably awakened, who never before discovered any concern for his soul. There appeared a remarkable work of the divine Spirit among them, almost generally, not unlike what has been of late at Crosweeksung. It seemed as if the divine influence had spread from thence to this place; although something of it appeared here in the awakening of mny Interpreter, his wife, and some few others.

. Some of the careless white people now present were awakened, or at least startled, seeing the power of God so prevalent among the Indians. .I then made a particular address to them, which seemed to produce some. impression upon them. There are several Indians in these parts who have always refused to hear me preach, and have been engaged against those that have attended my preaching. But. of late they are more bitter than ever, scoffing at Christianity» aad sometimes asking my hearers, ‘ How often they have cried ;’ and ‘ whether they have not now cried enough?’ Se that they have already “ trial of cruel mockings.”

» Sep. 9. Left the Indians in the Forks of Delaware, and set out on a journey towards Susquahannah river, directing my course towards the Indian town more than a hundred and twenty miles westward from the Forks. Travelled about fifteen miles, and there lodged.

Sep. 18. After having lodged. out three nights, arrived at the Indian town 1 aimed at on Susquahannah, called Shaumoking, (one of the places, and the largest of them, that I visited in May last,) and was kindly received and entertained by the Indians; but had little satisfaction on account of the heathenish dance and revel they then held in “the house where I was obliged to lodge, which I could not * suppress, though I often intreated them to desist, for the sake.of one of their own friends who was then sick in the house, and whose disorder was much aggravated by the _ noise. Alas, how destitute of “ natural affection” are these poor uncultivated Pagans; although they seem somewhat kind in their own way. Of a truth, “ the dark corners of the earth are full of the habitations of cruelty.”

This town, as | observed in my Journal of May last, lies ‘partly on the east side of the river, partly on the west, and partly on a large island in it. It contains upwards of fifty houses, and (they tell me) near three hundred persons, though I never saw much more than half that number in it. But it consists of three different tribes of Indians, speaking three languages wholly unintelligible to each other. About one half of its inhabitants are Delawares; the others are called Senakas and Tutelas. The Indians of this place are counted the most drunken, mischievous and ruffainly of any in these parts; and Satan seems to have his seat in this town in an eminent manner.