Rise and Progress of a Remarkable Work of Grace among the Indians in New Jersey and Pennsylvania (Brainerd's Journal) (part 3 of 6)
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. Sep. 14. Visited the Delaware king, who was supposed to be at the point of death when I was here in May last, but was now recovered. I discoursed with him and others respecting Christianity; spent the afternoon with them, and had more encouragement than I expected. The King -appeared kindly disposed, and willing to be instructed: this gave me some encouragement. that God would open ana “ effectual door” for my preaching the gospel here, and set up his kingdom. in this place. It was a support and refreshment to me in the wilderness, and rendered my solitary €itcumstances comfortable and pleasant.
Lord's day, Sep. 15. Visited the Chief of the Delawares again; was kindly received by him, and discoarsed tq the Indians in the afternoon. Still entertained hopes that God would open their hearts to receive the gospel, though many of them were so drunk from day to day, that I could get no opportunity to speak to them. Towards night, discoursed with one that anderstood the languages of the Six Nations, (as they are usually called,) who discovered an inclination to hearken to Christianity; which gave me some hopes that the gospel might hereafter be sent to those nations far remote.
Sep. 16. Spent the forenoon with the Indians, endeavouring to instruct them from house to house, and to engage | them, as far as I could, to be friendly to Christianity.—Towards night, went to one part of the town where they were sober, and got together nearly fifty persons, and discoursed to them, having first obtained the king’s cheerful consent: There was a surprising attention anrong them, and they manifested a considerable desire of being further instructed. Qne or two seemed to be touclred with some concern for their seuls, and appeared well pleased with some conversation in private, after I had concluded my public discourse. My spirits were much refreshed with this appearance of things, and I could not but return with. my Interpreter (having no other companion in this journey) to amy poor hard lodgings, rejoicing in hope that God designed to set up his kingdom here, where Satan now reigns in the most eminent manner; and found uncommon freedom in addressing the throne of grace for the accomplishment af 36 great and glorious a work.
Sep. 17, Spent the forenoon in. visiting aad discoursing to the Indians. About noon left Shaumoking, (most of the Indians going out this day on their hantiag design,) and travelled down the river south-westward..
Sep. 19. Visited an Indian town called Juneauta, situate on an island in. Susquahannabh. Was much discouraged with.the temper and behaviour of the Indians here, although they appeared friendly when | was with them the last spring, and then gave me encouragement to come and see them again.. But they now seemed resolved to retain their Pagan notions, and persist in their idolatrous practices.
Sep. 20. Visited the Indians again at Juneauta island, and found them almost universally very busy in making preparations for a great sacrifice and dance. Had no opportunity to get them together in order to discourse with them about Christianity, because they were so much engaged about their ‘sacrifice. My spirits were much sunk with a prospect so very discouraging, especially seeing I had now no Interpreter Dut a Pagan, who was as much attached to idolatry as any of them, (my own Interpreter having left me the day before, being obliged to attend upon some important business else- ‘where, and knowing that he could neither speak nor understand the language of these Indians ;) so that I was under the “greatest disadvantages imaginable. However, I attempted ‘to discourse privately with some of them, but without any “appearance of success: notwithstanding I still tarried with them.
In the evening they met together, near a hundred of them, and danced round a large fire, having prepared ten fat deer. for the sacrifice. The fat of the inwards they burnt in the ‘fire while they were dancing; sometimes they raised the flame to a prodigious height, yelling and shouting in such ‘a manner that they might easily have been heard two miles or more, hey continued their sacred dance all night, or ‘nearly so: after which they ate the flesh of the sacrifice, and
‘ so retired each one to his lodging.—I enjoyed little satisfaction this night, being entirely alone on the island, (as to any Christian company,) and in the midst of this idolatrous revel. Having walked to and fro till body and mind were pained and much oppressed, I at length crept into a little crib made for corn, and there slept on the poles.
Lord’s day, Sep. 21. Spent the day with the Indians on
tisland, As soon as they were well up in the morning, I
AMONG THE INDIANS, - 349
attempted to instruct them, and laboured for that purpose to get them together, but quickly found they had something else to do; for near noon they gathered together all their powwows, (ot conjurers) and set about half. a dozen of them to playing their juggling trick§, and acting ‘their frantic distracted postures, in order-to find out why they were then so sickly upon the island, numbers of them being at that time disordered with: a fever and bloody flux. In this exer-. cise they were engaged for several hours, making all the. wild, ridiculous and distracted motions imaginable; sometimes singing, sometimes howling, sometimes extending their hands to the utmost stretch, spreading all their fingers, and seemed to push-with them, as if they designed to fright something away, or at least keep it off at arms-end; some., times stroking their faces with their hands, then spurting water as: fine as mist; sometimes setting flat on the earth, then bowing down their faces to the ground; wringing their sides, as if in pain and anguish, twisting their faces and turning up their eyes.;
Their monstrous actions tended to excite ideas of horror, and seemed to have something in them peculiarly suited to demon worship. Some of them, I could observe, were much. more fervent and devout in the business than others, and. seemed to chant, “ peep and mutter” with a great degree of warmth and vigour, as if determined to awaken and engage the powers below. I sat at the distance of about thirty feet from them, undiscovered, with my Bible in my hand, resolving if possible to spoil their sport, and prevent their receiving any answers from the infernal world. I sat and viewed the whole scene. They continued their hideous charms and incantations for more than three hours, till they had all wearied themselves out, although they had in that space of time taken sundry intervals of rest. At length they broke up, without appearing to receive any answer.
After they had done powwowing, I attempted to discourse, with them about Christianity; but they soon scattered, and gave me no opportunity for any thing of that nature. A view of these things, while I was entirely alone in the wilderness, destitute of the society of any one that so much. as “named the name of Christ,” greatly sunk my spirits; gave me the most gloomy turn of mind imaginable, almost stripped me of all resolution and hope respecting further attempts
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for propagating the gospel, and converting the Pagans, and rendered this the most burdensome and disagreeable Sabbath that ever I saw. Nothing, I can trely say, sunk and distressed me like the loss of my hope respecting their conver- - sion. This concern appeared so great and so much my own, that I seemed to have nothing to do on earth, if this failed. A prospect of the greatest success in the saving conversion of souls under gospel light, would have done little or nothing towards compensating for the loss of my hope in this respect; and my spirits now were so damped and depressed, that I had no heart nor power to make any further attempts among them for that purpose; nor could I possibly recover my hope, resolution and courage, by the utmost of my endeavours.
Many of the Indians of this island understand the English language very well, having formerly lived in some part of Maryland among or near the white people; but they are very vicious, drunken and profane, although not so savage
‘as those who have less acquaintance with the English. Their customs in divers respects differ from those of other Indians upon this river. ‘They do not bury their dead in a common form, but let their flesh consume above ground in close cribs made for that purpose; and at the end of a year, or perhaps sometimes a Jonger space of time, they take the bones, when the flesh is all consumed, and wash and serape them, and afterwards bury them with some ceremony.—- Their method of charming or conjuring over the sick, seems somewhat different from that of other Indians, though for | substance the same: and the whole of it, among these and others, is perhaps an imitation of what seems, by Naaman’s ‘expression, 2 Kings v. 11, to have been the custom of the ancient Heathens. For it seems chiefly to consist in “ striking their hands over the diseased,” repeatedly stroking them, “ and calling upon their gods,” excepting the spurting of water like a mist, and some other frantic ceremonies common to the other conjurations, which | have already mentioned.
When I was in these parts in May last, I had an opportunity of learning many of the notions and customs of the Indians, as well as of observing many of their practices. I then travelled more than a hundred and thirty miles upon the river above the English settlements; and having in that AMONG THE INDIANS. - 35h
jowney a view of some persons of seven or eight distinct tribes, speaking so many different languages. But of all the sights I ever saw among them, or indeed any where else, none appeared so frightful, or so near akin to what is usually imagined of txferral powers; none ever excited such images of terror in my mind, as the appearance of one who was.a devout and zealous reformer, or rather restorer of what he supposed was the ancient religion of the Indians.
He made his appearance in his pontifical garb, which was a coat of bear’s skins, dressed with the hair on, and hanging: down to his toes; a pair of bear-skin stockings, and a great wooden face, painted the one half black and the other tawny, about the colour of an Indian’s skin, with an extravagant mouth, cut very much awry; the face fastened to a bearskin cap, which was drawn over his head. He advanced. toward me with the instrument in his hand that he used for music in his idolatrous worship, which was a dry tortoiseshell, with some corn in it, and the neck of it drawn on toa piece of wood, which made a very convenient handle. As he came forward, he beat his tune with the rattle, and danced with all his might, but did not suffer any part of his body, not so much as his fingers, to be seen: and no manwould have guessed by his appearance and actions, that he could have been a human creature, if they had not had some. intimation of it otherwise. When he came near me, J could not but shrink away from him, although it was then noonday, and I knew who it was, his appearance and gestures. —Were so prodigiously frightful. He had a house consecrated. to religious uses, with divers images cut out upon the several parts of it; I went in and found the ground beat almost as hard as a rock with their frequent dancing in it—I discoursed with him about Christianity; some of my discourse he seemed to like, but some of it he disliked entirely. He.; told me that God had taught him his religion, and that he never would turn from it, but wanted to find some that would Join heartily with him in it; for the Indians, he said, were. grown very degenerate and corrupt. He had thoughts, he said, of leaving all bis friends, and travelling abroad, in order to find some that would join with him; for he believed God had some good peuple somewhere that felt as he did. He, had not always, he said, felt as he now did, but had formerly been like the rest of the Indians, until about four or five years before that time. Then, he said, bis heart was very much distressed, so that he could not live a ::ong the Indians, but got away into the woods, and lived alone for some months. At length, he says, God comforted his heart, and showed him what he should do; and since that time he had known God, and tried to serve him; and loved all men, be they who they would, so as he never did before.
He treated me with uncommon courtesy, and seemed to be hearty in it. I was told by the Indians, that he opposed their drinking strong liquor with all his power; and if at any time he could not dissuade them from it, by all he could say, he would leave them, and go crying into the woods. It was manifest he had a set of religious notions that he had examined for himself, and not taken for granted upon bare tradition; and he relished or disrelished whatever was spoken of a religious nature, according as it either agreed or disagreed with his standard. While 1 was discoursing he would sometimes say, “ Now that I like: so God has taught me,” §c. And some of his sentiments seemed very just. Yet he utterly denied the being of a devil, and declared there was no such a creature known among the Indians of old times, whose religion he supposed he was attempting to revive. He likewise told me, that departed souls all went southward, and that the difference between the good and bad was this, that the former were admitted into a beautiful town with spiritual walls, or walls agreeable to the nature of souls; and that the latter would for ever hover round those walls, and in vain attempt to get in. He seemed to be sincere, honest and conscientious in his own way, and according to his own religious notions, which was more than I ever saw in any other Pagan. I perceived he was looked upon, and derided amongst most of the Indians as a precise zealot, that made a needless noise about religious matters. But I must say, there was something in his temper and disposition that, looked more like true religion than any thing I ever observed amongst other Heathens.
But alas, how deplorable is the state of the Indians upon this river. The brief representation I have here given of their notions and manners, is sufficient to shew that they are “ led. captive by Satan at his will,” in the most eminent manner. It might likewise be sufficient to excite the compassion, and engage the prayers of pious souls for these their fellow men, who sit in “ the regions of the shadow of death.”
Sep.'#2. Made some further attempts to instruct and christianize the Indians on this island, but all to no purpose. They live so near the white people, that they are always in the way of strong liquor, as well as the ill examples of nominal christians; which renders it so unspeakably difficult to treat ‘with them about Christianity.
Forks of Delaware, 1745.
October 1. Discoursed to the Indians here, and spent some time in private conferences with them about their souls, and afterwards invited them to accompany, or if not, to follow me down to Crosweeksung as soon as their conveniency would admit. Several of them cheerfully accepted the invitation.
Crosweeksung in New-Jersey, 1745.
Preached to my people from John xiv. 1—6. The divine presence seemed to be in the assembly. Numbers were affected with divine truth, and it was a season of comfort to some in particular. What a difference is there between these and the Indians I had lately treated with upon Susquahannah! To be with those seemed like being banished from God, and all his people; to be with these like being admitted into his family, and to the enjoyment of his divine | presence. How great is the change lately made upon numbers of these Indians, {who not many months ago were as thoughtless and averse to Christianity, as those upon Susquahannah: and how astonishing is that grace which has made this change!
Lord’s day, October 6. Preached in the forenoon from John x. 7—11. There was a considerable melting among my people; the dear young Christians were refreshed, comforted and strengthened, and one or two persons newly awakened. In the afternoon I discoursed on the story of the jailor, Acts xvi. In the evening expounded Acts xx. 1—1¢. At this. time a very agreeable melting spread through the whole assembly. I scarcely ever saw a more desirable affection in any number of people in my life. There was hardly a dry eye to be seen among them, and yet nothing boisterous or unseemly, nothing that tended to disturb.the public worship; but rather to encourage and excite
Aa Christian ardour and a spirit of true devotion. Those who lk have reason to hope were savingly renewed, were first affected, and seemed to rejoice much, but with brokenness of spirit and godly fear. Their exercises were much the same with those mentioned in my Journal of August 26, evidently appearing to be the genuine effect of a Spirit of adoption.
After public service was over 1 withdrew, (being much tired with the labours of the day,) and the Indians continued praying among themselves for near two hours together; which continued exercises appeared to be attended with a blessed quickening influence from on high. I could not but earnestly wish that numbers of God’s people had been present at this season, to see and hear these things which I am sure must refresh the heart of every true lover of Zion’s interest. To see those who very lately were pagan idolaters, “ having no hope, and without God in the world,” now filled with a sense of divine love and grace, and worshipping the “Father in spirit and in truth,” as numbers here appeared to do, was not a little affecting; and especially to see them appear so tender and humble, as well as lively, fervent and devout in the divine service.
Oct. 24. Discoursed from John iv. 18, 14. There was great attention, and an unaffected melting in the assembly. Itis surprising to see how eager they are of hearing the word of God. Ihave oftentimes thought they would cheerfully and diligently attend divine worship twenty-four hours together, had they an opportunity so to do.
Oct. 25. Discoursed to my people zespecting thé resurrection, from Luke xx. 27—36. When 1 came to mention the blessedness which the godly shall then enjoy, their final freedom from death, sin and sorrow; their equality with the angels in regard to nearness and enjoyment of Christ, (some imperfect degree of which they are favoured with in the present life) and their being the children of God, openly acknowledged by him as sach—when I mentioned these things, numbers of them were much affected, and melted with a view of this blessed state.
Oct. 26. Being called to assist in the administration of the Lord’s supper, in a neighbouring congregation, I invited my people to go with me, who in general embraced the opportunity cheerfully, and attended the several discourses of that solemnity with diligence gnd affection, most of them now understanding something of the English language.
Lord's day, Oct. 27.. While I was preaching to a vast assembly of people abroad, who appeared generally easy and secure, there was one Indian woman, a stranger, who never heard me preach before, nor ever regarded any thing about religion, (being now persuaded by some of her friends to come to meeting, though much against her will,) was seized with pressing concern for her soul, and soon after expressed a great desire of going home, (more than forty miles distant,) to call her husband, that he also might be awakened to a concern for his soul. Some other of the Indians also appeared to be affected with divine truth this day.
The pious people of the English, numbers of whom I had opportunity to converse with, seemed refreshed with seeing the Indians worship God in that devout and solemn manner with the assembly of his people. With those mentioned in Acts. xi. 18, they could not but “glorify God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.”
Oct. 28. Preached again to a great assembly, and some of my people appeared affected. When public worship was over, they were inquisitive whether there would not be another sermon in the evening, or before the sacramental solemnity was concluded; being still desirous to hear God’s word.
Crosweeksung.
Oct. 28. Discoursed from Matth. xxii. 1—13. I was enabled to open the scripture, and adapt my discourse and expressions to the capacities of my people, I know not how, in a plain, easy and familiar manner, beyond all that | could have done by the utmost study: and this, without any special difficulty, with as much freedom as if I had been addres sing a common audience, who had been instructed in the doctrine of Christianity all their days.:
The word of God at this time seemed to fall upon the assembly with a divine power and influence, especially toward the close of my discourse: there was both a sweet melting and bitter mourning in the audience. Christians were refreshed and comforted, convictions were revived in others, and several persons newly awakened, who had never been with us before. So much of the divine presence appeared
Aa 2 in the assembly, that it seemed, “ this was no other than the house of God, and the gate of heaven.” And all that had any savour and relish of divine things were even constrained by the sweetness of that season to say, “ Lord, it is good for us to be here.” If ever there was amongst my people an appearance of the New Jerusalem, “ as a bride adorned for her husband,” there was much of it at this time. and so agreeable was the entertainment where such tokens of the divine presence were, that I could scarcely be willing in the evening to leave the place, and repair to my lodgings. I was refreshed with a view of the continuance of this blessed work of grace among them, and its influence upon strangers of the Indians that had of late, from time ¢q, time, providentially fallen into these parts.
November 1. Discoursed from Luke xxiv, briefly explaining the whole chapter, and insisting especially upon some particular passages. The discourse produced an affectionate concern in some of the hearers, though not equal to what has often appeared among them.
Lord’s day, Nov. 3. Preached to my people from Luke xvi. 17, more especially for the sake of several lately brought under deep concern for their souls. There was some apparent concern and affection in the assembly, though far less than has been usual of late. Afterwards 1 baptized fourteen of the Indians, six adults and eight children. One of these was near fourscore years of age, and I have reason to hope God has brought her savingly home to himself. Two of the others were men of fifty years old, who had been remarkable even among the Indians for their wickedness; one of them had been a murderer, and both notorious drunkards, as well as excessively quarrelsome; yet now I cannot but hope both are become subjects of divine grace, especially the worst of them.* I defetred their baptism for many weeks after they had given evidence of having passed a great change, that I might have more opportunities to observe the fruits of those impressions they had been under, and apprehended the way was now clear. There was not one of the adults I baptized, but what had given me some comfortable grounds to hope, that God had wrought a work of special
* The man particularly mentioned in my Journal of August 10th, a as being | ~ then awakened.
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grace in their hearts, although I could not find the same satisfaction respecting one or two of them.
.Nov. 4. Discoursed from John xi, briefly explaining most of the chapter. Divine truth made deep impressions upon many in the assembly; numbers were affected with a view of the power of Christ, manifested in his raising the dead; and especially when this instance of his power was improved to shew his power and ability to raise dead souls (such as many of them then felt themselves to be) to a spiritual life; as also to raise the dead at the last day, and dispense to them due rewards and punishments.
Several persons lately come from remote places, were now brought under deep and pressing concern for their souls, particularly one, who not long since came half drunk, and railed on us, and attempted by all means to disturb us while engaged in worship, was now so concerned and distressed for her soul, that she seemed unable to get any ease without an interest in Christ. ‘There were many tears and affectionate sobs and groans in the assembly in general, some weeping for themselves, others for their friends. And although persons are doubtless much easier affected now, than they were in the beginning of this religious concern, when tears and cries for their souls were things unheard of among them; yet I must say, their affection in general appeared genuine and unfeigned; and especially this appeared very conspicuous in those newly awakened. So that true and genuine convictions of sin, seem still to be begun and promoted in many instances.
Baptized a child this day; several of the baptized persons were affected with the administration of the ordinance, being thereby reminded of their own solemn engagements. | have now baptized in all forty seven of the Indians, twenty three adults, and twenty four children; thirty five of them belonging to these parts, and the rest to the Forks of Delaware. Through grace, they have none of them as yet been left to disgrace their profession of Christianity by any scandalous or unbecoming behaviour.
I might now justly make many remarks on a work of grace so very remarkable as this has been in divers respects; but shall confine myself to a few: general hints only.
¢!.) It is remarkable that God began this work among the
aa3
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Indians at a time'when I had the least hope, and, to my ap- { prehension, the least rational prospect of success. My bodily strength being then much wasted by a late tedious journey to Susquahannah, where I was necessarily exposed to hardships and fatigues among the Indians; my mind being also exceedingly depressed with a view of the unsuccessfulness of my labours, (since { had little reason so much as to hope that God had made me instrumental of the saving conversion of any of the Indians, except my Interpreter and his wife ;) whence I was ready to look upon myself as a burden to the Honourable Society that employed and supported me in this business, and began to entertain serious thoughts of giving up my mission; and almost resolved I would do so, at the conclusion of the present year, if [ had then no better prospect of special success in my work than I had hitherto had. Yet I cannot say I entertained these thoughts because I was weary of the labours and fatigues that necessarily attended my present business, or because | had light and freedom in my own mind to turn any other way; bat purely through dejection of spirit, pressing discouragement, and an apprehension of its being unjust to spend money consecrated to religious uses, only to civilize the Indians, and bring them to an external profession of Christianity, which was all that I could then see any prospect of having effected, while God seemed (as I thought) evidently to frown upon the design of their saving conversion, by withholding the ganvincing and renewing influences of his blessed Spirit from attending | the means | had hitherto used for that end. | In this frame of mind I first visited these Indians at Crosweeksung, apprehending it was my indispensable duty (seeing 1 had heard there was # number in these parts) to make some attempts for their conversion to God, though I cannot say that 1 had any hope of success, my spirits were now so extremely sunk. And [ do not know that my hopes | respecting the conversion of the Indians were ever reduced to so low an ebb, since 1 had any special concern for them as at this time. Yet this was the very season that God saw fit to begin this glorious work in. Thus he “ ordained strength out of weakness,” by making bare his almighty arm at a time when all hopes and human probabilities appeared to fail, Whence [ learn, that it is good to follow the path of duty, though in.the midst of darkness and discouragement.
(2) It is remarkable how God providentially, and in a manner almost unaccountable, called these Indians together to be instructed in the great things that concerned their souls; and how he seized their minds with the most solemn and weighty concern for their eternal salvation as fast as they came to the place where his word was preached. When I first came into these parts in June, [ found not one man at the place I visited, but only four women and a few children: but before I had been here many days, they gathered from all quarters, some from more than twenty miles distant; and when I made them a second visit in the beginning of August, some came more than forty miles to hear me. Many came without any intelligence of what was going on here, and consequently without any design of theirs, so much as to gratify their curiosity; so that it seemed as if God had summoned them together from all quarters for nothing else but to deliver his message to them; and that he did this, with regard to some of them, without making use of any human means; although pains were taken by some of them to give notice to others at remote places.
Nor is it less surprising that they were one after another affected with a solemn concern for their souls, almost as ‘soon as they came upon the spot where divine truths were taught them. I often thought that their coming to our place of worship, was like Saul and his messengers coming among the prophets; they no sooner came but they prophesied; and these were almost as soon affected with a sense of their sin and misery, and with an earnest concern for deliverance, as they made their appearance in our assembly.— After this work of grace began with power among them, it was common for strangers of the Indians, before they had been with us.one day, to become deeply convinced of their sin and misery, and to inquire with great solicitude, “ What they should do to be saved ?”
(3) It is likewise remarkable how God preserved these poor ignorant Indians from being prejudised against me, and the truths-I taught them, by those means that were used for that purpose by ungodly people. Many attempts were made by some ill-minded persons of the white people to prejudice them against, or fright them from Christianity. They sometimes told them, the Indians were well enough already; that there was no need of all this noise about
aa 4 Christianity; that if they were Christians, they would be in no safer or happier state, than they were in already. Sometimes they told them that I was a knave, a deceiver, and the like; that I daily taught them a number of lies, and had no other design but to impose upon them.
When none of these suggestions would.avail, they then tried another expedient, and told the Indians, “ My design was to gather together as large a body of them as [ possibly could, and then sell them to England for slaves.” Nothing could be more likely to terrify the Indians than this, as they are naturally of a jealous disposition, and the most averse to a state of servitude perhaps of any people living. But all these wicked insinuations, through divine goodness overruling, constantly turned against the authors of them, and only served to engage the affections of the Indians more firmly to me. Being awakened to a solemn concern about their souls, could not but observe, that the persons who endeavoured to imbitter their minds against me, were altogether thoughtless, vicious and profane; and therefore, that if they had no concern for their own souls, it was not likely they should have any for the souls of others.
It seems yet the more wonderful that the Indians were preserved from once hearkening to these suggestions, in as much as | was an utter stranger among them, and could give them no assurance of my sincere affection to and concern for them, by any thing that was past,—while the persons that insinuated these things were their old acquaintance, who had had frequent opportunites of gratifying their thirsty appetites with strong drink, and consequently, had the greatest interest in their affections. But from this instance of their preservation from fatal prejudices, | have had oc-
_ casion with admiration to say, “ If God will work, who can hinder or resist ?” °
(4) Nor is it less wonderful how God was pleased to provide a remedy for my want of skill and freedom in the Indian language, by remarkably fitting my Interpreter for, and assisting him in the performance of his work. It might reasonably be supposed that I must labour under great disadvantage in addressing the Indians by an interpreter; and that divine truths would unavoidably loose much of the energy and pathos with which they might at first be delivered, as coming to the audience second hand. But though, to ‘my sorrow and discouragement, this has often been the case ‘in times past, when my Interpreter had little or no sense of divine things, yet now it was quite otherwise. I cannot think my addresses to the Indians ordinarily since the beginning of this season of grace, have lost any thing of the power or pungency with which they were made, unless it were sometimes for want of pertinent and pathetic terms and expressions in the Indian language; and this difficulty could scarcely have been obviated by my personal acquaintance with the language.. My interpreter had before gained some good degree of doctrinal knowledge, whereby he was rendered capable of understanding and communicating, without Inistakes, the intent and meaning of my discourses, and that without being obliged to interpret verbatim. He had likewise an experimental acquaintance with divine things; and it pleased God at this season to inspire his mind with longing desires for the conversion of the Indians, and to give him admirable zeal and fervency in addressing them. And it is remarkable, that when I was favoured with special assistance in any work, and enabled to speak with more than common fervency and power, under a lively and affecting sense of divine things, he was usually affected in the same manner almost instantly, and seemed at once quickened and enabled to speak in the same pathetic language, and under the same influence that I did. A surprising energy often accompanied the word at such seasons; the face of the whole assembly would be apparently changed almost in an instant, and tears and sobs became common among them,
He also appeared to have such a clear doctrinal view of God’s usual methods of dealing with souls under a preparatory work of conviction and hamiliation as he never had before; so that I could, with his help, discourse freely with the distressed persons about their internal exercises their fears, discouragements and temptations. He likewise took pains day and night to repeat and inculcate upon the minds of the Indians the truths | taught them daily; and this he appeared to do, not from spiritual pride, and an attectation of setting himself up as a public teacher, but from a spirit of. faithfulness, and an bonest concern for their souls.
His conversation among the Indians has likewise been savoury, such as becomes a Christian, and a person employed in his work; and I may justly say, be has been a great com- P fort to me, and a great instrument of promoting this good work among the Indians. Whatever be the state of his own soul, it is apparent that God has remarkably fitted him for this work, and made it manifest, that without bestowing on me the gift of tongues, he could find a way to enable me as effectually to convey the truths of his glorious gospel to the minds of these poor benighted Pagans.
(5) It is further remarkable, that God has carried on his work here by such means, and in such a manner as tended to obviate, and leave no room for those prejudices and objections that have often been raised against such a work. When persons have been awakened to a solemn concern for their souls, by hearing the more awful truths of God’s word, and the terrors of the divine law insisted upon, it has usually in such cases. been objected by some, that such persons were only frightened with a fearful noise of hell and damnation; and that there was no evidence that their concern was the effect of a divine influence. But God has left no room for this objection in the present case, this work of grace having been begun and carried on, by almost one continued strain of gospel invitation to perishing sinners, as may reasonably be guessed, from a view of the passages of scripture which | chiefly insisted upon in my discourses from time to time; and which I have for that purpose inserted in my Journal.,
Nor have I ever seen so general an awakening in any assembly in my life as appeared here, while I was opening and insisting upon the parable of the great supper, Luke. xiv. In which discourse I was enabled to set before my hearers the unsearchable riches of gospel grace. Not that [ would be understood here, that 1 never instructed the Indians respecting their fallen state, and the sinfulness and misery of it: for this was what I at first chiefly insisted upon, and endeavoured to repeat and inculcate in almost every discourse, knowing that without this foundation I should but build upon the sand; and that it would be in vain to invite them to Christ, unless I could convince them of their need
‘of him, Mark ii. 17. Yet this great awakening, this surprising concern was never excited by any harangues of terror, but always appeared most remarkable when I insisted upon the compassion of a dying Saviour, the plentiful provisions of the gospel, and the free offers of divine grace to needy distressed sinners. Nor would I be understood to insinuate, that such a religious concern might justly be suspected as not being genuine, and from a divine influence, because produced by the preaching of terror: for this is perhaps God’s more usual way of awakening sinners, and appears entirely agreeable to scripture and sound reason. But what I meant here to observe is, that God saw fit to improve and bless milder means for the effectual awakening of these Indians, and thereby obviated the forementioned objection, which the world might otherwise have had a more plausible colour of making.
And as there has been no room for any plausible objection against this work, in regard to the means; so neither in regard to the manner in which it has been carried on. It is true that persons concern for their souls has been exceeding great, the convictions of their sin and misery have risen to a high degree, and produced many tears and groans; but they have not been attended with those disorders, either bodily or mental, that have sometimes prevailed among persons under religious impressions. There has been no appearance of those convulsions, bodily agonies, frightful screamings and swoonings, that have been so much complained of in some places; although there have been some who, with the jailor, have been made to tremble ander a sense of their sin and misery; numbers who have been made to cry out from a distressing view of their perishing state, and some that have for a time been in great measure deprived of their bodily strength, yet without any such convulsive appearances.
Nor has there been any thing of mental disorder here, such as visions, trances, imaginations of being under prophetic inspiration, and the like; or scarcely any unbecoming disposition to appear remarkably affected either with concern or joy. Yet I must confess that I observed one or two persons, whose concern [ thought was in a considerable measure affected; and one whose joy appeared to be of the same kind. But these workings of spiritual pride, I endeavoured to crush in their first appearances, and have not since observed any affection, either of joy or sorrow, but what appeared genuine and unaffected. But,
(6) The effects of this work have likewise been very remarkable. I doubt not but that many of these people have gained more doctrinal knowledge of divine truth, since L first visited them in June last, than could have been instilled into their minds by the most diligent use of proper and instructive means for whole years together, without such a divine influence. Their Pagan notions and idolatrous practices seem to be entirely abandoned in these parts. ‘They are regulated, and appear regularly disposed in the affairs of Marriage; an instance whereof | have given in my Journal of August 14. They seem generally divorced from drunkenness, their darling vice, and the “ sin that easily besets them :”” so that | do not know of more than two or three who have been my steady hearers, that have drank to excess since I first visited them, although it was common before for some or other of them to be drunk almost every day: and some of them seem now to fear this sin in particular more than death itself. A principle of honesty and justice appears in many of them, they are concerned to discharge their old debts, which they have neglected, and perhaps scarcely thought of for years past. Their manner of living is much more decent and comfortable than formerly, having now the benefit of that money which they used to consume upon strong drink. Love seems to reign among them, especially those who have given evidences of a saving change: and I never saw any appearance of bitterness or censoriousness in these, nor any disposition to esteem themselves better than others, who had not received the like mercy.
As their sorrows under convictions have been great and pressing, so many of them have since appeared to “ rejoice with joy unspeakable, and full of glory: yet I never saw any thing ecstatic or flighty in their joy. Their consolations do not incline them to lightness; on the contrary, they are attended with solemnity, oftentimes with tears, and an apparent brokenness of heart, as may be seen in several passages of my Journal. In this respect some of them have been surprised at themselves, and have with concern observed to me, that “ when their hearts have been glad,” (which is a phrase they commonly make use of to express spiritual joy,) “ they could not help crying for all.”
Upon the whole, 1 think 1 may justly say, here are » alll the symptoms and evidences of a remarkable work of grace among these Indians, that can reasonably be desired or expected. May the great Author of this work maintain and promote the same here, and prgpagate it every where, till “ the whole earth be filled with his glory!” Amen.
I have now rode more than three thousand miles, that I have kept an exact account of, since the beginning of March last; and almost the whole of it has been in my own proper business as a Missionary, upon the design (either immediately or more remotely) of propagating Christian knowledge among the Indians. I have taken pains to look out for a colleague or companion to travel with me; and have likewise used endeavours to procure something for his support among religious persons in New-England, which cost me a journey of several hundred miles in length; but have not as yet found any person qualified and disposed for this good work, although I had some encouragement from ministers and others, that it was hopeful a maintenance might be procured for one, when the man should te found.;
I have likewise of late represented to the gentlemen concerned with this mission, the necessity of having an English school speedily set up among these Indians, who are now willing to be at the pains of gathering together in a body for this purpose. And in order to it | have humbly proposed to them the collecting of money for the maintenance of a schoolmaster, and defraying of other necessary charges in the promotion of this good work; which they are now attempting in the various congregations of Christians to which they respectively belong.
The several companies of Indians I have preached to in the summer past, live at great distances from each other. Jt is more than seventy miles from Crosweeksung in New- Jersey, to the Forks of Delaware in Pensylvyania: and from thence to sundry of the Indian settlements I visited oa Susquahannah, it is more than a hundred and twenty miles. And so much of my time is necessarily consumed in jour-. neying, that I can have but little for any of my necessary studies, and consequently for the study of the Indian languages in particular; especially as I am obliged to discourse so frequently to the Indians at each of these places while I am with them, in order to redeem time to visit the rest. I am at times almost discouraged from attempting to gain any acquaintance with the Indian languages, they are so very numerous, (some account of which [ gave in my Journal of May last,) and especially seeing my other labours and fatigues ingross almost the whole of my time, and bear exceeding hard upon my constitution, so that my health is 566 DIVINE GRACE DISPLAYED, &c.
much impaired. However, I have taken considerable pains to learn the Delaware language, and propose still to do so,
“as far as my other business and bodily health will admit: £ have already made some proficiency in it, though I have laboured under great disadvantages in my attempts of that nature. And it is but just to observe here, that all the pains I took to acquaint myself with the language of the Indians with whom I spent my first year, were of little or no service to me here among the Delawares; so that my work, when I came among these Indians, was all to begin anew.
As these poor ignorant Pagans stood in need of having “ine upon line, and precept upon precept,” in order to their being instructed:and grounded in the principles of Christianity; so [ preached “publicly, and taught from house to house,” almost every day for whole weeks together, when I was with them. And my public discourses did not thea make up one half of my work, while so many were constantly coming to; me with that important inquiry, “ What must we do to be saved ?” and opening to me the various
exercises of their minds. Yet I can say, to the praise of rich grace, that the apparent success with which my labours were crowned, unspeakably more than compensated for the labour itself, and was likewise a great means of supporting and carrying me through the business and fatigues, which it seems my nature would have sunk under, without such an encouraging prospect. But although this success has afforded matter of support, comfort and thankfulness; yet in this season I have found great need of assistance in mv work, and have been much oppressed for want of one to bear a part of my labours and hardships.
May the Lord of the harvest send forth other labourers into this part of his harvest, that those who sit in darkness may see great light, and that the whole earth may be filled with the knowledge of himself! Amen.
Davin BRAINERD. November 23, 1745.