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

AMONG THE INDIANS,; 395

exercises; especially to give thanks to God for his preserving goodness to those who had been absent from them for several weeks, and recovering mercy to him that had been sick; and that he had now returned them all in safety. I being then absent, they desired my schoolmaster to assist them in carrying on their religious’ solemnity; who tells me they appeared engaged and affectionate in repeated prayer, singing, &ec..

Mar. 22. Catechised in my usual method in the evening: the people answered questions to my great satisfaction. There appeared nothing very remarkable in the assembly, considering what has been common among us. Yet I may justly say, the strict attention, the tenderness and affection, the many tears and heart-affecting sobs appearing in numbers in the assembly would have been very remarkable, were it not that God has made these things common with us, and even with strangers, soon after their coming amongst us. So far from thinking that every appearance and particular instance of affection amongst us has been truly genuine, and purely from a divine influence, I am sensible of the contrary; ‘and doubt not but that there has been some corrupt mixtures, some chaff as well as wheat, especially since religious concern became so common and prevalent here.

Lord’s day, Mar. 23. About fifteen strangers having come amongst us in the week past, several of whom had never been in any religious meeting till now, I thought it proper to discourse this day in a manner peculiarly suited to their circumstances and capacities; and accordingly attempted it from Hos. xiii. 9. In the forenoon I opened in the plainest manner [ could, man’s apostasy and ruined state, after having spoken some things respecting the being and perfections of God, and his creation of man in a state of innocence and happiness. In the afternoon, endeavoured to open the glorious provision God has made for the redemption of apostate creatures, by giving his own dear Son to suffer for them, and satisfy divine justice on their behalf.

There was not that affection and concern in the assembly which has been common among us, although there was a desirable attention appearing in general, and even in most of the strangers. Near sunset I felt an uncommon concern upon my mind, especially for the poor strangers, that God had so much withheld his presence and the powerful influence of his Spirit, from the assembly in the exercises of the day. In this frame I visited their houses, and discoursed with some concern and affection to several persons particularly; but without much appearance of success, till I came to a house where some of the strangers were. There the solemn truths I discoursed of appeared to take effect; first upon some children, then upon adult persons that had been somewhat awakened before, and afterwards upon several of the pagan strangers.

1 continued my discourse with some fervency, til? almost every one in the house was melted into tears. Several wept aloud, and appeared earnestly concerned to obtain an interest in Christ. Numbers soon gathered from all the houses round about, and so thronged the place that we were obliged to remove to the house where we usually meet for public worship. The congregation gathering immediately, and many appearing remarkably affected, 1 discoursed some time from Luke xix. 10; endeavouring to open the mercy, compassion and concern of Christ for lost, helpless and undone sinners. There was much visible concern and affection in the assembly; and | doubt not but that a divine influence accompanied what was spoken to the hearts of many. Five or six of the strangers, men and women, appeared to be considerably awakened; and in particular one very rugged young man, who seemed as if nothing would move him, was now brought to tremble like the jailor, and weep for a long time.

The awakened strangers seemed at once to put off their savage roughness and pagan manners, and became sociable, orderly and humane in their carriage. When they first came, I exhorted my religious people to take pains with them (as they had done with other strangers from time to time) to instruct them in Christianity. But when they attempted something of that nature, the strangers would soon rise up and walk to other houses, in order to avoid the hearing of such discourse. Several of the serious persons accordingly agreed to disperse themselves into the several parts of the settlement; so that wherever the strangers went, they met with some instructive discourse, and warm addresses respecting their soul’s concern. But now there was no need of using policy in order to get an opportunity of conversing with them: for they were so far touched with a sense of their perishing state as made them yield to the closest addresses, respecting their sin and misery, their need of an acquaintance with and interest in the great Redeemer.

Mar. 24. Numbered the Indians, to see how many souls God had gathered together here, since my coming iato these parts; and found there was now about a hundred and thirty, old and young. About fifteen or twenty of my stated hearers ‘were absent at this season; so that if all had been together, the number would now have been very considerable; especially considering how few were together at my first coming into these parts, the whole number not amounting to ten persons,

My people are going out this day upon the design of clearing some of their lands above fifteen miles distant from this settlement, in order to their settling there in a compact form, where they might enjoy the advantages of attending the public worship of God, of having their children schooled, and at the same time have a conveniency for planting, &c.; their land in the placé of our present residence being of little or no value for that purpose. The design of their settling thus.ia a body, and cultivating their lands (which they have done very little at in their pagan state) being of such necessity and importance to their religious interest, as well as worldly comfort, I thought it proper to call them together, and shew them the duty of labouring with faithfulness and industry; and that they must not now “ be slothful in business,” as they had ever been in their pagan state. I endeavoured to press the importance of their being laborious, diligent and vigorous in the prosecution of their business, especially at the present juncture, (the season of planting being now near,) in order to their being in a capacity of living together, and enjoying the means of grace and instruction. And having given them directions for their work, which they very much wanted, as well as for their behaviour in divers respects, | explained, sang, and endeavoured to inculcate upon them Psal. cxxvii. common metre, Dr. Watts’s version. I then commended them, and the design of their going forth, to God by prayer, and dismissed thein to their business..

In the evening read and expounded to those of them who were yet at home, and the strangers newly come, the substance of the third chapter of the Acts. Numbers seemed

an to melt, under the word, especially while I was discoursing upon ver. 19. The strangers also were affected. When I asked them afterwards, whether they did not now feel that their hearts were wicked, as I had taught them; one replied, “Yes, she felt it now.” Although before she came here, (upon hearing that I taught the Indians their hearts were all bad by nature, and needed to be changed and made good by the power of God,) she had said, “ Her heart was not wicked, and she never had done any thing that was bad in her life.” This indeed seems to be the case with them universally in their pagan state. They have no consciousness of sin and guilt, unless they can charge themselves with some gross acts of sin contrary to the commands of the second table.

Mar. 27. Discoursed to a number of my people in one of their houses in a more private manner. Enquired particularly into their spiritual state, in order to see what impressions of a religious nature they were under. Laid before them the marks and tokens of a regenerate, as well as an unregenerate state; and endeavoured to suit my discourse to them severally, according as J apprehended their states to be. A considerable number gathered together before I finished my discourse, and several seemed much affected, while I was urging the necessity and infinite importance of a renewed state. I find particular and close dealing with souls in private is often very successful.

Mar. 29. In the evening catechised as usual. Treated upon the ‘ benefits which believers receive from Christ at. death. The questions were answered with great readiness and propriety; and those who I hope are the people of God, were in general sweetly melted. There appeared such a liveliness and vigour in their attendance upon the word, and such eagerness to be made partakers of the benefits then mentioned, that they seemed to be not only “ looking for but hasting to the coming of the day of God.” Divine truth seemed to distil upon the audience with a gentle but melting efficacy, as the refreshing “showers upon the new mown grass.” The assembly in general, as well as those who appear truly religious, were affected with some brief account of the blessedness of the godly at death; and discovered an affectionate inclination to cry, “ Let me die the death of the righteous,” Sc. Yet many were not duly engaged to obtain the change of heart that is necessary in order to o that blessed end.

Lords day, Mar. 30. Discoursed from Matt. xxv. 31—40. There was a very considerable moving and affectionate melting in the assembly, and I hope there were some real, deep, and abiding impressions of divine things made upon the minds of many. One aged man, newly come amongst us, appeared to be considerably awakened, but who never was touched with any concern for his soni before.—In the evening catechised. There was not that tenderness and and melting among God’s people that appeared the evening before, and at many other times. Yet they answered the questions distinctly and well, and were devout and attentive in divine service.

Mar. 31. Called my people together, as I had done the Monday morning before, and discoursed to them again on ~ the necessity and importance of their labouring industrious] y, in order to their living together, and enjoying the means of grace ;. and having engaged in solemn prayer to God among them, for a blessing upon their attempts, I dismissed them to their work. Numbers of them, both men and women, seemed to offer themselves willingly to this service; and some appeared affectionately concerned that God might go with them, and begin their little town for them; that by his blessing it might be comfortable for them*and theirs, in regard both of procuring the necessaries of life, and attending the worship of God.

April 5, 1746. Catechised towards evening. There appeared to be some affection and fervency in the assembly in general, especially towards the conclusion of my discourse —After public worship, a number of the truly religious came to my house, and seemed eager for some further entertainment upon divine. things. While I was conversing with them about their spiritual exercises, observing to them that God’s work in the hearts of all his children was for substance the same, and that their trials and temptations were also alike, and shewing the obligations such were under to love one another in a peculiar manner, .they seemed to be melted into tenderness and affeciion toward each other. I thought that particular token of their being the disciples of Christ, viz. of their “ having love one toward another,” had scarcely ever appeared more evident than at this time.

Lord's day, Apr. 6. Preached from Matt. vii. 21—23. There were considerable effects of the word visible in the audience, and such as were very desirable; an earnest attention, a great solemnity, many tears and heavy sighs, which were modestly suppressed in a considerable measure, and appeared unaffected, without any indecent commotion of the passions. Several religious people were put upon serious and close examination, from hearing that “ not every one that saith to Christ, Lord, Lord, shall enter into his kingdom.” * Some of them expressed fears lest they had deceived themselves with a false hope, because they found ~ they had done so little of the “will of his Father who is in heaven.” One man was brought under very great and pressing concern for his soul, which appeared more especially _ after his retirement from public worship. That which gave “him his great uneasiness, he says, was not so much any particular sin, as that he had never done the will of God at all, but had sinned continually, and so had no claim to the kingdom of heaven.

In the afternoon I opened to them the discipline of Christ in his church, and the method in which offenders are to be dealt with. The religious people were much affected when they heard, that the offender continuing obstinate, must finally be esteemed agi treated “as a Heathen man,” a pagan, that has‘ no part nor lot among God’s visible people. This they seemed to have the most awful apprehensions of; a state of heathenism, out of which they were so lately brought, appearing very dreadful to them.— After public worship I visited several houses to see how they spent the remainder of the sabbath, and to treat with them solemnly on the great concerns of their souls. The Lord seemed to smile upon my private endeavours, and to make these personal addresses more effectual upon some than my public discourses.

Apr. 7. Preached to my people in the evening from 1 Cor. xi. 23—26. Endeavoured to open to them the institution, nature, and ends of the Lord’s supper, as well as the qualifications and preparations necessary to the right participation of that ordinance. Several appeared much affected with the love of Christ, in making this provision for the comfort of his people, at a season when himself was just entering upon his sharpest sufferings.

Lord’s day, Apt.20. Discoursed both forenoon and afternoon from Luke xxiv. explaining most of the chapter, and —making remarks upon it. There was a desirable attention in the audience, though not so much appearance of affection and tenderness among them as has been usual.—Our meeting was very full; some strangers were present, who had never been with us before.

In the evening catechised. My people answered the questions proposed to them, readily and distinctly; and I could perceive they advanced in their knowledge of the principles of Christianity. There was an affectionate melting in the assembly at this time. Several of the truly religious were refreshed and quickened, and seemed by their discourse and behaviour after public worship, to have their “ hearts knit together in love.” This was a blessed season, like many others, that my poor people have been favoured with in months past. God has caused this little fleece to be repeatedly wet with the blessed dews of divine grace, while all the earth around has been comparatively dry.

Apr. 25. Having of late apprehended that a number of persons in my congregation were proper subjects of the ordinance of the Lord’s supper, and that it might be seasonable speedily to administer it to them; and having taken advice of some of the reverend Correspondents in this solemn affair, and accordingly proposed and appointed the next Lord’s day (with leave of divine providence) for the administration of this ordinance, this day was set apart for solemn fasting and prayer, to implore the blessing of God upon our design of renewing covenant with him and with one another, to walk together in the fear of God, in love and Christian fellowship; and to intreat that his divine presence might be with us in our designed approach to his table, as well as to humble ourselves before God on account of the apparent withdrawment (at least in a measure) of that blessed influence which has: been so prevalent upon persons of all ages among us; as also on account of the rising appearance of carelessness, vanity and vice among some, who some time since appeared to be touched and affected with divine truths, and brought to some sensibility of their miserable and perishing state by mature. And that we might also importunately pray for the peaceable settlement of the Indians together in a body, that they might be a commodious congregation for the worship of

pd God; and that God would defeat ell the attempts that were or might be made against that pious design.*

The solemnity was observed and seriously attended, not only by those who proposed to communicate at the Lord’s table, bat by the whole congregation. Ing the former part of the day, I endeavoured to open to my people the nature and design of a fast, as I had attempted more briefly te do before, and to instruct them in the duties of such a solemnity. In the afternoon 1 insisted upon the special reasons there were for our engaging in these solemn exercises at this time, both in regard to our need of divine assistance, in order toa due preparation for that sacred ordinance we were some of us proposing speedily to attend upon, and also in respect to the manifest decline of God’s work here, as to the effectual conviction and conversion of sinners, there having been few of late deeply awakened out of a state of security.

The worship of God was attended with great solemnity and reverence, with much tenderness and many tears, by those who appear to be truly religious. There was also some appearance of divine power upon those who had been awakened some time before, and who were still under concern. After repeated prayer and attendance upon the word of God, I proposed to the religious people with as much brevity and plainness as I could, the substance of the doctrine of the Christian faith, as I had formerly done, previous to their baptism, and had their renewed cheerful assent to it. I then led them to a solemn renewal of their baptismal covenant, wherein they had explicitly and publicly given up themselves'to God, the Father, Son, and Hely Ghost, avouching him to be their God; and at the same time ree nouncing their idolatrous and superstitious practices, and solemyply engaging to take the word of God, so far as it was or might be made known to them, for the rule of their lives, promising to walk together in love, to watch over themselves

* There being at this time a terrible clamour raised against the kndisas in various places in the country, and insinuations as though I was training them .up to cut people’s throats. Numbers wishing to have them banished out of these parts, and some giving out great swelling words, in order to fright and deter from settling upon the best and most convenient track of their own lands, threatening to molest and trouble them in the law, pretending a claim to these lands themselves, although never purchased of the Indians, and one another ;'to lead lives of seriousness and devotion, and to discharge the relative duties incumbent upon them respectively.

This solemn transaction was attended with much gravity and seriousness, and at the same time with the utmost readiness, freedom and cheerfulness. A religious union and harmony of soul seemed to crown the whole solemnity. I could not but think in the evening, that there had been manifest tokens of the divine presence with us in all the services of the day; though it was also manifest there was not that concern among Christless souls which has often appeared here.

Apr. 26. Toward noon prayed with a dying child, and gave a word of exhortation to the by-standers to prepare for death, which seemed to take effect upon some. In the afternoon discoursed to my people from Matt. xxvi. 26—30, of the author, the nature and design of the Lord’s supper; and endeavoured to point out the worthy receivers of that ordinance. The religious people were affected, and even melted with a view of the dying love of Christ. Others who had been for. some months under convictions of their perishing state, appeared now to be much moved with concern, and afresh engaged in seeking after an interest in Christ; though I cannot say that the word of God appeared so quick and powerful, so sharp and piercing to the assembly, as it had sometimes formerly done.

Baptized two adult persons, both serious and exemplary in their lives, and 1 hope truly religious. One of them was -the maa particularly mentioned in my Journal of the 6th instant; who though he was then greatly distressed, because “he had never done the will of God,’ has since we hope obtained spiritual comfort upon good grounds.

In the evening I catechised those that were designed to partake of the Lord’s supper the nextday, explaining the institution, nature and end of that ordinance; and had abundant satisfaction respecting their doctrinal knowledge and fitness m. that respect for an attendance upon it. They like- Wise appeared in general to have an affecting view of the solemnity of this sacred ordinance, to be humbled under a. sense.of their own unworthiness to approach to God in it, and to be earnestly. concerned that. they might be duly prepared for an attendance upon.it. Their hearts were full of

pd 2 love one toward another, and that was the frame of mind they seemed much concerned to maintain, and bring to the Lord’s table with them. In singing and prayer, after catechising, there appeared an agreeable tenderness and melting among them, and such tokens of brotherly love and affection that would even constrain one to say, “ Lord, it is good to be here ;” it is good to dwell where such a heavenly influence distils.

Lord’s day, Apr. 27. Preached from Tit. ii. 14. ‘‘ Who gave himself for us,” &c. The word of God was attended with some appearance of divine power upon the assembly; the attention and gravity of the audience was remarkable; and towards the conclusion especially, several persons were much affected.

Administered the Lord’s supper to twenty-three of the Indians, the number of men and women being nearly equal. Five or six others were now absent at the Forks of Delaware, who would otherwise have communicated with us. The ordinance was attended with great solemnity, and with a most desirable tenderness and affection. It was remarkable, that during the sacramental actions, especially in the distribution of the bread, they seemed to be affected in a most lively manner, as if ‘ Christ had been really crucified before them.’ And the words of the institution, when repeated and enlarged upon in the administration, seemed to meet with the same reception, to be entertained with the same full and firm belief and affectionate engagement of soul, as if the Lord Jesus Christ himself had been present, and had personally spoken to them. The affections of the communicants, though considerably raised, were notwithstanding agreeably regulated and kept within proper bounds. There was a sweet, gentle and affectionate melting, without any boisterous commotion of the passions.

Having rested some time after the administration of the sacrament, [| walked from house to house, and conversed particularly with most of the communicants, and found they had been almost universally refreshed at the Lord’s table “as with new wine.” Never did I see such an appearance of Christian love among any people in all my life. It was so remarkable, that one might well have cried with an agreeable surprise, ‘ Behold how they love one another.’ |. think there could be no greater tokens of mutual affection among the people of God in the early days of Christianity, than what now appeared here. The sight was so desirable, and so well becoming the gospel, that nothing less could be said of it, than that it was “ the doing of the Lord,” the genuine operations of him who is “ love” itself.

Towards night discoursed again on the forementioned Tit. ii. 14, and insisted on the immediate end and design of Christ’s death, viz. “‘ That he might redeem his people from all iniquity.” This also appeared to be a season of divine power amongst us. The religious people were much refreshed, and seemed remarkably tender and affectionate, full of love, joy, peace, and desires of being completely “ redeemed from all iniquity ;’ some of them afterwards told me, ‘ they had never felt the like before.’ Convictions also appeared to be revived in many instances; and several were awakened, whom I had never observed under any religious impressions before.

Such was the influence that attended our assembly, and So unspeakably desirable the frame of mind that many en- Joyed in the divine service, that it seemed almost grievous to conclude the public worship. The congregation when dismissed, though it was then almost dark, appeared loth to leave the place and employments that had been rendered so dear to them by the benefits enjoyed, while a blessed quickening influence distilled upon them. Upon the whole I must say, I had great satisfaction in the administration of this ordinance. I have abundant reason to think, that those who came to the Lord’s table had a good degree of doctrinal knowledge of the nature and design of the ordinance, and that they acted understandingly in what they did.

In the preparatory services I found uncommon freedom in opening to their understandings and capacities, the covenant of grace, and in shewing them the nature of this ordinance as a seal of that covenant; though many of them knew of no such thing as a seal before my coming among them, or at least of the use and design of it in the common affairs of life. They were likewise thoroughly sensible that it was no more than a seal or sign, and not the real bady and blood of Christ; that it was designed for the refreshment and edification of the soul, and not for the feasting of the body. They Were also acquainted with the end of the ordinance, that

pd 3 ' they were therein called to commemorate the dying love of Christ, &c.

This competency of doctrinal knowledge, together with their grave and decent attendance upon the ordinance, their affectionate melting under it, and the sweet and Christian frame of mind they discovered afterwards, gave me great satisfaction. Oh what a blessed season was this! God himself, I am persuaded, was in the midst of his people, attending his own ordinances. I doubt not but many in the conclusion of the day could say, with their whole hearts, * Verily, a day thus spent in God’s house is better than a thousand elsewhere.’ There seemed to be but one heart among the pious people. ‘The union, harmony, and endearing love and tenderness subsisting among them, was I thought the most lively emblem of the heavenly world I had ever seen.

Apr. 28. Concluded the sacramental solemnity with a discourse upon John xiv. 15. “ If ye love me, keep my commandments.” There appeared a very agreeable tenderness in the audience in general, but especially in the communicants. How free, how engaged and affectionate did these appear in the service of God! They seemed willing to have their “ ears bored to the door posts” of God’s house, and to be his servants for ever.

Observing numbers in this excellent frame, and the assembly in general affected by a divine influence, I thought it proper to improve this advantageous season, as Hezekiah did the desirable season of his great passover, (2 Chron. xxxi.) in order to promote the blessed reformation begun among them, and engage those that appear serious and religious to persevere therein. I accordingly proposed to them that they should renewedly enter into covenant before God, that they would watch over themselves and one another, lest they should dishonour the name of Christ by falling into sinful and unbecoming practices. Especially that they would watch against the sin of drunkenness, the sin that easily besets them, and the temptations leading to it, as well as “the appearance of evil’ in that respect. They cheerfully complied with the proposal, and explicitly joined in that covenant. I therefore proceeded in the most solemn mane ner I could, to call God to witness respecting their sacred engagement; reminding them of the greatness of the guilt they would contract itt the violation of it, and that God would be a terrible witness against those who should presume to do so, itt the “ great and notable day of the Lord.”

It was & season of amazing solemnity; a divine awe appeared upon the face of the whole assembly in this transaction. Affectionate sobs, sighs and tears, were now frequent in the audience; and 1 doubt not but that many silent cries were then sent up to the Fountain of grace, for supplies of grace sufficient for the fulfilment of these solemm engagements.~—Baptized six children this day.

Lord’s day, May 4. My people being now removed to their lands, mentioned in my Journal of March 24, where. they have been making provision for a compact settlement, in order to their nrore convenient enjoyment of the gospel, and other means of instruction, as well as the comforts of life; E this day visited them, (being now obliged. to board with an English family at some distance from them,) and * preached to them in the forenoon from Mark iv. 5. Ene deavoured to shew them the reason there was to fear lest many promising appearances and hepefel beginnings ia re~ ligion might prove abortive, like the “ seed dropped upon stony places.”

In the afternoon discoursed upon Rom. viii. 9. “ Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” I have reason to think this discourse was peculiarly seasonable, and that it had a good effect upon some of the hear. ets.—Spent some hoars afterwards in private conferences with my people, and laboured to regulate some things I apprehended amiss among some of them.

May 5. Visited them again, and took care of their worldly Concerns, giving them directions relating to their business. I daily discover more and more of what importance it is to their religious interests, that they become laborious and indastrious, acquainted with the affairs of husbandry, and able in a good measure to raise the necessaries. anid. comforts of life within themselves; for their present method of living greatly exposes them to temptations of various kinds.

May 9. Preached from John v. 40, in the open wilderhess; the Indians having as yet no house for public worship i this place, nor scarcely any shelter for themselves. Divine. truth made considerable impressions upon the audience, and it was a season of solemnity, tenderness and affection.

pd4 Baptized one man this day, (the conjurer, murderer, §c. mentioned in my Journal of Aug. 8. 1745, and Feb. 1. 1745-6,) who appears to be such a remarkable instance of divine grace, that I cannot omit some brief account of him here.

He lived near, and sometimes attended my meeting in the Forks of Delaware for more than a year together; but was, like many others of them, extremely attached to strong drink, and seemed to be no ways reformed by the means I used for their instruction and. conversion. In this time he likewise murdered a likely young Indian, which threw him into some kind of horror and desperation, so that he kept at a distance from me, and refused to hear me preach for several months together, (as I noted in a formal Journal of March 4, 1744-5,) till 1 had an opportunity of conversing freely with him, and giving him encouragement that his sin might be forgiven for Christ’s sake. After which he sometimes attended the meeting.

But the worst part of all his conduct was his conjuration. He was one of them who are sometimes called powwows among the Indians; and notwithstanding his frequent attendance upon my preaching, he still followed his old charms and juggling tricks, “ giving out that himself was some great one, and to him they gave heed,” supposing him to be possessed of a “ great power.” When I instructed them respecting the miracles wrought by Christ in healing the sick, &c. and mentioned them as evidences of his divine ' mission, and the truth of his doctrines, they quickly observed the wonders of that kind which this man had performed by his magic charms. Hence they had a high opinion of him, and his superstitious notions, which seemed to be a fatal obstruction to some of them in regard of their receiving the gospel. And I have often thought, it would be a great favour to the design of gospellizing the Indians, if God would take that wretch out of the world; for I had scarcely any hope of his ever coming to good. But God, “ whose thoughts are not as man’s thoughts,” has been pleased to take a much more desirable method with him; a method agreeable to his own merciful nature, and 1 trust, advantageous to his own interest among the Indians, as well as effectual to the salvation of the poor soul himself: and to him be the glory of it.

. The frst genuine concern that ever appeared in him, was excited by seeing my Interpreter and his wife baptized at the Forks of Delaware, July 21, 1745. This so prevailed upon him, that with the invitation of an Indian, who was a friend to Christianity, he followed me down to Crosweeksung in the beginning of August following, in order to hear me preach, and there continued for several weeks, in a season of the most remarkable and powerful awakening among the Indians. He was then more effectually awakened, and brought under great concern for his soul. Upon ‘ feeling the word of God in his heart,’ as he expresses it, his spirit of conjuration left him entirely; and he has had no more power of that nature since, than any other man living. He declares that he does not now so much as know how he used to charm and conjure; and that he could not do any thing of that nature, were he ever so desirous of it..

He continued under convictions of his sinful and perishing state, all the fall and former part of the winter past, but was not so deeply exercised till sometime in January; and then the word of God took such hold upon him, that be was brought into great distress, and knew not what to do, nor where to turn himself. He then told me, that when he used to hear me preach from time to time in the fall of the year, my preaching pierced his heart and made him very uneasy, but did not bring him to so great distress, because he still hoped he could do something for his own relief. But now, he said, I drove him up into ‘ such a sharp corner, that he had no way to turn, and could not avoid being in distress. He continued constantly under the heavy burden and pressure of a wounded spirit, till at length h he was brought to the utmost agony of soul, mentioned in my Journal of Feb. 1; which continued thet night, and part of the next day.

After this he enjoyed great calmness and composure of mind; his trembling and heavy burden were removed, and he appeared perfectly sedate; though he had, to his apprehension, scarcely any hope of salvation. Observing him in this state, | asked him how he did? He replied, “ It “is done, - itis done, it is all done now.” 1 asked him what he meant? He answered, “ I can never do any more to save myself; it is all done for ever, [ can do no more.” [| queried with him, whether he could not do a /ittle more, rather than go to hell. He replied, “ My heart is dead, I can never help myself.” 1 asked him what he thought would become of him then? He answered, “I must go to hell.” I asked him whether he thought it was right that God should send him there. He replied, “ Oh it is right. The devil has been in me ever since I was born.” I asked him whether he felt this, when be was in such great distress the evening before? He answered, “ No, I did not then think it was right. I thought God would send me to hell, and that [ was then dropping into it; but my heart quarrelled with God, and would not sey it was right he should send me there. But now I know it is right, for E have always served the devil, and my heart has no goodness in it now, but is as bad as ever it was.”

¥ thought I had scarcely ever seen any person more effectually brought off from a dependance upon his own contrivances and endeavours for salvation, or more apparently to lie at the fot of sovereign mercy, than this man now did under these views of things. In this frame of mind he continued for several days, passing sentence of condemnation upon himself, and constantly owning, that it would be right he should be damned, and that he expected this would be his-portion for the greatness of his sins. Yet it was plain he had a secret hope of mercy, though imperceptible to himself which kept him not only from despair, but from any pressing distress: so that instead of being sad and dejected, his very countenance appeared pleasant and agreeable.

While in this frame, he asked me several times when I would preach again; and seemed desirous to hear the word of God every day. I asked him why he wanted to hear me preach, seeing ‘his heart was dead, and all was done; that “he could never help himself, and expected that he must go to hell?” He replied, “1 love to hear you speak about Christ for all.” I added, But what good will that do you, if you must go to hell at last? I now used his own language with him; having before laboured in the best manner could, to represent to him the excellency of Christ, his all sufficiency and willingness to save lost sinners, and persons just in his case, but without yielding him any special comfort. He answered, “I would have others come to Christ, if I must go to hell myself.”—It was remarkable that at this time he seemed to have a great love to the people of God, and nothing affected him so much as the thoughts of being separated from them. This seemed to be a very dreadfut AMONG THE INDIANS. 4il

part of the hell he thought himself doomed to. It was likewise remarkable, that he was now most diligent’in the use of all means for his soul’s salvation, though he had the clearest view of the insufficiency of means to afford him help. He would frequently say, “That all he did, signified nothing at all ;” yet he was never more constant in doing, attending secret and family prayer daily, and surprisingly diligent and attentive in hearing the word of God. Hence he neither despaired of mercy, nor presumed to hope upon his own doings, but used means, because appointed of God in order to salvation, and because he would wait upon God in his own way.

After continuing in this frame of mind more than a week, while I was discoursing publicly, he seemed to have a lively, soul-refreshing view of the excellency of Christ, and the way of salvation by him, which melted him into tears, and filled him with admiration, comfort, satisfaction, and praise. He has since appeared to be a humble, devout, and affectionate Christian; serious and exemplary in his conversation and behaviour, frequently complaining of his barrenness, his want of spiritual warmth, life and activity, and yet frequently favoured with quickening and refreshing influences. In all respects, so far.as | am able to judge, he bears the. masks and characters of one “ created anew in Christ Jesus to. goed works.”

His zeal for the cause of God was pleasing, when he was with me at the Forks of Delaware in February last. An old Indian at the place where [ preached, threatened to bewitch me, and my religious people who accompanied me there. This man presently challenged him to do his worst, telling him that himself had been as great a conjurer as he, and that notwithstanding, as soon as he felt that word. in his heart which these people loved, (meaning the word of God,) his power of conjuring immediately left him. And so it would you, said he, if you did but once feel it in your heart; and you have no power to hurt them,. nor so much. as. to touch one of them. I may conclude my account of bim by observing, in allusion-to what was said of St. Paul, shat he now zealously: defends, and practically “ preaches the faith which once he destroyed,” or at least was instrumental of obstructing. May God have the glory of the amazing change that is wrought in him!

Lord's day, May 18. Discoursed both parts of the day from Rev. iii.20. There appeared some affectionate melting towards the conclusion of the forenoon exercise, and one or two instances of fresh awakening.—In the intermission of public worship, | took occasion to discourse to numbers in a more private way, on the kindness and patience of the blessed Redeemer in “ standing and knocking,” in continuing his gracious calls to sinners, who had long neglected and abused his grace; which seemed to take effect upon some. In the afternoon, divine truths were attended with solemnity, and with some tears, though there was not that powerful awakening, and quickening influence, which in times past has been common in our assemblies. The appearance of the audience was comparatively discouraging, and I was ready to fear that God was about to withdraw the blessed influence of bis Spirit from us.

May 19. Visited and preached to my people from Acts xx. 18, 19. Endeavoured to rectify their notions about religious affections; shewing them on the one hand, the desirableness of religious affection, tenderness and fervent engagement in the worship and service of God, when such affection flows from a true spiritual discovery of divine glories, from a justly-affecting sense of the transcendent excellency and perfections of the blessed God,—a view of the glory and loveliness of the great Redeemer; and that such views of divine things will naturally excite us to “ serve the Lord with many tears,” with much affection and fervency, and yet “ with all humility of mind.”—On the other hand, I observed the sinfulness of seeking after high affections immediately, and for their own sakes, that is, of making them the object on which our heart is principally set, instead of the glory of God. 1 shewed them that if the heart be directly and chiefly fixed on God, and engaged to glorify him, some degree of religious affection will be the natural effect. But to seek after affection directly and chiefly, to have the heart principally set upon that, is to place it in the room of God and his glory. If it be sought, that others may take notice of, and admire us for our spirituality and forwardness in religion, it is then abominable pride: if for the sake of feeling the pleasure of being affected, it is then idolatry and self-gratification. 1 laboured also. to expose

“se disagreeableness of those affections that are sometimes wrought up in persons by the power of fancy, and their own attempts for that- purpose, while I still endeavoured to recommend to them that religious affection, fervency and devotion, which ought to attend all our religious exercises and without which, religion will be but an empty name and lifeless carcase.

This appeared to be a seasonable discourse, and proved very satisfactory to some of the religious people, who before were exercised with difficulties relating to this point.

May 24. Visited the Indians, and took care of their secular business, which they are not able to manage themselves, without the constant care and advice of others. Discoursed more particularly with some about their spiritual concerns.

Lord’s day, May 25. Preached both parts of the day from John xii. 44—48. Some degree of divine power attended the word; several wept and appeared considerably affected; and one who had long been under spiritual trouble, now obtained clearness and comfort, and appeared to “ rejoice in God her Saviour.” It was a day of grace and goodness; a day wherein something I trust was done for the cause of God among the people. It was also a season uf comfort to the godly, though there was not that powerful influence upon the congregation which was common some months ago.

Lord's day, June 1, 1746. Preached both forenoon and afternoon from Matth. xi. 27, 28. The presence of God seemed to be in the assembly, and numbers were considerably melted and affected under the word. There was a desirable appearance in the congregation in general, an earnest attention and agreeable tenderness, and it seemed as if God designed to visit us with farther showers of divine grace. ——J then baptized ten persons, five adults and five children, and was not a little refreshed with this addition to the church of such as I hope shall be saved. Since our celebration of the Lord’s supper, several who had long been under spiritual trouble and concern, have obtained relief and. comfort, though there have been few instances of persons lately awakened out of a state of security. And those comforted of late, seem to be brought in, in a more silent way, neither their concern nor consolation being so powerful and remarkable, as appeared among those more suddenly wrought upon in the beginning of this work of grace.

June 6. Discoursed to my people from part of Isai. liii. The divine presence appeared to be amongst us in some measure. Several persons were much melted and refreshed; and one man in particular, who had long been under concern for his soul, was now brought to see and feel in a very lively manner, the impossibility of his doing any thing to help himself, or to bring him into the favour of God, by his tears, prayers, and other religious performances. He found himself undone, as to any power or goodness of his own, and that there was no way left but to leave himself with God to be disposed of as he pleased.

June 7. Being desired by the Rev. William Temnent to be his assistant in the administration of the Lord’s supper; my people also being invited to attend the sacramental solemnity, they cheerfully embraced the opportunity, and this day attended the preparatory services with me.

Lord's day, June 8. Most of my people who had been communicants at the Lord’s table before, being present at this sacramental occasion, communicated with others in this holy ordinance, at the desire, and I trast to the satisfaction and comfort of numbers of God’s people, who had longed to see this day, and whose hearts had rejoiced in this work of grace among the Indians, which prepared the way for what appeared so agreeable at this time. Those of my people who communicated, seemed agreeably affected at the Lord’s table, and some of them considerably melted with the love of Christ; though they were not so remarkably refreshed and feasted at this time, as when I administered this ordinance to them in our own congregation only.

' Some of the spectators were affected with seeing these, who had been “ aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenant of promise,” who of all men had lived “ without God, and without hope in the world,” now brought “ near to God” as his professing people, and sealing covenant with him by a solemn and devout attendance upon this sacred ordinance. And as numbers of God’s people were refreshed with this sight, and thereby excited to bless God for the enlargement of bis kingdom in the world, so some others (I was told) were awakened by it, ‘apprehending the danger they were in of being themselves finally “ cast out,” while they saw others, “ from the east AMONG THE INDIANS, 4l5

aad west,” preparing, and hopefully prepared in some good measure, to “ sit down in the kingdom of God.”

At this season others of my people also, who were not communicants, were considerably affected; convictions were revived ia divers instances; and one (the man particularly mentioned in my Journal of the 6th instant) obtained com-. fort and satisfaction; and has since given me such an account of his spiritual exercises, and the manner in which he obtained relief, as appears very hopeful. It seems as if he “ who commanded the light to shine out of darkness,” had pow “ shined in his heart, and given him the light of” an experimental “ knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”

June 9, A considerable number of my people met together early in the day in a retired place in the woods, and prayed, sang, and conversed of divine things. They were seen by some religious persons of the white people, to be affected and engaged, and severs] of them in tears in these religious exercises. They afterwards attended the concluding exercises of the sacramental solemnity, and then returned home, “ rejoicing for all the goodness of God” they had seen and felt. This was a profitable and comfortable season to numbers of my congregation. A number of them communicating at the Lord’s table with others of God’s people on this oecasioa, was I trust for the honour of God, and the interest of religion in these parts; and many I hope were quickened by it.

June i3. Preached to my people upon the new creature, from 2 Cor. v.17. The presence of God appeared to be jn the assembly, It was a sweet and agreeable meeting; the people of God were refreshed and strengthened, beholding their faces in the glass of God’s word, and finding in themselves the marks and lineaments of the new creature. Some signers under concern were also renewedly affected; and afresh engaged for the securing of their eternal interests.

Baptized five persons at this time, three adulis and two children. One of these was the very aged woman, of whore exercise 1 gave an account in my Journal of Dee. 26,. She now gave me a very panctual, rational, and satisfactory a¢- coygt of the remarkable change she experienced some months after the beginning of her coucgrn, which appeared to be the genuine operations of the divine Spirit, so far as I am capable of judging. And though she was become so childish through old age, that I could do nothing in a way of questioning with her, nor scarce make her understand what T asked her; yet when I let her alone to go on with her own story, she could give a very distinct and particular relation of the various exercises of soul she had experienced; so deep were the impressions left upon her mind by the influence she had been under. I have great reason to hope she is “ born again” in her old age, now upwards of fourscore. T had good hopes of the other adults, and trust they are such as God will own “ in the day when he makes up his jewels.”

June 19. Visited my people with two of the Reverend Correspondents. Spent time in conversation with some of them upon spiritual things, and took care of their worldly concerns.

This day makes up a complete year from the first of my preaching to these Indians in New-Jersey. What amazing things has God wrought in this space of time for these poor people! What a surprising change appears in their tempers and behaviour! How are morose and savage pagans in this short space of time transformed into agreeable, affectionate, and humble Christians; and their drunken pagan howlings, turned into devout and fervent prayers and praises to God! They “ who were sometimes darkness, are now become light in the Lord. May they walk as children of the light, and of the day. And now to him that is of power to stablish them according to the gospel, and the preaching of Christ—To God only wise, be glory, through Jesus Christ, for ever and ever! Amen.”

Before I conclude the present Journal, I would make a few general remarks upon what appears to me worthy of notice, relating to the continued work of grace among my’ people.

First, I cannot but notice that I have in the general, ever since my first coming among these Indians in New-Jersey, been favoured with that assistance, which to me is uncommon, in preaching Christ crucified, and making him the centre and’ mark to which all my discourses among them were directed. 11 was the principal scope and drift of all my discourses to this people for several months together, (after _ AMONG THE INDIANS. Al?

' having taught them something of the being and perfections of God, his creation of man in a state of rectitude and happiness, and the obligations mankind were under to love and ‘honour him,) to lead them into an acquaintance with their deplorable state by nature, as fallen creatures; their inability to extricate and deliver themselves from it; the utter insufficiency of any external reformations and amendments of life, or of any religious performances they were capable of while in this state, to bring them into the favour of God, and interest them in his eternal mercy. And thence to shew them their absolute need of Christ to redeem and save them from the misery of their fallen state; tou open his all-sufficiency and willingness to save the chief of sinners: the freeness and tiches of his grace, proposed “ without money and without price,” to all that will accept the offer; and to press them without delay to betake themselves to him, under a sense of their misery and undone state, for relief and everlasting salvation. After this to shew them the abundant encouragement the gospel propases to perishing and helpless sinners, in order to lead them to Christ. These things | repeatedly and largely insisted upon from time to time.

. I have oftentimes remarked with admiration, that whatever subject 1 have been treating upon, after having spent time sufficient to explain and illustrate it, 1 have been naturally and easily led to Christ as the substance of all. If I treated on the being and glorious perfections of God, I was thence naturally led to discourse of Christ-as the only “ way to the Father.” If I attempted to open the deplorable misery of our fallen state, it was natural from thence to shew the necessity of Christ. to undertake for us, to atone for our sins, and to redeem us from the power of them. If I taught the commands of God, and shewed our violation of them, this brought me in the most easy and natural way to speak of and recommend the Lord Jesus Christ, as one who had “ magnified the law” we had broken, and who was “ become the end of it for righteousness, to every one that believes.” And never did I find so much freedom and assistance in making all the various lines of my discourses meet together, and centre in Christ, as I have frequently done among these Indians.. Sometimes when I have had thoughts of offering but a few words upon some particular subject, and saw nq occasion,

Ee nor indeed much room for any considerable enlargement, there has at unawares appeared such a fountain of gospelgrace shining forth in, or naturally resulting from a just explication of it, and Christ has seemed in such a manner to be

inted out as the substance of what [ was considering and explaining, that I have been drawn in a way not only easy and natural, proper and pertinent, but almost unavoidable, to discourse of him, either in regard of his undertaking, incarnation, satisfaction, admirable fitness for the work of man’s redemption, or the infinite need that sinners stand in of an interest in him. This has opened the way fora continued strain of gospel-invitation to perishing souls, to come empty and naked, weary aad heavy laden, and cast themselves upon him.

And as { have been remarkably influenced and assisted to dwell upon the Lord Jesus Christ, and the way of salvation by him, in the general current of my discourses here, and have at times been surprisingly furnished with pertinent matter relating to him, and the design of his incarnation: so I have been no less assisted oftentimes in regard to an advantageous manner of opening the mysteries of divine grace, and representing the infinite excellencies and “ unsearchable riches of Christ,” as well as of recommending him to the acceptance of perishing sinners. I have frequently been enabled to represent the divine glory, the infinite preciousness and transcendent loveliness of the great Redeemer; the suitableness of his person and purchase to supply the wants, and answer the utmost desires of immortal souls ;—to open the infinite riches of his grace, and the wonderful encouragement proposed in the gospel to unworthy, helpless sinners ;—to call, invite and beseech them to come and give up themselves to him, and be reconciled to God through him ;—to expostulate with them respecting their neglect of one so infinitely lovely, and freely offered ;—and this in such a manner, with such freedom, pertinency, pathos, and application to the conscience, as I am sure I never could have made myself master of by the most assiduous application. I have frequently at such seasons been surprisingly helped in adapting my discourses to the capacities of my people, and bringing them down into such easy and familiar methods of expression, as has rendered them intelligible even to Pagans.

I do not mention these things as a recommendation of my

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own performances; for, I am sure I found, from time to time, that [ had no skill or wisdom for my great work; and knew not how “ to chuse out acceptable words,” proper to be addressed to poor benighted Pagans. But thus: God: was pleased to help me, “ not to know any thing among them, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” Thus I was enabled -to shew them their misery and undone state without him, and to represent his complete fitness to redeem and save them: This was the preaching God made use of for the awakening of sinners, and the propagation of this “ work of grace among the Indians.” And it was remarkable, from time to time, that when 1 was favoured with any special freedom, in discoursing on the ability and willingness of Christ to save sinners, and the need they stood in of such a Saviour, there was then the greatest appearance of divine power in awakening numbers of secure souls, promoting convictions begun, and comforting the distressed.

I have sometimes formerly, in reading the apostle’s dis« course to Cornelius, (Acts x.) admired to see him so quickly introduce the Lord Jesus Christ into his sermon, and so entirely dwell upon him through the whole of it, observing him in this point very widely to differ from many of our modern preachers. But latterly this has not seemed strange, since Christ has appeared to be the substance of the gospel, and the centre in which the several lines of divine revelation meet. Yet I am still sensible there are many things necessary to be spoken to persons under pagan darkness, in order to make way for a proper introduction of the name of Christ, and his undertaking in behalf of fallen man.

Secondly, It is worthy of remark, that numbers of these people are brought to a strict compliance with the rules of morality and sobriety, and to a conscientious performance of the external duties of Christianity, by the internal power and influence of divine truths (the peculiar doctrines of grace) upon their minds; without their having these moral duties frequently repeated and inculcated upon them, and the contrary vices particularly exposed and spoken against. What has been the general strain and drift of my preaching among these Indians; what were the truths I principally insisted upon, and how I was influenced and enabled to dwell from time to time upon the peculiar doctrines of grace, I have already observed in the preceding remark. Those doctrines

BEeg@ which had the most direct tendency to humble the fallen creature; to shew him the misery of his natural state; to bring him down to the foot of sovereign mercy; to exalt the great Redeemer, discover his transcendent excellency and infinite preciousness, and so to recommend him to the sinner’s acceptance, were the subject matter of what was delivered in public and private, and from time to time repeated and inculcated upon them.

God was pleased to give these divine truths such a powerful influence upon the minds of the people, and so to bless them for the effectual awakening of numbers of them, that their lives were quickly reformed, without my insisting upon the precepts of morality, and spending time in repeated harangues upon external duties. There was indeed no room for any kind of discourses but those that respected the essentials of religion, and the experimental knowledge of divine things, whilst there were so many inquiring daily, not how they should regulate their external conduct, (for that, persons who are honestly disposed to comply with duty. when known, may in ordinary cases be easily satisfied about ;) but how they should escape from the wrath to come; how they might obtain an effectual change of heart, get an interest in Christ, and come to the enjoyment of eternal blessedness. My great work therefore was to lead them into a further view of their utter helplessness, and the total depravity and corruption of their hearts; that there was no manner of goodness in them, no good dispositions nor desires, no love to God nor delight in his commands; but on the contrary, hatred, enmity, and all manner of wickedness reigning in them. At the same time it was necessary to open to them the glorious and complete remedy provided in Christ for helpless perishing sinners, and offered freely to those who _ have no goodness of their own, no “ works of righteousness

which they have done,” to recommend them to God.

This was the continued strain of my preaching; this my great concern and constant endeavour, so to enlighten the mind as thereby duly to affect the heart, and as far as possible, give persons a sense and feeling of these precious and important doctrines of grace, at least so faras means might conduce to it. These were the doctrines, and this the method of preaching, which were blessed of God for the awakening, and I trust the saving conversion of numbers of souls; and which were made the means of producing a remarkable reformation among the hearers in general.

When these truths were felt at heart, there was now no vice unreformed, no external duty neglected. Drunkenness, the darling vice, was broken off, and scarcely an instance of it known among my hearers for months together. The abusive practice of husbands and wives in putting away each other, and taking others in their stead, was quickly reformed; so that there are three or four couple who have voluntarily dismissed those they had wrongfully taken, and now live together again in love and peace. The same might be said of all other vicious practices —The reformation was general; and all springing from the internal influence of divine truth upon their hearts; and not from any external restraints, or because they had heard these vices particularly exposed, and repeatedly spoken against. Some of them indeed I never so much as mentioned; particularly that of the parting of men and their wives, till some, having their conscience awakened by God’s word, came, and of their own accord, confessed themselves guilty in that respect- And when | did at any time mention their wicked practices, and the sins they were guilty of contrary to the light of nature, it was not with design, nor indeed with any hope, of working an effectual reformation in their external manners by this means, for I knew that while the tree remained corrupt, the frui# would naturally be so; but with design to lead them, by observing the wickedness of their dives, to a view of the corruption of their hearts, and so to convince them of the necessity of a renovation of nature, and to excite them diligently to seek after that great change, which if once obtained, would of course produce a reformation of. external manners in every respect.

And as all vice was reformed upon their feeling the power of divine truth upon their hearts, so the external duties of Christianity were complied with, and conscientiously performed from the same internal influence. Family-prayer was set up, and constantly maintained, unless among some few more lately come, who had felt little of this divine influence. This duty constantly was performed even in some families where there were none but females, and scarce a prayerless person to be found among near a hundred of them. The Lord’s day was seriously and religiously ob-

Ee3 4e2 REMARKS ON THE WORK OF GRACE

served, and care taken by parents to keep their children. orderly upon that sacred day. And this, not because I had driven them to the performance of these duties by a frequent inculcation of them, but because they had felt the power of God’s word upon their hearts; were made sensible of their sin and misery, and thence could not but pray, and comply with every thing they knew was duty, from what they felt within themselves. When their hearts were touched with a sense of their eternal concerns, they could pray with great freedom, as well as fervency, without being at the trouble first to learn set forms for that purpose. And some of them who were suddenly awakened at their first coming among us, were brought to pray and cry for mercy with the utmost importunity, without ever being instructed in the duty of prayer, or so much as once directed to a performance of it.

The happy effects of these peculiar doctrines of grace, which I have so much insisted upon with this people, plainly discover, even to demonstration, that instead of their opening a door to licentiousness, as many vainly imagine, and slanderously insinuate, they have a direct contrary tendency; so that a close application, a sense and feeling of them, will have the most powerful influence toward the renovation, and effectual reformation both of heart and life.

Happy experience, as well as the word of God and the example of Christ and his apostles, has taught me, that that method of preaching which is best suited to awaken in mankind a sense and lively apprehension of their depravity and misery in a fallen state,—to excite them earnestly to seek after a change of heart, and to fly for refuge to free and sovereign grace in Christ, as the only hope set before them, is likely to be most successful toward the reformation of their external conduct. I have found that close addresses, and solemn applications of divine truth to the conscience, tend directly to strike death to the root of all vice; while smooth and plausible harangues upon moral virtues and external duties, at best are likely to do no more than lop off the branches of corruption, while the root of all vice remains still untouched.

A view of the blessed effect of honest endeavours to bring home truth to the conscience, and duly to affect the heart, has often reminded me of those words of our Lord, which I have thought might be a proper exhortation for. ministers in

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treating with others, as well as for persons in general with regard to themselves ;—“ Cleanse first the inside of the cup and platter, that the outside may be clean also.” Cleanse, says he, the inside, that the outside may clean. Q.d. The only effectual:way to have the outside clean, is to begin with what is within; and if the fountain be purified, the streams will naturally be pure. Most certain it is, if we can awaken in sinners a lively sense of their inward pollution and depravity, their need of a change of heart, and so engage them to seek after inward cleansing; their external defilement will naturally be cleansed, their vicious ways of course be re-. formed, and their conversation and behaviour become regular. And though I cannot pretend that the reformation among my people does, in every instance, spring from a saving change of heart; yet I may truly say, it flows from. some heart affecting view and sense of divine truth, which all have had in a greater or lesser degree.

I do not intend, by what I have observed here, to represent the preaching of morality, and pressing persons to the external performance of duty, to be altogether unnecessary and useless at any time, and especially at times when there is less of divine power attending the means of grace ;—when for want of internal influences, there is need of external restraints. It is doubtless among the things that “ought to be done,” while “‘ others are not to be left undone.” But what I principally designed by this remark was to discover plain matter of fact, viz. That the reformation, the sobriety, and external compliance with the rules and duties of Christianity, appearing among my people, are not the effect of any mere doctrinal instruction, or merely rational view of the beauty of morality, but from the internal power and influence which divine truth has had upon their hearts.

Thirdly, It is remarkable that God has so continued and renewed the showers of his grace here; so quickly set up his visible kingdom among these people, and so smiled upon them in relation to their acquirement of knowledge, both divine and human. It is now about a year since the beginning of this gracious outpouring of the divine Spirit among. them; and though it has often seemed to decline and abate for some short space of time, (as may be observed by several passages of my Journal, where I have endeavoured ta note things just as they appeared to me from time to time ;), yet

Ee4 the shower has seemed to be renewed, and the work of grace revived again; so that a divine influence seems still apparently to attend the means of grace, in a greater or less degree, in most of our meetings for religious exercises. Religious persons are refreshed, strengthened and established: convictions revived and promoted in many instances, and some few persons newly awakened from time to time. It must indeed be acknowledged, that for some time pastthere has been a more manifest decline of this work, and the divine Spirit has seemed in a considerable measure withdrawn, especially in regard of his awakening influences; so that the strangers who come latterly are not seized with concern as formerly; and some few who have been much affected with divine truth in time past, now appear less concerned. Yet, blessed be God, there is still an appearance of divine power and grace, a desirable degree of tenderness, religious affection and devotion in our assemblies. And as God has continued and renewed the showers of his_ grace among this people for some time; so he has with uncommon quickness set up his visible kingdom, and gathered himself a church in the midst of them. I have now baptized, since the conclusion of my last Journal, thirty persons, fifteen adults and fifteen children. These added to the number there mentioned, make seventy-seven persons; thirty-eight adults, and thirty-nine children; and all within the space of eleven months past. And it must be noted, that I have baptized no adults but such as appeared to have a work of special grace wrought in their hearts; I mean such who have had the experience not only of the awakening and humbling, - but in a judgment of charity, of the renewing and comforting influences of the divine Spirit. There are also many others under solemn concern for their souls, who I apprehend are persons of sufficient knowledge, and visible seriousness, to render them proper subjects of the ordinance of baptism. Yet since they give no comfortable evidence of having as yet" passed a saving change, but only appear under conviction of sin and misery, and having no principle of spiritual life wrought in them, are liable to lose the impressions of religion they are now under; and considering the great propensity there is in this people naturally to abuse themselves with strong drink, and fearing lest some who at present appear serious and concerned for their souls, might-lose their con-:

AMONG THE INDIANS. | 423

cern, and return to this sin, and so, if baptized, prove a scandal ‘to their profession; I have thought proper hitherto’ to omit the baptism: of any but such as give some hopeful: evidence of a saving change, although I do not pretend to. determine positively respecting the state of any.

I likewise administered the Lord’s supper to a number of' persons, who | have abundant reason to think (as I elsewhere observed) were proper subjects of that ordinance,’ within the space of ten months and ten days after my first’ coming among these Indians in New Jersey. And from the time that I am informed, some of them were attending an‘ idolatrous feast and sacrifice in honour to devils, to the time’ they sat down at the Lord’s table (I trust) to the honour of God, was not more than a full year. Surely Christ’s little flock here, so suddenly gathered from among pagans, may justly say, in the language of the chuch of old, “The Lord hath done great things fur us, whereof we are glad.”

Much of the goodness of God has also appeared in their ~ acquirement of knowledge, both in religion and in the affairs’ of common life. There has been a wonderful thirst after’ Christian knowledge prevailing among them in general, and an-eager desire of being instructed in Christian doctrines and manners. This has prompted them to ask many pertinent as: well as important questions; the answers to which have tended much to enlighten their minds, and promote ‘their’ knowledge in divine things. Many of the doctrines I have delivered, they queried with me about, in order to gain further insight into them; and have from time to time manifested a good understanding of them, by their answers to ~ the questions proposed to them in my Catechetical lectures. They have likewise queried with me, respecting a proper —method as well as proper matter of prayer, and expressions suitable to be made use of in that religious ‘exercise; and’ have taken pains in order to the performance of this duty with understanding. They have also taken ‘pains, and appeared remarkably apt in learning to sing Psalm-tunes, and are now able to sing with a good degree of decency in the: worship of God.

They have also acquired a considerable degree of useful © knowledge in the affairs of common life. They now appear | like rational creatures, fit for human society, free from that savage roughness and brutish stupidity, which rendered them — very disagreeable in their pagan state. They seem ambitious of a thorough acquaintance with the English lenguage, and for that end frequently speak it among themselves. Many of them have made good proficiency in it, since my coming among them. Indeed most of them can understand a considerable part, and some the substance of my discourses, without an Interpreter; being used to my low

and familiar methods of expression, though they could not

well understand other ministers.

And as they are desirous of instruction, and surprisingly apt in receiving it, so divine providence has afforded them the proper means for this purpose. The attempts made to raise a school among them have been succeeded, and a kind providence has sent them a schoolmaster, of whom I may justly say, I know of “no man like minded, who will naturally care for their state.” He has generally thirty or thirtyfive children in bis school; and when he kept an evening school, as he did while the length of the evenings would admit of it, be had fifteen or twenty people, married and single.

The children learn with surprising readiness; their master

tells me, he never bad an English school that learned in general so fast. There were not above two in thirty, although some of them were very small, but what learned to know alk the letters in the alphabet distinctly, within three days after his entrance upon his business, while several in that space of time learned to spell considerably. Some of them, since the beginning of February last, at. which time the school. was set up, have learned so much, that they are able to read ina Psalter or Testament without spelling. ' They are instructed twice a week in the Assembly’s Shorter Catechism, viz. on Wednesday and Saturday. Some of them, since the latter end of February, at which time they began, have learned to say it pretty distinctly by heart considerably more than half through; and most of them have made some proficiency in it. They are likewise instructed in the duty of secret prayer, and most of them constantly attend. it night and morning, and are very careful to inform their master if they apprehend any of their little school-mates neglect that holy exercise.

Fourthly, It is worthy to be noted, to the praise of sovereign grace, that amidst so great a work of conviction, so

AMONG THE INDIANS. “42%

muen concern and religious affection, there has been no prevalency, nor indeed any considerable appearance of false region, if I may so term it; or heats of imagination, intempe~ rate zeal, and spiritual pride. These corrupt mixtures too. often attend the revival and powerful propagation of religion; but in the present instance there has been very little irregular or ‘scandalous behaviour among those who have appeared serious. I may justly repeat what I observed at the conclusion of my last Journal, véz. that there has here been no appearance of ‘bodily agonies, convulsions, frightful screamings, swoonings, and the like. I may now further add, thas there has been no prevalency of visions, trances, and imaginations of any kind; though there has been an appearance | of something of that nature since the conclusion of that Journal. An instance of this sort J have given an account of in my Journal of December 26. This work of grace has in the main been carried on with a surprising degree of purity, and freedom from corrupt mixture. The religious concern that persons have been under, has generall y been rational and just; arising from, a sense of their sins,.and exposedness to the divine displeasure on account of them; as well as their utter inability to deliver themselves from the misery they felt and feared. If there has been in any instance an appearance of irrational concern and perturbation of mind, when the subjects of it knew not why, yet there has been no prevalency of any such thing; and indeed I scarcely know of any instance of that nature at all. And it is very remarkable, that although the concern of many persons under convictions of their perishing state has been very great and pressing, yet I have never seen any thing like desperation attending it in any one instance. They have had the most lively sense of their undone state; have been brought to give up all-hopes of deliverance from themselves, while their spiritual exercises have been attended with great distress and anguish of soul. Yetin the seasons of the greatest extremity, there has been no appearance of despair in any of them,—nothing that has dis- - couraged, or in any wise hindered them from the most diligent use of all proper means for their conversion and salvation. Hence it is apparent, there is not that danger of persons being driven into despair under spiritual trouble,. unless in cases of deep and habitual melancholy, that the world in general is ready to imagine.

‘ The comfort that persons have obtained after their distresses, has likewise in general appeared solid, well grounded, and scriptural; arising from a spiritual and supernatural ilamination of mind,—a view of divine things in a measure as they are, a complacency of soul in the divine perfections, and a peculiar satisfaction in the way of salvation by the great Redeemer. Their joys seemed to rise from a variety of views and considerations of divine things although for substance the same. Some, who under conviction seemed to have the hardest struggles and heart-risings against divine sovereignty, have seemed at the first dawn of their comfort, to rejoice in a peculiar manner in that divine perfection,—have been delighted to think that themselves, and all things else, were in the hand of God, and that he would dispose of them just as he pleased. Others, who just before their reception of comfort, have been remarkably oppressed with a sense of their helplessness and poverty, who have seen themselves as it were falling down into remediless perdition, have been at first more peculiarly delighted with a view of the freeness and riches of divine grace, and the offer of salvation to perishing sinners “ without money, and without price.”

Some have at first appeared to rejoice especially in the wisdom of God, discovered in the way of salvation by Christ. It appeared to them “a new and living way,” a way they had never had any just conception of, until opened to them by the special influence of the divine Spirit. Some of them, upon a lively spiritual view of this way of salvation, have wondered at their past folly in seeking salvation in any other way, and that they never saw this way of salvation before, which now appeared so plain and easy, as well as excellent to them. Others again have had a more general view of the beauty and excellency of Christ, and have had their souls delighted with an apprehension of his divine glory, as unspeakably exceeding all they had ever conceived before; yet without singling out as it were any one of the divine perfections in particular; so that although their comforts seemed to arise from a-variety of views and considerations of the divine glories, still they were spiritual and supernatural views of them, and not groundless fancies, that were the spring of their joys and comforts.

It must be acknowledged however, that when this work became so universal and prevalent, and gained such general credit and esteem among the Indians, that Satan seemed to have little advantage of working against it in his own proper garb; he then transformed himself “ into an angel of light,” and made some vigorous attempts to introduce turbulent commotions of the passions in the room of genuine convic- ‘tions of sin, imaginary and fanciful notions of Christ, as appearing to the mental eye in a human shape, and being in some particular postures, 4c. instead of spiritual and supernatural discoveries of his divine glory and excellency. if these and similar delusions had met with countenance and encouragement, there would have been a very considerable harvest of this kind of converts here. Spiritual pride also discovered itself in various instances. Some persons who had been under great affections, seemed desirous of being thought truly gracious; who, when I could not but express to them my fears respecting their spiritual state, discovered their resentment to a considerable degree upon that occasion. There also appeared in one or two of them an unbecoming ambition of being teachers of others. So that Satan has been a busy adversary here, as well as elsewhere. But blessed be God, though something of this nature has appeared, yet nothing of it has prevailed, nor indeed made any considerable progress. My people are now apprised of these things, are acquainted that Satan in such a manner “transformed himself into an angel of light,” in the first season of the great outpouring of the divine Spirit in the days of the apostles; and that something of this nature, in a greater or lesser degree, has attended almost every revival and remarkable propagation of true religion ever since. And they have learned so to distinguish between the gold and the dross, that the credit of the latter “is trode down like the mire of the streets:” and it being natural for this kind of stuff to die with its credit, there is now scarcely any appearance of it among them.

And as there has been no prevalency of irregular heats, imaginary notions, spiritual pride, and Satanical dulsions among my people; so there has been a very few instances of scandalous and irregular behaviour among those who have made a profession, or even an appearance of seriousness. I do not know of more than three or four such persons that 430 REMARKS, &c.

have been guilty of any open misconduct, since their first acquaintance with Christianity, and not one that persists in any thing of that nature. Perhaps the remarkable purity of this work in the latter respect, its freedom from frequent instances of scandal, is very much owing to its purity in the former respect, its freedom from corrupt mixtures of spiritual pride, wild-fire, and delusion, which naturally lay a foundation for scandalous practices.

May this blessed work in the power and purity of it prevail among the poor Indians here, as well as spread elsewhere, till their remotest tribes shall see the salvation of.

God! Amen. D. B.