MR. BRAINERD’S JOURNAL,
IN TWO PARTS.
ADVERTISEMENT.
THE
Journal having been so much referred to in the Life and Diary, and being
originally a part of the Diary itself, this work would be very imperfect
without it. It was first printed not only in two parts, but with some variation
in the Titles, which are here subjoined. The First Part was,
“Mirabilia Dei inter
Indicos;
Or the Rise and Progress of
a remarkable Work of Grace
Amongst a number of the
Indians,
In the Provinces of New
Jersey and Pennsylvania;
Justly represented in a
JOURNAL kept by order of the Honourable Society (in Scotland) for Propagating
Christian Knowledge; with
some General Remarks;
By DAVID BRAINERD,
Minister of the Gospel, and
Missionary from the said Society:
Published by the Reverend
and worthy Correspondents of the said Society;
with a Preface by them.”
The Second Part was,
“Divine Grace Displayed;
Or the Continuance and
Progress of a remarkable Work of Grace
Among some of the Indians
Belonging to the Provinces
of New Jersey and Pennsylvania;
Justly represented in a
JOURNAL kept by order of the Honourable Society (in Scotland)
for Propagating Christian
Knowledge;
with some General Remarks;
To which is subjoined an
Appendix, containing some account of sundry things, especially of the
Difficulties attending
the Work of a Missionary
among the Indians:
By DAVID BRAINERD,
Minister of the Gospel, and
Missionary from the said Society:
Published by the Reverend
and worthy Correspondents of the said Society.”
PREFACE.
THE
design of this publication is to give God the glory of his distinguishing
grace, and gratify the pious curiosity of those who are waiting and praying for
that blessed time, when the Son of God, in a more extensive sense than has yet
been accomplished, shall receive “the heathen for his inheritance, and the
uttermost parts of the earth for a possession.”
Whenever
any of the guilty race of mankind are awakened to a just concern for their
eternal interest, are humbled at the footstool of a sovereign God, and are
persuaded and enabled to accept the offers of redeeming love, it must always be
acknowledged a wonderful work of divine grace, which demands our thankful
praises. But doubtless it is a more affecting evidence of almighty power, a
more illustrious display of sovereign mercy, when those are enlightened with
the knowledge of salvation, who have for many ages dwelt in the grossest
darkness and heathenism, and are brought to a cheerful subjection to the
government of our divine Redeemer, who from generation to generation had
remained the voluntary slaves of “the prince of darkness.”
This is
that delightful scene which will present itself to the reader’s view, while he
attentively peruses the following pages. Nothing certainly can be more agreeable
to a benevolent and religious mind, than to see those that were sunk in the
most degenerate state of human nature, at once, not only renounce those
barbarous customs they had been inured to from their infancy, but surprisingly
transformed into the character of real and devout Christians.
This
mighty change was brought about by the plain and faithful preaching of the
gospel, attended with an uncommon effusion of the divine Spirit, under the
ministry of the Reverend David Brainerd, a Missionary employed by the Honourable
Society in Scotland, for propagating CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE.
388 PREFACE.
And
surely it will administer abundant matter of praise and thanksgiving
to that honourable body, to find that their generous attempt to send the gospel
among the Indian nations upon the borders of New York, New Jersey, and
Pennsylvania, has met with such surprising success.
It would
perhaps have been more agreeable to the taste of politer readers, if the
following Journal had been cast into a different method, and formed into one
connected narrative. But the worthy author, amidst his continued
labours, had no time to spare for such an undertaking. Besides, the pious
reader will take a peculiar pleasure to see this work described in its native
simplicity, and the operations of the Spirit upon the minds of these poor
benighted pagans, laid down just in the method and order in which they
happened. This, it must be confessed, will occasion frequent repetitions; but
these, as they tend to give a fuller view of this amazing dispensation of
divine grace in its rise and progress, we trust, will be easily forgiven.
When we
see such numbers of the most ignorant and barbarous of mankind, in the space of
a few months, “turned from darkness to light, and from the power of sin and
Satan unto God,” it gives us encouragement to wait and pray for that blessed
time, when our victorious Redeemer shall, in a more signal manner than he has
yet done, display the “banner of his cross,” march on from “conquering to
conquer, till
the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his
Christ.” Yea, we cannot but lift up our heads with joy, and hope that it may be
the dawn of that bright and illustrious day, when the SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
shall “arise and shine from one end of the earth to the other;” when, to use
the language of the inspired prophets, “the Gentiles shall come to his light,
and kings to the brightness of his rising;” in consequence of which, “the
wilderness and solitary places shall be glad, and the desert rejoice and
blossom as the rose.”
It is
doubtless the duty of all, in their different stations, and according to their
respective capacities, to use their utmost endeavours to bring forward this
promised, this desired day. There is a great want of schoolmasters among
these christianized Indians, to instruct their youth in the English language,
and the principles of the christian faith; for this as yet, there is no
certain provision made:* if any are inclined to contribute to so good a design,
we are persuaded they will do an acceptable service to the “kingdom of the
Redeemer.” And we earnestly desire the most indigent to join, at least, in
their wishes and prayers, that this work may prosper more and
more, till the “whole earth is filled with the glory of the Lord.”
The CORRESPONDENTS.
THE
RISE AND PROGRESS
OF A
REMARKABLE WORK OF GRACE,
&c.
PART I.
FROM A.D. 1745 JUNE 19TH TO
NOV. 4TH, AT CROSSWEEKSUNG AND FORKS OF DELAWARE.
CROSSWEEKSUNG, in New
Jersey, June, 1745.
June 19. Having spent most of my
time for more than a year past amongst the Indians in the Forks of
Delaware in Pennsylvania; and having in that time made two journeys to
Susquehannah river, far back in that province, in order to treat with the
Indians there, respecting Christianity; and not having had any considerable
appearance of special success in either of those places, which damped my
spirits, and was not a little discouraging to me: upon hearing that there was a
number of Indians in and about a place called (by the Indians) Crossweeksung in
New Jersey, near fourscore miles south-eastward from the Forks of Delaware, I
determined to make them a visit, and see what might be done towards the
christianizing of them; and accordingly arrived among them this day.
I found
very few persons at the place I visited, and perceived the Indians in these
parts were very much scattered, there being not more than two or three families
in a place, and these small settlements six, ten, fifteen, twenty, and thirty
miles, and some more, from the place I was then at. However, I preached to
those few I found, who appeared well disposed, and not inclined to object and cavil,
as the Indians had frequently done elsewhere.
When I
had concluded my discourse, I informed them (there being none but a few women
and children) that I would willingly visit them again the next day. Whereupon
they readily set out, and travelled ten or fifteen miles, in order to give
notice to some of their friends at that distance. These women, like the woman
of Samaria, seemed desirous that others might “see the man that told them what
they had done” in their lives past, and the misery that attended their idolatrous
ways.
June 20. Visited and preached to
the Indians again as I proposed. Numbers more were gathered at the invitations
of their friends, who heard me the day before. These also appeared as
attentive, orderly, and well disposed as the others. And none made any objection,
as Indians in other places have usually done.
June 22. Preached to the Indians
again. Their number, which at first consisted of about seven or eight persons,
was now increased to near thirty. There was not only a solemn attention
among them, but some considerable impressions, it was apparent, were made upon
their minds by
* In the
observations intermixed with the diary, after the date June 18th and Sept.
16th, 1747. it appears that some gentlemen from Boston took this affair into
their charitable consideration; partly in consequence of this hint, and more
especially from Mr. Brainerd’s application by letter.--W.
PART I. A.D. 1745. JUNE TO
NOVEMBER. 389
divine
truths. Some began to feel their misery and perishing state, and
appeared concerned for a deliverance from it.
Lord’s
day, June
23. Preached to the Indians, and spent the day with them.--Their number still
increased; and all with one consent seemed to rejoice in my coming among them.
Not a word of opposition was heard from any of them against Christianity,
although in times past they had been as opposite to any thing of that nature,
as any Indians whatsoever. And some of them not many months before, were enraged
with my interpreter, because he attempted to teach them something of
Christianity.
June 24. Preached to the Indians
at their desire, and upon their own motion. To see poor pagans desirous of
hearing the gospel of Christ, animated me to discourse to them, although I was
now very weakly, and my spirits much exhausted. They attended with the greatest
seriousness and diligence; and there was some concern for their souls’
salvation apparent among them.
June 27. Visited and preached to
the Indians again. Their number now amounted to about forty persons.
Their solemnity and attention still continued; and a considerable concern for
their souls became very apparent among sundry of them.
June 28. The Indians being now
gathered, a considerable number of them, from their several and distant habitations,
requested me to preach twice a day to them, being desirous to hear as
much as they possibly could while I was with them. I cheerfully complied with
their motion, and could not but admire the goodness of God, who, I was
persuaded, had inclined them thus to inquire after the way of salvation.
June 29. Preached again twice to
the Indians. Saw, as I thought, the hand of God very evidently, and in a manner
somewhat remarkable, making provision for their subsistence together, in order
to their being instructed in divine things. For this day and the day before,
with only walking a little way from the place of our daily meeting, they killed
three deer, which were a seasonable supply for their wants, and without
which, it seems, they could not have subsisted together in order to attend the
means of grace.
Lord’s
day, June
30. Preached twice this day also. Observed yet more concern and affection among
the poor heathens than ever; so that they even constrained me to tarry yet
longer with them; although my constitution was exceedingly worn out, and my
health much impaired by my late fatigues and labours, and especially by my late
journey to Susquehannah in May last, in which lodged on the ground for several
weeks together.
July 1. Preached again twice to
a very serious and attentive assembly of Indians, they having now learned to
attend the worship of God with christian decency in all respects.--There
were now between forty and fifty persons of them present, old and
young.--I spent some considerable time in discoursing with them in a more
private way, inquiring of them what they remembered of the great truths that
had been taught them from day to day; and may justly say, it was amazing to see
how they had received and retained the instructions given them,
and what a measure of knowledge some of them had acquired in a few days.
July 2. Was obliged to leave
these Indians at Crossweeksung, thinking it my duty, as soon as health would
admit, again to visit those at the Forks of Delaware. When I came to take leave
of them, and spoke something particularly to each of them, they all earnestly
inquired when I would come again, and expressed a great desire of being further
instructed. And of their own accord agreed, that when I should come again, they
would all meet and live together during my continuance with them; and that they
would do their utmost endeavours to gather all the Indians in these parts that
were yet further remote. And when I parted, one told me with many tears, “She
wished God would change her heart:” another, that “she wanted to find Christ:”
and an old man that had been one of their chiefs, wept bitterly with
concern for his soul. I then promised them to return as speedily as my health
and business elsewhere would admit, and felt not a little concerned at parting,
lest the good impressions then apparent upon numbers of them, might decline and
wear off, when the means came to cease; and yet could not but hope that he who,
I trusted, had begun a good work among them, and who I knew did not stand in
need of means to carry it on, would maintain and promote it. At the same time I
must confess, that I had often seen encouraging appearances among the Indians
elsewhere prove wholly abortive; and it appeared the favour would be so great,
if God should now, after I had passed through so considerable a series of
almost fruitless labours and fatigues, and after my rising hopes had been so
often frustrated among these poor pagans, give me any special success in
my labours with them. I could not believe, and scarce dared to hope, that the
event would be so happy, and scarce ever found myself more suspended between
hope and fear, in any affair, or at any time, than this.
This
encouraging disposition and readiness to receive instruction, now apparent
among these Indians, seems to have been the happy effect of the conviction that
one or two of them met with some time since at the Forks of Delaware, who have
since endeavoured to show their friends the evil of idolatry, &c. And
although the other Indians seemed but little to regard, but rather to deride
them, yet this, perhaps, has put them into a thinking posture of mind,
or at least, given them some thoughts about Christianity, and excited in some
of them a curiosity to hear, and so made way for the present encouraging
attention. An apprehension that this might be the case here, has given me
encouragement that God may in such a manner bless the means I have used
with Indians in other places, where there is as yet no appearance of it. If so,
may his name have the glory of it; for I have learned by experience that he
only can open the ear, engage the attention, and incline the heart of poor
benighted, prejudiced pagans to receive instruction.
FORKS OF DELAWARE, in
Pennsylvania, July, 1745.
Lord’s
day, July
14. Discoursed to the Indians twice, several of whom appeared concerned, and
were, I have reason to think, in some measure convinced by the divine Spirit of
their sin and misery; so that they wept much the whole time of divine
service.--Afterwards discoursed to a number of white people then present.
July 18. Preached to my people,
who attended diligently, beyond what had been common among these Indians: and
some of them appeared concerned for their souls.
Lord’s
day, July
21. Preached to the Indians first, then to a number of white people
present, and in the afternoon to the Indians again.--Divine truth seemed to
make very considerable impressions upon several of them, and caused the tears
to flow freely.--Afterwards I baptized my interpreter and his wife,
who were the first I baptized among the Indians.
They are
both persons of some experimental knowledge in religion; have both been
awakened to a solemn concern for their souls; have to appearance been brought
to a sense of their misery and undoneness in themselves; have both
appeared to be comforted with divine consolations; and it is apparent both have
passed a great, and I cannot but hope a saving, change.
It may
perhaps be satisfactory and agreeable that I should give some brief relation of
the man’s exercise and experience since he has been with me, especially seeing
he is employed as my interpreter to others.--When I first employed him
in this business in the beginning of summer, 1744, he was well fitted for his
work in regard of his acquaintance with the Indian and English language, as
well as with the manners of both nations; and in regard of his desire that the
Indians should conform to the customs and manners of the English, and
especially to their manner of living. But he seemed to have little or no
impression of religion upon his mind, and in that respect was very unfit
for his work, being incapable of understanding and communicating to others many
things of importance; so that I laboured under great disadvantages in
addressing the Indians, for want of his having an experimental, as well
as more doctrinal, acquaintance with divine truths; and, at times, my
spirits sunk and were much discouraged under this difficulty, especially when I
observed that divine
390 BRAINERD’S JOURNAL.
truths
made little or no impressions upon his mind for many weeks together.
He
indeed behaved soberly after I employed him, (although before he had
been a hard drinker,) and seemed honestly engaged as far as he was
capable in the performance of his work; and especially he appeared very
desirous that the Indians should renounce their heathenish notions and
practices, and conform to the customs of the christian world. But still he
seemed to have no concern about his own soul, till he had been with me a
considerable time.
Near the
latter end of July, 1744, I preached to an assembly of white people, with more
freedom and fervency than I could possibly address the Indians with, without
their having first attained a greater measure of doctrinal knowledge. At this
time he was present, and was somewhat awakened to a concern for his soul; so
that the next day he discoursed freely with me about his spiritual
concerns, and gave me an opportunity to use further endeavours to fasten the
impressions of his perishing state upon his mind: and I could plainly perceive
for some time after this, that he addressed the Indians with more concern
and fervency than he had formerly done.
But
these impressions seemed quickly to decline, and he remained in a great measure
careless and secure, until some time late in the fall of the year
following, at which time he fell into a weak and languishing state of body, and
continued much disordered for several weeks together. At this season divine
truth took hold of him, and made deep impressions upon his mind. He was brought
under great concern for his soul, and his exercise was not now transient
and unsteady, but constant and abiding, so that his mind was burdened
from day to day; and it was now his great inquiry, “What he should do to be
saved?” His spiritual trouble prevailed, till at length his sleep, in a
measure, departed from him, and he had little rest day or night; but walked
about under a great pressure of mind, (for he was still able to walk,) and
appeared like another man to his neighbours, who could not but observe
his behaviour with wonder.
After he
had been some time under this exercise, while he was striving to obtain mercy,
he says, there seemed to be an impassable mountain before him. He was
pressing towards heaven, as he thought, but “his way was hedged up with thorns,
that he could not stir an inch further.” He looked this way and that way, but
could find no way at all. He thought, if he could but make his way through these
thorns and briers, and climb up the first steep pitch of the mountain,
that then there might be hope for him; but no way or means could he find to
accomplish this. Here he laboured for a time, but all in vain; he saw it was impossible,
he says, for him ever to help himself through this insupportable difficulty. He
felt it signified nothing, “it signified just nothing at all for him to strive
and struggle any more.” And here, he says, he gave over striving, and felt that
it was a gone case with him, as to his own power, and that all his
attempts were, and for ever would be, vain and fruitless. And yet was more calm
and composed under this view of things, than he had been while striving to help
himself.
While he
was giving me this account of his exercise, I was not without fears that what
he related was but the working of his own imagination, and not the
effect of any divine illumination of mind. But before I had time to
discover my fears, he added, that at this time he felt himself in a miserable
and perishing condition; that he saw plainly what he had been doing all his
days, and that he had never done one good thing, as he expressed it. He
knew, he said, he was not guilty of some wicked actions that he knew some
others guilty of. He had not been used to steal, quarrel, and murder; the
latter of which vices are common among the Indians. He likewise knew that he
had done many things that were right; he had been kind to his neighbours,
&c. But still his cry was, “that he had never done one good thing.” I knew,
said he, that I had not been so bad as some others in some things, and that I
had done many things which folks call good; but all this did me no good
now, I saw that “all was bad, and that I never had done one good
thing;”--meaning that he had never done any thing from a right principle,
and with a right view, though he had done many things that were materially
good and right. And now I thought, said he, that I must sink down to hell, that
there was no hope for me, “because I never could do any thing that was good;”
and if God let me alone never so long, and I should try never so much, still I
should do nothing but what is bad, &c.
This
further account of his exercise satisfied me that it was not the mere working
of his imagination, since he appeared so evidently to die to himself, and to be
divorced from a dependence upon his own righteousness, and good deeds, which
mankind in a fallen state are so much attached to, and inclined to hope
for salvation upon.
There
was one thing more in his view of things at this time that was very remarkable.
He not only saw, he says, what a miserable state he himself was in, but
he likewise saw the world around him, in general, were in the same
perishing circumstances, notwithstanding the profession many of them made of
Christianity, and the hope they entertained of obtaining everlasting happiness.
And this he saw clearly, “as if he was now awaked out of sleep, or had a cloud
taken from before his eyes.” He saw that the life he had lived was the way to
eternal death, that he was now on the brink of endless misery: and when he
looked round, he saw multitudes of others who had lived the same life with
himself, persons who had no more goodness than he, and yet dreamed that they
were safe enough, as he had formerly done. He was fully persuaded by their
conversation and behaviour, that they had never felt their sin and misery, as
he now felt his.
After he
had been for some time in this condition, sensible of the impossibility of his
helping himself by any thing he could do, or of being delivered by any created
arm, so that he “had given up all for lost,” as to his own attempts, and was
become more calm and composed; then, he says, it was borne in upon his mind as
if it had been audibly spoken to him, “There is hope, there is hope.” Whereupon
his soul seemed to rest and be in some measure satisfied, though he had no
considerable joy.
He
cannot here remember distinctly any views he had of Christ, or give any clear
account of his soul’s acceptance of him, which makes his experience appear the
more doubtful, and renders it less satisfactory to himself and others, than it
might be, if he could remember distinctly the apprehensions and actings of his
mind at this season.--But these exercises of soul were attended and followed
with a very great change in the man, so that it might justly be said, he
was become another man, if not a new man. His conversation and
deportment were much altered, and even the careless world could not but admire
what had befallen him to make so great a change in his temper, discourse, and
behaviour.--And especially there was a surprising alteration in his public
performances. He now addressed the Indians with admirable fervency,
and scarce knew when to leave off: and sometimes when I had concluded my
discourse, and was returning homeward, he would tarry behind to repeat and
inculcate what had been spoken.
His
change is abiding, and his life, so far as I know, unblemished to
this day, though it is now more than six months since he experienced this
change; in which space of time he has been as much exposed to strong drink,
as possible, in divers places where it has been moving free as water; and yet
has never, that I know of, discovered any hankering desire after it.--He seems
to have a very considerable experience of spiritual exercise, and
discourses feelingly of the conflicts and consolations of a real Christian. His
heart echoes to the soul-humbling doctrines of grace, and he never
appears better pleased than when he hears of the absolute sovereignty of God,
and the salvation of sinners in a way of mere free grace. He has
likewise of late had more satisfaction respecting, his own state, has
been much enlivened and assisted in his work, so that he has been a great
comfort to me.
And upon
a view and strict observation of his serious and savoury conversation, his
christian temper, and unblemished behaviour for so considerable a time, as well
as his experience I have given an account of, I think that I have reason to
hope that he is “created anew in Christ Jesus to good works.”--His name is Moses
Tinda Tauta-
PART I. A.D. 1745. JUNE TO
NOVEMBER. 391
my; he is about fifty years of
age, and is pretty well acquainted with the pagan notions and customs of his
countrymen, and so is the better able now to expose them. He has, I am
persuaded, already been, and I trust will yet be, a blessing to the other
Indians.
July 23. Preached to the
Indians, but had few hearers: those who are constantly at home seem of late to
be under some serious impressions of a religious nature.
July 26. Preached to my people,
and afterwards baptized my interpreter’s children.
Lord’s
day, July
28. Preached again, and perceived my people, at least some of them, more
thoughtful than ever about their souls’ concerns. I was told by some, that
their seeing my interpreter and others baptized, made them more
concerned than any thing they had ever seen or heard before. There was indeed a
considerable appearance of divine power amongst them when that ordinance was
administered. May that divine influence spread and increase more abundantly!
July 30. Discoursed to a number
of my people, and gave them some particular advice and direction, being now
about to leave them for the present, in order to renew my visit to the Indians
in New Jersey. They were very attentive to my discourse, and earnestly desirous
to know when I designed to return to them again.
CROSSWEEKSUNG, in New
Jersey, August, 1745.
Aug. 3. I visited the Indians
in these parts in June last, and tarried with them some considerable time,
preaching almost daily: at which season God was pleased to pour upon them a
spirit of awakening and concern for their souls, and surprisingly to engage
their attention to divine truths. I now found them serious, and a number of
them under deep concern for an interest in Christ; their convictions of their
sinful and perishing state having, in my absence from them, been much promoted
by the labours and endeavours of the Reverend Mr. William Tennent, to whom I
had advised them to apply for direction, and whose house they frequented much
while I was gone.--I preached to them this day with some view to Rev. xxii. 17.
“And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely:” though I could not
pretend to handle the subject methodically among them.
The
Lord, I am persuaded, enabled me, in a manner somewhat uncommon, to set
before them the Lord Jesus Christ as a kind and compassionate Saviour, inviting
distressed and perishing sinners to accept everlasting mercy. And a surprising
concern soon became apparent among them. There were about twenty adult persons
together, (many of the Indians at remote places not having as yet had time to
come since my return hither,) and not above two that I could see with dry eyes.
Some were much concerned, and discovered vehement longings of soul after
Christ, to save them from the misery they felt and feared.
Lord’s
day, Aug.
4. Being invited by a neighbouring minister to assist in the administration of
the Lord’s supper, I complied with his request, and took the Indians along with
me; and not only those that were together the day before, but many more that
were coming to hear me; so that there were near fifty in all, old and
young.--They attended the several discourses of the day, and some of them that
could understand English, were much affected, and all seemed to have their
concern in some measure raised.
Now a change in their manners
began to appear very visible. In the evening when they came to sup together,
they would not taste a morsel till they had sent to me to come and ask a
blessing on their food: at which time sundry of them wept, especially when I
minded them how they had in times past eat their feasts in honour to devils,
and neglected to thank God for them.
Aug. 5. After a sermon had been
preached by another minister, I preached, and concluded the public work of the
solemnity from John vii. 37. “In the last day,” &c. and in my discourse
addressed the Indians in particular, who sat by themselves in a part of the
house; at which time one or two of them were struck with deep concern, as they
afterwards told me, who had been little affected before: others had their
concern increased to a considerable degree. In the evening (the greater part of
them being at the house where I lodged) I discoursed to them, and found them
universally engaged about their souls’ concerns, inquiring “What they should do
to be saved?” And all their conversation among themselves turned upon religious
matters, in which they were much assisted by my interpreter, who was with them
day and night.
This day
there was one woman, who had been much concerned for her soul, ever since she
first heard me preach in June last, who obtained comfort, I trust, solid and
well grounded: she seemed to be filled with love to Christ, at the same time
behaved humbly and tenderly, and appeared afraid of nothing so much as of
grieving and offending him whom her soul loved.
Aug. 6. In the morning I
discoursed to the Indians at the house where I lodged: many of them were then
much affected, and appeared surprisingly tender, so that a few words about
their souls’ concerns would cause the tears to flow freely, and produce many
sobs and groans.--
In the
afternoon, they being returned to the place where I had usually preached
amongst them, I again discoursed to them there. There were about fifty-five
persons in all, about forty that were capable of attending divine service with
understanding. I insisted upon 1 John iv. 10. “Herein is love,” &c. They seemed
eager of hearing; but there appeared nothing very remarkable, except their
attention, till near the close of my discourse; and then divine truths were
attended with a surprising influence, and produced a great concern among them.
There was scarce three in forty that could refrain from tears and
bitter cries. They all, as one, seemed in an agony of soul to obtain an
interest in Christ; and the more I discoursed of the love and compassion of God
in sending his Son to suffer for the sins of men, and the more I invited them
to come and partake of his love, the more their distress was aggravated,
because they felt themselves unable to come.--It was surprising to see how
their hearts seemed to be pierced with the tender and melting invitations of
the gospel, when there was not a word of terror spoken to them.
There
were this day two persons that obtained relief and comfort, which (when I came
to discourse with them particularly) appeared solid, rational, and scriptural.
After I had inquired into the grounds of their comfort, and said many things I
thought proper to them, I asked them what they wanted God to do further for
them? They replied, “They wanted Christ should wipe their hearts quite clean,”
&c.--Surprising were now the doings of the Lord, that I can say no
less of this day (and I need say no more of it) than that the arm of the
Lord was powerfully and marvellously revealed in it.
Aug. 7 Preached to the Indians
from Isa. liii. 3.-10. There was a remarkable influence attending the word, and
great concern in the assembly; but scarce equal to what appeared the day
before, that is, not quite so universal. However, most were much affected, and
many in great distress for their souls; and some few could neither go nor
stand, but lay flat on the ground, as if pierced at heart, crying incessantly
for mercy. Several were newly awakened, and it was remarkable, that as fast as
they came from remote places round about, the Spirit of God seemed to seize
them with concern for their souls.
After
public service was concluded, I found two persons more that had newly met with
comfort, of whom I had good hopes: and a third that I could not but entertain
some hopes of, whose case did not appear so clear as the other; so that here
were now six in all that had got some relief from their spiritual distresses,
and five whose experience appeared very clear and satisfactory. And it is
worthy or remark, that those who obtained comfort first, were in general deeply
affected with concern for their souls, when I preached to them in June last.
Aug. 8. In the afternoon I
preached to the Indians; their number was about sixty-five persons, men,
women, and children: I discoursed from Luke xiv. 16-23. and was favoured with uncommon
freedom in my discourse.--There was much visible concern among them while I was
discoursing publicly; but afterwards when I spoke to one and another more
particularly, whom I perceived under
392 BRAINERD’S JOURNAL.
much
concern, the power of God seemed to descend upon the assembly “like a rushing
mighty wind,” and with an astonishing energy bore down all before it.
I stood
amazed at the influence that seized the audience almost universally, and could
compare it to nothing more aptly than the irresistible force of a mighty
torrent or swelling deluge, that with its insupportable weight and pressure
bears down and sweeps before it whatever is in its way. Almost all persons of
all ages were bowed down with concern together, and scarce one was able to
withstand the shock of this surprising operation. Old men and women who
had been drunken wretches for many years, and some little children not more
than six or seven years of age, appeared in distress for their souls, as well
as persons of middle age. And it was apparent these children (some of them at
least) were not merely frighted with seeing the general concern; but
were made sensible of their danger, the badness of their hearts, and their
misery without Christ, as some of them expressed it. The most stubborn hearts
were now obliged to bow. A principal man among the Indians, who before was most
secure and self-righteous, and thought his state good because he knew more than
the generality of the Indians had formerly done, and who with a great degree of
confidence the day before, told me “he had been a Christian more than ten
years,” was now brought under solemn concern for his soul, and wept bitterly.
Another man advanced in years, who had been a murderer, a powow,
(or conjurer,) and a notorious drunkard, was likewise brought now to cry for
mercy with many tears, and to complain much that he could be no more concerned
when he saw his danger so very great.
They
were almost universally praying and crying for mercy in every part of the
house, and many out of doors, and numbers could neither go nor stand. Their
concern was so great, each one for himself, that none seemed to take any notice
of those about them, but each prayed freely for himself. And, I am led to
think, they were to their own apprehension as much retired as if they had been
individually by themselves in the thickest desert; or, I believe rather, that
they thought nothing about any but themselves and their own states, and
so were every one praying apart, although all together.
It
seemed to me there was now an exact fulfilment of that prophecy, Zech. xii. 10,
11, 12. for there was now “a great mourning, like the mourning of
Hadadrimmon;”--and each seemed to “mourn apart.” Methought this had a near
resemblance to the day of God’s power mentioned Josh. x. 14. for I must say, I
never saw any day like it in all respects: it was a day wherein I am
persuaded the Lord did much to destroy the kingdom of darkness among this
people.
This
concern in general was most rational and just, those who had been awakened any
considerable time, complained more especially of the badness of their hearts;
and those newly awakened of the badness of their lives and actions
past; and all were afraid of the anger of God, and of everlasting misery as the
desert of their sins.--Some of the white people, who came out of curiosity
to “hear what this babbler would say” to the poor ignorant Indians, were much
awakened, and some appeared to be wounded with a view of their perishing state.
Those
who had lately obtained relief, were filled with comfort at this season; they
appeared calm and composed, and seemed to rejoice in Christ Jesus; and some of
them took their distressed friends by the hand, telling them of the goodness of
Christ, and the comfort that is to be enjoyed in him, and thence invited them
to come and give up their hearts to him. And I could observe some of them in
the most honest and unaffected manner, (without any design of being taken
notice of,) lifting up their eyes to heaven, as if crying for mercy, while they
saw the distress of the poor souls around them.
There
was one remarkable instance of awakening this day, that I cannot but take
particular notice of here. A young Indian woman, who I believe never knew
before she had a soul, nor ever thought of any such thing, hearing that there
was something strange among the Indians, came it seems to see what was the
matter. In her way to the Indians she called at my lodgings, and when I told
her I designed presently to preach to the Indians, laughed and seemed to mock;
but went however to them. I had not proceeded far in my public discourse before
she felt effectually that she had a soul; and before I had concluded my
discourse, was so convinced of her sin and misery, and so distressed with
concern for her soul’s salvation, that she seemed like one pierced through with
a dart, and cried out incessantly. She could neither go nor stand, nor sit on
her seat without being held up. After public service was over, she lay flat on
the ground praying earnestly, and would take no notice of, nor give any answer
to, any that spoke to her. I hearkened to know what she said, and perceived the
burden of her prayer to be, Guttummaukalummeh wechaumeh kmeleh Ndah, i.e.
“Have mercy on me, and help me to give you my heart.” And thus she continued
praying incessantly for many hours together.--This was indeed a surprising day
of God’s power, and seemed enough to convince an atheist of the truth,
importance, and power of God’s word.
Aug. 9. Spent almost the whole
day with the Indians, the former part of it in discoursing to many of them
privately, and especially to some who had lately received comfort, and
endeavouring to inquire into the grounds of it, as well as to give them some
proper instructions, cautions, and directions.
In the
afternoon discoursed to them publicly. There were now present about seventy
persons, old and young. I opened and applied the parable of the sower, Matt.
xiii. Was enabled to discourse with much plainness, and found afterwards that
this discourse was very instructive to them. There were many tears among them
while I was discoursing publicly, but no considerable cry: yet some were much
affected with a few words spoken from Matt. xi. 28. “Come unto me, all ye that
labour,” &c. with which I concluded my discourse. But while I was
discoursing near night to two or three of the awakened persons, a divine
influence seemed to attend what was spoken to them in a powerful manner, which
caused the persons to cry out in anguish of soul, although I spoke not a word
of terror; but, on the contrary, set before them the fulness and all-sufficiency
of Christ’s merits, and his willingness to save all that came to him; and
thereupon pressed them to come without delay.
The cry
of these was soon heard by others, who, though scattered before, immediately
gathered round. I then proceeded in the same strain of gospel-invitation, till
they were all melted into tears and cries, except two or three; and seemed in
the greatest distress to find and secure an interest in the great
Redeemer.--Some who had but little more than a ruffle made in their passions
the day before, seemed now to be deeply affected and wounded at heart: and the
concern in general appeared near as prevalent as it was the day before. There
was indeed a very great mourning among them, and yet every one seemed to
mourn apart. For so great was their concern, that almost every one was
praying and crying for himself, as if none had been near. Guttummaukalummeh,
guttummaukalummeh, i.e. “Have mercy upon me, have mercy upon me;”
was the common cry.
It was
very affecting to see the poor Indians, who the other day were hallooing and
yelling in their idolatrous feasts and drunken frolics, now
crying to God with such importunity for an interest in his dear Son!--Found two
or three persons, who, I had reason to hope, had taken comfort upon good grounds
since the evening before: and these, with others that had obtained comfort,
were together, and seemed to rejoice much that God was carrying on his work
with such power upon others.
Aug. 10. Rode to the Indians,
and began to discourse more privately to those who had obtained comfort and
satisfaction; endeavouring to instruct, direct, caution, and comfort them. But
others being eager of hearing every word that related to spiritual concerns,
soon came together one after another; and when I had discoursed to the young
converts more than half an hour, they seemed much melted with divine
things, and earnestly desirous to be with Christ. I told them of the godly
soul’s perfect purity and full enjoyment of Christ, immediately upon its
separation from the body; and that it would be for ever inconceivably more
happy than they had ever been for any
PART I. A.D. 1745. JUNE TO
NOVEMBER. 393
short
space of time, when Christ seemed near to them in prayer or other duties. And
that I might make way for speaking of the resurrection of the body, and thence
of the complete blessedness of the man, I said, But perhaps some of you will
say, I love my body as well as my soul, and I cannot bear to think that my body
should lie dead if my soul is happy. To which they all cheerfully replied,
Muttah, muttah, (before I had opportunity to prosecute what I designed
respecting the resurrection,) No, no. They did not regard their bodies,
if their souls might but be with Christ.--Then they appeared “willing to
be absent from the body that they might be present with the Lord.”
When I
had spent some time with these, I turned to the other Indians, and spoke to
them from Luke xix. 10. “For the Son of man is come to seek,” &c. I had not
discoursed long before their concern rose to a great degree, and the house was
filled with cries and groans. And when I insisted on the compassion and care of
the Lord Jesus Christ for those that were lost, who thought themselves undone,
and could find no way of escape, this melted them down the more, and aggravated
their distress, that they could not find and come to so kind a Saviour.
Sundry
persons who before had been but slightly awakened, were now deeply wounded with
a sense of their sin and misery. And one man in particular, who was never
before awakened, was now made to feel that “the word of the Lord was quick and
powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword.” He seemed to be pierced at heart
with distress, and his concern appeared most rational and scriptural: for he
said, “all the wickedness of his past life was brought fresh to his
remembrance, and he saw all the vile actions he had done formerly as if done
but yesterday.”
Found
one that had newly received comfort, after pressing distress from day to day.
Could not but rejoice and admire divine goodness in what appeared this day.
There seems to be some good done by every discourse; some newly awakened every
day, and some comforted.--It was refreshing to observe the conduct of those
that had obtained comfort, while others were distressed with fear and concern;
that is, lifting up their hearts to God for them.
Lord’s
day, Aug.
11 Discoursed in the forenoon from the parable of the prodigal son, Luke
xv. Observed no such remarkable effect of the word upon the assembly as in days
past.--There were numbers of careless spectators of the white people; some
Quakers, and others.--In the afternoon I discoursed upon a part of St. Peter’s
sermon, Acts ii. and at the close of my discourse to the Indians, made an
address to the white people, and divine truths seemed then to be
attended with power both to English and Indians. Several of the white
heathen were awakened, and could not longer be idle spectators, but found
they had souls to save or lose as well as the Indians; and a great
concern spread through the whole assembly. So that this also appeared to
be a day of God’s power, especially towards the conclusion of if, although the
influence attending the word seemed scarce so powerful now as in some days
past.
The
number of the Indians, old and young, was now upwards of seventy, and one or
two were newly awakened this day, who never had appeared to be moved with
concern for their souls before.--Those who had obtained relief and comfort, and
had given hopeful evidences of having passed a saving change, appeared humble
and devout, and behaved in an agreeable and christian-like manner. I was
refreshed to see the tenderness of conscience manifest in some of them, one
instance of which I cannot but notice. Perceiving one of them very sorrowful in
the morning, I inquired into the cause of her sorrow, and found the difficulty
was, she had been angry with her child the evening before, and was now
exercised with fears, lest her anger had been inordinate and sinful, which so
grieved her, that she waked and began to sob before day-light, and continued
weeping for several hours together.
Aug. 14. Spent the day with the
Indians. There was one of them who had some time since put away his wife, (as
is common among them,) and taken another woman, and being now brought under
some serious impressions, was much concerned about that affair in particular,
and seemed fully convinced of the wickedness of that practice, and earnestly
desirous to know what God would have him do in his present circumstances. When
the law of God respecting marriage had been opened to them, and the
cause of his leaving his wife inquired into; and when it appeared she had given
him no just occasion by unchastity to desert her, and that she was
willing to forgive his past misconduct, and to live peaceably with him for the
future, and that she moreover insisted on it as her right to enjoy him;
he was then told, that it was his indispensable duty to renounce the woman he
had last taken, and receive the other who was his proper wife, and live
peaceably with her during life. With this he readily and cheerfully complied,
and thereupon publicly renounced the woman he had last taken, and publicly
promised to live with and be kind to his wife during life, she also promising
the same to him.--And here appeared a clear demonstration of the power of God’s
word upon their hearts. I suppose a few weeks before, the whole world could not
have persuaded this man to a compliance with christian rules in this affair.
I was
not without fears, lest this proceeding might be like putting “new wine into
old bottles,” and that some might be prejudiced against Christianity, when they
saw the demands made by it. But the man being much concerned about the matter,
the determination of it could be deferred no longer, and it seemed to have a
good, rather than an ill, effect among the Indians, who generally owned, that
the laws of Christ were good and right respecting the affairs of marriage.--In
the afternoon I preached to them from the apostle’s discourse to Cornelius, Acts
x. 34, &c. There appeared some affectionate concern among them, though not
equal to what appeared in several of the former days. They still attended and
heard as for their lives, and the Lord’s work seemed still to be promoted, and
propagated among them.
Aug. 15. Preached from Luke iv.
16-21. “And he came to Nazareth,” &c. The word was attended with power upon
the hearts of the hearers. There was much concern, many tears, and affecting
cries among them, and some in a special manner were deeply wounded and
distressed for their souls. There were some newly awakened who came but this
week, and convictions seemed to be promoted in others.--Those who had received
comfort, were likewise refreshed and strengthened, and the work of grace
appeared to advance in all respects. The passions of the congregation in
general were not so much moved, as in some days past, but their hearts
seemed as solemnly and deeply affected with divine truths as ever, at least in
many instances, although the concern did not seem to be so universal, and to
reach every individual in such a manner as it had appeared to do some days
before.
Aug. 16 Spent a considerable
time in conversing privately with sundry of the Indians. Found one that had got
relief and comfort, after pressing concern, and could not but hope, when I came
to discourse particularly with her, that her comfort was of the right kind.--In
the afternoon, I preached to them from John vi. 26-34. Toward the close of my
discourse, divine truths were attended with considerable power upon the
audience, and more especially after public service was over, when I
particularly addressed sundry distressed persons.
There
was a great concern for their souls spread pretty generally among them; but
especially there were two persons newly awakened to a sense of their sin and
misery, one of whom was lately come, and the other had all along been very
attentive, and desirous of being awakened, but could never before have any
lively view of her perishing state. But now her concern and spiritual distress
was such, that, I thought, I had never seen any more pressing. Sundry old
men were also in distress for their souls; so that they could not refrain from
weeping and crying out aloud, and their bitter groans were the most convincing,
as well as affecting, evidence of the reality and depth of their inward
anguish.--God is powerfully at work among them! True and genuine convictions of
sin are daily promoted in many instances, and some are newly awakened from time
to time, although some few, who felt a commotion in their passions in
days past, seem now to discover that their
394 BRAINERD’S LIFE AND
DIARY.
hearts were never duly affected. I
never saw the work of God appear so independent of means as at this time. I
discoursed to the people, and spoke what, I suppose, had a proper tendency to
promote convictions; but God’s manner of working upon them appeared so
entirely supernatural, and above means, that I could scarce
believe he used me as an instrument, or what I spake as means of
carrying on his work; for it seemed, as I thought, to have no connexion with,
nor dependence upon, means in any respect. And although I could not but
continue to use the means which I thought proper for the promotion of the work,
yet God seemed, as I apprehended, to work entirely without them. I seemed to do
nothing, and indeed to have nothing to do, but to “stand still and see the
salvation of God;” and found myself obliged and delighted to say, “Not unto
us,” not unto instruments and means, “but to thy name be glory.” God appeared
to work entirely alone, and I saw no room to attribute any part of this work to
any created arm.
Aug. 17. Spent much time in
private conferences with the Indians. Found one who had newly obtained relief
and comfort, after a long season of spiritual trouble and distress--he having
been one of my hearers in the Forks of Delaware for more than a year, and now
followed me here under deep concern for his soul--and had abundant reason to
hope that his comfort was well grounded, and truly divine.--Afterwards discoursed
publicly from Acts viii. 29-39. and took occasion to treat concerning baptism,
in order to their being instructed and prepared to partake of that ordinance.
They were yet hungry and thirsty for the word of God, and appeared unwearied
in their attendance upon it.
Lord’s
day, Aug.
18. Preached in the forenoon to an assembly of white people, made up of
Presbyterians, Baptist, Quakers, c&. Afterwards preached to the Indians
from John vi. 35-40. “He that eateth my flesh,” &c. There was considerable
concern visible among them, though not equal to what has frequently appeared of
late.
Aug. 19. Preached from Isa. lv.
1. “Ho, every one that thirsteth,” &c. Divine truths were attended with
power upon those who had received comfort, and others also. The former were
sweetly melted and refreshed with divine invitations, the latter much concerned
for their souls, that they might obtain an interest in these glorious
gospel-provisions that were set before them. There were numbers of poor impotent
souls that waited at the pool for healing, and the angel
seemed, as at other times of late, to trouble the waters; so that there
was yet a most desirable and comfortable prospect of the spiritual recovery of
diseased, perishing sinners.
Aug. 23. Spent some time with
the Indians in private discourse; afterwards preached to them from John vi.
44-50. “No man can come to me, except,” &c. There was, as has been usual, a
great attention and some affection among them. Several appeared deeply
concerned for their souls, and could not but express their inward anguish by
tears and cries. But the amazing divine influence that has been so powerfully
among them in general, seems, at present, in some degree abated, at least in
regard of its universality, though many who have got no special comfort,
still retain deep impressions of divine things.
Aug. 24. Spent the forenoon in
discoursing to some of the Indians, in order to their receiving the ordinance
of baptism. When I had opened the nature of the ordinance, the
obligations attending it, the duty of devoting ourselves to God in it, and the
privilege of being in covenant with him, sundry of them seemed to be
filled with love to God, and delighted with the thoughts of giving up
themselves to him in that solemn and public manner, melted and refreshed with
the hopes of enjoying the blessed Redeemer.
Afterwards
I discoursed publicly from 1 Thess. iv. 13-17. “But I would not have you be
ignorant,” &c. There was a solemn attention, and some visible concern and
affection in the time of public service, which was afterwards increased by some
further exhortation given them to come to Christ, and give up their hearts to
him, that they might be fitted to “ascend up and meet him in the air,” when he
shall “descend with a shout, and the voice of the archangel.”
There
were several Indians newly come, who thought their state good, and themselves
happy, because they had sometimes lived with the white people under
gospel-light, had learned to read, were civil, &c. although they appeared
utter strangers to their own hearts, and altogether unacquainted with the power
of religion, as well as with the doctrines of grace. With those I
discoursed particularly after public worship, and was surprised to see their
self-righteous disposition, their strong attachment to the covenant of works
for salvation, and the high value they put upon their supposed
attainments.--Yet after much discourse, one appeared in a measure convinced,
that “by the deeds of the law no flesh living can be justified,” and wept
bitterly, inquiring “what he must do to be saved!”
This was very comfortable to
others, who had gained some experimental acquaintance with their own
hearts; for before they were grieved with the conversation and conduct
of these new comers, who boasted of their knowledge, and thought well of
themselves, but evidently discovered to those that had any experience of divine
truths, that they knew nothing of their own hearts.
Lord’s
day, Aug.
25. Preached in the forenoon from Luke xv. 3-7. There being a multitude of white
people present, I made an address to them, at the close of my discourse
to the Indians: but could not so much as keep them orderly; for scores of them
kept walking and gazing about, and behaved more indecently than any Indians
I ever addressed; and a view of their abusive conduct so sunk my spirits, that
I could scarce go on with my work.
In the
afternoon discoursed from Rev. iii. 20. at which time the Indians behaved
seriously, though many others were vain.--Afterwards baptized twenty-five
persons of the Indians, fifteen adults, and ten children. Most of
the adults I have comfortable reason to hope are renewed persons; and there was
not one of them but what I entertained some hopes of in that respect, though
the case of two or three of them appeared more doubtful.
After
the crowd of spectators was gone, I called the baptized persons together, and
discoursed to them in particular, at the same time inviting others to attend. I
minded them of the solemn obligations they were now under to live to God,
warned them of the evil and dreadful consequences of careless living,
especially after this public profession of Christianity; gave them directions
for their future conduct, and encouraged them to watchfulness and devotion, by
setting before them the comfort and happy conclusion of a
religious life.--This was a desirable and sweet season indeed! Their hearts
were engaged and cheerful in duty, and they rejoiced that they had in a public
and solemn manner dedicated themselves to God.--Love seemed to reign among
them! They took each other by the hand with tenderness and affection, as if
their hearts were knit together, while I was discoursing to them: and all their
deportment toward each other was such, that a serious spectator might
justly be excited to cry out with admiration, “Behold how they love one
another!” Sundry of the other Indians, at seeing and hearing these things, were
much affected, and wept bitterly, longing to be partakers of the same joy and
comfort that these discovered by their very countenances as well as conduct.
Aug. 26. Preached to my people
from John vi. 51-55. After I had discoursed some time, I addressed those in
particular who entertained hopes that they were “passed from death to life.”
Opened to them the persevering nature of those consolations Christ gives his
people, and which I trusted he had bestowed upon some in that assembly; showed
them that such have already the “beginnings of eternal life,” (ver. 54.) and
that their heaven shall speedily be completed, &c.
I no
sooner began to discourse in this strain, but the dear Christians in the
congregation began to be melted with affection to, and desire of, the enjoyment
of Christ, and of a state of perfect purity. They wept affectionately, and yet
joyfully, and their tears and sobs discovered brokenness of heart, and
yet were attended with real comfort and sweetness; so that this
was a tender, affectionate, humble, delightful melting, and appeared to be the
genuine effect of a Spirit of adoption, and very far from that spirit of
bondage that they not long since laboured under. The influence seemed to
spread from these through the whole assembly,
PART I. A.D. 1745. JUNE TO
NOVEMBER. 395
and
there quickly appeared a wonderful concern among them. Many who had not yet
found Christ as an all-sufficient Saviour, were surprisingly engaged in seeking
after him. It was indeed a lovely and very desirable assembly. Their number was
now about ninety-five persons, old and young, and almost all affected
either with joy in Christ Jesus, or with utmost concern to obtain
an interest in him.
Being
fully convinced it was now my duty to take a journey far back to the Indians on
Susquehannah river, (it being now a proper season of the year to find them
generally at home,) after having spent some hours in public and private
discourses with my people, I told them, that I must now leave them for the
present, and go to their brethren far remote, and preach to them; that I
wanted the Spirit of God should go with me, without whom nothing could be done
to any good purpose among the Indians--as they themselves had opportunity to
see, and observe, by the barrenness of our meetings at some times, when there
was much pains taken to affect and awaken sinners, and yet to little or no
purpose--and asked them, if they could not be willing to spend the remainder
of the day in prayer for me, that God would go with me, and succeed my
endeavours for the conversion of those poor souls. They cheerfully complied
with the motion, and soon after I left them (the sun being then about an hour
and a half high at night) they began, and continued praying all night,) till break
of day, or very near, never mistrusting, they tell me, till they went out
and viewed the stars, and saw the morning-star a considerable height,
that it was later than common bed-time. Thus eager and unwearied were they in
their devotions! A remarkable night it was, attended, as my interpreter tells
me, with a powerful influence upon those who were yet under concern, as well as
those that had received comfort.
There
were, I trust, this day two distressed souls brought to the enjoyment of solid
comfort in him, in whom the weary find rest.--It was likewise
remarkable, that this day an old Indian, who has all his days been an
obstinate idolater, was brought to give up his rattles (which
they use for music in their idolatrous feasts and dances) to the other
Indians, who quickly destroyed them; and this without any attempt of mine in
the affair, I having said nothing to him about it; so that it seemed it was
nothing but just the power of God’s word, without any particular application to
this sin, that produced this effect. Thus God has begun, thus he has
hitherto surprisingly carried on a work of grace amongst these Indians. May the
glory be ascribed to him, who is the sole Author of it!
FORKS OF DELAWARE, in
Pennsylvania, Sept. 1745.
Lord’s
day, Sept.
1. Preached to the Indians here from Luke xiv. 16-23. The word appeared to be
attended with some power, and caused some tears in the assembly.--Afterwards
preached to a number of white people present, and observed many of them
in tears, and some who had formerly been as careless and unconcerned about
religion perhaps as the Indians.--Towards night discoursed to the Indians
again, and perceived a greater attention, and more visible concern among them
than has been usual in these parts.
Sept. 3. Preached to the Indians
from Isa. liii. 3-6. “He is despised and rejected of men,” &c. The divine
presence seemed to be in the midst of the assembly, and a considerable concern
spread amongst them. Sundry persons seemed to be awakened, amongst whom were
two stupid creatures that I could scarce ever before keep awake while I was
discoursing to them. Could not but rejoice at this appearance of things,
although at the same time I could not but fear, lest the concern they at
present manifested, might prove like a morning cloud, as something of
that nature had formerly done in these parts.
Sept. 5. Discoursed to the
Indians from the parable of the sower, afterwards conversed particularly with
sundry persons, which occasioned them to weep, and even cry out in an affecting
manner, and seized others with surprise and concern; and I doubt not but that a
divine power accompanied what was then spoken. Sundry of these persons had been
with me to Crossweeksung, and had there seen, and some of them, I trust, felt
the power of God’s word in an effectual and saving manner. I asked one
of them, who had obtained comfort, and given hopeful evidences of being truly
religious, Why he now cried? He replied, “When he thought how Christ was slain
like a lamb, and spilt his blood for sinners, he could not help crying, when he
was all alone:” and thereupon burst out into tears and cries again. I then
asked his wife, who had likewise been abundantly comforted, wherefore she
cried? She answered, “She was grieved that the Indians here would not come to
Christ, as well as those at Crossweeksung.” I asked her if she found a heart to
pray for them, and whether Christ had seemed to be near to her of late in
prayer, as in time past? (which is my usual method of expressing a sense of the
divine presence.) She replied, “Yes, he had been near to her; and that at some
times when she had been praying alone, her heart loved to pray so, that she
could not bear to leave the place, but wanted to stay and pray longer.”
Sept. 7. Preached to the Indians
from John vi. 35-39. There was not so much appearance of concern among them as
at several other times of late; yet they appeared serious and attentive.
Lord’s
day, Sept.
8. Discoursed to the Indians in the forenoon from John xii. 44-50. in the
afternoon from Acts ii. 36-39. The word of God at this time seemed to fall with
weight and influence upon them. There were but few present, but most
that were, were in tears, and sundry cried out under distressing concern for
their souls.
There
was one man considerably awakened, who never before discovered any concern for
his soul. There appeared a remarkable work of the divine Spirit among them,
almost generally, not unlike what has been of late at Crossweeksung. It seemed
as if the divine influence had spread from thence to this place; although
something of it appeared here in the awakening of my interpreter, his wife, and
some few others.
Sundry
of the careless white people now present were awakened, (or at least startled,)
seeing the power of God so prevalent among the Indians. I then made a
particular address to them, which seemed to make some impression upon them, and
excite some affection in them.
There
are sundry Indians in these parts who have always refused to hear me preach,
and have been enraged against those that have attended my preaching. But of
late they are more bitter than ever, scoffing at Christianity, and sometimes
asking my hearers, “How often they have cried?” and “Whether they have not now
cried enough to do the turn?” &c. So that they have already “trial of cruel
mockings.”
Sept. 9. Left the Indians in the
Forks of Delaware, and set out on a journey towards Susquehannah river,
directing my course towards the Indian town more than a hundred and twenty
miles west-ward from the Forks. Travelled about fifteen miles, and there
lodged.
Sept. 13. After having lodged
out three nights, arrived at the Indian town I aimed at on Susquehannah, called
Shaumoking, (one of the places, and the largest of them, that I visited in May
last,) and was kindly received and entertained by the Indians: but had little
satisfaction by reason of the heathenish dance and revel they then held in the
house where I was obliged to lodge, which I could not suppress, though I often
entreated them to desist, for the sake of one of their own friends who was then
sick in the house, and whose disorder was much aggravated by the noise.--Alas!
how destitute of natural affection are these poor uncultivated pagans!
although they seem somewhat kind in their own way. Of a truth, “the dark
corners of the earth are full of the habitations of cruelty.”
This
town (as I observed in my Journal of May last) lies partly on the east side of
the river, partly on the west, and partly on a large island in it, and contains
upwards of fifty houses, and they tell me, near three hundred persons, though I
never saw much more then half that number in it; but of three different tribes
of Indians, speaking three languages wholly unintelligible to each
other. About one half of its inhabitants are Delawares, the others called Senakes,
and Tutelas. The Indians of this place are counted the most drunken,
mischievous, and ruffianly
396 BRAINERD’S JOURNAL.
fellows of any in these parts: and Satan
seems to have his seat in this town in an eminent manner.
Sept. 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,) and discoursed with him and others respecting
Christianity, and 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 an effectual
door for my preaching the gospel here, and set up his kingdom in this
place. Which was a support and refreshment to me in the wilderness, and
rendered my solitary circumstances comfortable and pleasant.
Lord’s
day, Sept.
15. Visited the chief of the Delawares again; was kindly received by
him, and discoursed to the Indians in the afternoon. Still entertained hopes that
God would open their hearts to receive the gospel, though many of them in the
place were so drunk from day to day, that I could get no opportunity to speak
to them. Towards night discoursed with one that understood 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.
Sept. 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
near fifty persons of them, and discoursed to them, having first obtained the
king’s cheerful consent.--There was a surprising attention among them,
and they manifested a considerable desire of being further instructed. There
was also one or two that seemed to be touched with some concern for their
souls, who appeared well pleased with some conversation in private, after I had
concluded my public discourse to them.
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 my poor hard lodgings, rejoicing in hopes 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 of so
great and glorious a work.
Sept. 17. Spent the forenoon in
visiting and discoursing to the Indians. About noon left Shaumoking, (most of
the Indians going out this day on their hunting design,) and travelled down the
river south-westward.
Sept. 19. Visited an Indian town
called Juncauta, situate on an island in Susquehannah. Was much
discouraged with the temper and behaviour of the Indians here, although they
appeared friendly when I 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.
Sept. 20. Visited the Indians
again at Juncauta 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, by
reason of their being so much engaged about their sacrifice. My spirits
were much sunk with a prospect so very discouraging, and especially seeing I
had now no interpreter but 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 elsewhere, 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 whose
inwards they burnt in the fire while they were dancing, and sometimes raised
the flame to a prodigious height, at the same time yelling and shouting in such
a manner, that they might easily have been heard two miles or more.--They
continued their sacred dance all night, or near the matter, 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;
and 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, Sept.
21. Spent the day with the Indians on the island. As soon as they were well up
in the morning, I 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 powows, (or conjurers,) and set
about half a dozen of them to playing their juggling tricks, 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 exercise 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 they seemed to push with them, as if
they designed to fright something away, or at least keep it off at arm’s-end;
sometimes stroking their faces with their hands, then spurting water as fine as
mist; sometimes sitting flat on the earth, then bowing down their faces to the
ground; wringing their sides, as if in pain and anguish; twisting their faces,
turning up their eyes, grunting, puffing, &c.
Their
monstrous actions tended to excite ideas of horror, and seemed to have
something in them, as I thought, peculiarly suited to raise the devil, if he
could be raised by any thing odd, ridiculous, and frightful. 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 a small distance, not more than thirty feet from them, (though
undiscovered,) with my Bible in my hand, resolving, if possible, to spoil their
sport, and prevent their receiving any answers from the infernal world,
and there viewed the whole scene. They continued their hideous charms and
incantations for more than three hours, until they had all wearied themselves
out, although they had in that space of time taken sundry intervals of rest;
and at length broke up, I apprehended, without receiving any answer at all.
After
they had done powowing, 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 for
propagating the gospel, and converting the pagans, and rendered this the most
burdensome and disagreeable sabbath that ever I saw. But nothing, I can truly
say, sunk and distressed me like the loss of my hope respecting their
conversion. This concern appeared so great, and seemed to be 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, and
could not possibly recover my hope, resolution, and courage, by the utmost of
my endeavours.
The
Indians of this island can many of them understand the English language
considerably well, having formerly lived in some part of Maryland among or near
the white people, but 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
PART I. A.D. 1746. JUNE TO
NOVEMBER. 397
above-ground
in close cribs made for that purpose; and at the end of a year, or sometimes a
longer space of time, they take the bones, when the flesh is all consumed, and
wash and scrape 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, perhaps is 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 their “striking their hands over the diseased,”
repeatedly stroking them, “and calling their gods,” excepting the spurting of
water like a mist, and some other frantic ceremonies, common to the other conjurations
I 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 had in that journey 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 infernal 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 bears’ 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 bear-skin 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 tortoise-shell, with some corn in it, and the neck of it drawn on to a 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 man would have guessed by his appearance and actions, t