_Being part 1st of his public journal of “the Rise and Progress of a
remarkable work of grace among the Indians in New-Jersey and
Pennsylvania, kept by order of the Society in Scotland for
propagating Christian knowledge.”—Commencement of his labors at
Crossweeksung.—Renewal of labor at the Forks of Delaware.—Conversion
of his Interpreter.—Return to Crossweeksung.—Outpouring of the
spirit.—Visit to the Forks of Delaware and the Susquehanna.—A
Powaw.—A Conjurer.—Renewal of labor at Crossweeksung.—Remarks on the
works of Divine Grace._
June 19.—Nov. 5, 1745.
[We are now come to that part of Brainerd’s Life, when he had the
greatest success in his labors for the good of souls, and in his
particular business as a missionary to the Indians. After all his
agonizing in prayer, and travailing in birth for their conversion—his
raised hopes and expectations, disappointments and encouragements; after
panting in a way of persevering prayer, labor, and suffering, as it were
through a long night; at length the day dawns: “Weeping continues for a
night, but joy comes in the morning.” He went forth weeping, “bearing
precious seed,” but now he comes “with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves
with him.” The desired event is brought to pass at last; but at a time,
in a place, and upon subjects, that scarce ever entered his heart.]
“_Crossweeksung, in New-Jersey, June 17, 1745._
_June 19._—“I had spent most of my time for more than a year past among
the Indians at the Forks of Delaware, in Pennsylvania. During that time
I made two journies to the Susquehanna, to treat with the Indians on
that river respecting Christianity; and not having had any considerable
appearance of special success in either of those places, my spirits were
depressed, and I was not a little discouraged. Hearing that there were a
number of Indians at a place called _Crossweeksung_, in New-Jersey,
nearly eighty miles south east from the Forks of Delaware, I determined
to make them a visit, and see what might be done toward christianizing
them; and accordingly arrived among them this day.
“I found very few persons at the place I visited, and perceived that the
Indians in these parts were very much scattered. There were not more
than two or three families in a place; and these small settlements were
six, ten, fifteen, twenty, or thirty miles, and some more from that
place. However, I preached to those few I found; who appeared well
disposed, serious and attentive, and not inclined to cavil and object,
as the Indians had 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 traveled 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 should see the man who had told
them what they had done in their past lives, and the misery that
attended their idolatrous ways.
_June 20._—“Visited and preached to the Indians again as I proposed.
Numbers were gathered at the invitations of their friends, who had heard
me the day before. These also appeared as attentive, orderly and well
disposed, as the others: and none made any objections, as Indians in
other places have usually done.
_June 22._—“Preached to the Indians again. Their number, which at first
consisted of seven or eight persons, was now increased to nearly thirty.
There was not only a solemn attention among them, but some considerable
impression, it was apparent, was made upon their minds by divine truth.
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 much opposed to any thing of that nature as any Indians whatsoever.
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 weak, and my
spirits much exhausted. They attended with the greatest seriousness and
diligence; and some concern for their soul’s salvation was 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 numbers 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 request,
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 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, 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 heathen 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 labors; and especially by my late journey to the
Susquehanna in May last, in which I 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 on 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 a considerable
time in discoursing with them in a more private way; inquiring of them
what they remembered of the great truths which 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 to speak
particularly to each of them, they all earnestly inquired when I would
come again, and expressed a great desire of being further instructed. Of
their own accord they agreed, that, when I should come again, they would
all meet and live together during my continuance with them; and that
they would use their utmost endeavors to gather all the other Indians in
these parts who were yet more remote. When I parted from them, one told
me, with many tears, ‘She wished God would change her heart;’ another,
that ‘she wanted to find Christ;’ and an old man who 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
permit, and felt not a little concern at parting, lest the good
impressions, then apparent upon numbers of them, might decline and wear
off, when the means came to cease. Yet I 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 that the favor would be too great, if God should now, after I
had passed through so considerable a series of almost fruitless labors
and fatigues, and after my rising hopes had been so often frustrated
among these poor pagans, give me any special success in my labors with
them, I could not believe, and scarcely dared to hope, that the event
would be so happy; and scarcely ever found myself more suspended between
hope and fear in any affair, or at any time, than in this.
“This encouraging disposition, and readiness to receive instruction, now
apparent among the Indians, seems to have been the happy effect of the
conviction which one or two of them met with, some time since, at the
Forks of the Delaware; who have since endeavored to show their friends
the evil of idolatry. Though the other Indians seemed but little to
regard, and 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 which I have used with the Indians in
other places; where, as yet there is no appearance of it. If so, may his
name have the glory of it; for I have learnt, by experience, that he
only can open the ear, engage the attention, and incline the hearts 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 them
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. Afterward 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.
“On this day _my interpreter and his wife_ publicly professed their
faith in Christ, being the first hopeful converts among the Indians.
They 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 that 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 THIS MAN’S EXERCISES AND EXPERIENCE since he has been
with me; especially since he is employed as my _interpreter_ to others.
When I first employed him in this business, in the beginning of the
summer of 1744, he was well fitted for his work, in regard to his
acquaintance with the Indian and English languages, as well as with the
manners of both nations; and in respect to his desire that the Indians
should conform to the manners and customs 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 labored 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 I was much discouraged under this difficulty;
especially when I observed that divine truth made little or no
impression 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. 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, until 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 obtained 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 endeavors to fasten the impressions of his perishing
state upon his mind. 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 autumn of
the year following; when 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 exercises
were 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?’ This spiritual trouble prevailed, until
his sleep in a great measure departed from him, and he had little rest
day or night; but walked about under great pressure of mind, for he was
still able to walk, and appeared like another man to his neighbors, who
could not but observe his behavior 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
toward heaven, as he thought; but ‘his way was hedged up with thorns, so
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 labored for a time, but
all in vain. He saw it was impossible, he says, for him ever to help
himself through this insupportable difficulty—‘It signified just nothing
at all for him to struggle and strive any more.’ 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. Yet he 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 exercises, 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 was not guilty of some wicked
actions of which he knew some others guilty. He had not been accustomed
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 neighbors, &c. But still his cry
was, that ‘_he had never done one good thing_;’ meaning that he had
never done any thing from a right principle, and with a right _view_.
‘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 ever so long, and I should try ever so much,
still I should do nothing but what is bad.’
“This further account of his exercises 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, to which mankind in a fallen state are so
much attached, and upon which they are so ready to hope for salvation.
“There was one thing more in his view of things at this time, which was
very remarkable. He not only saw, he says, what a miserable state he
_himself_ was in; but he likewise saw that the _world around him_, in
general, were in the same perishing circumstances, notwithstanding the
profession which many of them made of Christianity, and the hope which
they entertained of obtaining everlasting happiness. This he saw
clearly, ‘as if he was now waked out of sleep, or had a cloud taken from
his eyes.’ He saw that the life which he had lived was the way to
eternal death, that he was now on the brink of endless misery; and when
he looked around 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 behavior, 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 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 wonder what had befallen him, to
make so great a change in his temper, discourse, and behavior.
Especially there was a surprising alteration in his public performances.
He now addressed the Indians with admirable fervency, and scarcely knew
when to leave off. 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 as
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 lately had also more
satisfaction respecting his own state and has been much enlightened and
assisted in his work; so that he has been a great comfort to me.
“After a strict observation of his serious and savory conversation, his
christian temper, and unblemished behavior for such a length of time, as
well as his experience, of which I have given an account; I think that I
have reason to hope that he is ‘created anew in Christ Jesus to good
works.’ His name is MOSES FINDA FAUTAURY. 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 impressions of a
religious nature.
_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, (New-Jersey,) August, 1745._
_Aug. 3._—“I visited the Indians in these parts in June last, and
tarried with them a considerable time, preaching almost daily; at which
season God was pleased to pour upon them a spirit of awakening and
concern for them 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 were, in my absence from them, much promoted by the
labors and endeavors of Rev. 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. 22:17. ‘And
whosoever will, let him take of 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 Savior,
inviting distressed and perishing sinners to accept everlasting mercy. 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 neighboring minister to assist
in the administration of the Lord’s supper, I complied with his request,
and took the Indians along with me; not only those who were together the
day before, but many more who were coming to hear me; so that there were
nearly fifty in all, old and young. They attended the several discourses
of the day; and some of them, who 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
until they had sent to me to come and supplicate a blessing on their
food; at which time sundry of them wept; especially when I reminded them
how they had in times past eat their feasts in honor to _devils_, and
neglected to thank God for them.
_August 5._—“After a sermon had been preached by another minister, I
preached, and concluded the public work of the solemnity from John,
7:37; and in my discourse addressed the Indians in particular, who sat
in a part of the house by themselves; at which time one or two of them
were struck with deep concern, as they afterward told me, who had been
little affected before; and 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 soul’s concerns; inquiring ‘what they
should do to be saved.’ All their conversation among themselves turned
upon religious matters, in which they were 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 she behaved humbly and tenderly, and appeared
afraid of nothing so much as of offending and grieving him whom her soul
loved.
_Aug. 6._—“In the morning I discoursed to the Indians at the house where
we lodged. Many of them were much affected, and appeared surprisingly
tender; so that a few words about the concerns of their souls 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
among 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 on 1 John, 4:10.
‘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 truth was attended with a surprising
influence, and produced a great concern among them. There were scarcely
_three_ in _forty_ who 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 who 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 which I thought proper to them; I asked
them what they wanted that God should do farther for them? They replied,
‘they wanted Christ should wipe their hearts quite clean,’ &c. So
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 Isaiah, 53:3-10. There was a
remarkable influence attending the word, and great concern in the
assembly; but scarcely 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 who had newly met with comfort,
of whom I had good hopes; and a third of whom I could not but entertain
some hopes, whose case did not appear so clear as the others; so that
there were now six in all, who had got some relief from their spiritual
distresses; and five whose experience appeared very clear and
satisfactory. It is worthy of 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
now about _sixty-five_ persons; men, women, and children. I discoursed
upon Luke 14:16-23, and was favored with uncommon freedom. There was
much visible concern among them while I was discoursing publicly; but
afterward, when I spoke to one and another more particularly, whom I
perceived under much concern, the power of God seemed to descend upon
the assembly ‘_like a mighty rushing wind_,’ and with an astonishing
energy bore down all before it. I stood amazed at the influence which
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 scarcely 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. It was apparent that these
children, some of them at least, were not merely frightened 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 _powaw_ 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. I am led to think they were, to their own apprehensions, as
much retired as if they had been individually by themselves, in the
thickest desert; or I believe rather that they thought about nothing but
themselves, and their own state, and so were every one praying apart,
although all together. It seemed to me that there was now an exact
fulfilment of that prophecy, Zech. 12:10, 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 in Josh. 10:14; 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 who were newly awakened, of the
badness of their _lives_ and _actions_; 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.
Some of them took their distressed friends by the hand, telling them of
the goodness of Christ, and the comfort that is to be enjoyed in him;
and thence invited them to come and give up their hearts to him. I could
observe some of them, in the most honest and unaffected manner, without
any design of being taken notice of, lifting up their eyes to heaven, as
if crying for mercy, while they saw the distress of the poor souls
around them. There was one remarkable instance of awakening this day
which I cannot fail to notice here. A young Indian woman, who, I
believe, never knew before that 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 that 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 who spoke to her. I hearkened to what she
said, and perceived the burden of her prayer to be, ‘_Guttummauhalummeh
wechaumeh kmeleh Nolah_,’ i. e. ‘_Have mercy on me, and help me to give
you my heart_.’ Thus she continued praying incessantly for many hours
together. This was indeed a surprising day of God’s power, and seemed
enough to convince an 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 endeavoring 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. 13. Was enabled to discourse with much plainness,
and found afterward 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. 11:28, ‘Come unto me all ye that labor,’ &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 fullness and all-sufficiency of
Christ’s merits, and his willingness to save all that come 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 little more than a ruffle made in their
passions the day before, seemed now to be deeply affected and wounded at
heart; and the concern in general appeared nearly as prevalent as 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. ‘_Guttummauhalummeh; Guttummauhalummeh_,’ i. e. ‘_Have mercy upon
‘me;_ _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 who had obtained comfort, were
together, and seemed to rejoice much that God was carrying on his work
with such power upon others.
_August 10._—“Rode to the Indians, and began to discourse more privately
to those who had obtained comfort and satisfaction; endeavoring to
instruct, direct, caution, and comfort them. But others, being eager of
hearing every word which 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 short space
of time, when Christ seemed near to them in prayer or other duties. 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 shall lie dead, if my soul is happy.’ To which they
all cheerfully replied, ‘_Muttoh, Muttoh_;’ before I had opportunity to
prosecute what I designed respecting the resurrection; i. e. ‘_No, No_,’
They did not regard their _bodies_, if their _souls_ might 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 them I turned to the other Indians, and
spoke to them from Luke, 19:10. ‘For the Son of man is come to seek and
to save that which was lost. I had not discoursed long before their
concern rose to a great degree, and the house was filled with cries and
groans. 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 Savior.
“Sundry persons, who before had been slightly awakened, were now deeply
wounded with a sense of their sin and misery. One man in particular, who
was never before awakened, was now made to feel that ‘the word of the
Lord was quick and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword.’ He
seemed to be pierced at heart with distress, and his concern appeared
rational and scriptural, for he said that ‘all the wickedness of his
past life was brought fresh to his remembrance, and that he saw all the
vile actions he had done formerly, as if done but yesterday.’
“Found one who had newly received comfort, after pressing distress from
day to day. Could not but rejoice and admire the divine goodness in what
appeared this day. There seems to be some good done by every discourse;
some newly awakened every day, and some comforted. It was refreshing to
observe the conduct of those who obtained comfort: while others were
distressed with fear and concern, they were lifting up their hearts to
God for them.
_Lord’s day, Aug. 11._—“Discoursed in the forenoon from the parable of
the _Prodigal Son_. Luke, 15. Observed no such remarkable effect of the
word upon the assembly as in days past. There were numbers of careless
spectators from the white people, of various characters. In the
afternoon I discoursed upon a part of Peter’s sermon. Acts, 2. And at
the close of my discourse to the Indians, made an address to the white
people; and divine truth seemed then to be attended with power, both to
English and Indians. Several of the white heathen were awakened, and
could 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 toward the conclusion of it, although the influence attending
the word seemed scarcely so powerful now as in some days past.
“The number of Indians, old and young, was now upward 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, that 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 awoke and began to sob before day light, and continued
weeping for several hours together.
_August 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 the practice, and earnestly
desirous to know what God would have him to 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 that 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 live with him; he was then told that it
was his indispensable duty to renounce the woman whom 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 promised
to live with and be kind to his wife during life; she also promising the
same to him. 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 that 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,
10:34. 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.
_August 15._—“Preached from Luke, 4:16-21. The word was attended with
power upon the hearts of the hearers. There was much concern, many
tears, and affecting cries among them; and some 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 truth
as ever, at least in many instances, although the concern did not seem
so universal, and to reach every individual in such a manner as it
appeared to do some days before.
_August 16._—“Spent considerable time in conversing with the Indians.
Found one who 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, 6:26-34. Toward the close of my discourse divine truth was
attended with considerable power upon the audience, and more especially
after public service was over, when I particularly addressed several
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. Now her
concern and spiritual distress was such, that I thought I had never seen
_any_ more pressing. A number of _old_ men were also in distress for
their souls; so that they could not refrain from weeping and crying
aloud; and their bitter groans were the most convincing as well as
affecting evidences 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 _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 spake what I
suppose had a proper tendency to promote convictions; but God’s manner
of working upon them seemed so entirely supernatural, and above means,
that I could scarcely believe he used me as an instrument, or what I
spake as means of carrying on his work. For it appeared, as I thought,
to have no connection with or dependence on means in any respect. Though
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 at
the Forks of Delaware for more than a year, and now having followed me
here under deep concern for his soul; and had abundant reason to hope
that his comfort was well grounded, and truly divine.
_Lord’s day, Aug. 18._—“Preached in the forenoon to a mixed assembly of
white people, of divers denominations. Afterward preached to the
Indians, from John 6:35-40. There was considerable concern visible among
them, though not equal to what has frequently appeared of late.
_Aug. 19._—“Preached from Isaiah, 55:1. ‘Ho every one that thirsteth.’
Divine truth was attended with power upon those who had received
comfort, and others also. The former 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 which were
set before them. There were numbers of poor impotent souls that waited
at the pool for healing; and the angel seemed, as at other times of
late, to trouble the waters, 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; and
afterward preached to them from John, 6:44-50. 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, which has been so powerfully among them in general, seems at
present in some degree abated: at least in regard to its universality;
though many who have obtained no special comfort still retain deep
impressions of divine things.
_Aug. 24._—“Spent the forenoon in discoursing to some of the Indians in
reference to their publicly professing Christ. Numbers of them seemed to
be filled with love to God, delighted with the thoughts of giving
themselves up to him, and melted and refreshed with the hopes of
enjoying the blessed Redeemer. Afterward I discoursed publicly from 1
Thess. 4:13-17. There was a solemn attention, and some visible concern
and affection in the time of public service; which was afterward
increased by some further exhortations given to 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 these 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
knowledge of 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 who had any experience of divine truth, that they knew nothing of
their own hearts.
_Lord’s day, Aug. 25._—“Preached in the forenoon from Luke, 15:3-7. A
number of white people being 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 have ever addressed. A view of their
abusive conduct so sunk my spirits, that I could scarcely go on with my
work.
“In the afternoon I discoursed from Rev. 3:20; at which time _fifteen_
Indians made a public profession of their faith. After the crowd of
spectators was gone I called them together, and discoursed to them in
particular; at the same time inviting others to attend. I reminded them
of the solemn obligations they were now under to live to God; warned
them of the evil and dreadful consequences of careless living,
especially after their public profession of Christianity; gave them
directions for 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.’ Numbers of the other Indians, on seeing and
hearing these things, were much affected, and wept bitterly; longing to
be partakers of the same joy and comfort which these discovered by their
very countenances as well as conduct.
_Aug. 26._—“Preached to my people from John, 6:51-55. After I had
discoursed some time, I addressed them in particular who entertained
hopes that they were passed from death unto life. Opened to them the
persevering nature of those consolations which 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, and that
their heaven shall speedily be completed.
“I no sooner began to discourse in this strain than 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, yet joyfully; and their tears and sobs discovered
brokenness of heart, and yet were attended with real comfort and
sweetness. It was a tender, affectionate, humble and delightful meeting,
and appeared to be the genuine effect of a spirit of adoption, and very
far from that spirit of bondage under which they not long since labored.
The influence seemed to spread from these through the whole assembly;
and there quickly appeared a wonderful concern among them. Many, who had
not yet found Christ as an all-sufficient Savior, were surprisingly
engaged in seeking after him. It was indeed a lovely and very
interesting assembly. Their number was now about _ninety-five_ persons,
old and young, and almost all affected with joy in Christ Jesus, or with
the utmost concern to obtain an interest in him.
“Being now convinced that it was my duty to take a journey far back to
the Indians on the Susquehanna, it being now a proper season of the year
to find them generally at home; after having spent some hours in public
and private discourse 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 endeavors for the conversion
of these poor souls. They cheerfully complied with the motion, and soon
after I left them, the sun being about an hour and a half high, they
began and continued praying till break of day, or very near; never
mistrusting, as they tell me, till they went out and viewed the stars,
and saw the morning star a considerable height, that it was later than
bed time. Thus eager and unwearied were they in their devotions! A
remarkable night it was; attended, as my Interpreter tells me, with a
powerful influence upon those who were yet under concern, as well as
those who had received comfort. 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 had all his days been an idolater, was brought to give
up his rattles, which they use for music in their idolatrous feasts and
dances, to the other Indians, who quickly destroyed them. This was done
without any interference of mine, I having not spoken to him about it,
so that it seemed to be nothing but the power of God’s word, without any
particular application to this sin, that produced this effect. Thus God
has begun; thus he has hitherto surprisingly carried on a work of grace
among 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 from Luke, 11:16-23. The
word appeared to be attended with some power, and caused some tears in
the assembly. Afterward 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. Toward
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 Isaiah, 52:3-6. The Divine
presence seemed to be in the midst of the assembly, and a considerable
concern spread among them. Sundry persons seemed to be awakened; among
whom were two stupid creatures, whom I could scarce ever before keep
awake while I was discoursing to them. I could not but rejoice at this
appearance of things; although at the same time I could not but fear,
lest the concern which 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.
Afterward I conversed particularly with a number of persons; which
occasioned them to weep, and even to cry out in an affecting manner, and
seized others with surprise and concern. I doubt not but that a divine
power accompanied what was then spoken. Several of these persons had
been with me to Crossweeksung, and there had seen, and some of them, I
trust _felt_, the power of God’s word in an affecting and saving manner.
I asked one of them, who had obtained comfort, and given hopeful
evidence 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 alone;’ and thereupon
burst into tears and cried again. I then asked his wife, who had
likewise been abundantly comforted, why she cried? She answered, ‘that
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 her of late in
prayer_, as in times past, which is my usual method of expressing a
sense of the divine presence. She replied, ‘Yes, he had been near to
her, and at 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.’
_Lord’s day, Sept. 8._—“Discoursed to the Indians in the afternoon from
Acts, 2:36-39. 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 several cried out in 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 generally, not unlike what has been of late
at Crossweeksung. It seemed as if the divine influence had spread thence
to this place, although something of it appeared here before in the
awakening of my interpreter, his wife, and some few others. Several 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 some Indians in these parts who have always refused to hear
me preach, and have been enraged against those who have attended on 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 their turn,’
&c. So that they have already trial of cruel mockings.
_Sept. 9._—“Left the Indians at the Forks of Delaware, and set out on a
journey toward Susquehanna river, directing my course toward the Indian
town more than an hundred and twenty miles westward from the Forks.
Traveled about fifteen miles, and there lodged.
_Shaumoking, Sept. 1745._
_Sept. 13._—“After having lodged out three nights, arrived at the Indian
town I aimed at, on the Susquehanna, called _Shaumoking_; one of the
places, and the largest of them, which I visited in May last. I 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 Diary 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 upward of fifty houses, and
nearly three hundred persons, though I never saw much more than half
that number in it. They are 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 _Senekas_ and
_Tutelas_. The Indians of this place are accounted the most drunken,
mischievous, and ruffianlike 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;
discoursed with him and others respecting christianity; spent the
afternoon with them, and had more encouragement than I expected. The
king appeared kindly disposed, and willing to be instructed. This gave
me some encouragement that God would open an effectual door for my
preaching the Gospel here, and set up his kingdom in this place. This
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. Toward night
discoursed with one who understood the languages of the _Six Nations_,
as they are usually called, who discovered an inclination to hearken to
christianity, which gave me some hope that the Gospel might hereafter be
sent to those nations far remote.
_Sept. 16._—“Spent the forenoon with the Indians, endeavoring to
instruct them from house to house, and to engage them, as far as I
could, to be friendly to christianity. Toward night went to one part of
the town where they were sober, got together near fifty 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 were 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 traveled down the river south-westward.
_Juncauta, Sept. 1745._
_Sept. 19._—“Visited an Indian town, called _Juncauta_, situate on an
island in the Susquehanna. Was much discouraged with the temper and
behavior 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.
_September 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 this day no
interpreter but a pagan, who was as much attached to idolatry as any of
them, and who 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, nearly a hundred of them, and danced
around a large fire, having prepared ten fat deer for the sacrifice. The
fat of the inwards they burnt in the fire while they were dancing, which
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 nearly all
night, after which they ate the flesh of the sacrifice, and so retired
each one to his own lodging.
“I enjoyed little satisfaction; 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 labored for that purpose to get them together; but soon found
they had something else to do, for near noon they gathered together all
their powaws, or conjurers, and set about half a dozen of them 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, and spreading all their fingers; they seemed to push with them
as if they designed to push 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; then 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 vigor, 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 several intervals of rest;
and at length broke up, I apprehended, without receiving any answer at
all.
“After they had done powawing, 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 who so much
as ‘named the name of Christ,’ greatly sunk my spirits, and 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 which I ever 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 toward 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 endeavors.
“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 drunken, vicious,
and profane, although not so savage as those who have less acquaintance
with the English. Their customs, in various respects, differ from those
of the other Indians upon this river. They do not bury their dead in a
common form, but let their flesh consume above the ground, in close
cribs made for that purpose. 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 afterward bury them with some ceremony. Their
method of charming or conjuring over the sick, seems somewhat different
from that of the other Indians, though in substance the same. The whole
of it among these and others, perhaps, is an imitation of what seems, by
Naaman’s expression, 2 Kings, 5:11, to have been the custom of the
ancient heathen. It seems chiefly to consist in their ‘striking their
hands over the diseased,’ repeatedly stroking them, ‘and calling upon
their god;’ except the spurting of water like a mist, and some other
frantic ceremonies common to the other conjurations which I have already
mentioned.
“When I was in this region in May last I had an opportunity of learning
many of the notions and customs of the Indians, as well as observing
many of their practices. I then traveled more than an hundred and thirty
miles upon the river, above the English settlements; and in that journey
met with individuals of seven or eight distinct tribes, speaking as 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 a kin 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 _bear 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, the other half
tawny, about the color 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 which 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.
No one would have imagined, from his appearance or actions, that he
could have been a human creature, if they had not had some intimation of
it otherwise. When he came near me I could not but shrink away from him,
although it was then noon day, and I knew who it was; his appearance and
gestures were so prodigiously frightful. He had a house consecrated to
religious uses, with divers images cut upon the several parts of it. I
went in, and found the ground beat almost as hard as a rock, with their
frequent dancing upon it. I discoursed with him about Christianity. Some
of my discourse he seemed to like, but some of it he disliked extremely.
He told me that God had taught him his religion, and that he never would
turn from it; but wanted to find some who would join heartily with him
in it; for the Indians, he said, were grown very degenerate and corrupt.
He had thoughts, he said, of leaving all his friends, and traveling
abroad, in order to find some who would join with him; for he believed
that God had some good people some where, who felt as he did. He had not
always, he said, felt as he now did; but had formerly been like the rest
of the Indians, until about four or five years before that time. Then,
he said, his heart was very much distressed, so that he could not live
among the Indians, but got away into the woods, and lived alone for some
months. At length, he said, God comforted his heart, and showed him what
he should do; and since that time he had known God, and tried to serve
him; and loved all men, be they who they would, so as he never did
before. He treated me with uncommon courtesy, and seemed to be hearty in
it. I was told by the Indians, that he opposed their drinking strong
liquor with all his power; and that, if at any time he could not
dissuade them from it by all he could say, he would leave them, and go
crying into the woods. It was manifest that he had a set of religious
notions which he had examined for himself, and not taken for granted
upon bare tradition; and he relished or disrelished whatever was spoken
of a religious nature, as it either agreed or disagreed with _his
standard_. While I was discoursing, he would sometimes say, ‘Now that I
like; so God has taught me;’ &c. and some of his sentiments seemed very
just. Yet he utterly denied the existence of a devil, and declared there
was no such creature known among the Indians of old times, whose
religion he supposed he was attempting to revive. He likewise told me,
that departed souls went _southward_, and that the difference between
the good and the bad was this: that the former were admitted into a
beautiful town with spiritual walls; and that the latter would for ever
hover around these walls, in vain attempts to get in. He seemed to be
sincere, honest, and conscientious in his own way, and according to his
own religious notions; which was more than I ever saw in any other
Pagan. I perceived that he was looked upon and derided among most of the
Indians, as a _precise zealot_, who made a needless noise about
religious matters; but I must say that there was something in his temper
and disposition which looked more like true religion than any thing I
ever observed among other heathens.
“But alas! how deplorable is the state of the Indians upon this river!
The brief representation which I have here given of their notions and
manners, is sufficient to show that they are ‘led captive by Satan at
his will,’ in the most eminent manner; and methinks might likewise be
sufficient to excite the compassion, and engage the prayers, of God’s
children for these their fellow-men, who sit ‘in the regions of the
shadow of death.’
_Sept. 22._—“Made some further attempts to instruct and Christianize the
Indians on this Island, but all to no purpose. They live so near the
white people that they are always in the way of strong liquor, as well
as of the ill examples of nominal Christians; which renders it so
unspeakably difficult to treat with them about Christianity.”
_Forks of Delaware, Oct. 1745._
_Oct. 1._—“Discoursed to the Indians here, and spent some time in
private conference with them about their souls’ concerns, and afterward
invited them to accompany, or if not, to follow me to Crossweeksung as
soon as they could conveniently; which invitation numbers of them
cheerfully accepted.”
_Crossweeksung, Oct. 1745._
_Oct. 5._—“Preached to my people from John, 14:1-6. The divine presence
seemed to be in the assembly. Numbers were affected with divine truth,
and it was a comfort to some in particular. O what a difference is there
between these, and the Indians with whom I had lately treated upon the
Susquehanna! To be with those seemed to be like being banished from God
and all his people; to be with these, like being admitted into his
family, and to the enjoyment of his divine presence! How great is the
change lately made upon numbers of those Indians; who, not many months
ago, were as thoughtless and averse to Christianity as those upon the
Susquehanna; and how astonishing is that grace which has made this
change!
_Lord’s day, Oct. 6._—“Preached in the forenoon from John, 10:7-11.
There was a considerable melting among my people; the dear young
Christians were refreshed, comforted and strengthened; and one or two
persons newly awakened. In the afternoon I discoursed on the story of
the Jailor, Acts, 16; and in the evening expounded Acts, 20:1-12. There
was at this time a very agreeable melting spread throughout the whole
assembly. I think I scarce ever saw a more desirable affection among any
people. There was scarcely a dry eye to be seen among them; and yet
nothing boisterous or unseemly, nothing that tended to disturb the
public worship; but rather to encourage and excite a Christian ardor and
spirit of devotion. Those who I have reason to hope were savingly
renewed were first affected, and seemed to rejoice much, but with
brokenness of spirit and godly fear. Their exercises were much the same
with those mentioned in my journal of August 26, evidently appearing to
be the genuine effects of a spirit of adoption.
“After public service was over I withdrew, being much tired with the
labors of the day; and the Indians continued praying among themselves
for near two hours together; which continued exercises appeared to be
attended with a blessed quickening influence from on high. I could not
but earnestly wish that numbers of God’s people had been present at this
season to see and hear these things which I am sure must refresh the
heart of every true lover of Zion. To see those who were very lately
savage Pagans and idolaters, having no hope, and without God in the
world, now filled with a sense of divine love and grace, and worshipping
the Father in spirit and in truth, as numbers here appeared to do, was
not a little affecting; and especially to see them appear so tender and
humble, as well as lively, fervent, and devout in the divine service.
_Oct. 24._—“Discoursed from John, 4:13, 14. There was a great attention,
a desirable affection, and an unaffected melting in the assembly. It is
surprising to see how eager they are to hear the word of God. I often
times thought that they would cheerfully and diligently attend divine
worship twenty-four hours together, if they had an opportunity so to do.
_Oct. 25._—“Discoursed to my people respecting the Resurrection, from
Luke, 20:27-36. When I came to mention the blessedness the godly shall
enjoy at that season; their final freedom from death, sin and sorrow;
their equality to the _angels_ in their nearness to and enjoyment of
Christ, some imperfect degree of which they are favored with in the
present life, from whence springs their sweetest comfort; and their
being the children of God, openly acknowledged by him as such; many of
them were much affected and melted with a view of this blessed state.
_Oct. 26._—“Being called to assist in the administration of the Lord’s
supper in a neighboring congregation, I invited my people to go with me.
They in general embraced the opportunity cheerfully; and attended the
several discourses of this solemnity with diligence and affection, most
of them now understanding something of the English language.
_Lord’s day, Oct. 27._—“While I was preaching to a vast assembly of
people abroad, who appeared generally easy and secure, there was one
Indian woman, a stranger, who never had heard me preach before, nor ever
regarded any thing about religion, who, having been now persuaded by
some of her friends to come to meeting, though much against her will,
was seized with distressing concern for her soul; and soon after
expressed a great desire of going home, more than forty miles distant,
to call her husband, that he also might be awakened to a concern for his
soul. Some others of the Indians appeared to be affected with divine
truth this day. The pious people of the English, numbers of whom I had
opportunity to converse with, seemed refreshed with seeing the Indians
worship God in that devout and solemn manner with the assembly of his
people; and with those mentioned in Acts, 11:18, they could not but
glorify God, saying, ‘Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted
repentance unto life.’
“Preached again in the afternoon, to a great assembly; at which time
some of my people appeared affected; and when public worship was over,
were inquisitive whether there would not be another sermon in the
evening, or before the solemnity of the Lord’s supper was concluded;
being still desirous to hear God’s word.
_Oct. 28._—“Discoursed from Matt. 22:1-13. I was enabled to open the
scriptures, and adapt my discourse and expression to the capacities of
my people, _I know not how_, in a plain, easy, and familiar manner,
beyond all that I could have done by the utmost study; and this without
any special difficulty; yea, with as much freedom as if I had been
addressing a common audience, who had been instructed in the doctrines
of christianity all their days. The word of God at this time seemed to
fall upon the assembly with a divine power and influence, especially
toward the close of my discourse; there was both a sweet melting and
bitter mourning in the audience. The dear christians were refreshed and
comforted, convictions revived in others, and several persons newly
awakened who had never been with us before. So much of the divine
presence appeared in the assembly, that it seemed ‘this was no other
than the house of God and the gate of heaven.’ All, who had any savor
and relish of divine things, were even constrained by the sweetness of
that season to say, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here.’ If ever there
was among my people an appearance of the New Jerusalem ‘as a bride
adorned for her husband,’ there was much of it at this time; and so
agreeable was the entertainment, where such tokens of the divine
presence were, that I could scarcely be willing in the evening to leave
the place and repair to my lodgings. I was refreshed with a view of the
continuance of this blessed work of grace among them, and with its
influence upon strangers among the Indians, who had of late from time to
time providentially come into this part of the country.
_Lord’s day, Nov. 3._—“Preached to my people from Luke 16:17. ‘And it is
easier for heaven and earth,’ &c. more especially for the sake of
several lately brought under deep concern for their souls. There was
some apparent concern and affection in the assembly; though far less
than has been usual of late.
“On this day _six_ of the Indians made a profession of their faith. One
of these was a woman near _four-score_ years of age. Two of the others
were men _fifty_ years old, who had been singular and remarkable among
the Indians for their wickedness; one of them had been a murderer, and
both notorious drunkards as well as excessively quarrelsome; but now I
cannot but hope that both of them have become subjects of God’s special
grace. I kept them back for many weeks after they had given evidence of
having passed a great change, that I might have more opportunities to
observe the fruits of the impressions which they had been under, and
apprehended the way was now clear to admit them to the ordinances.
_Nov. 4._“—Discoursed from John 11, briefly explaining most of the
chapter. Divine truth made deep impressions upon many in the assembly.
Numbers were affected with a view of the power of Christ manifested in
his raising the dead; and especially when this instance of his power was
improved to show his ability to raise dead souls, such as many of them
felt themselves to be, to a spiritual life; as also to raise the dead at
the last day, and dispense to them rewards and punishments.
“There were numbers of those who had come here lately from remote
places, who were now brought under deep and pressing concern for their
souls. One in particular, who not long since came half drunk, and railed
on us, and attempted by all means to disturb us while engaged in divine
worship, was now so concerned and distressed for her soul, that she
seemed unable to get any ease without an interest in Christ. There were
many tears and affectionate sobs and groans in the assembly in general;
some weeping for themselves; others for their friends. Although persons
are doubtless much more easily affected now than they were in the
beginning of this religious concern, when tears and cries for their
souls were things unheard of among them; yet I must say that their
affection in general appeared genuine and unfeigned; and especially this
appeared very conspicuous in those newly awakened. So that true and
genuine convictions of sin seem still to be begun and promoted in many
instances.
_Twenty three_ of the Indians in all have now professed their faith in
Christ. Most of them belonged to this region, a few to the Forks of
Delaware.—Through rich grace, none of them as yet have been left to
disgrace their profession by any scandalous or unbecoming behavior.
“I might now properly make many REMARKS on a work of grace so very
remarkable as this has been in various respects; but shall confine
myself to a few general hints only.
1. “It is remarkable that God began this work among the Indians at a
time when I had _the least hope_, and, to my apprehension, the least
rational prospect of seeing a work of grace propagated among them: my
bodily strength being then much wasted by a late tedious journey to the
Susquehanna, where I was necessarily exposed to hardships and fatigues
among the Indians; my mind being also exceedingly depressed with a view
of the unsuccessfulness of my labors. I had little reason so much as to
hope that God had made me instrumental in the saving conversion of any
of the Indians, except my Interpreter and his wife. Hence I was ready to
look upon myself as a burden to the Society which employed and supported
me in this business, and began to entertain serious thoughts of giving
up my _mission_; and almost resolved I would do so at the conclusion of
the present year, if I had then no better prospect of success in my work
than I had hitherto had. I cannot say that I entertained these thoughts
because I was weary of the labors and fatigues which necessarily
attended my present business, or because I had light and freedom in my
own mind to turn any other way; but purely through dejection of spirit,
pressing discouragement, and an apprehension of its being unjust to
spend money consecrated to religious uses, only to _civilize_ the
Indians, and bring them to an _external_ profession of Christianity.
This was all which I could then see any prospect of effecting, while God
seemed, as I thought, evidently to frown upon the design of their saving
conversion, by withholding the convincing and renewing influences of his
blessed Spirit from attending the means which I had hitherto used with
them for that end.
“In this frame of mind I first visited these Indians at Crossweeksung;
apprehending that it was my indispensable duty, seeing I had heard there
was a number in these parts, to make some attempts for their conversion
to God, though I cannot say I had any hope of success, my spirits being
now so extremely sunk. I do not know that my hopes respecting the
conversion of the Indians were ever reduced to so low an ebb, since I
had any special concern for them, as at this time. Yet _this_ was the
very season in which God saw fit to begin this glorious work! Thus he
‘ordained strength out of weakness,’ by making bare his almighty arm at
a time when all hopes and human probabilities most evidently appeared to
fail.—Whence I learn, that _it is good to follow the path of duty,
though in the midst of darkness and discouragement_.
2. “It is remarkable how God providentially, and in a manner almost
_unaccountable_, called these Indians together to be instructed in the
great things that concerned their souls: and how he seized their minds
with the most solemn and weighty concern for their eternal salvation, as
fast as they came to the place where his word was preached. When I first
came into these parts in June, I found not one man at the place I
visited, but only four women and a few children; but before I had been
here many days, they gathered from all quarters, some from more than
twenty miles; and when I made them a second visit in the beginning of
August, some came more than forty miles to hear me. Many came without
any intelligence of what was going on here, and consequently without any
design of theirs, so much as to gratify their curiosity. Thus it seemed
as if God had summoned them together from all quarters for nothing else
but to deliver his message to them; and that he did this, with regard to
some of them, without making use of any human means, although there was
pains taken by some of them to give notice to others at remote places.
“Nor is it less surprising that they were one after another affected
with a solemn concern for their souls, almost as soon as they came upon
the spot where divine truths were taught them. I could not but think
often, that their coming to the place of our public worship, was like
Saul and his messengers coming among the prophets; they no sooner came
but they prophesied; and these were almost as soon affected with a sense
of their sin and misery, and with an earnest concern for deliverance, as
they made their appearance in our assembly. After this work of grace
began with power among them, it was common for _strangers_ of the
Indians, before they had been with us one day, to be much awakened,
deeply convinced of their sin and misery, and to inquire with great
solicitude, ‘What they should do to be saved?’
3. “It is likewise remarkable how God preserved these poor ignorant
Indians _from being prejudiced against me_, and the truths I taught
them, by those means that were used with them for that purpose by
ungodly people. There were many attempts made by some ill-minded persons
of the white people to prejudice them against, or frighten them from
Christianity. They sometimes told them, that the Indians were well
enough already;—that there was no need of all this noise about
Christianity;—that if they were Christians they would be in no better,
no safer, or happier state, than they were already in. Sometimes they
told them, that I was a knave, a deceiver, and the like; that I daily
taught them lies, and had no other design but to impose upon them. When
none of these, and such like suggestions, would avail to their purpose,
they then tried another expedient, and told the Indians, ‘My design was
to gather together as large a body of them as I possibly could, and sell
them to England for slaves;’ than which nothing could be more likely to
terrify the Indians, they being naturally of a jealous disposition, and
the most averse to a state of servitude perhaps of any people living.
“But all these wicked insinuations, through divine goodness over-ruling,
constantly turned against the authors of them, and only served to engage
the affections of the Indians more firmly to me; for they, being
awakened to a solemn concern for their souls, could not but observe,
that the persons who endeavored to embitter their minds against me, were
altogether unconcerned about their own souls, and not only so, but
vicious and profane; and thence could not but argue, that if they had no
concern for their _own_, it was not likely they should have for the
souls of _others_.
“It seems yet the more wonderful that the Indians were preserved from
once harkening to these suggestions, inasmuch as I was an utter stranger
among them, and could give them no assurance of my sincere affection to,
and concern for them, by any thing that was past,—while the persons who
insinuated these things were their old acquaintance, who had frequent
opportunities of gratifying their _thirsty appetites_ with strong drink,
and consequently, doubtless had the greatest interest in their
affections. But from this instance of their preservation from fatal
prejudices, I have had occasion, with admiration, to say, ‘If God will
work, who can hinder?’
4. “Nor is it less wonderful how God was pleased to provide a _remedy_
for my want of skill and freedom in the Indian language, by remarkably
fitting my Interpreter for, and assisting him in the performance of his
work. It might reasonably be supposed I must needs labor under a vast
disadvantage in addressing the Indians by an Interpreter; and that
divine truths would undoubtedly lose much of the _energy_ and _pathos_
with which they might at first be delivered, by reason of their coming
to the audience from a second hand. But although this has often, to my
sorrow and discouragement, been the case in times past, when my
Interpreter had little or no sense of divine things; yet now it was
quite otherwise. I cannot think my addresses to the Indians ordinarily,
since the beginning of this season of grace have lost any thing of the
power or pungency with which they were made, unless it were sometimes
for want of pertinent and pathetic terms and expressions in the Indian
language; which difficulty could not have been much redressed by my
personal acquaintance with their language. My Interpreter had before
gained some good degree of doctrinal knowledge, whereby he was rendered
capable of understanding, and communicating, without mistakes, the
intent and meaning of my discourses, and that without being confined
strictly, and obliged to interpret verbatim. He had likewise, to
appearance, an experimental acquaintance with divine things; and it
pleased God at this season to inspire his mind with longing desires for
the conversion of the Indians, and to give him admirable zeal and
fervency in addressing them in order thereto. It is remarkable, that,
when I was favored with any special assistance in any work, and enabled
to speak with more than common freedom, fervency, and power, under a
lively and affecting sense of divine things, he was usually affected in
the same manner almost instantly, and seemed at once quickened and
enabled to speak in the same pathetic language, and under the same
influence that I did. A _surprising energy_ often accompanied the word
at such seasons; so that the face of the whole assembly would be
apparently changed almost in an instant, and tears and sobs become
common among them.
“He also appeared to have such a clear doctrinal view of God’s usual
methods of dealing with souls under a preparatory work of conviction and
humiliation as he never had before; so that I could, with his help,
discourse freely with the distressed persons about their internal
exercises, their fears, discouragements, temptations, &c. He likewise
took pains, day and night, to repeat and inculcate upon the minds of the
Indians the truths which I taught them daily; and this he appeared to
do, not from spiritual pride, and an affectation of setting himself up
as a public teacher, but from a spirit of faithfulness, and an honest
concern for their souls.
“His conversation among the Indians has likewise, so far as I know, been
savory, as becomes a Christian, and a person employed in his work; and I
may justly say, he has been a great comfort to me, and a great
instrument of promoting this good work among the Indians; so that
whatever be the state of his own soul, it is apparent God has remarkably
fitted him for this work. Thus God has manifested that, without
bestowing on me the _gift of tongues_, he could find a way wherein I
might be as effectually enabled to convey the truths of his glorious
Gospel to the minds of these poor benighted pagans.
5. “It is further remarkable, that God has carried on his work here by
_such means_, and in _such a manner_, as tended to obviate, and leave no
room for those prejudices and objections which have often been raised
against such a work. When persons have been awakened to a solemn concern
for their souls, by hearing the more awful truths of God’s word, and the
terrors of the divine law insisted upon, it has usually in such cases
been objected by some, that such persons were only frighted with a
fearful noise of hell and damnation; and that there was no evidence that
their concern was the effect of a divine influence. But God has left no
room for this objection in the present case; _this work of grace having
been begun and carried on by almost one continued strain of Gospel
invitation to perishing sinners_. This may reasonably be guessed, from a
view of the passages of Scripture I chiefly insisted upon in my
discourses from time to time; which I have for that purpose inserted in
my diary.
“Nor have I ever seen so general an awakening in any assembly in my life
as appeared here while I was opening and insisting upon the parable of
the great supper. Luke, 14. In which discourse I was enabled to set
before my hearers the unsearchable riches of Gospel grace. Not that I
would be understood here that I never instructed the Indians respecting
their fallen state, and the sinfulness and misery of it; for this was
what I at first chiefly insisted upon with them, and endeavored to
repeat and inculcate in almost every discourse, knowing that without
this foundation I should but build upon the sand, and that it would be
in vain to invite them to Christ unless I could convince them of their
need of him. Mark, 2:17.
“But still this great awakening, this surprising concern, was never
excited by any harangues of terror, but always appeared most remarkable
when I insisted upon the compassion of a dying Savior, the plentiful
provisions of the Gospel, and the free offers of divine grace to needy,
distressed sinners. Nor would I be understood to insinuate, that such a
religious concern might justly be suspected as not being genuine and
from a divine influence, if produced from the preaching of terror; for
this is perhaps God’s more usual way of awakening sinners, and appears
entirely agreeable to Scripture and sound reason. But what I meant here
to observe is, that God saw fit to employ and bless milder means for the
effectual awakening of these Indians, and thereby obviated the
forementioned objection, which the world might otherwise have had a more
plausible color of making.
“As there has been no room for any plausible objection against this
work, with regard to the _means_, so neither with regard to the _manner_
in which it has been carried on. It is true, persons’ concern for their
souls have been exceeding great; the convictions of their sin and misery
have arisen to a high degree, and produced many tears, cries, and
groans; but then they have not been attended with those disorders,
either bodily or mental, which have sometimes prevailed among persons
under religious impressions. There has here been no appearance of those
convulsions, bodily agonies, frightful screamings, swoonings, and the
like, which have been so much complained of in some places; although
there have been some, who, with the jailer, have been made to _tremble_
under a sense of their sin and misery, and have been made to cry out
from a distressing view of their perishing state.
“Nor has there been any appearance of mental disorders here, such as
_visions, trances, imaginations_ of being under prophetic inspiration,
and the like; or scarce any unbecoming disposition to appear remarkably
affected either with concern or joy; though I must confess I observed
one or two persons, whose concern I thought was in a considerable
measure affected; and one whose joy appeared to be of the same kind. But
these workings of spiritual pride I endeavored to crush in their first
appearances, and have not since observed any affection, either of joy or
sorrow, but what appeared genuine and unaffected. But,
_Lastly._ The _effects_ of this work have likewise been very remarkable.
I doubt not but that many of these people have gained more _doctrinal_
knowledge of divine truths since I first visited them in June last, than
could have been instilled into their minds by the most diligent use of
proper and instructive means for whole _years_ together, without such a
divine influence. Their pagan notions and idolatrous practices seem to
be entirely abandoned in these parts. They are regulated; and appear
regularly disposed in the affairs of marriage; an instance whereof I
have given in my journal of August 14. They seem generally divorced from
_drunkenness_, their darling vice, the ‘sin that easily besets them;’ so
that I do not know of more than two or three, who have been my _steady
hearers_, that have drank to excess since I first visited them; although
before it was common for some or other of them to be drunk almost every
day: and some of them seem now to fear this sin in particular, more than
death itself. A principle of honesty and justice appears in many of
them; and they seem concerned to discharge their old debts, which they
have neglected, and perhaps scarcely thought of for years past. Their
manner of living is much more decent and comfortable than formerly,
having now the benefit of that money which they used to consume upon
strong drink. Love seems to reign among them, especially those who have
given evidences of having passed a saving change: and I never saw any
appearance of bitterness or censoriousness in these, nor any disposition
to ‘esteem themselves better than others,’ who had not received the like
mercy.
“As their sorrows under convictions have been great and pressing, so
many of them have since appeared to ‘rejoice with joy unspeakable, and
full of glory;’ and yet I never saw any thing ecstatic or flighty in
their joy. Their consolations do not incline them to lightness; but, on
the contrary, are attended with solemnity, and often times with tears,
and an apparent brokenness of heart, as may be seen in several passages
of my diary. In this respect some of them have been surprised at
themselves, and have with concern observed to me, that ‘when their
hearts have been glad,’ which is a phrase they commonly make use of to
express spiritual joy, ‘they could not help crying for all.’
“And now, upon the whole, I think I may justly say, that here are all
the symptoms and evidences of a remarkable work of grace among these
Indians, which can reasonably be desired or expected. May the _great
Author_ of this work maintain and promote the same _here_, and propagate
it _every where_, till ‘the whole earth be filled with his glory!’ Amen.
“I have now rode more than three thousand miles, of which I have kept an
exact account, since the beginning of March last, and almost the whole
of it has been in my own proper business as a _missionary_, upon the
design, either immediately or more remotely, of propagating _Christian
knowledge_ among the Indians. I have taken pains to look out for a
colleague or companion, to travel with me; and have likewise used
endeavors to procure something for his support, among religious persons
in New-England, which cost me a journey of several hundred miles; but
have not, as yet, found any person qualified and disposed for this good
work, although I had some encouragement from ministers and others, that
it was hoped a maintenance might be procured for one, when _the man_
should be found.
“I have likewise of late represented to the gentlemen concerned with
this mission, the necessity of having an English _school_ speedily set
up among these Indians, who are now willing to be at the pains of
gathering together in a body, for this purpose. In order thereto, I have
humbly proposed to them the collecting of money for the maintenance of a
schoolmaster, and the defraying of other necessary charges, in the
promotion of this good work; which they are now attempting in the
several congregations of Christians to which they respectively belong.
“The several companies of Indians to whom I have preached in the summer
past, live at _great distances_ from each other. It is more than
_seventy miles_ from Crossweeksung, in New-Jersey, to the Forks of
Delaware in Pennsylvania; and thence to sundry of the Indian settlements
which I visited on the Susquehanna, is more than an _hundred and twenty_
miles. So much of my time is necessarily consumed in journeying, that I
can have but little for _any_ of my necessary studies, and consequently
for the study of the Indian languages in particular; and especially
seeing I am obliged to discourse so frequently to the Indians at each of
these places while I am with them, in order to redeem time to visit the
rest. I am, at times, almost discouraged from attempting to gain any
acquaintance with the Indian languages, they are so very numerous; some
account of which I gave in my diary of May last; and especially, seeing
my other labors and fatigues engross almost the whole of my time, and
bear exceedingly hard upon my _constitution_, so that my health is much
impaired. However, I have taken considerable pains to learn the Delaware
language, and propose still to do so, as far as my other business and
bodily health will admit. I have already made some proficiency in it,
though I have labored under many and great disadvantages in my attempts
of that nature. It is but just to observe here, that all the pains I
took to acquaint myself with the language of the Indians with whom I
spent my first year, were of little or no service to me here among the
Delawares; so that my work, when I came among these Indians, was all to
be begun anew.
“As these poor ignorant pagans stood in need of having ‘line upon line,
and precept upon precept,’ in order to their being instructed and
grounded in the principles of Christianity; so I preached ‘publicly, and
taught from house to house,’ almost every day for whole weeks together,
when I was with them. My _public_ discourses did not then make up the
one half of my work, while there were so many constantly coming to me
with that important inquiry, ‘What must we do to be saved?’ and opening
to me the various exercises of their minds. Yet I can say, to the praise
of divine grace, that the apparent success, with which my labors were
crowned, unspeakably more than compensated for the labor itself, and was
likewise a great means of supporting and carrying me through the
business and fatigues under which, it seems, my nature would have sunk
without such an encouraging prospect. But although this success has
afforded matter of support, comfort, and thankfulness; yet in this
season I have found great need of assistance in my work, and have been
much oppressed for want of one to bear a part of my labors and
hardships. ‘May the Lord of the harvest send forth _other laborers_ into
this part of his harvest, that those who sit in darkness may see great
light; and that the whole earth may be filled with the knowledge of
himself! Amen.’”