_Being part 2d of his public journal of “the Continuance 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.”—Renewal of labor at
Crossweeksung—outpouring of the spirit—remarkable case—signal
displays of divine power—a convert—a number of Christian Indians
accompany him to the Forks of Delaware—striking conversion at
Crossweeksung—day of fasting—Lord’s supper—conversion of a
Conjurer—general remarks on the preceding narrative._
Nov. 5, 1745.—June 19, 1746.
_Crossweeksung, New-Jersey, 1745._
_Lord’s day, Nov. 24._—“Preached both parts of the day from the story of
Zaccheus. Luke, 19:1-9. In the latter exercise, when I opened and
insisted upon the salvation that comes to a sinner upon his becoming a
son of Abraham, or a true believer, the word seemed to be attended with
divine power to the hearts of the hearers. Numbers were much affected
with divine truth; former convictions were revived; one or two persons
newly awakened; and a most affectionate engagement in divine service
appeared among them universally. The impressions they were under
appeared to be the genuine effect of God’s word brought home to their
hearts by the power and influence of the Divine Spirit.
_Nov. 26._—“After having spent some time in private conferences with my
people, I discoursed publicly among them from John, 5:1-9. I was favored
with some special freedom and fervency in my discourse, and a powerful
energy accompanied divine truth. Many wept and sobbed affectionately,
and scarcely any appeared unconcerned in the whole assembly. The
influence which seized the audience appeared gentle, and yet pungent and
efficacious. It produced no boisterous commotion of the passions; but
seemed deeply to affect the heart, and excite in the persons under
convictions of their lost state, heavy groans and tears; and in others,
who had obtained comfort, a sweet and humble melting. It seemed like the
gentle but steady showers which effectually water the earth, without
violently beating upon the surface. The persons lately awakened were
some of them deeply distressed for their souls, and appeared earnestly
solicitous to obtain an interest in Christ; and some of them, after
public worship was over, in anguish of spirit, said ‘they knew not what
to do, nor how to get their wicked hearts changed,’ &c.
_Nov. 28._—“Discoursed to the Indians publicly, after having used some
private endeavors to instruct and excite some in the duties of
Christianity. Opened and made remarks upon the sacred story of our
Lord’s transfiguration. Luke, 9:28-36. Had a principal view in insisting
upon this passage of Scripture to the edification and consolation of
God’s people. Observed some, that I have reason to think are truly such,
exceedingly affected with an account of the glory of Christ in his
transfiguration, and filled with longing desires of being with him, that
they might with open face behold his glory.
“After public service was over, I asked one of them, who wept and sobbed
most affectionately, what she now wanted? She replied, ‘O, to be with
Christ. She did not know how to stay,’ &c. This was a blessed refreshing
season to the religious people in general. The Lord Jesus Christ seemed
to manifest his divine glory to them, as when transfigured before his
disciples; and they were ready, with the disciples, universally to say,
‘Lord it is good for us to be here.’
“The influence of God’s word was not confined to those who had given
evidence of being truly gracious: though at this time I calculated my
discourse for and directed it chiefly to such. But it appeared to be a
season of divine power in the whole assembly; so that most were in some
measure affected. One aged man, in particular, lately awakened, was now
brought under a deep and pressing concern for his soul, was now
earnestly inquisitive ‘how he might find Jesus Christ.’ God seems still
to vouchsafe his divine presence, and the influence of his blessed
Spirit to accompany his word, at least in some measure, in all our
meetings for divine worship.
_Nov. 30._—“Preached near night, after having spent some hours in
private conference with some of my people about their souls’ concerns.
Explained the story of the rich man and Lazarus. Luke, 16:19-26. The
word made powerful impressions upon many in the assembly, especially
while I discoursed of the blessedness of Lazarus in Abraham’s bosom.
This I could perceive affected them much more than what I spoke of the
rich man’s misery and torments; and thus it has been usually with them.
They have almost always appeared much more affected with the comfortable
than the dreadful truths of God’s word. That which has distressed many
of them under conviction is, that they found they wanted and could not
obtain the happiness of the godly; at least they have often appeared to
be more affected with this than with the terrors of hell. But whatever
be the means of their awakening, it is plain, numbers are made deeply
sensible of their sin and misery, the wickedness and stubbornness of
their own hearts, their utter inability to help themselves, or to come
to Christ for help without divine assistance, and so are brought to see
their perishing need of Christ to do all for them, and to lie at the
foot of sovereign mercy.
_Lord’s day, Dec. 1._—“Discoursed to my people in the forenoon from
Luke, 16:27-31. There appeared an unfeigned affection in many, and some
seemed deeply impressed with divine truth. In the afternoon preached to
a number of white people; at which time the Indians attended with
diligence, and many of them were able to understand a considerable part
of the discourse. At night discoursed to my people again, and gave them
particular cautions and directions relating to their conduct in divers
respects, and pressed them to watchfulness in their deportment, seeing
they were encompassed with those who waited for their halting, and who
stood ready to draw them into temptations of every kind, and then to
expose religion by their missteps.
_Lord’s day, Dec. 8._—“Discoursed on the story of the blind man. John,
9. There appeared no remarkable effect of the word upon the assembly at
this time. The persons who have lately been much concerned for their
souls seemed now not so affected or solicitous to obtain an interest in
Christ as has been usual, although they attended divine service with
seriousness and diligence. Such have been the doings of the Lord here in
awakening sinners, and affecting the hearts of those who are brought to
solid comfort, with a fresh sense of divine things from time to time,
that it is now strange to see the assembly sit with dry eyes, and
without sobs and groans.
_Dec. 12._—“Preached from the parable of the _Ten Virgins_. Matt. 25.
The divine power seemed in some measure to attend this discourse; in
which I was favored with uncommon freedom and plainness of address, and
enabled to open divine truths, and explain them to the capacities of my
people in a manner beyond myself. There appeared in many persons an
affectionate concern for their souls, although the concern in general
seemed not so deep and pressing as it had formerly done. Yet it was
refreshing to see many melted into tears and unaffected sobs; some with
a sense of divine love, and some for the want of it.
_Dec. 15._—“Preached to the Indians from Luke, 13:24-28. Divine truth
fell with weight and power upon the audience, and seemed to reach the
hearts of many. Near night discoursed to them again from Matt. 25:31-46.
At this season also the word appeared to be accompanied with a divine
influence, and made powerful impressions upon the assembly in general,
as well as upon numbers in a very special and particular manner. This
was an amazing season of grace. The word of the Lord this day ‘was quick
and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword,’ and pierced the hearts of
many. The assembly was greatly affected and deeply wrought upon; yet
without so much apparent commotion of the passions as appeared in the
beginning of this work of grace. The impressions made by the word of God
upon the audience appeared solid, rational, and deep; worthy of the
solemn truths by means of which they were produced, and far from being
the effects of any sudden fright, or groundless perturbation of mind. O
how did the hearts of the hearers seem to bow under the weight of divine
truth, and how evident did it now appear that they received and felt
them, ‘not as the word of man, but as the word of God.’ None can form a
just idea of the appearance of our assembly at this time, but those who
have seen a congregation solemnly awed, and deeply impressed by the
special power and influence of divine truths delivered to them in the
name of God.
_Dec. 16._—“Discoursed to my people in the evening from Luke, 11:1-13.
After having insisted some time upon the ninth verse, wherein there is a
command and encouragement to ask for the divine favor, I called upon
them to ask for a new heart with the utmost importunity, as the man
mentioned in the parable, on which I was discoursing, pleaded for loaves
of bread at midnight. There was much affection and concern in the
assembly, and especially one woman appeared in great distress for her
soul. She was brought to such an agony in seeking after Christ, that the
sweat ran off her face for a considerable time, though the evening was
very cold; and her bitter cries were the most affecting indications of
her heart.
_Dec. 21._—“My people having now attained to a considerable degree of
knowledge in the principles of christianity; I thought it proper to set
up a catechetical lecture among them, and this evening attempted
something in that form, proposing questions to them agreeably to the
Assembly’s Shorter Catechism, receiving their answers, and then
explaining and insisting, as appeared necessary and proper upon each
question. After this I endeavored to make some practical improvement of
the whole. This was the method I entered upon. They were able readily
and rationally to answer many important questions which I proposed to
them; so that upon trial I found their doctrinal knowledge to exceed my
own expectations. In the improvement of my discourse, when I came to
infer and open the blessedness of those who have so great and glorious a
God as had before been spoken of, ‘for their everlasting friend and
portion,’ several were much affected; and especially when I exhorted,
and endeavored to persuade them to be reconciled to God through his dear
Son, and thus to secure an interest in his everlasting favor. So that
they appeared not only enlightened and instructed, but affected, and
engaged in their soul’s concerns by this method of discoursing.
_Lord’s day, Dec. 22._—“Discoursed upon the story of the young man in
the Gospel. Matt. 9:16-22. God made it a seasonable word, I am
persuaded, to some souls, and in particular to one, the same mentioned
in my journal of the 16th instant, who never before obtained any settled
comfort, though I have abundant reason to think she had passed a saving
change some days before. She now appeared in a heavenly frame of mind,
composed and delighted with the divine will. When I came to discourse
particularly with her, and to inquire of her how she obtained relief and
deliverance from the spiritual distresses which she had lately suffered,
she answered, in broken English, ‘_Me try, me try save myself; last, my
strength be all gone_; (meaning her ability to save herself;) _could not
me stir bit further. Den last me forced let Jesus Christ alone send me
hell, if he please._’ I said, ‘But you was not willing to go to hell,
was you?’ She replied, ‘_Could not me help it. My heart, he would wicked
for all. Could not me make him good_,’ (meaning, she saw it was right
she should go to hell, because her heart was wicked, and would be so
after all she could do to mend it.) I asked her how she got out of this
case. She answered still in the same broken language, ‘_By by, my heart
be glad desperately_.’ I asked her why her heart was glad? She replied,
‘_Glad my heart, Jesus Christ do what he please with me. Did not me care
where he put me; love him for all_,’ &c. She could not readily be
convinced but that she was willing to go to hell if Christ was pleased
to send her there; although the truth evidently was, that her will was
so swallowed up in the divine will that she could not frame any hell in
her imagination which would be dreadful or undesirable, provided it was
the will of God to send her to it. Toward night discoursed to them again
in the catechetical method which I entered upon the evening before. When
I came to improve the truth which I had explained to them, and to answer
that question, ‘But how shall I know whether God has chosen me to
everlasting life?’ by pressing them to come and give up their hearts to
Christ, and thereby ‘to make their election sure,’ they then appeared
much affected, and the persons under concern were afresh engaged in
seeking after an interest in him; while some others, who had obtained
comfort before, were refreshed to find that love to God in themselves
which was an evidence of his electing love to them.
_Dec. 25._—“The Indians having been used on Christmas days to drink and
revel among some of the white people in these parts, I thought it proper
this day to call them together and discourse to them upon divine things;
which I accordingly did from the parable of the barren fig-tree. Luke,
13:6-9. A divine influence, I am persuaded, accompanied the word at this
season. The power of God appeared in the assembly, not by producing any
remarkable cries, but by rousing several stupid creatures who were
scarcely ever moved with any concern before. The power attending divine
truth seemed to have the influence of the earthquake rather than of the
whirlwind upon them. Their passions were not so much alarmed as has been
common here in times past, but their judgments appeared to be powerfully
convinced by the masterly and conquering influence of divine truth. The
impressions made upon the assembly in general, seemed not superficial,
but deep, and heart affecting. O how ready did they now appear
universally to embrace and comply with every thing which they heard, and
were convinced was their duty. God was in the midst of us, of a truth,
bowing and melting stubborn hearts! How many tears and sobs were then to
be seen and heard among us! What liveliness and strict attention! What
eagerness and intenseness of mind appeared in the whole assembly, in the
time of divine service. They seemed to watch and wait for the droppings
of God’s word, as the thirsty earth, for the ‘former and latter rain.’
“Afterward I discoursed to them on the duty of husbands and wives, from
Eph. 5:22-33, and have reason to think this was a word in season. Spent
some time further in the evening in inculcating the truths on which I
had insisted in my former discourse, respecting the barren fig-tree; and
observed a powerful influence still accompany what was spoken.
_Dec. 26._—“This evening was visited by a person under great spiritual
distress; the most remarkable instance of this kind I ever saw. She was,
I believe, more than _fourscore_ years old; and appeared to be much
broken and very childish, through age; so that it seemed impossible for
man to instil into her any notions of divine things; not so much as to
give her any doctrinal instruction, because she seemed incapable of
being taught. She was led by the hand into my house, and appeared in
extreme anguish. I asked her what ailed her? She answered, ‘_her heart
was distressed, and she feared she should never find Christ_.’ I asked
her when she began to be concerned, with divers other questions relating
to her distress. To all which she answered, for substance, to this
effect: ‘_That she had heard me preach many times, but never knew any
thing about it, never felt it in her heart, till the last Sabbath, and
then it came_,’ she said, ‘_as if a needle had been thrust into her
heart; since which time she had no rest day nor night_.’ She added,
‘_that on the evening before Christmas, a number of Indians being
together, at the house where she was, and discoursing about Christ,
their talk pricked her heart so that she could not set up, but fell down
in her bed; at which Lime she went away_,’ as she expressed it, ‘_and
felt as if she dreamed, and_ _yet is confident she did not dream. When
she was thus gone, she saw two paths; one appeared very broad and
crooked; and that turned to the left hand. The other appeared straight
and very narrow; and that went up the hill to the right hand. She
traveled_,’ she said, ‘_for some time up the narrow right hand path,
till at length something seemed to obstruct her journey. She sometimes
called it darkness; and then described it otherwise, and seemed to
compare it to a block or bar. She then remembered what she had heard me
say about striving to enter in at the strait gate, although she took
little notice of it at the time when she heard me discourse upon that
subject; and thought she would climb over this bar. But just as she was
thinking of this, she came back again_,’ as she termed it, meaning that
she came to herself; ‘_whereupon her soul was extremely distressed,
apprehending that she had now turned back, and forsaken Christ, and that
there was therefore no hope of mercy for her_.’
“As I was sensible that trances, and imaginary views of things are of
dangerous tendency in religion, where sought after and depended upon; so
I could not but be much concerned about this exercise, especially at
first; apprehending this might be a design of satan to bring a blemish
upon the work of God here, by introducing visionary scenes, imaginary
terrors, and all manner of mental disorders and delusions, in the room
of genuine convictions of sin, and the enlightening influences of the
blessed Spirit; and I was almost resolved to declare, that I looked upon
this to be one of satan’s devices, and to caution my people against this
and similar exercises of that nature. However, I determined first to
inquire into her knowledge, to see whether she had any just views of
things, that might be the occasion of her present distressing concern,
or whether it was a mere fright, arising only from imaginary terrors. I
asked her numerous questions respecting man’s primitive, and more
especially, his present state, and respecting her own heart; which she
answered rationally, and to my surprise. I thought it next to
impossible, if not altogether so, that a Pagan, who was become a child
through age, should in that state gain so much knowledge by any mere
human instruction, without being remarkably enlightened by a divine
influence. I then proposed to her the provision made in the gospel for
the salvation of sinners, and the ability and willingness of Christ ‘to
save to the uttermost all, old as well as young, that come to him.’ To
this she seemed to give a hearty assent; but instantly replied, ‘_Ay,
but I cannot come; my wicked heart will not come to Christ; I do not
know how to come_,’ &c. This she spoke in anguish of spirit, striking on
her breast, with tears in her eyes, and with such earnestness in her
looks as was indeed piteous and affecting. She seems to be really
convinced of her sin and misery, and her need of a change of heart. Her
concern is abiding and constant, so that nothing appears why this
exercise may not have a saving issue. Indeed there seems reason to hope
such an issue, seeing she is so solicitous to obtain an interest in
Christ, that her heart, as she expresses it, _prays day and night_.
“How far God may make use of the imagination in awakening some persons
under these, and similar circumstances, I cannot pretend to determine.
Or, whether this exercise be from a divine influence, I shall leave
others to judge. But this I must say, that its effects hitherto bespeak
it to be such; nor can it, as I see, be accounted for in any rational
way, but from the influence of some spirit either good or evil. The
woman I am sure never heard divine things in the manner in which she now
viewed them; and it would seem strange that she should get such a
rational notion of them from the mere working of her own fancy, without
some superior, or at least foreign aid. Yet I must say, I have looked
upon it as one of the glories of this work of grace among the Indians,
and a special evidence of its being from a divine influence, that there
has, till now, been no appearance of such things, no visionary notions,
trances, and imaginations, intermixed with those rational convictions of
sin, and solid consolations, of which numbers have been made the
subjects. And might I have had my desire, there had been no appearance
of any thing of this nature at all.
_Dec. 28._ “Discoursed to my people in the catechetical method on which
I lately entered. In the improvement of my discourse, wherein I was
comparing man’s present with his primitive state, and showing from what
he had fallen, and the miseries in which he is now involved, and to
which he is exposed in his natural estate; and pressing sinners to take
a view of their deplorable circumstances without Christ, as also to
strive that they might obtain an interest in him; the Lord, I trust,
granted a remarkable influence of his blessed Spirit to accompany what
was spoken; and a great concern appeared in the assembly. Many were
melted into tears and sobs; and the impressions made upon them seemed
deep and heart-affecting. In particular, there were two or three persons
who appeared to be brought to the last exercises of a preparatory work,
and reduced almost to extremity; being in a great measure convinced of
the impossibility of their helping themselves, or of mending their own
hearts; and seemed to be upon the point of giving up all hope in
themselves, and of venturing upon Christ, as poor, helpless, and undone.
Yet they were in distress and anguish because they saw no safety in so
doing, unless they could do something toward saving themselves. One of
these persons was the very aged woman above-mentioned, who now appeared
‘weary and heavy laden’ with a sense of her sin and misery, and her
perishing need of an interest in Christ.
_Lord’s day, Dec. 29._—“Preached from John, 3:1-5. A number of white
people were present, as is usual upon the Sabbath. The discourse was
accompanied with power, and seemed to have a silent, but deep and
piercing influence upon the audience. Many wept and sobbed
affectionately. There were some tears among the white people as well as
the Indians. Some could not refrain from crying out; though there were
not many so exercised. But the impressions made upon their hearts
appeared chiefly by the extraordinary earnestness of their attention,
and their heavy sighs and tears.
“After public worship was over I went to my house, proposing to preach
again after a short season of intermission. But they soon came in, one
after another, with tears in their eyes, to know ‘_what they should do
to be saved_.’ The divine Spirit in such a manner set home upon their
hearts what I spake to them that the house was soon filled with cries
and groans. They all flocked together upon this occasion; and those,
whom I had reason to think in a Christless state, were almost
universally seized with concern for their souls. It was an amazing
season of power among them; and seemed as if God had bowed the heavens
and come down. So astonishingly prevalent was the operation upon old as
well as young, that it seemed as if none would be left in a secure and
natural state, but that God was now about to convert all the world. I
was ready to think, then, that I should never again despair of the
conversion of any man or woman living, be they who or what they would.
“It is impossible to give a just and lively description of the
appearance of things at this season; at least such as to convey a bright
and adequate idea of the effects of this influence. A number might now
be seen rejoicing that God had not taken away the powerful influence of
his blessed Spirit from this place; refreshed to see so many striving to
enter in at the strait gate; and animated with such concern for them,
that they wanted to push them forward, as some of them expressed it. At
the same time numbers both of men and women, old and young, might be
seen in tears; and some in anguish of spirit, appearing in their very
countenances like condemned malefactors bound toward the place of
execution, with a heavy solicitude sitting in their faces; so that there
seemed here, as I thought, a lively emblem of the solemn day of account:
a mixture of heaven and hell; of joy and anguish inexpressible.
“The concern and religious affection was such, that I could not pretend
to have any formal religious exercise among them; but spent the time in
discoursing to one and another, as I thought most proper and seasonable
for each; and sometimes addressed them altogether; and finally concluded
with prayer. Such were their circumstances at this season, that I could
scarcely have half an hour’s rest from speaking, from about half an hour
before twelve o’clock, at which time I began public worship, till after
seven at night. There appeared to be four or five persons newly awakened
this day and the evening before; some of whom but very lately came among
us.
_Dec. 30._ “Was visited by four or five young persons under concern for
their souls; most of whom were very lately awakened. They wept much
while I discoursed with them and endeavored to press upon them the
necessity of flying to Christ without delay for salvation.
_Dec. 31._—“Spent some hours this day in visiting my people from house
to house, and conversing with them about their spiritual concerns;
endeavoring to press upon Christless souls the necessity of a renovation
of heart; and scarce left a house without leaving some or other of its
inhabitants in tears, appearing solicitously engaged to obtain an
interest in Christ.
“The Indians are now gathered together from all quarters to this place,
and have built them little cottages, so that more than _twenty families_
live within a quarter of a mile from me. A very convenient situation
with regard both to public and private instruction.
_Jan. 1, 1746._—“Spent considerable time in visiting my people again.
Found scarcely one but what was under some serious impressions
respecting their spiritual concerns.
_Jan. 2._—“Visited some persons newly come among us, who had scarce ever
heard any thing of Christianity before, except the empty name.
Endeavored to instruct them, particularly in the first principles of
religion, in the most easy and familiar manner I could. There are
strangers from remote parts, almost continually dropping in among us, so
that I have occasion repeatedly to open and inculcate the first
principles of Christianity.
_Jan. 4._—“Prosecuted my catechetical method of instructing. Found my
people able to answer questions with propriety, beyond what could have
been expected from persons so lately brought out of heathenish darkness.
In the improvement of my discourse there appeared some concern and
affection in the assembly; and especially in those of whom I entertained
hopes as being truly gracious, at least several of them were much
affected and refreshed.
_Lord’s day, Jan. 5._—“Discoursed from Matt. 12:10-13. There appeared
not so much liveliness and affection in divine service as usual. The
same truths which have often produced many tears and sobs in the
assembly seemed now to have no special influence upon any in it. Near
night I proposed to have proceeded in my usual method of catechising;
but while we were engaged in the first prayer, the power of God seemed
to descend upon the assembly in such a remarkable manner, and so many
appeared under pressing concern for their souls, that I thought it much
more expedient to insist upon the plentiful provision made by divine
grace for the redemption of perishing sinners, and to press them to a
speedy acceptance of the great salvation, than to ask them questions
about doctrinal points. What was most practical seemed most seasonable
to be insisted upon, while numbers appeared so extraordinarily
solicitous to obtain an interest in the great Redeemer.
“This day the woman mentioned in my journal of December 22, made a
public profession of her faith. She has discovered a very sweet and
heavenly frame of mind from time to time, since her first reception of
comfort. One morning in particular, she came to see me, discovering an
unusual joy and satisfaction in her countenance; and when I inquired
into the reason of it, she replied, ‘that God had made her feel that it
was right for him to do what he pleased with all things; and that it
would be right if he should cast her husband and son both into hell; and
she saw it was so right for God to do what he pleased with them, that
she could not but rejoice in God even if he should send them into hell;’
though it was apparent she loved them dearly. She moreover inquired
whether I was not sent to preach to the Indians by some good people a
great way off. I replied, ‘Yes, by the good people in Scotland.’ She
answered, ‘that her heart loved those good people so the evening before,
that she could scarce help praying for them all night, her heart would
go to God for them.’ Thus, the blessing of those ready to perish, is
like to come upon those pious persons who have communicated of their
substance to the propagation of the Gospel.
_Lord’s day, Jan. 12._—“Preached from Isaiah, 55:6. The word of God
seemed to fall upon the audience with a divine weight and influence, and
evidently appeared to be ‘not the word of man.’ The blessed Spirit, I am
persuaded, accompanied what was spoken to the hearts of many; so that
there was a powerful revival of conviction in numbers who were under
spiritual exercises before.
“Toward night catechised in my usual method. Near the close of my
discourse there appeared a great concern, and much affection in the
audience; which increased while I continued to invite them to come to an
all-sufficient Redeemer for eternal salvation. The Spirit of God seems,
from time to time, to be striving with souls here. They are so
frequently and repeatedly roused, that they seem unable at present to
lull themselves asleep.
_Jan. 13._—“Was visited by several persons under deep concern for their
souls; one of whom was newly awakened. It is a most agreeable work to
treat with souls who are solicitously inquiring ‘what they shall do to
be saved.’ As we are never to be ‘weary in well doing,’ so the
obligation seems to be peculiarly strong when the work is so very
desirable. Yet I must say, my health is so much impaired, and my spirits
so wasted with my labors and solitary manner of living; there being no
human creature in the house with me; that their repeated and almost
incessant applications to me for help and direction, are sometimes
exceedingly burdensome, and so exhaust my spirits that I become fit for
nothing at all, entirely unable to prosecute my business, sometimes for
days together. What contributes much toward this difficulty is, that I
am obliged to spend much time in communicating a little matter to them;
there being oftentimes many things to be premised before I can speak
directly to what I principally aim at; which things would readily be
taken for granted where there was a competency of doctrinal knowledge.
_Jan. 14._—“Spent some time in private conference with my people, and
found some disposed to take comfort, as I thought, upon slight grounds.
They are now generally awakened, and it is become so disgraceful, as
well as terrifying to the conscience, to be destitute of religion, that
they are in imminent danger of taking up with an appearance of grace,
rather than to live under the fear and disgrace of an unregenerated
state.
_Jan. 18._—“Prosecuted my catechetical method of discoursing. There
appeared a great solemnity, and some considerable affection in the
assembly. This method of instruction I find very profitable. When I
first entered upon it I was exercised with fears, lest my discourses
would unavoidably be so doctrinal that they would tend only to enlighten
the head, but not to affect the heart. But the event proved quite
otherwise; for these exercises have hitherto been remarkably blessed in
the latter, as well as the former respects.
_Lord’s day, Jan. 19._—“Discoursed to my people from Isaiah, 55:7.
Toward night catechised in my ordinary method; and this appeared to be a
powerful season of grace among us. Numbers were much affected.
Convictions were powerfully revived, and Christians refreshed and
strengthened; and one weary, heavy laden soul, I have abundant reason to
hope, brought to true rest and solid comfort in Christ; who afterward
gave me such an account of God’s dealing with his soul as was abundantly
satisfying, as well as refreshing to me.
“He told me he had often heard me say that persons must see and feel
themselves utterly helpless and undone—that they must be emptied of a
dependence upon themselves, and of all hope of saving themselves, in
order to their coming to Christ for salvation. He had long been striving
after this view of things; supposing that this would be an excellent
frame of mind, to be thus emptied of a dependence upon his own goodness;
that God would have respect to this frame, would then be well pleased
with him, and bestow eternal life upon him. But when he came to feel
himself in this helpless, undone condition, he found it quite contrary
to all his thoughts and expectations; so that it was not the same frame,
nor indeed any thing like the frame after which he had been seeking.
Instead of its being a good frame of mind, he now found nothing but
badness in himself, and saw it was for ever impossible for him to make
himself any better. He wondered, he said, that he had ever hoped to mend
his own heart. He was amazed that he had never before seen that it was
utterly impossible for him, by all his contrivances and endeavors, to do
any thing in that way, since the matter now appeared to him in so clear
a light. Instead of imagining now that God would be pleased with him for
the sake of this frame of mind, and this view of his undone estate, he
saw clearly, and felt that it would be just with God to send him to
eternal misery; and that there was no goodness in what he then felt; for
he could not help seeing that he was naked, sinful, and miserable, and
that there was nothing in such a sight to deserve God’s love or pity.
“He saw these things in a manner so clear and convincing, that it seemed
to him, he said, he could convince every body of their utter inability
to help themselves, and their unworthiness of any help from God. In this
frame of mind he came to public worship this evening; and while I was
inviting sinners to come to Christ naked and empty, without any goodness
of their own to recommend them to his acceptance, then he thought with
himself that he had often tried to come and give up his heart to Christ,
and he used to hope that some time or other he should be able to do so;
but now he was convinced that he could not, and it seemed utterly vain
for him ever to try any more; and he could not, he said, find a heart to
make any further attempt, because he saw it would signify nothing at
all; nor did he now hope for a better opportunity or more ability
hereafter, as he had formerly done, because he saw and was fully
convinced that his own strength would for ever fail.
While he was musing in this manner he saw, he said, with his heart,
(which is a common phrase among them,) something that was unspeakably
good and lovely, and what he had never seen before; and ‘this stole away
his heart whether he would or no.’ He did not, he said, know what it was
he saw. He did not say ‘this is Jesus Christ;’ but it was such glory and
beauty as he never saw before. He did not now give away his heart, as he
had formerly intended and attempted to do; but _it went away of itself_
after that glory he then discovered. He used to make a bargain with
Christ to give up his heart to him that he might have eternal life for
it. But now he thought nothing about himself or what would become of him
hereafter; but was pleased, and his mind wholly taken up with the
unspeakable excellency of what he then beheld. After some time he was
wonderfully pleased with the way of salvation by Christ; so that it
seemed unspeakably desirable to be saved altogether by the mere free
grace of God in him. The consequence of this exercise is, that he
appears to retain a sense and relish of divine things, and to maintain a
life of seriousness and true religion.
_Jan. 28._—“The Indians in these parts have, in times past, run
themselves in debt by their excessive drinking; and some have taken the
advantage of them, and put them to trouble and charge, by arresting some
of them; whereby it was supposed their hunting lands in great part were
much endangered, and might speedily be taken from them. Being sensible
that they could not subsist together in these parts, in order to their
being a Christian congregation, if these lands should be taken, which
was thought very likely; I thought it my duty to use my utmost endeavors
to prevent so unhappy an event. Having acquainted the gentlemen
concerned in this mission with the affair, according to the best
information I could get of it, they thought it proper to expend the
money which they had been and still were collecting for the religious
interest of the Indians, at least a part of it, for discharging their
debts, and securing these lands, that there might be no entanglement
lying upon them to hinder the settlement and hopeful enlargement of a
Christian congregation of Indians in these parts. Having received orders
from them, I answered in behalf of the Indians, _eighty-two pounds, five
shillings_, New-Jersey currency, at _eight shillings per ounce_; and so
prevented the danger or difficulty in this respect.
“As God has wrought a wonderful work of grace among these Indians, and
now inclines others from remote places to fall in among them almost
continually; and as he has opened a door for the prevention of the
difficulty now mentioned, which seemed greatly to threaten their
religious interests as well as worldly comforts; it is to be hoped that
he designs to establish a church for himself among them, and hand down
true religion to their posterity.
_Jan. 30._—“Preached to the Indians from John, 3:16, 17. There was a
solemn attention and some affection visible in the audience; especially
several persons who had long been concerned for their souls, seemed
afresh excited and engaged in seeking after an interest in Christ. One,
with much concern, afterward told me ‘his heart was so pricked with my
preaching he knew not where to turn or what to do.’
_Jan. 31._—“This day the person whom I had made choice of and engaged
for a school master among the Indians arrived among us, and was heartily
welcomed by my people universally. Whereupon I distributed several dozen
of primers among the children and young people.
_1_—“My schoolmaster entered upon his business among the Indians. He has
generally about thirty children and young persons in his school in the
day time, and about fifteen married people in the evening school. The
number of married persons being less than it would be if they could be
more constantly at home, and could spare time from their necessary
employments for an attendance upon these instructions.
“In the evening catechised in my usual method. Toward the close of my
discourse a surprising power seemed to attend the word, especially to
some persons. One man considerably in years, who had been a remarkable
drunkard, a conjurer and murderer, and was awakened some months before,
was now brought to great extremity under his spiritual distress; so that
he trembled for hours together, and apprehended himself just dropping
into hell, without any power to rescue or relieve himself. Divers others
appeared under great concern, as well as he, and solicitous to obtain a
saving change.
_Lord’s day, Feb. 2._—“Preached from John, 5:24, 25. There appeared, as
usual, some concern and affection in the assembly. Toward night
proceeded in my usual method of catechising. Observed my people more
ready in answering the questions proposed to them than ever before. It
is apparent they advance daily in doctrinal knowledge. But what is still
more desirable, the Spirit of God is yet operating among them; whereby
experimental as well as speculative knowledge is propagated in their
minds.
_Feb. 5._—“Discoursed to a considerable number of Indians in the
evening; at which time numbers of them appeared much affected and melted
with divine things.
_Feb. 8._—“Spent a considerable part of the day in visiting my people
from house to house, and conversing with them about their souls
concerns. Many persons wept, while I discoursed to them, and appeared
concerned for nothing so much as for an interest in the great Redeemer.
In the evening catechised as usual. Divine truth made some impressions
upon the audience; and were attended with an affectionate _engagement_
of soul in some.
_Lord’s day, Feb. 9._—“Discoursed to my people from the story of the
blind man. Matt. 10:46-52. The word of God seemed weighty, and powerful
upon the assembly at this time, and made considerable impressions upon
many; several in particular, who have generally been remarkably stupid
and careless under the means of grace, were now awakened, and wept
affectionately. The most earnest attention, as well as tenderness and
affection, appeared in the audience universally. Two persons publicly
professed Christ.
“Toward night catechised. God made this a powerful season to some. There
were many affected. Former convictions appeared to be powerfully
revived. There was likewise one, who had been a vile drunkard,
remarkably awakened. He appeared to be in great anguish of soul, wept,
and trembled, and continued to do so till near midnight. There was also
a poor heavy laden soul, who had been long under heavy distress, as
constant and pressing as I ever saw, who was now brought to a
comfortable calm, and seemed to be bowed and reconciled to the divine
sovereignty, and told me she now felt and saw that it was right for God
to do with her as he pleased; and that her heart felt pleased and
satisfied it should be so; although of late she had often found her
heart rise and quarrel with God because he would, _if he pleased_, send
her to hell after all she had done. She added that the heavy burden she
had lain under was now removed; that she had tried to recover her
concern and distress again, fearing that the Spirit of God was departing
from her, and would leave her wholly careless, but that she could not
recover it; that she felt she never could do any thing to save herself,
but must perish for ever if Christ did not do all for her; that she did
not deserve he should help her; and that it would be right if he should
leave her to perish. But Christ could save her though she could do
nothing to save herself, &c. and here she seemed to rest.”
_Forks of Delaware, February, 1746._
_Lord’s day, Feb. 16._—“Knowing that numbers of the Indians in these
parts were obstinately set against Christianity; and that some of them
had refused to hear me preach in times past; I thought it might be
proper and beneficial to the Christian interest here to have a number of
my religious people from Crossweeksung with me, to converse with them
about religious matters; hoping it might be a means to convince them of
the truth and importance of Christianity, to see and hear some of their
own nation discoursing of divine things, and manifesting earnest desires
that others might be brought out of heathenish darkness, as themselves
were. For this purpose I selected half a dozen of the most serious and
intelligent of those Indians, and having brought them to the Forks of
Delaware, I this day met with them and the Indians of this place.
Numbers of the latter probably could not have been prevailed upon to
attend this meeting, had it not been for these religious Indians who
accompanied me hither, and preached to them. Some of those who had in
times past been extremely averse to Christianity, now behaved soberly;
and some others laughed and mocked. However, the word of God fell with
such weight and power, that numbers seemed to be stunned, and expressed
a willingness to hear me again of these matters.
“Afterward prayed with, and made an address to the white people present;
and could not but observe some visible effects of the word, such as
tears and sobs among them. After public worship, spent some time, and
took pains to convince those that mocked of the truth and importance of
what I had been insisting upon; and so endeavored to awaken their
attention to divine truth. Had reason to think, from what I observed
then and afterward, that my endeavors took considerable effect upon one
of the worst of them.
“Those few Indians then present, who used to be my hearers in these
parts, some having removed hence to Crossweeksung, seemed somewhat
kindly disposed toward me, and glad to see me again. They had been so
much attacked, however, by some of the opposing Pagans, that they were
almost ashamed or afraid to manifest their friendship.
_Feb. 17._—“After having spent much time in discoursing to the Indians
in their respective houses, I got them together and repeated and
inculcated what I had before taught them. Afterward discoursed to them
from Acts, 8:5-8. A divine influence seemed to attend the word. Several
of the Indians here appeared to be somewhat awakened, and manifested
earnest tears and sobs. My people of Crossweeksung continued with them
day and night repeating and inculcating the truths I had taught them;
and sometimes prayed and sung psalms among them; discoursing with each
other in their hearing, of the great things God had done for them and
for the Indians from whence they came. This seemed, as my people told
me, to have more effect upon them than when they directed their
discourse immediately to them.
_Feb. 18._—“Preached to an assembly of Irish people, nearly fifteen
miles distant from the Indians.
_Feb. 19._—“Preached to the Indians again, after having spent
considerable time in conversing with them more privately. There appeared
a great solemnity, and some concern and affection among the Indians
belonging to these parts, as well as a sweet melting among those who
came with me. Numbers of the Indians here seemed to have their
prejudices and aversion to Christianity removed; and appeared well
disposed, and inclined to hear the word of God.
_Feb. 20._—“Preached to a small assembly of High Dutch people, who had
seldom heard the Gospel preached, and were some of them, at least, very
ignorant; but numbers of them have lately been put upon an inquiry after
the way of Salvation with thoughtfulness. They gave wonderful attention;
and some of them were much affected under the word, and afterward said,
as I was informed, that they never had been so much enlightened about
the way of Salvation in their whole lives before. They requested me to
tarry with them, or come again and preach to them. It grieved me that I
could not comply with their request. I could not but be affected with
their circumstances; for they were as ‘sheep not having a shepherd,’ and
some of them appeared under some degree of distress for sin; standing in
peculiar need of the assistance of an experienced spiritual guide.
_Feb. 21._—“Preached to a number of people, many of them Low Dutch.
Several of the fore-mentioned High Dutch people attended the sermon,
though eight or ten miles distant from their houses. Numbers of the
Indians also belonging to these parts came of their own accord with my
people from Crossweeksung, to the meeting. There were two in particular
who, though the last Sabbath they opposed and ridiculed Christianity,
now behaved soberly. May the present encouraging appearances continue!
_Feb. 22._—“Preached to the Indians. They appeared more free from
prejudice and more cordial to Christianity than before; and some of them
appeared affected with divine truth.
_Lord’s day, Feb. 23._—“Preached to the Indians from John, 6:35-37.
After public service discoursed particularly with several of them, and
invited them to go down to Crossweeksung and tarry there at least for
some time; knowing that they would then be free from the scoffs and
temptations of the opposing Pagans, as well as in the way of hearing
divine truths discoursed of, both in public and private. Obtained a
promise of some of them that they would speedily pay us a visit, and
attend some farther instructions. They seemed to be considerably
enlightened, and much freed from their prejudices against Christianity.
But it is much to be feared that their prejudices will revive again,
unless they can enjoy the means of instruction here, or be removed where
they may be under such advantages, and out of the way of their Pagan
acquaintances.
_Crossweeksung, March, 1746._
_March 1._—“Catechised in my ordinary method. Was pleased and refreshed
to see them answer the questions proposed to them with such remarkable
readiness, discretion, and knowledge. Toward the close of my discourse
divine truth made considerable impression upon the audience, and
produced tears and sobs in some under concern; and more especially a
sweet and humble melting in several, who, I have reason to hope, were
truly gracious.
_Lord’s day, March 2._—“Preached from John, 15:16. The assembly appeared
not so lively in their attention as usual, nor so much affected with
divine truth in general as has been common. Some of my people who went
up to the Forks of the Delaware with me, being now returned, were
accompanied by two of the Indians belonging to the Forks who had
promised me a speedy visit. May the Lord meet with them here. They can
scarcely go into a house now but they will meet with Christian
conversation, whereby it is to be hoped they may be both instructed and
awakened.
“Discoursed to the Indians again in the afternoon, and observed among
them some animation and engagedness in divine service, though not equal
to what has often appeared here. I know of no assembly of Christians
where there seems to be so much of the presence of God, where brotherly
love so much prevails, and where I should take so much delight in the
public worship of God in general, as in _my own congregation_; although
not more than nine months ago, they were worshipping _devils_ and _dumb
idols_ under the power of Pagan darkness and superstition. Amazing
change this! effected by nothing less than divine power and grace. This
is the doing of the Lord, and it is justly marvellous in our eyes.
_March 5._—“Spent some time just at evening in prayer, singing and
discoursing to my people upon divine things; and observed some agreeable
tenderness and affection among them. Their present situation is so
compact and commodious, that they are easily and quickly called together
with only the sound of a conch-shell, (a shell like that of a
periwinkle,) so that they have frequent opportunities of attending
religious exercises publicly. This seems to be a great means, under God,
of keeping alive the impression of divine things in their minds.
_March 8._—“Catechised in the evening. My people answered the questions
proposed to them well. I can perceive their knowledge in religion
increases daily. And, what is still more desirable, the divine
influence, which has been so remarkable among them, appears still to
continue, in some good measure. The divine presence seemed to be in the
assembly this evening.
“Some, who I have good reason to think are Christians indeed, were
melted with a sense of divine goodness and their own barrenness and
ingratitude, and seemed to _hate themselves_, as one of them afterward
expressed it. Convictions also appeared to be revived in several
instances; and divine truth was attended with such influence upon the
assembly in general, that it might justly be called an evening of divine
power.
_Lords’ day, March 9._—“Preached from Luke, 10:38-42. The word of God
was attended with power and energy upon the audience. Numbers were
affected, and concerned to obtain the one thing needful. Several, who
have given good evidence of being truly gracious, were much affected
with a sense of their want of spirituality, and saw the need they stood
in of growing in grace. The greater part of those who had been under any
impressions of divine things in times past, seemed now to have those
impressions revived.
“In the afternoon proposed to have catechised in my usual method: but,
while we were engaged in the first prayer in the Indian language, as
usual, a great part of the assembly was so much moved and affected with
divine things that I thought it seasonable and proper to omit the
proposing of questions for that time, and to insist upon the most
practical truths. I accordingly did so; making a further improvement of
the passage of Scripture on which I had discoursed in the former part of
the day. There appeared to be a powerful divine influence in the
congregation. Several who, as I have reason to think, are truly pious,
were so deeply affected with a sense of their own barrenness, and their
unworthy treatment of the blessed Redeemer, that they _looked on him as
pierced_ by themselves, and _mourned_, yea, some of them were _in
bitterness, as for a first-born_.
“Some poor awakened sinners, also, appeared to be in anguish of soul to
obtain an interest in Christ; so that there was a _great mourning_ in
the assembly: many heavy groans, sobs, and tears! and one or two, newly
come among us, were considerably awakened.
“Methinks it would have refreshed the heart of any, who truly love
Zion’s interests, to have been in the midst of this divine influence,
and seen the effects of it upon saints and sinners. The place of divine
worship appeared both solemn and sweet; and was so endeared by a display
of the divine presence and grace that those who had any relish for
divine things could not but cry, ‘How amiable are thy tabernacles, O
Lord of Hosts!’ After public worship was over, numbers came to my house,
where we sang and discoursed of divine things; and the presence of God
seemed here also to be in the midst of us.
“While we were singing there was one individual, the woman mentioned in
my journal of February 9 who, I may venture to say, if I may be allowed
to say so much of any person I ever saw, was ‘filled with joy
unspeakable and full of glory;’ and could not but burst forth in prayer
and praises to God before us all, with many tears; crying, sometimes in
English and sometimes in Indian, ‘_O blessed Lord! do come, do come! O
do take me away; do let me die, and go to Jesus Christ! I am afraid if I
live I shall sin again. O do let me die now! O dear Jesus, do come! I
cannot stay, I cannot stay! O how can I live in this world; do take my
soul away from this sinful place! O let me never sin any more! O what
shall I do, what shall I do, dear Jesus. O dear Jesus!_’ In this ecstacy
she continued some time, uttering these and similar expressions
incessantly. The grand argument she used with God to take her away
immediately was, that ‘if she lived, she should sin against him.’ When
she had a little recovered herself, I asked her if Christ was now sweet
to her soul? Whereupon, turning to me with tears in her eyes, and with
all the tokens of deep humility I ever saw in any person, she said, ‘I
have many times heard you speak of the goodness and the sweetness of
Christ, that he was better than all the world. But O I knew nothing what
you meant. I never believed you, I never believed you! But now I know it
is true;’ or words to that effect. I answered, ‘And do you see enough in
Christ for the greatest of sinners?’ She replied, ‘O enough, enough for
all the sinners in the world, if they would but come.’ When I asked her,
‘If she could not tell them of the goodness of Christ.’ Turning herself
about to some Christless souls, who stood by, and were much affected,
she said, ‘O there is enough in Christ for you if you would but come. O
strive, strive to give up your hearts to him,’ &c. On hearing something
of the glory of heaven mentioned, that there was no sin in that world;
she again fell into the same ecstacy of joy and desire of Christ’s
coming; repeating her former expressions, ‘O dear Lord, do let me go! O
what shall I do; what shall I do. I want to go to Christ. I cannot live.
O do let me die,’ &c.
“She continued in this sweet frame for more than two hours before she
was able to get home. I am very sensible that there may be great joys,
arising even to an ecstasy, where there is still no substantial evidence
of their being well grounded. But in the present case there seemed to be
no evidence wanting in order to prove this joy to be divine; either in
regard to its preparatives, attendants, or consequents.
“Of all the persons whom I have seen under spiritual exercise I scarcely
ever saw one appear more bowed and broken under convictions of sin and
misery, or what is usually called a preparatory work, than this woman;
nor scarcely any who seemed to have a greater acquaintance with their
own heart than she had. She would frequently complain to me of the
hardness and rebellion of her heart. Would tell me that her heart rose
and quarrelled with God, when she thought he would do with her as he
pleased, and send her to hell, notwithstanding her prayers, good frames,
&c., and that her heart was not willing to come to Christ for Salvation,
but tried every where else for help. As she seemed to be remarkably
sensible of her stubbornness and contrariety to God, under conviction,
so she appeared to be no less remarkably bowed and reconciled to his
sovereignty, before she obtained any relief or comfort; something of
which I have noticed in my journal of Feb. 9. Since that time she has
seemed constantly to breathe the temper and spirit of the new creature;
crying after Christ, not through fear of hell as before, but with strong
desires after him as her only satisfying portion; and has many times
wept and sobbed bitterly because, as she apprehended, she did not and
could not love him. When I have sometimes asked her why she appeared so
sorrowful, and whether it was because she was afraid of hell; she would
answer ‘No, I be not distressed about _that_; but my heart is so wicked
I cannot love Christ;’ and thereupon burst into tears. But although this
has been the habitual frame of her mind for several weeks together, so
that the exercise of grace appeared evident to others; yet she seemed
wholly insensible to it herself, and never had any remarkable comfort
and sensible satisfaction until this evening.
“This sweet and surprising ecstasy appeared to spring from a true
spiritual discovery of the glory, ravishing beauty, and excellency of
Christ; and not from any gross imaginary notions of his human nature,
such as that of seeing him in such a place, or posture, as hanging on
the cross, as bleeding and dying, as gently smiling, and the like; which
delusions some have been carried away with. Nor did it rise from sordid
selfish apprehensions of her having any benefit whatsoever conferred on
her; but from a view of his personal excellency and transcendant
loveliness; which drew forth those vehement desires of enjoying him
which she now manifested, and made her long ‘to be absent from the body,
that she might be present with the Lord.’
“The _attendants_ of this ravishing comfort were such as abundantly
discovered its spring to be divine; and that it was truly ‘a joy in the
Holy Ghost.’ Now she viewed divine truths as living realities, and could
say, ‘I know these things are so; I feel that they are true!’ Now her
soul was resigned to the divine will in the most tender point; so that
when I said to her, ‘What if God should take away your husband from you,
who was then very sick, how do you think you could bear that?’ She
replied, ‘He belongs to God, and not to me; he may do with him just as
he pleases.’ Now she had the most tender sense of the evil of sin, and
discovered the utmost aversion to it, longing to die, that she might be
delivered from it. Now she could freely trust her all with God for time
and eternity. When I questioned her, ‘How she would be willing to die
and leave her little infant; and what she thought would become of it in
that case?’ she answered, ‘God will take care of it. It belongs to him.
He will take care of it.’ Now she appeared to have the most humbling
sense of her own meanness and unworthiness, her weakness and inability
to preserve herself from sin, and to persevere in the way of holiness,
crying, ‘If I live I shall sin.’ I then thought that I had never seen
such an appearance of ecstacy and humility meeting in any one person in
all my life before.
“The _consequents_ of this joy are no less desirable and satisfactory
than its attendants. She since appears to be a most tender,
broken-hearted, affectionate, devout, and humble Christian; as exemplary
in life and conversation as any person in my congregation. May she still
‘grow in grace and in the knowledge of Christ.’
_March 10._ “Toward night the Indians met together, of their own accord,
and sang, prayed, and discoursed of divine things among themselves; at
which time there was much affection among them. Some, who are hopefully
pious, appeared to be melted with divine things; and some others seemed
much concerned for their souls. Perceiving their engagement and
affection in religious exercises, I went among them, and prayed, and
gave a word of exhortation; and observed two or three somewhat affected
and concerned, who scarce ever appeared to be under any religious
impressions before. It seemed to be a day and evening of divine power.
Numbers retained the warm impressions of divine things which had been
made upon their minds the day before.
_March 14._—“Was visited by a considerable number of my people, and
spent some time in religious exercises with them.
_March 15._ “In the evening catechised. My people answered the questions
put to them with surprising readiness and judgment. There appeared some
warmth, and a feeling sense of divine things among those who I have
reason to hope are real Christians, while I was discoursing upon peace
of conscience and joy in the Holy Ghost. These seemed quickened and
enlivened in divine service, though there was not so much appearance of
concern among those whom I have reason to think in a Christless state.
_Lord’s day, March 16._—“Preached to my congregation from Hebrews,
2:1-3. Divine truth seemed to have some considerable influence upon some
of the hearers, and produced many tears, as well as heavy sighs and
sobs, among those who have given evidence of being real Christians, and
others also. The impressions made upon the audience appeared in general
deep and heart-affecting; not superficial, noisy and affected.
“Toward night discoursed again on the Great Salvation. The word was
again attended with some power upon the audience. Numbers wept
affectionately, and to appearance unfeignedly; so that the Spirit of God
seemed to be moving upon the face of the assembly. The woman mentioned
in my journal of last Lord’s day made a profession of her faith, and
appeared to be in a devout, humble, and excellent frame of mind.
“My house being thronged with my people in the evening; I spent the time
in religious exercises with them until my nature was almost spent. They
are so unwearied in religious exercises, and insatiable in their
thirsting after Christian knowledge, that I can sometimes scarcely avoid
laboring so as greatly to exhaust my strength and spirits.
_March 19._—“Several of the persons who went with me to the Forks of
Delaware in February last, having been detained there by the dangerous
illness of one of their company, returned home but this day. Whereupon
my people generally met together of their own accord, in order to spend
some time in religious exercises; and especially to give thanks to God
for his preserving goodness to those who had been absent from them for
several weeks, and recovering mercy to him who had been sick; and that
he had now returned them all in safety. As I was then absent; they
desired my school-master to assist them in carrying on their religious
solemnity; who tells me that they appeared engaged and affectionate in
repeated prayer, singing, &c.
_March 22._—“Catechised in my usual method in the evening. My people
answered questions to my great satisfaction. There appeared nothing very
remarkable in the assembly, considering what has been common among us.
Although I may justly say the strict attention, the tenderness and
affection, the many tears and heart-affecting sobs, appearing in numbers
in the assembly, would have been very remarkable, were it not that God
has made these things common among us, and even with strangers soon
after their coming among us, from time to time. I am far from thinking
that every appearance and particular instance of affection that has been
among us, has been truly genuine, and purely from a divine influence. I
am sensible of the contrary; and doubt not but there has been some
corrupt mixture, some _chaff_ as well as _wheat_; especially since
religious concern has become so common and prevalent here.
_Lord’s day, March 23._—“There being about _fifteen strangers_, adult
persons, come among us in the week past, several of whom had never been
in any religious meeting till now; I thought it proper to discourse this
day in a manner peculiarly suited to their circumstances and capacities;
and accordingly attempted it from Hosea, 13:9. ‘O Israel, thou hast
destroyed thyself.’ In the forenoon I opened, in the plainest manner I
could, man’s apostacy and ruined state, after having spoken some things
respecting the being and perfections of God, and his creation of man in
a state of uprightness and happiness. In the afternoon endeavored to
open the glorious provision God has made for the redemption of apostate
creatures, by giving his own dear Son to suffer for them and satisfy
divine justice on their behalf. There was not that affection and concern
in the assembly which has been common among us; although there was a
desirable attention appearing in general, and even in most of the
strangers.
“Near sun-set I felt an uncommon concern upon my mind, especially for
the poor _strangers_; that God had so much withheld his presence and the
powerful influence of his Spirit from the assembly in the exercises of
the day; and thereby withheld from them that degree of conviction which
I hoped they might have had. In this frame I visited several houses, and
discoursed with some concern and affection to several persons
particularly; but without much appearance of success till I came to a
house where several of the strangers were. There the solemn truths on
which I discoursed appeared to take effect; first upon some children;
then upon several adult persons who had been somewhat awakened before;
and afterward upon several of the Pagan strangers.
“I continued my discourse, with some fervency, until almost every one in
the house was melted into tears, and many wept aloud, and appeared
earnestly concerned to obtain an interest in Christ. Upon this, numbers
soon gathered from all the houses round about; and so thronged the place
that we were obliged to remove to the house where we usually met for
public worship. The congregation gathered immediately, and many
appearing remarkably affected, I discoursed some time from Luke, 19:10;
endeavoring to open the mercy, compassion, and concern of Christ for
lost, helpless, and undone sinners. There was much visible concern and
affection in the assembly; and I doubt not but that a divine influence
accompanied what was spoken to the hearts of many. There were five or
six of the strangers, men and women, who appeared to be considerably
awakened; and, in particular, one very rugged young man, who seemed as
if nothing would move him, was now brought to tremble like the jailor,
and weep for a long time.
“The Pagans who were awakened, seemed at once to put off their savage
roughness and Pagan manners, and became sociable, orderly and humane in
their carriage. When they first came, I exhorted my religious people to
take pains with them as they had done with other strangers from time to
time, to instruct them in Christianity. But when some of them attempted
something of that nature, the strangers would soon rise up and walk to
other houses in order to avoid the hearing of such discourses. Whereupon
some of the serious persons agreed to disperse themselves into the
several parts of the settlement; so that wherever the strangers went,
they met with some instructive discourse, and warm addresses respecting
their salvation. But now there was no need of using policy, in order to
get an opportunity of conversing with some of them about their spiritual
concerns; for they were so far touched with a sense of their perishing
state, as made them voluntarily yield to the closest addresses which
were made them, respecting their sin and misery, their need of an
acquaintance with, and interest in the great Redeemer.
_March 24._—“Numbered the Indians to see how many souls God had gathered
together here since my coming into these parts; and found there were now
about _an hundred and thirty_ persons together, old and young. Several
of those, who are my stated hearers, perhaps to the number of _fifteen_
or _twenty_, were absent at this season. If all had been together the
number would now have been very considerable; especially considering how
few were together at my first coming into this part of the country: the
whole number not amounting to _ten_ persons at that time.
“My people went out this day with the design of clearing some of their
land, above fifteen miles distant from this settlement, in order to
their settling there in a compact form, where they might be under the
advantages of attending the public worship of God, of having their
children taught in a school, and at the same time have a conveniency for
planting: their land, in the place of our _present_ residence, being of
little or no value for that purpose. The design of their settling thus
in a body, and cultivating their lands, of which they have done very
little in their Pagan state, being of such necessity and importance to
their religious interest as well as worldly comfort; I thought it proper
to call them together, and show them the duty of laboring with
faithfulness and industry, and that they must not now ‘be slothful in
business,’ as they had ever been in their Pagan state. I endeavored to
press the importance of their being laborious, diligent, and vigorous in
the prosecution of their business; especially at the present juncture,
the season of planting being now near, in order to their being in a
capacity of living together, and enjoying the means of grace and
instruction. Having given them directions for their work, which they
very much wanted, as well as for their behavior in divers respects; I
explained, sang, and endeavored to inculcate upon them Dr. Watts’ Psalm,
If God to build the house deny &c.
and having recommended them, and the design of their going forth, to
God, by prayer with them, I dismissed them to their business.
“In the evening read and expounded to those of my people who were yet at
home, and to the _strangers_ newly come, the substance of the 3d chapter
of the Acts. Numbers seemed to melt under the word; especially while I
was discoursing upon verse 19. ‘Repent ye, therefore, and be converted,’
&c. Several of the strangers also were affected. When I asked them
afterward, whether they did not now feel that their hearts were wicked,
as I had taught them; one of them replied, ‘Yes, she felt it now.’
Although before she came here, upon hearing that I taught the Indians
that their hearts were all bad by nature, and needed to be changed and
made good by the power of God; she had said, ‘Her heart was not wicked,
and she had never done any thing that was bad in her life.’ This,
indeed, seems to be the case with them, I think universally, in their
pagan state. They seem to have no consciousness of sin and guilt, unless
they can charge themselves with some gross acts of sin contrary to the
commands of the _second table._
_March 27._—“Discoursed to a number of my people in one of their houses
in a more private manner. Inquired particularly into their spiritual
states, in order to see what impressions they were under. Laid before
them the marks of a regenerate, as well as of an unregenerate state; and
endeavored to suit and direct my discourse to them severally, according
as I apprehended their states to be. There were a considerable number
gathered together before I finished my discourse; and several seemed
much affected while I was urging the necessity and infinite importance
of getting into a renewed state. I find particular and close dealing
with souls in private is often very successful.