I €^h <^^^^i.V%eV*t ^^, I -«=^'»-. .**.j^ J ZSc!^ ''^ .■^- ^^ • bcs^' -vSi v'vi^^. ■ 'O'^ P R E^A THE Defign of this Publication, is to give GOD the Glory of his diftinguiihing Grace, and gratify the pious Curiofity of thole who are waiting and praying for that biefled Time, when tlie Soisr of God, in a more extenfive Senfe than has yet been accomplidi'd; /hall receive the Heathen for his Inheritance^ and thr litter moji Parts cf the Bar tb for a Fojjcl- fion. Whenever any of the guilty Race of Mankind, arc awaliened to a juft concern for their etei-nai Intereft, are humbled at the footRoal of a So- vereign God, and are perfvi'aded and enabled' to accept the Offers of redeeming Love, it muH; al- ways be acknowledged a wonderful Work": of divine Grace, which demands our thankfo! Prailes. But doubtlefs it is a more affecting E- vidcnce of almighty Power — a m6re illuftrious difplay of Sovereign Mercy, when thofc are en- hghtned with the Knowledge of Salvation, who have for many Ages dwelt in the groileil Dark- neil vi 7he Preface. nefs and Heathen ifm, and are bro't to a chearful Subjecftion to the Government of our divine Re- deemer, who from Generation to Generation had femain'd the voluntary Slaves of the Prince of DarkneJSy This is that delightful Scene which will pre- fect itfelf to the Readers View, while he atten- tively perafes the following Pages. Nothing cer- tainly can be more agreeable to a benovelent and religious Mind, then to lee thofe that were funk irj the moft degenerate State of human Nature, ' *t once, not only renounce thofe barbarous Cuf- totns, that they had been inured to frop their Infancy, but furprizingly transformed into the Character of real and devout ChriftiaiiS.— This mighty- Change was bro't about by the plain and faithful Preaching of the Gofpel, at- tended with an uncommon Effufion of the divine Spirit, under the Miniilry of the Reverend Mr. Pavid HiiAiNERD, a Miffiorf«ry employ'd by the Homurable Society in Scotlandy For propagating Cbrijiian Kiioroiedge. And furely it will adminiAer abundant Mat- ter of Praife and Tbankjgiving to that Honour- able Body, to find that their generous Attempt to fend the GofJ3el among the Indian Nations upon the Borders of Ntw-Torhy New-'Jerjcy and Penn- Jylvania has met with fuch furprifmg Succefs. — It The Pre fact vii It would perhaps have been more agreeable to the Tafte of politer Readers, if the follow- ing Journal had been caft into a different Me- thod, and form'd into one conned: Narrative. — But the worthy Author amidft his continued Labours, had no Time to fpare for fuch an Un- dertaking. — Befides the pious- Reader, will take a peculiar Pleafure to fee this Work defcribed in its native Simplicity, and the Operations of the Spirit upon the Minds of thefe poor benighted PaganSy laid down juft in the Method and Or- der in which they happened. — This, it muft be confcfs'd, will occafiun frequent Repetitions, but thefe, as they tend to give a fuller View of this amazing Difpenlation of divine Grace in its Rife and Progrefs, we trufl, will be eafily forgiven. When W2 fee fuch Numbers of the moft ig- norant and barbarous of Mankind, in the Space of a few Months, turii'd from Darknefs to Lights and from the Power oj Sin and Satan unto God^ it gives us Encouragement to wait and pray for that bleffed Time, when our vi(florious Redeemer /hall, in a more fignal Manner than he has yet done, difplay the Banner of his Crofs, march on from conquering to conquer ^ till- the Kingdoms of this World, are become the Kingdoms of our Lord AND OF HIS Christ. Yea we cannot but lift up our Heads with Joy, and hope that it may be the Dawn of that bright and illuilrious Day when the SON OF RIGHTEOUSNESS fhall arije viii. The Prefiice. arije and Jhtne jrom one End of the Earth to the other. — When, to ule the Language of the in- Tpircd Prophets, the Gentiles pall come to his Light, and Kings to the brightiiefs of his Rifing-^ in Conlequence of which, the JVildernels and to- litary Places fJ jail be glad', and the Dejert re- joice and bloffom as the Roje. It is doubtlefs the Duty of all, in their diffe- rent Stations, and according to their refpe^ivc Capacities, to ufe their atmoft endeavours to bring forward this promifed— this defired Day.- — '-^ There is a great want of School-majiers aniong thefe chriftianized Indians, to inilrud their Youth" in the Englifl: Language and thie Principles of the Chriftian Faith : For this, as yet, there is no cer- tain Provifion made, if any are inclined to con- tribute to fo good a Defign, we are perfuaded they will do an acceptable Service to the Kingdom of theRedeemer, And we earneftly defire the moft Indigent to join, at leaft, in their Wi£hes and Prayers, that THIS WORK may prof per more and more, till the whole Earth is filed with the Glory of the Lord. The CORRESPONDENTS, THE RISE and PROGRESS Crcjweekjung^ in New-JerRy^ Jum 19. 1745- ^<*> -*>^|J-AVING fpent moft of my Time £ ^^%''^^ ^ for more than a Year pall umongii 4! f ^ H ff ^ the Indians in the Forks of Dela* r k^kt'^ih 4 "^^^^ i" Penfylvania ; and having ^W*^,.*^'^^ ill that Time made two Journeys ^ '-«^^^;-^ to Sufquehannah River, far back in tlidt Province, in order to treat with the Indians there^ refpeding Chriftianity ; And not having had any ccnfrdcrable appe^^rance of fpecia Succels in cither of thofe Places, which damp'd my Spirits, and was not a little Difcouraging to mz. Upon hearing that there was a Number of In- diam in and about a Fiace call'd (by the Indians) Crolweekfung in New-Jerley^ i\t>ii fcurlcore Miies SoutheaHward fiom the Forks of D>'laware^ I determined to make them a vifit, and fee what might be done towards the Chriftianizing of them j and accordingly arrived among them this Day. I found very few Perfons at the Place I vifitcd, and perceived the Indians in thefe Parts were very much fcattcr'd, there being not mv:»rc than two or three Families in a Place, and thefe fmall Set- tlcfnent* iix^ ten, $fteen, twenty and ihirty Mile?^ A 2 att4 Z Divine Crac^ Dijpky^d pnd fome more, from the Place I was then at^ However, I preach'dto thole few I found, who appear'd well dilpos'd, and not inclin'd to objcdt and cavil, as the Indians had frequently done Or therwhere. When I had concluded my E)ifcourfc, I in- form'd them (there being none but a few Women and Children) that I would willingly vifit.them again the next Day. Whereupon they readily fet out and travel'd ten or fifteen Miles, in order Jo give Notice to lome of their Friends at that Diftuncc. Thefe Women, like the Woman of Samaria^ feem'd defirous that others might fee the Man that told them what they had done in their Liv:es paft, and the Mifery that attended their idolatrous Ways. yiine 20. Vifited and preach'd to the hidians Again as I propos'd. Numbers more were gather'd at ihe Invitations of their Friends, who heard me the Day before. Thefe alfo appear'd as atr tentive, orderly and well dilpos'd ai the others. And none made any Obje<5lion, as Indians in o- ther Places have ufually done. 'June 2 2. Preach'd to the Indians again. Their Number which at firfl confifted of about fe\'en or eight Perlons, was now encreafed to near Thirty. .Tiierc was not only a folemn Attention- among them, but fome confiderablc ImpreiTions ('twas apparent) were made upon their Minds by di- vine Truths. Some began to feel their Mifery "■^ ■ aild amcng /fo Indians. ^ ihA perifhing State, add appear'd cdncern'd for d Deliverance from it. * Lords- Day. June 23. Preach'd to the Iridiani and rpent the Day with them. Their Number ftill increas'd *, and all with one Confent feem'd to rejoice in my coming among them. Not st Word of Oppofition was heard trom any of them againft Chriftianityj altho' in tiiT>es pad, they had been as oppoflte td any Thing or that Nature, as any Indians whatfocver; And fomc of them not many Months before, were enraged with my /«- terpreier becaiife he attempted to teach then! fomcthing of Chriftianity, yuns 24. Preach'd to the Indians at their de» lire and upon their own Motion. To fee poor' Pagans defirotis of hearing tlie Gofpel of Christ, animated rrie to difcourfe to them, altho' I w-as now very weakly, and niy Spirits much exhaufted. They attended with the greateft ferioiifnefs and diligence j and there v^as fome' Concern for their Souls Salvation, apparent among them, June 27. Vilited and preach'd to the Indians again. Their Number now amounted to about Fc/r/v Perlons. Their Solemnity and Attention flill continued ; and a confiderable Concern for &cir Souls became very apparent among fundry of them. yunli 28. The Indians being now gather'd a confiderable Number of them, from their feve- fal and diftant Habitations, requefted me tfil preach twice a Day to them^ being defirotis ta hear as" Oiuch 4. Divine GraCB Diffhfd much as they pofiibly could wl ile I wag with them. I cheai fully complied w.th their motion^ and could not but admire at the Goodncfs ot God, ^ho, I vas perluadcd, had inclin'd them thus to enquire after the Way ot Salvation. yune 20. Preach'd again twice to the Indians. Saw (as I thcughr) the Hand of God very evi- dently, and in a Manner fomewhat remarkable, making Provifion for their Subfiftance together, in Order to tljeir being inihudted in divine Things. For this Day and the Day before, with only walking a little way fiom the Place of our daily il^eeting, ttiey killed three Deer^ which were i feafonably Supply for their wants, and without which, ft feems, they could' not have fubfifted to- gether in order to attend the Means of Grace. Lords-Day, yune 3 o. Preach'd twice this Day ^Ifo. Oblerv'd yet more Concern and Affedlion among the poor Heathens than ever : So that they even conftrain'd me to tarry yet longer with them ; altho* my Conftitution was exceedingly Worn out, and my Health much impair'd by my late fiitigues and labours, and efpecially by my late Jour- ney to Eujqueiannah in May laft, in which I FodgM on the Ground' iot feveral Weeks together. yuly I. Preach'd again twice to a very lerious and attentive AlTemb.'y of Indians^ they having now learn'd to attend the Worship of God, with Cbri'Ma'n Uccrncy m all refpe(5ls. There were now between Forty and Fifty Per-* (bns of them piefcat, old aud young, . amorg the Indians. 5 I rpent lome confiderable Time in difcourfing with them in a more private Way, enquiring o£ them what they remembred of the great Truth* that had been taught them frona Day to Diiy j and may juftly U)\ 'twas amazing to fee how they had recciv'd and retain'd the Irjftru€tions gU vcn them, and what a Meafure of Knowledge feme of them had acquir'd in a few Days, jfttlyy 2. Was oblig'd to leave thcfe Indians at Cro/wefk/uhgj thinking it my Duty, as foon as Health would admit, again to vifit tbofe at the Forks of Delaware, When I came to take leave of them, and fpoke fomething particularly to each of them, they all carneftly enquir'J when I would come again, and exprelTed a great defire of being further inftru(flcd. And of their own accord a* greed, that when I ftijuld come aeain, they would all meet and live together' during my Continuance with them. And that they would do their utmoft Endeavours to gather all the other Indians in theje Parts that were yet further remote. And when I parted, one told me with many Tears, ^be ivtjhed God would change her Heart ? Another, Thaty^f wanted tojind Chrijl f And an old Man that had been one of their Chief s^ wept bitterly with concern for his Soul. I then promrs'd them^ to return as fpeedily as my Health, and Bufinefs clfewhere wouid admit, and feit not a little con- ccTii'd at parting, left the good Impre/Iions then apparent upon Numbers ot them, might decline, ^d wear oiF^ whea the Means came to ceaie^ 6 Di^ne Grace difplafd jlnd yet ccold not but hope that hd who, I twft- cd, had begun a good Work among them, and who I knew did not ftand in need of Means ta carry it on. Would maintain arid promote it in thef Abfencc of them, altho at the fame Time I mtifl Confefs, that I had fo often fdcn fuch encouraging Appeafances atoong the Indians otherwhere prove wholly abortive 5 and It appeared theFavour would be fo great, if God fliould now, after I had pafs'd thro* fo confiderable a Series of almoft fruitlels Labours and Fatigues, and after my riiing Hopes had been fo often fruftrated among thele poor PaganSy give tnt any fpecial Succefs in niy La-- bours with them, that I could not believe^ and icarcc dared to hope that the £vent would be fd happy, and fcarcc ever found myfclf more luf» pended between Hope and Fdar, m any Affair,' or at any Time than this. ■ This encouraging Dlfpofition and Readinefs i6 receive InftrucHiion, now apparent among thcle Indians, feems to have been the happy Et?e<3 ot the Convidion that one or two of them met with fome Time iince at the Forks of Delaware ^ who; have iince endeavour'd to fhew their Friends the Evil of Idolatry y »&c. And altho' the other Indi* ^ffi feem'd but little to regard, but rather to de- ride them, yet this, perhaps, has put them intor "k thinking Poflure of Mind, or at leafl, given them^ ibme Thoughts about Chriflianityy and excited irf ibme of them a Curiofify to hear, and fo made Way for ihe prefent cncc^raging Attention. Art" Apprc* atncft^ the Ii^sians* 7 Apprehenfion that this might be the Cale here, has given me Encouragement that God may ii^ juch a Manner b^efs the Means J have ufed with Jndiam in other Places, where there is as yet no Appearance of it. Jf fo, may his Name have the Glory of it j for J have learn'd by Experience that he only can open the Ear, engage the At- tention, and incline the He^rt of poor benighted prejudic'd Pagans to receive Inilrudion. Forks of Delaware, in Pcnnfylvania, 1745. Lord's Day, July 14. DI/cours*d to the /»- diam twice, feveral of whom appcar'd concern'd, ^nd were, I have Realon to think, in fome mea- fure convinc'd by the Divine Spirit of their Sia and Mifery : So that they wept much the whole Time of divine Service. , Afterwards difcours'd to a Number of white People then prefent. July 18. Preach'd to" my People, who attend- cd diligently, beyond what had been common among thefe Indians : And fome of them ap^ pear'd concern'd for their Souls. Lord's Day, July 21. Preach'd to the Indians firfl:, then to a Number of wbife People prefent, and in the Afternoon to the Indians again. — Di* vine Truths fecm'd to make very conliderable Im- preflions upon feveral of them, and caufed the Tears to flow freely. Afterwards I baptized my Interpreter and his Wife 8 Divine Grace difpbfi Wife, who were the fLd I baptiz'd among the In-f iiiam. They are both, Perfons of feme experimental Knowledge in Religion j have both been awa- ken'd to a folemn Concern tor their Souls ; have to appearance, been brought to a Senfe of their Mifery and Undonnefs .in themfelves ; have both appear'd to be comforted with divine Conlolationsj and 'tis apparent both have pa/s'd a great ^ ani I can't but hope zfaving Change. It may perhaps be futisfadory and agreeable that I fliould give fome brief Relation of the Man's Exercife and Experience fince he has been with me, efpecially feeing he is improv'd as my Inter* f refer to others. When I firft employ'd him in this Bufinefs in the Beginning of Summer 1744, he was well fit- ted for his Work in regard of his Acquaintance with the Indian and Englipj Language, as well as with the Manners of both Nations, And in re- gard of his define that the Indians fhould conform to the Cufloms and Manners of the Englijl\ and efpecially to their Manner of living: But he leem'd to have little or no ImprefTion of Religion upon his Mind, and in that Refpcdt was very unfit for his Work, being uncapable of underftanding and communicating to others many things of Impor- tance, fo that I labour'd under great difad vanta- ges in addrefling the Indians^ for want of hi$ Baving an experimental, as well as more do5l Obfervation of his ferious and favory Coi.veiiation, his Chriftian Temper, and uiibiemi(h'd Behaviour f^r io con- fiderable a Trad of Time, as well as his Expe- rience I haye given an Account of, I think that I have Reafon to hope that he is created a New in Ch ift Jefus to good JVorks. His Name is Mojes Tinda Tautamy^ he is about Fifty Years of Age, and is pretty well acquainted with the Pagan Notions and Cuftom<= of his Country- Men, and fo is the better able now to ex- poie them. He has, I'm perfuadcd, already been, and I truft will yet be a Biclliag to the other /«- diam. J^^y -2^^' Preach'd to the Indians^ but had few Hearers : Thofe who are conftantly at home fcem of late to be under lome ferious ImprelBons of a religious Nature. July 26. Preach'd to my People, and after- wards baptized my Interpreters Children. Lord's Day, July 28. Preach'd again, and perceiv'd my People, at leafl fome of them, more thoughtful than ever about their SouU Concerns. I was told by fome, that feeing my Interpreter and others baptiz'd made them more concern'd than any thing they had ever fecn or heard be- fore. There was indeed a conliderable Appear- ance of divine Power amongft them at the Time that Ordinance was adminiftred. May that di- vine Influence Ipread and incrcafe more abun- danily. 1,6 Divine Grace d^fplafd Jul^ 30. Difcours'd to a Number of my Peo- ple, and gave them iome particular Advice and Diredion, being now about to leave them for the prefent, in order to renew my Vifit to the //z- diam in New-Jerfey, Thev were very attentive to my Difcourfe, and earneftly deilrous to know when 1 defigned to return to them ag*iin. Crofiveekfung in New-Jerfey^ I745» Augujl 3. Having vifitcd the Indians in theft Parts in ^une laft, and tarried with them fome confiderable Time, preaching almofl daily i At which Seafon God was pleaied to pour upon them a Spirit of awikening and concern for their Souls, and furprizingly to engage their Attention to di- vine Truths, I now found them lerious, and a Number of them under deep concern for an In^*" lereft in Chrifl ; Their Convidlions of their finr- ful and perifhing State having, in my Abfencc from them, been much promoted by the La- tours and Endeavours of the Reverend Mr. Wil* liam Tennenty to who;n I had advifed them to apply for Direction, and whofe Houfc they fre- quented much while I was gone. — I preached to them this Day wiibfome View to Rev. xxiL 1 7. j^nd whofoever will^ let him take the Water Hf Life Jreely : Tho' I could not pretend to handle the Subjed methodically among them. . The Lord, I'm. perluadcd, enabled me in a Manner fomcwhat uncommon to fee before them the hnong the Indians, 17 the hord Jefus Chrijl as a kind and cdmpa/lio- nate Saviour, inviting diftrefled and perifhing Sinners to accept cverlafting Mercy. And a fur- prizing concern loon became 8pparent among thtm. There were about Twenty adult Perfons together, (many of the Indians at remote Places not having as yet had time to come fince my re- turn hither) and not above two that I could fee with dry Eyes. Some were much concern'd, and difcover'd vehement Longings of Soul after Chrift to fave them from the Mifery they felt and fcar'd Lord's Day, Auguji 4. Being invited by a neighbouring Minijler to allifl in the Adminiftra- tion of the Lord's-Supper, I comply'd with his Requeft, and took the Indians along with me, not only thole that were together the Day before, but many more that were coming to hear me, io that there were near Fifty in all, old and youn^. Tliey attended the feveral Difcourfes of the Day, and fome of them tbit could underftand Efiglijh, were much affcded, and all feem'd to have their Concern in fome Meafure rais'd. Now a Change in their Manners began to ap- pear very vilible. In the Evening when they came to fup together, they would not tafte a Morfel 'till they had fent to me to come and ask a Bleffing on their Foodj at which time flindry of them wept, efpecially when L minded thcni how they had in Times paft eat their Feafts in Honour to Devils^ and negleded to thank God for them. C Aug. J 8 Divine Grace difplafd Aug, 5. After a Sermon had been prcach'd by another Minifter, I preached, and concluded the pubiick Work of the Solemnity from 'John vii. 37. Aad in my Difcourfe addrefs'd tht Indians in particular, who fat by themfelves in a Part of the houfe^atwhlch time one or two of them were ftruck with deep Concern, as they afterwards told me, who had been little affected before : Others had their Concern increas'd to a confiderable Degree. In the Evening (the greater Part of them being at theHoufe where I lodg'd) I dilcours'd to them, and found them univerfally cngag'd about their Soul's Concern, enquiring, What they Jhould do to he Javed? And all their Converfation among them- felves turned upon religious Matters, in which they were much affifted by my Interpreter, who was with them Day and Night. This Day there was one Womany that had been much concern'd for her Soul, ever fince fhe firft heard mc preach iiijv.ne lad, who obtain'dComfort^ I truft, folid and well grounded : She feem'd to be fill'd with Love to Chrift, at the fame Time behav'd humbly and tenderly, and appear'd a- fraid of nothing fo much as of grieving and of- fending him whom her Soul lov'd. Aug. 6. In the Morning I difcours*d to the Indians at the Houfe where we lodg'd : Many of them were then much afFeded, and appear'd fur- prizingly tender, fo that a few Words about their Souls concerns would cailfe the Tears to flow free- ij, and produce many Sobs and Groans.— -;;; In among the Indians. ig in the Afternoon, they being return'd to the Place where I have ufually preach'd amongft them, I again difcours'd to them there. There were about Fifty five Perlons in all, about Forty that were capable of attending divine Service with Underftanding : I inlifted upon i yohn iv. lo. Herein is Love, See. They feem'd eager of hear- ing ; but there appear'd nothing very remarkable, except their Attention, till near the Clofe of my Difcourfe, and then divine Truths were attended with a furprizing Influence, and produced a great Concern among them. There was fcarce Tbref in Forty that could refrain from Tears and bitter Cries. They all, as one, feem'd in an Agony of Soul to obtain an Intereft in Chrift, and the more I difcours'd^of the Love and CompafHon of God in (ending his Son to fuffcr for the Sins of Men j and the more I invited them to come and par- take of his Love, the more their Diflrefs was ag- gravated, becaufe they felt themfelves unable lo come. It was furprizing to fee how their Heart? feem'd to be pierc'd with the tender and melting Invi- tations of the Gofpel, when there was not a Word of Terror fpoken to them. There were this Day two Perfong that obtained Relief and Comfort, which (when I came to dif^ pourfe with them particularly) appear'd folid, ra- - tional and fcriptural. After I had enquir'd into the Grounds of their Comfort, and faid many Things I thought proper to them, I afked them C z I whiiit ^o Dmne Grace dijphfd' ' what they wanted God to do further for them ? They replied, They wanted Chriji fljould wipe their Hearts quite cleg?2, &c. Surprizing were now the Doings cf the Lordy ^hat I can fay no lefs of this Day (and I need fay no more of it) than that the Arm of the Lord was powerfully and marveloujly revealed in it. Aug. 7. Preach to the Jndians from Tfaiah liii. 3. 10. There was a remarkable Influence at- tending the Word, and great Concern in the Af- fembly ; but fcarce equal to what appear'd the Day before, that is, not quij:e fo univerfal ; How* ever, mofl were much iiffecied, a^d many in great diftreis for their Souls ; and fome few could nei- ther go nor ftand, but lay flat on tb^Ground, as if pierc'd at Heart, crying inccffantly for Mercy : Several were newly awaken'd, and 'twas remark- able that as fafl as they came frVm remote Places round about, the Spirit of God feem'd to feiz© them with Concern for their Souls. After publick Service was concluded, I found two Perfons more that had newly met with Com- fort, of whom J had good Hopes ; and a Third that I could not but entertain fome Hopes of,^ wh-ofe Cafe did not appear fo clear as the other ; fo that here were now Six in all that had got 4 Jome Relief from their fpiritual Diflreffcfs, and Five whofe Experience appear'd very clear and iati^fadtory : And tis worthy of Remark, that thofe who obtain'd Comfort firfl, were in general "deeply amGtJg the Indians. 21 deeply affeded with Concern for their Souls, when I preached to them in June laft. ^ug. 8. In the Afternoon I preached to the Indians^ there Number was now about' Sixty-Five Perlons, Men, Woman and Children : I difcours'd from Luke xiv. 16, »'23. and was favour'd with uncommon Freedom in my Difcourfe. There was much vifible Concern among them while I was dilcourling publickly j but afterwards when I fpoke to one and another more particular- ly, whom I perceiv'd under much concern, the Power of God ieem'd to defcend upon the A(^ fembly like a r^fi^i^g mighty Wind^ and with an a/tonilhing Energy bore down all before it. I ftood amaz'd at the Influence that feiz'd the Audience almofl univerfally, and could compare it to nothing more aptly, than the irrefiftable Force of a mighty Torrent,^ or fwelling Deluge, that with its infupportable Weight and PrefTure, l)cars down and fweeps before it whatever is in its Way I Almofl all Perfons of all Ages were bow'd down with Concern together, and fcarcc one was able to withfland the &hock of this fur- prizing Opperation ! Old Men and Women who had been drunken Wretches for many Years, and fome little Children, not more than Six or Seven Years of Age appear'd in Diflrefs for their Souls, as well as Perfons of middle Age. And 'twas apparent thefe Children (fome' of them at leaft) were not meerly frighted with feeing the general (Concern ; but were made feniible of their Dan- ger 22 Divine Grace difplafd ger, the Badnefs of their Hearts, and their Mifc- ry without Chrift, as fomc of them exprefs'd it. The moft ftubborn Hearts was now oblig'd to bow, A principal Man among the Indians ^ who before was mbft fecure and Self-righteous, and thought his State good becaufe 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 Chrifiian more than ten Tears, was now brought under fo- lemn Concern for his Soul, and wept bitterly, Another Man confiderable in Years, who had been a Murderer, a PcwwoWy (or Conjurer,) and a notorious Drunkard, was likewife brought now to cry for Mercy with many Tears, and to com- plain much that he could be no more concerned when he faw his Danger fo very great. They were almofl univerfally praying and cry- ing for Mercy in every Part of the Houfe. and many out of Doors, and Numbers could neither go nor fland : Their concern was fo great, each pne for himfelf, that none feem^d to take any Notice of thole about them, but each pray*d as freely for themlelves j and (Pm apt to think) were, to their own Apprehenfion, as much retired as if they had been every one by themfelvcs in the thick eft Defart : Or, I believe rather, that they thought nothing about any but themfelves, and their own States, and lo were every one pray- ing a-fiarf, altho' all together. It among the Indians. 23 It feem'd to me there was now an cxadl Ful- filment of that Prophefy Zecb. xii. 10, 11, 12. For there was now a great Mourning like the Mourning of Hadadrimmon. — And each feem'd to mourn a-part. Methought this had si near Refemblance to the Day of God's Power, men- tion'd Jojh. x. 14. For I muft fay, I never fee any Day like it in all Refpeds : 'Twas a Day wherein I am perfuaded the Lord did much to deftroy the Kingdom of Darknefs among this People, This Concern in general was moft rational and juft, thoie who had been awaken'd any confide- rable Time, complained more efpecially of the Badnefs of their Hearts; and thofe newly a- waken'd of the Badnefs of their Lives and JiSli- ons paft J and all were afraid of the Anger of God, and of everlafling Mifery as the Dcfert of their Sins. Some of the white People who came out of Curiofity to hear what this Babbler would fay ^ to the poor ignorant Indians^ were much awaken- ed, and fome appear'd to be wounded with a View of their perifhing State. ' Thofe who had lately obtained Relief, were iill'd with Comfort at this Seafon; they appear'd calm and compos'd, and feemed to rejoycc in Chrifi Jefus : And lome of them took their di- ftreffcd Friends by the Hand, telling them of the Goodnefs of Chrift, and the Comfort that is to be enjoyed in him, and thence invited them to come 24 Divine Grace difplafd come and give up their Hearts to him. And I could obierve fome of them in the ,moft honeft and unafFedted Manner (without any defign of being taken Notice of) lifting op their Eyes to Heaven as if crying for Mercy, while they faw the Diftrefs of the poor Souls around them. ^ There was one remarkable Inftance of awaken- ing this Day, that I can't but take particular No- tice of here. A young Indian Woman, who, I believe, never knew before fhe , had a Soul^ nor ever thought of any fuch Thing, hearing that there was fomething Grange among the Indians^ came (it feems) to fee what was the Matter : She . in her Way to the Indians^ caUed iX my Lodgings, and when I told her I defigned prefently to preach to the Indians^ laugh'd and feemed to mock j but went however to them. I had not proceed- ed far in my publick Difcourfe^ before fl:ie felt effeSiually that Hie had a Soul, and before I had Concluded my Difcourfe, was fo convinced of her Sin and Mifery, and fo diftrefs'd with Concern for her Soul*s Salvation, that fhe feemed like one pierced through with a Dart, and cried out in- ceflantly. She could neither go nor fland, nOr fit on her Seat without being held up^ After publick Service was over, fhe lay flat on the Ground praying earneftly, and would take no No- tice of, nor give any Anfwer to any that fpoke to her. I hearkened to hear what fhe faid, and per- ceived the Burden of her Prayer to be, GUttum- mdukdlUmmih 'wechdumeb kmeleh Ndab, i. e. Have Mercy among the Indians. 25 Mercy on mcy and help me to give yu my Hi art. And thus ihe continued praying inceffantly for many Hours together. This was indeed a furprizing Day of God's Power, and feemed enough to convince an Atheifi of the Truth, Importance and Power of God's Word. Aug. 9. Spent almoft the whole Day- with the Indians^ the former Part of it in difcouiiing to many of them privately, and efpecially to fome who had lately receivedComfort, and endeavouring to enquire into the Grounds of it, as well as to gi^e them fome proper Inflrudlions, Cautions and Diredlions. In the Afternoon dlfceurfcd to them publickly. There were now prefcnt about Seventy Ferions, old and young. I opened and applj'd the Para- ble of the Sower, Mat. xiii. Was enabled to difcourfc with much Plainncfs, and found after- wards that this Difcourfc was very inftrudive to them. There were many Tears among them while I was difcour/ing publickly, but no con(i- derable Cry : Yet lome were much affected Vv^ith a few Words fpoken from Mat. xi. 2H. with which I concluded my Difcourie. But while I was difcourfing near Night to two or three of the awakened Perfons, a divine Influence feemed to attend what was fpoken to them in a powerful Manner, which caufed the Perions to cry out in Anguifh of Soul, although I fpoke not a Word of Terror, but on the Contrary, fet before them D ihe 26 Divim Grace difplafd the Fullnefs and All-fufficicncy of Chrift's Merits, and his Willingnefs to fave all that came to him t, and thereupon prcfs'd them to come without De- lay. The cry of thefc was foon heard by others, who, tho' fcattered before, immediately gathered round. I then proceeded in the fame Strain of Gofpel-Invitation, till they were all melted into Tears and Criec, except two or three ; and feemed in the ^greateft Diftrels to find and fecure an Inte- reft in the great Redeemer. — Some who had but little more than a Ruffle made in xhtivPaffions the Day before, feemed now to be deeply affedted and wounded at Heart : And the Concern in general appear'd near as pravalent as it was the Day before. There was indeed a very great Mourning among them, and yet every one feem'd to tnourn apart. For fb great was their Concern, that almoft every one Was praying and crying for himlelf, as if none had been near. Guttummau- kalwnmehy Guitumniaukalummeh : i.e. Have Mer- cy upon mey Have Mercy upon ?ne : Was the com- mon Cry. It was- very affefting to fee the poor Indians, who the other Day was hallowing and yelling in their idolatrous Feafts and drunken Frolicks, now crying to God with fuch Importunity for an In- tereft in his dear Son \ Found two or three Perfons who I had reafon to hope had taken Comfort upon good Grounds fince the Evening before: And thefc, with others " " ■ that among the Indians. chat had obtain'd Comfort, were together, and feem'd to rejoyce much that God was carrying on his Work with luch Power upon others, Aug. lo. Rode to the Indians^ ^nd began to dilcourfe more privately to thofe who had obtain'd Comfort andSatisfa<5lion ; endeavouring to inftrud-, diredl, caution, and comfort them : Bat others being eager of hearing every Word that related to fpiritual Concerns, foon came together one af- ter another: And when I had dilcours'd to the young Converts more than half an Hour, they feem'd much melted with divine Things, and earneftly defirous to be with Chrift. I told them of the godly Soul's perfect Purity, and full En- joyment of Chrift, immediately upon its Separa- tion from the Body, and that it would be forever inconceivably more happy, than they had ever been for any fhort Space of Time, when Chrift feem'd near to them, in Prayer or other Duties, And that I rhight make Way for fpcaking of the Refurrcdion of the Body, and thence of the com- pleat BielTednefs of the Man, I faid, but perhaps fome of you will fay, I love my Body as we 1 as my Soul, and I can't bear to think that my B( «• dy ftiould lye dead if rrly Soul is Happy. To vyhich they all chearfully reply'd, Muttob^ muttoh, (before I had opportunity to profecute what I de- fign'd refpeding the Refurredion,) Noy No^ They did not regard their Bodies, if their Souls might be but with Chrift. Then they appear'4 P 2 'willing £8 Diving Grace difplafd riinllijig to be abjent from the Body, that they might be prefent with the Lord. When I had fpent fomc time with thcle, I turn'd to the other Indians, and fpoke to them from Luke nix. lo. I had not difcours'd long before their Concern rofe to a great Degree, and the Houfe v/as iill'd with Cries and Groans. And when I infifted on the Compaffion and Care of the Lord Jjfus Chrift for thole that were loji, who thought themfelves undone, and could find no way of Efcape, this melted them down the more, and aggravated their diflrefs, that they could not fiiid, and come to lo kind a Saviour. Sundry Perfons who before had been butflight- ]y awaken'd, were now deeply wounded with a Senfe of their Sin and Mifery. And one Man in particular, who was never before awaken'd, was now made to feel, that the Word oj the Lord was quick and powerful, fiarper than any two edged Sword. He lecm'd to be pierc'd at Heart with Diflrefs, and his concern appear'd moft rational, and fcriptural : For he faid, yill the Wickednefs of his pafi Life was brought Jrejh to his Rerfiem- hrance, and he jaw all the vile A5iions he had done Jormerly, as if done but X^fi^^day. Found one that had newly recelv'd Comfort, after prefiing Diftrcfs from Day to Day. Could not but rejoyce and admire at divine Goodnefs in whut appear'd this Day. There feems to be fome Good done by every Difcourfe ; Some newly a- waken'd every Day, and fome comforted. ^ ' ■ *Twas among the Indians, 29 'Twas refrefliing to obferve the Condud of thofc that had obtaln'd Comfort, while others were diftrcfs'd with Fear andConcem ; thefe were lifting up their Hearts to God for them. Lords-Day, Augufl 11. Difcours'd in the Forenoon from the Parable of the Prodigal Son^ Luke XV. Obferv'd no fuch remarkable EtJedt of the Word upon the Affembly as in Days paft. • There were Numbers of carelefs Speda- tors of the white People; (omt fakers 2^v\di others. In the Afternoon I difcours'd upon a Part of St. Peter's Sernion, ABs ii. And at the Clofe of my Difcourfe to the IitdianSy made an addrels to the white People, and divine Truths fecm'd then to be attended with Power both to Englijh and hidians. Several of the white Heathen were awa- ken'J, and could not longer be idle Spedators, but found they had Souls to fave or loofe as well as the Indians^ and a great concern fpread thro' the whole Affembly, fo that this alfo appear'd to be a Day of God's Power, efpecially towards the Conclufion of it, as well as fcveral of the former, alcho' the Influence attending the Wprd feem'd fcarce fo powerful now as in fome Days paft. The Number of the Indiam^ old and young, was now upwards of Seventy, and one or two were newly awaken'd this Day, who never had appear'd to be mov'd with Concern for their Souls before. Thofe that had obtained Relief and Comfort, and had given hipeful Evidences of having pafs'd 3© Divine Grace difplafd .a favirig Change, appeared humble and devout, and behave in an agreeable and Chrijiian Manner. I vsras refreshed to fee the Tendernefs of Conlci- cnce manifcft in feme of them, one Inftancc of v^hich I cannot but take Notice of. Per- ceiving One of them very forrowful in the Morning, I enquired into the Caufe ot her Sor- row, and found the Difficulty v^^as, fhe had been angry with her Child the Evening before, and was now cxercis'd with Fears, left her Anger had been inordinate and (inful, which 'fo grieved her that fhe waked and began to fob before Day- light, and continued weeping for feveral Hours together. Aug. 14. Spent the Day with the Indians, There was one of them who had iome time fince put away his Wife (as is common among them) and taken another Woman, and being now brought under fome ferious Imprcflions, was much concern'd about that Affair in particular, and feem'd fully convinc'd of the Wickednefs of that * practice, and earneflly defirous to know whatGod would have him do in his prefent Circumftances. When the Law of God refpedling Marriage had been open'd to them, and the Caule of his leav- ing his Wife enquir'd' into j and when it ap- pear'd fhe had given him nojufl Occafion by Unchajiity to defert her, and that fhe was willing to forgive his paft Mifcondud:, and to live peacea- bly with him for the future, and that fhe more- over infifled on it as her Right to enjoy him ; he was among the Indians. ^r was then told, that it was his indilpenfible Duty to renounce the Woman he had laft taken, and receive the other who was his proper Wife, and live peaceably with her during Life, with which he readily and chearfully comply'd, and thereup- on publickly renounc'd the Woman he had laft taken, and publickly promis'd to live with and be kind to his Wife during Life, flie alfo pro- mifing the fame to him. — And here appeared a clear D»;monftration of the Power of God's Word upon their Hearts. I luppofe a few Weeks be- fore the whole World could not have perfuaded this Man to a Compliance with Chrijlian Rules in this Affair. I was not without Fears, leaft this proceeding might be like putting new Wine into old Bottles^ and that fome might be prejudiced againft Chrilli- anity, when they faw the Overtures made by it. But the Man being much concerned about the Matter, the Determination of it could be deferred no longer, and it feem'd to have a good, rather than an ill,. Effed: among the Indians^ who ge- nerally own'd, that the Laws of Chrift were good and right refpeding the Affairs of Marriage. In the Afternoon I preached to tl;iem from the Apoftle's Difcourfe to Cornelius Ach x. 34. &c. There appear'd fome affedlionate Concern among them, tho' not equal to what appeared in feveral of the former Days. They flill attended and heard asfor their Lives, and the Lords Work feem'd ^ill to be promoted, and propagated among them. Jlug, 15. 3a Divine Grace defplafd Aug, 15. Preached from Luke iv. 16— —21, The Word was attended with Power upon the Hearts of the Hearers. There was much Con- cern, many Tears, and aiFeding Cries among t.iem, and feme in a Ipecial Manner were deeply wounded and diflrefTed for their Souls. There were fome newly awakened who came but this Week, and Convidlions feemed to be promoted in others.—Thofe that had received Comfort, were likewife refreflied and ftrengthened, and the Work of Grace appcar'd to advance in all ref- pedts. The Pajjiom of the Congregation in ge- neral were not fo much moved, as in fome Days paft^r-but their Hearts feemed as foiemly and deeply aiFedled with divine Truths as ever, at leaft in rnany Inflances, altho* the Concern did not feem to be fo univerfal, and to reach every individual in fuch a Manner as it had appeared to do lome Days before. Aug. 16. Spent conliderable Time in converf- ing privately with fundry of the Indians. Found one that had got relief and Comfort, after preiTing Concern, and could not but hope, when I came to difcourfe particularly with her, that her Com^ fort was of the right Kind. In the Afternoon preached to them from John y\, 26, 34. Toward the Clofc of my Difcourle, divine Truths were attended with con- liderable Power upon the Audience, and more* cfpecially after publick Service was over, when I particularly addieii'd fundry diftreffed Perfons. There among ths Indians* ^^ There was a great Concern for their Souls fpread pretty generally among them : But efpeci- ally there were two Perlbns newly awaken'd to a Senfe of their Sin and Mifery, one of whom was lately come, and the other had all alorg been very attentive, and defirous of being awaken'd^ but could never before have any lively View of. her pcrifbing State. But now her Concern and fpiritual Diffrefs was (uch, that, I thought, I had never feen any more prefTing. Sundry old Mea were alfo in Diftreis for their Soulsj fo that they could not refrain from weeping and crying out aloud, and their bitter Groans were the moft con- vincing as well as affeding Evidence of the Rea- lity and Depth of their inward Anguifh.— God is powerfully at work among them ! True and ge- nuine Convidlions of Sin are daily promoted in many Inflances, and fome are newly awaken'd from time to time j altho' fome few, who felt a Commotion in their Pajjiom in Days part, feem now to difcover that their Hearts were never du'y affedled. I never faw the Work of God appear fo independant of Means as at this Time. I dif. courfed to the People, and fpoke what (I fup- pofe) had a proper Tendency to promote Con- vidlions, and God's Manner of working upon .them appeared fo entirely juper natural^ and ab(n)e Means, that I could fcarce believe he ufed me as an Inftrument^ or what I fpake as Mvans of car- rying on his Work : For it feem'd, as I though^ to have no Connedlion with, nor Dependance up- D en 34 Divine Grace difplafd on Means in any RefpecCt. And although I could not but continue to ule the Means I thought pro- per for the Pronriotion of 'the Work, yet God feeni'd (as I apprehended) to work entirely with- out them : So that I feemed to do nothing, and indeed to have nothing to do but to Jiand Jiill and fee the Salvation of God, and found my- felf oblig'd and delighted to fay, Not unto us, not unto Inftruments and Means, but to thy Name be Glory. God appear'd to work entirely alone and I law no room to attribute any Part of this Work to any created Arm. Aug. I y. Spent much time in private Confe- rences with the Indians, Found one who had newly obtain'd Relief and Comfort, after a long Seafon of fpiritual Trouble and Difl:refs, (he hav- ing been one of my Hearers in the Forks of De- laware for more than a Year, and now follow 'd me here under deep Concern for his Soul) and had abundant Reafon to hope that his Comfort was well grounded, and truly divine. Afterwards difcours'd publickly from ABs viii. 29,-39. And took Occalion to treat concern- ing Baptifm, in order to their being inflrud:ed and prepared to partake of that Ordinance. They were yet hungry and thirfly for the Word of God, and appear'd unwearied in their Attendance upon it. — Lord's-Day Aug. 18. Preached in the Fore- noon to an AfTembly of white People, made up of Presbyterians, Baft if s, fakers, &c. After- wards among the Indian?. ^^ wards preach'd to the Irn^ians from yohn vi. 3 c, 40. There was confiderable Concern villble among them, though not equal to what has fre- quently appear'd of late. Aug. ig. Preach'd from Ifaiab Iv. i. Divine Truths were attended with Power upon thofe who had receiv'd Comfort, and others alfo. The for- mer were fweetly melted and refreshed with di- vine Invitation?, the latter much concern 'd for their Souls, that they might obtain an Interefl in thefe glorious Gofpel Provifions that were fet be- fore them, There were Numbers of poor n??pO' tent Souls that waited at the Pool for healings and the Angel feem'd, as at other Times of late, to trouble the Waters : So that there was yet a mcfT: delirable and comfortable Profped: of the fpiritu- al Recovery of dileafed perifliing Sinners. Aug. 23. Spent fome time with the Indians in private Difcourfe, afterwards preach'd to them from 'Johji vi. 44. 50. There was, as has been qfual, a great Attention and fome AfFcdion among them. Several appear'd deeply concern 'd for their Souls, and could not but exprefs their in- ward Anguifh by Tears and Cries. But the amaz-? ing divine Influence that has been fo powerfully among them in general, feems, at prefent, in fome Degree abated, at leafl: in regard of its UnivcrfaJ- lity^ though many that fiave got no fpecial Com- fort, ftill retain deep ImprefHons of divine Things, Aug. 24. Spent the Forenoon in dilcourfing to lom« of the hidians^ in order to their re-, E 2 ceiving 3^ Divine Grace difplafd Y ceiving the Ordinance of Baptifm. When I had ^ open'd the nature of the Ordinance, the obliga- tions attending it, the Duty of devoting ourfeives" t to God in it, 6c thePriviledge oihciu^ in Covenant f with him, fundry of them feem'd to be fill'd with I Love to God, and delighted with the Thoughts ! of giving up themfelvcs to him In that folemn and publick Manner, melted and refrefhed with I the Hopes of enjoying the Bltffed Redeemer. Afterwards I dilcours'd publickly from i Thef» iv. 13, 17. There was* a folemn Attention, and fome vifible Concern and AfFedlion in the Time i of publick Service, which was afterwards increaf- "■ cd by fome further Exhortation given them to come to Chrifl, and give up their Hearts to him, that they might be fitted to ale end up and meet him in the Air, when he fhall defcend with a K^hout^ and the Voice of the Archangel, There were feveral Indians newly come, who thought their State good, and themfelves happy, . becaufe they had fometimes liv'd with the white People under Gofpel- Light, had learn 'd to read, v/ere civil, ^c. although they appear'd utter Strang^s to their own Hearts , and altogether j unacquainted with the Power of Relisjion, as well > as with the DoBrines of Grace, With thofe I difcours'd particularly after publick Worfhip, and was furprized to fee their fclf-righteousDifpofition, j their flrong Attachment to the Covenant of Works for Salvation, and the high Value they put upon .eir fuppos'd Attainments. Yet alter much dif- courle among the Indians. 37 courfe, one appear'd in a Meafure convinc'd that by the Deeds of the Law nojiefh living floould be juftijiedy and wept bitterly, enquiring, what he mull do to be faved ? This was very comfortable to others, who had gain'd fome experimental Acquaintance with their own Hearts ; for before they v/ere griev'd with the Converfation and Condu I call'd the baptized Perfons together, and difcourf^ ed to them in particular, at the fame Time in« viting others to attend, minded them of the fo- lemn Obligations they were now under to Hve to God, warn'd them ot the Evil and dreadful Conlequences of carelefs living, efpecially after this publick ProfefTion of Chriftianity j gave them Diredlions for their future Conduct, and encou- raged them to Watchfulnefs and Devotion, by fetting before them the Comfort and happy Con- clufion of a religious Life. This was a defira- ble and fweet Sealbn indeed ! Their Hearts were engag'd and chearful in Duty, and they rejoyc'd that they had in a publick and Iblemn Manner de- dicated themfelves to God.— Love feem'd to reign among them ! They took each other by the Hand with Tendernefs and Affecftion, as if their Hearts were knit together, while I was difcourf- ing to them : And all their Deportment toward each other was fuch, that a ferious SpeBator might juflly be excited to cry out with Admira^ tion. Behold how they /cue one another 1 Sundry of the other Indians at feeing and hearing thele Things, were much affedled and wept bitterly, longing to be partakers of the fame Joy and Comfort that thefe diicover'd by their very Coun- tenances as well as Condud:. Aug. among thi Indians. 39 Aug. 26. Preach'd to my People from 'John vi. fi, — 5^. After I had dilcours'd fome time, 1 addreis'd thofe in particular who entertain'd Hopes that they were palsd from Death to Life, Opened to them the perfevering Nature of thofe Confolations Chrift gives his People, and which 1 trufted he had beftow'd upon fome in that Af- fembly, fhew'd them that fuch have already the Beginnings of eternal Lije^ {Ver. ^4.) and that their Heaven fhall fpeedily be compleated, ^c, I no fooncr began to difcourfe in this Strain, but the dear Chri/iians in the Congregation began to be melted with Affedion to, and delire of the Enjoyment of Chrift, and of a State of perfecft Purity. They wept af^edlionately and yet joyful- ly, and their Tears and Sobs difcover'd Brokenefs of Heart, and yet were attended with real Com- Jort and Sweetnefs^ (o that this was a tender, af- fedlionate, humble delightful Melting, and ap- pear'd to be the genuine Effed: of a Spirit oj A- doption^ and very far from that Spirit of Bondage that they not long fince laboured under* The Influence feem'd to fpread from thefe .through the whole Aflembly, and there quickly appear'd a wonderful Concern among them. Many who. had not yet found Chrift as an all-fufHcient Savi- our, were furprizingly cngag'd in feeking after him. It was indeed a lovely and very delirable Aflembly. Their Number was now about Ninety Five Perfons, old and young, and almoft all af- feaed 40 Divine Grace Dijplay'd fej.i rrtc) with a powerful Influence upon thofe who were yet under Concern, as well as thofe that had rcceiv'd Comfort. There were, I truft, this Day two diflrefft^d Souls brought to th€ Enjoyment of folid Comfort m him, in whom the weary find reft. It was likewife remarkable that this Day an t}ld Indian^ who has all his Days been an obftiniite Idolater^ waS brought to give up his Rattles (which they ufe for Mufick in their idolatrous Fcufts and Dances) to the other Indians^ who quickly de- ftroyed them, and this without any Attempt of mine in the Affair, I having faid nothing to him about it, {o that it leem'd 'twas nothing but.jufl the Power of God's Word, without any particular Application to this Sin, that produced this Eff^d:^ Thus God has begun, thus he has hitherto lur- prizingly carryed on a Work of Grace amono;!! thefe Indians. May theGlory be aicribed to him, who is the folc Author of it. Forks of Delaware in Pennfylvania, 1745. Lord's Day,' September i. Preach to the Z;?- dianshtrtivoxn Lukex'iV. 16 23. The Word ^ppeat'd to be attended with fome Power, and caus'd fome Tears in the Aflcmbly. Afterwards prcach'd to a Numbei* of white People prefent, and obfeiv'd many of them in Tears, and Ibme who had fortticrly been as care- F M5 4* Divim Grace difflafd lefs, and unconcern 'd about Religion perhaps as the Indians. Towards Night difcours'd to the Indians a- gain, and perceiv'd a greater Attention, and more vifible Concern among them than has been u- fual in thefe Tarts, Sep, 3. PreachM to the Indians from Ifaiah liii. 3 , — 6. The divine Prefence feemed to be in the midft of the AlTembly, and a conliderableConcern fpread amongft them. Sundry Perfons feemed to be awakened, amongft whom were two ftupid Creatures that I could fcarce ever before keep awake while I was difcourfing to them. Could not but rejoyce at this Appearance of Things, altho' at the fame Time I could not but fear left the Concern they at prefent manifefted, might prove like a Morning Cloudy as fomething of that Nature had formerly done in thefe Parts. Sep. 5. Difcourfed to the Indians from the Parable of the Sowsr^ afterwards conversed par- ticularly with fundry Perfons, which occafion'd them to weep, and even to cry out in an af- feding Manner, and feiz'd others with Surprize and Concern ; and I doubt not but that a divine Power accompanied what was then fpoken. Sundry of thefe ?erfons had been with me to Crofweekpmgy and had there feen, and fome of them, I truft, felt the Power of God's Word in an effMual and faving Manner. I ask'd one of them, who had obtained Comfort , and given hopeful Evidences of being truly religious, why he among the Indians. 43 he now cry'd ? He reply'd, ^%en he thought how Chrijl was Jain like a Lamb^ and jplt his Blood for dinners, hd could not helf crymg^ when he was all alone. And thereupon burlt out into Tears and Cries again. I then ask'd his Wife^ who had hkewife been abundantly comforted, (wherefore Ihe cry'd) fhe anfwered. She was griev'dthat ^^^Indians hdre would not come toChnfi as well as thofe at Crofweekfung. I ask'd her if (he found a Heart to pray for them, and whe- ther Chrift had feem*d to be near to her of late in Prayer, as in time paft, (which is my ufual Method of expreffing a Senfc of the divine Pre- fence.) She replyed, 7es, he had been near to her^ and that at fome Times when Jhe had be^n fraying alone ^ hr Heart lov'd to fray fo^ that Jhe could not bear to leave the Tlace^ but wanted to fiay and fray bnger^ Seft. 7. Preached to the Indians from John vi. 35, — 3 p. There was not fo much Appear- ance of concern among them as at feveral other Times of late j yet they appear'd ferious and attentive. Iord's-Day, Sjft, 8. Difcourfed to the Indians in the Forenoon from John 12. 44. 50, In the Afternoon from Acts ii. 3<^, — ^39. The Word of God at this Time feem'd to fall with Weigh and Influence upon them. There were but few prefent, but moft that were, were in Tears, and f mdry cryed out under diHrefling Concern for their Souls. t' 2 There 44 Dmne Grace difflafd There ^vas one Man confiderably awakened, who never before difcover'd any Conceln for his Soul. There appeared a remarkable Work oS^^ the divine Spirit among them, alnioft generally:^^^ a not unlike what has been pf late at Crojweekjmgi '^^, It feem'd as if the divine Influence had fpread from thence to this Place • altho lomething of it appear 'd hpre in the awakening of my hter^ fntcr^ his fVife^ and fome few others, "Sundry of the carelefs white People now pre- fent were awakened, (or at Icait ftartled) lee-^ ing the Power ot God lb prevalent among the Indians. I then made a particular Addrefs to them, which feem'd to make fome ImprelTion Vpon them, and excite fome AfFeclion in them. There are fundry Indians in thefe Parts who bave always refufcd to hear me prcach,and have been enraged againft thofe that have attended niy preaching. But of late they are rnore bit- ter than ever, fcofiing atChriltianity, and fome- times asking my Hearers, How often they have i'rkd? And whether th-y han't now cry' d enough to do the Tuniy 5Cc. ? So that they have already Tiyal of cruel Mocktngs, Sep. g. Left the Indian^ in the Forks of Delaware^ and fet out on a Journey towards Suftjtiehannah-River^ directing my Courfe to- wards the Indmn-Tcwn more than an Hundred and Twenty Miles Weft-ward from the Forks, Travel'd about Fifteen Miles and there lodg'd. Sjp. 13. After having lodg'd out three Nights, ammg the Indians. 45 Nights, arrived at the Indian-Town I aim'd at on Sujquchanuah^ c2lVd Shanmoking^ (one of the Places, and the krgeft of them, that I vilited ■^^ttin May laH") and was kindly receiv'd and enter- '"'*•'" tain'd by the Indians : But had little Satisfacti- on by reafon of the hcatheniJJo Dance and Revel they then held in the Houfe where I was o- blig'd to lodge, which I could not fupprefs, tho' I often entreated them to defift, for the fake of one of their own Friends who was then lick in the Houfe, and whole Diforders was much aggravated by the Noife.— Alas ! how deftitute of natural Afection are thefe poor un- cultivated Pagans ? altho' they fecm fomcwhat kind in their own Way. Of a Truth, the dark Corners of ths Earth are full oj the Habitations of Crueltjk This To'iuii (as I obferv'd in my Journal of May laft) lies partly on the Eaji-Mc of the River, partly on the f'f^eff^ and partly on a large Ifland in it, and contains upwards of Fifty Houfes, and (they tell me) near Thr^^e Hundred Perfons, tho' I never faw much more than Half that Number in it ; but of three different Tribes of Indians^ fpeaking three Languages wholly unintelligible to each other. About one Half of its Inhabitants 2iXQ Delawares^ the o- thers call'd Stnakas^ and Tutelas, The Indians of this Place are counted the moft drunken, mifchievous, and ruffainly Fellows of any iii thefe 4^ Divine Grace dtj^lafd thefe Parts : And Satan feems to have his Seat in this I'o'jvn in an eminent Manner. Sjp. 14. Vifited the Ddaware King, (who/^ was luppos'd to be at the Point of Death whep I was here in M.^ laft, but was now recover'd) and difcourl'ed with him and others refpe6^ing Chriftianity, and fpent the Afternoon with them, and had more encouragement than I ex- ( peded. The King appeared kindly difpofed, ( and willing to be inftrudcd : This gave me fome » Encouragement that God would open an ^tc- tual Dwr for mv preaching the Gofpcl here, and fet up h-s Kingdom in this Place. Which was a Support and Refrefhment to me in the Wildernefs, and render'd my Solitary Circum- ftances comfortable and pleafant. Lord's-Day, Sep. 15. Vifited the Chief oi the Delawares again, was kindly received by him, and difcourfed to the Indians in the Af- ternoon, ftill entertain'd Hopes that God would open their Hearts to receive the Gofpel, tho* many of them in the Place, were fo drunk from Day to Day, that I could get no Opportunity \ to fpeak to them. Towards Night dilcourfed ' with one that underftood the Languages of the Six'NMions^ (as they are ufually call'd) who difcovered an Inclination to hearken to Chrifti- I canity, which gave me fome Hopes that the Gof- * pel might hereafter be fent to thofe Nations far remote. Se^. among the Indians* 47 &pt» 16. Spent the Forenoon with the 7«i/- ans^ endeavouring to inftrud them from Hoiife to Houfe, and to engage them, as far as I could, to be friendly to Ghriftianity. Towards Night went to one part of the Town where they were Sob.r^ and got together near Fifty Perfons of them, and difcourfed to them, having firft obtained the King's cLarful Confent. There was a fjrprizing Attention among them, and they manifefted a confiderablc Defire of being further Inftriided. There was alio one or two that feem'd to be touched with fome Concern for their Souls, who appeared well pleafed with fome Converfation in private, after I had concluded my publick Difcourfe to them. My Spirits were much refrefhed with this Appearance of Things, and I could not but re- turn with my Jnterfreter (having no other Com^ f anion in this Journey) to my poor hard Lodg- ings, rejoycing in Hopes that God defigned to fet up his Kingdom here, where Satan now reigns in the molt eminent Manner : And found uncommon Freedom in addreffing the Throne of Grace for the Accomplifhment of fo great and glorious a Work. Seft. 17. Spent the Forenoon in vifiting and difcourfing to the hu&ans. About Noon left Shaimoking^ (moft of the Indians going out this Day on their hunting Defign) and travel'd down the River South-weft warX Sep, 48 Divine Grace difflay'd Sept. I p. Vifited an Indimt Town call'd Ju-^ neauta^ lituate on an Ifland in Sufquehajmah', Was much difcourag'd with the Temper and Behaviour of the hidtans here, altho' they ap- peared Friendly when 1 was with them the laft Spring, and then gave me Encouragement to come and fee them again : But they now feem'd refolved to retain their ^^^^^^Notions, and per- fifl: in their idolatrous Pradices. Sep 20. Vifited the Indians again at JunemUa Ifland, and found them almoft univerfally very bufy in making Preparations for a great Sacrifice and Dance. Had noOppoitunity to get them to- gether in order to ditcourfe with them about Chriftianity, by reafon of their being fo much engaged about their Sacrifice. My Spirits were much funk with a Profped fo very difcouraging, and efpecially feeing I had now no Interpreter but a Tagdn^ who was as much attach'd to Idolatry as any of them, (my own Interpreter having left me the Day before, being oblig'd to attend up- on fome important Bufinefs otherwhere, and knowing that he could neither fpeak nor un- derftand the Language of thefe Indians) fo that I was under the greateft Difadvantages imagina- ble ; however I attempted to difcourfe private- ly with fome of them, but without any Ap- pearance of Succefs : Notwithltanding I ftill tarried with them. In the Evening they met together, near a Hundred of them, and danced round a large Fire, Fife, having prepar'd ten fat Deer for the 6^;/' cr/Jice. The Fat of whofe Inwards they burnt in the Fire while they were dancing, and Ibme- times rais'd the Flame to a prodigious Height, at the fame Time yelling and fhbuting in luch a Manner, that they might eafily have been heard Two Miles or more. They continued th^W /acrej Dance all Nighty or near the Matter ^ after which they ate the FLJh of the Sacrifice^ and fo retired each oile to his Lodging. I enjoy'd little Satisfaction, this Nighty being entirely alone on the Ifland, (as to any Chrijttan Company) and in the midft of this 'idoLit/'oiis Revel; and having walk'd to and fro *tiU Bo 'y and Mind were pain*d and much opprefs'd, I at length crept into a little Grib made for Cornj and there flept on the Poles. Lord's Day, Sep, ai. Spent the Day with the Indians on the Ij/and, As foon as they were well up in the Morning, I attempted to inftruci them, and laboured for thatPurpofe to get them together, but quickly found they had fomething elfe to do ; for niear Noon they gathered toge- ther all their Towwows (or Conjurers) and fet about half a Dozen of them to playing their juggling Tricks, and acting their frantick dil- traded, Poftures, in order to find out why they, were thenfo fickly upon the Ifland, numbers of them being at that Time difordered w ith a Fe^ ver^ and bloody Flux, la this Exercife they G were 50 Divine Grace difflayd were engaged for feveral Hours, making all the wild ridiculous and diftraded Ivlotions imagina- ble ; fometimes finging, fometimes howling, fometimes extending their Hands to the utmoft Stretch, fpreading all their Fingers, and feemed to pufh with them, as if they defigned to fright fomething away, or, at leaft, keep it off at Arms end ; fomtimes ftroking their Faces with their Hands, then fpurting Water as fine as Mill \ fometimes fetting flat on the Earth, then bowing down their Faces to the Ground j wringing their Sides, as if in Pain and Anguilh ; twifting their Faces, turning up their Eyes, grunting, puffing, ^c. Their monftrous Adions tended to excite I- deas of Horror, and feem'd to have fomething in them fas I thought) peculiarly fuited to raife theDevil,if he could be rais'd by any thing odd, ridiculous and frightful. Some of them I could obferve, were much more fervent and de- vout in the Bufinefs than others, and feem'd to cha7ity feep and mutter with a great Degree of Warmth and Vigour, as if determined to awa- ken and engage the Powers below. I fat at a fiiiall Diftance, not more than Thirty Feet from them, (tho* undifcoverV) with my Bible in my Hand, refolving if pollible to fpoil their Sport, and prevent their receiving any Anfwers from the infernal World, and there view'd the whole Scene. They continued their heideous Charms and Incantations for more than three Hours among the Indians* 51 Hours, until they had all wearied themfelves out, altho' they had in that Space of Time ta- ken fundry Intervals of Reft, and at length broke up, I apprehended, without receiving any Anfwer at all. After they had done Tow7Z'owing^ I attempt- ed to difcourD with them about Chriftianity ^ but they foon fcatter'd, and gave me no Op- portunity for any Thing of that Nature. A View of thefe Things, while I was entirely a- lone in the Wilclernefs, deftitute of the Society of hny One that fo much as named the Name of Chrijl^ greatly funk my Spirits, gave me the moft gloomy Turn of Mind imaginable, almoft Itripp'd me of all Refolution and Hope refned- ing further Attempts for propagating the Gof- pel, and converting ihcTagans^ and rendered this the moft burdenfom and difagreeable Sabbath that ever I law. But nothingj I can truly fay, funk and diftrels'd me like the Lofs of my Hope refpecling th-ir ConvJi^Jlon. This Concern a]^- pcar'd fo great, and feem'd to be fo much my o'jim^ that I feem'd to have nothing to co cr\ Earthy if this fail'd : And a Profpft of the greai- eft Succefs in the favingConverfion of Souls un- der Gofpel LigJt^ would have done little cr nothing towards compenfating for the I ofs of my Hope in this Reiped \ and my Spirits now were fo damp'd and deprefs'd, that I had no Heart nor Power to make any furtherAttcmpts among them for that Purpofc, and could not G 2 , f oiTibiy 52 Divine Grace dij^lay'd poiTibly recover'my Hope, Refolution andCou- fage, by the utmoft of my Endeavours. The hmans of this Jjiand can many of them underftand the Englijh Language confiderably well, having formerly liv'd in lome Part of Ma-* ryland ■Simony or near the wbiU' People, but are very vicious,drunken and prophane, altho' not fo lavage as thoi^ who have iefsAcquaintance with the L^ngi^Jh. Their Cuftoms in divers Refpecis, differ from thofe of other Lidians upon this Ri- ver. They tont bury their Dead in a common Form, but Itt their Flefh confume above Ground in'clofe Cribs ma^e for that Purpofe, and at the End of a Year, or perhaf)s fometimes a longer Space of Time, they take the Bones, when the Flefh is all confum'd, and wafh and fcrape them, and afterwards bury them with fome Ceremony. — Their Method of charming or conjuring over the Sick, feems fomewhat different from th^t of other Indians^ tho' for Subltance the fame : And the whole of it, a- mong thefe and others, perhaps is an Imitation of what feems, by Naamans^ Expreffion, (2 Kings V. II.) to have been the Cuftom of the finticnt Heathens, For it feems chiefly to confift in xhoAX finking the'tr Ha7tds over the Djfiea\ed^ re- peatedly Uroaking of them, and calling npn their Godsy excepting the fpurtiug of Water like a Mif*-, and fome other frantick Ceremo- nies common to the other Conjuratiofts^ I have "Iready mentioned. , * When amng the ISBi A'SSy ^^ When I was in thefe Parts Iij May laft, T had tin Opportunity of learning many of the Noti-* ons and Cuftoms of the Indians^ as well as of obierving many of their Pradices : I then tra- velling more than an Hundred and thirty Miles upon the River above the Englijh Settlements ; and having in that Journey aView of fome Per- fons of jeve7i or eight diftind Tribes, fpeaking fo many different Languages. But of all the Sights I ever faw among them, or indeed any where elfe, none appear'd fo frightful or fo near a kin to, what is ufually imagined, of infernal Powers • none ever excited fuch Images of Ter- ror in my Mind, as the Appearance of one who was a devout and zealous Reformer, or rather reftorer, of what he fuppbs'd was the ancient Religion of the Indians, He made his Appear- in hhj^ontificial Garb^ which was a Coat oi Bears SkinSy drefs'd with the Hair on, and hanging down to his Toes, a Pair of Bear-Skin Stock- ings, and a great Wooden Face, painted the one Half black, the other tauny, about the Colour of an Indians Skin, with an extravagant Mouth, cut very much a-wry ^ the Face fattened to ia Bear Skin Cap, which was drawn over his Head. He advanc'd toward me with the In-^ ilrument in his Hand that he us'd for Mufick in his idolatrous Worjhij^^ v/hich was a dry Tortoife^ Shelly with fome Corn in it, and the Neck of it drawn on to a Piece of Wood, which n?ade a very convenient Handle. As he came forward, he 54 Divine Grace difflay'd he beat his Tunc with the Rattle^ and danced with all his Might, but did not IbfFer any Part of his Body, not lo much as his Fingers, to be feen : And no Man would have guels'd by his Appearance, and Actions, that he could have been a human Creature, if they had not had fomc Intimation of it otherways. When he came near me, I could not but Ihrink away from him, altho* it was then Noon-day, and I knew who it was, his Appearance and Geftures were fo proc^igioufly frightful ! He had a Houfe con- fecrated to religious Ufes, with divers Images cut out upon the feveral Parts of it j I went in and found the Ground beat almofl as hard as a Rock with their frequent dancing in it.— I dif- cours'd with him abuut Chriftianity, and fome of my Dilcourfe he feem'd to like, but fome of it he diflik'd entirely. He told me that God had taught him his Religion, and that he never would turn from it, but wanted to find fome that would join heartily with him in it ; for the Indtans^ he faid, were grown very de- generate and corrupt. He had thoughts, he faid, of leaving all his Friends, and travelling abroad, in order to find fome that would join with him, for he believ'd God had fome Good People fome where that felt as he did. He had not always, he faid, felt as he now did, but hzd Jormcrly been like the reft of the Indianr; until about four or five Years before thatTime : Then, he faid. his Heart was very much dif- trefs'd atnong f ^^ I n d i a ns . 55 trefs'd, fo that he could not live among the In* diansy but got away into the Woods and liv'd alone for fome Months. At length, he fays, God comforted his Heart, and fhovv'd him what he fliould do , and fince that Time he had known God, and tried to ferve him , and loved all Men, be they who they would, fo as he never did before. — H2 treated me with uncommon Cour- tefy, and feemed to be hearty in it.- -And I was told by the Indians that he oppos'd their drinking Strong- Liquor with all his Power; and if at any Time he could not diflaadc them from it, by all he could fay, he would leave them and go crying into the Woods. It was manifeft he had a Set of religious Notions that he had look'd into for h'tmfdf\ and not taken {01 grant- ed upon bare Tradition , and he relilh*d or dif- relifh'd whatever was fpoken of a religious Na- ture, according as it either agreed or difagreed with his Standard, And while I was difcourf- ing he would fometimes fay, Njw that I like : So God has taught mey 6Cc. And fome of his Sentiments feem'd very juft. Yet he utterly deny'd the Being of a DMl^ and declared there was no fuch a Creature known among the Indians of old Times, whofe Religion he fuppos'd he was attempting to revive. He likewife told me, that departed Souls all went Southward^ and that the Difference be- tween the Good and Bid was this. That the jorrmr were admitted into a beautiful Town with ^6 Divine Gkkce difflc^'d with ffiritua/ W^lls^ or Walls agreeable to the Nature of Souls ; and that the latter would for ever hover round thoie Walls, and in vain at- tempt to get in. He leemM to be finccrc, ho- ne ft, and confciencious in his own fVay^ and ac- cording to his own religious Notions,^ which was more than I ever faw in any other Tagan : And I perceiv'd he was look'd upon, and derid- ed amongft moft of the Indians as a frecife Zea- lot^ that made a needlefs Noife about religious Matters. But I muft fay, there was fomething in his Temper and Difpofition that looked more like true Religion than any Thing I ever ob- ferved amonglt other Heathens. But alas ! how deplorable is the State of the Indians upon this Riv'er ! The brief Reprefenta- tion I have here given of their Notions and Manners, is fufficient to Ihew that they are led caj/tive by Satan at his Willy in tlie moft emi- nent Manner : And, methinks, might likewife be fufficient to excite the Compallion, and en- gage the Prayers of pious Souls for thefe their Fellow-Men, who fit in the Regions of the Sha^ dow of Death \ Sep. 11. Made fome further Attempts to inftruA and chriftianize the Indians on thislfland, but all to no Purpofe. They live fo near the white People, that they are always in the Way of Strong-Liquor, as well as the ill Examples of J207i2inal Chrtjiians , which renders it fo un- fpeakably among the Indians; 57 unfpeakably Difficult to treat with them about Chriftianity. Forks of Delaware^ 1 745. OBober i. Difcourfed to the Indians here, and fpent Ibme Time in private Conferences with them about their Soul's Concerns, and af- terwards invited them to accompany, or if not, to follow me down to Crofweekfung as foon as their Conveniency -would admit j which Invi- tation fundry of them chearfuUy accepted. Crojweekfimg^ in Neiu-Jerfeyy 1745. Preached to my People from John xiv. i .—-6^ The divine Prefencc feemed to be in the Af-' fembly. Numbers were afFeded with divine Truths, and it was a Seafon of Comfort to fome in particular. O ! What a Difference is there between thefe and the Indians I had lately treated with upon Sufquehannah ! To be with thoCe feemed like being banilhed from God and all his People, to be with tht^fe like being admitted into his Family, and to the Enjoyment of his divine Prefence ! How great is the Change lately made upon Numbers of thefe Indians^ who not manjr Months ago were many of them as Thoughtlcfs, 4nd averfe to Chriftianity, as thofe upon Suf- H quehannai} I 53 Divine Grace difflayd quchannah ! And how aftonifhing is tl>at Grace that has made this Change I Lord's-Day, O^ob. 6. Preach'd in the Fore- noon from John x. 7,-1 1., There was a confi- derable melting among my People, the dear young ChrijUaits were refreih'd, comforted and ftrengthened, "and one or two Perfons newly- awakened. In the Afternoon I difcourfed on the Story of the Jaylor^ A6is xvi. and in the Evening expounded A5fs xx. i, — 12. There was at this Time a very agreeable Melting fpread thro' the whole AfTembly. I think I fcarce ever faw a more delirable AfFedion in any Number of Peo- ple in my Life. There was fcarce a dry Eye to be feen among them, and yet nothing boifierous or unfeemly^ nothing that tended to difturb the Publick Worfhip \ but rather to encourage and excite a Chriftian Ardour and Spirit of Devo- tion. Thofe who, I have realon to hope were fav- ingly* renewed, were firft affeded, and fcem'd to rejoyce much, but with Brokennefs of Spi- rit and godly Fear, their Exercifes were much the f ime with thofe mentioned in my Journal of Au'Tttfl 16. evidently appearing to be the genuine Effcd of a Sprit of Adoption, After Publick Service was over I withdrew, (being much tired with the Labours of the Day) and the Indians continued praying among themfelves for near Two Hours together, which continued among the Indians. 5^ continued Exercifes appear'd to be attended with a blefled quickning Influence froni on- High. ^ I could not but earneftly w'ifi that Numbers of God's People had been prefcnt at this Sea- fon, to lee and hear thefe Things which I'm fure mult refrelh the Heart of every true Lover of Zhn\ Intereft. To fee thofe, who very lately were favage Pagans and Idolators^ bau- ing no HoJ^e^ and ijv'ithoij God in the Worlds now fiii'd With a Senfe of divine Love and Grace, and worfniping the Father in Sprit and iuTrtth^ as Numbers here appear'd to do, was not a lit- tle affeding ! And efpecialiy to fee them ap- pear fo tender and humble, as well as livelv, fervent and devout in the divine Service O£ioh. 2.4. Difcourfed from John iv. 13,-14 There was a great Attention, a defirable Af - fedion, and an unaffeded Melting in the Af- fembly. — 'Tis furprizing to fee how eager they are of hearing the Word of God. I hive often-r times Thought they would chearfully an:*, dili-' ':^ntly attend divine Worfliip Twenty Four i^ours together, had they an Opportumty fo io do. ' O^ob. 15. Difcourfed to my People refpecl- ing the Refurre^ion^ from Luke xx. 27 j,6 And when I came to mention the BlciTednels the Godly fhall enjoy at that Seafon, their f nal Freedom from Death, Sin and Sorrow y their Equality to the Angels in regard of their Near- H 2 nefs ^o Dhhe Grace dif^lcvfd nefs tOj and Enjoyment of Chrift ; (fome im^ perfect Degree of which they are favoured with in the prelent Life, from whence fprings their fweeteft Comfort) and their being the Children , of God, openly acknowledged by H'lm as fuch: : I fay, when I mentioned thefe Things, Num- bers of them were much affeded, and melted with a View of this blefTed State. O^oi/, 16. Being calFd to affift in the Ad- I minifiration of the Lord's-Supper, in a neigh- bouring Congregation, I invited my People to [ go with me, who in general embraced the Op- r portLinity chearfully, and attended the fcveral ^ Difcourfes of that Solemnity with Diligence and Affedion, molJ of them now nndcrftand-^ ing fomething of the Englijh Language. Lord's-Day, OEioh. 27. While I was preach- ing to a vaft AfTembly of People abroad, who appeared generally eafy and lecurc enough, there was one Indian Woman, a Stranger, who never heard me preach before, nor ever regard- ed any Thing about Religion, (being now per- fuadcd by fome of her Friends to come to Meet- ing, tho' much againft her Will) was feiz'd with prefOng Concern for her Soul, and foon after exprefs'd a great Defire of going home (more thon Forty Miles diftant) to call her Husband^ that he aifo might be awakened to a Concern for his Soul. Some other of the Indians alfo appeared to be affeded with divine Truths this Day. The among the Indians. 6t The pious People of the Englijh (Numbers of whom I had Opportunity to converfe with) feem'd refrefhed with feeing the Indians wor- fhip God in that devout and folemn Manner with the AlTembly of his People : And with thofe mentioned ABs^ ii\. i8. they could not \t\\\, glorijy God ^ faying^ then hath God alfo to the Gentiles granted Repntance unto Life, -^ OBob. 28. Preached again to a great Aflem-. bly, at which Time fome of my People ap- peared affeded ^ and when publick Worlhip was over, were inquilitire whether there would not be another Sermon in the Evening, or before the facramejital Solemnity was concluded ; be- ing ftill defirous to hear God's Word. Crofweekfiingy O[iob. :j8 Difcouifed from Mat, xxii. i, — 13. I was enabled to open the Scripture, and adapt my Difconrfe and Expreffions to the Capacities of my People, / know not hoiD^ in a plain, eafy, and familiar Manner, beyond all that 1 could have done by the utmoft Study : And this, without any fp.cial Difficulty, with as much Freedom as if I had been addreffing a common Audience, who had been inftrutted in the Dodrine of Chriftianity all their Days. The Word of God at this Time feem'd to fall upon the AfTembly with a divine Power and Influence, elpecially toward the Clofe of my Difcourfe : There was both a fweet Melting and bitter Mourning in the Audience — The dea 6i Divine Grace dij^lafd dear Chriftians were refreftied and comforted — Convi6lions revived in others, and fundry Pcrfons newly awakened who had never been with us before, and fo much of the divine Prefence appeared in the Affembly, that it feem'd, this was no other than the Houje of Gody and the Gate oj Heaven, And all that had any Savour and Relifh of divine Things were even conftrained by the Sweetnefs of that Sca- fon to fay, Lord it is good for us to be here. If ever there was amongft my People an Appear- ance of the New- Jerufalem as a Bride a- dorned for her Husband^ there was much of it at this Time ^ and fo agreeable was the Enter-* tainmcnt where fuch Tokens of the divine Prefence were, that I* could fcarce be willing in the Evenning to leave the Place, and repair to \ my Lodgings. I was refrefhed with a View of ; the Continuance of this Bleffed Work of Grace among them, and its Influence upon Strangers of the Indians that had of late, from time to ) time, providen tally fallen into thefe Parts. Nov, I. Difcourfed from I. tike xxiv. briefly explaining the whole Chapter, and infilling ef- pecially upon fome particular Paflages. The Difcourfe was attended with fome affec- tionate Concern upon feme of the Hearers, tho* not equal to what has often appeared among them. Lord's-Day, Nov. 3. Preached to my Peo- ple from Luke xvi. 17, more^ efpecially for the fake of feveral lately brought under dcepCon- ^ cern Among the Indians. ^3 cern for their Souls. There was fome appa- rent Concern and AfFedion in the Aflcmbly, tho' far lefs than has been ufual of kte. Afterwards I baptized Fourteen Perlons of the Indians^ fix Adults and eight Children : One of thefe was near fourscore Years of Age, and I have reafon to hope God has brought her fav- ingly Home to himfelf : Two of the others were Men o^ Fifty Years old, who had been lin- gular and remarkable, even among the Indians^ for their Wickednefs, one of them had been a Murderer^ and both notorious Drunkards as well as exceflive Quareliom • but now I can't but hope both are become Subjeds of God's fpecial Grace, efpecially the woril of them ** I deferred their Baftijm for many Weeks after they had given Evidences of having pafs'd a great Change, that I might have more Oppor- tunities to obferve the Fruits of thofe Imprefli- ons they had been under, and apprehended the Way was novv clear : And there was not one of the Adults I baptized, but what had given me fome comfortable Grounds to hope, that God had wrought a Work of fpecial Grace in their Hearts • altho* I could not have the fame Degree of Satisfadion refpeding one or two of them, as the reft. Nov, 4. Difcourfed from John xi. briefly ex- plaining The Man particularly mentioned in my Journal of Jttgn^ lothf as being then a wakeued.' ^4 D'mne Grace df^lafd plaining moft of the Chapter. — Divine Truths inade deep Impreflions upon many in the Ai- fembly, numbers were affeded with a View of the Power of Chrifl-, manifefted in his raifing the Dead, and cfpecia ly when this Inftance of his Power was improved to fhew his Power and Ability to raife dead Souls (fuch as many of them then felt themfelves to be) to a fpiritual Life : As alfo to raife the Dead at the laft Day^ and difpence to them due Rewards and Punifh* ments. There were fundry of the Perfons lately come here from remote Places, that were no\t brought under deep and prefling Concern for their Souls, particularly one, who not long lince came half drunk, and rail'd on us, and at- tempted by all means to difturb us while en- gaged in the divine Worlhip, was now fo con- ccrn'd and diftrefs'd for her Soul, that fhe feem'd unable to get any eafe without an Inteteft in Chrift. There were many Tears arid affedio- nate Sobs and Groans in the AfTembly in gene- ral, fome weeping for themfelves, others for their Friends. And altho' Perfons are doubt- lefs much eafier affeded now, than they were in the Beginning of this religious Concern, when Tears and Cries for their Souls were Things unhear'd of among them, yet I mull fay, their Affeftion in general appear'd genuine and unje'tgned ; and efpecially this appear'd very confpicuous in thofe newly awakened. So that true among the Indians; 6^ true and geulne Convldtions of Sin, fcem flill to be begun and promoted in many Inftances. Baptized a Child this Day. and perceiv'd fun- dry of the baptized Perfons afFeded with the Adminiflration of this Ordinance, as being there- by minded of their own folemn Engagements. I have now baptized in all Forty S^ven Perfons of the Indians^ Twenty three Adults, and Twen* ty four Children. Thirty five ot them belonging to thefe Parts, and the reft to the Forks of Dela~ ware : And (thro' rich Grace) they have none of them as yet been left to dilgrace their Profefli- on of Chriftianity by any fcandalous or unbecom- ing Behaviour. I might now juftly make many Remarks on a Work of Grace lo very remarkable as this has been in diverle Refpecfts, but fliall confine myfelf to a few general Hints only. iji. 'Tis remarkable that God began this Work among the Indians at a Time when I had the leaft Hope, and (to my Apprehenfion) the leaft rational Profped: of feeing a Work of Grace pro- pagated amongft them. My bodily Strength be- ing then much wafted by a late tedious Journey to Sufquehannahy where I was neceffarily expos'd to Hardftiips and Fatigues among the Indians : My Mind being alfo exceedingly dcprefs'd with a View of the Unfuccefsfulnefs of my Labours, (fince I had little reafon fo much as to hope that God had made me Inftrumental of the faving Con- verfion of any of the Indians^ except my Inter- l fretcr 66 Divine Grac£ difplay'd prefer and his Wife) whence I was ready to look upon my felf as aBurden to iht Honour able Society, that employ'd and fupportcd me in this Bufinefs, and began to entertain ferious Thoughts of giving up my MiJJiofi 3 and ahnofi: refolv'd 1 would do fo, at the Concluiion of the prefent Year, if I had then no better Profpedt of fpecial Succefs in my Work than I had hitherto had, altho' I can't fay I entertained thefe Thoughts becaufe I was weary of the Labours and Fatigues that necefla- rily attended my prefent Buiinefs, or becaufe I had Light and Freedom in my own Mind to turn any other Way j but purely thro' Dejection of Spirit, prefling Difcouragement, and an Appre- henfion of its being unjuft to fpend Money con- fecrated to reiigious Ufes, only to civilize the In- dians^ and bring them to an external Profefiion of Chriftianity, which was all that I could then lee any Profped: of having effededj .while God feem'd (as I thought) evidently to frown upon the De- fign of their favingConverfion, by withholding the convincing and renewing Influences of hisbleiled Spirit from attending the Means I had hitherto us'd with thenri for that End. And in this Frame of Mind I firft vifited thefc Indians at Crofweekfung^ apprehending 'twas my indifpenfibie Duty (feeing I had heard there was a Number in thefe Parts) to make fome Attempts for their Converiion to God, tho' I can't fay, I'd any Hope of Succefs, my Spirits were now fo extreamly funk^ And I don't know that my ^opes among the Indians. -^ 6'j Hopes refpeding the Converfion of the Indians were ever reduc'd to lo low an Ebb, fince I had ^ny fpecial Concern for them, as at this Time. And yet this was the very Seafon that God law' fitteft to begin this glorious Work in ! And thus he ordained Strength out of Weaknejs^ by mak- ing bare his Almighty Arm at a Time whea all Hopes and human Probabilities moft evidently appear'd to fail.' >Wfjence I learn that tis good to follow the "Path of Duty^ tho' in the midjl of Ddrknefs and Difcouragetnent. zdly. 'Tis remarkable how God providentially, and in a Manner almoft unaccountable called thcle Indians together to be inftrud:ed in the great Things that concern'd their Souls ; and how he feized their Minds with the moft folemn and weighty Concern for their eternal Salvation as laft as they came to the Place where his V/ord • was preached. When I firfc came into theie Parts in June^ I found not one Man at the Place I vifited, but only four Women and a few Children : But before I had been here many Days they gathered from all Quarters, fome from more than Twenty Miles diftant, and when I made therri a fecond Vifit in the Beginning of Auguft^ iome came more than Forty Miles to hear me. And many came without any Intelligence of what was going on here, and confequently without any Defign of theirs^ fo much as to gratify their Curiofity j fo that it feem'd as ifGod had fummon- cd them together . from all Quarters for nothing I 3 elfe 68 Divine Grace difplafd elfe but to deliver his MefTage to them, and that he did this (with regard to feme of them) with- out making Ufe of any human Means j altho' there was Pains taken by fome of them to give Notice to others at remote Places. Nor is it lefs furprizing that they were one af- ter another affeded with a folemn Concern for their Souls, almoft as^ foon 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 publick Worfhip, was like Saul and his MeJJengers coming among the Prophets : They no Iboncr came but they prophefied j and thefe were almofl: as foon affeded with a Senie of their Sin and Mifery, and with an earneft con- cern for Deliverance, as they made their Appear- ance in our Aflembly. — After this Work of Grace began with Power among them, 'twas common for Strangers of the Indians ^ before they had been with us one Day, to be much awakened, deeply convinced of their Sin and Mifery, and to enquire with great Solicitude, ^hat tbey JbcuU do to be faved ^ "^dly. 'Tis like wife remarkable how God pre- ferved thefe poor ignorant Indians from being pre- jadiced againft me, and the Truths I taught them, by thofe Me^ns that were ufed with them for that Purpofe by ungodly People. There were many Attempts made by fome ill-minded Perfons of 'the 'wkite People to prejudice them againfl or fright ^hem from Chriflianity. They lometimes told among the Indians. 69 told them. The Indians were well enough on't already : — That there was no need of all this Noife about Chriftianity : — That if they were Chrijiians they would be in no better, no fafer, or happier State, than they were already in, (iff. Sometimes they told them, That I was a Knave ^ a Deceiver ^ and the like : That I diily taught them a Company of Lies, and had no o- ther Defign but to impofe upon them, &c. And when none of thefe and fuch like Suggefti- ens would avail to their Purpofe, they then tried another Expedient, and told the Indians ^ " My Defign was to gather together as large a Body of them as I pofTible could, and then fell them toEng-^ land for Slaves." Than which nothing could be more likely to terrify the Indians^ they being na- turally of a jealous Difpofition, and the mofl ar verfe to a State of Servitude perhaps of any People living. But all thefe wicked Infinuations (thro' divine Goodnefs over-ruling) conftantly turned againfl the Authors of them, and only lerv'd to engage the Aftedlions of the Indians more firmly to me : For they being awaken'd to a folemn Concern for their Souls, could not but obferve that the Perfons who endeavour'd to imbitter their Minds againftjme were altogether unconcerned about their own Souls, and not only fo but vicious and pro- phane ; and thence could not but argue, that if they had no Cencern for their own, 'twas not likely they fhould have for the Souls of others. It 70 Divine Grace difplafd It feems yet the more wonderful that the Indi- am were preferved from once hearkening to thefe Suggeftions, in as much as I was an utter Stranger among them, and could give them no AfTurance of my fincere AfFedion to, and Con- cern for them, by any Thing that was paft, — while the Pcrfons that infinuated thefe Things were their old Acquaintance, who had had fre- quent Opportunities of gratifying their thirfly Appetites with ftrong Drink, and confequently, doubtlels, had the greatefl Intcreft in their Af- fedions. But from this Inftance of their Pre^ fervation from fatal Prejudices, I have had Oc- cafion with Admiration to fay, If God will Work^ voho can hinder or rejiji ? 4?^/y, Nor is it lefs wonderful how God was pleafed to provide a Remedy for my want of Skill and Freedom in the Indian Language, by remark- ably fitting my Interpreter for, and aflifting him in the Performance of his Work. It might rea- fonably be fuppos'd I mufh needs labour under a vafl Difadvantage in addrefUng the Indians by an Interpreter, and that divine Truths would una- voidably loole much of the Energy and Pathos with which they might at firfl be delivered, by rea- fon b^ their coming to the Audience from a jecond Hand, But altho' this has often (to my Sorrow and Difccuragement) been the Cafe , in Times paft, when my Interpreter had little or no Senfe of divine Things, yet now it was quite othcrwile. I can't think my Addrefles to the Indians ordir narily among the Indians. yi narily fince the Beginning of this Seafon of Grace, have loft any Thing of the Power or Pungency with which they were made, unlefs it were fome- times for want of pertinent and pathetick Terms and ExprefTions in the Indian Language j which Difficulty could not have been much redrels'd by my perfonal Acquaintance with their Language, yi^ Interpreter had before gained fome goodDegree of doBrinal Knowledge, whereby he was render- ed capable of underftanding and communicating, without miftakes, the Intent and Meaning of my Difcourfes, and that without being con^ntdJiriSlly and oblig'd to interpret verbatim. He had like- wife, to appearance, an experimental Acquaint- ance with divine Things, and it pleafed God at this Seafon to infpire his Mind with longing De- iires for the Converfion of the Indians^ and to give him admirable Zeal and Fervency in ad- dreffing them in order thereto. And tis remark- able that when I was favoured with any fpecial jifjiftance in any Work, and enabled to fpeak with more than common Freedom^ Ferveiicy and Pow- er^ under a lively and affeSiing Senfe of divine Things, he was ufually affedted in the fame Majt^ ner almoft inftantly, and feem'd at once quicken- ed and enabled to fpeak in the fame pathetick Language, and under the fame Influence that I did. And a furprizing Energy often accompa- nied the Word at fuch Seafons, fo that the Face of the whole Aflembly would be apparently chang'd 72 t)ivine Grace dilplafa chang'd almoft in an inftant, and Tears and Sobi became common among them. He alfo appeared to have fuch a clear dodtrinal View of God's ufual Methods of dealing with Souls under a preparatory Work of ConviSiion and Humiliation as he never had before, fo that I could, with his help, dilcourfe freely with the diftrefled Perfons about their internal Exercifes, their Fears, Difcouragements, Temptations, ^c. He like wife took Pains Day and Night to re- peat and inculate upon the Minds of the Indians the Truths I taught them daily, and this he ap- peared to do not from fpiritual Pride, and an Af- fed:ation of fetting himfelf up as 2i publickTeacher -^ hut from a Spirit of Faithfulnefs, and an honeil Concern for their Souls. His Converfation among the Indians has like- wife (fo far as I know) been Savory, as becomes a Chriftian, and a Perfon employed in his Work; and I may juftly fay, he has been a great Comfort to me, and a great Inflrument of promoting this good Work among the Indians : So .that what- ever be the State of his own Soul, 'tis apparent God has remarkably fitted him for this Work. And thus God has manifefted that, without be- ilowing 6n me the Gift of Tongues^ he could find a Way wherein I might be as effedlually ena- bled to convey the Truths of his glorious Gofpel to the Minds of thefe poor benighted Pagans, ^thly. 'Tis further remarkable that God has carried on his Work here by fuch Means ^ and in fuck among the Indians, 73 fiich a Manner as tended to obviate, and leave no room for thofe Prejudices and Objedions that have pften been railed againft fuch a Work. When Perfons have been awakened to a folerhn Concern for their Souls, by hearing the more awful Truths of God's Word, and the Terrors of the divine Law infifted upon, it has ufually in fuch Cafes been objedted by fome, that fuch Peribns were only frighted with a fear Jul Noife of Hell and Damnation j and, that there was nQ Evidence that their Concern was the Efttdt of a Divine Influence. But God has left no room for this Objedion in the prefent Cai'e, this Work of Grace having been begun and carried on, by al- moft one continued Strain of Gofpel-Invitation to periHiing Sinners, as may reafonably be guefs'd, from a View of the Pajj'ages of Scripture I chief- ly iniifted upon in my Difcourfes from Time to Time : Which I have for that Purpofe inferted in my 'Journal. Nor have I ever i'itzn fo general an awakening in any AfTembiy in my Life as appeared here, while I was opening and infifting upon the Para- ble ot the great Supper, Luke xiv. In which Difcourfe I was enabled to fet before my Hearers the unfearchable Riches of Gofpel Grace. ^y. Not that I would be underftood here, that I ne-"* ver inftruded the Indians refpeding their fallen State, and the Sinfulnefs and Milery of it : For this was what I at firft chiefly infifled upon with them, and endeavoured to repeat and inculcate in K aliiioil: 74 Dhine Grace dijphfd almoft every Difcourfe, knowing that without this Foundation I fhould but build upon the Sand i and that it would be in vain to invite them to ChriftjUnlefs I could convince them of their Need of him, Mark ii. 17. But ftill tliis great av/akening, this furprizing Concern was never excited by any Harrangues of Terror, but always appear'd moft remarkable when I infifted upon the Compojitiom of a dying Saviour, the plentiful Prc'vifio?is of the Gofpel, and the Jree Offers of divine Grace to needy diftre[fed Sinners. Nor would I be underftood to infinuate, that fuch a religious Concern might jujlly be fufpedted as not being genuine, and from a divine Influence, becaufe produc'd by the preaching of Terror : For this is perhaps God's more ufual Way of a- wakeningSinners, and appears intirely agreeable to Scripture and found Reafon. — But what I meant here to obferve is, that God faw fit to improve and blefs milder Means for the efFedual awaken- ing of thele Indians, and thereby obviated the forementicnsd Objection, which the World might otherwife have had a more plaiifMe Colour of making. And ds there has been no Room for any plauii- ble Objedlion againft this Wcrk, in regard of the Means, fo neither in regard of the Manner in which it has been carried on. — *Tis true, Perfons Concern for their Souls has been exceeding great, the Convidions of their Sin ai>d Mifery have ri- fen among the Indians. y^ fen to a high Degree, and produced many Tears, Cries and Groans : But then they have not been attended v/ith thofe Dilbrders, either bodily or mentaly-;tha^; have (ometimes prevailed among Perions under religious Impreffions. — There has here been no appearance of thofe Cowculfiom^ bo- dily Agonies^ frightful Screamingly Swoonings^ and the like, that have been fo much complained of in feme Pieces ; altho' there have been fome who, (with the Jayhr) have been made to tremble un- der a Senk of their Sin and Mifery Numbers who liave been made to cry out from a diftreiTing View of their perilling State— And feme that have been„ for a Time, in a great Meafure, de- priv'd of their bodily Strength, yet without any fuch convulfive Appearances. Nor has there been any Appearance of menial Diforders here, fuch as Vtjions, Trances^ Imagina- tions of being under prophetick Injpiration, and the like j or fcarce any unbecoming Difpofition to appear remarkably affected either with Con- cern or Joy, tho' I muft confefs, I oblerved one or two Perfoiis, whofe Concern, I thought, was in a confiderable Meafure afFeded j and one whofe Joy appeared to be of the fame Kind. But thefe Workings of fpiritual Pride^ I endeavoured to crufh in their firft Appearances, and have not fince obferved any Affedion either of Joy or Sor- row, but what appeared genuine and unctffe&ed. But, K 2 6%. 76 Divine Grace difpkfd I bthly. And \My, The EffeBs of this Wolt have likewife been vcrv remarkable. I doubt not but that many of theie People have gain'd more dpBrinal Knowledge of divineTruths, fince I firft viHted them in ^une laft, than could have been inftill'd into their Minds by the moft diligent Ufe cf proper and inftrudive Means for whole Tears together^ without fuch a divine Influence. Their Fagan Notions and idolatrous Practices feem to be entirely abandoned in thefc Parts. They are regulated, and appear regularly difpofed in the Affairs of Marriage^ an Inftance whereof I have given in my jDurnal of Aug, 14. They feem . generally divorc'd from DruiikenneJSy their darl- ■ ing Vice, and the Sin that ea/ily befets them : So ;' that I dont know of more than two or three who j have been my fteady Hearers, that have drank ■ to exceis iince I firft vifited them, altho' before it was common for fome or other of them to be drunk almoft: every Day : And fome o( them feem now to fear this Sin in particular more than I Death itfelf. A Principle of Honefty and JuAicc j appears in many of them, and they feem con- / cern'd to difcharge their old DebtSj which they ;: have neglecled, and, perhaps, fcarce thought of i for Years paft. Their Manner of living is much more decent and comfortable than formerly, hav- ' ing now the Benefit of that Money which they ■ ufed to confume upon Strong Drink. Love (cems ., to reign among them, especially thofe who have [ given Evidencies of having pafs'd a favingChange : And ^mong the Indians, yy And 1 never favv any appearance of Bitternefs or Cenfor-icufnefs in thefe, nor any Difpofition to ef- teem themjelves better than dtherSy who had not received the like Mercy. As their Sorrows under CojwiBions have been great and prefling, fo many of them have fince appear 'd to rejoyce with Joy unspeakable, and full c^ Glory : And y^t I never faw any Thing exta- tick or flighty in their Joy. Their Confolations don't incline them to Air and Lightnefs j but on the Contrary, are attended with Solemnity, and oftentimes withTV^rx, and an apparent 5r(5^^;?»f/} of Heart, as may be feen in feveral Pailages of my Journal : And in this Refpec!^ fome of them have been furprizcd at themlelves, and have with Concern obferv'd to me, that when their Hearts have been glad, (which is a Phrafe they com- monly make Ufe of to exprefs Ipiritual Joy) they could not help crying for all. And now upon the whole, I think, Imayjuftly iay, here are all the Symptoms and Evidences of a remarkable Work of Grace among thele Indians, that can reafonably be defir'd or look'd for. May the great Author of this Work maintain, and pro- mote the fame here, and propagate it every uiere, 'till the whole Earth be filtd with his Glory. Amen I have now rode more than Three Thousand Miles that I have kept an exad: Account of, fincc the Beginning of March laft, and almoil the whole of it has been in my own proper BuHnefs as 78 Divine Grace dijplafd as a MiJ/ionaryy upon the Defign (either imme- diately or more remotely) of propagating Chrifli- an Knowledge among the Indians. I , have taken Pains to look cut for a Colleague^ or Companion, to* travel with me j and have likewile us'd Endea- vours to procure iomething for his Support, among religious Perfons in New-Rngland, which coQi me a 'Journey of fevcral Hundred Miles in Length ; but have not as yet found any Perfon qualified and (iifpoled for this good Work, altho' I had fome Encouragement from Miniflers and others that 'twas hopeful a Maintenance might be pro- cured for one, when the Man fhould be found. I have likewife of late reprefented to the Gen- tlemen concern' d with this Mijjion, the Neceflity of having an EngliJJj- School fpeedily fet up among thefe Indians, who are now willing to be at the Pains of gathering together in a Body for this Purpofe. And in order hereto have humbly pro- pcs'd to them the CollecCting of Money for the Maintenance of a School-Majler, and defraying of other neceflary Charges in the Promotion of this good Work ; which they are now attempting in the feveral Congregations of Chriflians to whicli they refpedlively belong. The feveral Companies oi Indians I have preach- ed to in the Summer pafl, live at great Diftances from each other. 'Tis more than Seventy Miles from Crojweekfung in New-Jerfey, to the Forks of Delaware in Pennfyhania. And from thence to fundry of the Indian Settlements I vifited on Suf- qiiekannah^ among the Indian^. 79 quehannahy is more than an Hundred arfd Twenty Miles. And fo much of my Time is neceflarily confumed in Joumeying^ that I can have but little for any of my neceflary Studies, and confe- quently for the Study of the Indian Languages in particular j and efpecially feeing I am obliged to difcourfe fo frequently to the Indians at each of thefe Places while I am with them, in order to redeem Time to vifit the reft. I am, at Times, almoft difcouraged from attempting to gain any Acquaintance with the Indian Languages, they are fo very numerous, (fome Account of which I gave in my Journal of May laft) and efpecially feeing my other Labours and Fatigues ingrofs al- moft the whole of my Time , and bear exceed- ing hard upon my Con/litutiony fo that my Health is much impair'd However I have taken con- fiderable Pains to learn the i^^Azw^zr^- Language,^ and propofe ftill to do fo, as far as my other Bu- finefs and bodily Health will admit. I have al- ready made Ibme Proficiency in it, tho' I have la- boured under many and great Difadvantages in my Attempts of that Nature. And it is but juft to obferve here, that all the Pains I took to ac- quaint my fe^f with the Language of the Indians I Ipent my firft Year with , were of little or no fervice to me here among the Delawares, fo that my V/ork, when I came among thefc Indians^ was all to begin a-new. As thefe poor ignorant Pagans ftood in need of having Line upon Line, and Precept upon Pre- cept^ 8o Divine Grace Dijplafd, &c. cept^ in order to their being inftrucfted and ground- ed in the Principles of Chriftianity, fo I preach- ed publicklji and taught Jrom Houfe to Houfe al- mofl every Day for whole Weeks together, when I was with them. And my publick Difcourfes did not then make up the one Half of my Work, while there was fo many conftantly coming to me with that important Enquiry, What muft wf do to be Caved f And opening to me the various Exercifes of their Minds. And yet I can fay (to the Praife of rich Grace) that the apparent Suc- cefs with which my Labours were crown 'd, un- fpeakably more than compenfated for the Labour itfelf, and was like wife a great Means of fupport- ing and carrying me thro' the Bufinels and Fa- tigues, which (itfeems) my Nature would have funk under, without fuch an encouraging Prof- pedt. But altho' this Succefs has afforded Mat- ter of Support,. Comfort and Thankfulnefs, yet in this Sealon I have found great Need of Af- fiftance in my Work, and have been much op- prcfs'd for want of one to bear a Part of my La- hours and HardP^iips. May the Lord cf the Barveji fend forth other Labourers into this Part of his Harvefi^ that thofe who Jit in Darknefs may Jee great Lights and that the whole Earth may be filled with the Knowledge of himfelf. Amen. David Brainerd. November 20, J 745- Divine Grace difplay*d OR THE Continuance and Progrefs Of a Remarkable Wo R K of G R A C E Among fome of the INDIANS Belonging to the Provinces of NE\V-JER-= SEY and . PENNSYLVANIA, Juftly REPRESENTED in A JOURNAL Kept by Order of the Honourable SOCIETY (in Scotland) jor propagating Christian KNOWLEDGEi With fome general Remarks To which is fubjoined an APPENDIX, con- taining fome Account of fundry Things, e- fpecially of the Difficulties attending the Work of a MiJJionary among the INDIANS. By David Brainerd, Minijidr of the Goffel^ and Miffionary frern the [aid Society. Publifhed by the Reverend and Worthy Corre^- ffondeftts of the faid Society " Rom. ix. zj, z6. I will call them my People that were not m^ " People, and her beloved, that was not beloved. And it Hiall " come to pafs, that in the Place where ic was faid unto them. Ye are *'■ not my People ) there Ihall they be called, the Children of the *' living God. " Efhej. V. 8, Ye were fometimes Darknefs; but now arc ye Light " in the Lord. " P(ahn. cxviii. 23, This is the Lord's Doing, it is marvelous in ourEyes Printed by WILLIAM BRADFORD. i ^ Dlvhte Grace dif^lafd S3 Crofiveekfung^ in New-Jerfey^ i74i' LORDS-DAY, November 24, PREACHED both Parts of the Day from the Stoxy o{ Zaccheus^ Luke xix. 1—9. In the latter Exercife, when I open'd and inflfted upon the Salvation that comes to the Sinner ^ up-^ on his becoming a Son of Abraham] or a true Beh'ever, the Word feem'd to be attended with divine Power to the Hearts of the Hearers. Numbers were much affeclcd with divine Truths Former Convictions were revived — One or two Perfons newly awaken'd — -And a, moft affectionate Engagement in divine Service appear'd among them univerfally, The Impreilions they were under appeared to be the genuine Effect of Gods Word brought home to their Hearts, by the Power and In-» fluence of the divine Spirit. November 16, After having fpent fome time in private Conferences with my People, I dif- cours'd publickly among them from John v, i 9, I was favoured with fome jj'^c/^/ freedom and lervency in my Difcourfc, and a powerful E-^ nergy accompanied divine Truths, Many went 84 Divine Grace dif^lay'd ^r^d. fob*d afFedionatelv, and fcarce any appeared I nconcern'd in the Wihole AfTembly. The In-' fiucnce that fei^'d the Audience appear'd gen- tlCj and yet pungent and efficacious. It pio- duc'd no boifterous Commotion of the Paffions, but feem'd deeply to afFecl the Heart , and excited in the Perfons under Convidions of their loft State, heavy Groans and Tears.—— And in others who had obtain'd Comfort, a fweet and humble Melting. It feem'd like the gentle but fteady Showers that efFedually Water the Farth, without violently beciting upon the Surface. The Perfons lately awakened, were, fome of them, deeply diftrefs'd for their Souls, and appear'd earnelty folicitous to obtain an Intereft in Chrift : And fome of them, after publick Worfhip was over, in Anguilh of Spirit, faid 7hy knew fiot ^what to do^ nor how to get their their wicked Hearts changed^ t^c. November a 8. Difcours'd to the htdtans pul> lickly, after having us'd fome private Endea- vours to inftrucl and excite fome in the Duties of Chriltianity. Open'd and made Remarks upon the flicred Story of our Lord's Transfigu- mtmi^ lukeix. 28. — 3(^. Had a principal View in mv infifting upon this PalTage of Scrip- ture to "the Edification and Confolation of God's PeopW. And obferv'd fome, that I have Reafon to think are truly fuch, exceed- ingly affected with an Account of the Glory of of Chrift in his Transftguyatim j and fill'd with longing Delires of being with him, that they might with a^en Face behold his Glory. After publick Service was over, I ask'd one of them, who wept and fob'd moft affectionate- ly, whatjhe now wanted? She replied, Oh I to be with Chrift^ Jhe did not know how to flay ^ &c. This was a blefled refrefhing Seafon to the re- ligious People in general The Lord Jefus Chrilt fecm'd to manifeft his divine Glory to them, as when transfigured before his Difciples, And they, with the Difciples, were ready uni- verfally to fay. Lard it is good for as to be here. The Influence of God's Word was not con^ fin'd to thofe who had given Evidences of being truly gracious, tho' at this time, I calculated my Difcourfe for, and direded ic chiefly to fuch. But it appeared to be a Seafon of divine Power in the whole Aflembly ; fo that mofl were, in fome Meafure, affeded. And one aged Man in particular, lately awakened, was now brought under deep and preiling Concern for his Soul, and was earneftly inquifitive how he might fhtd Jejiis Chrifl. God feems Itill to vouchfafe his divine Pre- fence, and the Influence of his blefled Spirit to accompany his Word, at leall in fome Meafure, in all our Meetings for divine Worfhip. Novem, 30. Preach'd near Night, aft'er hav- ing fpent fome Hours in private Conference with fome of my People about their Souls con- cerns S6 Divine Grace difplafd cerns. ExplainM and infifted upon the Story of the rkh Man and Lazarus^ Luke, xvi, i^, id. — -The Word made powerful Impref- lions upon many in the Aflembly, efpecially Avhile I difcours'd of the Bleffednefs of Z^^^w«^ in Abraham's Bofom. This I could perceive, giffeded them much more than what I fpokc of the rich Man's Mifery and Torments. And thus it has been ufually with them. They have alm.oft always appear'd much more affeded "W^ith the comfortable than the dreadful Truths of Gods Word. And that which has diftrefled many of them nnder Convidions, is, that they iound they wanted, and could not obtain, the Happinefs of the godly. At leaft they have often appear*d to be more affeded with this^ than with the Terrors of Hell. But whatever be the Means of their awakening, 'tis plain, Numbers are made deefly [enable of their Sin and Mifery, the wickednefs and ftubr; bornnefs of their own Hearts, their utter In- ability to help themfelves, or to come to Chrift for Help, without divine Afliltance ; and fo are brought to fee their ferijhing need of Chrift to do all for them, and to lie at the Foot of So* vereigit Mercy, Lord's-Dat, December i. Difcours'd to my • People in the Forenoon from Luke xvi. 27, 31. There appear'd an unfeign'd Affedion in divers Pcrfons, and lome fecm'd deeply imprefled with divine Truths. In among the Indians. S^ In the Afternoon preach'd to a Number of isuh'tte People \ at which time the Indians at- tended with Diligence, and many of them were able to underftand a confiderable Part of the Difcourfe. At Night Difcours'd to my People again, and gave them feme particular Cautions and Diredions relating to their Gondud in divers Refpeds. And prefled them to Watchfulness in all their Deportment, feeing they were en- compafTed with thofe that waited jor their halting^ and ^\\q> flood ready to draw them into Temptations of every kind, and then to expofe Religion for their mifteps. Lord*s-Day, Decern, 8. Difcourfed on the Story of the Blind Man^ John ix. There ap-» pearM no remarkable Effed of the Word upon the Aflembly at this Time. The Perfons who have lately been much concerned for their Souls, feemed now not fo affeded nor felicitous to obtain an Intereft in Chrift as has been ufual ; altho' they attended divineService with Seriouf- nefs and Diligence. Such have been the Doings of the Lord here, in awakening Smners, and affeding the Hearts of thofe who are brought to folid Comfort, with a frefh Senfe of divine Things from time to time, that 'tis now ftrange to fee the Aflem- bly fit with dry Eyes, and without Sobs and Groans I Decemi 88 Divine Grace diffiafd Decern, ii. Preached from the Parable of the Ten Virgins^ Mat. xxv. The divine Power feem'd in fome Meafurc to attend this Difcourfej in which I was favoured with uncomimn Free- dom and plainnefs of Addrefs, and enabled to Open divine Truths, and explain them to the Capacities of my People, in a Manner beyond myfelj\ — ^^-^There appeared in many Perfons an af* fedionate Concern for their Souls ^ altho' the Concern in general feem'd not fo deep and prefling as it had formerly done; Yet it was refrefhing to fee many melted into Tears and bnaffefted Sobs ; fome with . a Senfe of divine Love, and fome for want of it ! Lord's-Day, Decern, ij. Preach'd to the Indians from Loike xiii. 24, -2,8.— -Divine Truths fell with Weight and Power upon the Audi-* ence, and feem'd to reach the Hearts of many. Near Night difcours'd to them again from Mat. xxv. 3 I---46. At which Seafon alfo, the Word ^ppear'd to be accompanied with a divine Influence, and made powerful Imprcilions upon the Aflembly in general, as well as upon divers Perfons in a very fpecial and particular Manner. This was an amazing Seafon of Grace I The Word of the Lord^ this Day, was quick and fowerfidy jharfer than a two edged Sword^ znd perced to the Hearts of many. The AfTembly was great- ly affected,- and deepiy wrought upon ^ yet without fo much apparent Commotion of the Paflions among the Ind i a ns. S p PalTions, as was ufual in the Beginning of this Work of Grace. The Impreilions made by the Word of God upon the Audience appeared folid, rational and deep, worthy of the folemn Truths by Means of which they were produc'd, and far from being the Effeds of any fiidden Iright or ^r^^^/f/j" Perturbation of Mind. 1 How did the Hearts of the Hearers fccm to bow under the weight of divineTruths ! And how evident did it now appear that they received and felt them, not as the Word oj Man^ hut as the Word of God I None can frame a jutt Idea of the Appearance of our Aflcmbly at this Time, but thofe who have feen a Congre- gation folcmnly aujed^ and deeply imj^reffed-hy the fpedal Power and Influence of divine Truth ■ dehvered to them in the Name of God ! Decern, 16. Difcours'd to my People in th. Evening from Z^/^^ xi. i- -13. After having infifted fometime upon the pth Verfe, wherein there is a Command and Encouragement to ask for divineFavours, 1 called upon them to ask'for a ne'-j^/Heart with utmoft Importunity, as theMail mentioned in the Parable, I was difcourfing upon, pleaded for Loaves oj Bread at Midnight. 1 here was much Affection and Concern in the Affembly • and efpecially one Woman ap- peared in great diftrefs for her Soul. She was brought to fuch an Agony in feeking after Chrift; that the Sweat ran off her Face for a confidera- bleTime together, altho' the Evening was very cold ^ and her bitter Cries were the molt aifsd- M i:lO- po Divine G^kC^. Sj^lay'd ing Indication of the tnzs:ard Anguifh of her Heart. Decern. 21. My People having now attained to a confiderable Degree of Knowledge in the Principles of Chriftianity, I thought it proper to fet up a catechetical LeEliire among them ; and this Evening attempted fomething in that Form ; propofmg Queftions to them agreeable to the Reverend Aflembly^s Shorter Catechism., receiving their Anfwers, and then explaining and infifling as appear'd neceflary and proper upon each Queftion. After which I endeavoiir'd to make fome practical Improve- ment of the whole. This was the Method I enter'd upon. They were able readily and ra^ t'tonaUy to anfwer many important Queftions I propofed to them: So that, upon Trial, I found their ^:^(9(5?r///^/ Knowledge to exceed my own ex- , p.clations. In the Improvement of my Dif^ courfe, when I came to infer and open the BlefTednefs of thofe who have fo great and glo- rious a God, as had before been fpoken of, for their everlafl'mg Friend and F'ortion^ fundry were much affected ; and efpecially when I exhorted, and endeavour'd to perfuade them to be recon- ciled to Gody thro' his dear Son, and thus to fc- cure an Intcreft in his everlafting Favour. So that they appear'd to be not only enltghtned and rnftrtiBed^ but ajfeBed and engaged in their Souls Concern by this Method of difcourfing. Lord's-Day, Decern, 1%. Difcourfcd upon the Story of ih^ young Man in the Gofpel, Mat, ix. 16, among ^Z'c? I n d i a ns , 91 ix. 16 — 22. God made it a fcafonable Word, I'm perluaded, to fome Souls. There were fundry Pcrfons Q^xiiQhidmtis new- ly come here, who had frequently liv'd among ^akers^ and being more civilized and conformed to Engltjh Manners than the generality of the Indians^ they had imbib'd fome of the Slackers Errors • efpecially this fundamental one, viz,. That if Men will but live foberly and honeftly, according to the Dictates of their own Con- fciences (or the Light "jvithm) there is then no Danger or Doubt of their Salvation, &c.— r» Thefe Perfons I found much worfe to deal with than thofc who are wholy under "Vagan Dark- nefs, who make no Trvtcnccs to Knowledge in Chriftianity at all, nor have ^nj felf-^righteous Foundation to ftand upon. However, they all, except one, appear'd now convinced, that this fober loonefl Lije^ of itfclf, was not fufficicnt to Salvation ; fince Chrift himfelf had declar'd it fo in the Cafe of the young Man. And feem'd in fome Meafure, concerned to obtain that change of Heart which 1 had been labouring to fhew them the necellity of This was likewife a Seafon of Comfort to fome Souls, and in particular to one (the fame men- tioned in my Journal of the 1 6xh Inflant) who never before obtained any fettled Comfort, tho* I have abundant Reafon to think Ihe had palled a faving Change fome Days before. She now appeared in a heavenly frame of Mind, composM and delighted with the divine Ma Will gi Dh'ine Grace 4'i[flay'd Will. When I came to difcourfe particularly ■\vith her, and to enquire of her, how fhe got Relief and Deliverance from the fpiritual Dif- treffes, fhe had lately been under, fhe anfwer'd in broken Englifh, ^ Me try, me try^ fave my- felf^ lafi my Strength be all gone^ ('meaning her ability to fave herfclf) couint me Jtir bit further. Dm laft^ me fore' d let JefusChriji alotif^ fend me Hell if he pleafe. I faid, but you was not willing to go to Heii was you ? She replied, \ Could fujt me helj) it. Ay Heart he wmdd wicked for all. Coiild not me make htm good., (meaning fhe faw *twas right fhe fhould go to Hell, becau.fe her Heart was wicked, and would be fo after all fhe could do to mend it.) I ask*d her, how fhe got out of this Cafe? She anfwered ftill in the fame broken Language, $ By^ by my Heart be grad defferatfly. I ask'd her wliy her Heart was glad ? She replied, Grad my Heart Jefus Chrifi do what he fleafe with me. Den me tink.^ grad my H^art Jejus Chrifi fend me Hell. Didn't me care where he pit me^ me lobe him for ally &c. And fhe could not readily be convinced, but that fhe was willing to go to Hell, if Chrift was plcafed to fend her there. Tho' the Truth evidently * hi proper Etii^lijh thus, ' I tried and tried to fave myfelf, tiii at • laft my Strength was all gone, and I could not liir any fiii rher. Then < at laft I was iorced to let JekisChritt alone to fend me to Hell if he , plcafed.' t ^" ^hln Engl'Jh thus, ' 1 could not help it. My c Heart would be wicked for ^11 what I could do. T could not make it . rood. 4^ ' By and by my Heart was txcecding glad. -My Heart was j!?lad that }dus Chrift would do with me what he pleafed. ' Then I thought my Heart would be glad altho' Chrift fliould fend mc ' to Hell. I did not care where he put me, I fliould love him for all. /. e. do what he would with me. among the Indians. p3 evidently was, her Will wasfo fwallowed up in the divine Will, that ihe could not frame any Hell in her Imagination that would be dreadful or undefirable, provided it was but the Will of God to fend her to it. Toward Night difcourfed to them again in the catechetkal Method I entered upon the E- vening before. And when I came to improve the Truths I had explained to them, and to anfwer that Queftion, ^ But how jhaU 1 know whether God has chofen me to everlaft'mg Ufe* by preiling them to come and give up their Hearts to Chrift, and thereby to make their Ele6iion fure, they then appear'd much alfected : And the Perfons under Concern were afrelh engaged in feeking after an Intereft in him ; while fome others, who had obtained Comfort before, were rehelhed to find that Love to God in themfclves, which was an E- vi Hence of his ek£iing Love to them. Decern, 25 The Indians having been ufed upon ChnflmaS'Days to drink and revel among fomc of the white People in thefe Parts, I tho't it proper this Day to call them together and Difcourfc to them upon^.ivine Things : Which I accordingly did from the Parable of the bar- ren FrggTree, Luke xiii, 6 — 9 A divine In- fluence, I'm perfuaded, accompanied the Word at this Seafon. The Power of God appear'd in the AlTcmbly, not by producing any remark- able Cr'tes^ but by fhocking and roufing at Heart, (as it feem'd) feveral llupid Creatures, that p4 Divine Grace difflayd that were fcarce ever moved with any Concern before. The Power attending divine Truths feem'd to have the Influence of the Earthquake rather than the Whirlwind upon them. Their Tajftons were not fo much alarmed as has been common here, in Times paft, but xhth Judgments appear'd to be powerfully convinced by the majlerly and conquering Influence of divine Truths. The Impreflions made upon the AC- fembly in general, feem'd not jtiprficial but deef and Heart affeding. O how ready did they now appear univerfally to embrace and comply with every thing they heard and were convinced was Duty ! God was in the midft of us of a Truth, bowing and melting ftubborn Hearts ! How many Tears and Sobs were than to be feen and heard among us ! What Liveli- nefs and itrid Attention ! What eargernefs and intenfenefs of Mind appear'd in the wholeAflem- bly in the time of divine Service ! They feem'd to watch 6C wait for the dropping of God's Word, as rhe thirfty Earth for Xht former and latterRam. Afterwards I difcourfed to them on the Duty of Husbanh and Wvoes^ from E^h. v. 11 — 12>' And have Reafon to think, this was a Word in Sealon. — Spent fome time further in the Even^ ing, in inculcating the Truths I had infifted upon in my former Difcourfe refpcfting the barren Ftg-Tree^ and obferv'd a powerful In- fluence ftill accompany what was fpoken. Decern, id. This Evening I was vifited by a Perfon under great fpiritual Exercife, The moft among the iKDiA^iS, 5»5 moft remarkable Inftance of this Kind I ever law. She was a Woman of (I believe) more than fotirfcore Years old, and appeared to be much broken and very chtUiJh thro' Age, fo that it fcem'd impoffible for Man to inftil into her Mind any Notions of divine Things, not fo much as to give her any doBrinal Inftrudion, becaufe Ihe feem'd uncapable of being taught. — She was led by the Hand into my Houfe, and appeared in extreme Anguilh. I ask'd her, what ailed her ? She anfwered, that her Heart was dtjlrejfed and /he fear'd Jhe Jhould never find Chrifl, I ask'd her, when fhe began to be concerned ? with divers other Queftions relating to her dif- trefs. To all which Ihe anfwer'd, for Subftance, to this efFed, viz. That llie had heard me Preach many Times, but never knew any Thing about it, never felt it in her Heart till the laft Sabbath ; and then it came (Ihe faid) all one as if a Needle had been thrufi into her H'art ; fince which time, ihe had no reft Day nor Night. She added, that on the Evening before Chriftmas^ a Number of the Indians be- ing together at the Houfe where fhe was, and difcourfing about Chrifi^ their talk frick'd her Hearty fo that fhe could not fit up, but fell down on her Bed ; at which timey^^ went away (as ftie cxpreffed it) and felt as if Ihe dream'd, and yet is confident fhe did not dream. When fhe was thus gone, fhe faw, fhe fays, two Paths, one appeared very broad and crooked, and that, ihe fays, turned to the left Hand. The ^ Div'me GKKQ^'difflayd The other appeared ftrait and very narrow^ and that went up the Hill to the right Hand. She travelled, fhe faid, for fome Time up the narrow right Hand Path, till at length fome- thing feem'd to obftrud her Journey. She fometimes called it Darknefs, and then defcrib'd it otherwife, and feem'd to compare it to a Block or Bar. She then remembred, Ihe fays, what fhe had heard me fay nhoMt Jtrhmgto enter in at the ftratght Gate, (altho Ihe took little Notice of it, at the Time when fhe heard me difcourfe upon that Subjed) and thought fhe would climb over this Bar. But juft as Ihc was thinking of this, fhe came back again, as Ihe term'd it, meaning that fhe came to herfelf • whereupon her Soul was extremely diftrefs'd, apprehending fhe had now turned back and forfakcn Chrifl, and that there was therefore no Hope of any Mercy for her. As I was fenfible that Trances and imaginary Views of Things, are of dangerous Tendency in Religion, when fought after and depended up- on, fo I could not but be much concern'd about this Exercife, efpecially at firfl j apprehending this might be a Defign of Satan to bring a Ble- mifh upon the work of God here, by introdu- cing vtjionary fcenes, imaginary Terrors and all manner of mental Diiorders and Delufions, in the Room of genuine Convidions of Sin, and the cnlightning Influences of the blcfTed Spirit; and I was almofl: refolved to declare^ that I look'd upon this to be one of Satan's Devices, and amon^ the Indians. ^y and to caution my People againlt it, and the like Exercifes, as fuch. However I deter- mined, liift to enquire into hcF Knowledge, to fee whether fhe had any juft Views of Things, that might be the Occafion of her prefent dif* treffing Concern, or whether 'twas a meer Fright arifing only from imaginary Terrors. I ask'd her divers Queftions refpecting Man's primitive, and, more efpecially, his prefent State, and refpecting her own Heart ; w^hich Ihe an- fwer'd rationally and to my furprize. And I thought 'twas next to impofiible, if not alto- gether fo, that a Vagan who was become a Child thro' Age, fhould in that State gain fo much Knowledge by any meer human Inftruc- tion, without being remarkably enlighten'd by a divine Influence. I then propofed to her the Provifion made in the Gofpel for the Salvation of Sinners, and the Ability and Willingnefs of Chrifl to Jave to the uttermofl aU (old as well as young) that come to' him. To which Ihe feem'd to give a hearty Aifent. But inftantly reply'd, j^^ but I can't come^ my wicked Heart won't come to Chrift : / dont know how to come, ^c. And this fhe fpokc in anguilh of Spirit, ftriking on her Breaft, with Tears in her Eyes, and with fuch Earnefi" nefs in her looks as was indeed piteous and affec- ting. She feems to be really convinc'd of her Sin, and Mifcry, and her need of a Change of Heart : And her Concern is abiding and conftant. So N that PS Dmne Grace difflay'd that nothing appears but that this Excrcife may have a laving IlTue. And indeed it fcems hope- ful, feeing Ihe is fo felicitous to obtain an In- tereft in Chrift, that her Heart (as ihe exprelTes it) prays Day and Night. How fir God may make Ufeof the Imagina-' tion in awakening fome Perfons under thefe^ and fuch like Circumftances, I can't pretend to determine. Or whether this Exercife I have given an Account of, be from a divine Influ- ence, I Ihall leave others to judge : But^ this I muft fay, that its EfFeds hitherto befpeak it to ht fticb : Nor can it (as I fee) be accounted for, in a rational Way, but from the Influence of fome Spirit, either good or evil. For the Woman I am fure, never heard divine Things treated of in the Manner ^o. now view'd. them in; and it would feem ftrange flie Ihould get fuch a rational Notion of them from the meer work- ing of her own Fancy, without fome fuperiour, or at leafl:^ foreign aid. ^And yet I muft fay, I haved looked upon rt one of the Glories of this Work of Grace among the Indians^ and a Jfecial Evidence of its being from a divine In- fluence, that there has, till now, been no Ap- pearance of fuch Things, no vifionary Notions, Trances, and Imaginations intermixed with thofe rational Convidions of Sin, and folid Confolations, that Numbers have been made the Subjeds of. And might I have had my Defire, there had been no Appearance of any Thing of this Nature at alL Decern, among the Indians. pp Decern. 28. Difcourfed to my People In the catechetical Method I lately enter'd upon. And in the improvement of my Difcourfe^ wherein I was comparing Man's frefent with his primitive State ; and ftiewing what he had fallen from, and the Miferies he is now involved in, and expofcd to in his natural Eftate ; and pref- fing Sinners to take a View of their deplorable Circumftances without Chrift ; as alio to llrivc that they might obtain an Intereft in him ; the Lord, I truft, granted a remarkable Influence of his bleffed Spirit to accompany what was fpoken, and there was a great Concern appear 'd in the Aflembly : Many were melted into Tears and Sobs, and the ImprelTions made upon them, fcem'd deef and Heart-ajfe^ing. And in parti- cular, there were two or three Perfons who appear'd to be brought to the laft Exercifes oF a preparatory Work, and reduc'd almoft to ex- tremity \ being in a great Meafure convinced of the Impofllbility of their helpin;; thcmfelve^, or of mending their own Hearts • and feeniM to be upon the T^o'tnt of giving up all Hope hi themfelves^ and of venturing upon Chrilt as naked helplefs and' w;^^(3;/(?. And yet were in Diftrefs and anguifh becaufe they faw no fafety in fo doing, unlcfs they could do fomething to- wards laving themfelvcs. One of thcfe Perfons was the very aged Wo- man above-mention'd, who now appear'd weary and heavy laden wixh afenfc of her Sin and Mi~ N 2 fer^^ joo Divine Grace ^fflayd lery, and her p^riihing need of an Intcrcft in ChrifK Lord's-Dat, Decern, ip. Preached from Jobn 5. I -—5. A Number of white People were prefent as is ufual upon the Sabbath. The Dif- courfe was accompanied with Power, and feem'd to have a fient^ but deep and fierc'mg Influence upon the Audience. Many wept and fob'd affectionately. And there were fome Tears among the white People as well as the Indians. Some could not refrain from crying out^ tho' there were not many fo exercifcd. But the Impreflions made upon *their Hearts, appeared chiefly by the extraordinary Earneftnefs of their Attention, and their heavy Sighs and Tears. After publick Worfhip was over, I went to my Houfe, propofing to preach again after a ihort Sealon of Intermiffion. But they foon came in one after another, with Tears in their Eyes, to know what they Jhould do to be Saved. And the divine Sprit in fuch a Manner fet Home upon their Hearts what I fpoke to them, that the Houfe was foon fiird with Cries, and Groans. They all flock'd together upon this Occafion, and thofe whom I had Reafon to think in a Chriftlefs State, were almoft univer- fally feiz'd with Concern for their Souls. It was an amazing Seafon of Power among them, and feem*d as if God had bow'd the Hear Vens and come down. So aftonilhingly prevalent was the Operation upon old as well a« young, that among the Indians. ioi that it fcem'd as if none would be left in a Se- cure and natural State, but that God was now about to convert aU the World, And I was ready to think then^ that I Ihould never again defpair of the Converlion of any Man or Woman living, be they who or what they would. 'Tis impoflible to give a juft and lively De- fcription of the Appearance of Things at this Scafon, at Icaft, fuch as to convey a bright and adequate Idea of the EfFeds of this Influence ! A Number might now be feen rejoycing that God had not taken away the powerful Influence of his blefTed Spirit from this Place. Re- frefli'd to fee fo many firiv'tng to enter in at ths fir ait Gate — -And animated with fuch Concern for them, that they wanted to fujh them for^ ward^ as fome of them exprefled it. At the fame time Numbers both of Men and Women, Old and Young, might be feen in Tears, and fome in Anguifh of Spirit, appearing in their very Countenances like condemned Malefactors, bound towards the Place of Execution, with a heavy folicitude fitting in their Faces : So that there fecmed here (as I thought) a lively Emblem of the folenm Day of Accounts ! A mixture of Heaven and Hell, of Joy unfpeak- able, and Anguifh inexpreffible ! The Concern and religious AfFe£tion was/acA, that I could not pretend to have ^ny formal re- ligious Exercife among them; but fpent the Time in difcourfing to one and another, as I thought 1 02 D/w'^'GRace dif^layd thought moft proper, and fcafonable for each; and rpmetimes addreifed them all together, and finally concluded with Prayer.- — -Such \yete their Circumftanccs iat this Seafon, that I could fcarce have half an Hours Reft from fpeaking frorn about half an Hour before 1 2 o'Clock (at which Time I began publick Worfhip) till paft feven at Night. There appear*a to be four or five Perfons newly awakned this Day and the Evening before, fome of whom but V'ery lately came ^mong us. Decern. 30. Was vilited by four or five young Perfons under Concern for their Souls, moft of whom were very lately awakened. They wept much while I difcours'd to them, and cndea- vourM to prefs upon them the neceffity of fylng to Chrift, without delay, for Salvation. Decttn. 3 1 . Spent fome Hoj^rs this Day in vifiting myj People from Houfe to Houfe, and converfing with them about their fpiritual Con- 'cerns; endeavouring to prefs upon Chriftlefs oouls the neceffity of a Renovation of Heart : And fcarce left a Houfe, without leaving fome or other of its Inhabitants in Tears, appearing folicitoufly engaged to obtain an Intereft in Chrift. The Indians aic now gathered together from all Quarters to this Place, and have built them little Cottages, fo that more than Twenty Fa- milies live within a Quarter of a Mile of me. A very among the lyi'DiKss, 103 A very convenient Situation in Regard both of publick and private Inftmction. January i. 1745-d. Spent fome confider- able Time in vifiting my People again. Found fcarce one but what was under fome ferious ImprelCons refpecting their fpiritual Concerns. Jattf 2. Vifited fome Perfons newly come among us, who had fcarce ever heard any Thing of Chriftianity (except the emptyName) before. Endeavoured to inftrud them farttcu^ larly in the lirft Principles of Religion, in the mo ft eafy and familiar Manner I could. There are Strangers from remote Parts almoft continually dropihg in among us, fo that 1 have Occafion repeatedly to open and inculcate thcfirjl Principles of Chriftianity. Jan. 4. Profecutcd my catechetical Method of inftruding. Found my People able to anfwer Queftions with Propriety, beyond what could have been expeded from Perfons fo lately brought out of heathenijb Darknefs. In the Improvement of my Difcourfe, there appeared fome Concern and Affedion in the Aflembly : And efpecially thofe of whom I entertained Hopes as being truly gracious, at leaft divers of them, were much affeded and lefreihed. Lord's-Day, Jan. 5. Difcours'd from Mat. xii. 10 — 13. There appeared not fo much Livelinefs and Affedion in divine Service as ufual. The fame Truths that have often pro- duced many Tears and Sobs in the Affembly, feem'd 104 Diuine Grace dijplay'd feem*d now to have no fpc'tal Influence upon any in it. Near Night I proposed to have proceeded in my ufual Method of catechifmg. But while we were engaged in the firft Prayer, the Power of God fcem'd to defcend upon the Aflembly in fuch a remarkable Manner, and fo many appeared under prefling Concern for their Souls, that I thought it much more expedient to infill upon the plentiful Provifion made by divine Grace for the Redemption of perifhing Sinners, and to prefs them to a ffeedy Acceptance of the great Salvation^ than to ask them Quell ions a- bout dodir'mal Points. What was moft j^raBkat^ feem'd moft feafonabk to be infifted upon, while Numbers appeared fo extraordinarily fo- licitous to obtain an Intereft in the great Redeemer. Baptized two Perfons this Day ; one Adult (the Woman particularly mention'd in my Jour- nal of December 22.) and one Child. This Woman has difcovered a very fweet and heavenly frame of Mind, from time to time, lince her iirll Reception of Comfort. One Morning in particular Ihe came to fee me, dif* covering an unfual Joy and Satisfaction in her Countenanpe, and when I enquired into the Reafon of it, Ihe replied. That God had made her feel that 'twas right for him to do what he f leafed with all things ; and that 'twould bff right ij he /huuld cafi her Husband and Son both into Hell j and/hi faw 'twas jo right for God to mwng the Ind i ans. i 05 to do what he fkafed "JDith them^ that Jhs could not hut rejoyce if God fljould fend them mto Hell. Tho' 'twas apparent fhe lov'd them dearly. She moreov^cr enquired whether I was not fent to preach to the Indians, by feme good People a great way off. I reply M, yes, By the good People in Scotland. She anfw^er'd that her Heart Icv'd thofe good People fo, the Even- ing before, ?/:?^? y>??^ could fcarce help fraying Jor th m all Nighty her Heart would go to God for them &:c. fo that ihe BkJJing of thofe ready to ferijh is like to corne tifon thofe pious Perfons who have coinmumcaPsd df their Suhfiance to the Propagation oj theGofpel. Jan. 1 1 Difcourfed in a catechetical Me- thod, as ufual of late. And having open'd our frjt Barents primitive Apoflacy, from God, and our Fall in him^ I proceeded to improve my Difcourfe, by fhe wing the NecelTity we Hood in of an Almighty Redeemer, and the abfolntey need every Sinner has of an IiiterSft in his Merits and Mediation. There Was feme Ten- dernefs and afFedionate Concern ^ppear'd in the Aflembly. Lor-d's-Day, Jan. 12. Preach'd from Tfaiah 55--(). The Word of God feem'd to fail upon the Audience with a divine weight and Influ- ence, and evidently appeared to be not the Word of Man. The blefifed Spirit, I'm perfuaderl, accompany 'd what was fpoken to the Hearts of many. So that there was a powerful Revival O '" cf ro^ Divine Grace difpayd jf Conviction in Numbers who were under fpiritual Exercife before. Toward Night, catcch'tz^d in my ufual Me- thod. Near the Clofe of my Difcourfe, there :pp ar'd a great Concern, and much Affe«^ion in the Audience. Which incrcas'd while I continued to invite them to come to an all-fuf- ficient Redec^ner for eternal Salvation. The Spirit of God feems from time to time, to be ftrivino; with Numbers of Souls here. They are fo frequently and repeatedly rouz'd that they feem unable at prefent to lull them- felves afleep. Jan. 13. Was vifitcd by divers Pcrfons under deepConcern for their Souls: One of whom was nev/ly awakened. — ^'Tis a moft agreeable Work to treat vvithSouls who are folicitoufly enquiring ''j::hat th^yjhall do to be faved. And as we are never to le ipjcary in well doings fo the Obliga- tion feems to be peculiarly ftrong when the Work is fo very defirable. And yet I muft fay, my Health is i^o much impaired, ^ my Spirits fo wafted with my Labours and folitary Manner of living (there being no human Creature in the Houfe with me) that their repeated and almoft inceffant Application to me for help and direc- tion, are fometimes exceeding burdenfom, and fo exhnuft my fpirits, that I become fit for No- thing at al], intirely unable to profecute any bufinefs fometimes for Days together. And what contributes much toward this difficulty is^ that I'm oblig'4 to fpend much time in communicating among the Indians. 107 communicating a littk Matter to them : There being often times many things neceffary to be premised, before I can fpcak direftly to what I principally Aim at : Which Things would rea- dily be taken for granted, wliere there was a Competency of doftrinal Knowledge. Jan. 1 4. Spent fome time in private Con- ferences with my People, and found fomc dif- pos'd to take Comfort, as I thought, upon flighty grounds.- — They arc now generally awakened, and 'tis become fo difgraceful, as well as terrifying to the Confcience, to be delli- tute of Religion, that they are in em.incnt Danger of taking up with any Apfearanccs cf Grace, rather than to live under the Fear and Dilgrace of an unrcgenerate State. Jan. Tp. Profecuted my catechetical Method of difcourfing. There appeared a great folcnv- nity and fome confiderable Affedion in tlic Aifembly. 1 his Method of inftruding, I find very pro- fitable. When I firft entered upon it, I was exercisM with fears, Icalt my difcourfes would unavoidably be fo do^rtnal that they would tend only to enhghten the Head.^ but not to defect the Heart. But the event proves quite o- therwife : P'or thefe Exercifes have hitherto been remarkably blelTed in the latter as well as the jjormer Refpeds. Lord's-Day, Jan. 19. Difcours'd to my People from Ijaiab Iv. 7. Toward Night cate- chiz'd in my ordinary Method. And this ap- O 2, pear'd ic8 Divide Gka.ce difflay'd pear'd to be a powerful Seafon of Grace among us. Numbers were much affeded. — Convicti- ons powerfully reviv'd. — Divers of the Ghrif- tiano refrefh'd and ftrengthned — And one wea,T jry hi^a'Dy laden Soul, I have abundant Reafon to hope, brought to true Reft and folid Comfort in Chrift, who afterwards gave me fuch an Ac- count of God'5 Dealing with his Soul as was ji^bundantly Satisfying as well as rejrejh'ing to me. He told me, he had often heard me fay, that Perfons muft fee and jed themfelves utterly hclplefs and U7ii^!/)n^^ that they muft be emptied of Dependance upon themfelves, and of all hope or faving themfelves by their q-jvu Doings in or- der to their coming to Chrift for Salvation. And he h;id long been ftriving after this View of Things , fuppofing this would be an excel- lent P'rame of mind to be thus emptied of a De- pendance upon his own Goo^nels : That God would have refpect to tbts Frame, would then be well pleafed with him, and beftow eternal Life upon him. But when he came to feel himfclf in this helplefs undone Condition, he found it quite contrary to all his Thoughts and Expectations ^ fo that 'twas not the fame^ oor indeed any Thing like the Frame he. had been feeking after. Inftcad of its being a good me of Mind, he now found nothing but n^fs in himk^i"' and faw 'twas forever imppf- le for him to n'zkc himfclCany better. He ^n "erxi h'w, fai ', tiiit he had ever hoped to ii.cnd lihi own Heart- He was amaz'd he had never among the Indians. icp never before feen that 'twas utterly impoflible for him, by all his Contrivances and Endeavours, to do any Thing that PFay, fince the matter flow appeared to him in fo clear a Light. ^ — - Inftead of imagining now, that God would be pleas'd with him for the fake of this Frame of Mind, and this View of his undom Eftate, he faw clearly, and felt it would be juft.with God to fend him to eternal Mifery , and that there was na Gaodnefs in what he then felt ; for he could not help feeing, that he was naked, fin- ful and miferable, and there was nothing in fuch a fight to deierve God's Love or Pity. He faw thefe Things in a Manner fo clear and convincing, that .it feem'd to him, he faid, he could convince every Body of their utter /;/- abU'ity ever to help themfelves, and their un- woi'thinefs of any Help from God. In this Fra^le of Mind he came to publick Worfhip this Eveniag, and while I was inviting Sinners to come to Chrift naked and empty, without any Goodnefs of their own to recommend them to his Acceptance, then he thought with himfelf, that he had often tried to come and give up his Heart to Chrift, and he ufed to hope, that fometime or other he fhould be able to do fo. But now he was convinced he cotild mt^ and it feem'd utterly vain for him ever to try any more: And he could not, he faid, find a Heart to make any further attempt, becaufe he faw it would fignify nothing at all : Nor did he now hope for a better Opportunity, or more ability hereafter I r o Dtvine Grace difflayd ' hereafter, as he had formerly done, bccaufe he [j faw, and was fully convinced, his own Strength ^ would forever fail. While he was mufing in this Manner, he faw, he faid, with his Heart (which is a com- mon Phrafe among them) fomething that was \ unfpeakably good and lovely, and what he had ; never feen before ; and this fiok away his Heart * whether he would or no. He did not, he laid, know what 'twas he faw. He did not fay, this is Jejus Chrifly but 'twas fuch Glory and Beauty as he never faw before. He did not now give away hisHeart y2> as he had formerly intended and ' attempted to do, but it went away of it/elf af- ter that Glory he then difcovered. He ufed to try to make a Bargain with Chrift, to give up his Heart to him, that he might have eternal Life for it. But now he thought nothing a- bout himfelf, or what would become of him hereafter. But was pleafed, and his Mind wholly taken up with the unfpeakable Excel- lency of what he then beheld. After fometime he was wonderfully pleafed with the way of Salvation by Chrift ; fo that itfeem'd unfpeakably better to be fav'd alto- gether by the meer free Grace o^ God in Chrift, '^'than to have any Hand in faving himfelf. And the Confequence of this Exercife is, that he appears to retain a fenfe and relilh of di- vine Things, and to maintain a Life of feriouf- nefs and true Religion. Jan, aS. The Indians in thefe Parts having in among the Indians. hi in Times paft run themfelves in Debt by "their exceffive Drinking \ and fome having taken the Advantage of them, and pat them to trou- ble and Charge by arrefting fundry of them, whereby 'twas fuppofed a great tody of their Hunting Lands were much endangered, and might fpeedily be taken from them. And I being fenfible that they could not fubfift to- gether in thefe Parts in order to their being a Chriftian Congregation, if thefe Lands Ihould drop out of their Hands, which was thought very likely, thought it my Duty to ufe my utmoft Endeavours to prevent fo unhappy an Event. And having acquainted the Gentle^ men concern'd with this Mijjion of this Affair, according to the beft Information I could get of it, they thought it proper to expend the Money they had been and ftill were colletling for the religious Interefts of the Indians (at leait a part of it) for the Diicharging of their Debts, and fecuring of thefe Lands, that there might be no entangkment lying upon them to hinder the Settlement and hopeful Enlargement of a Christian Congregation of Indians in thefe Parts — —And having received Orders from them, I anfwered, in behalf of the In- dians, Eighty two Tounds five Shillings^ New- Jerfey Currency, at eight Shillings per Ounce ; and fo prevented the Danger of Difficulty in this Refpect. As God has wrought a wonderful Work of Grace among thefe IndiojiS, and now inclines others ii2 Dmne Grace difflay'd ethers from remote Places to fall in a- mong them almoft continually, and as he has opened a Door for the Prevention of the Diffi- culty 'now mentioned, which feem'd greatly to threaten their religious Interelts, as well as worldly Comfort, 'tis hopeful he defigns to e- flabliih a Qntrch for himfelf among them, and to hand down true Religion to their Toj- ter'ity. Jan. 30. Preach'd to the Lillians from John iii. I ^■«— 1 7-0 There was a folemn iVttention and fome AfFedion vifible in the Audience \ efpecially divers Perfohs who had long been concerned for their Souls, feem'd afrefh exci- ted and engaged in feeking after an Intereft in Chrift. And one, with much Concern, af- terwards told me, his Heart was fo prick' d "js^kh wy preachings he knew not where to turn nor what to do. Jan. 31. This Day the Perfon I had hiade made Choice of and engaged for a School-majter among the Indians^ arriv'd among us, and was heartily welcom'd by my People univerfally.— Whereupon I diflributed feveral Dozen of Pri- mers among the Children and yoJng People. February i. 1745-5. My School-majler en- tered upon his Bufinefs among the Indians.-—^ He has generally about thirty Children and young Perfons in his School in the Day time, and about Fifteen married People in his Even- ing-School. The Number of the latter fort of Perfons being lefs than than it would be if among //:76' I n d i A ns i 113 :t thev could be more conftant at Homc, and Iparc Time from their neceflfary Employ- ments for an Attendance upon ihcfe In- •ilruftions. In the Evening catechiz'd in my ufual Method. Towards the clofe of my Difcourfe^ a furprizing Power Iceni'd to attend the Word, Specially to fome Perfons. — ^One Man confi- de rably in Years, who had been a remarkable Drunkard, a Conjurer and Mur(JiQfrer, that was awakned fome Months before, was now brought to great Extremity under his fpiritual Diftrefs, fo that he trembled for Hours together^and ap- prehended himfelf juft droping intOrHell, with- out any Power to refcue or relieve himfelf Divers others appeared under great Concern as well as he, and folicitous to obtain a laving Change. Lord's-Day, Fcbniary 2* Preach'd from 'John V. 24, 25* There appear'd (as ufual} fome Concern and Affection in the Affembly. Toward Night proceeded in itiy ufual Me- thod of catechifing. Obferved my People more ready in anfwering the Queftions propo-^ fed to them than ever before. 'Tis apparent they advance daily in doElnnal Knowledge. But what is ftill more defirable, the Spirit of God is yet operating among them, whereby cxpnmen- tal^ as well fpeculatrjc^ Knowiedge is propaga- ted in their Minds. Feb, 5. Difcours'd to a confiderable Number of the Indians in the Evening j at which Time P divert rr4 Dlvme Gkkce dijplayd divers of them appeared much afFwCled and * melted with divine Things. I'eb, 8. Spent a confiderable Part of the Day in vifiting my People from Hdufe to Houfe, and converfing with them about their Souls Concerns. Divers Perfous wept whileldifcours'd to them, and appeared concern'd for nothing fo much as for an Intereft in the great Redeemer. ^ In the Evening catechized as ufual. Divine Truths made fome Im pre (Hon upon the Audi- ence, and were attended with an affedionate Engagement of Soul in fome. Lord's Day, Feb. p. Difcours*d to my Peo- ple from the Story of the Blind Man^ Mat. x. 4(^-— 52. The Word of God feemM weighty and powerful upon the Affembly at this Time, and made confiderable Impreilions upon many. Divers in particular who have generally been remarkably ftupid and carelefs under the Means of Grace, were now awakened, and wept af- fedionately. And the moft earneft Attention, as well as Tendernefs and Affedion, appeared in the Audience univerfally. Baptiz'd three Perfons, two Adults and one Child. The Adults, I have reafon to hope, were both truly pious. There was a confidera- ble melting in the Affembly, while I was dif- courfing particularly to the Perfons, and admi- niftring the Ordinance. God has been pleafcd to own and blefs the Adminiftration of this., as well as of his other Ordinances^ among the Indians. There are fome here among the Tnd i ans, 115 here that' have been powerfully awakened at feeing others baptiz'd. And feme that have obtain'd Relief and Comfort, juft in the Seafon when this Ordinance has been adminiftred. Toward Night catechiz'd. God made this a powerful Seafon to fome. There were many affeded. Former Convictions appear'd to be powerfull}^ revived. There was iikewife one, who had been a vile Drunkard, remarkably a- waken'd. He appear'd to be in great Anguilh of Soul, wept and trembled, and continued lo to do till near Midnight. There was alfo a poor heaven laden Soul, who had been long un- der fpiritual Diftrels, as conftant and preiiing as ever I i^Vi\ that was now brought to a comfortable Calm^ and feem'd to be bow 'd. and reconcii'd to divine 'Sovereignty ; and told me, She na-j:; faw and felt 'twas right God JJooitld do- with her as he fleas' d. And her Heart felt f leafed and Satisfied it Jhould he jo, Altho' of late ihe had often found her Heart rife and quarcl with God becaufc he would, // he fleas' d^ fend her to Hell after all Ihe had done, or could do to fave herfelf, ^Cc. And added, That the heavy Burden Ihe had lain under, was ik)W re- moved : That fhe had tried to recover her Con- cern and Diftrefs again, (fearing that the Spi- rit of God was departing from her, and would leave her wholly carelefs) but that Ihe could not recover it : That Ihe felt Ihe never could do any Thing to fave herfelf, but muft perifh forever if Chrift did not do all for her ; That: P 2 11^9 I ii6 D'roiJie GraCE dij^layd fne did not deferve he fhould help her ; and \ that 'twould be ngbt if he fhould leave her to perifh. But Chrift could fave her, tho' flic J could do notfjiug to fave herfelf, 6lc. And here I file fecniM to reft. Forks of D^'lazvare in Pemijy/vama, 1745-^, Lord's-Dat, Feb. 16^. I knowing that j diveis of the Indians in thofc Parts, were ob- ; fbinately fet againll Chrljiumty ^ and that fonie of them had refus'd to hear mc Preach in Times \ paft, thought it might, be proper and beneficial ro the Omjf'hm Intereft Jiere to have a Num- ber of my religious. People from Croivjcekfiing Avith me, in order to converfe with them about religious Matters : Hoping it might be a Means to convince them of the Truth and Importance , of Chriftianity, to fee and hear fome of their own Nation diicourling of divine Things, and I manifelling earneil Defires that others miglit be brought out of hcatkjwfi Darkneis, as them- lelves were. And having taken half a Doz>en of the rnofl f>riou.s and knowing Perfons for this Purpole, ; 1 this Dav met with them and the Indians of this Place, (fundry of whom probably could ' not have been prevaii'd upon to attend the Meeting, had it not been for thefe religious In- dians that accompany 'd me here) and preached to them — ^-Some of them who had, in Times been extremely averfc to Chriftianity, noA' \ pair, among the Indians. 117 now behaved foberly, and feme others laugh'd and mock'd. However the Word of God fell with fuch Weight and Power, that fundry feeni'd to be ftunned, and exprefs'd a willing- nefs to hear me aga'tn of thefe Matters, Afterwards pray'd with, and made an Addrefs to the '■^z'hite People prefent, and could not but obferve fome vilible EfFeds of the Word, fuch n^Tears and Sobs^ among them. After publick Worlhip, fpent fome Time and took Pains to convince thofe that mock'd, of the Truth and Importance of what I had been infiiting upon ^ and fo endeavour'd to awaken their Attention to divine Truths. And had Rcafon to think, from what I obferv'dthen and aftervvards, that my Endeavours took con(ider- able Etfed upon one of the worft of them. Thofe few Indians then prefent, who ufcd to be my Hearers in tbufe ^Farts (fome hav- ing remov'd from hence to Crofzyee^/mg) ieem'd fomewhat kindly difpos'd toward, and glad to fee again, altho' they had been fo much attacked by fome of the oppofmg Tagans, that they were almoft afham'd or afraid to ma- rtifeft their Fricndfhip. Kb. 17. After having fpent much Time in dil courting to the Indians in their refpedive Houfes, I got them together, and repeated and inculcated what I ' had before taught them Afterwards difcours'd to them from y^^s viii, 5—8. A divine Influence feem'd to attend the ,W?5rd. Sundry of the Indians here app^'d to iiS Divine Gkkce d/play'd to be fomewhat awakened, and manifefted a concern of Mind, by their earneft Attention, . Tears and Sobs. My People from Crofweek- fang continued with them Day and Night, re- peating and inculcating the Truths I had taught them : And fometimes pray'd and fung Pfalms among them j difcourfing with each other, in their Hearing, of the great Things God had done for them, and for the Indians from whence they came : Which feem'd (as myJFco- pie told me) to take more efFed upon thcm,^ than when they direded their difcourfes imme- diately to them. Feb. 1 8. Preach'd to an AlTembly of Irijh People near Fifteen Miles diftant from the Indian:, FeL I p. Preach'd to the Indians again, af- ter having fpent confiderable Time in conver- ling with them more privately. There ap- peared a great Solemnity, and fome Concern and AfFedfcn among the Indians belonging to thefe 'Parts, as well as a fweet melting among thofe who came with me. Divers of the^ Indians here feem'd to have their Prejudices and Aver- fion to Chriftianity removed, and appear'd well difpofed and inclined to hear the Word of God. RL 20. PreachM to a fmall AlTembly of Htgh Dutch People, who had fcldom heard the Gofpel preach'd, and were (fome of them at leaft) veiy Ignorant. But have divers of them lately been put upon an Enquiry after the Way of Salvation, with fome thoughtfulnefs. They ' among the Indians. 119 They gave wonderful Attention, and fome of them were much afFeded under the Word, and afterwards faid, (as I was inform 'd) that they never had been fo much cnlighten'd a- bout the Way of Salvation in their whole Lives before. They requefted me to tarry with them, or come again and preach to them. And it grieved me that I could not comply with their Requelt, for I could not but be affeded with their Circumllances • they being as Sh^ep not havmg a Shephtrd^ and fome of them ap- pearing under fome Degree of Soul -Trouble, Handing in peculiar need of the Affiftance of an experienced {^mXM2i\ Guide. Feb, 21. Preached to a Number of Teople, many of them Low-Dutch. Sundry of the fore-mentioned High-Dutch attended the Ser- mon, tho' eight or ten Miles diftant from their Houfes. Divers of the Indians alfo belong- ing to thfefe Parts, came of their own accord with my People (from Crofweekfting) to the Meeting. And there were two in particular, who, the laft Sabbath, oppos'd and redicul'd Chriftianity, that were now prefent and be- haved foberly. May the prefent encouraging Appearance continue. Feb. 22. Preached to the Indians. They ap- peared more free from Prejudice, and more coi^ dial to Chriftianity than before. And fome dr them appeared afFefted with divine Truths. ^ Lord's-Day, Feb. 2^^. Preach'dtothe7W/^»j from Jolm vi. ^S-^^y. After publick Service, difcours'd J 20 Diviric Grace dijplafd difcours'd particularly with fundry of themj'and invited them to go down to (Hfof'jjeekjung^ and tarry there at Icalt for fome time ; knowing they would then be free from the Scoffs and Temptations of the oppofing ^Fagans^ as well as in the IVay of hearing divine Truths dif- cours'd of, both in publick and private. And got a Pfomife of fome of them, tlvat they would fpeedily pay us a Vifit, and attend fome further Inftrudions, They feem'd to be con*- fiderably enlightened, and much freed from their Prejudices againft Chrifl-ianity. But 'tis much to be fear'd their Prejudices will revive again, unlcfs they could enjoy the Means of Inftruclion here, or be rcmov'd where they might be under fuch Advantages, and out of the Way of their "Pagan Acquaint:.nce. Cyof'jvcekftmg^ in Ne'-oj-Jerfey^ 1745-^* March i. Catcchiz'd in my ordinary Method. Was pleafed and refrefhcd to fee them anfwer the Queftions propos'd to them with fuch re- markable Readinefs, Difcrction and Knowledge. Tow*ard the Ciofe of my difcourfe, divine Truths made confiderable Impreflions upon the Audience, and produc'd Tears and Sobs in fome under Concern : And more efpecially a fwect and humble melting in fundry that, I have Reafon to hope, were truly gracious. Lord's-Day, March z. Prcach'd frnm John XV. 1—6. The AfTcmbly appeared not fo lively armng the Indi a ns. 121 lively in their Attention as ufaal, nor fo much afFefted with divine Truths in general as has been common. Some of my People who went up to the Forks of Delaware with me, being now re- turn'd, were accompany 'd by t'wo of the In- Vtans belonging to the Forks^ who had pro- mifed me a fpeedy vifit» May the Lord meet with them here. They can fcarce go into a Houfe now, but they will meet with Chrifiian Convcrfatim^ whereby, 'tis hopc« fql, they may be both inftruded and awaken'd. DIfcours*d to the Indians again in the After- noon, and obfervM among them fome livelinef;> and Engagement in divine Service, tho' not equal to what has often appear'd here. I know of no AlTembly of ChnJlianSy where there feems to be fo much of the Prefencc of God, where brotherly Love fo much prevails, and where I fhould take fo much delight in the publick Worfhip of God, in the general, as in my o'-jim Congregat'ton. Altho' not more than nine Months ago, they were worlhiping Devils and dumb Idols under the Power of Pagan Darkncfs and Superftition ! Amazing Change this ! efFeded by nothing lefs than di- vine Power and Grace I This is the Doing of the Lprdy and 'tis juftly marvelous in our Eyes! March 5. Spent fome Time juft at Evening in prayer, finging and difcourfing to my People upon divine Things j andobferv'd fome agreea- ble Tcndernefs and AfFcftion among them. Q Their 122 Divine Grace difflay'd \ Their prefent Situation is fo compad and commodious, that they are eafily and quickly call'd together with only the Sound of a Conk- I Shell (a Shell like that of a ^Ter winkle) So that they have frequent Opportunities of attending religious Exercifes publickly ; which fcems to be a great Means, under God, of keeping a- live the Imprellions of divine Things in their [ Minds. . March 8. Catechiz'd in the Evening. My People anfwered the Queftions proposed to them well. I can perceive their Knowledge in Religion increafes daily. And what is ftill more delirable, the divine Influence that has been fo remarkable among them, appears ftiil to continue in Ibme good Meafure. The di-* vine Prcfence fcem'd to be in the Affembly this Evening. Some, who I have good Rea- fon to think are Chriftians/V^^^i?J, were melted with a fenfe of the divine Goodnefs, and theijr own B.irrennefs and Ingratitude, and feenlM to bate themjelves^ as one of them afterwai^ds ex- prefled it.-*-'-Convid:iohs alfo appear'd to be reviv'd in Icveral Inftances \ and divine Truths were attended with fuch Influence upon the Affembly in general, that it might juftly be caird, an Evejting of divine Tower. Lord's-Day, Marcfj (). Preached ^tom Luke ■K. 38—42. The Word of God was attended with Power and Energy upon the Audience. Numbers were affeded and concern'd to obtain ihe OxNE Thing NEEDfui* And fundry that have among tljc Indians. 123 have given good Evidences of being truly gracious, were much afFeded with a Senfe of their want of Spirituality • and faw the need they ftood in of growing in Grace. And moil that had been under any Impreffions of divine Things in Times paft, feem'd now to have thofe Imprellions reviv'd. In the Afternoon propos'd to have catechiz'd in my ufud Method. But while we were ■ en-r gag'd in the firft Prayer in the Indian Language., (as ufaal) a great part of the AfTembly was fo much mov'd, and affeded with divine Things, that I thought it feafonable and proper to omit the Propofing of Queftions for that Time, and infift upon the mofi: pradical Truths. And acr cordingly did fo : Making a further Improve- ment of the Paflage of Scriptute, , I difcours*d upon in the former Part of the Day. There appcar'd to be a powerful divine In- rtuence in the Congregation. Sundry that I have Reafon to think are truly pious, were fo deeply affecVed with a fenfe of their own Bar^ rcnnefs^ and their unworthy Treatment of the blefled Redeemer, that they look'd on h'nn ^^-r ^etrced by thcmfelves, and mourned^ yea fome of them were in Bitternefs as jor a firfi horn. — Some poor awakned Sinners alfo ap- peared to be in Anguifh of Soul- to obtain an Interefl: in Chrift. So that there was a great mourning in the Aflembly : Many heavy Groan-:, Sobs and Tears ! And one or two Pcrfons new- ly come among us, were confiderably awaken' J. 0^2 Methinki 124 Divine Grace difpay*d \ Methinks it would have refrefhed the Heart ' of any who truly love lion's Interef^, to have been in the midft of this divine Influence, and . fcen the Effects of it upon Saints and Sinners. The Place of divine Worfhip appeared both Solemn and Sweet ! And was fo endeared by a '• Difplay of the divine Prefence and Grace, that thole who had any relilh of divine Things, could not but cry. How amiable artf thy Tabcr" nudes O Lord af Hofis I After publick Worlhip Was over. Numbers came to my Houfe, where we lang and dif- cours'd of divine Things ; and the Prefence of God feem'd here alfo to be in the midft of us. While we were finging, there was one (the Woman mentioned in my journal of FeK 9O who, I may venture fay, if I may be allow 'd to fay fo much of any Perfon I ever faw, was fiU'd withjqy tmffeakahle and full of G lory ^ K. could not but burlt forth in Prayer and Pr^ifes to God be* fore us all, with many Tears, crying fometinses in Englijh and fome times in Indian^ bl:jjcd Lord^ do coine^ do come / O do take me away^ do let me die and go to 'J ejus Chrift ! 1 am afraid if 1 Irje IJhall ^m agam I do At me die no-w ! Odearjefus.do come! 1 can't Ji ay ^ 1 can't ft ay! how can I live in this World ! Do take my Soul away from this Sinful Place ! let me ;/^- ver Sin any more ! O what jhalll do^ what Jball 1 do! Dear JeftiSy O dear JefuSy ^:c.— — --In this Extacv fhe continued fome Time, uttering Ijthcfe and llich like E.xpreffions inccfLintly.— — i! And ammig tJye InDi ans. i 25 And the grand Argument fhe ufed with God to take her away immediately, was, that if Jhe Ih'd^ Jhe Jhotild Sin again/} him. When fhe had a little recovered herfelf, I ask'd her, if Chrift was not now fweet to het Soul ? Whereupon, turning to me with Tears in her Eyes, and with all the Tokens of deep Humility I ever faw in any Perfon, ihe faid, Tv:! many Times heard you ffeak of the Goodnefs and the Sweet ttefs ofChrifi^ thai be was better than all the World, But Oil knew nothing what y mi meant ^ 1 never belienfdyoU I Ineverbe- litv'dyati I Bat naw I know it is true! Or Words to that EfFed.-— I anfwered. And do you fee enough in Chrift for the greateft of Sinners ? She replied, 0/ Enough ^ enough! For all the Sinners in the World ij they would but come. And when t ask'd her, if Ihe could not tell them of the Goodnefs of Chrift ; turning herfelf about to fome poor Chriftlefs Souls who ftood by, and were much afFeded, ftie faid, 0/ There's enough in Chrifi for yoti^ ij you would but come / O Jlrive, jlrive to give up your Hearts to him^ fiCc- And upon hearing fomething of the Glory of Heaven mentioned, that there was no Sin in that World, SCc. She again fell into the fame extafy of Joy, and defire of Chrift's coming ; repeating her former Expreffions, O dear [jord^ do let me go ! O what Jball I do., what Jball 1 do I I want to go to Chrifl I 1 (an't Itve ! O do let me die, 6Cc. She continued in this fweet Frame for more than 126 Divine Gra,ce dif^lay'd than two Hours, before Ihe was well able tp get Home. ' • I am very fenfible there may be great Joys ariling even to an extacy, where there is ftill no jubjlantial Evidence of their being well- grounded. But in the prefent Cafe there feem'd t-o be no Evidence wanting, in Order to prove this Joy to be divine, either in Regard of its Preparatives, Attendants, or Confequents. Of all the Perfons I have feen under fpiritual Exercife, I fcarce ever faw one appear more bow'd and broken under Conviftions of Sin and Mifery (or what is ufually call'd 2. prepa- ratory Work) than this Woman. Nor fcarce a- ny who feemM to have a greater Acquaintance with her ov;n Heart than ftie had. She would frequently complain to me of the Hardncfs and Rebellion of her Heart. Would tell me, her Heart rofe and quarrel'd with God, when llie thought he would do with her as he pleafedy and fend her to Hell notwithftanding her Pray- ers, good Frames, &c. That her Heart was not willing to come to Chrift for Salvation, but tried every where elfe for Help. And as fhe feem'd to be remarkably fenfible of her Stubbornnefs and Contrariety to God, under Convidion, fo fhe appear'd to be no lefs remarka- bly bow'd and reconcil'd to divine Sovereignty hc- fore fhe obtain'd any Relief or Comfort. Some- thing of which 1 have before noticed in my Jour^ naloiFeh, p. Since which time fhe has feem'd conftantly to breath the Spirit and Temper of the among the Indians. 127 the new Creature : Crying after Chrift, not thro' fear of Hell as before, but with ftrong Defires after him as her only fatisfying Portion, And has many Times wept and fob'd bitterly, becaufe (as fhe apprehended) ftie did not and could not love him. When I have fometimes ask'd her, Why fhe appeared fo Ibrrowful, and whether it was becaufe fhe was afraid of Hell ? She would anfwer, iV^, / ben't d'tpejs'd about that ; but my Heart is fo wicked I can't love Chriji • and thereupon burft out into Tears.— But altho' this has been the habitual Frame of her Mind for feveral Weeks together, fo that the Exercife of Grace appear'd evident to others^ yet Jhe feem'd wholly infenfible of it herfelf, and never had any remarkable Com- fort, and fenfible Satisfadlon till this Evening. This fweet and furprifing Extacy, appear'd to Jpring from a true fpiritual Difcovery of the Glory, ravilhing Beauty and Excellency of Chrift : And not from any grofs imaginary No- tions of his human Nature ^ fuch as that of fee- ing him in feicb a Place or Pofture, as hanging on the Crofs, as bleeding, dying, as gently fmiling, and the like • which Delufions fome have been carried away with. Nor did it rife from 3. fordid felfi/b Apprehenfion of her having any Benefit whatfoever conferred on her, but from a View of his perfonal Excellency, and tran- fcendant Lovelinefs, which drew forth thofe vehement Defires of enjoying him Ihe now ma- nifefted, and made her long to be abfent from ths 128 Dtvtne Grace dif^layd the Body J that Jhe rmght be ftefent with th$ Lord^ The Attendmits of this ravilhing Comfort, were fach as abundaatiy difcover'd its Spring to be divine, and that 'twas truly a Joy in thd Holy Ghofti Now ihe viewM divine Truths as I'tv'mg Realities ; ^nd could lay, 1 know th^fe Things are fo^ I feel they are true I ^^-Noiz' her Soul was refign'd to the divine Will in the moft tender Points j fo that when I faid to her. What if God fhould take away your * Husband from you, (who was then very fick) how do you think you could bear that ? Sh^' replied, He belongs to God^ and not me^ he may do with him juji zifhat he fleafes I ^-No^v Ihc had the moft tender Senfe of the Evil of Sin, and difcovcred the uttuolt Averfion to it \ long- ing to die that fhe might be delivered from it. — Now fhe could freely truft her aU with God for Time and Eternity. And when \ quered with her, how ihc could be willing to die and leave her little Infant, and w^hat Jhe thought would become .of it in Cafe fhe fhould? She anfwer'd, God will take care of it. It belongs to him^ he will take care of it, Now fhe appeared to have the moft humbling Senfe of her own Meannefs and Unworthinefs, her Weaknefs and Inability to prefcrve herfelf from Sin, and to perfevere in the Way of Ho*- linefs, crying. If I Uve^ 1 Jhall Sin, And I then *'r^*. Man paitkula iy nr-ntioned in my Journal of January ij. lb ammtg the Indians; 125? j^heh^ honght I had never feen fuch an appea- rance of Extajy and Humility meeting in any one . Perfon in all my Life before; The Confequents of this Joy are ho lefs defi- rable.and Satisfaclory than its Attendants. She fince appears to be a rhoil tender, broken-heart- ed, afFeclionate, devout, and humble Chrif- tian, as exemplary in Life and Converfation as any Perfon in my Congregation* May flie flill graw in Grace and in tljc Knozvledge of Chrift, March ic. Toward Night the Indians met together of their own accord and fang, pray*d, and difcours'd of divide Things among them- felves. At which Time there was much Affec- tion among them. Some who are hopefully gracious, appear'd to be melted with divine Things. And fome others feem'd much con- ccrnM for their Souls. — ^Perceiving their En- gagement, and Affedion in religious Exercifes I went among them^ and pray'd and gave a Word of Exhdrtation ; • and obferv*d two or three fomewhat affeded and concerned, who fcarce ever appear'd to be urid^r any religious Impreffions before. It feem'd to be a Day and Evening of divine Power. Numbers retained the warm Impreffions of divine Things that had been made upon their Minds the Day be* fore. March 14. Wis vifited by a confiderable Number of my People, and fpent fome Time in religious Exercifes with them. March is^ In the Evening Catechiz'd. R My 1 3 o Divine Grace difflay'd My People anfwer'd the Qiieftions nut f-^ them with furprizing Readincfs and Judgment. There appeared fome warmth and feeling Senfe of divine Things among thofe, I have reafon to hope, are real Chriftians, while I was difcourf- ing upon Teace of Conference and Joy in the Holy- Ghofl, Thefe feem'd quickned and enlivened in divine Service, tho' there was not lb much ap- pearance of Concern among thofe I have Reafon to think in a Chriftlefs State. " Lord's-Day, March i6. Preach 'd to my Congregation from Heb. ii. 1—3. Divine Truths feem'd to have fome coniidcrable Influence upon many of the Hearers ^ and produced many Tears, as well as heavy Sighs and Sobs among both thofe who have given Evidences of being real Chriftians and others alfo. And the Im- preffions made upon the Audience, appeared in general deep and Heart affcBing^ not fuperficial, noif^ and affeded. Toward Night difcours'd again on tht great Salvation, The Word was again attended with fome Power upon the Audience. Num- bers wept afFedlonately, and, to appearance, unfeignealy \ fo that the Sprit oj God feem'd to be. moving upon the Face of the AfTembly. Baptized the Woman particularly mentioned in my Journal of laft Lords-Day ., who now, as well as then, appear'd to be in a devout, hum- ble and excellent Frame of Mind. My Houfe being throng'd with my People in the Evening, I fpent the Time in religious Exercifes among the Indians. 131 Exercifes with them, till my Nature was almoft fpent. They are lo unwearied in religious Exercifes and uniatiable in their Thirfting aftqr ChristiaxV Knowledge that I can Ibme- time^ fcarce avoid labouring lb, as greatly to cxhauft my Strength and Spirits. ^ March i p. Sundry of the Perfbns that went with me to the Forks of Delaware in February Uft, having been detain'd there by the danger- ous lilnefs of one of their Company, returnVl Home but this Day. Whereupon my Peopk generally met together of their own Accord in order to fpend fome time in leligious Exer- cifes ; and in fpecial to give Thanks to God for his preferving Goodnefs to thole who had been abfent from them for feveral W-ceks , ana recovering Mercy to him that had been {^\ck^ ■in6 that he had now return'd them all in Safety. 1 being then abfent, they defir'd my School- mafter to aflift them in carrying on their relig;i~ ous Solemnity ; who tells me they appear'd engaged and Affectionate in repeated -Prayer, finging, &Cc. March 22. Catechiz'd in my ufual Method in the Evening. My People anfwer'd Q^aciti- ons to my great Satisfaction. There appear'd nothing very remarkable in theAlfembly, con- fidcring what has been common among us. Al- tho' I may jultly fay, the ftrid Attention, the Tendernefs and Affcttion, the many Tears, and Heart affecting Sobs appearing in Numbers in the Affembly would have been VJry remark-^ R 2 (^bh 1 3 - Divine Gk^ce difflayd j alpky were It not that God has made thelcThings , common with us, and even with Strangers foon i after their coming among us, from time to time. \ Altho' I am far from thinking that every Af^ ; fearame, and particular Inflance ot AfFe^ion, \, that has been among us, has been truly genuine, \ and/^/re'/y from a divine Influence, lamfenfible of the Contrary. And doubt not^ but that , there has been fome corruj)t Mixtures^ fome Chaff as well as Wheat, elpecially fincc religious Concern became fo common and preva-» lent here. Lord's-Day, March 23. There being a- bout Fifteen ttrmgers^ adult Perfons, come inong us in the Ireek paft \ divers of whom \\d never . been in any relrgious Meeting till now, I tliought it proper to difcourfe this Day in a Manner peculiarly fuited to their Circum- ilances and Capacities : And accordingly attemp- ted it from Hojea 13. p. In the Forenoon open- ing in the plainefl Manner I could, Man's Apoftacy and ruin'd State . After having fpo- licn fome Things refpcding the Being and Pet- it dions of God and his Creation of Man in a State of Uprightnefs and Happinefs. In the Afternoon, endeavoured to open the 'glorious Frovifion God has made for the Redemption of Apojfati^ Creatures, by giving his own dear Son to fuffer for them, and latisfie divine Juftice on their behalf. There vv'as not that Affcdion and Concern in the among tJie Indians. \y^ I the Aflembly that has been common among us, ,i' altho* there was a delirable Attention appear- ing in general, and even* in moft of the Strati" '; gers, \^ Near Sun-fet I felt an uncommon Concern \\ upon my Mind, efpecially for the poor Strangers y ' that God had fo much withheld his Prefence, and the powerful Influence of his Spirit, from the AiTcmbly in the Excrcifcs of the Day ;. and thereby denied them of that Matter of Convi<5tion which I hop'd they might have had. And in this Frame I vifited fundry Houfes and dilcoursM with fome Concern and Affection to divers Perfons particularly ^ but without much appearance of Succels, till I came 'to a Houfe where divers of the Strangers were ^ and there the folemn Truths I difcours'd of appeared tQ take Ejfeci^ firft upon fome Children^ then upor>^, divers adult Perfons that had been fomewhat a- '^ v/aken'd before, and afterwards upon fevcral of the ^Fagan Strangers. I continued my Difcourfe, with fome Fer- vency, till almoft every one in the Houfe was melted into Tears; and divers wept aloud, and appear'd earncftly concern'd to obtain an Intereft in Chrift Upon this, Numbers foon gathered from all the Houfes roCind about, and fo throng'd the Place that we were obliged to remove to . the Houfe, wheie we ufually meet for p^iblick Worlhip, And the Congregation gathering im- mediately, and many appearing remaikably af- fected, I difcours'd fome Time from Dik, xix. i o Endeavouring 134 Divine Grace difpafd Endeavouring to open the Mercy, Compaflion and Concern of Chrift for loji^ helflefs^ and un-' done Sinners. There was much vifible Concern and Affec- tion in the Alfembly; and I doubt not but that a divine Influence accompanied what was fpoken to the Hearts of many. There were five or fix of the Strangers (Men and Women) who appeared to be conllderable awakened. And in particular one very rugged young Man, who feem'd a^ if nothing would move him, was now brought to tremble like the Jaylor and weep for a long Time. The Tagans that were awakened feem'd at once to put' off their Savage Roughnefs and Tagan Manners, and became fociablc, orderly and humane in their Carriage. When they firlt came, I exhorted my religious People to take Pains with them (as they had done with other Strangers from time to time) to inftrud them in Chriftianity. But when feme of them at^ tem.pted fomething of that Nature, the Stran- gers would foon rife up and walk to otherHoufes, in Order to avoid the Hearing of fuch Dii- courfcs. Whereupon fome of the ferious Per- fons agreed to difperfe themfelves into the fe- vcral Parts of the Settlement. So that where- ,cver the Strangers wTnt, they 'm.et with fome inftrudive Difcourfe, and warm Addreffcs re- fpe£ling their Souls Concern. — But noia there was no need of ufing Policy in order to get an Opportunity of converfing with fome of them about amng the 1ki> I AKS, 135 about their fpiritual Concerns ; for they were fo far touch'd with a Senfe of their perish- ing State, as made, them tamely yield to the clo^eji AddrejQTes that were made them, refped- ing their Sin and Mifery, their need of an Ac- quaintance with, and Irttereflr in the great Re- deemer. March 24. Numbered the Indians to fee ho'sy many Souls God had gathered together here, fince my coming into thefe Tarts^ and found there was now about an Hundred and Thirty Perfons together, old and young. Sundry of thofe that are my ftated Hearers, perhaps to the Number of Fifteen or Twenty^ were abfent at this Seafon. So that if all had been toge- ther, the Number would now have been very confiderable ; elpecially confidering how few were together at my firft coming into thefe Parts, the whole Number not amounting to Ten Perfons at that time. My People going out this Day upon the De- fign of clearing fome of their Lands above fifteen Miles diftant from this Settlement^ in Order to their fettling there in a compad Form, where they might be under Advantages of at- tending the publick Worihip of God, of hav- ing their Children Schooled, and at the fame Time Have a conveniency for Plantings 6Cc. Their Land in the Place of our prefent Refi- dence being of little or no value for that Pur- pofe. And the Defign of their fettling thus in a Body, and cultivating their Lands (which they 136 Dhtne GkaCe dif^layd they have done yery little at. in their Tagafi* State) being of fuch neceflity and Importance to their religious Intcreft, .as well as worldly Comfort, 1 thought it proper to call them to- gether, and fhew them the Duty of labouring with Faithfulnefs and.Induftry ; and that they muft not now be Jlothful in Bafme^s^ as they had ever been in their 'Fagait State. And cndea- vour'd to prefs the Importance of their being laborious, diligent and vigorous in the Pr6fec?u-^ tion of their Buiinefs, cfpecially at the prcfcnt Juncture, (the Seafon of Planting being now near) in order to their being in a Capacity of living together, and enjoying the Means of Grace and Inftrudion. And having given them Diredions for their Work, (which they yery much wanted) as wtW as for their Behaviour in divers Refpeds, I explained, fang, and en-* deavoured to inculcate upon them Tfalm cxxvii. common Metre, Dr. fVatts's Verlion. And hav- ing recommended them, and the Defign of their going forth, to God, by Prayer with them, I difmifled them to their Bufinefs. In the Evening read and expounded to my People (thofe of them who were yet at Homc^ and the Strangers newly come) the Subftance of the thir^ Chapter of the J^s, Numbers feemM to melt under the Word, efpecially while I was difcourfing upon v^r. i p. Sundry of the Strangers alfo were affeded. When I ask'd them afterwards, whether they did not now feel that th^iir Hearts were wicked, as I had ^mong the Indians. 137' hadtaught them ? One replied, les^ Jhd felt it I'l' fiow. Aitho' before ihe came here (upon hear-i ing that I taught the Indians their Hearts were ■' all bad bv Nature, and needed to be chans:ed and ' 1 made good by the Power of God) She had ■ fiid, Ar Hc;cirt was not wkked^ and Jlos never ^ had done any Thing tJjM was bad m her Lifh And this indeed feems to be the Cafe with them, I think, univerfally in their ''7agan-'^t2itt. They feem to have no Concioufnejs of Sin and Guilt, unlefs they can charge themfelvcs with fome Qrofs A^s of Sin contrary to the Commands of the Second Tdble. March 27. Difcours'd to a Number of liiy People in one of their Houfes in a more private Manner. Enquired particularly, into their fpi^ ritual States, in Order to fee what ImpreiTions of a religious Nature, they were under. Laid before them the Marks and Tokens of a rege^ nerate^ as well as unregenerate State : And en- deavoured to fuit and dired my Difcourfe to them feverally according as I apprehended theit States to be. There was a confiderable Number gather'd together, before I finifh'd my Difcourfe \ and divers feem'd much afFefted, while I was urg- ing the Neceffity and infinite Importance of getting into a renew'd State. 1 find particu- lar and clofe Dealing with Souls in private, is often very fuccefsful. March 29. In the Evening catechiz'd as u- faal upon to/W.^.— Treated upon the Benejit^ S '-juhkh '13^ Divine Grace dijplafd which Believers receive from Chrijl at Death — » The £lufftions were anfwered with great Rea- dinefs and Propriety. And thofe who, I have Reafon to think, are the dear People of God, were fweetly melted almoft in general. There ^appear'd fuch a Livelinefs and Vigour in their Attendance upon the Word of God, and fuch Eagernefs to be made Partakers of the Benefits then mentioned, that they feem'd to be not only : looking for ^ but hafting to the coming of the Day of Cod. Divine Truths feem'd to diftil upon the Audience with a gentle, but melting Ef- ficacy, as the refrefliing Showers upon the new mown Grafs. The Affembly in general, as well as thofe who appear truly religious, were afFed- ed with fome brief Account of the BlefiTednefs of the Godly at Death: ^nd molt then dif^ covered an affedionatc Inclination to cry, Let me die the Death of the Righteous., SCc. Altho* many were not duly engag'd to obtain the Change of Heart that is neceflary in Order to ■ that blefTed End. Lord's-Day, March 30. Difcourfed from Matt. XXV. 31- -40. There was a very confi- derable moving and affeclionate melting in the Affembly. I hope there were fome real, deep and abiding ImpreUions of divine Things made upon the Minds of many. There was one a-^ ged Man newly come among us, who appear *d ' to be confiderably awakened, that never was touched with any Concern for his Soul be- fore. • dmong the Indians, 13^ In the Evening catechiz'd. There was not that Tendernefs and melting Engagement a-' mong God's People that appeared the Evening 5 before, and at many other Times. Altho' they (^ anfvver'd the £lK,ejhons diftindly and well, and'^' were devout and attentive in divine Service. March 31. Caird my People together, a$ J I had done the Monday Morning before, and ! | dilcours'd to them again on the Neceffity and ( ,' Importance of their labouring induftrioufly, in ^ order to their living together and enjoying the '^ Means of Grace, 6Cc. And havirig engag'd in folemn Prayer to God among them, for a Bleffing upon their Attempts, I difmilTed them to their Work. Numbers of them (both Men and Women) fecm'd to offer themfelves willingly to this Service ; and fome appear'd affectionately con- cern'd that God might go with them, and begin their I'/itk Toiin for them; that by his Bleiling it might be a Place comfortable for them and theirs, in regard both of procuring the Neccf- faries of Life, and of attending the Worfbip of God. ' A'^r'il 5. i74(^. CatechizM towards Evening. There appear'd to be fome Affcdion and fer- vent Engagement in divine Service thro' tiic AiTembly in general; cfpecially towards the Gonclufion of my Difcourfc. After publick Worfhip, a Number of tJir '. I have Reafon to think are truly relil - ous, came to my Houfe and feem'd cap r' S 2 140 Dhine Gk^ce (lijp/ay^ r feme further Entertainment upon divine xhings. And while I was converfing with them about their fpiritual Exercifes, obierving to them, that God's Work in the Hearts of all his Children, was, for Subftance, the fame ; and that^their Trials and Temptations were alfo alike ; and ihewing the Obligations fi/ch were under to /ov^ one another in a peculiar Manner, they feem'd,to be melted into Tcndernefs and . AfFcdion toward each other: And I thought ( that particular Token of their being the D/J-^ '■ cip/es of Chkist, viz^ of their having Lyvc one toward another^ had fcarce ever appear'd more evident than at this Time. - Lord's-Day, Aprils, Preach 'd from Matt. vii. 2 1 -23. There were confiderable Effects of the Word vifiblc m the Audience, zx\<\ pich as were very defirable : An earneft Attention, a ■ great Solemnity, many Tears and heavy Sighs, i which were modeftly fuppreffed in a confiderable [ Meafure, and appear'd unaffcftcd and without ' sny indecent Commotion of the Pafiions. Di- ; vers of the religious People were put upon fe- \ rious and clofc Examination of their fpiritual ■ States, by hearing that not every one that faith to Chrifl, ' Lore!^ Lord^ Jhall enter into his King- dom, And fome of them expreffed Fears leaft \ they had deceived .themfelves and taken up a falfe Hope, becaufe they found th^y bad done fo little of the (Fill of his lather v:ho is in Heaven. There was alfo one Man brought under y^i^ great. among the Indians. 141 great and prefllng Concern for his Soul ; which appear'd more efpecially after his Retirement from publick Worlhip. And that which, he fays, gave him his great Uneafinefs, was, not fo much any particular Sin, as that he had ne^- ver done the Will of God at all^ but had fin^ ned continually, and fo had no claim to the Kingdom of Heaven. In the Afternoon I open'd to them the Dif-> ctjfline of .Chrift in his Church, and the Method in which Offenders are to be dealt with. At which Time the religious People were much af- fected, efpecially when they heard, that the Offender continuing obftinate, muft finally be efteemed and treated as an Heathen-Man^ as a Pagan that has no Part nor Lot among God's vifible People. 7'^/j they feem'd to have the moft awful Apprehenfions of : A State of Heathenisms out of which they were fo lately brought, appearing very dreadful to them. After pubhck Worihip I vifited fundry Houfes to fee how they fpent the remainder of the ^abbath^ and to treat with them folenmly on the ereat Concerns of their Souls : And the Lord leem'd to fmile upon rtiy private Endea- vours, and to make thefe particular and ferfonal AddrelTes more effeftnal upon fome, than my publick Difcourfes. April y, Difcours'd to my People at Even- ing from I Cor. xi. 23 — 16. And endeavour- ed to open to them the Inftitution, Nature and Ends of the Lord'S'Su^^er^ as v/ell as the Qua- lifications 142 Divine Grace difflay'd lifications and Preparations neceflary to the right Participation of that Ordinance. Sun- dry Perfons appeared much affeded with the Love of Chrift manifefted in his making this Provifion for the Comfort of his People, at a Seafon when himfelf was jufl: entering upon his fharpefl Sufferings. Lord's-Day, y^r// 20. Difcours'd both Forenoon and Afternoon from Luke xxiv. Ex- plaining mofi: of the Chapter, and making re- marks upon it. There was a defirable Atten- tion in the Audience, tho* there was not lb much appearance of Affeftion and Tendernefs among them as has been ufual. — Our Meeting was very full, there being fundry Strangers prefent who had never been with us before. In the Evening catechiz'd. My People an- fwered the Queftions propos'd to them, readi- ly and diftincfly ; and 1 could perceive they advanced in their Knowledge of the Trincifles of Chriftianity. There appear'd an affectionate melting in the Affembly at this Time. Sundry who, I truft, are truly religious, were refrellied and quick- ened, and feem'd,* by their Difcourfe and Be- haviour after publick Worfliip, to have their Hearts knit together in Love, This was •> a fweet and bleffed Seafon, 'like many others, that my poor People have been favour'd with in Months paft ! God has caufed this little Fleece to be repeatedly wet with the bleffed De^Jis of among the Indians. i 43 of his divine Grace, while all the Earth around has been comparatively dry. April 2(5. Having of late apprehended that a Number of Perfons in my Congregation, were proper Subjeds of the Ordinance of the Lord's Slipper^ and that it ^might be Seafonable fpeedi- ly to adminifter it to them : And having taken Advice of fome of the Reverend Carre- jpondmts in this folcmn Affair \ and according- ly having propofed and appointed the next Lord's-Day (with leave of divine Providence) for the Adminiftration of this Ordinance, this Day, as preparatory thereto, was fet apart for Iblemn Fapng and Traycr^ to implore the Ele fling of God upon our Defign of renewing Covenant with him, and with one another, to walk together in the Fear of God, in Love and Chriftian Fellowfhip \ and to intreat that his divine Prcfence might be with us in our de- figned approach to his Table ^ as well as to humble ourfelvcs before God on Account of the apparent withdrawment (at leaft in a Meafure) of that bleffed Influence that has been lb prevalent upon Perfons of all Ages a- mong us : As alfo on Account of the rifing Ap- pearance of Carelefnefs, Vanity and Vice a mong fome, who, fometime fmce, appeared to be touched and affeded with divine Truths, and brought to fome fenfibility of their mi- ferable and perilhing State by Nature. And that we might alfo in-iportunately pray for the peaceable SittUmmt of the Indians together ia 144 Dh'me Grace dijplayd in a Body, that they might be ^ commodious Congregation for the Worlhip of God • and that God would blall and defeat all the At- tempts that were or might be made againft that pious Defign. * The Solemnity was obferved and ferioufly attended, not only by thofe who propofed to communicate at the Lord's Table, but by the whole Congregation univerfally. — In the for- mer Part of the Day, I endeavour'd to open to my People the Nature and Defign of a Faft-, as I had attempted more briefly to do b - fore, and to inftrud them in the Duties of fuch a Solemnity. In the Afternoon, I mfifletl Upon the fpecial Reafons there were for our engaging in thefe folemn Exercifes at this Time ; both in Regatd of the Need we flood in of divine Affiftance, in order to a due Pre- paration for that lacred Ordinance we were lome of us propofing (with leave of divine Providence) fpeedily to attend upon : And al- fo in refpeft of themahifeft DtW/';/^ of God's Work here, as to the effeftual Conviction and Converfion of Sinners, there having been few of late deeply awakened out of a State of Security. The * There being at this Time a tcirible Clamour railed againll the .Indians ir{ various Places in the Country, and InGniiations as the* I was training ihem up to cut People's Throats. - Numbers wifliing ro have them baniflied out of thefc Paits, and feme giving out greit Words in Order to fright and deter them trom fettling upun tne belt and mol't convenienc Tiad of their own Lands, thrcatning to molelt and trouble rhcm in the Law, pretending a Claim to thtlc Lauds chemftlvcs, akhy' never {.uithaC-d of the Indians, Amm^ the IndiAnSo The AVorfhip of God was attended with great Solemnity and Reverence, with much Teriderncfs and many Tears, by thofe who appear to be truly religious : And there was fome appearance of divine Power upon thofe who had been awakened fomc Time befbre^ and who were flill under Concern. After repeated Prayer and Attendance upon the Word of God, I propbfed to ,the religious People, with as much Brevity and Plainnefs as I could, the Sabftance of the DoSirme of the Chr'tji'tan FakB, as I had formerly done, pre-? vious to their Bapifnij aiid had their renewed chearful Aflent to it. 1 then led. them to a folemn renewal of their haptifmal Covsjtanty wherein they had explicitly and publickly given up themfelves to God, the Father, Son and Holy-Ghoft, Avouching him to be their God \ and at the fame Time renouncing their Hea^ ihcntfb Vanities, their idolatrous and fuferjiitious Pradices, and folemnly engaging to take the Word of God, fd far as it was,^ or might be made known to them, for the Rule of their LiveSy promifmg to walk together in love, to watch over themfelves, and one another ; to leadLives of Serioufnefs and Devotion, and to difchargc the relatiije Duties incumbent upon them re- fpedively, 5cc. This folemn Tranfaftioh was attended with much Gravity and Serioufnefs : And at the fame Time with utmoft Readinefs, Freedom, sfhd Chearfulnefs j and a religious Union and T Harmony ■ ,|6 Dtvms Grace dif^lay'd larmony of Soul, fecm'd to crown the whole ■oler^nity. J^ouid not but thirjk in the i£- cniiig,' that there had been manifeft Tokens f the divine 'Prefence with us in all the feveral ervips of the Day ; tho' it wasalfo manifeft- •1^ re was not fhat Concern amcne . Chriftiefs' Jouls^ that has often appeared here, . ^^ril 2.6* Toward .Noon pray'd with a ^'iwf Child, and egve a Word of Exhortation to the l3y-jftanderWo prepare for Death, which feem'd to ;take Effecl upon fome. In the Afternoon *difcours*d to my People voni AiaU, xxvi. a6^--30.' Of the Author, the ISFature and Defign of the LorA' s-Suffc^r ; and endeavoured to point out the ^^/"^/^ Receivers of thart Ordinance. The religious X^eople were affeded and even leited with divine Truths,— -with a View o^thc ■ying Xov.e of Chrilt. Sundry others v/ho had been for fome Months under Con virions of their perifhing State, appeared now to be much mov'd with Concern, and afrelh engag'd ill feeking after an Intereit in Ghrift ^^ altho' I can't fay, the JVord of God. appeared /tf quick am o'jucrjid^ fo fharp and piercing to the Alfembly ...3 it had fometimes formerly done. Baptized two adult Perfons, both ferious and xempiary in their Lives, and, I hope, truly '' 'ous* One of them was the Man particu- -_ , mentioned in my Journal of the 6th Inft. ho^altho' he v/as then greatly diflrefs'd, be- caufe hs had never dpne the iVtli of God^'hz^ •Incc tifncj.'/^ the Indi .-.:;,>, 147 flnce ('tis hopeful) obtainM fpiritual GomforJ upon good Grounds. -- 1 In the Evening I catechiz'd thofc that wer^i defign'd to partake of^ the Lerd's-SuP^er thj? next Day, upon the Inftitntion, Nature aiid End of that Ordinance \ and had abundant Sa- tisfadion refpeding their doclrhial Knowledge and Fitnefs- in that Refped for an Attendance upon it. , They likewife appear'^^n general,, to have "an affecllng Senfe of the^roleninity of this facred Ordinance, and to be humbled un« 'or ■?.. Senfe of theit own Tin worth inefs to ap- proach to. God in it, and to. be earnef{-iy con- cerned that they might be. duly prepar'd for an At-tendance upon ir. Their Hearts were full of Love one toward another, and tbrit was t': Frame of Mind they feent*d»m.uch concern'd to m^iintain, ^ bring to the Lord'sTabie Vv^ith them. In finging and prayer, after caftechizinp;^ there appeared an agreeable Tendernefs and Melting among them, and fuch Tokens of bro theriy Xove and Affedion, that would eve:: conftrainone to fay, L^rd^ 'tis good to he:herc .. 'tis good to dwell v/hei^fuch an heavenly In-^ f^'.^ence diflills ! : ^ • Lord's-Day, A[nl %j. Preached from T/^r, W. 14, Who gave himfelf for us^ Kq. ^Thc Word of God at this Time was attended with fomc Appearance of divine Power upon the Affemhly ; fo that the Attention and Gr?, 'S the Audience was remarkable j a^ . Djvme Grace ^i efpccially towards the Conclufion of the Excr- cife clivers Perfons were much affeded. Adminiftred the Sacrament of the Lord's-^ Sti^per to Twenty three Perfons of the IndianSy (the Number of i^c'^ and Women being near e- qual^ dJY^rs'others, to theNumber o^fwe ox fix ^ being now abfent at thtForks of Delaware^ who would otherwife have communicated with us. The Ordinance was attended with great So- lemnity,^ and with a molt defirable Tenderneis and Affeftion. And 'tw^s remairkable that in the Seafon of the Perfoi:mance of the Sacra- mental Adions, efpcdaUy" in the Diftribution of the Bread ^ they feemM to be affefted in a moft lively Manner, as if Chrtfi had i>een rcaWy crudfied before thern. And ' the Words of the Inftitution when jg^peated and enlarged hppn in the Seafon of the Adminiftratiori, ifcem'd to meet with the fame Ret^eption, to be entertained with th^ fame full and frm Belief an,d afFedi- onate Engagement of Soul, as if the Lord feliis Chnfl himfelf. had been prefent, and had fer^ fonally fpoken to them. ' The Affections of the Communicants, altho' confiderably raifed, were notwithftanding agree- ably regulated^ and kept wijjiin proper Bounds. So that there was a fweet, gentle and affedi- nate melting, without any indecent or boiftrous Commotion of the Paflions. Having refted fome Time after the Admi- 1 nitration of the Sacrament (b^ing extremely '' tired witli the heceffdry Prolixity of the Woik) I among the iNpiANS. 14^ | J walkM from Houfe to Houfe, and converfed particularly with moft of the Communicants^ and found they had been almolt univerfally refrefhed at the Lord's-Table as with new Wine. And never did I fee fuch an Appearance of Chrijiian Lctue among any People in dl my Life. It was fo remarkable, that one might well have cried with an agreeable Surprize, Behold bow they love one another I I think there could be no greater Tokens of mutual Affedion a- mong the People of God in the early Days of Chriftianity, than what now appeared here. The Sight was io defirable, and fo well becom- ing the Gofpei, that nothing lefs could be laid ^^ it, than that it was th Doing of the Lordy the genuine Operations of him who is Love I Toward Night difcours'd again on the fore^ mentioned Tit. ii. 14. and infifted on the im- mediate End and Defign of Chrift's Death, viz. That he might redeem his Teople from all Ini-^ quity^ dvc. This appeared to be a Seafbn of divine Power among us. The religious People were much lefreihcd, and feem'd remarkably tender and affectionate, full of Love, Joy, Peace and De- fircs of being compleatly redeem* d_ from all Int- ^utty ; fo that fome of them afterwards told me, they had never felt the like before.^—Con- vidions alfo appeared to be reviv'd in many In- ftances ; and divers, Perfons were awakened whom I had never obferv^d under any religious, Jmprelfions before. • \ .Stick ico Divine Or ace dfplay'd ouctj was the Innuence that attended our Ai- fembly, and fo unlpeakably defirable the Frame of Mind that many enjoy'd in the divine Ser- vice, that it feem'd almoft grievous to con- clude the pubiick Worihip. And the Con,- gregation when difmifs'd, altho' it was ^en al- moft dark, appear'd loth to leave the Place and Employments that had been rendered fa dear to them by the Benefits enjoy 'd, vi^e ablfef- fed quickiWng Influence diftili'd upd|||'them. And upon the whole, I muft fay, t had great Satisfaction with Relation to the Adminiflrra- tion of this Ordinance in divers Refpe£ls. I have abundant Reafon to think, that thcfe who came to the Lord's Table, had a good Degree of 'doEirinal Knowledge of iht Nature and De- fim of the Ordinance \ and that they aded an^ advftandtngly in what they did. In the preparatory Services I found (I may juftiy fay) uncommon Fredom in opening to. their Underftandings and Capacities, the Qwe- %iant of -Grace y and in fhev/ing them the Natvre of this Ordinance as a Seal of that Covenanto Altho* many of them knew of no fuch Thing as a Seal before my coming among them, or at leaft of the Ufe and Defign of it in the com-, mon Affairs of Life They were likewifc thoroughly fenfihle that 'twas no more than a Seal or Sign^ and not the real Body and Blood of Chrill--Th'at 'twas defign'd for the Refrefh^ ment and Edification of the Soul, and not Ibrtthe feaft'mg of the Bod^^-^ — They were' alfo •:•. acquaints acquainted with the End of the Ordinance, that 'they were therein cali'd to commemorats the dying Love of Chrift, &c. And this Ccmpetency of dodrinal Know- ledge, together with their grave and decent attendance upon the Ordinance ; their af- dionate melting undfer it j and the fweet and iriftian Frame of Mind they difcovered con^ lequent liflpn it, gave me great Satisfadion re- fpeding J^y Adniiniftration of i: to*them. And O what a fweet and blelTed Seafon was this ! God himfelf, Fm perfuaded, was in the midft of his People ! attending his own Ordi« nances ! And I doubt not but many in the Gon- afion of the Day, could fay, with their whole Hearts, verily a Day thus (peat in God's Houfe^ is better than a TImtfand elfewhere. There feem'd to be but one Heart among the pious eople \ The fweet Union, Harmony and en- dearing Love and Tendernefs fubfiiling among them, was (I thought} the mofl: lively Em- blem of the heavenly World, I had ever fcen. 4frU 28. Concluded the Sacramental So- lemnit^'- with a Difcourfe u^on John xiv. 15, If ye love me^ keep my Commadments. At which Time there appeared a very agreeable Tender- nefs in the Audience in general, but efpecially in the Commumcants,'--'0 how free, how en- Eag'd and affectionate did thefi appear in the ':rvicc of ' 5' Vifited my 'People again, and took. Care, of their worldly Concerns, giving them Diredions relating to their Hufmeis. I daily difcover more and more of what Im- portance 'tis like to be to their religious Inte- refts, that they become laborious and induftri- pus, acquainted with the Affairs of Husbandry^ and able, in a good Meafure, to raife the Ne- ccffariesand Comforts of l^ifc within thcmfehes-^ for their prefent Method of living greatly ex- pofes them to Temptations of various Kinds. J^Jqy 'p. Preach'd from John v. 40. in the open Wildernefs • the /;;:://.4?w having as yet no Houfc for pnblick Woriliip in this Place, nor fcarce any Shelters for themfelves. Divine Truths made conliderable Inipreflions upon thc' Audi- ence, and it was a Scafon of Solemnity, Ten- dcrnefs and Affection. Baptiz'd one Man this Day (the Conjurer, Murderer, Kq. mention'd in my Jonrnal of Augtijt 8. 174.5. and February i. 1745-6) who, appears to be fuch a remarkable Inftance of di- vine Grace, that I can't omit fome brief Ac- count of him here. He liv'd near, and fometimes attended my AJeering in thQ Forks of Delaware fpr more than a Year together ^ but was (like many o- thers of them) extremely attach'd to ftrong Drink, and feem*d tpbe no ways reformed by the Means I ufed with them for their Inllruc- tion and Gonverfion. In this Time he like- wife murdered a likely young Indian, which threw among the Indians. ^SS\ threw him into fome kind of Horror and Dep- faration^ fo that he kept at a Diftance from me, and refufed to hear me preach for feycral Months together (as 1 notetl in a former Jour^ ml of March 4. 1 744-5) ^^^ I'^ had an Oppor^ tunity of converfing freely with him, and gi- ving him Encouragement, that his Sin might be forgiven for Chrift Sake. After which he again attended my Meeting at fome Times. Eut that which was the worft of all his Con-* dud, was his Conjuration. He was Qne of theni who are fometimes calW Towwows among the Indians : And notwithftanding his frequent at-i _ tendance upon riiy Preachings he ftill followe4 his old CJjarms and juggling Tricks, gmng otiP that himlelf 'isjas fome great One^ and to him they gave heed^ fuppofing him to be poffeffed of a great Po'juer. So that when I have inftrucled them rcfpecling the Miracles wrought by Chr.ft in heahng the Sick, &. and mentioned them as Evidences ot his ^/i;/'//^ Million, and the Truth of his Doctrines, they have quickly obferv'd the Wonders of that Kind which this Man had perform'd by his Magick Charms-. Whence they had ahighOpinionof him and his fuperllitiousNo- tions, which feem'd to be a fatal Obilruction to fome of them in Regard of their receiving the Gofpel. And t have often thought, 'twould be a great Favour to the Defign of Gofpellizing the Indians, if God would take that Wretch out of the World ^ for I had fcarce any hope of his ever coming to Good : But God, ivhofe V 2 Though} f /, i^^ . Divme Gkkce difplay'd Tlooughts are not as Man's Thoughts, has been pleaied to take a much riiore defiiable Method with him : A Method agreeable to his own mer- ciful Nature, and, I truft, advantagious to his own Intereft among the Indians, as well as ef- fectual to the Salvation of the poor Soul him- felf Aitd to him k the Glory of it. The iirft genuine Concern for his Spul that ever appeared in him, was excited by feeing my Interpreter and his Wife Baptiz'd at the I'orks of Delaware, July 21. 1745. Which fo pre- vail'd upon him, that, with the Invitation of an Indi:m w,ho was a Friend to Chriftianity, he follow'd me down to Crojweekfmg in the Begin- ning of Atigujt following, in -Order to hear me preach, and there continued for feveral Weeks, in theSeafon of the moft remarkable and power- ful Awakening among the Indians ; at which Time he was more efFedtually awakened, and brought under great Concern for his Soul: And then, he fays, \x<^i Darknefs^ had now Jhined in his Hearty and giv^ . t en him the Light of an experimental Kfiowhdge f- of the Glory of God in tb^i Face oj Jefus ChrilL \ June p. A confiderable Number of my Peo- ! pie met together early in the Day in a retired Place in the Woods ^ and pi*ay'd, fang and con- Yers'd of divine Things, and were feen by fome religious Perfons of the white People; to .bc affeded and engag'd, and divers of them in Tears in thefe religious Exercifes. ' Afterwards they attended the concluding Ex-s trcifes of the Sacramental Solemnity^ and then ' letum'd home, divers of them rejoycingfor all the Goodnefs of Gcd they had feen and felt : So that this appear'd to be a profitable as well as a comfortable Seafon to Numbers cff my Congregation. And their being prefent at this Occafion, and a Number of them eomn^jjni- cating at the Lord's Table with others of 0ckI's People, was, I truft, for the Honour of Qod, and the Intercft of Religion in thefe Par^, as Numbers, I have Reafon to think, were quick- ened by Means of it. June 13. Preached to my People upon tiie New Creature^ from 2 Cor. v. 1 7. The .Pre- fenc€ of God appear'd to be in the Affembly.— It 1 68 Divine Grace dtf^lay'd It was a fvvect and agreeable Meeting, wherein the People of God were refrefti'd and ftrength- ned, beholding their Faces in the Glafs of God's Word, and finding in themfelves the Marks and Lineaments of the New Creature, — Some Sinners under Concern, were alfo renew- edly affeded, and a frelh engaged for the fecu- ring of their eternal Interefts. Baptiz'd five Perfons at this Time, three A- dults and two Children. One of thefe was the very aged Woman of whbfc Exercife I gave an Account in my Journal oi December a^th. She now gave me a very pundual, rational and fatisfadory Account of the remarkable Change fhe experienced fome Months after the Begin- ning of her Concern, which, I muft fay, ap- • peared to be the genuine Operations of the di- vine Spirit, fo far as I am capable of judging. And altho' Ihe was become fo childifh thro' old Age, that I could do nothing in a Way of queftiomng with her, nor fcarce make her un- derftand any that I ask'd her, yet when I let her alone to go on with her own Story, Ihc could give a very diftind and particular Relati- on*of the many and various Exercifes of Soul ihe had experienced': So deep were the Impref- fions left upon her Mind by that • Influence and .Exercife Ihe had been under ! And I have great Reafon to hope, (he is born a new in her old Age, fhe being, I prefume, upwards of fourjcore, 1 had good hopes of the other A- dults General Remarks ti^en the i (> p duits, and trail they are fuch as God will owii in the Day when he makes up his Jewels, June ip. Vifited my People with two of the Reverend Correlpondents. Spent fome Time- in Convcrfation with fome of them Aipon fpiri- tual Things ; and took fome Care of their worldly Ccncerns. This Day makes up a comfleat Tear from the fir ft Time of my preaching to thefe Indians in New-Jerfey. What amazing Things has God wrought in this fpace of Time for thefe poor People ! What a furprizing Change appears in their Tempers and Behaviour ! How are morofs and Savage l:^agans in this ihort fpace of Time, transformed into agreeable^ affedionate and humble ChriJiJans ! And their Drunken and y^^^^/^ Howlings, turn'd into devout and fer- vent Prayers and Praifes to God ! They who Were fometimes Darknefs^ are now become Ltght in the Lord. May they walk as Children of the Ltght and oj the Day. And now to him that is of ""Tower to flabl'tfh them according to the Gofpeland the T reaching of Chrifl. To God only wtje, he Glory^ thro' Jefus Chrift forever and ever. Amen, \ • Before I conclude the prefent Journal^ I would make a few general Remarks upon what to me appears worthy of Notice, relating to the continued Work of Grace among myPeople, And Firjl^ I can't !)ut take Notice that 1 have in the general, ever fince my firft cominp; Y amor4: I/O General Remarks ufon the among thci^e Indians inNew-Jerfey^ been favour^ j with that AfliftancCj \^\\'\c\\ {to m^) is uncommon^ I in preaching thrift crucified ^ and making him K-the Center and Mark to which all my Dif^ I courfes among them were direded. \ 'Tvvas the principal Scope and Drift of all J my Difcourfes to this. People for feyeralMonths \ together (after having taught them fomething i of the Being and Perfedions of God, his Cre* \ ation of Man in a State of Rectitude and Hap- ^ pinefs • and the Obligations Mankind were ^, thence under to love and honour him) to lead them into an Acquaintance with their deplora- ble State by Nature, as fallen Creatures : Their Inability to extricate and deliver themfelves from it : The titter Infiiffictency of any external Reformations and Amendments of Lift, or of any religious Performances, they were capable of, while in this State, to bring them into the .. Favour of God, and Intereft them in his c- ternal Mercy. And thence to fhew them their abjolute need of Chrift to redeem and fave them from the Mifery of their fallen State.-* —To open his AU-fufficiency and Willingnefs to favc the Chief of Sinners. — The Freenefs and Riches of his divine Grace, proposed without Money and without Trice^ to all th^t will accept the Offer.- -And thereupon to prefs them without delay to betake themfelves to him, under a Senfe of their Mifery and undone Eftate, for Relief and everlafting Salvation. And to ., ihew them the abundant Encouragement th^ ' Gofpel Work of GK ACE among the Indians, i -7 1 Gofpel propofcs to needy periftiing and help- lefs Sinners, in order to engage them fo to do. Thefe Things I repeatedly and largely infifted upon from time to time.- And I Im^e often Times remarked with Ad^ |l|j miration, mat whatever Subject I have been jv{| treating upon, after having fpcntTime fufficient ;||j to explain and illuftrate the Truths contain'd ^J , therein, I have been naturally and eafdy led to \ '^; Chr'ijl as the Subftance of every Subjed. If I » •; treated on the Being and glorious Perfections of ' ',, God, I was thence naturally led to difcoufe of ^\ Chrjfl as the only Way to the h other. -^-Ai I at«' tempted to open the deplorable Mifery of our fallen State, 'twas natural from thence to fhew the Neceffity of Chriji to undertake for us to attone for our Sins, and to redeem us from the Power of them.-— If I taught the Commands of God, and Ihew'd our Violation of them, this brought me in the moftd'^^.^d natural Way, to fpeak of, and recommend the Lord Jejus Chrtji as One who had magnified thff Laiz> we had broken, and who was become the End of it for Right eoufnejs^ to every one that believes. And never did I find fo much Freedom and Afliftance in making all the various Lines of my Difcourfes meet together and center in Chrift, as I have frequently done among thefe Indians'! , Sometimes when Tve had Thoughts of offer- ing but a few Words upon fome particular Sub- jed, and faw ik) Occafion, nor indeed mucl* lyi General Remarks upn the I Room for any confiderable Enlargement, there has at unawares appcar'd fuch a Fountain of [ . Gpfpel-Grace fhining forth in, or naturally re^- futling from a juft Explication of it, and Chr'tjl has feem'd in fuch a Manner to ie pointed oat as the Subfiance of what I was^onfidering and explaining, that I have been drawn in a Way not only eajy and 7iatural^ proftr and ^er^ t'lnent^ but almolt unavoidable to difcourfe of him, either in Regard of his Undertaking, In- carnation, Satisfacfion, admirable Fitnefs for the Work of ManV Redemption, or the infi- nite Need that Sinners ftand in of an Intereft in him \ \vhich has opei>'d the Way for a con- tinued Strain ol Gofpcl-Invitation to perilhing Souls, to come em^-ty and naked ^ "jjcary and heavy-laden, and call themfclves upon him. ^ And as I have been remarkably influenced and affifted to dwell upon the Lord 'Kleins Chriji^ and the Way of Salvation by himy in the general Currant of my Difcourfes here, and have been, at Times,^ furprizingly furnilhed with perti^ nent Matter relating to him and the Defign of his Incarnation : So I have been no Icfs aflifted oftentimes in Regard of anadvantagious Manner of opening the Myfterics of divine Grace, and reprcfenting the infinite Excellencies and un- jtarchable Riches of Chriji^ as well as of recom-^ mending him to the Acceptance of perilhing Sinners. I have fi"equently been enabled to reprefent the divine Glory, the infinite preci- ^•lifncfs and tranfccndent Lovcljnefs of the great Redeemer Work of G'S.KCY, among the Is in XN^s. 173 Redeemer ; the Suitablenefs of his Perfon and t^urchafe to fapply the Wants, and anfwer the utmoft Defires of immortal Souls. To open the infinite Riches of his Grace, and the won- derful Encouragement propos'd in the Gofpel to unworthy, helplefs Sinners. To call, in- vite and bcfeech them to come and give up themfelves to him, and be reconciled to God ' thro' him-' — To expoflulate with them re- , fpeding their neglect of onefo infinitely lovely, and freely offered. — And this in fuch a Manner^ with jiich Freedom, Pertinency, Pathos and Application to the Confcierice, as (I'm fure) I never could have made myfelf Matter of by the mod afliduous Application of Mind 1 arr^ f capable of And have frequently at fuch Sea- fons been furprizingly help'd in^ adapting my Difcourfes to the Capac'ities of my People, and bringing them down into fuch eafy, vulgar I and farjliar Methods of Expreffion, as has renr ' der'd them intelligible even to Tagans, I don't mention thefe Things as a Recom- mendation of my own Performances ; for, I'm fure, I found from time to time, that I had no Skill or Wifdom for my great Work ; ami knew not how to chuf out accep able Words proper to addrefs poor benighted Pagans with ! But tiius G©d was plealed to help me not to know any Thing among thcm^ fave J ejus Chriji and him crucified. Thus I was enabled to fhew them their Mifery and Undonnefs without him, and to 1 74 General Remarks ufon the to reprefent his compleat Fttnefs to redeem anc^ fave them. And this was the Preaching God made "Life of for the awakening of Sinners, and the Pro- pagation of this Work of Grace among the IndU ans. — And 'twas remarkable, from time to time, that when I was favour'd with any jpc'tal Free- dom, in difcourfing of the Ability and Wtlling-. nefs of Chriji to fave Sinners^ and the Ni^ed they flood in of fuch a Saviour^ there was then the greateit Appearance of divine Power in a- wakening Numbers of fecure Souls, promoting Conviftions begun, and comforting theDiftrefs'd. 1 have fometifries formerly in reading the Apoftle's Difcourfe to Cornelius {Acts x.) ad- mired to fee him fo quickly introduce the Lord 'JeJtisChrift into his Sermon, and fo intirely dwell upon him thro* the whole of it, obferving him in this Point very widely to differ from many of our modern Preachers :• But latterly this has not feem*d ftrange, fince Chrift has appeared to be the Subfiance of the Gofpel, and the Center in which the feveral Lines of divine Revelation meet. Altho* I am ftill fenfible there are many Things necefTary to be fpoken to Perfons under Tagan Darknefs in Order to make Way for a proper Introduction of the Name of Chriji^ and his Undertaking irf Behalf of fallen Man. Secondly. 'Tis worthy of Remark, that Num- bers of thefe People are brought to a ftrid Compliance with the Ilules of Morality and Sobriety Work o/Grkce among the Indians. i 75 Sobriety y and to a confcientlous Performance of the external Duties of Chrillianity, by the internal Power and Influence of divine Truths (the pe- culiar vDodrines of Grace) upon their Minds j without their having thefe moral Duties fre- quently repeated and inculcated upon them, and the contrary Vices particularly expofed and fpoken againft. What has been the general fir am and drijt of my Preaching among thefe Indians • what were the Truths I principally infifted upon, and how I was influenced and enabled to dwell from time to time upon the peculiar Do61rines of Grace, I have already ob- lerved in the preceeding Remark. Thofe Doc- trines, which had the molt dired Tendency to humble the y^//^» Creature^ to fhevv him the Mifcry of his natural State \ to bring him down to the Foot of fovsreign Mercy ^ and to exalt the great Redeemer, difcover his tran- fcendant Excellency and infinite Precioufnefs^ and fo to recommend him to the Sinner's Ac- ceptance, were the Subjed-Matter of what was delivered in publick and private to them, and from time to time repeated and inculcated up-* on them. AndGod was pkafed to give ^Z^^divineTruths fuch a powerful Influence upon the Minds of thefe People, and fo to blefs them for the ef-^- fedual awakening of Numbers of them, that their Lives were quickly reformed, without my infifting upon the Trecepts of Morality^ and Spending Time in repeated Harangues upon ex-^ ' . ternal \' lyS General Remarks upn the l' \ UrnalDntks. There was indeed no Room for ' any Kind of Difcourfesbut thofc that refpeded \ the ej/entials of Religion, and the exj^erimetp- V' tal Knowledge of divine Things, whillt there I' were fo many enquiring daily, not how they I fhould regulate their external Condud, (for [ that, Perfons who are honeftjy difpos'd to com- ' ply with Duty, when known, may, in ordi- H nary Cafes, be eafily fatisiied about) but how they fhould efcapc from tlie Wrath they fear'd and felt a Defert of, — obtain an e-ffe£ftial Change of l^arty'-^gct an Intereft in Chrift^— and come to the Enjoyment of eternal BlelTednefs.— — So that my great Work Itill was to lead them into a further View of their tttter tmdonncj's in themfeifes, the total Depravity and Corrup- tion of their Hearts- that there was no Wan- ner of Goodnefs in them \ no good Difpoiitions nor Defires^ no Love to God, nor Delight in his Commands : But on the Contrary, Hatred, Enmity and all Manner of Wickedncfs reign- ing in them. — And at the fame Time to open to them the glorious and compleat Remedy provided in Chrift for helplefs perifhing Sin- ners, and offer'd freely to thofe who have no Goodnefs of their own, no Works oj Righteouf- nefs which they have done to recommend them to God. This was the continued Strain of my Preach- ing ! Tihts my great Concern, and conltant En- deavour fo to enlighten the Mind, as thereby duly to affe£l the Hearty and, as far as poifi- b!e Work ^ Grace among the Indians. 177 ble, give Perfons a Senfe and Feeling of thefe precious and important Doctrines of Grace, at " leaft, fo far as Means might conduce to it. And thefe were the Dodrines - — this the Method of Preaching which were blefled of God for the awakening, and, I truft, the faving Converfion of Numbers of Souls — and which were made the Means of producing a remarkable Reforma- tion among the Hearers in general. When thdl- Truths were felt at Heart;, there was now no Vice unreform'd---rio external Duty negleded.— — Drunkennefs^ the darling Vice, was broken off from, and fcarce an Inftant of it known among my Hearers fbr Months toge- ther. The abufive Practice of Unhands and IFtves in putting away each other, and taking others in their Stead, was ijuickly reform'd : So that there are three or fout Couple vvho have voluntarily difmifs'd thofe they had Wrongfully taken, and now live together again in Love and Peace. The fame might be faid of all other vicious Pradices. — The Reformation was gene- ral ; and all fpringing from the internal In- fluence of divine Truths upon their Hearts ; and not from any^^^^m^/Reftrairits, or becaufe they had heard thefe Vices particularly exposed y and repeatedly fpoken againft : For fome of them I never fo much a^ mentioned; particu- larly that of t±ie parting of Men and their Wives, 'til fome, having their Confcienc^ a-''^ waken'd by God's Word, came and, of their - own accord, confefs'd themfclves guilty in, that Z kefpedJ w 178 General Remarks tifon the Refpcct. And when I did 'at any Time men- tion their wicked Pradices, and the Sins they were guilty of contrary to the Light of Nature^ 'twas not withDefign, nor indeed with any Hope, of working an effedual Reformation in their external Maimers by this Means, for I fcnew, that while the Tree remained corrupt the Fruit would naturally be fo ; but with defign to lead them, by obferving the Wickednefs of their Lives ^ to a View of the Corruption of their Hearts^ and fo to convince them of the Necet- fity of a Renovation of Nature, and to excite them with utmoft Diligence, to feek after that great Change, which, if once obtained,' I was fenfible, would of Courfe produce a Reforma- tion of external Manners in every Rcfpe£^. And as all Vice was reformed upon thck feel- ing the Power of thefe Truths upon theirHearts, fo the external Duties of Chriftianity .were com- plied with, and confcientioufly perform'd from the fame internal Influence \ Family-Prayer fet up and conltantly maintained, unlefs among fomc few more lately come, who had felt little of this divine Influence. — This Duty conftantly performed even in fomeFamilies where there were none but Females y and fcarce a prayerlefs Perlon to be found among near an Hundred of them.— The Lord's-Day, ferioufly and religioufly ob- ferv'd, and Care taken by Parents to keep their Children orderly upon that facred Day, 6Cc. And thisys not bccaufe I had driven them to the Performance of thcfe Duties by a fre- quent ff'ork of Grace among tJjc Indians. 179 quent inculcating of them, but becaufe they had felt the Power of God's Word upon their Hearts were made fenfible of their Sin and Mifery, and thence could not but pray, and comply with every Thing they knew w^as Du- ty, from what they felt within themfelves. When their Hearts were touch'd with a Senfe of their eternal Concernments, they could pray with great Freedom as well as Fervency, with- out being at the Trouble firfl to learn (et Forms for that Purpofe. And fome of them who were fuddenly awakenM at their firft coming among us, were brought to pray and cry for Mercy with utmoft Importunity, without ever being inftrufted in the Duty of Prayer, or fo much as once dire£led to a. Performance of it. The happy Effefts of thefe peculiar Doctrines of Grace, which I have fo much infilled upc>n with this People, plainly difcover, even to De- monftration, that inftead of their opening a Door to Licentioufnefs (as many validly imagine and flanderoufly inlinuate) they have a dired contrary Tendency : So that a clofe Applica- tion, iiScnfeznd feeling of thcm^ will have the moft powerful Influence tovvard the Renova-r tion and ejfe&nal Reformation both of Heart and Life. And happy Experience, as well as the Word of God and the Example of Chrift and his A-r ] poilles, has taught me that that Method of preaching, which is beft fuited to awaken in Mankind, a Senfe and lively Apprehenfion of % ^ thdril j^o General Remarks ufon the their Depravity and Mifery in 2i fallen Statfi—^, to excite them earnelrly to feek after a Change o^ Heart, and to fly for Rejuge to free and fo- vcrcign Grace in Chrift, as the only Hofe fet hfor. them, is like to be moft juccefsful tOr ward the Pvcformation of their external Con- dud.-. —I have found that clofe AddrefTes, and foiemn Applications of divine Truth to the Confcience, tend directly to ftrike Death to the Koot of ail Vice, while fmooth and plaufible Harrangues upon moral Vertues and external Du-^ ti-s^ at beft, are like to do no more than lopp off the Branches of Corruption while the Root of all Vice remains ftill untouch'd. A View of the bleffed Effed of honeft En- deavours to bring. home divine Truths to the Confcience, and duly to afFed the Heart with them, has often minded me of thole Words of our Lord, (which I have thought might be a, proper Exhortation for Minifters in refpcc^ of their treating with others, as well as for Per- fons in general with Regard to themfelves), Ckcrfe firji the injide of the Cuf and Platter, thai the outfide may. be clean alfb. Cleanfe, fays he, the infide, THAT the outlide may be clean. ^ D. The only effcdual Way to have the outfide clean, is, to begin with li'hat is withiii ; ana if the Fountain be purified, the Streams will naturally be pure. And moft certain it is, if we can awaken in Sinners a lively Senfe of their tn'jeard Pollution and Depravity —their Need of a Change of Heart, and fo engage them M''ork 'jf Grace ofmn^ the Indjans, i8i them to icek after imziard Cleanfing, their ex^. ternal Defilement will naturally be cleanfed ; their vicious Ways, of Courje be reformed, and their Converfation and Behaviour become re-? gular. Now altho' I can't pretend that the Re- formation among my People, does, in every In- ftance, fpring from a faving Change of Heart, yet 1 may truly fay, it flow-s from fome Heart- i^vB'rng View and Senfe of divine Truths that all, have had in a greater or leffcr Degree. I don't intend by what I have obferv'd here, to reprefent the Preaching of Morality^ and pre (Ting Perfons to the e: ternal Performance of Duty, to be altogether unnelTary and ufelefs at any Time ^ and efpecially at Times when there is lefs of divine Power attending the Means of Grace. When for want of internal Influences, there is. need of external Reftraints. 'Tis doubtlefs among the Things that ought to be done, while othrs are not to be lejt wndone. — But what I principally defign'd by this Re- mark, was to difcover plain Matter ojFaB^ viz. That the Reformation, the Sobriety and exter- nal Compliance with the Rules and Duties pf Chriltianity, appearing among my People, arc not the Effect of any meer dodrinal Inftruc- tion, or meerly rational View of the Beauty of Morality^ but from the internal Power and Influence that divine Truths (the Soul-hum- bling Dodrines of Grace) have had upon their Hearts. Thirdly i8i General Remarks ufon the Thirdlyy 'Tis remarkable that God has fo con^ tinu'd and renew' d the Showers of his Grace here. — So quickly fet up his vifible Kingdom a- among theie People ; and lo jmtl'd upon them in Relation to their acquirement of Knowledge, both divine and human. 'Tis now near a Year flnce the Beginning of this gracious out-pouring of the divine Spirit among them : Andaltho'ithas often feem'd to decline and abate for fome fhort fpace of Time, ("as may be obferved by feve- ral PalTages of my Journal^ where I have en- deavoured to note Things juft as they appeared to me from time to time) yet the Shower has feem'd to be renewed and the Work of Grace rev'rSd again : So that a divine Influence feems ftill apparently to attend the Means of Grace in a greater or lefs Degree in moft of our Meet- ings for religious Exercifes ; whereby religious Perlbns arerefrefhcdj^ftrengthened and eftablifii*- cd — Convidions reviv'd and promoted in many Inftances — and fome few Perfons newly awak- ened, from time to time. Altho' it muft be acknowledged, that for fome time paft, there has, jn the general, appeared a more manifelt decline of this Work, and the divine Spirit has feem'd in a confiderable Meafure, withdrawn, efpeci- ally in Regard of his awakening Influences; fo that the Strangers who come latterly, arc not fei^'d with Concern as formerly ; and fome few who have been much affeded with divine Truths in time pafl:, now appear lefs concern'd. Yet (blefled be God) there is itill an Appea-- ranQg Work of Grace among the Indians. 183 '| ranee of divine Power and Grace, a defirable Degree of Tendernefs, religious AfFedion and Devotion in our Aflemblies. And as God has continued and renewed ttic ^j;|| Showers of his Grace among this People for ibme ^Si Time, fo he has with uncommon quiclnejs fet up his vifible Kingdom, and gather'd himfelf a Church in the midft of them. — I have now baft'tz^d^ fince the Conclufion of my laft JoW" nal, Jhirty Perfons, fifteen Adults and- fifteen Children. Which added to the Number there mentioned, makes Seventy Seven Perfons ■ where- of Thirty eight are Adults, and Thirty nine Chil- dren; and ail within the Space of eleven Months paft. — And it muft be noted that I have bap- tiz'd no Adults, but fuch as appeared to have a Work of fpecial Grace wrought in their Hearts : I mean fuch who have had the Experience not only of the awakening and humbling, but (in a Judgment of Charity) of the renewing and comforting Influences of the divine Spirit. Al- tho* there are many others under folemn Con- cern for their Souls, who (I apprehend) are Perfons of fufficient Knowledge, and vifible Serioufnefs, at frefent^ to render them proper Subjects of the Ordinance of Baptifm. Yet fince they give no comfortable Evidences of having as yet pafs'd a faving Change, but only appear under Convidions of their Sin and Mi-^ iery, and having no Principle of fpiritual Life wrought in them, are liable to loofe the Im- preflions of Religion tliev areriow under : And;| confiderinji 184 General Remarks upon the iconfidering the great Propenfity there is in thl^ People naturally to abufe themfelves with ftrong Drink, and fearing leaft lomcj who at prefent W appear ferious and concernM for their Souls, 1^; might loofe their Concern and return to this Sin, \\ and fo (if baptizM) prove a fcandal to their III Profeffion, I have thought proper hitherto to ;« omit the Baptifm of any but fuch who give i„; fomc hofeful Evidences of a faving Change, ai- 'r the' I don't pretend to determine politively re- .r fpeding the States of any. I likewife adminiftred the Lard's Suffer to a ';. Number of Perfons, who I have abundant Rea- ■ Ion to think (as I elfewhere obferv'd) were pro- >J« per Subjeds of that Ordinance, within the V Space o{ ten Months and ten Days^ after my firft 'coming among thefe Indians in NvW^Jerfcy. And from the Time that I ain inform'd, fome of them were attending an kdolatroiis h'eaji and Sacrafice in Hohour to Dc^jils^ to the Time they fat down at the Lord's Table (I trult) to the Honour of God, was not more than a faU Tear. Surely Chrift's little Flock here; fo fud- denly gather'd from among Pagans^ may juftly fay, in the Language of the Church of old, The Lord hath done great Things pr us:, where- of we are glad. Much of the Goodhefs of God has alfo ap- peared in Relation to their acquirement of Know- ledge, both in Religion and in the Affairs of common Life. There has been a w^onderftil Thirft after Chrifiian Knowledge prevailing a- mong Work of Grace amofig the lut>iAKs. 18^ mong them in General, and an eager Defire of being inltruded in Chrillian Doctrines and Man- ners. This has prompted them to ask many J^^ pertinent as well as important Qneftions ; the Anlwers to which have tended much to enligh- ten their Minds, and promote their Knowledge in divine Things. Many of the Doctrines I have delivered, they have queried with me about, in Order to gain further Light and Infight into them j particularly the Dodrine of T'tcdeftina^ i . tion. And have from time to time manifefted ■ a good Underftanding of them, "by their An- fwers to the Queftiohs propos'd to tlj^m in my catechetical LeBures. They have likewife queried with me, refpec- ting a proper Method as well as proper Mattet of Prayer, and Exprefligns fuitable to be made Ufe of in that religious E^^ercife • and have taken Pains in order to the Performance of this Duty with Underftanding. Thev have likewife taken Pains, and appear'd remarkably apt in learr!ing to fing 'Fjalm-Titttes , and are now able to fing with a good Degree of Decency in the Worfhip of God. They have alfo acquired a confiderable De- gree of ufeful Knowledge in the Affairs of common Life : So that the^ now appear like rational Creatures, fit for human Society, free of that favage Roughnefs and brutifh Stu- pidity, which rendered them very difagreeable In their Tagan State. A a They . 1 8^ Geyieral Remarks u^on the They feem Ambitious of a thorough Acquain- tance with the Engl7jh Language, and for that End frequently fpeak it among themfelvcsj and many of them have made good Proficiency , "Sn their Acquirement of it, Ijnce my coming among them ; fo.that moft of them can under- ftand a confiderable Part, and fome the Sub- llance of my Difcourfes, without an Interpreter^ (being ufed to my low and vulgar Methods of Expreflion) tho' they could not well underiland other ^inifters. And as they are defirous of Inftruftion, and furprizingly apt in the Reception of it, fo di- vine Providence has fmird upon .them in Re- gard of J^roper Means in Order to it. The Attempts made for the Procurement of a SchooJ among them have been fucceeded, and a kind Providence has fent them a School-mafier^ of w^hom I may juftly fay, I know of no Man like minded^ who will natur all)' care fir their St ate. He has generally Thirty or Thirty^five Chil- dren in his School : And when he kept an E- yening School (as he did while the length of the Evenings would admit of it) he had Fifteen or Twenty People, married and finglef. 'the Children learn with furprizing Readinefs; fo that x\iCix Majler tells me, he never had an Englijh School that learn'd, in general, compara- bly fo faft. There were not above two in Thirty^ altho' fome of them were very fmall, but what learn'd to know all the Letters in the Alphabet diftindly, within three Days after his Entrance JVork of GRACE among the Indians. 187 i Entrance upon his Bufint^fs j and divers in that fpace of Time learnM to fpell confiderably : And fome of them, fince the Beginning of February laft (at which Time the School was fet up) have learn'd fo much, that they are a- ble to read in a T falter or Teftament without fpeUing. They are inftruded twice a Week in the Rc-^ verend AfTembly's JJjorter Catednfmy viz. oq Wednesday and Saturday. And fome of them, fince the latter End of February^ (at which Time they began)* have learn'd to fay it pretty dif- tindly by Heart confiderably more than half thro',^ and moft of them have made fome' Pro-* ficiency in it. They are likewile inftrucled in the Duty of fecret Prayer, and moft of them conftantly at- tend it Night and Morning, and are very care- fill to inform their Mafter if they apprehend a- ny of their little School-Mates negled that re-» h'gious Exercife. l^onrtbly^ 'Tis worthy to be noted (to the Praifc of Sovereign Grace) that amid ft fo great A Work of Conviction,-:— fo much Concern an4 religious Affection, there has been noTrevalencyy fior indeed any confiderablc Jlpfearance of faljs Religwp.^ (if I may foterm it) or Heats of Ima- gination, intemperate Zeal, and fpiritual Pride ; which corrupt Mixtures too often attend the Revival and powerful Propagation of Religion ; and that there have been io very few Inftances - of irregular an^ fcandalou? Behaviour among A a -2 til oft 1 88 Gemral Remarks upon the thofe who have appear'd ferious. — I may juftly repeat what I obferv'd in a Remark at the Concii^ii-dUon attending it in any on6 Inftance. They irorkofGK.\.c?. among the Indians. iSpS They have had the moll lively Seiife of their | undonnefs in themfelves • have been brought to | give up all Hoj>es of Dehverance from them- | lelves ; and ^ their fpiritual Exercifes leading j' hereto, have been attended with great Diftrefs M^ and Anguifh of Soul : And yet in the Seafons jyij| of the greateft Extremity, there has been no ^'S Appearance of Defpair m any of them no- ^j j thing that has difcouraged, or in any wife | ' ■*; hinder'd them from the moft diligent Ufe of all |;'] •proper Means for their Converfion ^nd Salva- ' ' - t%n.^'^ whence 'tis apparent, there is not that ' .'^, Danger of Perfons being driven into Defpair un- der fftnUtal Trouble (unlefs in Cafes of deep and habitual mclancholly) that the World in general is ready to imagine. The Comfort that Perfons have obtained af- ter their Diftreffes, has likewife in general ap- pear'd folid, well gi'ounded and fcriptural; arif- ing from a Spiritual and fuj^ernatttral Illu- mination of Mind, a View of divine Things (in a Meafure) as they are^ — r-a complacency of Soul in the divine Pcrrfedions,— — and a pecu- vliar Satisfidion in the Pfay oj Salvation^ by fi-ce (overeign Grace in the great Redeemer. Their Joys have feem'd to rife from a variety of Views and Gonfiderations of divine Things, ' altho* for Subftance the fame. Some, who un- der Convi^ion fcem'd to have the hardeft Strug- gels and Heart-rilings againlt divine SoV^reigr.^ ty, have feem'd, at the lirlt Dawn of their Comfort, to rejovcc in a peculiar Manner in ' th:r f I oo General Remarks upon the r t. tJjat divine Perfedion have been delighted to I think that themfelves, and all Things elfe ^ I were in the Hand of God, and that he would {' difpofe of them piji as he ^leafed. |, Others, who jaft before their Reception of { Comfort, have been remarkably opprefs'd v^ith a Senlc of their undgnne[s and poverty, who have feen then]fclves( as it were, falling down into remedilefs Perdition, have been at firft mo>e peculiarly delighted with a View of the , Freenefs and Rkhes of divine Grace, and the' Offer of Salvation made to perifliing Sinners "ju'ithout Money and without Tries. Some have at^firft appeared to rejoyce efpeci- ;illy in the IViJdom of God, difcover'fi "in the Way of Salvation by Chrift ; it then appearing to them a new and living Way., a Way they had never thought, nor had any jult Conception of, until open'd to them by the [petal Influ- ence of the divine Spirit. And fome of them upon a lively fftrittial^ View of this Way of Salvation, have wonder'd at their paft Folly in feeking Salvation other Ways, and have admi- , red that they never faw this Way of Salvation before, which now appeared fo plain and eajy^ as well as excellent to them. Others again have had: a more general View of the Beauty and Excellency of Chrift, and have had their Souls delighted with an Appre- henfion of his. divine Glory, as unfpeakably exceeding all they had ever conceived of be- fore : Yet without fingling out ' (as it were) any PPM of Gk ACE among t/je lKi>t A.'ss, i^i any one of the divine Perfedions in particular. fo that altho' their Comforts have feem'd to arife from a variety of Views and Gonliderations of divine Glories, ftill they y^QXQ ffirhtial and fupernatural Views of them, and not groundlefs Fancies, that were the fpring of their Joys and Comforts. Yet it mull be acknowledged, that v/hcn this ^ft^| Work became fo universal and prevalent ^ and j.'"' gain'd fuch general Credit and Efteem among f\, the Indians, that Satan feem'd to have little -'% Advantage of working againft it in his own i ' 'proper Garb; he then transformed himfelf into an Angel of Light, and made fome vigo- rous Attempts to introduce turbulent Commotions of the Paflions in the Rooin of genuine Convidions of Sin, imaginary and fanciful Notions of Chrift, as appearing to the mental Eye in a human Shape, and being in fome particular Poftures, SCc. in the Room of [piritual and fupernatural Difcovcries of his di- vine Glory and Excellency, as well as divers other Delufions. And I have Rcafon to think, that if thefe Things had met with Countenance and Encouragement, there would have been a very confiderable //^rz?^/ of this Kind of 6(?;2- verts here. Spiritual Tride alfo difcovered it- lelt m various Inftances. Some Perfons who had been under .great AfFedions, feem'd very defirousfrom thence of being thought truly graci- ous; who, when I could i^ot but exprefs to them niy Fears refpec^ing their fpiritual States, difco- vered ?r I p2 General Remarks upon the ii vered their Refentmcnts to a confiderable De- I?' gree upon tj^t Occaiion. There alfo appeared m ' in one or fiOO of them an unbecoming Ambition ?' of being Teachers of others. So that Satan has been a bufy Adversary here as well as elfe- where. But (blefled be God) tho* fomething of this Nature has affear'd^ yet nothing of it has ^reva^/{dj nor indeed made any confider- able Progrefs at all. My People arc now ap- prised of thefe Things, are acquainted that Sa^ tan in fuch a Manner transformed himfelj into an Angel of Light in the firft Seafon of the great out-louring of the divine Spirit in the m Days of the Apoftles, and that fomething of this Nature, in a greater or lefTer Degree, has attended almoft every Revival and remarkable Propagation of true Religion ever fince. And they have learn'd fo to-' diftiii^uilh between the Goldandi Drofs^ that the Credit of the laJ^ ter is trod dooi)n like the Mire" of the Streets-. And it be;ing natural for this Krfud of Stuf to die with its Credit^ thefe is now fcarce any Appearance of it among them. And as there has been no Prevalency of ir^ regular Heats, immaginary Notions, fpiritual Pride, and fatanical Del ufions among my Peo- ple, fo there has been a very few Inftances of fcandalous and irregular Behaviour among thofc who have made a Trojcjjion^ or even an Af- -bearance of Serioufnefs. I don't know ot; more than three or four f/h'h Perfons that hav-e been guilty of anv open Mifconducl, iince their firft Money colleEied ^ exfendedjor the Indians i p j firft Acquaintance with Chnftiajtity^ and not one that perfifts in any Thing of that Nature. And perhaps the remarkable Purity of this Work in the latter Refped, its freedom from frequent Inftances of Scandal, is very much owing to its Purity in the former Refped, its freedom from corrupt Mixtures of fpiritual Pride, Wild- Fire and Delufion, which naturally lay a Foun- dation for fcandalous Pradices. May this bleffed IVork in the Tower and Tu«* rity of it prevail among the poor lndi2ins here^ as "Well as [pre ad eljewhere^ till their remoteji Tribes Jhall fee the Salvation of God* Amen» MONEY colle&ed and expended for the Indians. As mention has been made in the preceed- Ing Journal^ of an Englijh School ereded and continued among thefe Indians, dependant m- tirely upon Charity ^ and as Colleilions have al- ready been made in divers Places for the Sup- port of it, as well as for defraying other Charges that have neceflarily arifen in the Promotion of the religious Interefts of the Indians, it may be fatisfadory, and perhaps will be thought by fome, but a piece of Juftice to the World that an exad Account be here given of the Money already received by way of Collec- tion for the Benefit of the Indians, and the Manner in which it has been expended. Bb The I p4 Money collected ^ expended for the Indians The following is therefore a juft Account of this Matter. MONEY received lince October laft, by way of publick Colledion, for promoting the re- ligious Interefts of the Indians in New^ Jerfey^ viz. From New-Torky £* '^3 *o ^ Jamaica, on Long-IJIand^ 3 oo o Elizabeth-Town^ 7 5 o« Elizabeth'Town Farms , i 18 p Newark, 457 Woodbridge, 2 18 a Morris-Town, '^5 3 Freehold, 12 11 o Freehold Dutch Congregation, 4 ^4 3 Shrewsbury and Shark-River, 3 5^ Middlv-Town Dutch Congregation, 2 00 o Z^^ D/^f Cy6 Congregation tn and / about ■ NeW'Brunfwick \ 3 5 o Kings-Town, 5 ix o Nejhaminy, and T laces adja-l cent in Tennjyhania, 3 ^ Abington and New-^rorvidefKe, by 1 the Hand of the Rev, MrJreat,^ 10 10 The whole amounting to £. 100 00 o MONEY Money colleEled ^ expended for the Indians, i ^$ MONEY paid out fince 05fober laft for pro- moting the religious Intcrefts of the Iih' dians in New-Jerfey^ viz. Ufon the Occajion mentioned inl my Journal of January .28.3 For the Building a School Houfe, To the School-mafter as a part of his Reward j Tears Service^ T Books for to learn in The whole amounting to £* 106 o o > t/je ochool-malter as a part ) of his Reward for his frefint ^ Tears Service^ * For Books for theChildren 1 82 5 9 3 5 17 10 3 G David Braincrd. APPENDIX to the Jouma/. I SHOULD have concluded what I had, at prelent, to offer upon the Affairs refpeding jny M'ljjion^ with the preceeding Account of the Money coUeded and expended for the reltgtous Inttrcjis of the Indians^ but that I have not long fince received from the RQvcrendPn;/utent of the Corrufondefits, the Copy of a Letter direded to him from the Honourable Society y^^^r^^^^f^i^^/w^ Chnjiian Kno''Jjkdge^ dated at Edinburgh March 2\. 1745. Wherein I find 'tis exprefly en- joyn'd upon their Miflionaries, That thy giva an exaEl Acaunt of the Nkthods they make Ufe oj for htjlni^iing thsmjelves in the Indians Laft^ gtiagdy and ''dnhat Trogrefs th.y have already wade in it. What Methods thy are now taking to v?(iru£f the Indians in the principles of our holy Raigion. ^W PARTICULAR! Y, that they fet forth in their Journals, "iZ^hat Dij^ ficidties th y have already mtt with^ and the M. thods thy make Ufe oj for fiirmounting the jame As to the two former of thefe Particulars, I truft that what I have already noted in my fonrnah from time to time, miR;ht have been in a good Meifure Svri§fA6lory to the Ho- iir-vrahle Socicf^'^ h-^r* M\ow all the Word, that he has put away thefePeoplcs Sins, * and that he looks upon them as if they had never finn'd at all? Anf: Tes. Qi Will he look upon them as if they had never fmn'd for the Sake of any good Things they have done themfehes^ or for the Sake of his Righteoufnefs accounted to themas if 'twas theirs? Anf. For the i^ake of his Rjghteoufnefs counted to thcm^ not for their own Goodnefs. Q. Will God's Children then fee as happy as they can defire to be ? Anf. Tes. Q^ The Children of God while in this World., can but now and then draw near to him, and they are ready to think they can never have e- nough of God and Chrift, but will they have enough there, as much as they can defire ? Anf. O Tes, enough, enough ! Q^ Will the Children of God love him then as much as they defire, will they find Nothing to hinder their Love from going to him? Anj. Nothing at all • they Jloall love him as much as they defire. * The only Way I have to exprefs their being openly-'— acquit ed. As when I (peak ot Juftification, 1 have no other way but to cali it, 'God's looking upon us as good Creatures, i> 106 Methods of injiruciing the Indians. Q^ Will they never be weary of. God and Chrill, and the Plcafures of Heaven, fo as wc are weary of our Friends and Enjoyments here, after we have been pleafed with them a while ? Anf. No^ never. Q^ Could God's People be happy if they knew God lov'd them, and yet felt at the fame time that they could not love and honour him ? Anjl Aoj no, Q^ Will this then make God'sPeople perfectly happy, to love God above all, to honour him continually, and to feel his love to them? j^7tf les. Q; And will this Happinefs ialt forever? j^nf. Tes^ forever forever ! Thcfe Queftionfs, like the former, were an- swered without Hefitation or Miffing, as I re- member, in any one Inftance. 2s^Jl'tons u'£on theLitty which God requires of Man, ^ Has God let us know any Thing of his Will, or what he would have us do to pleafe him ? Anil Tes, ^^ And does he require us to do his Will, and to pleafe him ? Anf. Tes. SU. Is it right that God Ihould require this of us, has he any Bufinefs to command us as a Father does his Children ? j^nf. Tes, £1^ Why is it right that God Ihould com- mand us to do what he pleafes ? Anf. Becaufe he made us, and gives us all our good Things, Xj ^ocs Methods of injlru^ing the Indians. 207 ^ Does God require us to do anyThing that will hurt us, and take away our Comfort and Happinefs ? Anf. No. Sl^ But God requires Sinners to repent and be forry foj their Sins, and to have their Hearts broken : Now don't this hurt them and take a- way their Comfort to be made forry and to have their Hearts broken ? Anf. No^ it does them good, ^ Did God teach Man his Will at iirft by writing it down in a Book, or did he put it into his Heart, and teach him without a Book what was right ? Anf. He pit it into his Heart dnd made him know what he Jhould do. ^^ Has God fince that Time writ down his Will in a Book ? Anf. Tes. ^ Has God written his whole Will in his Book j has he there told us all that he would have us believe and do ? Anf Tes. ^ What need was there of this Book, if God at firft put his Will into the Heart of Man and made him feel what he ihould do ? Anf. Tljjre was need oj it^ becauje we have Jmned arid made our Hearts blind. ^ And has God writ down the (cime Things in his Book, that he at firft put into the Heart of Man ? Anf. Tes. In this Manner I endeavour; to adapt my In- ftrudions to the Capacities of my People ; altho' they may perhaps feem Itrange to others who have never experienced the Difficulty of the Work. And thefe I have given an Account of arc 20 8 Difficulties attending the are the Methods I am from time to time pur- fuing, in order to inftrad them in the Princi- ples of Chriftianity. And I think I may lay, 'tis my great Concern that thefe Inftrudions be given them in fuch a Manner^ that they may not only be do^rinally taught^ but duly afcdied thereby, that divine Truths may come to them not in Word only^ but in Power and in the Holy Ghojty and be receiv'd not as the Word of Man. Difficulties attending the ChriJIianizingof thelnd'ims I fhall now attempt fomething with Rela- tion to the laji Tarticular requir'd by the Ho- nourable Society in their Letter, viz. To give fome Account of the Difficulties I have already met with in my Work^ and the Mjhods I make life oj for furmounting the lame. And what I have to fay upon this Subjed, I fhall reduce to the following Heads. /vr/?, I have met v/ith great Difficulty in my Work among thefe Indians^ from the rooted Averfion to Chrifiianity that generally prevails a- mong them. They are not only brutilhly ftupid and ignorant of divine Things, but many of them are obftinately fet againft Chriftianity, and feem to abhor even the Chriflian Name. This Averfion to Chrifl:ianity arifes partly from a View of th^ Immorality and vicious Beha- viour of many who are called Chriftians. ■ They obferve that horrid Wickednefs in nominalChrif- tians Chrifiianiztng of the Indians 20p \ tians, which the Light of Nature condemns in themfelves : And not having diftinguifhing Views of Things, are ready to look upon all the lijb'tte People altke^ and to condemn them alike for the abominable Pradices of fome. — • Hence when I've attempted to treat with them about Chriftianity, they have frequently obj<:6ied the fcandalous Pradices of Chr/JiianSj and caft in my Teeth all they could think of that was odious in the Condud of any of them. Have obferv'd to me, that the whhe People lie, defraud, Ileal and drink worfe than the Indians \ that they have taught the Indians thcfe Things, efpecially the latter of them ; who before the coming of the Engl'tpo^ knew of no fuch Thing as ftrong Drink : That the Englijh have by thefe Means, made them quar- rel and kill one another, and in a Word, brought 'em to the Prai^ice of all thofe Vices that now prevail among them. So that they are now vaftly more vicious, as well as much more miferable, than they wxrc before the coming of the white People into theCountry. The[e^ and fuch likeObjections, they frequent- ly make againft Chriftianity, which are not cafily anfwered to their Satisfaftion \ many of them being la^s too notorioufly true. The only way I have to take in Order to furmouttt this Difficulty^ is, to diftinguilh between mmnal and real Chriftians, and to fhew them, that the ill Conduct of many of xht former pro- ceed not from their being Chrifiam; but from D d their 210 Difficulties attending the their being Chriftians only in Name^ not in Hearty ^c. To which it has fometimes been ob- jeded, that if all thofe who will cheat the In- dians^ are Chriftians only in Name^ there are but few left in the Country to be Chriftians in Heart. This and many other of the Re- marks they pafs upon the white People,' and ^; their Mifcarriages, I am forced to own, and \ can't but grant, that many nominal Chriftians j' are more abominably wicked than the Indians. ;' Eut then I attempt to Ihow them that there ' are fome who feel the Power of Chriftianity, that are not fo. And I ask them when they ^ ever faw me guilty of the Vices they complain " of, and charge Chriftians in general with. But ftill the great Difficulty is, that the People who live back in the Country neareft tb them, and the Traders that go among them, are ge- nerally of the moll irreligious and vicious fort, and the Condud of one or two Perfons, be it never fo exemplary, is not fufficient to counter- ballance the vicious Behaviour of fo many of the fame Denomination, and fo to recommend \ Chriftianity toTagans. Another Thing that ferves to make them ^ more averfe to Chriftianity, is a Fear of being enfaved. They are, perhaps, fome of the moft jCalou.': People living, and extremely averfe to : State of Servitude, and hence are always a- lid of fome Defign forming againft them. Be- ics they feem to have no Sentiments of Ge- .terofity. Benevolence and Goodnels : That if any ChrijVantzing of thj Indians, ^^^ !] any Thing be propos'd to them, as being for their Good, they are ready rather to iulped that there is at Bottom fome Defign forming againft them, then that fuch Propofals flow from Good-will to them, and a Defire of their Well- fare; And hence, when Fye attempted to re- commend Chrillianity to theirAcceptance, they have fometimes objected, that the white People have come among them, have cheated them out of their Lands, driven them back to the Mountains, from the pleafant Places they us'd to enjoy by the Sea Side, SCc. That therefore they have no Reafon to tliink the white Peo- ple are now feeking their Wellfare ; but ra- ther that they have fent me out to draw them together under a pretence of Kindnefs to them, that they may have an Opportunity to make Slaves of them as they do of the poor Negroes^ or elfe to fhip them on Board their Veflels, and make them fight with their Enemies, 6<.c. Thus they have oftentimes conftrued all the Kindnefs I could fliew them, and tbs Hard- fhips 1 have endur'd inOrderto treat with them about Chriftianity. ' He never would (fay they) * take all this Pains to do us Good^ he mnjl ' have fome wicked Defign to hurt us jome way ^ or other.' And to give them Aflurancc of the Contrary, is not an eafy ' Matter, while there are fo many, who (agreeable to their Apprehenfion) are only feeding tJ^air own^ nor the Good of others. Dd 2 TV^ 212 Difficulties attending the To remove this Difficulty I inform them, that I am not fent otit. among them by thofe Perfons in thefe Provinces^ who, they fuppofe, have cheated them out of their Lands, but by pious People at a great Diftance, who never had an Inch of their Lands, nor ever thought of \ doing them any Hurt, 6Cc- \ t^ But here will arife fo many hivolous and im- \ pertinent Queftions, that 'twould tire one's Patience, and wear out one's Sphits to hear them ; fuch as that ' But- why did not thefe good ' People jend you to teach us before^ while we I ' had our Lands down by the Sea Side^ &Cc. j ^ ' // they had fent you then^ we Jhotdd likely have f ' heard you and turned ChriffiansJ The poor Creatures ftill imagining thaj: I fhould be much beholding to them in Cafe they would heark- j en to Chriftianity, and infinuating that this was ^ a Favour they coald not- now be fo good as t to fhcw me, feeing they had received fo ma- ny Injuries from the white People. ' Another Spring. of Averfion to Chriftianity in the Indians, \%^ their _ firong Attachment to their own religious Notions^ (if they may be ;, call'd religious} and the early Trejudices they have imhib'd in Favour oj their own frantkk and ridiculous Kind oj Worfbif. What their Notions of God are, in their Tagan State, is i hard prccifely to determine. I have taken much Pains to enquire of my Chrijlian People whether they, before their Acquaintance with i- Chriftianity, imagined there was a Plurality of great Chriftiatitzing of the Indians. 213 great invifible Powers, or whether they fup- pos'd but ofie fuch Being, and worfhipped him in a variety of Forms and Shapes. Buts can't learn any Thing of them fo diftind as| to be fully fatisfying upon the Point. Theirj Notions in that State were fo prodigiouflyj dark and confus'd, that they feem'd not to| know what they thought themfelves. But fo; far as I can learn, they had a Notion of a Plu-i rality of invifible Deities, and paid fome kind] of Homage to them promifcuouily, under a great] variety of Forms and Shapes. And 'tis certain, thole who yet remain Tagans pay fome Kind^ of fuperftitious Reverence to Beafts, Birds, Fifties, and even Reptiles; that is, fome t< one Kind of Animal and fome to another^ They don't indeed fuppofe a divine Power ef^ (eutuil to, or inhering in thefe Creatures, but thatj fome invifible Beings (I can't learn that *tis al^^ ways one fuch Being only, but divers ; not di^ tinguifli'd from each other by certain Name^j but only notionally) communicate to thefe A- nimals a GREAT POWER^ either one or othei of them, (juft as it happens) or perhaps fome* times all of them, and fo make thefe Creature rhe immediate Authors of Good to certaii Perfons. Whence fuch a Creature becom( f acred to the Perfons to whom he is fuppos'( to be the immediate Author of Good, and thro*| him they muft Worftiip the invifible Powers, tho* to others he is no more than another Crea- •turc. And perhaps another Animal is look'c upoi! 214 Difficulties attending the upon to be the immediate Author of Good to another^ and confequently he muft worftiip the invilible Powers in that Animal. And I have known a Pagan burn line Tobacco for Incenfe, in Order to appeafe the Anger of that in- vifible Power which he fuppos'd prefided over Rattle-Snakes^ becaufe one of thefe Animals was kill'd by another Indian near his Houfe. But after the ftrideftEnquiry refpeding their Notions of the Deity, I find, that in ancient Times, before the coming of the white People, feme fuppos'd there were four inyifible Powers who prefided over the four Corners of theEarth. Others imagin'd the Sun to be the only Deity, jlJ and that all Things were piade by him: O- thers at the fame Time having a confus'd No- tion of a certain Body or Fountain of DEITY, fomewhat like the Anima Mundi^ fo frequent- ly mentioned by the more learned ancient Heathens, diffufing itfelf to various Animals, , and even to inanimate Things, making them ? the immediate Authors of Good to certain Per- fons, as was before obferv'd, with Refped to various fuppos'd l^eities. But after the com- ing of the white People, they feem'd to fup- pofe there were three Deities, and three only, becaufe they faw People of three different Kinds of Completion, viz.. Englijh^ Negroes and themfelves. 'Tis a Notion pretty generally prevailing a- mong them, that 'twas not the fame God made them who made us \ but that they were made after Chrijltanizing of the Indians. 215 tfter the white People, which further fhews, that they imagine a Plurality of divine Powers. And I fancy they fuppofc their God gained fome Ipecial Skill by feeing the white People made, and fo made them better : For 'tis certain they look upon themfelves and their Methods of living (which, they fay, their God expreily prefcrib'd for them) vaftly preferable to the white People, and their Methods. And hence will frequently fit and laugh at them, as being good for Nothing elfe but to plow and fatigue themfelves wth hard Labour ; while they en- joy the Satisfaftion of ftretching themfelves on the Ground, and fleeping as much as they pleafe, and have no other Trouble but now and then to chafe the Deer, which is often attend- ed with Pleafure rather than Pain. Hence, by the way, many of them look upon it as dif- graceful for them to htcomtChrifriajts^ as 'twould be efteem'd among Chrifiians for any to become Pagans. And now altho' they fuppofe our Religion will do well enough for us, bccaufe prefcrib'd by our Gody yet 'tis no ways pro- per for them, becaufe not of the fame Make and Original. This they have fometimes of- fered as a Reafon why they did not incline to hearken to Chriftianity. They feem to have fome confused Notion about a future State of Exiftence, and many of them imagine that the Chichung (i. e. The Shaddow) or what furvives the Body, will at Death go Southward ^ and in an unknown but 21 6 Difficulties attending the but curious Place, will enjoy fome kind of Hap- pinels, fuch as Hunting, Fealting, Dancing and the like. And what they fuppofe will con- tribute much to their Happincfs in that State is, that they Ihall never be weary of thofe En- tertainments. It feems by this Notion of their going Svuthward to obtain Happinefs, as if they had their Courfe into thefe Parts of the World from fome very cold Climate, and found the further they went Southward the more comfortable they were ; and thence concluded, that perfed Felicity was to be found further towards the fame Point. They feem to have fome faint and glimer- •^' ing Notion about Rewards and Ttmijhments^ ■ or at leaft Haffmefs and Mifery in a future State, ,. that is, fome that I have convers'd with, tho' J others feem to know of no fuch Thing. Thofe that fuppofe ^^/J, .feem to imagine* that moft will be happy, and that thofe who are not fo, will be punifhed only with Trivation^ being only excluded the Walls of that good World where happy Souls fhall dwell. Thefe Rewards and Tmi/hments they fup- pofe to depend intirely upon theirCondud with Relation to the Duties of the /^tY?«^ Table, i. e. ' their Behaviour towards Mankind, and feem, , fo far as I can fee, not to imagine that they ' have any Reference to their religious Notions ( or Pradices, or any Thing that relates to the \ Worjhi^ of God. I remember I once confulted • a very ancient, but intelligent Indian upon this ChirifiianJzIng of thj Indians* i 1 7 this Point for my o\jn Satisfadion ; askM him whether the Indians of old Times had fuppos'dj there Was any Thing of the Man that would furvive the Body ? He reply'd, Tes. I ask'd him, where they fuppos'd its abode would be? He reply 'd, 'ti^jould go Southward. I ask'd him further, whether it would be happy there ? He anfwered, after a confiderable Paufe, '\ that the Souls of good ^olks would be hapfy^ and) ths Souls of bad Folks miferable. I then ask'd him, who he call'd bad tolks} His anfvver (as" I remember) was, thofe who lie^ ft^^l-t quarrel with their Neighbours., are unkind to their hr'tends ^ and efpecially to aged Tarents^ and in a Word^ fuch as are a Tlague to Mankind. Thefe were his bad Folks ; but not a Word was faid about their negleft of divine Worlhip, and their Bad^ fiefs in that Refpect. They have indeed fome Kind of religious Worfhip, are frequently offering Sacrifices to fome fuppos'd invifible Powers, and are very ready to impute their Calamities in the prefent World., to the negleft of thefe Sacrifices, but there is no , Appearance of Reverence and Devotion in the Homage they pay them; ■* and what they do of this Nature, feems to be done only to appeafe the fuppos'd Anger of their Deities, to engage them, to be pla- cable to thcmfelves, and do them no Hurt, or . at moft, only to invite thefe Towers to fucceed them in thofe Enterprifes they are engag'd , in refpeding the frejent Life. So that in of- E e ferin;^ ^ k- [aiS DificuUtes attending the 'fering thefe Sacrifices^ thQj feem to have no Reference to a futureStzxt^ but only to frefent Comfort. And this is the Account my Inter- preter always gives me of this Matter. ' They ' Sacrifice (fays he) that they may have Suc- * cefs in Hunting and other Affairs, and that Sicknefs and other Calamities, may not befal them, which they fear in the prefent World, in Cafe of Neglect ; but they don't fuppofe ' ^ God wiU ever punilh them in the coming ' World for negleding to Sacrifice, ^c* And indeed they feem to imagine, that thofe whom they call bad Folks^ are excluded from the Com- 4;pany of Good People in that State, not fo *,;^much becaufe God remembers, and is determin- '* ed to punifh them for their Sins of any Kind, cither immediately againft himfelf or their Neighbour, as becaufe they would be a Tlague to Society^ and would render others unhappy if admitted to dwell with them. So that they are excluded rather of Necejfity than by God acting^ as a righteous Judge, They give much heed to Dreams^ becaufe they fuppofe thefe invifiblc Powers give them Directions at fuch Times about certain Affairs, and fometime informs them what Antmal they would chufe to be Worfhipped in. They arc like wife much attached to the Traditions and fabulous Notions of their Fathers^ who have informed them of divers Miracles that were an- ciently wrought among the Indians^ which they firmly believe, and thence look upon their Cbr/Jtiamj^ng of the Indians. ai their Anceficrs to have been the beft of Men. They alfo mention fome wonderful Things which, they fay, have happen'd fince the Me- mory of fome who are now living. One I re-,^ member affirmed to me, that himfelf had onccpi been dead four Days, that moft of his Friend^S in that Time were gathered together tq hisj.'!! Funeral^ and that he ftiould have been buried j'*'! but that fome of his Relations at a great Dif-ii^i tance, who were fen t for upon that Occalion,' j were not arrived, before whofe coming he came to Life again. In this Time, he fays, he went, •, to the Place where the Stm rifes (imagining the Earth to be plain) and diredly over that Place, at a great Height in the Air, he was ad- mitted, he fays, into a great Houfe, which he fuppofes was ieveral Miles in length, and faw many wonderful Things, too tedious as well as ridiculous to mention. Another Perfon, a Woman, whom I have not feen, but been cre- dibly inform'd of by the Indians, declares, that ihe was dead feveral Days, that her Soul went Southward^ and feafted and danced with the Jiappy Spirits, and that Ihe found all Things exactly agreeable to the Indian Notions of ar jiittire State. Thefe fuperftitious Notions and Traditions, and this kind of ridiculous Worfhip I have mentioned, they are extrcmly attach'd to, and the prejudice they have imbib'd in Favour of thefeThings, renders them not a little averfe to the Do^r'ims of Chnftiamty. Whence fom'e of E e a tliemj \s.o.o t)iffcult'tes attending the .them have told nie, when IVe endeavoured to j'jnftrud them, that their tathers had taught them ''^alreacy^ and that they did not want to learn now. 'Twill be too tedious to give any confiderable ■^Account of the Methods I make ufe of for fur- j, mounting this Difficulty. I will juft fay, I endeavour as much as poilible to fiiew them \;th^ Imonjlfiemy of their own Notions, and fo i to confound them out of their own Mouths. I But I muft alfo fay, I have fometimes been al- I moft nonplused with them, and fcarce knew I what to anfwer them. But never have been more perplexed with thera than when they have pretended to yield to me as knowing more than ithey, and conlequently have ask*d me Num- |bersof impertinent, and yet difficult Qucilions, ■ as hrju the Indians came fir ft into this 'Fart oj the IVorld^ away from all tJye white People, .// what 1 fat d' was true^ viz. that the fame God made them, who made us ? How the In-< dians bc^catne blacl;, if thy had the jame original Tarefits with the white 'Teofle ? And Num- bers more of the like Nature. i Thcfe Things, I muft fay, have been not a v^ little difficult and difcouraging, efpecially when withal, fome of the Indians have appeared angry and malicious againft Chriltianity. Whit further contributes to their Averfion j-to' Chriftianity, is, the Influence that their powwows (Conjurers or Diviners) have upon I them. 1 hefe are a fort of Perfons who are fup- : pos'd to have a Power oi fontellingfntnr e Event Sy I of Chripiantzing af the Indians. aai of recovering the Sick^ at leaft oftentimes, and of charming^ inchanting or fqyfoning Terjbns to Death by their magic k Divinations. And their Spirit, in its various Operations, feems to be ^ja- tanicd Imitation of the Spirit of Trofhecy that the Church in early Ages was favour'd with. Some of thefe Diviners are endow'd with this Spirit in Infancy. — Others in adult Age. It feems not to depend upon their own Will, nor to be acquir'd by any Endeavours of the Perfon who is the Subjed of it, altho* 'tis fup- pos'd to be given to Children fometimes in Confequence of fome Means the Parents ufc with them for that Purpofe : One of which is to make the Child fwallow a fmall living Frog, after having performed fome fnperjiitious Rites and Ceremonies upon it. They are not under the Influence of this Spirit always alike but it comes upon them at Times. And thofe who are endow'd with it, are accounted fingu- larly favour'd. I have laboured to gain fome Acquaintance with this Affair of their Conjuration, and have for that End conlulted and queried \Vith the Man mentioned in my Journal of May ^th. who, fince his Converfion to Chriflianity, has cndeavour'd to give me the beft Intelligence he could of this Matter. But it feems to be fuch a Myjiery of Iniquity^ that I can't well under- ftand it, and don't know oftentimes what Ideas to affix to the Terms he makes ufe of; and. fo far as I can learn, he himfelf has not any clear Notions ( 112 Difficulties attending the Notions of the Thing, now his Spirit of Divi- nation is gone from him. However the Man- ner in which he fays he obtained this Spirit ot Divination was this, He was admitted into the Prefence of a Great Man, who informed him, that he lov'd, pitied, and delired to do him Good. 'Twas not in this World that he faw the Great Man^ but in a World aboFoe at a vaft Diftance from this. The great Man, he fays, was cloathed with the Day ^ yea with the brighteft Day he ever faw ; a Day of many Years, yea of everlafting Continuance ! This whole World, he fays, was drawn upon him, J. fo that /;/ bim^ the Earth and all Things in it % might be feen. I ask'd him, if Rocks, Moun- p. tains and Seas was drawn up©n, or appeared in him ? He reply *d, that every Thing that was beautiful and lovely in the Earth was upon him, and might be feen by looking on him, as well as if one was on the Earth to take a View of them there. By the fide of the great Man, he fays, flood hi« Shad DOW or Spirit ; for he us'd {Chichim^ the Word they commonly make ufe of to exprefs that of the Man which furvives the Body, which Word properly fignifies a Shaddow. This Shaddow^ he fays, was as lovely as the Man himfelf, and fiird all T laces ^ and was moft acrecable as well as wonderful to him. Here he fays, he tamed lome Time, and was un- fpeakably entertained and delighted with a View of the great Man, of his Shaddow or Spirit Chrijlianizmg of tho Indians. 223 Spirit, and of all Things in him. And what is moft of all aftoniftiing, he imagines all this to have pafs'd before he was born. He never had been, he fays, in this World at that Time. And what confirms him in the Belief of this, is, that the great Man told him, that he muft come Down to Earth, be born of fuch a Wo- man, meet with luch and fuch Things, and in particular, that he ihould once in his Life be guilty of Murder, At this he was difpleafed, and told the great Man, he would never Mur- der. But the great Man reply 'd, 1 have [aid ity and it Jhall be fo. Which has accordingly happened. At this Time, he fays, the great Man ask'd him what he would chufe in Life. He replied, firft to be a Hunter^ and aftewards to be a Towwaw or Diviner. Whereupon the great Man told him, he ftiould have what he defired, and that his Shaddow fhould go along with him down to Earth, and be with him forever. There was, he • lays, all this Time no Words fpoken between them. The Conference was not carried on by any human Language, but they had a kind of mental Intelligence of each others Thoughts, Difpo- fitions and Propofals. After this, he fays, he faw the great Man no more \ but fuppofes he now came down to Earth to be born, but the Spirit or Shaddow of the great Man ftill attend- ed him, and ever after continued to appear to him in Dream* and other Ways, until he felt the 2.24 Difficulties attending the the Power, of God's Word upon his Heart ; fince which it has intirely left him. This Spirit, he fays, us'd fometimes to di- red him in Dreams to go to fuch a Place and hunt, aiTuring him he fhould there meet with Succefs, which accordingly proved fo. And when he had been there fometime, the Spirit would order him to another Place. So Ij that he had Succefs in Hunting according to '' the great Man's Promife made to him at the Time of his chuling this Employment. There were fome Times when this Spirit came upon him in a [fecial Manner, and he was ^ full of what he faw in the great Man: And then, he fays, he was all Lights and not only t Light himfelf, but it was Light all around him^ fo that he could fee thro* Men, and knew the Thoughts of their Hearts, SCc. Thefe Deaths of Satan I leave to others to fathom or to dive into as they pleafe, and don't pretend, for my own Part, to know what Ideas to affix to fuch Terms, and can't well gueis what Conceptions of Things thefe Creatures have at thefe Times when they call themfelves aU Light. But my Interpreter tells me, that he heard one of them tell a certain Indian the fecrct Thoughts of his Heart, which he had never divulg'd. The Cafe was this, the Indian was bitten with a Snake and was in extreme Pain with the Bite. Whereupon the Diviner (who was applied to for his Recovery) told him, that at fuch a Tme he had promifed, that the iiext Deer he kill'd, he Cbnftranizmg gj the Indians. 2 2jj he wonld Sacrifice it X.o {ome great Po-JUC}\ but! liad broken his Proniiie. And now, faid he, that great Power has order'd this Snake to] bite you for your Negiecb. The Indian con- feis'd it was fo, but faid he had never told any , Body of it. But as Satan^ no doubt, excited , the Indian to make that Promife, 'twas no wonder he fliould be able to communicate the Matter to the Conjurer. Thefe Things fcrve to fix them down in their Idolatry^ and to make them believe there is no ■ fafetv to be expeded, but by their continuing to afer ftich Sacrijices. And the Influence that x\\Qit^i^awjoows have upon them, either thro' the Eftcem or Fear they have of them, is no fmall hindrance to their embracing Chriftianity, To remove this Difficulty, I have labour'J to ihew the Indmns^ that thefe Diviners have no Power to recover the Sick, when the God whom Chriflians ferve, has determined them for Death, and that the fuppofed great Tower who influences thefe Diviners has himfelf no Power in this Cafe : And that if they feem to recover any by their magickCharms^ they are only fuch as the God I preach'd to them, had determined fhould recover, and who would have recover'd without their Conjurations, &c. And when I have apprehended them afraid of embracing Chrifl:ianity, leaft they fhould be inchanted and poifoncd, I have endeavour'd to relieve their Minds of this Fear, by- asking them, why their Tqwwows d,ihriftians, as they could have to hate them in Caie they Ihould adually become fuch. And that they might have an Evidence of the power and Goodnefs of God engag'd for the Prote«3:ion of ChnJIians^ 1 ventur'd to bid aChal- lengc to all their Powji'ows and great Towers to do their worft on mc firfl: of all, and thus la^ bour'd to tread down^ their Influence. Many Things further might be offer'd upon this Head, but thus nmch may fuflice for a Re- prefentation of their Averfion to, and Prejudice gainlt Chriftianity, the Springs of it, and the ilhcultics thence arifing. Secondly. Another great Difficulty I have i€t with in my Attempts to chritlianize the In- dians, has been to convey divine Truths to their Un erfiandings^ and to gain their ajjcnt to them as Inch, ■ in the firft Place, I laboured under a very , great Difadvantage for want of an }nterj)retci\ who had a good Degree of doBrinal as well as experimental Knowledge of divine Thint^s : In both which Ref e