Chapter 11

¹This day he entered into the29thyear of his age.Monday, April 21. I was composed and comfortable most of the day; had freedom in prayer, several times; especially for Zion’s enlargement and prosperity. And Oh, how refreshing were these hopes to my soul! Oh that the kingdom of the Lord might come.Tuesday, April 22. My mind was remarkably free from melancholy damps, and animated in my work, I found such vigour and resolution in the service of God, that themountainsseemed to become aplainbefore me. Oh, blessed be God for an interval of refreshment, and fervent resolution in my Lord’s work! In the evening, my soul was refreshed in secret prayer, and my heart drawn out for divine blessings; especially for the church of God, for my own people, and for dear friends in remote places. Oh that Zion might prosper, and precious souls be brought home to God!April 25. Having appointed the next Lord’s-day for the administration of the Lord’s supper,this day was set apart for solemn fasting and prayer, to implore the blessing of God upon our design; and to intreat that his presence might be with us in our approach to his table.The solemnity was observed, not only by those who proposed to communicate, but by the whole congregation.—In the former part of the day, I endeavoured to open to my people the nature of afast, and to instruct them in the duties of such a solemnity.—In the afternoon I insisted upon the special reasons there were for our now engaging in these solemn exercises; both in regard of the need we stood in of divine assistance, in order to a due preparation for the sacred ordinance; and in respect of the manifest decline of God’s work here, as to the conviction and conversion of sinners.The worship of God was attended with great solemnity and reverence, with much tenderness and many tears, and there was some appearance of divine power upon those who had been awakened some time before.After repeated prayer, I led them to a solemn renewal of theirbaptismal covenant, wherein they had explicitly given up themselves to God, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, avouching him to be their God; and at the same time renouncing their heathenish vanities, and solemnly engaging to take the word of God for therule of their lives, promising to walk together in love, to watch over themselves, and one another; to lead lives ofseriousness and devotion, and to discharge therelativeduties incumbent upon them.This solemn transaction was attended with much seriousness; and at the same time with the utmost readiness and chearfulness; and an union and harmony of soul seemed to crown the whole.April 26. I catechised those that designed to partake of the Lord’s supper the next day, upon the institution, nature and end of that ordinance; and had abundant satisfaction respecting their knowledge. They likewise appeared, to have an affecting sense of the solemnity of the ordinance, and to be humbled under a sense of their own unworthiness; and earnestly concerned that they may be duly prepared for an attendance upon it. Their hearts were full of love one toward another, and this they seemed much concerned to maintain, and bring to the Lord’s table with them.I administered the Lord’s supper totwenty-threeIndians, (the number ofmenandwomenbeing nearly equal,) divers others, to the number of five or six, being now absent at the Forks of Delaware.The ordinance was attended with great solemnity, and with the utmost tenderness and affection. In the performance of thesacramentalactions, especially in the distribution of thebread, they seemed to be affected in a most lively manner, as if “Christ had been” really “crucified before them.” And the words of the institution, when repeated, seemed to be entertained with thesamefullandfirmbelief and affectionate engagement of soul, as if the Lord Jesus Christ himself hadpersonallyspoken to them.*Having rested some time after the administration of thesacrament, I walked from house to house, and conversed particularly with most of thecommunicants, and found they had been refreshed at the Lord’s table “as with new wine.” And never did I see such an appearance ofChristian loveamong any people. One might well have cried with an agreeable surprize, “Behold how they love one another!”Toward night I discoursed on the immediate design of Christ’s death, “To redeem his people from all iniquity.”This appeared to be a season of divine power. The religious were much refreshed, and seemed remarkably tender, full of love, joy, peace, and desires of being completely “redeemed from all iniquity.” Convictions also appeared to be revived in many instances; and divers persons were awakened whom I had never observed under any religious impressions before.Suchwas the influence which attended our assembly, that it seemed grievous to conclude the public worship. And the congregation when♦dismissed, although it was then almost dark, appeared loth to leave the place.♦“dismised” replaced with “dismissed”April 28. I concluded the solemnity with a discourse upon Johnxiv.15. “If ye love me keep my commandments.” There appearedgreat tenderness in the audience in general, but especially in thecommunicants.——O how free, how engaged and affectionate didtheseappear in the service of God! They seemed willing to have their “ears bored to the door posts of God’s house,” and to be his servants for ever.*Observing numbers in this excellent frame, I thought it proper to improve this advantageous season, as Hezekiah did his greatpassover, (2 Chroniclesxxxi.) in order to promote the blessed reformation among them: and accordingly proposed to them that they shouldrenewedlyenter into covenant before God, to watch over themselves and one another. And especially that they would watch against the sin ofdrunkenness.—They chearfully complied and explicitly joined in that covenant; whereupon I proceeded in the most solemn manner to call God towitnesstheir sacred engagement; minded them of the greatness of the guilt they would contract in the violation of it; and that God would be a terriblewitnessagainst those who should presume to do so, in the “great and notable day of the Lord.”*It was a season of amazing solemnity, and adivine aweappeared upon the face of the whole assembly! Affectionate sighs, and tears, were frequent in the audience: and I doubt not but many silent cries were sent up to thefountainof grace, for grace to fulfil these solemn engagements.[On Tuesday he went to Elisabeth-Town, to the meeting of the Presbytery: and spent the time in a free and comfortable state of mind.]Saturday, May 3. I rode from Elisabeth-Town home to my people, near Cranberry; whither they are removed, and where I hope God will settle them as a Christian congregation. I was refreshed in lifting up my heart to God, while riding; and enjoyed a thankful frame of spirit.May 4. My people being now removed to theirlands; I this day visited them, and preached to them from Markiv.5. shewing the reason there was to fear, lest many hopeful beginnings, might prove abortive, like the “seed dropped upon stony places.”May 5. I visited them again, and gave them directions relating to their business.I daily discover more and more of what importance it is, that they become industrious, and able to raise the necessaries of lifewithin themselves; for their present method of living greatly exposes them to temptations of various kinds.*Wednesday, May 7. I spent most of the day in writing, and enjoyed freedom in my work. I was favoured with comfortable meditations, this day, and in the evening, was in a sweet composed frame of mind: pleased and delighted to leave all with God, respecting myself, for time and eternity, and respecting the people of my charge and dear friends: I had no doubt but that Godwould take care of me, and of his own interest among my people; and was enabled to use freedom in prayer, as a child with a tender father.*Thursday, May 8. In the evening I enjoyed a tender melting frame in secret prayer, wherein my soul was drawn out for the interest of Zion, and comforted with the lively hope of the appearing of the kingdom of the great Redeemer. These were sweet moments: I felt loth to go to bed, and grieved that sleep was necessary. However, I lay down with a tender reverential fear of God, sensible that “his favour is life,” and his smiles, infinitely better than life itself.May 9. I preached in the open wilderness; the Indians having as yet no house for public worship in this place, nor scarce anyshelterfor themselves.——Divine truths made considerable impressions, and it was a season of solemnity, tenderness, and affection.I baptized this day, the♦conjurer and murderer mentioned before, such a remarkable instance of divine grace, that I cannot omit some brief account of him.♦“conjuror” replaced with “conjurer”He lived near, and sometimes attended me in the Forks of Delaware for more than a year together; but was extremely attached to strong drink, and seemed to be no ways reformed. In this time he likewisemurdereda young Indian, which threw him into a kind ofdesperation, so that he kept from me, and refused tohear me preach for several months, till I had an opportunity of conversing freely with him, and giving him encouragement, that even his sin might be forgiven for Christ’s sake.But that which was the worst was hisconjuration. He was one of them who are calledpowwowsamong the Indians: and notwithstanding his attendance upon my preaching, still followed his oldcharms, “giving out that he himself was some great one, and to him they gave heed,” supposing him to be possessed of agreat power. So that when I have instructed them respecting themiracleswrought by Christ, and mentioned them as evidences of hisdivinemission, they have quickly observed the wonders which this man performed by hismagic charms; which seemed to be a fatal obstruction to their receiving the gospel. And I often thought, it would be a great favour to the Indians, if God would take that wretch out of the world: but God, “whose thoughts are not as man’s thoughts,” has been pleased to take a much more desirable method; a method agreeable to his own merciful nature, advantageous to his own interest among the Indians, as well as to the poor soul himself.The first genuine concern for his soul was excited by seeing my interpreter and his wife baptized at the Forks of Delaware, July 21, 1745. Which so prevailed upon him that he followed me down to Crosweeksung in the beginning ofAugust, and there continued for several weeks in the season of the most powerful awakening among the Indians; at which time he was more effectually awakened: and then, he says, upon his “feeling the spirit of God in his heart,” (as he expresses it) his spirit of conjuration left him entirely; that he has had no more power of that nature since, than any other man. And he declares that he does not so much as know how he used tocharmand conjure; and that he could not do any thing of that nature, if he was ever so desirous.He continued under convictions all the fall, and former part of the winter past, but was not so deeply exercised till January; and then the word of God took such hold upon him, that he knew not what to do, or where to turn.—He then told me, that when he used to hear me preach from time to time in the fall of the year, my preaching pricked his heart, but did not bring him to sogreatdistress, because he still hoped he could dosomethingfor his own relief: but now, he said, I drove him up into “such a sharp corner,” that he had no way to turn.He continued under the heavy burden of awounded spirit, till he was brought into the utmostagony of soul.After this he was brought to a kind of calmness; he appeared perfectly sedate; although he had no sure hope of salvation.*I observed him remarkably composed, and asked him how he did? He replied, “It is done, it is done, it is all done now.” I asked him what he meant? He answered, “I can never do any more to save myself; it is all done for ever, I can do no more.” I queried with him, whether he could not do alittlemore rather than to go to hell. He replied, “My heart is dead, I can never help myself.” I asked him, what he thought would become of him then? He answered, “I must go to hell.” I asked him, if he thought it was right that God should send him to hell? He replied, “O it is right. The devil has been in me ever since I was born.” I asked him, if he felt this when he was in such great distress the evening before? He answered, “No, I did not think it was right. I thought God would send me to hell, and that I was then dropping into it; but my heart quarrelled with God, and would not say it wasrighthe should send me there. But now I know it is right, for I have always served the devil, and my heart has no goodness in it now, but it is as bad as ever it was,”—I scarce ever saw any person more effectually brought off from a dependence upon his own endeavours for salvation.In this frame of mind he continued for several days, passing sentence of condemnation upon himself, and constantly owning, that it would be right he should be damned, and that he expected this would be his portion. And yet it wasplain he had a secret hope of mercy, which kept him from pressing distress: so that instead of being sad and dejected, his very countenance appeared pleasant and agreeable.*It was remarkable in this season that he seemed to have a great love to the people of God, and nothing♦affected him so much as the thoughts of being separated from them. This seemed to be a very dreadful part of the hell he thought himself doomed to.—It was likewise remarkable, that in this season he was most diligent in the use of all means for his salvation; although he had the clearest view of theinsufficiencyof means to afford him help.♦“effected” replaced with “affected” per Errata*After he had continued in this frame of mind more than aweek, while I was discoursing publicly, he seemed to have a lively view of the excellency of Christ, and the way of salvation by him, which melted him into tears, and filled him with admiration, comfort, and praise to God; since which he has appeared to be an humble, devout, and affectionate Christian; serious and exemplary in his conversation and behaviour, frequently complaining of his want of warmth, life, and activity, and yet frequently favoured with quickening influences. And in all respects he bears the marks of one “created anew in Christ Jesus.”His zeal for the cause of God was pleasing to me, when he was with me at the Forks of Delaware in February last. There being an old Indianwho threatened tobewitchme and my people who accompanied me;thisman challenged him to do his worst, telling him, that himself had been as great aconjureras he, and that notwithstanding as soon as he felt that word in his heart which these people loved, his power of conjuring immediately left him.—And so it would you, said he, if you did but once feel it in your heart; and you have no power to touch one of them.Saturday, May 10. I rode to Allen’s-Town, to assist in the administration of the Lord’s supper. In the afternoon I preached from Titusii.14. God was pleased to carry me through with some freedom; and yet to deny me that enlargement I longed for. In the evening my soul mourned, that I had treated so excellent a subject in so defective a manner. And if my discourse had met with the utmost applause from all the world, it would not have given me any satisfaction: Oh, it grieved me to think, that I had had no more holy warmth, that I had been no more melted in discoursing of Christ’s death, and the design of it! Afterwards, I enjoyed freedom and fervency in secret and family prayer, and longed much for the presence of God to attend his word and ordinances the next day.Lord’s-day, May 11. I assisted in the administration of the Lord’s supper; but enjoyed little enlargement. In the afternoon I went to the house of God weak and sick in soul, as well as feeble in body: and longed, that the peoplemight be edified with divine truths, and that an honest fervent testimony might be borne for God; but knew not how it was possible formeto do any thing of that kind, to any good purpose. Yet God, who is rich in mercy, was pleased to give me assistance, both in prayer and preaching: God helped me to wrestle for his presence in prayer, and to tell him, that he had promised, “Where two or three are met together in his name, there he would be in the midst of them;” and pleaded, that for his truth’s sake he would be with us. And blessed be God, it was sweet to my soul, thus to plead, and rely on God’s promises. I discoursed upon Lukeix.30. “And behold there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias; who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease, which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.” I enjoyed special freedom, from the beginning to the end of my discourse. Things pertinent to the subject were abundantly presented to my view; and such a fullness of matter, that I scarce knew how to dismiss the various heads I had occasion to touch upon. And, blessed be the Lord, I was favoured with fervency and power, as well as freedom; so that the word of God seemed to awaken the attention of a stupid audience, to a considerable degree. I was inwardly refreshed with the consolations of God; and could with my whole heart say, “Though there be no fruit in the vine,&c.yet will I rejoice in the Lord.”Friday, May 16. I enjoyed some agreeable conversation with a dear minister, which was blessed to my soul; my heart was warmed, and my soul engaged to live to God; so that I longed to exert myself with more vigour, than ever I had done in his cause; and those words were quickening to me, “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bring forth much fruit.” Oh, my soul longed, and wished, and prayed, to be enabled to live to God with constancy and ardour! In the evening, God was pleased to shine upon me in secret prayer, and draw out my soul after himself: and I had freedom in supplication for myself, but much more in intercession for others: so that I was sweetly constrained to say, “Lord, use me as thou wilt; do as thou wilt with me: but Oh, promote thine own cause! Zion is thine; Oh visit thine heritage! Oh let thy kingdom come! Oh let thy blessed interest be advanced in the world!” When I attempted to look to God, respecting my settling in my congregation, which seems to be necessary, and yet contrary to my fixed intention for years past, as well as my disposition, which has been, and still is, to spend my life in preaching the gospel from place to place, and gathering soulsafar offto Jesus the great Redeemer; when I attempted to look to God with regard to these things, I could only say, “The will of the Lord be done: it is no matter for me.”*The same frame of mind I felt with respect to another important affair I have lately had some serious thoughts of: I could say, with the utmost calmness and composure, “Lord, if it be most for thy glory, let me proceed in it: but if thou seest that it will in any wise hinder my usefulness in thy cause, Oh prevent my proceeding: for all I want, is such circumstances as may best capacitate me to do service for God in the world.” Oh, how sweet was this evening to my soul! I knew not how to go to bed; and when got to bed, longed for some way to employ time for God to some excellent purpose.Saturday, May 17. I walked out in the morning, and felt much of the same frame I enjoyed the evening before: had my heart enlarged in praying for the advancement of the kingdom of Christ, and found the utmost freedom in leaving all my concerns with God.*I finddiscouragementto be an exceedinghindranceto my spiritual fervency and affection: but when God enables me to find that I have done something for him, this animates me, so that I could break through all hardships, undergo any labours, and nothing seems too much either to do or suffer. But Oh, what a death it is, to strive, and strive; to be always in ahurry, and yet donothing. Alas, alas, that time flies away, and I do so little for God!Lord’s-day, May 18. I felt my own utter insufficiency for my work: God made me to see,that I was a child; yea, that I was a fool. I discoursed both parts of the day, from Revelationiii.20. “Behold I stand at the door, and knock.” God gave me freedom and power in the latter part of my (forenoon’s) discourse, although in the former part of it, I felt peevish and provoked with the unmannerly behaviour of thewhitepeople, who crouded in between my people and me. But blessed be God I got those shackles off before the middle of my discourse, and was favoured with a sweet frame of spirit in the latter part of the exercise: was full of love, warmth, and tenderness, in addressing my dear people.—In the intermission-season I could not but discourse to my people on the kindness and patience of Christ instandingandknocking at the door.—In the evening, I was grieved that I had done so little for God. Oh that I could bea flame of firein the service of my God!♦*Thursday, May 22. In the evening I was in a frame somewhat remarkable: I had apprehended for several days, that it was a design of providence I shouldsettleamong my people; and had in my own mind began to make provision for it: and yet was never quite pleased with the thoughts of being confined to one place. Nevertheless I seemed to have some freedom, because the congregation was one that God had enabled me to gather from among Pagans. For I never could feel any freedom to “enter into other men’s labour,” and settle where the “gospel was preachedbefore;” God has never given me any liberty in that respect, either since or for some years before I began to preach. But God having succeeded my labours, in gathering a church among these Indians, I was ready to think, it might be his design to give me a quiet settlement. And this, considering the late frequent failure of my spirits, and the need I stood in of some agreeable society, and my great desire of enjoying conveniencies for profitable studies, was not altogether disagreeable to me. And although I still wanted to go about far and wide, in order to spread the blessed gospel among benighted souls: yet I never had been so willing to settle for more than five years past, as I was in the foregoing part of this week. But now these thoughts seemed to be wholly dashed to pieces; not by necessity, but of choice: for it appeared to me, that God’s dealings towards me had fitted me for a life of solitariness and hardship; it appeared to me I had nothing to do with earth, and consequently nothing to lose, by a total renunciation of it: and it appeared just right, that I should be destitute of house and home, and many comforts, which I rejoiced to see others of God’s people enjoy. The same time I saw so much the excellency of Christ’s kingdom, and the infinite desirableness of its advancement in the world, that it swallowed up all my other thoughts; and made me willing to be a pilgrim or hermit in the wilderness, to my dyingmoment, if I might thereby promote the blessed interest of the great Redeemer. And if ever my soul presented itself to God for his service, without any reserve of any kind, it did so now. The language of my thoughts (although I spake no words) now was, “Here I am, Lord, send me: send me tothe ends of the earth; send me to the rough, the savage Pagans of the wilderness; send me from all that is called comfort in earth! send me even to death itself, if it be but in thy service, and to promote thy kingdom.” And at the same time I had as quick and lively a sense of the value of worldly comforts, as ever I had; but saw them infinitely overmatched by the worth of Christ’s kingdom, and the propagation of his blessed gospel. The quiet settlement, the certain place of abode, the tender friendship, which I thought I might be likely to enjoy, appeared as valuable to me, considered absolutely, as ever before: but considered comparatively, they appeared nothing; compared with an enlargement of Christ’s kingdom, they vanished like the stars before the rising sun. And the comfortable accommodations of life appeared valuable, yet I did surrender myself, soul and body, to the service of God, and promotion of Christ’s kingdom; though it should be in the loss of them all. I was constrained, and yet chose to say, “Farewell, friends and earthly comforts, the dearest of them all, if the Lord calls for it; adieu, adieu; I’ll spend my life to my latest moments,in caves and dens of the earth, if the kingdom of Christ may thereby be advanced.” I found extraordinary freedom at this time in pouring out my soul to God, for his cause; and especially that his kingdom might be extended among the Indians; and I had a strong hope that God would do it. I continued wrestling with God in prayer for my dear little flock here; and more especially for the Indians elsewhere; as well as for dear friends in one place and another; till it was bed-time, and I feared I should hinder the family. But Oh, with what reluctancy did I find myself obliged to consume time in sleep! I longed to be as aflame of fire, continually glowing in the divine service, preaching and building up Christ’s kingdom, to my latest, my dying moment.♦asterisk added per ErrataFriday, May 23. In the morning I was in the same frame of mind. The glory of Christ’s kingdom so much outshone the pleasure of earthly accommodations and enjoyments, that they appeared comparatively nothing. My soul was melted in secret, and I found myself♦divorced from any part in this world so that in those affairs that seemed of the greatest importance, in the present life, and those wherein the tender powers of the mind are most sensibly touched, I could only say, “The will of the Lord be done.” Just the same that I felt the evening before, I now felt the same freedom in prayer for the people of my charge, for the propagation of the gospel among the Indians, for the enlargement of Zionin general, and my dear friends in particular; and longed to burn out in one continued flame for God. If ever I filled up a day with study and devotion, I was enabled to fill up this day.♦“devorced” replaced with “divorced”Lord’s-day, May 25. There was some degree of divine power attending the word of God. Sundry wept and appeared considerably affected: and one who had long been under spiritual trouble, obtained clearness and comfort, and appeared to “rejoice in God her Saviour.”I have reason to hope, that God has lately brought home to himself sundry souls who had long been under spiritual trouble: though there have been but few instances of persons lately awakened. And those comforted of late, seem to be brought in, in a moresilentway, neither their concern nor consolation being soremarkable, as appeared among those wrought upon in the beginning.June 6. I discoursed to my people from part of Isaiahliii.——The divine presence appeared to be among us. Divers persons were much melted and refreshed; and one man in particular, was now brought to see and feel, in a very lively manner, the impossibility of his doing any thing to help himself, or bring him into the favour of God by his tears, prayers, and other religious performances.Saturday, June 7. I rode to Freehold to assistMr.Tennent in the administration of the Lord’s supper. In the afternoon I preached, God gaveme freedom and warmth in my discourse: and his presence was in the assembly. I was composed, and enjoyed a thankful frame of spirit; and my soul was grieved that I could not render something to God for his benefits. O that I could be swallowed up in his praise.Lord’s-day, June 8. I was agreeably entertained in the forenoon by a discourse fromMr.Tennent. In the season of communion, I enjoyed comfort; it was atime of refreshingto me, and to many others. A number of my dear people sat down by themselves at the last table; at which time God seemed to be in the midst of them.——And the thoughts of what God had done among them were refreshing to me. In the afternoon, God enabled me to preach with uncommon freedom. Through the goodness of God, I was favoured with a constant flow of matter, and proper expressions. In the evening I could not but rejoice in God, and bless him for the manifestations of grace in the day past. Oh it was a sweet and solemn day! A season of comfort to the godly, and of awakening to other souls.Monday, June 9. I preached the concluding sermon from Genesisv.24. “And Enoch walked with God.” God gave me enlargement and fervency in my discourse; so that I was enabled to speak with plainness and power. Praised be the Lord, it was a sweet meeting. I found my strength renewed, even to a wonder; so that I felt much stronger at the conclusion than in the♦beginning. I have great reason to bless God for this solemnity, wherein I have found assistance in addressing others, and sweetness in my own soul.♦“begining” replaced with “beginning”To-day a considerable number of my people met together early in thewoods, and prayed, sang, and conversed of divine things; and were seen by some of the white people to be affected, and divers of them in tears.Afterwards they attended the concluding exercises of the sacramental solemnity, and then returned home, “rejoicing for all the goodness of God” they had seen and felt: so that this was a profitable, as well as a comfortable season to many of my congregation.Friday, June 13.—I came away rejoicing and blessing God for his grace manifested at this season. The same day I baptizedfivepersons, three adults and two children. One of these was the veryaged womanof whom I gave an account in my journal of December 26. She now gave me a very punctual, rational, and satisfactory account of the remarkable change she experienced some months after the beginning of her concern. And although she was become so childish through old age that I could do nothing in a way of questioning with her; yet, when I let her alone to go on with her own story, she could give a very distinct relation of the various exercises of soul she had experienced; so deep were the impressions left upon her mind by that influence shehad been under! And I have great reason to hope, she isborn anewin her old age, being, upwards offourscore.Saturday, June 14. I rode to Kingston, to assist theRev.Mr.Wales in the administration of the Lord’s-supper. In the afternoon I preached; but almost fainted in the pulpit: yet God strengthened me when I was just gone, and enabled me to speak his word with freedom, fervency, and application to the conscience. And praised be the Lord: “out of weakness I was made strong.” I enjoyed sweetness, in and after public worship; but was extremely tired. Oh, how many are the mercies of the Lord! “To them that have no might, he increaseth strength.”Lord’s-day, June 15. I was dejected so that I could not hold up my head. Yet I administered the Lord’s-supper atMr.Wales’s desire: and found myself in a good measure relieved of my pressing load, when I came to ask a blessing on the elements; here God gave me enlargement, and a tender affectionate sense of spiritual things: so that it was a season of comfort to me, and I trust more so to others. In the afternoon I preached to a vast multitude from Revelationxxii.17. God helped me to offer a testimony for himself, and to leave sinners inexcusable. I was enabled to speak with such freedom, fluency, and clearness, as commanded the attention of the great. I was extremely tired in the evening but enjoyed composure and sweetness.Monday, June 16. I preached again; and God helped me amazingly, so that this was a refreshing season to my soul and others. For ever blessed be God for help, when my body was so weak, and there was so large an assembly.June 19. I visited my people with two of the reverend correspondents: I spent some time in conversation with them upon spiritual things; and took care of their worldly concerns.This day makes up a complete year from the first time of my preaching to these Indians in New-Jersey.——What amazing things has God wrought in this time for these poor people! What a surprising change appears in their tempers and behaviour! How are savage Pagans transformed into affectionate, and humble Christians! And their drunken and pagan howlings, turned into fervent prayers and praises to God! They “who were sometimes darkness, are now become light in the Lord.” May they walk as children of the light, and of the day. And now to him that is of power to establish them according to the gospel.——To God only wise, be glory, through Jesus Christ, for ever and ever! Amen.Before I conclude, I would make a fewgeneral remarksupon what to me appears worthy of notice.And,first, I cannot but take notice that I have ever since my first coming among the Indians, been favoured with that assistance, which (to me)isuncommon, in preachingChrist crucified, and making him thecenterandmarkto which all my discourses were directed.*It was the principal scope of all my discourses for several months, (after having taught the people something of the being and perfections of God, his creation of man in a state of rectitude and happiness, and the obligations mankind were thence under to love and honour him,) to lead them into an acquaintance with their deplorable state by nature: their inability to deliver themselves from it: the utter insufficiency of any external reformation, or of any religious performances, to bring them into the favour of God. And thence to shew them their absolute need of Christ to save them from the misery of their fallen state.—To open his all-sufficiency and willingness to save the chief of sinners.—Thefreenessandrichesof his grace, proposed “without money, and without price.”—And thereupon to press themwithout delayto betake themselves to him, under a sense of their misery and undone estate, for relief and everlasting salvation.——And to shew them the abundant encouragement the gospel proposes to, perishing, helpless sinners, so to do.*And I have often remarked, that whatever subject I have been upon, after having explained the truths contained therein, I have beennaturallyandeasilyled to Christ as thesubstanceof every one. If I treated on the being and gloriousperfections of God, I was thencenaturallyled to discourse of Christ as the only “way to the Father.”—If I attempted to open the misery of our fallen state, it was natural from thence to shew the necessity of Christ to undertake for us, to atone for our sins, and to redeem us from the power of them.—If I taught the commands of God, and shewed our violation of them, this brought me in the most easy way, to speak of the Lord Jesus Christ, as one who had “magnified the law” we had broken, and who was “become the end of it for righteousness, to every one that believes.” And never did I find so much freedom and assistance in making all the various lines of my discourses meet together, and center in Christ, as I have frequently done among these Indians.*I have frequently been enabled to represent the divine glory, the infinite preciousness and transcendent loveliness of the great Redeemer; the suitableness of his person and purchase to supply the wants, and answer the utmost desires of immortal souls.—To open the infinite riches of his grace, and the wonderful encouragement proposed in the gospel to unworthy, helpless sinners.—To call, invite, and beseech them to come and give up themselves to him, and be reconciled to God through him.—To expostulate with them respecting their neglect of one so infinitely lovely, and freely offered.—Andthisinsuch a manner, with such freedom, pertinency, pathos, andapplication to the conscience, as I never could have made myself master of by the most assiduous application. And I have often at such seasons been surprisingly helped in adapting my discourses to thecapacitiesof my people, and bringing them down into such easy, vulgar, and familiar methods of expression, as has rendered them intelligible even to Pagans.Secondly, It is worthy of remark, that numbers of these people are brought to a strict compliance with the rules ofmoralityandsobriety, and to a conscientious performance of theexternal dutiesof Christianity; without their having them frequently inculcated upon them.God was pleased to give the grand gospel truths such a powerful influence upon their minds, that their lives♦were quickly reformed, without repeated harangues uponexternalduties. There was indeed no room for any discourses but those that respected theessentialsof religion, and theexperimentalknowledge of divine things, while there were so many inquiring daily, not how they should regulate theirexternalconduct; but how they should escape from the wrath to come—obtain aneffectual change of heart, and get an interest in Christ.—So that mygreat workstill was to lead them into a further view of their total depravity: to shew that there was no goodness in them: no good dispositions or desires; no love to God, or delight in his commands; but, on the contrary, hatred, enmity, and allmanner of wickedness.—And at the same time to open to them the glorious remedy provided in Christ for helpless perishing sinners, and offered freely to those who have no goodness of their own, no “works of righteousness,” to recommend them to God.♦“werely” replaced with “were”When these truths were feltat heart, there was no vice unreformed,—no external duty neglected.——Drunkenness, the darling vice, was broken off, and scarce an instance of it known for months together. The practice ofhusbandsandwivesin putting away each other, and taking others, was quickly reformed. The same might be said of all other vices.——The reformation was general; from theinternalinfluence of divine truths upon their hearts; and not because they had heard these vices particularly exposed, and repeatedly spoken against.*So that experience, as well as the word of God, and the example of Christ and his apostles, have taught me, that the preaching, which is best suited to awaken in mankind a lively apprehension of their depravity and misery,—to excite them earnestly to seek after a change of heart, and tofly for refugeto Christ, as the onlyhope set before them, is mostsuccessfultoward the reformation of their external conduct.—I have found that close applications of divine truth to the conscience, strike death to the root of all vice; while smooth harangues uponmoral virtuesandexternal duties, at best only lop off thebranchesof corruption.I do not intend to represent the preaching ofmorality, and pressing persons to theexternalperformance of duty, to be unnecessaryat any time; especially when there is less of divine power attending the means of grace.—It is doubtless among the things that “ought to be done,” while “others are not to be left undone.”—But what I principally design is a plain matter of fact,viz.That the external compliance with the rules of Christianity, appearing among my people, is not the effect of anymerelyrational view of the beauty ofmorality, but of the internal influence that divine truths have had upon their hearts.Thirdly, It is remarkable, that God has so continued and renewed the showers of his grace: so quickly set up his kingdom among these people; and so smiled upon them in their acquirement of knowledge, both divine and human. It is now near a year since the beginning of this gracious out-pouring of the divine Spirit; and although it has often seemed to decline for some short time, yet the work of grace revived again: so that a divine influence seems still to attend the means of grace, in a greater or less degree: whereby religious persons are refreshed, strengthened, and established,—convictions revived and promoted in many,—and some newly awakened from time to time. Although it must be acknowledged, that for some time past, there has appeareda more manifest decline of this work. But (blessed be God) there is still an appearance of divine power, a desirable degree of tenderness, and devotion in our assemblies.And as God has continued the showers of his grace among this people; so he has with uncommonquicknessset up his kingdom in the midst of them. I have now baptized, since the conclusion of my last journal, thirty persons, fifteen adults, and fifteen children. Which added to the number there mentioned, makes seventy-seven persons; whereof thirty-eight are adults and thirty-nine children: and all within the space of eleven months past.—And I have baptized no adults, but such as appeared to have a work of grace in their hearts: such as have experienced not only the awakening, but the renewing and comforting influences of the divine Spirit. Much of the goodness of God has appeared in their acquirement of knowledge, both in religion and in common life. There has been a wonderful thirst afterChristian knowledgeamong them, and an eager desire of being instructed. This has moved them to ask many pertinent as well as important questions. Many of the doctrines I have delivered, they have queried with me about, in order to gain further light into them: and from time to time manifested a good understanding of them, by their answers to the questions proposed.They have likewise appeared remarkably aptin learning to sing psalms, and are now able to sing well.They have also acquired a considerable degree of knowledge in the affairs of common life: so that they now appear likerationalcreatures, fit for human society, free from that savage roughness and brutish stupidity, which they had in their Pagan state.And as they are desirous of instruction, and surprisingly apt in the reception of it, so divine providence has smiled upon them in regard ofproper meansin order to it.—The attempts made for aschoolamong them have succeeded, and they have aschool-master, of whom I may justly say, I know of “no man like-minded, who will naturally care for their state.”He has generally thirty or thirty-five children in his school: and when he kept an♦evening-school (as he did in the long evenings), he had fifteen or twenty people, married and single.

¹This day he entered into the29thyear of his age.

Monday, April 21. I was composed and comfortable most of the day; had freedom in prayer, several times; especially for Zion’s enlargement and prosperity. And Oh, how refreshing were these hopes to my soul! Oh that the kingdom of the Lord might come.

Tuesday, April 22. My mind was remarkably free from melancholy damps, and animated in my work, I found such vigour and resolution in the service of God, that themountainsseemed to become aplainbefore me. Oh, blessed be God for an interval of refreshment, and fervent resolution in my Lord’s work! In the evening, my soul was refreshed in secret prayer, and my heart drawn out for divine blessings; especially for the church of God, for my own people, and for dear friends in remote places. Oh that Zion might prosper, and precious souls be brought home to God!

April 25. Having appointed the next Lord’s-day for the administration of the Lord’s supper,this day was set apart for solemn fasting and prayer, to implore the blessing of God upon our design; and to intreat that his presence might be with us in our approach to his table.

The solemnity was observed, not only by those who proposed to communicate, but by the whole congregation.—In the former part of the day, I endeavoured to open to my people the nature of afast, and to instruct them in the duties of such a solemnity.—In the afternoon I insisted upon the special reasons there were for our now engaging in these solemn exercises; both in regard of the need we stood in of divine assistance, in order to a due preparation for the sacred ordinance; and in respect of the manifest decline of God’s work here, as to the conviction and conversion of sinners.

The worship of God was attended with great solemnity and reverence, with much tenderness and many tears, and there was some appearance of divine power upon those who had been awakened some time before.

After repeated prayer, I led them to a solemn renewal of theirbaptismal covenant, wherein they had explicitly given up themselves to God, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, avouching him to be their God; and at the same time renouncing their heathenish vanities, and solemnly engaging to take the word of God for therule of their lives, promising to walk together in love, to watch over themselves, and one another; to lead lives ofseriousness and devotion, and to discharge therelativeduties incumbent upon them.

This solemn transaction was attended with much seriousness; and at the same time with the utmost readiness and chearfulness; and an union and harmony of soul seemed to crown the whole.

April 26. I catechised those that designed to partake of the Lord’s supper the next day, upon the institution, nature and end of that ordinance; and had abundant satisfaction respecting their knowledge. They likewise appeared, to have an affecting sense of the solemnity of the ordinance, and to be humbled under a sense of their own unworthiness; and earnestly concerned that they may be duly prepared for an attendance upon it. Their hearts were full of love one toward another, and this they seemed much concerned to maintain, and bring to the Lord’s table with them.

I administered the Lord’s supper totwenty-threeIndians, (the number ofmenandwomenbeing nearly equal,) divers others, to the number of five or six, being now absent at the Forks of Delaware.

The ordinance was attended with great solemnity, and with the utmost tenderness and affection. In the performance of thesacramentalactions, especially in the distribution of thebread, they seemed to be affected in a most lively manner, as if “Christ had been” really “crucified before them.” And the words of the institution, when repeated, seemed to be entertained with thesamefullandfirmbelief and affectionate engagement of soul, as if the Lord Jesus Christ himself hadpersonallyspoken to them.

*Having rested some time after the administration of thesacrament, I walked from house to house, and conversed particularly with most of thecommunicants, and found they had been refreshed at the Lord’s table “as with new wine.” And never did I see such an appearance ofChristian loveamong any people. One might well have cried with an agreeable surprize, “Behold how they love one another!”

Toward night I discoursed on the immediate design of Christ’s death, “To redeem his people from all iniquity.”

This appeared to be a season of divine power. The religious were much refreshed, and seemed remarkably tender, full of love, joy, peace, and desires of being completely “redeemed from all iniquity.” Convictions also appeared to be revived in many instances; and divers persons were awakened whom I had never observed under any religious impressions before.

Suchwas the influence which attended our assembly, that it seemed grievous to conclude the public worship. And the congregation when♦dismissed, although it was then almost dark, appeared loth to leave the place.

♦“dismised” replaced with “dismissed”

April 28. I concluded the solemnity with a discourse upon Johnxiv.15. “If ye love me keep my commandments.” There appearedgreat tenderness in the audience in general, but especially in thecommunicants.——O how free, how engaged and affectionate didtheseappear in the service of God! They seemed willing to have their “ears bored to the door posts of God’s house,” and to be his servants for ever.

*Observing numbers in this excellent frame, I thought it proper to improve this advantageous season, as Hezekiah did his greatpassover, (2 Chroniclesxxxi.) in order to promote the blessed reformation among them: and accordingly proposed to them that they shouldrenewedlyenter into covenant before God, to watch over themselves and one another. And especially that they would watch against the sin ofdrunkenness.—They chearfully complied and explicitly joined in that covenant; whereupon I proceeded in the most solemn manner to call God towitnesstheir sacred engagement; minded them of the greatness of the guilt they would contract in the violation of it; and that God would be a terriblewitnessagainst those who should presume to do so, in the “great and notable day of the Lord.”

*It was a season of amazing solemnity, and adivine aweappeared upon the face of the whole assembly! Affectionate sighs, and tears, were frequent in the audience: and I doubt not but many silent cries were sent up to thefountainof grace, for grace to fulfil these solemn engagements.

[On Tuesday he went to Elisabeth-Town, to the meeting of the Presbytery: and spent the time in a free and comfortable state of mind.]

Saturday, May 3. I rode from Elisabeth-Town home to my people, near Cranberry; whither they are removed, and where I hope God will settle them as a Christian congregation. I was refreshed in lifting up my heart to God, while riding; and enjoyed a thankful frame of spirit.

May 4. My people being now removed to theirlands; I this day visited them, and preached to them from Markiv.5. shewing the reason there was to fear, lest many hopeful beginnings, might prove abortive, like the “seed dropped upon stony places.”

May 5. I visited them again, and gave them directions relating to their business.

I daily discover more and more of what importance it is, that they become industrious, and able to raise the necessaries of lifewithin themselves; for their present method of living greatly exposes them to temptations of various kinds.

*Wednesday, May 7. I spent most of the day in writing, and enjoyed freedom in my work. I was favoured with comfortable meditations, this day, and in the evening, was in a sweet composed frame of mind: pleased and delighted to leave all with God, respecting myself, for time and eternity, and respecting the people of my charge and dear friends: I had no doubt but that Godwould take care of me, and of his own interest among my people; and was enabled to use freedom in prayer, as a child with a tender father.

*Thursday, May 8. In the evening I enjoyed a tender melting frame in secret prayer, wherein my soul was drawn out for the interest of Zion, and comforted with the lively hope of the appearing of the kingdom of the great Redeemer. These were sweet moments: I felt loth to go to bed, and grieved that sleep was necessary. However, I lay down with a tender reverential fear of God, sensible that “his favour is life,” and his smiles, infinitely better than life itself.

May 9. I preached in the open wilderness; the Indians having as yet no house for public worship in this place, nor scarce anyshelterfor themselves.——Divine truths made considerable impressions, and it was a season of solemnity, tenderness, and affection.

I baptized this day, the♦conjurer and murderer mentioned before, such a remarkable instance of divine grace, that I cannot omit some brief account of him.

♦“conjuror” replaced with “conjurer”

He lived near, and sometimes attended me in the Forks of Delaware for more than a year together; but was extremely attached to strong drink, and seemed to be no ways reformed. In this time he likewisemurdereda young Indian, which threw him into a kind ofdesperation, so that he kept from me, and refused tohear me preach for several months, till I had an opportunity of conversing freely with him, and giving him encouragement, that even his sin might be forgiven for Christ’s sake.

But that which was the worst was hisconjuration. He was one of them who are calledpowwowsamong the Indians: and notwithstanding his attendance upon my preaching, still followed his oldcharms, “giving out that he himself was some great one, and to him they gave heed,” supposing him to be possessed of agreat power. So that when I have instructed them respecting themiracleswrought by Christ, and mentioned them as evidences of hisdivinemission, they have quickly observed the wonders which this man performed by hismagic charms; which seemed to be a fatal obstruction to their receiving the gospel. And I often thought, it would be a great favour to the Indians, if God would take that wretch out of the world: but God, “whose thoughts are not as man’s thoughts,” has been pleased to take a much more desirable method; a method agreeable to his own merciful nature, advantageous to his own interest among the Indians, as well as to the poor soul himself.

The first genuine concern for his soul was excited by seeing my interpreter and his wife baptized at the Forks of Delaware, July 21, 1745. Which so prevailed upon him that he followed me down to Crosweeksung in the beginning ofAugust, and there continued for several weeks in the season of the most powerful awakening among the Indians; at which time he was more effectually awakened: and then, he says, upon his “feeling the spirit of God in his heart,” (as he expresses it) his spirit of conjuration left him entirely; that he has had no more power of that nature since, than any other man. And he declares that he does not so much as know how he used tocharmand conjure; and that he could not do any thing of that nature, if he was ever so desirous.

He continued under convictions all the fall, and former part of the winter past, but was not so deeply exercised till January; and then the word of God took such hold upon him, that he knew not what to do, or where to turn.—He then told me, that when he used to hear me preach from time to time in the fall of the year, my preaching pricked his heart, but did not bring him to sogreatdistress, because he still hoped he could dosomethingfor his own relief: but now, he said, I drove him up into “such a sharp corner,” that he had no way to turn.

He continued under the heavy burden of awounded spirit, till he was brought into the utmostagony of soul.

After this he was brought to a kind of calmness; he appeared perfectly sedate; although he had no sure hope of salvation.

*I observed him remarkably composed, and asked him how he did? He replied, “It is done, it is done, it is all done now.” I asked him what he meant? He answered, “I can never do any more to save myself; it is all done for ever, I can do no more.” I queried with him, whether he could not do alittlemore rather than to go to hell. He replied, “My heart is dead, I can never help myself.” I asked him, what he thought would become of him then? He answered, “I must go to hell.” I asked him, if he thought it was right that God should send him to hell? He replied, “O it is right. The devil has been in me ever since I was born.” I asked him, if he felt this when he was in such great distress the evening before? He answered, “No, I did not think it was right. I thought God would send me to hell, and that I was then dropping into it; but my heart quarrelled with God, and would not say it wasrighthe should send me there. But now I know it is right, for I have always served the devil, and my heart has no goodness in it now, but it is as bad as ever it was,”—I scarce ever saw any person more effectually brought off from a dependence upon his own endeavours for salvation.

In this frame of mind he continued for several days, passing sentence of condemnation upon himself, and constantly owning, that it would be right he should be damned, and that he expected this would be his portion. And yet it wasplain he had a secret hope of mercy, which kept him from pressing distress: so that instead of being sad and dejected, his very countenance appeared pleasant and agreeable.

*It was remarkable in this season that he seemed to have a great love to the people of God, and nothing♦affected him so much as the thoughts of being separated from them. This seemed to be a very dreadful part of the hell he thought himself doomed to.—It was likewise remarkable, that in this season he was most diligent in the use of all means for his salvation; although he had the clearest view of theinsufficiencyof means to afford him help.

♦“effected” replaced with “affected” per Errata

*After he had continued in this frame of mind more than aweek, while I was discoursing publicly, he seemed to have a lively view of the excellency of Christ, and the way of salvation by him, which melted him into tears, and filled him with admiration, comfort, and praise to God; since which he has appeared to be an humble, devout, and affectionate Christian; serious and exemplary in his conversation and behaviour, frequently complaining of his want of warmth, life, and activity, and yet frequently favoured with quickening influences. And in all respects he bears the marks of one “created anew in Christ Jesus.”

His zeal for the cause of God was pleasing to me, when he was with me at the Forks of Delaware in February last. There being an old Indianwho threatened tobewitchme and my people who accompanied me;thisman challenged him to do his worst, telling him, that himself had been as great aconjureras he, and that notwithstanding as soon as he felt that word in his heart which these people loved, his power of conjuring immediately left him.—And so it would you, said he, if you did but once feel it in your heart; and you have no power to touch one of them.

Saturday, May 10. I rode to Allen’s-Town, to assist in the administration of the Lord’s supper. In the afternoon I preached from Titusii.14. God was pleased to carry me through with some freedom; and yet to deny me that enlargement I longed for. In the evening my soul mourned, that I had treated so excellent a subject in so defective a manner. And if my discourse had met with the utmost applause from all the world, it would not have given me any satisfaction: Oh, it grieved me to think, that I had had no more holy warmth, that I had been no more melted in discoursing of Christ’s death, and the design of it! Afterwards, I enjoyed freedom and fervency in secret and family prayer, and longed much for the presence of God to attend his word and ordinances the next day.

Lord’s-day, May 11. I assisted in the administration of the Lord’s supper; but enjoyed little enlargement. In the afternoon I went to the house of God weak and sick in soul, as well as feeble in body: and longed, that the peoplemight be edified with divine truths, and that an honest fervent testimony might be borne for God; but knew not how it was possible formeto do any thing of that kind, to any good purpose. Yet God, who is rich in mercy, was pleased to give me assistance, both in prayer and preaching: God helped me to wrestle for his presence in prayer, and to tell him, that he had promised, “Where two or three are met together in his name, there he would be in the midst of them;” and pleaded, that for his truth’s sake he would be with us. And blessed be God, it was sweet to my soul, thus to plead, and rely on God’s promises. I discoursed upon Lukeix.30. “And behold there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias; who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease, which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.” I enjoyed special freedom, from the beginning to the end of my discourse. Things pertinent to the subject were abundantly presented to my view; and such a fullness of matter, that I scarce knew how to dismiss the various heads I had occasion to touch upon. And, blessed be the Lord, I was favoured with fervency and power, as well as freedom; so that the word of God seemed to awaken the attention of a stupid audience, to a considerable degree. I was inwardly refreshed with the consolations of God; and could with my whole heart say, “Though there be no fruit in the vine,&c.yet will I rejoice in the Lord.”

Friday, May 16. I enjoyed some agreeable conversation with a dear minister, which was blessed to my soul; my heart was warmed, and my soul engaged to live to God; so that I longed to exert myself with more vigour, than ever I had done in his cause; and those words were quickening to me, “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bring forth much fruit.” Oh, my soul longed, and wished, and prayed, to be enabled to live to God with constancy and ardour! In the evening, God was pleased to shine upon me in secret prayer, and draw out my soul after himself: and I had freedom in supplication for myself, but much more in intercession for others: so that I was sweetly constrained to say, “Lord, use me as thou wilt; do as thou wilt with me: but Oh, promote thine own cause! Zion is thine; Oh visit thine heritage! Oh let thy kingdom come! Oh let thy blessed interest be advanced in the world!” When I attempted to look to God, respecting my settling in my congregation, which seems to be necessary, and yet contrary to my fixed intention for years past, as well as my disposition, which has been, and still is, to spend my life in preaching the gospel from place to place, and gathering soulsafar offto Jesus the great Redeemer; when I attempted to look to God with regard to these things, I could only say, “The will of the Lord be done: it is no matter for me.”

*The same frame of mind I felt with respect to another important affair I have lately had some serious thoughts of: I could say, with the utmost calmness and composure, “Lord, if it be most for thy glory, let me proceed in it: but if thou seest that it will in any wise hinder my usefulness in thy cause, Oh prevent my proceeding: for all I want, is such circumstances as may best capacitate me to do service for God in the world.” Oh, how sweet was this evening to my soul! I knew not how to go to bed; and when got to bed, longed for some way to employ time for God to some excellent purpose.

Saturday, May 17. I walked out in the morning, and felt much of the same frame I enjoyed the evening before: had my heart enlarged in praying for the advancement of the kingdom of Christ, and found the utmost freedom in leaving all my concerns with God.

*I finddiscouragementto be an exceedinghindranceto my spiritual fervency and affection: but when God enables me to find that I have done something for him, this animates me, so that I could break through all hardships, undergo any labours, and nothing seems too much either to do or suffer. But Oh, what a death it is, to strive, and strive; to be always in ahurry, and yet donothing. Alas, alas, that time flies away, and I do so little for God!

Lord’s-day, May 18. I felt my own utter insufficiency for my work: God made me to see,that I was a child; yea, that I was a fool. I discoursed both parts of the day, from Revelationiii.20. “Behold I stand at the door, and knock.” God gave me freedom and power in the latter part of my (forenoon’s) discourse, although in the former part of it, I felt peevish and provoked with the unmannerly behaviour of thewhitepeople, who crouded in between my people and me. But blessed be God I got those shackles off before the middle of my discourse, and was favoured with a sweet frame of spirit in the latter part of the exercise: was full of love, warmth, and tenderness, in addressing my dear people.—In the intermission-season I could not but discourse to my people on the kindness and patience of Christ instandingandknocking at the door.—In the evening, I was grieved that I had done so little for God. Oh that I could bea flame of firein the service of my God!

♦*Thursday, May 22. In the evening I was in a frame somewhat remarkable: I had apprehended for several days, that it was a design of providence I shouldsettleamong my people; and had in my own mind began to make provision for it: and yet was never quite pleased with the thoughts of being confined to one place. Nevertheless I seemed to have some freedom, because the congregation was one that God had enabled me to gather from among Pagans. For I never could feel any freedom to “enter into other men’s labour,” and settle where the “gospel was preachedbefore;” God has never given me any liberty in that respect, either since or for some years before I began to preach. But God having succeeded my labours, in gathering a church among these Indians, I was ready to think, it might be his design to give me a quiet settlement. And this, considering the late frequent failure of my spirits, and the need I stood in of some agreeable society, and my great desire of enjoying conveniencies for profitable studies, was not altogether disagreeable to me. And although I still wanted to go about far and wide, in order to spread the blessed gospel among benighted souls: yet I never had been so willing to settle for more than five years past, as I was in the foregoing part of this week. But now these thoughts seemed to be wholly dashed to pieces; not by necessity, but of choice: for it appeared to me, that God’s dealings towards me had fitted me for a life of solitariness and hardship; it appeared to me I had nothing to do with earth, and consequently nothing to lose, by a total renunciation of it: and it appeared just right, that I should be destitute of house and home, and many comforts, which I rejoiced to see others of God’s people enjoy. The same time I saw so much the excellency of Christ’s kingdom, and the infinite desirableness of its advancement in the world, that it swallowed up all my other thoughts; and made me willing to be a pilgrim or hermit in the wilderness, to my dyingmoment, if I might thereby promote the blessed interest of the great Redeemer. And if ever my soul presented itself to God for his service, without any reserve of any kind, it did so now. The language of my thoughts (although I spake no words) now was, “Here I am, Lord, send me: send me tothe ends of the earth; send me to the rough, the savage Pagans of the wilderness; send me from all that is called comfort in earth! send me even to death itself, if it be but in thy service, and to promote thy kingdom.” And at the same time I had as quick and lively a sense of the value of worldly comforts, as ever I had; but saw them infinitely overmatched by the worth of Christ’s kingdom, and the propagation of his blessed gospel. The quiet settlement, the certain place of abode, the tender friendship, which I thought I might be likely to enjoy, appeared as valuable to me, considered absolutely, as ever before: but considered comparatively, they appeared nothing; compared with an enlargement of Christ’s kingdom, they vanished like the stars before the rising sun. And the comfortable accommodations of life appeared valuable, yet I did surrender myself, soul and body, to the service of God, and promotion of Christ’s kingdom; though it should be in the loss of them all. I was constrained, and yet chose to say, “Farewell, friends and earthly comforts, the dearest of them all, if the Lord calls for it; adieu, adieu; I’ll spend my life to my latest moments,in caves and dens of the earth, if the kingdom of Christ may thereby be advanced.” I found extraordinary freedom at this time in pouring out my soul to God, for his cause; and especially that his kingdom might be extended among the Indians; and I had a strong hope that God would do it. I continued wrestling with God in prayer for my dear little flock here; and more especially for the Indians elsewhere; as well as for dear friends in one place and another; till it was bed-time, and I feared I should hinder the family. But Oh, with what reluctancy did I find myself obliged to consume time in sleep! I longed to be as aflame of fire, continually glowing in the divine service, preaching and building up Christ’s kingdom, to my latest, my dying moment.

♦asterisk added per Errata

Friday, May 23. In the morning I was in the same frame of mind. The glory of Christ’s kingdom so much outshone the pleasure of earthly accommodations and enjoyments, that they appeared comparatively nothing. My soul was melted in secret, and I found myself♦divorced from any part in this world so that in those affairs that seemed of the greatest importance, in the present life, and those wherein the tender powers of the mind are most sensibly touched, I could only say, “The will of the Lord be done.” Just the same that I felt the evening before, I now felt the same freedom in prayer for the people of my charge, for the propagation of the gospel among the Indians, for the enlargement of Zionin general, and my dear friends in particular; and longed to burn out in one continued flame for God. If ever I filled up a day with study and devotion, I was enabled to fill up this day.

♦“devorced” replaced with “divorced”

Lord’s-day, May 25. There was some degree of divine power attending the word of God. Sundry wept and appeared considerably affected: and one who had long been under spiritual trouble, obtained clearness and comfort, and appeared to “rejoice in God her Saviour.”

I have reason to hope, that God has lately brought home to himself sundry souls who had long been under spiritual trouble: though there have been but few instances of persons lately awakened. And those comforted of late, seem to be brought in, in a moresilentway, neither their concern nor consolation being soremarkable, as appeared among those wrought upon in the beginning.

June 6. I discoursed to my people from part of Isaiahliii.——The divine presence appeared to be among us. Divers persons were much melted and refreshed; and one man in particular, was now brought to see and feel, in a very lively manner, the impossibility of his doing any thing to help himself, or bring him into the favour of God by his tears, prayers, and other religious performances.

Saturday, June 7. I rode to Freehold to assistMr.Tennent in the administration of the Lord’s supper. In the afternoon I preached, God gaveme freedom and warmth in my discourse: and his presence was in the assembly. I was composed, and enjoyed a thankful frame of spirit; and my soul was grieved that I could not render something to God for his benefits. O that I could be swallowed up in his praise.

Lord’s-day, June 8. I was agreeably entertained in the forenoon by a discourse fromMr.Tennent. In the season of communion, I enjoyed comfort; it was atime of refreshingto me, and to many others. A number of my dear people sat down by themselves at the last table; at which time God seemed to be in the midst of them.——And the thoughts of what God had done among them were refreshing to me. In the afternoon, God enabled me to preach with uncommon freedom. Through the goodness of God, I was favoured with a constant flow of matter, and proper expressions. In the evening I could not but rejoice in God, and bless him for the manifestations of grace in the day past. Oh it was a sweet and solemn day! A season of comfort to the godly, and of awakening to other souls.

Monday, June 9. I preached the concluding sermon from Genesisv.24. “And Enoch walked with God.” God gave me enlargement and fervency in my discourse; so that I was enabled to speak with plainness and power. Praised be the Lord, it was a sweet meeting. I found my strength renewed, even to a wonder; so that I felt much stronger at the conclusion than in the♦beginning. I have great reason to bless God for this solemnity, wherein I have found assistance in addressing others, and sweetness in my own soul.

♦“begining” replaced with “beginning”

To-day a considerable number of my people met together early in thewoods, and prayed, sang, and conversed of divine things; and were seen by some of the white people to be affected, and divers of them in tears.

Afterwards they attended the concluding exercises of the sacramental solemnity, and then returned home, “rejoicing for all the goodness of God” they had seen and felt: so that this was a profitable, as well as a comfortable season to many of my congregation.

Friday, June 13.—I came away rejoicing and blessing God for his grace manifested at this season. The same day I baptizedfivepersons, three adults and two children. One of these was the veryaged womanof whom I gave an account in my journal of December 26. She now gave me a very punctual, rational, and satisfactory account of the remarkable change she experienced some months after the beginning of her concern. And although she was become so childish through old age that I could do nothing in a way of questioning with her; yet, when I let her alone to go on with her own story, she could give a very distinct relation of the various exercises of soul she had experienced; so deep were the impressions left upon her mind by that influence shehad been under! And I have great reason to hope, she isborn anewin her old age, being, upwards offourscore.

Saturday, June 14. I rode to Kingston, to assist theRev.Mr.Wales in the administration of the Lord’s-supper. In the afternoon I preached; but almost fainted in the pulpit: yet God strengthened me when I was just gone, and enabled me to speak his word with freedom, fervency, and application to the conscience. And praised be the Lord: “out of weakness I was made strong.” I enjoyed sweetness, in and after public worship; but was extremely tired. Oh, how many are the mercies of the Lord! “To them that have no might, he increaseth strength.”

Lord’s-day, June 15. I was dejected so that I could not hold up my head. Yet I administered the Lord’s-supper atMr.Wales’s desire: and found myself in a good measure relieved of my pressing load, when I came to ask a blessing on the elements; here God gave me enlargement, and a tender affectionate sense of spiritual things: so that it was a season of comfort to me, and I trust more so to others. In the afternoon I preached to a vast multitude from Revelationxxii.17. God helped me to offer a testimony for himself, and to leave sinners inexcusable. I was enabled to speak with such freedom, fluency, and clearness, as commanded the attention of the great. I was extremely tired in the evening but enjoyed composure and sweetness.

Monday, June 16. I preached again; and God helped me amazingly, so that this was a refreshing season to my soul and others. For ever blessed be God for help, when my body was so weak, and there was so large an assembly.

June 19. I visited my people with two of the reverend correspondents: I spent some time in conversation with them upon spiritual things; and took care of their worldly concerns.

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

Before I conclude, I would make a fewgeneral remarksupon what to me appears worthy of notice.

And,first, I cannot but take notice that I have ever since my first coming among the Indians, been favoured with that assistance, which (to me)isuncommon, in preachingChrist crucified, and making him thecenterandmarkto which all my discourses were directed.

*It was the principal scope of all my discourses for several months, (after having taught the people something of the being and perfections of God, his creation of man in a state of rectitude and happiness, and the obligations mankind were thence under to love and honour him,) to lead them into an acquaintance with their deplorable state by nature: their inability to deliver themselves from it: the utter insufficiency of any external reformation, or of any religious performances, to bring them into the favour of God. And thence to shew them their absolute need of Christ to save them from the misery of their fallen state.—To open his all-sufficiency and willingness to save the chief of sinners.—Thefreenessandrichesof his grace, proposed “without money, and without price.”—And thereupon to press themwithout delayto betake themselves to him, under a sense of their misery and undone estate, for relief and everlasting salvation.——And to shew them the abundant encouragement the gospel proposes to, perishing, helpless sinners, so to do.

*And I have often remarked, that whatever subject I have been upon, after having explained the truths contained therein, I have beennaturallyandeasilyled to Christ as thesubstanceof every one. If I treated on the being and gloriousperfections of God, I was thencenaturallyled to discourse of Christ as the only “way to the Father.”—If I attempted to open the misery of our fallen state, it was natural from thence to shew the necessity of Christ to undertake for us, to atone for our sins, and to redeem us from the power of them.—If I taught the commands of God, and shewed our violation of them, this brought me in the most easy way, to speak of the Lord Jesus Christ, as one who had “magnified the law” we had broken, and who was “become the end of it for righteousness, to every one that believes.” And never did I find so much freedom and assistance in making all the various lines of my discourses meet together, and center in Christ, as I have frequently done among these Indians.

*I have frequently been enabled to represent the divine glory, the infinite preciousness and transcendent loveliness of the great Redeemer; the suitableness of his person and purchase to supply the wants, and answer the utmost desires of immortal souls.—To open the infinite riches of his grace, and the wonderful encouragement proposed in the gospel to unworthy, helpless sinners.—To call, invite, and beseech them to come and give up themselves to him, and be reconciled to God through him.—To expostulate with them respecting their neglect of one so infinitely lovely, and freely offered.—Andthisinsuch a manner, with such freedom, pertinency, pathos, andapplication to the conscience, as I never could have made myself master of by the most assiduous application. And I have often at such seasons been surprisingly helped in adapting my discourses to thecapacitiesof my people, and bringing them down into such easy, vulgar, and familiar methods of expression, as has rendered them intelligible even to Pagans.

Secondly, It is worthy of remark, that numbers of these people are brought to a strict compliance with the rules ofmoralityandsobriety, and to a conscientious performance of theexternal dutiesof Christianity; without their having them frequently inculcated upon them.

God was pleased to give the grand gospel truths such a powerful influence upon their minds, that their lives♦were quickly reformed, without repeated harangues uponexternalduties. There was indeed no room for any discourses but those that respected theessentialsof religion, and theexperimentalknowledge of divine things, while there were so many inquiring daily, not how they should regulate theirexternalconduct; but how they should escape from the wrath to come—obtain aneffectual change of heart, and get an interest in Christ.—So that mygreat workstill was to lead them into a further view of their total depravity: to shew that there was no goodness in them: no good dispositions or desires; no love to God, or delight in his commands; but, on the contrary, hatred, enmity, and allmanner of wickedness.—And at the same time to open to them the glorious remedy provided in Christ for helpless perishing sinners, and offered freely to those who have no goodness of their own, no “works of righteousness,” to recommend them to God.

♦“werely” replaced with “were”

When these truths were feltat heart, there was no vice unreformed,—no external duty neglected.——Drunkenness, the darling vice, was broken off, and scarce an instance of it known for months together. The practice ofhusbandsandwivesin putting away each other, and taking others, was quickly reformed. The same might be said of all other vices.——The reformation was general; from theinternalinfluence of divine truths upon their hearts; and not because they had heard these vices particularly exposed, and repeatedly spoken against.

*So that experience, as well as the word of God, and the example of Christ and his apostles, have taught me, that the preaching, which is best suited to awaken in mankind a lively apprehension of their depravity and misery,—to excite them earnestly to seek after a change of heart, and tofly for refugeto Christ, as the onlyhope set before them, is mostsuccessfultoward the reformation of their external conduct.—I have found that close applications of divine truth to the conscience, strike death to the root of all vice; while smooth harangues uponmoral virtuesandexternal duties, at best only lop off thebranchesof corruption.

I do not intend to represent the preaching ofmorality, and pressing persons to theexternalperformance of duty, to be unnecessaryat any time; especially when there is less of divine power attending the means of grace.—It is doubtless among the things that “ought to be done,” while “others are not to be left undone.”—But what I principally design is a plain matter of fact,viz.That the external compliance with the rules of Christianity, appearing among my people, is not the effect of anymerelyrational view of the beauty ofmorality, but of the internal influence that divine truths have had upon their hearts.

Thirdly, It is remarkable, that God has so continued and renewed the showers of his grace: so quickly set up his kingdom among these people; and so smiled upon them in their acquirement of knowledge, both divine and human. It is now near a year since the beginning of this gracious out-pouring of the divine Spirit; and although it has often seemed to decline for some short time, yet the work of grace revived again: so that a divine influence seems still to attend the means of grace, in a greater or less degree: whereby religious persons are refreshed, strengthened, and established,—convictions revived and promoted in many,—and some newly awakened from time to time. Although it must be acknowledged, that for some time past, there has appeareda more manifest decline of this work. But (blessed be God) there is still an appearance of divine power, a desirable degree of tenderness, and devotion in our assemblies.

And as God has continued the showers of his grace among this people; so he has with uncommonquicknessset up his kingdom in the midst of them. I have now baptized, since the conclusion of my last journal, thirty persons, fifteen adults, and fifteen children. Which added to the number there mentioned, makes seventy-seven persons; whereof thirty-eight are adults and thirty-nine children: and all within the space of eleven months past.—And I have baptized no adults, but such as appeared to have a work of grace in their hearts: such as have experienced not only the awakening, but the renewing and comforting influences of the divine Spirit. Much of the goodness of God has appeared in their acquirement of knowledge, both in religion and in common life. There has been a wonderful thirst afterChristian knowledgeamong them, and an eager desire of being instructed. This has moved them to ask many pertinent as well as important questions. Many of the doctrines I have delivered, they have queried with me about, in order to gain further light into them: and from time to time manifested a good understanding of them, by their answers to the questions proposed.

They have likewise appeared remarkably aptin learning to sing psalms, and are now able to sing well.

They have also acquired a considerable degree of knowledge in the affairs of common life: so that they now appear likerationalcreatures, fit for human society, free from that savage roughness and brutish stupidity, which they had in their Pagan state.

And as they are desirous of instruction, and surprisingly apt in the reception of it, so divine providence has smiled upon them in regard ofproper meansin order to it.—The attempts made for aschoolamong them have succeeded, and they have aschool-master, of whom I may justly say, I know of “no man like-minded, who will naturally care for their state.”

He has generally thirty or thirty-five children in his school: and when he kept an♦evening-school (as he did in the long evenings), he had fifteen or twenty people, married and single.

Back to Index Next