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ACCOUNT of the LIFE Of the late Reverend Mr. David Brainerd, Minister of the Gospel,

Missionary to the INDIANS, from the honourable Society in Scotland, for the Propagation of Christian Know­ledge, and Pastor of a Church of Christian INDIANS in New-Jersey.

Who died at Northampton in NEW-ENGLAND, Octob. 9th 1747. in the 30th Year of his Age:

Chiefly taken from his own Diary, and other private Writings, written for his own Use; and now published,

By JONATHAN EDWARDS, A. M. Minister of the Gospel at Northampton.

BOSTON: N. E. Printed for and Sold by D. HENCHMAN, in Cornhill. 1749.

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The PREFACE.

THERE are two Ways of representing and recommending true Religion and Virtue to the World, which GOD hath made Use of: The one is by Doctrine and Precept; the other is by Instance and Example: Both are abundantly used in the holy Scriptures. Not only are the Grounds, Nature, Design and Importance of Religion clearly ex­hibited in the Doctrines of Scripture, and it's Exercise and Practice plainly delineated and abundantly enjoin'd and enforc'd in it's Commands and Counsels: But there we have many excellent Examples of Religion, in it's Power and Practice, set before us, in the Histories both of the Old Testament and New — JESUS CHRIST, the great Prophet of God, when he came into the World to be the Light of the World, to teach and enforce true Religion, in a greater Degree than ever had been before, he made Use of both these Methods: In his Doctrine he declared the Mind and Will of God, and the Nature and Properties of that Vertue which becomes Creatures of our Make and in our Circumstances, more clearly and fully than ever it had been before, and more powerfully enforced it by what he declared of the Obligations and Inducements to Holiness; and he also in his own Prac­tice gave a most perfect Example of the Vertue he taught. He exhibited to the World such an illustrious Pattern of Humility, divine Love, discreet Zeal, Self-denial, Obedience, Patience, Resignation, Fortitude, [Page] Meekness, Forgiveness, Compassion, Benevolence, and universal Holiness, as neither Men nor Angels ever saw before. God also in his Providence has been wont to make Use of both these Methods to hold forth Light to Mankind, and Inducement to their Duty, in all Ages: He has from Time to Time raised up eminent Teachers, to exhibit and bear Testimony to the Truth in their Doctrine, and oppose the Errors, Darkness and Wicked­ness of the World; and also has, from Age to Age, raised up some eminent Persons that have set bright Ex­amples of that Religion that is taught and prescribed in the Word of God; whose Examples have in divine Providence been set forth to publick View. These have a great Tendency to engage the Attention of Men to the Doctrines and Rules that are taught, and greatly to confirm and enforce them; and especially when these bright Examples have been exhibited in the same Per­sons that have been eminent Teachers, so that the World has had Opportunity to see such a Confirmation of the Truth, Efficacy, and Amiableness of the Religion taught, in the Practice of the same Persons that have most clearly and forceably taught it; and above all, when these bright Examples have been set by eminent Teach­ers in a variety of unusual Circumstances of remarkable Trial; and God has withal remarkably distinguish'd them with wonderful Success of their Instructions and Labours, consisting in glorious Events that have been in many Respects new and strange.

Such an Instance we have in the excellent Person, whose Life is published in the following Pages. His Example is attended with a great Variety of Circumstances, tend­ing to engage the Attention of religious People, especi­ally in these Parts of the World: He was one of dis­tinguish'd natural Abilities; as all are sensible, that had Acquaintance with him: He was a Minister of the Gospel, and one who was called to unusual Services in that Work, whose Ministry was attended with very re­markable [Page lii] and unusual Events, an Account of which has already been given to the Publick; one whose Course of Religion began before the late Times of extraordinary religious Commotion, but yet one that lived in those Times, and went through them, and was very much in the Way of the various extraordinary Effects and unusual Appearances of that Day, and was not an idle Spectator, but had a near Concern in many Things that pass'd at that Time; one that had a very extensive Acquaintance with those that have been the Subjects of the late reli­gious Operations, in many of these British Colonies, in Places far distant one from another, in People of many different Nations, of different Educations, Manners and Customs; one who had peculiar Opportunity of Ac­quaintance with the false Appearances and Counterfeits of Religion: One who himself was the Instrument of a most remarkable Awakening, and an exceeding wonder­ful and abiding Alteration and moral Transformation of such Subjects as do peculiarly render the Change rare and astonishing.

In the following Account, the Reader will have Op­portunity to see, not only what were the external Cir­cumstances and remarkable Incidents of the Life of this Person, and how he spent his Time from Day to Day, as to his external Behaviour; but also what pass'd in his own Heart, the wonderful Change that he experienced in his Mind and Disposition, the Manner in which that Change was bro't to pass, how it continued, what were it's Consequences in his inward Frames, Thoughts, Af­fections and secret Exercises, through many Vicissitudes and Trials, from thenceforth for more than eight Years, 'till his Death; and also to see how all ended at last, in his Sentiments, Frame and Behaviour, during a long Season of the gradual and sensible Approach of Death, under a lingring Illness, and what were the Effects of his Religion in dying Circumstances, or in the last Stages of his dying Illness. The Account being writ­ten, [Page] the Reader may have Opportunity at his Leisure to compare the various Parts of the Story, and deliberately to view and weigh the whole, and consider how far what is related is agreeable to the Dictates of right Rea­son and the holy Word of God.

I am far from supposing, that Mr. Brainerd's inward Exercises and Experiences, or his external Conduct, were free from all Imperfection: The Example of Jesus Christ is the only Example that ever was set in the human Nature, that was altogether perfect; which therefore is a Rule, to try all other Examples by; and the Disposi­tions, Frames, and Practices of others must be commend­ed and followed no further, than they were Followers of Christ.

There is one Thing in Mr. Brainerd, easily discerna­ble by the following Account of his Life, that may be called an Imperfection in him, which tho' not properly an Imperfection of a moral Nature, yet may possibly be made an Objection against the extraordinary Appearances of Religion and Devotion in him, by such as seek for Objections against every Thing that can be produced in Favour of true vital Religion; and that is, that he was one who by his Constitution and natural Temper was so prone to Melancholy and Dejection of Spirit. There are some who think that all serious strict Religion is a melancholy Thing, and that what is called Christian Experience, is little else besides melancholy Vapours disturbing the Brain, and exciting enthusiastical Imagi­nations. But that Mr. Brainerd's Temper or Consti­tution inclined him to Despondency, is no just Ground to suspect his extraordinary Devotion, as being only the Fruit of a warm Imagination. I doubt not but that all who have well observed Mankind, will readily grant this, that it is not all those who by their natural Constitution or Temper are most disposed to Dejection, that are the Persons who are the most susceptive of lively and strong Impressions on their Imagination, or the most subject to [Page] those vehement impetuous Affections, which are the Fruits of such Impressions; but that many who are of a very gay and sanguine natural Temper are vastly more so, and if their Affections are turned into a religious Chan­nel, are much more exposed to Enthusiasm, than many of the former. And as to Mr. Brainerd in particular, notwithstanding his Inclination to Despondency, he was evidently one of that Sort of Persons who usually are the furthest from a teeming Imagination; being one of a penetrating Genius, of clear Thought, of close Reason­ing, and a very exact Judgment; as all know, that knew him. As he had a great Insight into human Nature, and was very discerning and judicious in Things in ge­neral, so he excell'd in his Judgment and Knowledge of Things in Divinity, but especially in Things appertaining to inward experimental Religion; most accurately distin­guishing between real solid Piety and Enthusiasm, be­tween those Affections that are rational and scriptural, having their Foundation in Light and Judgment, and those that are founded in whimsical Conceits, strong Impressions on the Imagination, and those vehement Emotions of the animal Spirits that arise from them. He was exceeding sensible of Men's Exposedness to these Things, how much they had prevailed, and what Mul­titudes had been deceived by them, of the pernicious Consequences of them, and the fearful Mischief they had done in the Christian World. He greatly abhor'd such a Sort of Religion, and was abundant in bearing Testi­mony against it, living and dying; and was quick to discern when any Thing of that Nature arose, tho' in it's first Buddings, and appearing under the most fair and plausible Disguises; and had that Talent at describ­ing the various Workings of this imaginary Enthu­siastical Religion, evincing the Falseness and Vanity of it, and demonstrating the great Difference between this and true spiritual Devotion, which I scarcely ever knew equalled in any other Person. — And his Judiciousness [Page] did not only appear in distinguishing among the Expe­riences of others, but also among the various Exercises of his own Mind; and particularly in discerning what within himself was to be laid to the Score of Melancholy; in which he exceeded all melancholy Persons that ever I was acquainted with (tho' I have been in the Way of Acquaintance with very many;) which was doubtless owing to a peculiar Strength in his Judgment: 'Tis a rare Thing indeed, that melancholy People are well sen­sible of their own Disease, and fully convinced that such and such Things are to be ascribed to it, as are indeed it's genuine Operations and Fruits.— Mr. Brainerd did not obtain that Degree of Skill, which he had in this Matter, at once, but gain'd it gradually; as the Reader may discern by the following Account of his Life. In the former Part of his religious Course, he imputed much of that Kind of Gloominess of Mind and those dark Thoughts, to spiritual Desertion, which in the latter Part of his Life, he was abundantly sensible, were owing to the Disease of Melancholy; accordingly he often expresly speaks of them in his Diary as arising from this Cause; and he was often in Conversation speak­ing of the Difference between Melancholy and godly Sorrow, true Humiliation and spiritual Desertion, and the great Danger of mistaking the one for the other, and the very hurtful Nature of Melancholy, discoursing with great Judgment upon it, and doubtless much more judiciously for what he knew by his own Experience.

But besides what may be argued from Mr Brainerd's Strength of Judgment, 'tis apparent in Fa [...]t, that he was not a Person of a warm Imagination. His inward Experiences, either in his Convictions or his Conversion, and his religious Views and Impressions thro' the Course of his Life to his Death (of which he has left a very particular Account) none of them consisted in, or were excited by, strong and lively Images formed in his Ima­gination; there is nothing at all appears of it in his [Page vii] Diary, from Beginning to End: Yes, he told me on his Death Bed, that, altho' once when he was very young in Years and in Experience, he was deceived into a high Opinion of such Things, looking on them as superiour Attainments in Religion, beyond what he had ever arrived to, and was ambitious of them and earnestly sought them, yet he never could obtain them; and that he never in his Life had a strong Impression on his Ima­gination, of any V [...]sage, outward Form, external Glory, or any other Thing of that Nature; which Kind of Impressions abound among the wild enthusiastic Peo­ple of the late and present Day.

As Mr. Brainerd's Religious Impressions, Views and Affections in their Nature were vastly different from En­thusiasm, so were then Effects in him as contrary as possible to the ordinary Effects of that. Nothing so puffs Men up, as Enthusiasm, with a high Conceit of their own Wisdom, Holiness, Eminency and Sufficien­cy, and makes 'em so bold, forward, assuming, and arrogant: But the Reader will see, that Mr. Brainerd's Religion constantly disposed him to a most mean Tho't of himself, an abasing Sense of his own exceeding Sin­fulness, Deficiency, Unprofitableness, and Ignorance; looking on himself as worse than others; disposing him to universal Benevolence, Meekness, and in Honour to prefer others, and to treat all with Kindness and Respect. And when Melancholy prevailed, tho' the Effects of it were very prejudicial to him, yet it had not those Effects of Enthusiasm; but operated by dark and discouraging Thoughts of himself, as ignorant, wicked and wholly unfit for the Work of the Ministry, or even to be seen among Mankind, &c. — Indeed at the Time fore­mentioned, when he had not learn'd well to distinguish between Enthusiasm & solid Religion, he joining and keep­ing Company with some that were tinged with no small Degree of the former, for a Season partook with them in a Degr [...]e of their D [...]spositions and Behaviours; tho' as was observed before, he could not obtain those Things [Page viii] wherein their Enthusiasm it self consisted, and so could not become like 'em in that Respect, however he er­roneously desired and sought it. But certainly it is not at all to be wondered at, that a Youth and a young Convert, one that had his Heart so swallowed up in Re­ligion, and so earnestly desired the flourishing of it, but had had so little Opportunity for Reading, Observation and Experience, should for a while be dazzled and de­ceived with the glaring Appearances of that mistaken Devotion and Zeal; especially considering what the extraordinary Circumstances of that Day were. He told me on his Death-Bed, that while he was in these Cir­cumstances he was out of his Element, and did Violence to himself, while complying, in his Conduct, with Per­sons of a fierce and imprudent Zeal, from his great Veneration of some that he looked upon much better than himself. So that it would be very unreasonable, that his Error at that Time should nevertheless be esteemed a just Ground of Prejudice against the whole of his Re­ligion, and his Character in general; especially consi­dering, how greatly his Mind was soon changed, and how exceedingly he afterwards lamented his Error, and abhor'd himself for his imprudent Zeal and Misconduct at that Time, even to the breaking of his Heart, and al­most to the overbearing and breaking the Strength of his Nature; and how much of a Christian Spirit he shew­ed, in his condemning himself for that Misconduct, as the Reader will see.

What has been now mentioned of Mr. Brainerd, is so far from being just Ground of Prejudice against what is related in the following Account of his Life, that, if duly considered, it will render the History the more Serviceable. For by his thus joining for a Season with Enthusiasts, he had a more full & intimate Acquaintance with what belonged to that Sort of Religion, and so was under better Advantages to judge of the Difference be­tween that, and the other, which he finally approved and strove to his utmost to promote, in Opposition to it: [Page ix] And hereby the Reader has the more to demonstrate to him, that Mr. Brainerd in his Testimony against it and the Spirit and Behaviour of those that are influenced by it, speaks from impartial Conviction, and not from Pre­judice; because therein he openly condemns his own for­mer Opinion and Conduct, on Account of which he had greatly suffered from his Opposers, and for which some continued to Reproach him as long as he lived.

Another Imperfection in Mr. Brainerd, which may be observed in the following Account of his Life, was his being excessive in his Labours; not taking due Care to Proportion his Fatigues to his Strength. Indeed the Case was very often so, and such the seeming Calls of Providence, that it was extremely difficult for him to avoid doing more than his Strength would well admit of; yea, his Circumstances, and the Business of his Mission among the Indians, were such, that great Fa­tigues and Hardships were altogether inevitable. How­ever, he was finally convinced, that he had err'd in this Matter, and that he ought to have taken more thoro' Care, and been more resolute to withstand Temptations to such Degrees of Labour as injur'd his Health; and accordingly warned his Brother, who succeeds him in his Mission, to be careful to avoid this Error.

Besides the Imperfections already mentioned, it is rea­dily allowed, that there were some Imperfections that ran through his whole Life, and were mixed with all his religious Affections and Exercises, some Mixture of what was natural with that which was spiritual; as it evermore is in the best Saints in this World. Doubtless there was some Influence that natural Temper had in the religious Exercises and Experiences of Mr. Brainerd, as there most apparently was in the Exercises of devout David, and the Apostles Peter, John and Paul: There was undoubtedly very often some Influence of his natural Disposition to Dejection in his religious Mourning, some Mixture of Melancholy with truly godly Sorrow and real Christian Humility, and some Mixture of the natural [Page x] Fire of Youth with his holy Zeal for God, and some Influence of natural Principles mix'd with Grace in va­rious other Respects, as it ever was and ever will be with the Saints while on this Side Heaven. Perhaps none were more sensible of Mr. Brainerd's Imperfections than he himself; or could distinguish more accurately, than he, between what was natural and what was spiritual. 'Tis easy for the judicious Reader to observe, that his Graces ripen'd, and the religious Exercises of his Heart became more and more pure, and he more and more distinguishing in his Judgment, the longer he liv'd: He had much to teach and purify him, and he failed not to make his Advantage thereby.

But notwithstanding all these Imperfections, I am per­swaded, every pious and judicious Reader will acknow­ledge, that what is here set before him is indeed a re­markable Instance of true and eminent Christian Piety in Heart and Practice; tending greatly to confirm the Reali­ty of vital Religion and the Power of Godliness, most worthy of Imitation, and many Ways tending to the spiritual Benefit of the careful Observer.

'Tis fit, the Reader should be aware, that what Mr. Brainerd wrote in his Diary, out of which the following Account of his Life is chiefly taken, was written only for his own private Use, and not to get Honour and Applause in the World, nor with any Design that the World should ever see it, either while he lived or after his Death, excepting some few Things that he wrote in a dying State, after he had been perswaded (with Diffi­culty) not entirely to suppress all his private Writings. He shewed himself almost invincibly averse to the Pub­lishing of any Part of his Diary after his Death; and when he was thought to be dying at Boston, gave the most strict peremptory Orders to the Contrary: but being by some of his Friends there prevailed upon to withdraw so strict and absolute a Prohibition, he was pleased finally to yield so far as that his Papers should be left in my Hands, that I might dispose of them as I thought would be most for [Page xi] God's Glory and the Interest of Religion.—But a few Days before his Death, he ordered some Part of his Diary to be destroyed (as will afterwards be observed) which ren­ders the Account of his Life the less compleat. And there are some Parts of his Diary are here left out for Brevity's Sake, that would (I am sensible) have been a great Ad­vantage to the History, if they had been inserted; par­ticularly the Account of his wonderful Successes among the Indians; which for Substance is the same in his pri­vate Diary with that which has already been made pub­lick, in the Journal he kept by order of the Society in Scotland, for their Information. That Account, I am of Opinion, would be more entertaining and more profitable, if it were published as it is written in his Diary, in Con­nection with his secret Religion and the inward Exercises of his Mind, and also with the preceeding and following Parts of the Story of his Life. But because that Account has been Published already, and because the adding it here would make the Book much more bulky and more costly, which might tend to discourage the Purchase and Perusal of it, and so render it less extensively useful, I have therefore omitted that Part. However, this Defect may in a great Measure be made up to the Reader, by his purchasing his publick Journal, and reading it in its Place, with this History of his Life; which undoubtedly would be well worth the while for every Reader, and would richly recompense the additional cost of the Purchase. I hope therefore, that those of my Readers who are not furnished with that Book, will, for their own Profit and Entertainment, and that they may have the Story of this excellent Person more compleat, procure one of those Books; without which he must have a very imperfect View of the most important Part of his Life, and (on some Accounts) of the most remarkable and wonderful Things in it.—I should also observe, that besides that Book, and antecedent to it, there is a Narrative relating to the Indian Affairs, annexed to Mr. Pemberton's Sermon at Mr. Brainerd's Ordination; which likewise may the [Page xii] more profitably be read in Conjunction with his Diary previous to Nov. 5. 1744.

But it is Time to end this Preface, that the Reader may be no longer detain'd from the History it self.

N. B. Those Parts of the following History, that are included between Brackets thus [] are the Words of the Publisher, for the most Part, summa­rily representing (for Brevity's Sake) the substance or chief Things contained in Mr. Brainerd's Diary, for such a certain Space of Time as is there speci­fied: The rest is the Account that he gives of him­self in his private Writings, in his own Words.

I presume, scarce any Reader needs to be told, that [ A. Aet.] on the top of the Page, signifies The Year of his Age, and [A. D.] The Year of our Lord.

Besides the Errata a [...] the End of the Life, the Reader is desir'd to correct the following.

Page 69. l. 36. r. cries. p. 77. l. 35. r. wring out. p. 122. l. 31. r. have more. p. 124. l. 24, 25. r. and often feel. p. 128. l. 12. [...]. Blessed be God. p. 154. l. 16. r. Neshaminy. p. 177. l. 22. r. any Spirit. p 311. l. 14. r. to assist. p. 315▪ l. 29. r. taken from.

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The Names of Subscribers to the Rev. Mr. Brainerd's Life.

Province of the Massachusetts-Bay.
His Excellency JONATHAN BELCHER, Esq late Governour of the Massachusetts, now Governour of New Jersey. The Hon. Sir WILLIAM PEPPERRELL, Baronet.

A
  • HOn. John Alford, Esq
  • Daniel Appleton, Esq
  • Rev. Nath. Appleton
  • Rev. Hull Abbot
  • Rev. Joseph Ashley
  • Joseph Appleton
  • Samuel Adams, A. M.
  • Capt. William Avres
  • Capt. J [...]cob Abbot
  • A [...]ton Austin
  • Elisha Allis
  • Joseph Allen
  • Samuel Adams
  • Samuel Adams, jun.
  • Da [...]id Adams
  • J [...]n Applen
  • Capt. Noah Ashley
  • Ric [...]ard A [...]well
  • Ma [...]y Austin
  • Samuel Allen
  • J [...]hn Adams
  • Peter Adams
  • Is [...]el Ashley
  • John Ashley
  • Benjamin Austin
  • Sa [...]ah Allen
B
  • HOn. Tho. Berry Esq
  • Hon. Sylv. Bourn Esq
  • Rev. John Barnard
  • Andrew Burley, Esq
  • Rev. Daniel Bliss
  • Rev. Thomas Balch
  • Rev. Simon Bradstreet
  • Edward Bromfield
  • J [...]hn Barret
  • Jeremiah Belknap
  • Joseph Belknap
  • Jer. Belknap jun.
  • Thomas B [...]xter
  • Mary Bennet
  • Thomas Bromfield
  • Epharim Brown
  • John Beatton
  • John Barnard
  • Jonathan Burt
  • Fellows Billings
  • Reuben Belding
  • Joseph Billings
  • Joseph Bacon
  • Preserved Bartlet
  • Joseph Baldwin
  • Elkanah Burt
  • Samuel Brett
  • Capt. — Brown
  • Samuel Bancroft jun.
  • Abigail Beck
  • Moses Bradstreet
  • Spencer Bennet
  • William Brown jun.
  • Samuel Bass
  • John Ballentine
  • Cotton Bradbury
  • Joseph B [...]agdon jun.
  • Tabitha Bragdon
  • Samuel Bragdon
  • Jeremiah Bragdon
  • Mary Bulman
  • Israel Butler
  • Joseph Bishop
  • Joseph Bucklin
  • William Brown
  • Jacob [...]urgis
  • Jacob Barney
  • Edward [...]l [...]ke
  • Grinfill [...]lake
  • James Brigs
  • William Brettur
  • John Brigs
  • James B [...]ake
  • [Page]Benjamin Blaney
  • David Blood
  • William Bartlet
  • John Bulkley
  • Joshua Barton
  • Robert Blake
  • Samuel Bliss
  • Stephen Badger
  • Benjamin Belknap
  • Samuel Bascumb
  • David Blair
  • Daniel Bucknam
  • Noah Brooks
  • Jonathan B [...]ker
  • Jonathan B [...]ker
C
  • HOn. John Chand­ler, Esq
  • Hon. Ez. Cheever Esq
  • Joshua Cheever, Esq
  • Rev. Ames Cheever
  • Rev. Peter Clark
  • John Choate, Esq
  • Roland Cotton, Esq
  • Jonas Clark, Esq
  • Rev. Sam. Checkley
  • Benj. Crocker M. A.
  • Rev. Aaron Cleveland
  • Rev. Samuel Cooper
  • Rev. S. Checkley, jun
  • Rev. James Chandler
  • Rev. John Chandler
  • Rev. Josiah Crocker
  • Rev. Sylvanus Conan
  • Benj. Church, M. A. t
  • Capt. John Codman
  • Nathan Cheever
  • William Cooper
  • Thomas Cushing
  • John Call
  • Ralph Cross
  • Richard Cary
  • Bejanmin Chapin
  • John Chamberlain
  • Capt. Moses Curtiss
  • John Clement
  • Eleazer Clark
  • Elisha Cook
  • Noah Cook, jun.
  • David Clark
  • Charles Clap
  • Selah Clark
  • Ithamar Clark
  • Eliphalet Clap
  • J [...]siah Clark, jun.
  • Moses Clark
  • Daniel Clark
  • Aaron Cook
  • Josiah Chauncey
  • [...]apt. Jonathan Clark
  • Eliakim Clark
  • Josiah Clark
  • John Clap
  • Joseph Clark
  • Isaac Child
  • Samuel Colburn
  • Abraham Cumings
  • Joseph Capron
  • Samuel Cushman
  • Capt. Elea. Carpenter
  • Benjamin Crabtree
  • John Crabtree
  • James Coding
  • Nathaniel Carver
  • Samuel Caswell
  • Capt. Thomas Cobb
  • Ebenezer Crane
  • Josiah Connant
  • Israel Cheever
  • John Croxford
  • Stephen Crawfoot
  • Lamberton Cooper
  • Zacheus Crocker
  • Ebenezer Child
  • Jonathan Church
  • Moses Coffin.
D
  • HOn. Sam. Dan­forth, Esq
  • Hon. Jos. Dwight Esq
  • Timothy Dwight Esq
  • William Downe, Esq
  • Rev. Joseph Davis
  • Stephen Dean
  • Samuel Deming
  • John Deming
  • Nathaniel Davis
  • Capt. Eliphalet Day
  • Col. Thomas Dunnell
  • Hannah Dyer
  • Simeon Dwight
  • John Deman
  • Christopher Dyer
  • William Dunning
  • Isaac Dodge
  • Ezekiel Dodge
  • Samuel Dwight
  • Obadiah Dickinson
  • John Dickinson
  • Thomas Dickinson
  • Jonathan Dickinson
  • Azariah Dickinson
  • Samuel Dakin
  • Benjamin Day
  • Samuel Day
  • Ephraim Dean
  • David Dean
  • Elijah Dean
  • Ebenezer Dean
  • John Dexter.
E
  • REv. Jos Emerson
  • Rev. Andr. Eliot
  • Rev. Joshua Eaton
  • Rev Jos. Emerson, jun.
  • Andrew Eliot
  • Brown Emerson
  • Jacob Emmons
  • [...]oseph Edwards
  • [Page]Benjamin Edwards
  • John Eli
  • Samuel Edwards
  • Josiah Edson
  • Jonathan Everet.
F
  • HOn. Francis Fox­cro [...]t. Esq▪
  • Hon. Wm Fo [...]e, Esq
  • John Fairweather Esq
  • Rev. John Fox
  • Rev. Tho. Foxcroft
  • John Foster, Esq
  • William Fenwick
  • William Fairfield
  • Andrew Friswel
  • James Foster
  • Samuel Frothingham
  • Ebenezer Fisher
  • James Fosdick
  • Philip Freeman
  • Joseph Foster
  • Ralph Farnam
  • Matthew Farnam
  • Joseph Farnam
  • Grafton Feveryear
  • Benjamin Foster
  • Elisha Fish
  • Eli Forbush
  • Obadiah Frary
  • Jacob French
  • John Field
  • Gershom Fletcher
  • Isaac Farnsworth
  • Timothy Fuller
  • Edward Foster
  • Jonathan Freeman
  • Stephen Fuller
  • Jonathan Fox
  • Jabez Fisher
  • Ebenezer Freese.
G
  • HOn. John Green­leafe, Esq
  • Rev. Dan. Greenleafe
  • David Gorham Esq
  • Rev. Ebenezer Gay
  • Rev. Ellis Gray
  • Rev. John Graham
  • John Greenleafe
  • Joseph Green
  • Samuel Grant
  • Benjamin Greenleafe
  • James Green
  • Samuel Green
  • Ezekiel Goldthwait
  • Thomas Greenough
  • Benjamin Goldthwait
  • Abiel Goodwin
  • Daniel Grove
  • Robert Gordon
  • Jabez Gay
  • William George
  • Joseph Gillson
  • Benjamin Gott
  • James Grey
  • Edward Goodwin
  • Samuel Gayford
  • John Gunn
  • Ebenezer Guild
  • Robert Grey
  • Chauncey Graham
  • Robert Grey
  • Ichabod Goodin.
H
  • HOn. Ed. Hutch­inson, Esq
  • Edw. Holyoke, Presi. of Harvard-College
  • Robert Hale, Esq
  • Thomas Hubbard Esq
  • Thomas Hancock Esq
  • John Hill, Esq
  • Edw. Hayward, Esq
  • Rev. Nath Henchman
  • Rev. William Hobby
  • Rev. Ivory Hovey
  • Rev. Samuel Hopkins
  • Rev. Abraham Hill
  • Rev. Phi. Hemingway
  • Rev. Elias Haven
  • Abiah Holbrook
  • John H [...]l [...]er
  • Capt. John Harmon
  • Capt. Dan. Hayward
  • Reuben Hermon
  • Daniel Hubbard
  • Aaron Hichcock
  • Enoch Holcomb
  • Simon Hunt
  • John Hammond
  • Lawrence Hart
  • Nehemiah Hall
  • David Hall
  • Stephen Hoskins
  • William Hodges
  • Joseph Hall
  • Abigail Hall
  • Joseph Hall, jun.
  • William Hack
  • John Hall
  • Shad. Hathway M. A.
  • Jacob Hayward
  • Thomas Hayward
  • Nehemiah Hobart
  • Joseph Hews
  • Nath Healy
  • Aaron Haws
  • Capt. Elisha Hedge
  • Jonathan Hale
  • John Hacks
  • Stephen Hall
  • Elisha Hill
  • Henry Hayward
  • Samuel Haven
  • Moses Hale
  • Benjamin Holt
  • Nehemiah Harrend [...]
  • Joseph Holt
  • Caleb Hopkins
  • [Page]John Harburt
  • William Homes
  • Joseph Hidden
  • Ephraim Hayward
  • John Hart
  • John Hay
  • Nicholas Hopping
  • John Hancock
  • Benjamin Hurd, jun.
  • Aaron Hutchinson.
I
  • HOn. John Jeffries, Esq
  • Thomas Jenner, Esq
  • Rev. Jedidiah Jawet
  • Rev. Samuel Jefferds
  • Rev. Isaac Jones
  • Rev. Jonathan Judd
  • Thomas Judd
  • Samuel Jones
  • Jonathan Ingram
  • Benjamin Ingott
  • Daniel Johnson
  • Eli Ingraham
  • John Johnson
  • Samuel Johnson
  • Edward Ingraham.
K
  • SAmuel Kent, Esq
  • Rev. Sam Kendall
  • John Knight
  • John Kneeland
  • John Kneeland, jun.
  • Jonathan Kettle
  • William Kettle
  • Dudley Kent
  • Samuel Kinsley
  • David Kennedy
  • Benjamin King
  • Ebenezer Kendall
  • John Kendall
  • Nathaniel Kimball
  • Richard Kimball
  • Caleb Kimball.
L
  • HOn. Ezekiel Lewis Esq
  • Hon. Geo Leonard Esq
  • Joseph Lemmon Esq
  • Samuel Leonard, Esq
  • Rev. Dudley Leavit
  • Thoma [...] Lambert Esq
  • Maj. Zeph. Leonard
  • Caleb Lyman
  • Noah Lyman
  • Gad Lyman
  • Elias Lyman
  • Caleb Lampson
  • Samuel Lord
  • John Langdon
  • Ebenezer Little
  • Edward Langdon jun.
  • Joseph Lyman
  • Isaac Lyman
  • William Lyman
  • Nathaniel Lewis
  • Robert Luscomb
  • Jabez Lothrop
  • James Leonard
  • Jonathan Lincoln
  • Jonathan Lilley
  • James Leland
  • Jeremiah Lawrence
  • John Longley, jun.
  • Peleg Lawrence
  • Ebenezer Lane
  • Capt. Eliph. Leonard
  • John Littlefield
  • John Littlefield, jun.
  • Daniel Little
  • Joseph Low
  • William Lamson
  • Joseph Lord
  • Robert Lawtridge
  • Ebenezer Luce.
M
  • HOn. Jer. Moulton Esq
  • Hon. James Mino [...] Esq
  • Rev. Hen. Messenger
  • Daniel Moulton, Esq
  • Capt. Jer. Moulton
  • Rev. John Moorhead
  • Rev. Thad. Maccarty
  • Tim. Minot M. A.
  • Daniel Marsh
  • Buriah Man
  • Capt. Eleazer Melvin
  • Capt. Sam Mountagu
  • James Mears
  • Moses Marsh
  • Richard Millberry
  • Samuel M [...]rsh
  • Ebenezer Marsh jun.
  • Daniel Marsh
  • John Mountagu
  • Jonathan Moody
  • Edward Mackard
  • John Mitchel
  • Michael Metcalf
  • John Mountgomery
  • Benjamin Mors
  • Moody Mors
  • John Mudge
  • Sarah Martyn
  • Richard Martyn
  • Gershom Makepeice
  • Nathaniel Metcalf
  • Cutting Moody
  • Samuel Millberry
  • Joseph Main
  • Robert Martyn
  • Michael Metcalf
  • Samuel M [...]riam
  • Edward Martindale.
N
  • FRancis Nichelsen As [...] Noble
  • Thomas Norton
  • Daniel No [...]ce
  • Jonathan Nichols
  • John Nichols
  • John Noyce
[Page]
O
  • HOn. John Osborn, Esq
  • Hon. Andr. Oliver Esq
  • William Owen
  • Jonathan Oakes.
P
  • HOn. Jos. Pynchon Esq
  • Timothy Prout, Esq
  • Rev. Thomas Prince
  • Charles Peirce, Esq
  • John Phillips, Esq
  • Oliver Partridge, Esq
  • Samuel Pool, Esq
  • Thomas Pain, M. A.
  • Rev. Samuel Phillips
  • Rev. Jona. Parsons
  • Rev. Tho. Prentice
  • Rev. Solo. Prentice
  • Rev. John Porter
  • Rev. Eben. Parkman
  • Rev. John Parker
  • Rev. Moses Parsons
  • Rev. Samuel Porter
  • Charles Phelps
  • Martin Phelps
  • Elisha Pomroy
  • William Phillips
  • Sam Phillips jun. M. A.
  • Moses Peck
  • Elisha Pomroy
  • John Perry
  • Benjamin Parker
  • William Prescot
  • James Pullen
  • William Pullen
  • Abiel Packard
  • Lydia Packard
  • James Packard
  • Isaac Packard
  • Ebenezer Pitts
  • Peter Pratt
  • John Pickens
  • Zechariah Padeford
  • Cornelius Putnam
  • Jacob Parker
  • Eleazar Pearce
  • John Parker
  • Jerathmeel Pierce
  • Joseph Phipps
  • Elijah Phipps
  • Lemuel Powers
  • Edward Putnam
  • Stephen Prentice
  • John Pearson
  • John Powers
  • Josiah Putnam
  • Nathan Peabody
  • Timothy Prat
  • Joseph Parker
  • Jacob Porter
  • Thomas Payne
  • John Procter
  • Daniel Pomroy
  • Isaac Parsons
  • Josiah Parsons
  • Jacob Parker
  • William Patten.
Q
  • HOn. John Quin­cy, Esq
R
  • HOn. Daniel Russel Esq
  • Sylv. Richmond, Esq
  • Rev. Nath. Rogers
  • Isaac Royal, Esq
  • Rev. Solomon Reed
  • Capt. Obadiah Reed
  • Capt. William Reed
  • Joseph Roberts M. A.
  • Joseph Robey, M. A.
  • James Rankin
  • John Robbins
  • Noah Robinson
  • Daniel Reed
  • Benjamin Rockwood
  • Isaac Rand
  • Nathaniel Rand
  • George Robinson
  • Thomas Rich
  • Jacob Reed
  • James Reed
  • John Robbins
  • Simeon Root.
S
  • REv Jos. Sewall D.D
  • Rev. Nath. Stone
  • Samuel Sewall, Esq
  • John Storer, Esq
  • Joseph Sawyer, Esq
  • John Steel, Esq
  • Nathaniel Stone, Esq
  • Rev. John Shaw
  • Rev. Nathan Stone
  • Capt. Ebenezer Storer
  • Joseph Sherburn
  • Malachi Salter
  • John Symmes
  • John Scollay
  • Capt. Edward Sheaf
  • Samuel Phil. Savage
  • Thomas Symmes
  • Zechariah Symmes
  • Abigail Stevens
  • Capt. Jonath. Sheldon
  • Jonathan Sheldon jun.
  • Elijah Sheldon
  • Obadiah Smith
  • Thomas Smith
  • Samuel Smith
  • Ichabod Strong
  • Noah Strong
  • Caleb Strong
  • Elisha Searl
  • Caleb Sheldon
  • Elizabeth Strong
  • John Strickland
  • [Page]Samuel Smith
  • Daniel Smith
  • Aaron Smith
  • Constant Southworth
  • Zechariah Snell
  • Mathew Smith
  • Simon Slocomb
  • Benjamin Slack
  • Ru [...] Slack
  • Noah Sabin
  • Samuel Shackley
  • Capt. John Stevens
  • John Shed
  • Jeremiah Shuttack
  • John Swallow
  • John Spafford
  • John Scott
  • Thomas Strowbridge
  • Samuel Sumner
  • Nathaniel Snell M.A.
  • Capt. John Stockwell
  • John Stockwell jun.
  • William Shepard
  • Francis Stratten
  • Richard Stratten
  • Stephen Sewall, M.A.
  • Michael Shute
  • Abraham Smith
  • Isaac Smith
  • Benjamin Smith
  • John Smith
  • Isaac Smith jun.
  • Samuel Sargent
  • Daniel Shaw
  • Joseph Swain
  • James Sayward
  • Samuel Sewall
  • Samuel Sewall, jun.
  • Samuel Sewall, Ter.
  • Benjamin Stone
  • Jonathan Sayward
  • Joseph Simpson, jun.
  • Benjamin Slack
  • Ruth Slack
  • Thomas Stanley
  • Luke Stebbins
  • E [...]hanan Spear
  • Joseph Swain.
T
  • OXenbridge That­cher, Esq
  • Rev. Samuel Tobe [...]
  • Rev. Rowl. Thacher
  • Rev. Peter Thacher
  • William Thomson
  • Maj. Nath. Thwing
  • Joseph Torry
  • Richard Thompson
  • Stephen Titcomb
  • Samuel Treadwell
  • William Thomas
  • Henry True
  • Peter Thayer
  • Gershom Tinney
  • Archibald Thomas
  • Israel Tisdale
  • Joh [...] Tisdale
  • Bartholemew Town
  • John Town
  • Solomon Townsend
  • David Trail
  • David Taylor
  • Richard Tappen
  • Timothy Tappen
  • Samuel Ti [...]comb
  • Capt. Samuel Tyler
  • Capt. Samuel Tingley
  • James Tillson
  • John Titus
  • William Fenill
  • Wigglesworth Tapen
  • Moses Tuttle
  • Eldad Taylor.
U
  • HUgh Vans
  • Jabez Upham
  • Richard Upham
  • Nathaniel Upham.
W
  • HOn. Josiah Wil­lard, Esq
  • Hon. Jacob Wendell, Esq
  • Hon. Sam. Welles Esq
  • Hon. Sam. Watts Esq
  • Rev. Edward Wig­glesworth, D. D.
  • Rev. Nehe. Walter
  • Edward Winsl [...]w, Esq
  • Rev Jeremiah Wise
  • Rev. Wm. Williams
  • Joshua Winslow, Esq
  • Rev. [...] Wiggles­worth,
  • Nahum Ward, Esq
  • Rev. John Webb
  • Rev. Abijah Weld
  • Rev. John Wales
  • Rev. John Walley
  • Rev Chester Williams
  • Peleg Wiswall A.M.
  • Isaac Walker
  • Jonathan Wills
  • Thomas Wait
  • John Winslow
  • John West
  • Daniel Wair
  • Capt. David Wyet
  • David Wood
  • Thomas Wood
  • Bezaliel Wilder
  • Joseph Whitney
  • Jonathan Wells
  • Thomas Wyer
  • Stephen Wright
  • Oliver Warner
  • Joshua Wells
  • Nathaniel Wells
  • Icabod Ward
  • [Page]Artemas Ward
  • Benjamin White
  • Jeremiah Whipple
  • Nathaniel Whitney
  • Benjamin Wheeler
  • Francis Wheeler
  • Nath. Whittemore
  • Hezekiah Ward
  • Obadiah Walker
  • Sarah Williams
  • Simeon Williams
  • James Walker
  • Peter Walker
  • Isaac Whitney
  • Nath. Williams
  • Abiel Williams
  • Josiah Waters
  • William Whitwell
  • J [...]nathan White
  • John Woods
  • Isaac Woods
  • Obadiah Wright
  • James Wilson
  • Jonathan Wheelock
  • Oliver Watson
  • Ebenezer Warren
  • John Watson, jun,
  • Jotham Walton
  • Jabez Weaze
  • John Whiting
  • Jonathan Whiting
  • Joshua Winter
  • Ephraim Wessen.
Y
  • BEnajah Young.

COLONY OF CONNECTICUTT.

A
  • CHristopher Avory, Esq
  • Capt. John Avered
  • Abraham Avery
  • John Allen
  • Joshua Avered
  • Joseph Allen
  • Jason Allen
  • Richard Andrews
  • Joseph Arnold
  • Enoch Arnold
  • Samuel Andrews
  • John Abbie
  • Phillip Abbot
  • Samuel Ashley, jun.
B
  • THeophilus Bald­win▪ Esq▪
  • Col. Aaron Brownson
  • William Buel, Esq
  • John Biggs▪ Esq
  • Samuel Basset, Esq
  • Rev. Wm. Burnham
  • Rev. Joseph Bellamy
  • Rev. Geo. Beckwith
  • Rev. Nehem. Barker
  • Joseph Bird, Esq
  • Rev Dan Buckingham
  • Capt. Jonathan Baker
  • Capt. John Bebee
  • Timothy Brownson
  • Richard Brownson
  • Matthew Bellamy
  • Matthew Bellamy jun.
  • Samuel Bellamy
  • Abel Bains
  • Jonathan Benedick
  • Thomas Benedick
  • Thomas Betts
  • Isaac Brownson
  • Josiah Brownson
  • Thomas Brownson
  • James Baldwin
  • Josiah Bumb
  • James Bradford
  • Hezekiah Bissel
  • Daniel Butt
  • Ebenezer Balch
  • Capt. Samuel Bebee
  • Enoch Bayer
  • Benjamin Baldwin
  • Theophilus Baldwin
  • Benjamin Blackman
  • Ichabod Brown
  • Jonathan Brownson
  • Theop. Baldwin jun.
  • Jonathan Billings
  • Jonathan Bradford
  • Pelatiah Bliss
  • William Bennet
  • Capt. Samuel Bishop
  • Samuel Butt
  • Ebenezer Baldwin
  • Nathaniel Brown
  • Moses Barret
  • Elijah Belcher
  • Jonathan Brewste [...]
  • Samuel Branch
  • Benjamin Blogget
  • Tho. Benedick, jun.
  • James Baldwin
  • Abraham Bennet
  • Caleb Baldwin
  • Jonathan Botsford
  • Jacob Bunee
  • James Bebee
  • Abel Beech
  • Jonathan Burr
  • Noah Baldwin
  • Joel Baldwin
  • Nathaniel Brownson
  • Charles Brownson
  • [Page]William Bebe [...]
  • Daniel Brainerd
  • Azar Beech
  • Jonathan Badger
  • Jonathan Bingham
  • Joseph Bingham
  • Malichi Butler
  • Solomon Bill
  • Oliver Brewster.
C
  • COl.—Conant Esq
  • Maj Samuel Coit
  • Joseph Clark, Esq
  • Rev Thomas Canfield
  • John Crery, Esq
  • Capt. Eleazer Carey
  • Josiah Conant
  • Joseph Clark
  • Hezekiah Camp
  • Charles Chopen
  • Nathaniel Compalk
  • James Clap
  • John Comstock
  • Zebadiah Comstock
  • Samuel Comstock
  • Gideon Comstock
  • John Copp
  • Nathaniel Cushman
  • Deindatus Curtiss
  • Jonathan Cass
  • Nathaniel Cone
  • Joseph Cone
  • John Church
  • Capt. Samuel Cowles
  • Matthew Cole
  • George Clark, A.M.
  • Matthew Cadwell
  • Capt. Tho. Curtiss
  • Ebenezer Coe
  • Azariah Curtiss
  • Joseph Clark
  • Eleazer Clark
  • Daniel Curtiss
  • Obadiah Cook
  • Jonathan Clark, jun.
  • Seth Cutler
  • John Clark
  • Benjamin Chaplin
  • Benjamin Chaplin jun.
  • Samuel Coburn.
D
  • ELiphalet Dyer, Esq
  • Rev. Moses Dickinson
  • Samuel Dorrance
  • George Dorrance
  • Robert Denison
  • Avery Denison
  • Capt. John Douglass
  • Seth Dean, A. M.
  • William Denison
  • Adam Denison
  • Jonathan Dean
  • Ebenezer Dains
  • Jedidiah Dana
  • Abi Dammon
  • Daniel Dudley
  • John Down
  • Eleazer Dickinson
  • Asa Douglass
  • Josiah Dean
  • Jonathan Devereux
  • Nathaniel Dean
  • William Dean
  • Benjamin Denton
  • Benjamin Duning
  • Ebenezer Downe
  • Ebenezer Dains
  • Silas Doan
  • Jedidiah Dana.
E
  • SAmuel Emmons
  • Ebenezer Everit
  • John English
F
  • JOseph Fowler, Esq
  • Rev. Joseph Fish
  • Capt. Benjamin Fenn
  • Amos Fuller
  • Nathaniel Fish
  • John Flower
  • Ephraim Fellows
  • Nathaniel Ford
  • William Farnam
  • Ezekiel Fox
  • Thomas Fargo
  • Stephen Fuller
  • Zebediah Farnam
  • Phineas Ford
  • Elisha Fitch
  • Pelati [...]h Fitch
  • Ruth Fobes
  • Simon Fobes
  • Daniel Fitch
  • Josiah Finney
  • John Finney
  • Abigail Falmon
  • Ebenezer Fuller
  • Samuel Fielding
  • James Flint
  • Matthias Fuller
  • Thomas Fitch, jun.
G
  • REv. John Gra­ham
  • Math. Griswold Esq
  • Capt. Nathan Giddens
  • Rev. Jacob Green
  • Obadiah Gore
  • Joseph Gennings
  • Henry Gibbs
  • Thomas Goodwin
  • John Gourdon
  • John Groman
  • John Gillet
  • Francis Guiteau
  • Timothy Goodwin
  • [Page]Ebenezer Grant
  • Benjamin Graves
  • Lemuel Griffin
  • Jedidiah Graves
  • Samuel Gillet
  • Isaac Grisworth
  • A [...]exander Gordon
  • Daniel Gates.
H
  • HOn Hezek. Hun­tington, Esq
  • J [...]b [...]z Huntington Esq
  • Rev D [...]n. Humphry
  • Noah H [...]nman, Esq
  • Capt. Ele Hutchinson
  • J [...]hn Hutchinson
  • J [...]mes Han [...]s, jun.
  • Samuel Hare
  • Barnabas Hall
  • Nathanie [...] Hall
  • William Holt
  • Robert Holt
  • J [...]siah Hammon
  • N [...]thaniel Hovey
  • N [...]haniel Hovey jun.
  • Z [...]bediah Holt
  • John House
  • Stephen Hutchinson
  • Samuel House
  • Lebu [...]t Harris
  • Isaac Higley
  • Isa [...]c H [...]fford
  • J [...]eph Hinsdell
  • J [...]siah Hurlburt
  • Daniel H [...]ff [...]rd
  • J [...]si [...]h Hooker
  • Capt. Moses Hawkins
  • Benjam [...]n Hicock
  • Ele [...]zer H [...]m [...]n
  • Stephen H [...]cock
  • Andrew Hinman
  • Justus Hicock
  • John Hovey
  • James Hurlburt M.D.
  • Joshua Holt
  • Pau [...] Holt
  • John Hibbard
  • Henry Hewit
  • Daniel Holt
  • Nehem. Huntington
  • Richard Hide
  • Obadiah Heath
  • David How
  • Robert Hebard
  • James Mc'Hillhouse
  • Abel Holbrook
  • John Hall
  • Nathaniel Hide
  • Jonathan Hinckley
  • Thomas Harvey
  • Joseph Huntington
  • Joshua Hendie
  • Christo. Huntington
  • Reuben Hubbard
  • William Hambleton
  • Isaac Hill, jun.
  • James Hooker
  • Hez [...]k. Hooker, jun.
  • William Hooker
  • Hugh Hanna
  • Ahira Hill.
I
  • REv. David Jewit
  • Rev David Judson
  • Jacob Johnson, A.M.
  • James Ingalls
  • William Johnson
  • J [...]seph Jacobs, jun.
  • Nathaniel Jewit
  • James Jud
  • Abel Judson
  • Ebenezer Jones
  • Caleb Johnson.
K
  • JOnathan Kelsey
  • R [...]bert Kennedy
  • Dennison Kingsberry
  • Jonathan Kingsberry
  • Thomas Kenny
  • Azariah K [...]nny
  • Timothy K [...]mball
  • Josiah Ki [...]sley
  • James K [...]sson
  • Samuel Knowles
  • Eldad King
  • John Kasen
  • Benjamin Kellogg
  • Samuel Kellogg.
L
  • HOn. Samuel Lynde Esq
  • Rev. Henry Lord
  • Rev. Jonathan Lee
  • Rev. Mark Leaven­worth
  • Sam. Lockwood A▪ M.
  • James Lockwood
  • Joseph Lee
  • Joseph Lee, jun.
  • Simeon Lyman
  • J [...]hn Landon
  • Ebenezer Leach
  • Nathaniel Loomis
  • Jacob Lyman
  • David Lyman
  • Isaac Lawrence
  • Joseph Lockwood
  • Peter Lockwood
  • Nehemiah Lewis
  • Hezekiah Lee
  • John Ledyard
  • Ebenezer Lyman
  • Josiah Lyman
  • Benoni Loomis
  • J [...]seph Loomis
  • Benjamin Lothrop
  • Thomas Lyman
  • Nathaniel Loomis
  • Thomas L [...]mis
  • [Page]Samuel Lee
  • Isaac Lawrence
  • Benjamin Lord.
M
  • SImeon Minor, Esq
  • Rev. Gideon Mills
  • Rev Evander Morrison
  • Capt Richard Monson
  • Daniel Meeks
  • Samuel More
  • Jonathan Mearitt
  • Hezekiah May
  • Samuel Miner
  • John Meigs
  • John Meigs, jun.
  • Samuel Marshall
  • James Morris
  • Jonathan Munger
  • Ephraim Minor
  • Clement Minor
  • Matthew Minor
  • Matthew Mitchel
  • Simon Mitchel
  • Jonathan Martin
  • Sarah Millard
  • David Miller
  • Thomas Millard
  • Jonathan Mal [...]tby
  • Josiah Mack
  • William Morgan
  • Daniel Morgan
  • Joseph Morgan
  • Thomas Marshal
  • Rev. Samuel Mosely
  • Nathaniel Mosely
  • George Martin
  • George Martin, jun.
  • Ebenezer Martin.
N
  • JOhn Newcomb
  • Obadiah Newcom
  • Nathaniel Newell
  • Ruth Newell
  • Hezekiah Newcomb
  • Isaac Norton, jun.
  • James Norton
  • J [...]nathan North
  • Ebenezer North
O
  • CApt. Samuel Olm­stead
  • John Owen
  • Joseph Otis
  • William Osgood
  • Daniel Osgood
  • James Occom.
P
  • SAmuel Prentice Esq
  • Joseph Pitkin, Esq
  • Joseph Perkins, A. M.
  • John Porter
  • Experience Porter
  • Benjamin Paine
  • Joseph Preston
  • John Potwine
  • John Paine
  • William Peabody
  • Samuel Plumb
  • Jonathan Prentice
  • Peter Powers
  • Thomas Phelps
  • Nathaniel Porter
  • Richard Peet
  • Nathaniel Porter jun.
  • Isaac Peck
  • Henry Peck
  • Mic [...]jah Pride
  • David Palmer
  • John Palmer
  • Rufus Price
  • John Phelps
  • Ezekiel Peirce
  • James Pinnes
  • Mary Pierce
  • Capt. Edward Phelps
  • John Peir [...]o
  • Theodore Preston
  • Timothy Pearl
  • Capt. Isaac Parish
  • Edward Paine
  • Joseph Porter
  • Abraham Peirson
  • Gershom Palmer
  • Benjamin Pomroy
  • Timothy Porter
  • William Porter
  • John Peck
  • Jacob Preston
  • William Preston.
R
  • REv. Dav. Rowland
  • Rev. Nath Roberts
  • Rev. Asher Rositer
  • John Robinson
  • Ichabod Robinson
  • Elisha Rockwell
  • Nathan Randall
  • Joshua Raymond
  • Josiah Rose
  • Rufus Rude
  • George Richards
  • Ebenezer Richardson
  • David Ripley
  • Azariah Rood
  • Joseph Richards
  • Samuel Raymond
  • Jonathan Russell
  • Samuel Robbins
  • Eliakim Raymond
  • Joseph Rofts
  • Samuel Rindle.
S
  • THomas Storrs Esq
  • Rev Rich. Salter
  • Benjamin Stiles A. M.
  • J [...]seph Spencer
  • William Steward
  • James Steward
  • Peter Spencer
  • [Page]Joseph Skiff
  • Nathaniel Shattock
  • Joseph Sullard
  • Israel Shaw
  • Eliakim Smith
  • Daniel St. John
  • Thomas Seymour
  • William Sumner
  • Samuel Steel
  • Asa Strong
  • Nathaniel Skinner
  • Elisha Sheldon
  • Azar Smith
  • Capt. John Sprague
  • Huchens Storrs
  • Capt. Samuel Storrs
  • Capt. Jos. Sweetland
  • Recompence Smith
  • Jos. Sweetland, jun.
  • Thomas Shaw
  • Jacob Stebbins
  • Jonathan Smith
  • John Steel
  • Samuel Strong
  • John Sherman
  • Giles Slaughter
  • Isaac Scudder
  • Joseph St. John
  • Daniel St. John
  • Samuel Sanford
  • John Sanford
  • Andrew Sanford
  • David Sanford
  • Ephraim Strong A. M.
  • Joseph Safford
  • Solomon Safford
  • Ezekiel Story
  • Joseph Sanford
  • Ephraim Smith
  • Jacob Strong
  • John Shepard
  • Zebulon Seymour
  • Samuel Smedley
  • Capt. Elisha Stoddard
  • Josiah Strong
  • James Stoddard
  • David Stowell
  • Ebenezer Stowell
  • David Smith
  • Ann Seldin
  • Samuel Spencer
  • Benjamin Smalley
  • El [...]jah Sprague
  • Elizabeth Swift.
T
  • CApt. James Tyler
  • Moses Tyler
  • Stephen Tucker
  • Jedidiah Tracy
  • Hopestil Tayler
  • Nathaniel Tracy
  • Daniel Tracey
  • Joel Thrall
  • Samuel Tracey
  • Elisha Tracey
  • Philip Turner
  • Nathaniel Tracey
  • Joseph Tracey
  • Eliakim Tupper
  • Edmond Tompkins
  • Nathaniel Thornton
  • Samuel Tonsly
  • Capt. Josiah Thatcher
  • James Tompson
  • William Trumball
  • Jonathan Twiss
  • Ebenezer Tompson
  • Ebenezer Taylor
  • John Tweedy
  • James Tuttle.
U
  • CApt. James Utley.
W
  • COl Elish. Williams
  • Jos. Wilcockson, Esq
  • Roger Wolcott, Esq
  • David Whitney, E [...]q
  • Rev. Solom Williams
  • Ebenezer Wales, Esq
  • Nathaniel Wales, Esq
  • Rev. Stephen White
  • Rev. Jabez Wright
  • Rev. Eben. Wheelock
  • Warham Williams Tut. Yale Col.
  • Peletiah Webster
  • Elisha Warien
  • Benoni Wright
  • William Williams
  • Ebenezer Williams
  • John Watson
  • Caleb Wheeler
  • William Wadsworth
  • Benjamin Wheat
  • Joseph Williams
  • William Whitter
  • Eleazer Wright
  • Nathaniel Wales
  • Joseph Warner
  • Katharine Webster
  • Samuel Woodward
  • Israel Woodward
  • Preserved Wright
  • Ichabod Warner
  • Benjamin Winchol
  • Charles Woodruff
  • Benjamin Woodruff
  • Elnathan Whitman
  • Joshua Whitney, jun.
  • Daniel Williams
  • Samuel Warner
  • Sibylla Whitehead▪
[Page]

Province of NEW YORK.

A
  • WIlliam Adams, A. M.
B
  • ISaac Barnes, Esq
  • Elias Bailey, Esq
  • Rev. David Bostwick
  • Rev. Isaac Brown
  • Rev. Samuel Buel
  • Jona. Barber, A. M.
  • Capt. William Bryant
  • Samuel Brown
  • Benjamin Bailey
  • Nathaniel Bailey
  • Elias Bailey, jun.
  • Elizabeth Breeze
  • John Bailey
  • Jacob Bergen
  • Benjamin Bruster.
C
  • HOn. Tho. Chat­field, Esq
  • Joseph Conklin
  • Joseph Conklin Ter.
  • Samuel Cox
  • Thomas Cooper
  • John Cook
  • David Corwith
  • Nehemiah Carpenter
  • Joseph Carpenter
  • Jacob Carle
  • Ann Carle.
D
  • SAmuel Denton
  • Joseph Davis
  • Margaret Du Bois
  • Daniel Da [...]ton.
E
  • EZekiel Everet
  • N [...]cholas Everet
  • J [...]hn Everet
  • [...]
F
  • STephen Foster
G
  • MAj. Abra. Garner
  • William Glean
  • Thomas Goldsmith
  • Daniel Goldsmith
  • Jasper Griffin.
H
  • ELisha Hutchinson, Esq
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  • Josiah Howell, Esq
  • Rev. Azar. Horton
  • Jon. Hunting, A. M.
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  • Capt. Theo. Howell
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  • Eleazer Hawkins, jun.
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  • Abraham Howell
  • Ezekiel Howell
  • Benjamin Hinchman
  • Samuel Higbee, jun.
I
  • JOhn Jennings
  • Thomas [...]
  • Nathan Jagg [...].
L
  • SAmuel London Esq
  • Willi. Lawrence
  • Benjamin Lawrence
  • Capt. Benj Lhomedieu
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  • James Lopor.
M
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  • Samuel Mulford
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  • Isaac Mills
  • William Miller
  • Hannah Menish.
N
  • GEorge Norton
P
  • REv. Ebenez. Pem­berton
R
  • JOhn R [...]e
S
  • WIlliam Smith, Esq
  • Capt. Wm▪ Smith
  • William P Smith A. M.
  • [...] Smith
  • Elizabeth Stitwell
  • [...]bert Smith
  • [Page]Richard Smith
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  • Selah Strong
  • Benajah Strong
  • Thomas Strong.
T
  • REv. Wm. Throop
  • John Thurston
  • Jonathan Tompson.
U
  • IOseph Valentine.
W
  • JOseph▪ Wickam, Esq
  • Rev. Sylvanus White
  • Elnathan White
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  • Benjamin Wright
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  • Rich. Woodhull, jun.
  • Obadiah Wells.

PROVINCE OF NEW-Jersey.

A
  • REv. Tho. Ahthur
  • John Ayres, Es [...]
  • William Allen
  • John Anderson
  • Janet Aikman
  • Hannah Anderson
  • Moses Ayres
  • William Axtell
  • Jonathan Arrison
  • Henry Axtell
  • Thomas Applegate
  • James Ashton
  • William Aline.
B
  • REv. Aa. Burr Presi. of N. Jersey Col.
  • Rev Eliab Byram
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  • Henerica Bennom
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  • John Buckelow
  • Samuel Barren
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  • John Black
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  • Robert Breden
  • Peter Booth
  • Robert B [...]air.
C
  • REv. Jam Campbell
  • James Crumnoe
  • Mary Craig
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  • Jonathan Comes
  • John Carr, jun.
  • William Collwell
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D
  • REv. James Da­venport
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  • William Davison, jun
  • Samuel Dalyhigh
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E
  • MAskell Ervin
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  • James English
  • Noah Eley.
F
  • JAmes Fullerton
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  • Michael Field
  • Katharine Frazier
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  • Jonathan Fraze [...]
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G
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H
  • JOnath. Holmes, Esq
  • Rev. Andr. Hunter
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  • Jonas Hoey
  • Adam Hall
  • Moses Hemb
  • Mary He [...]d
  • Francis Hall
  • James Hamilton
  • Simon Horn
  • William Horn
  • Hannah Horn
  • William H [...]gan
  • John Henderson
  • John Hill
  • Michael Henary
  • William Henary
  • Daniel Henary
  • John Hoey.
I
  • SAmuel Johnson, Esq
  • Richard Jewell
  • William Jones
  • Stephen Jesup.
K
  • JOhn King
  • John Kelly
  • Alexander Killp [...]trick
  • William Ker
  • Samuel Ker
  • Joseph Ker.
L
  • REv. Joseph Lamb
  • Rev. Tho. Lewis
  • Ephraim Lockheart
  • Peter Leconte, M.D.
  • Katharine Llord
  • Bryan Li [...]esly
  • James Lyan
  • Levi Lewis
  • James Lesley
  • Roger Lawson
  • Eliphalet Lewis
  • Mary Leffers
  • Abraham La Ru [...]
  • Thomas Lak [...]
  • Samuel Lowden.
M
  • Rev. Charles Ma [...] ­knigh [...]
  • Samuel Mac'Conkey
  • Mary Millikin
  • Elizabeth Millikin
  • James Moore
  • Robert Mc'Fee
  • Mary Mattison
  • Aaron Mattison
  • John Mac [...]erran
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  • Joseph Monow
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  • James Magee
  • Sarah Macalaster
  • James Martin
  • John Mac'Gillird
  • George Mills
  • Isaac Mills
  • Benja. Mackfarling
  • George Mac'Kisk [...]n
  • Jacob Mattison
  • Hugh Martin
  • James Martin
  • Francis Mac'Konnie
N
  • WIlliam No [...]ross
  • Rob. Newell
  • Samuel Neilson
  • Thomas Newman.
O
  • JOhn Olivant [...]
  • Stephen Ogden.
P
  • REv John Peirson
  • Tho. Paget, Esq
  • Joseph Peck, Esq
  • John Peirson jun. M.D
  • Tobias Polemus
  • Ephraim Phillips
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  • James Pitney
  • John Porter.
R
  • HOn. John Reading Esq
  • Martin Rverson, Esq
  • Robert Rolfe
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  • Robert Renolds.
S
  • RAlph Smith, Esq
  • Rev. Tim Symmes
  • Rev. Elihu Spences
  • Michael Sweetman
  • Derick Sutvan
  • Jacob S [...]phen John
  • [Page]John Stockton
  • John Sodon
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  • Alburt Shank
  • William Suobey
  • Luke Scank
  • Henry S [...]oan
  • James Stout
  • Henry Scaly.
T
  • REv. Wm Tennent
  • John Tomson
  • Ruth Toweshend
  • Aaron Tomson
  • Josiah Throope.
U
  • THomas Vandike
  • Art Vankirk
  • Koart Van Voorhaas
  • Henrick Voorhas
  • Thomas U [...]mstone
  • Tobias Van-Norden.
W
  • REv Eleazer Wales
  • J. Wetherill, Esq
  • Agnis Watson
  • James Wales.

PENNSYLVANIA.

A
  • WIlliam Adams
  • Arch. Anderson
  • Thomas Armstrong
  • David Allen.
B
  • REv. Char. Bea [...]ty
  • Rev. Samuel Blair
  • Rev. John Blair
  • Thomas Brown
  • Hugh Bartley
  • John Bowrlen
  • Stephen Bower
  • Isaac Billion
  • Nathaniel Britten
  • Robert Breden
  • George Bradley
  • John Blakly
  • Edmond Beach
  • William Biddle
  • E. Boudinot
  • Thomas Bourne
  • Joseph Biddome
  • Andrew Blackburn
  • Joseph Browne
  • John Boyd.
C
  • WM. Craig, Esq
  • Tho. Craig Esq
  • Rev. Alex. Cumming
  • Alexander Colbreth
  • Matthew Clarkson
  • Thomas Clark
  • John Carsen
  • James Craig
  • Katharine Culley
  • David Chambers
  • Jacob Cooper
  • Samuel Cheeseman
  • John Campbel
  • Mary Campbel
  • William Clingan
  • George Clingan
  • Moses Crawford
  • James Cumings
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  • Daniel Craig
  • John Crawford.
D
  • RObert Downey
  • Thomas Davis
  • Tristram Davis
  • John Davis
  • Jonathan Drewrel
  • Mary Dobin.
E
  • DAvid Edmiston
  • John Edward
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  • William Edmiston.
F
  • REv. Sam. Finley
  • Magnus Falconar
  • John Finley
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  • John Fullerlawn
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  • Joseph Fox
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  • John Frazier.
G
  • CApt. Wm. Grant
  • John Grey
  • Hugh Gunning.
H
  • ALex. Hunter, Esq
  • Capt Jam. Huston
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I
  • CApt. Rob. Jamison
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  • Henry Jamison
  • Henry Jotenston.
K
  • THomas Kid
  • Mary King
  • Henry Kelsey
  • James Kelly
  • J [...]n Kirkpatrick
  • [...] Ker
  • [...] Ker.
L
  • REv Dan Lawrence
  • Thomas Logan
  • Thomas Lewis
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M
  • CApt. Nath Magee
  • Alexander Moore
  • John Mc'Ferren
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  • John Mc'Cullock
  • John Mitchell
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  • Alexander Miller
  • John Miller
  • Tho. Mountgomery
  • James Mc'Kee
  • Alex. Mc'Clintock
  • John Mushet
  • John Mackmath.
N
  • SAmuel Neilson
  • James Neilson
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O
  • HAnnah Owen.
P
  • THomas Poe
  • John Poak
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  • Sarah Prichard
  • John Peet.
R
  • REv. John Roan
  • William Rankin
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  • Evan Rawland
  • John Riddle
  • Thomas Ruddy
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  • William Rush
  • Sarah Reynolds.
S
  • SAm. Smith, Esq
  • Samuel Smith
  • William Shippen
  • Joseph Shippen
  • John Smith
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  • Abraham Scott
  • Benjamin Snodgrass▪
  • Thomas Smith
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  • Thomas Sloan.
T
  • REv. Gilb. Tennent
  • Rev. Rich. Treat
  • Moses Thompson
  • Tunis Titus
  • Joshua Thomas
  • Hugh Torrence.
U
  • HEnry Vernor
  • Henry VanDyke
  • Isaiah Vansandt.
W
  • CApt. Rich. Walker
  • Cornel. Wynkoop
  • Nicholas Wynkoop
  • John Wigton
  • James Wyer
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  • Moses White
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  • John Walker
  • Edward Warner
  • Rachal Wallace
  • Thomas Welsh.
Y
  • WIlliam Youg.
[Page]

Province of NEW-HAMPSHIRE.

A
  • JOseph Adams.
B
  • EZra Barker
  • Ebenezer Barker
  • Moses Boynton
  • Samuel Brown
  • Josiah Brown
  • Benj. Blanchard, jun.
  • Joshua Boynton.
C
  • REv. Ward Cotton
  • Wm. Cummings
  • James Cate
  • Nathaniel Clement
  • Josiah Conant.
D
  • ZEdekiah Drury.
E
  • REv. Dan. Emer­son
  • John Eliot.
G
  • PEter Gilman, Esq
  • Col. Sam. Gilman
  • Capt. Daniel Gilman
  • Josiah Gilman M.D.
  • John Gilman
  • Samuel Goodhue
  • — Griffis.
I
  • BEnjamin Jewit.
L
  • MOses Leavitt, Esq
  • Mat. Livermore, Esq
  • Jonathan Low.
M
  • REv. David Mc' Gregore for him­self & 30 of his Parish
  • William Moore
  • Daniel Mason
  • John Mead.
N
  • THomas Neivins
  • Joshua Neal.
P
  • John Phillips, A.M.
  • Capt. Peter Powers
  • Thomas Patch
  • William Pottle
  • John Purmet
  • Josiah Pyper
  • James Pike.
R
  • REv. Dan. Rogues.
S
  • HEnry Sherburne, jun.
  • Job Strong, B.A.
  • Theophilus Smith
  • Elias Smith
  • Jacob Smith.
T
  • BEnjamin Thing
  • Jonathan Taylor
  • Edward Taylor.
W
  • COl. And. Wiggins
  • Simon Wiggins
  • Thomas Wiggins
  • Andr. Wiggins, jun.
  • Francis Worcester.

Colony of RHODE-ISLAND.

A
  • COl. Job Almy.
B
  • HErmione Banister
  • Joseph Bayley
  • Constant Bayley
  • Timothy Balch
  • Alexander Bradford.
C
  • REv. O [...]h Campbell
  • Thomas Crandell
  • Nathaniel Coggeshall
  • Thomas Coggeshall
  • Martha Church
  • Henry Coggeshall
  • James Cahoon.
D
  • DAniel Donham
  • J [...]cob Dehane.
F
  • EBenezer Fisher
  • Peter Franklin.
G
  • EBbenezer Grey
  • Nath. Greenhill.
H
  • WM. Hall, Esq
  • J [...]s. Howland.
K
  • EBenezer Knight.
M
  • DAvid Moore
  • John Morris.
[Page]
P
  • BEnjamin Peabodie
  • Simeon Price.
R
  • WIlliam Rich­mond, Esq
  • Ichabod Richmond
  • Samuel Rhodes
  • Jeremiah Ross.
S
  • NAth. Searles, Esq:
  • John Sawyer.
T
  • HEnry Tisdale
  • James Tanner.
U
  • REv. William Vinal.
W
  • JOseph Wood, Esq
  • Benjamin Wyat
  • John Willson
  • Benjamin Willson
  • Abigail Wanton.
Y
  • SAmuel Yeats.

The Names of the following Subscribers, not being received in Season, we have tho't it proper to insert them here.

  • DAvid Burt
  • Dr. Jonathan Bliss
  • Nathaniel Burt
  • Alexander Bolckum
  • Simon Colton
  • Obadiah Carpenter
  • William Carpenter
  • Thomas Co [...]per
  • Nathaniel Ely
  • Amos Dennison
  • Thomas H [...]bbert B.A.
  • Dr. Charles Pynchon
  • Rev. John Sergeant
  • Capt. Berj Savage S [...]. Carolina.
  • William Stebb [...]n [...]
  • Robert Sanderson
  • Henry Sweet
  • John Sweet
  • Thomas Sweet
  • Moses Stebbins
  • Rev. Peter Thacher
  • Rev. Benj. Tappen
  • John Tyler
  • Henry Tolm [...]n
  • Rev. Steph. Williams
  • R [...]chard Woolworth
  • Josiah Welman.

The Names of many others who have subscrib'd, are not yet c [...]me to Hand. And in the foregoing Lists, where any Gen­t [...]emen are mention'd without their proper Addition or Title, or out of their proper Place, the Publisher rely's on their Candour to excuse it.

[Page 254]

Some further REMAINS of the Rev. Mr. DAVID BRAINERD.

[I] A SCHEME of a Dialogue between the various Powers and Affections of the Mind, as they are found alter­nately whispering in the godly Soul. [Mention'd in his Diary, Feb. 3. 1744.]

1. THE Understanding introduced, (1) As discovering it's own Excellency, and Capacity of enjoying the most sublime Pleasure and Happiness. (2) As observing it's Desire equal to it's Capacity, and incapable of being satisfi­ed with any Thing that will not fill it in the utmost Extent of it's Exercise. (3) As finding it self a dependant Thing, not Self-sufficient; and consequently unable to spin Happiness (as the Spider spins it's Web) out of it's own Bowels. This Self-suffi­ciency observed to be the Property and Prerogative of GOD alone, and not belonging to any created Being. (4) As in vain seeking sublime Pleasure, Satisfaction, and Happiness adequate to it's Nature, amongst created Beings. The Search and Know­ledge of the Truth in the natural World allowed indeed to be re­freshing to the Mind; but still failing to afford compleat Hap­piness. (5) As discovering the Excellency and Glory of GOD, that he is the Fountain of Goodness, and Well-Spring of Happi­ness, and every Way fit to answer the enlarged Desires and Crav­ings of our immortal Souls.

2. The Will introduced, as necessarily, yet freely chusing this GOD for it's supreme Happiness and only Portion, fully complying with the Understanding's Dictates, acquiescing in GOD as the best Good, his Will as the best Rule for intelligent Creatures, and rejoicing that GOD is in every Respect just what he is; and withal chusing and delighting to be a dependent Creature, always subject to this GOD, not aspiring after Self-suffic [...]ency and Supremacy, but acquiescing in the contrary.

[Page 255]3. Ardent Love or Desire introduced, as passionately longing to please and glorify the Divine Being, to be in every Respect conformed to him, and in that Way to enjoy him. This Love or Desire represented as most genuine; not induced by mean and mercenary Views; not primarily springing from selfish Hopes of Salvation, whereby the divine Glories would be Sacri­ficed to the Idol Self; not arising from a slavish Fear of Divine Anger in Case of Neglect, nor yet from Hopes of feeling the Sweetness of that tender and pleasant Passion of Love in one's own Breast; but from a just Esteem of the beauteous Object belov­ed. This Love further represented, as attended with vehement Longings after the Enjoyment of it's Object, but unable to find by what Means.

4. The Understanding again introduced, as informing (1.) How God might have been enjoyed, yea, how he must necessarily have been enjoyed, had not Man sin'd against him; that as there was Knowledge, Likeness, and Love, so there must needs be Enjoyment, while there was no Impediment. (2.) How he may be en­joyed in some Measure now, viz. by the same Knowledge be­getting Likeness and Love, which will be answer'd with Returns of Love, and the Smiles of God's Countenance, which are better than Life. (3.) How Go'd may be perfectly en­joyed, viz. by the Soul's perfect Freedom from Sin. This perfect Freedom never obtain'd 'till Death; and then not by any unaccountable Means, or in any unheard-of Manner; but the same by which it has obtain'd some Likeness to and Fruition of God in this World, viz. a clear Manifestation of him.

5. Holy Desire appears, and enquires why the Soul may not be perfectly holy; and so perfect in the Enjoyment of God here; and expresses most insatiable Thirstings after such a Temper, and such Fruition, and most consummate Blessedness.

6. Understanding again appears, and informs, that God designs that those whom he sanctifies in Part here, and intends for immortal Glory, shall tarry a while in this present evil World, that their own Experience of Temptations &c. may teach 'em how great the Deliverance is, which God has wrought for 'em, that they may be swallowed up in Thankfulness and Admira­tion to Eternity; as also that they may be instrumental of doing Good to their Fellow-Men. Now if they were perfectly holy &c. a World of Sin would not be a fit Habitation for them: and further, such Manifestations of God as are necessary compleatly to sanctify the Soul, would be insupportable to the Body, so that we can't see God and live.

[Page 256]7. Holy Impatience is next introduced, complaining of the Sins and Sorrows of Life, and almost repining at the Distance of a State of Perfection, uneasy to see and feel the Hours hang so dull and heavy, and almost concluding that the Temptations, Hardships, Disappointments, Imperfections, and tedious Employ­ments of Life will never come to a happy Period.

8. Tender Conscience comes in, and meekly reproves the Complaints of Impatience; urging how careful and watchful we ought to be, left we should offend the divine Being with Com­plaints; alledging also the Fitness of our waiting patiently upon God for all we want, and that in a Way of doing and suffering; and at the same Time mentioning the Barrenness of the Soul, how much precious Time is misimproved, and how little it has enjoyed of God, compared with what it might have done; as also suggesting how frequently impatient Complaints spring from nothing better than Self-love, want of Resignation, and a greater Reverence of the Divine Being.

9. Judgment or sound Mind next appears, and duly weigh [...] the Complaints of Impatience, and the gentle Admonitions of tender Conscience, and impartially determines between 'em. On the one hand, it concludes, that we may always be impatient with Sin; and supposes, that we may also with such Sorrow, Pain, and Discouragement, as hinder our Pursuit of Holiness, tho' they arise from the weakness of Nature. It allows us to be impatient of the Distance at which we stand from a State of Perfection and Blessedness. It further indulges Impatience at the Delay of Time, when we desire the Period of it for no other End than that we may with Angels be employed in the most lively spiritual Acts of Devotion, and in giving all possible Glory to him that lives forever. Temptations and sinful Im­perfections, it thinks we may justly be uneasy with; and Dis­appointments, at least those that relate to our Hopes of Com­munion with God, and growing Conformity to him. And as to the tedious Employments and Hardships of Life, it supposes some Longing for the End of 'em not inconsistent with a Spirit of Faithfulness, and a chearful Disposition to perform the one and endure the other: It supposes, that a faithful Servant, who fully designs to do all he possibly can, may still justly long for the Evening; and that no rational Man would blame his kind and tender Spouse, if he perceived her longing to be with him, while yet Faithfulness & Duty to him might still induce her to yield, for the present, to remain at a painful Distance from him. — On the other Hand, it approves of the Caution, Care and Watchful­ness [Page 257] of tender Conscience, left the Divine Being should be offended with impatient Complaints: It acknowledges the Fitness of our waiting upon God, in a Way of patient doing and suffering; But supposes this very consistent with ardent Desires to depart and to be with Christ. It owns it fit that we should always remember our own Barrenness, and thinks also that we should be impatient of it, and consequently long for a State of Freedom from it; and this, not so much that we may feel the Happiness of it, but that God may have the Glory. It grants, that impatient Com­plains often spring from Self-love, and Want of Resignation and Humility. Such as these it disapproves; and determines, we should be impatient only of Absence from God, & Distance from that State and Temper wherein we may most glorify him.

10. Godly Sorrow introduced, as making her said Moan, not so much that she is kept from the free Possession and full Enjoy­ment of Happiness, but that God must be dishonoured; the Soul being still in a World of Sin, and itself imperfect. She here, with Grief, counts over past Faults, present Temptations, and Fears for the future.

11. Hope or holy Confidence appears, and seems perswaded that nothing shall ever separate the Soul from the Love of God in Christ Jesus. It expects divine Assistance and Grace sufficient for all the doing and suffering-Work of Time, and that Death will ere long put a happy Period to all Sin and Sorrow; and so takes Occasion to rejoyce.

12. Godly Fear, or holy Jealousy here steps in, and suggests some timorous Apprehensions of the Danger of Deception; mentions the Deceitfulness of the Heart, the great Influence of irregular Self-Love in a fallen Creature; enquires whether it self is not likely to have fallen in with Delusion, since the Mind is so dark, and so little of GOD appears to the Soul; and que­ries whether all it's Hopes of persevering Grace mayn't be Pre­sumption, and whether it's confident Expectations of meeting Death as a Friend, mayn't issue in Disappointment.

13. Hereupon, Reflection appears, and minds the Person of his past Experiences; as to the preparatory Work of Convicti­on and Humiliation; The View he then had of the Impossibility of Salvation, from himself, or any created Arm: The Manifesta­tion he has likewise had of the Glory of GOD in Jesus Christ: How he then admired that Glory, and chose that GOD for his only Portion, because of the Excellency and Amiableness he dis­covered in him; not from slavish Fear of being damned, if he did not, nor from base and mercenary Hopes of saving himself; [Page 258] but from a just Esteem of that beauteous and glorious Object: As also how he had from Time to Time rejoyced and acquiesced in GOD, for what he is in himself; being delighted, that he is infinite in Holiness, Justice, Power, Sovereignty, as well as in Mercy, Goodness and Love: How he has likewise, Scores of Times, felt his Soul mourn for Sin, for this very Reason, because it is contrary and grievous to GOD; yes, how he has mourned over one vain and impertinent Thought, when he has been so far from Fear of the divine vindictive Wrath for it, that on the contrary he has enjoyed the highest Assurance of the divine ever­lasting Love: How he has, from Time to Time, delighted in the Commands of God, for their own Purity and Perfection, and longed exceedingly to be conformed to 'em, and even to be holy as GOD is holy; and counted it present Heaven, to be of a heavenly Temper: How he has frequently rejoyced, to think of being for ever subject to, and dependent on GOD; account­ing it infinitely greater Happiness to glorify GOD in a State of Subjection to, and Dependance on him, than to be a god him­self; and how Heaven it self would be no Heaven to him, if he could not there be every Thing that GOD would have him be.

14. Upon this, Spiritual Sensation being awaked, comes in, and declares that She now feels & tastes that the Lord is gracious; that he is the only supreme Good, the only Soul-satisfying Hap­piness; that he is a compleat, self-sufficient, and almighty Por­tion. She whispers, Whom have I in Heaven but this GOD, this dear and blessed Portion; and there is none upon Earth I desire besides him. Oh, 'tis Heaven, to please him and to be just what he would have me be! O that my Soul were holy, as God is holy: O that it was pure, as Christ is pure; and perfect as my Father in Heaven is perfect. These are the sweetest Commands in God's Book, comprizing all others; and shall I break 'em? Must I break 'em? Am I under a fatal necessity of it, as long as I live in this World? Oh my Soul! Wo, Wo is me, that I am a Sinner! Because I now necessarily grieve and offend this blessed GOD, who is infinite in Goodness and Grace. Oh, methinks, should he punish me for my Sins, it would not wound my Heart so deep to offend him; But, tho' I sin continually, he continu­ally repeats his Kindness towards me! Oh, methinks I could bear any Suffering; but how can I bear to grieve and dishonour this blessed God! How shall I give ten Thousand Times more Honour to him? What shall I do, to glorify and worship this best of Beings? O that I could consecrate my self, Soul and Body, to his Service for ever. O that I could give up my self to him, [Page 259] so as never more to attempt to be my own, or to have any Will or Affections that are not perfectly conformed to his. But Oh, Alas, Alas! I can't, I feel I can't, be thus entirely devoted to GOD: I can't live and sin not. O ye Angels, do ye glorify him incessantly: If possible, exert your selves still more, in more live­ly and ardent Devotion: If possible, prostrate your selves still lower before the Throne of the blessed King of Heaven: I long to bear a Part with you, and if it were possible, to help you. Yet when we have done, we shall not be able to offer the ten Thousandth Part of the Homage he is worthy of. While spiri­tual Sensation whispered these Things, Fear and Jealousy were greatly overcome; and the Soul replied, Now I know, and am assured, &c. and again it welcom'd Death as a Friend, saying, O Death where is thy Sting, &c.

15. Finally, Holy Resolution concludes the Discourse, fixedly determining to follow hard after GOD, and continually to pursue a Life of Conformity to him. And the better to pursue this, en­joining it on the Soul always to remember, that GOD is the on­ly source of Happiness, that his Will is the only Rule of Recti­tude to an intelligent Creature, that Earth has nothing in it desirable for it self, or any further than GOD is seen in it; and that the Knowledge of God in Christ, begetting and maintain­ing Love, and mortifying sensual and fleshly Appetites, is the Way to be holy on Earth, and so to be attempered to the com­pleat Holiness of the heavenly World.

[II] Some gloomy and desponding Thoughts of a Soul under Convictions of Sin, and Concern for it's eter­nal Salvation.

1. I Believe, my Case is singular, that none ever had so many strange and different Thoughts and Feelings as I.

2. I have been concern'd much longer than many others, that I have known or read of, who have been savingly converted, and yet I am left.

3. I have withstood the Power of Convictions a long Time, and therefore I fear, I shall be finally left of GOD.

4. I never shall be converted, without stronger Convictions, and greater Terrors of Conscience.

5. I don't aim at the Glory of GOD in any Thing I do, and therefore I can't hope for Mercy.

[Page 260]6. I don't see the Evil Nature of Sin, nor the Sin of my Na­ture; and therefore I am discouraged.

7. The more I strive, the more blind and hard my Heart is, and the worse I grow continually.

8. I fear, GOD never shew'd Mercy to one so vile as I.

9. I fear, I am not elected, and therefore must perish.

10. I fear, the Day of Grace is past with me.

11. I fear, I have committed the unpardonable Sin.

12. I am an old Sinner; and if God had designed Mercy for me, he would have called me Home to himself before now.

[III] Some Signs of Godliness.

The distinguishing Marks of a true Christian, taken from one of my old Manuscripts; where I wrote as I felt and experienced, and not from any considerable Degree of doctrinal Knowledge, or Acquaintance with the Sentiments of others in this Point.

1. HE has a true Knowledge of the Glory and Excellency of GOD, that he is most worthy to be loved and praised for his own divine Perfections. Psal. CXLV.3.

2. GOD is his Portion. Psal. LXXIII.25. And GOD'S Glory, his great Concern. Matth. VI.22.

3. Holiness is his Delight; nothing he so much longs for, as to be holy, as God is holy. Phil. III.9, — 12.

4. Sin is his greatest Enemy. This he hates, for it's own Nature, for what it is in it self, being contrary to a holy GOD. Jer. II.1. And consequently he hates all Sin. Rom. VII.24. 1 Jo [...]. III.9.

5. The Laws of GOD also are his Delight. Psal. CXIX.97. Rom. VII.22. These he observes, not out of Constraint, from a servile Fear of Hell; but they are his Choice. Psal. CXIX.30. The strict Observance of them is not his Bondage, but his great­est Liberty. ver. 45.

[Page 261]

[IV.] LETTERS, written by Mr. Brainerd to his Friends.
ADVERTISEMENT.

MR. Brainerd had a large Acquaintance and Correspondence, especially in the latter Part of his Life, and he did much at writing Letters to his absent Friends; but the most of his Ac­quaintance living at a great Distance from me, I have not been able to obtain Copies of many that he wrote: However, the greater Part of those which I have seen, are such as appear to me of profitable Tendency, and worthy of the publick View: I have therefore here added a few of his Letters.

N. B. Several of these which follow, are not published at large, because some Parts of them were concerning particular Affairs of a private Nature.

No. 1. To his Brother John, than a Student at Yale-College in New-Haven.

Kaunaumeek, April 30. 1743.
Dear Brother,

I Should tell you, I long to see you, but that my own Experience has taught me, there is no Happiness, & plenary Satisfaction to be enjoyed, in earthly Friends, tho' ever so near and dear, or in any other Enjoyment, that is not GOD himself. Therefore, if the God of all Grace would be pleased graciously to afford us [...]ch his Presence and Grace, that me may perform the Work, and endure the Trials he calls us to, in a most distressing tire­some Wilderness, 'till we arrive at our Journey's End; the lo­cal Distance, at which we are held from each other at the pre­sent, is a Matter of no great Moment or Importance to either of us. But Alas! The Presence of GOD is what I want.— I live in the most lonely melancholy Desert, about 18 Miles from Albany (for it was not thought best that I should go to Delaware-River, as I believe I hinted to you in a Letter from New-York.) I board with a poor Scotch-Man: His Wife can talk scarce any English. My Diet consists mostly of Hasty-Pudding, boil'd Corn, and Bread baked in the Ashes, and sometimes a little Meat and Butter. My Lodging is a little Heap of Straw, laid upon some Boards, a little Way from the Ground▪ [...] Log-Room, [Page 262] without any Floor, that I lodge in. My Work is exceeding hard and difficult: I travel on Foot a Mile and half, the worst of Way, almost daily, and back again; for I live so far from my Indians.—I have not seen an English Person this Month.— These and many other Circumstances, as uncomfortable, attend me; and yet my spiritual Conflicts and Distresses so far exceed all these, that I scarce think of them, or hardly mind but that I am entertain'd in the most sumptuous Manner. The Lord grant that I may learn to endure Hardness, as a good Soldier of JESUS CHRIST. As to my Success here, I can't say much as yet: The Indians seem generally kind, and well disposed towards me, and are mostly very attentive to my Instructions, and seem willing to be taught further: Two or three, I hope, are under some Convictions; But there seems to be little of the special workings of the divine Spirit among them yet; which gives me many a Heart-sinking Hour. Sometimes I hope, God has abundant Blessings in Store for them and me; but at other Times I am so over-whelmed with Distress, that I can't see how his Dealings with me are consistent with Covenant Love and Faithfulness, and I say, Surely his tender Mercies are clean gone for ever.—But however, I see, I needed all this Chastisement already: 'Tis good for me, that I have endured these Trials, and have hitherto little or no apparent Success. Don't be discou­raged by my Distresses: I was under great Distress, at Mr. Pomr [...]y's, when I saw you last; but God has been with me of a Truth, since that: He helped me sometimes sweetly at Long-Island, and elsewhere. But let us always remember, that we must through much Tribulation enter into God's eternal Kingdom of Rest and Peace. The Righteous are scarcely saved: 'Tis an infinite Wonder, that we have well-grounded Hopes of being saved at all. For my Part, I feel the most vile of any Creature living; and I am sure sometimes, there is not such another ex­isting on this Side Hell.— Now all you can do for me, is, to pray incessantly, that God would make me humble, holy, re­signed and heavenly-minded, by all my Trials.— Be strong in the Lord and in the Power of his Might. Let us run, wrestle and fight, that we may win the Prize, and obtain that compleat Happiness, to be Holy as God is Holy. So, wishing and praying that you may advance in Learning and Grace, and be fit for special Service for God, I remain

Your affectionate Brother. D. Brainerd.

[Page 263]No. 2. To his Brother John, at Yale-College in New-Haven.

Kaunaumeek, December 27. 1743.
Dear Brother,

I Long to see you, and know how you fare in your Journey thro' a World of inexpressible Sorrow, where we are com­pass'd about with Vanity, Confusion and Vexation of Spirit. I am more weary of Life, I think, than ever I was. The whole World appears to me like a huge Vacuum, a vast empty space, whence nothing desirable, or at least satisfactory, can possibly be derived; and I long, daily to die more and more to it; even tho' I ob­tain not that Comfort from spiritual Things, which I earnestly desire. Worldly Pleasures, such as flow from Greatness, Riches, Honours, and sensual Gratifications, are infinitey worse than none. May the Lord deliver us more and more from these Vanities. I have spent most of the Fall and Winter hitherto in a very weak State of Body; and sometimes under pressing inward Trials and spiritual Conflic [...]: but having obtain'd Help from GOD, I [...] to this Day; and am now something better in Health, than I was sometime ago. I find nothing more conducive to a Life of Christinity, than a diligent, ind [...]strious and faithful Improvement of precious Time. Let us then faithfully per­form that Business, which is allotted to us by divine Providence, to the utmost of our bodily Strength, and mental Vigour, Why should we sink, and grow discouraged, with any particular Trials, and Perplexities, we are called to encounter in the World? Death and Eternity are just before us; a few tossing [...]illow [...] more will wast us into the World of Spirits, and w [...] hope (thro' infinite Grace) into endless Pleasures, and uninterrupted Rest and Peace. Let us then run with Patience the Race set before us. Heb. xii.1, 2. And O [...] that we could depend more upon the living GOD, and less upon our own Wisdom and Strength.— Dear Brother, may the GOD of all Grace comfort your Heart, and succeed your Studies, and make you an Instrument of Good to his People in your Day. This is the constant Prayer of

Yo [...]r affectionate Brother: David Brainerd.

No. 3. To his Brother Israel, at Haddam.

Kaunaumeek, [...]an. 21. 1743, 4.
My Dear Brother,

—THere is [...]ut one Thing, that deserves our highest Ca [...]e and most ardent Desires; and that is, that we may answer the great End, [...] which we were made; viz. to [Page 264] glorify that GOD, who has given us our [...] and all our Com­forts, and do all the Good, we possibly can, to or Fellow-Men, while we live in the World. And verily Life is not worth the having, if it be not improved for this noble End and Purpose▪ Yet, alas, how little is this thought of among Mankind! Most Men seem to dive to themselves, without much Regard to the Glory of God, or the Good of their Fellow-Creatures: they earnestly desire, and eagerly pursue after the [...], the Honours, and the Pleasures of Life, as if they really supposed, that Wealth, or Greatness, or [...], could make their immortal Soul [...] happy. But, alas, what [...] and delusive Dreams are th [...]se! And how Miserable will these ere long be, who are not [...] out of them, to see, that all their Happiness [...] in living to GOD, and becoming holy as he is holy! Oh, may you never fall [...] the Tempers and Vanities, the [...] and Folly of the present [...]. You are, by divine Providence, [...] as it were [...] in a wide World, to act for your self: Be usre than to remember, 'tis a World of Temptation. You have no [...] to be the [...] your Youth to [...] and Vertue, by their pious [...], and seasonable Counsels; Let this then excite you with greater Diligence and Fervency to look up to the Father of Mercies for Grace and Assist [...]nce against all the Vanities of the World. And if you would glorify God, answer his just Expectations from you, and make your own Soul happy in [...] and the coming World, observe these few Directions; tho' not from a Father, yet from a Brother who is touch'd with a tender Concern for your present and future Happiness. And,

First, Resolve upon, and daily endeavour to practise a Life of Seriousness and strict Sobriety. The wise Man will tell you the great Advantage of such a Life, Eccles. vii.3. Think of the Life of CHRIST; and when you can find that [...] was pleas'd with Jesting and vain Merriment, then you may indulge it in your self.

Again, Be careful to make a good Improvement of precious Time. When you cease from Labour, fill up your Time in Reading, Meditation, and Prayer: And while your Hands are la­bouring, let your Heart be employed, as much as possible, in divine Thoughts.

Further, Take Heed that you faithfully perform the Business you have to do in the World, from a Regard to the Commands of GOD; and not from an ambitious desire of being esteemed better than others. We should always look upon our selves as [Page 265] [...] [Page 266] And Oh, how divinely sweet and entertaining is it, to look in­to our own Souls, when we can find all our Powers and Passions united and engaged in Pursuit after GOD, our whole Souls longing and passionately breathing after a Conformity to him, and the full Enjoyment of him! Verily there are no Hours pass away with so much divine Pleasure, as those that are spent in Communing with GOD and our own Hearts. Oh, how sweet is a Spirit of Devotion, a Spirit of Seriousness and divine Solem­nity, a Spirit of Gospel-Simplicity, Love, Tenderness! Oh, how desirable, and how profitable to the Christian Life, is a Spi­rit of holy Watchfulness, & godly Jealousy over our selves; when our Souls are afraid of nothing so much as that we shall grieve and offend the blessed GOD, whom at such Times we apprehend, or at least hope, to be a Father and Friend; whom we then love and long to please, rather than to be happy our selves, or at least we delight to derive our Happiness [...] pleasing and glo­rifying him! Surely this is [...] pious Temper, worthy of the highest Ambition and closest Pursuit of intelligent Creatures and holy Christians. Oh, how vastly superiour is the Pleasure, Peace, and Satisfaction derived from these divine Frames, to that which we (alas) sometimes pursue in Things imper [...]ment and trifling! Our own bitter Experience [...]ches us; that in the midst of such Laughter the Heart is sorrowful, and there is no true Satisfaction but in GOD. But, alas! How shall we ob­tain and retain this sweet Spirit of Religion and Devotion? Let us follow the Apostle's Direction, Phil. ii 12. and labour upon the Encouragement he there mentions ver. 13. For 'tis GOD only can afford us this Favour; and he will be sought to, and 'tis fit we should wait upon him for so rich a Mercy. Oh, may the GOD of all Grace afford us the Grace and Influ­ences of his divine Spirit; and help us that we may from our Hearts esteem it our greatest Liberty and Happiness, that whe­ther we live, we may live to the LORD, or whether we die, we may die to the LORD; that in Life and Death, we may be his.

I am in a very poor State of Health; I think, scarce ever poorer: But, thro' divine Goodness; I am not discontented under my Weakness, and Confinement to this Wilderness: I bless GOD for this Retirement: I never was more thankful for any Thing, than I have been of late for the Necessity I am under of Self-denial in many Respects: I love to be a Pilgrim and Stranger in this Wilderness: It seems most fit for such a poor ignorant, worthless, despised Creature as I. I would not change my present Mission for any other Business in the whole [Page 267] World. I may tell you freely, without Vanity and Ostenta­tion, GOD has of late give [...] me great Freedom and Fervency in Prayer, when I have been so weak and feeble, my Nature seem'd as if it would speedily dissolve. I feel as if my all was lost, and I was undone for this World, if the poor Heathen mayn't be converted. I feel, in general, different from what I did, when I saw you last, at least more crucified to all the En­joyments of Life. It would be very refreshing to me, to see you here in this Desart; especially in my weak disconsolate Hours: But, I think, I could be content never [...]o [...] you, or any of my Friends again in this World, if GOD would bless my La­bours he [...]e to the Conversion of the poor Indians.

I have much that I could willingly communicate to you, which I must omit, 'till Providence gives us Leave to see each other. In the mean Time, I rest

You [...] obliged Friend and Servant, David Brainerd.

No. 5. To a special Friend, a Minister of the Gospel in New-Jersey.

The Forks of Deleware, Decemb. 24. 1744·
Rev. and dear Brother,

—I Have little to say to you, about spiritual Joys, and those blessed Refreshments, and divine Consolations, with which I have been much favour'd in Times past: But this I can tell you, that if I gain Experience in no other Point, yet I am sure I do in this; viz. That the present World has nothing in it to satisfy an immortal Soul; and hence, that it is not to be desired for it self, but only because GOD may be seen & served in it: And I wish I could be more patient & willing to live in it for this End, than I can usually find my self to be. 'Tis no Vertue, I know, to desire Death, only to be freed from the Miseries of Life: But I want that divine HOPE, which you observed, when I saw you last, was the very Sinews of vital Religion. Earth can do us no Good, and if there be no HOPE of our doing Good on Earth, how can we desire to live in it? And yet we ought to desire, or at least to be resign'd, to tarry in it; because 'tis the Will of our alwise Sovereign. But perhaps these Thoughts will appear melancholy and gloomy, and consequently will be very unde­sirable to you; and therefore I forbear to add. I wish, you mayn't read them in the same Circumstances in which I write them. I have a little more to do and suffer in a dark disconsolate [Page 268] World; and then I hope to be as happy as you are. —I should ask you to pray for me, were I worth your Concern. May the Lord enable us both to endure Hardness as good Soldiers of JESUS CHRIST; and may we obtain Mercy of God to be faithful, to the Death, in the Discharge of our respective Trusts.

I am your very unworthy Brother, and humble Servant, D [...]v. Brainerd.

No. 6. To his Brother John, at College.

Crosweeksung, in New-Jersey, Decemb. 28. 1745.
Very dear Brother,

—I Am in one continued, perpetual, and uninterrupted Hurry; and divine Providence throw [...] so much upon me, that I don't see it will ever be otherwise. May I obtain Mercy of GOD to be faithful to the Death. I can't say, I am weary of my Hurry; I only want Strength and Grace to do more for GOD, than I have ever yet done.

My dear Brother; The LORD of Heaven, that has carried me thro' many Trials, bless you; bless you for Time, and Eter­nity; and fit you to do Service for him in his Church below, and to enjoy his blissful Presence in his Church triumphant. My Brother, the Time is short: Oh let us fill it up for God: Let us count the Sufferings of this present Time as nothing, if we can but run our Race, and finish our Course with Joy. Oh, let us strive to live to GOD. I bless the Lord, I have nothing to do with Earth, but only to labour honestly in it for God, 'till I shall [...]ccomplish as an Hireling my Day. I think, I don't desire to live one Minute for any Thing that Earth can afford. Oh, that I could live for none but GOD, 'till my dying Moment.

I am your affectionate Brother, D. Brainerd.

No. 7. To his Brother Israel, then a Student at Yal [...]-College in New-Haven.

Elisabeth-Town, New-Jersey, Nov. 24. 1746.
Dear Brother,

I Had determined to make you and my other Friends in New-England a Visit, this Fall; partly from an earnest Desire I had to see you and them, and partly with a View to the Reco­very of my Health; which has, for more than three Months past, been much impair'd. And in order to prosecute this De­sign, [Page 269] I set out from my own People about three Weeks ago, and came as far as to this Place; where, my Disorder greatly increasing, I have been obliged to keep House ever since, until the Day before Yesterday; at which Time, I was able to ride about half a Mile, but found my self much tired with the Jour­ney. I have now no Hopes of prosecuting my Journey into N. England this Winter, supposing, my present State of Health will by no Means admit of it: Altho' I am thro' divine Good­ness much better than I was some Days ago, yet I han't Strength now to ride more than ten Miles a Day, if the Season were warm, & fit for me to travel in. My Disorder has been attended with several Symptoms of a Consumption; and I have been at Times apprehensive, that my great Change was at Hand: Yet blessed be GOD, I have never been affrighted; but on the contrary, at some Times much delighted with a View of it's Approach. Oh, the Blessedness of being delivered from the Clogs of Flesh and Sense, from a Body of Sin and spiritual Death! Oh, the unspeakable Sweetness of being translated in­to a State of compleat Purity and Perfection! Believe me, my Brother, a lively View and Hope of these Things, will make the King of Serrors himself appear agreeable.— Dear Brother, let me intreat you, to keep Eternity in your View, and behave your self as becomes one that must shortly give an Account of all Things done in the Body. That GOD may be your GOD, and prepare you for his Service here, and his Kingdom of Glory hereafter, is the Desire and daily Prayer of

Your affectionate loving Brother, D. Brainerd.

No. 8. To his Brother Israel, at College; written in the Time of his extreme Illness in Boston, a few Months before his Death.

Boston, June 30. 1747.
My dear Brother,

IT is from the Sides of Eternity I now address you. I am hear­tily sorry, that I have so little Strength to write what I long so much to communicate to you. But let me tell you, my Bro­ther, Eternity is another Thing than we ordinarily take it to be in a healthful State. Oh, how vast and boundless! Oh, how fix'd and unalterable! Oh, of what infinite Importance is it, that we be prepared for Eternity! I have been just a dying, now for more than a Week; and all around me have thought me so: But in this Time I have had clear Views of Eternity; [Page 270] have seen the Blessedness of the Godly, in some Measure; and have long'd to share their happy State; as well as been com­fortably satisfied, that through Grace, I shall do so: But Oh, what Anguish is raised in my Mind, to think of an Eternity for those who are Christless, for those who are mistaken, and who bring their false Hopes to the Grave with them! The Sight was so dreadful, I could by no Means bear it: My Thoughts recoiled, and I said (but under a more affecting Sense than ever before) Who can dwell with everlasting Burnings! Oh, me­thought, that I could now see my Friends▪ that I might warn them, to see to it, they lay their Foundation for Eternity sure. And you, my dear Brother, I have been particularly concerned for▪ and have wondered, I so much neglected conversing with you about your spiritual State at our last Meeting. Oh▪ my Bro­ther, let me then beseech you now to examine, whether you are indeed a new Creature? Whether you have ever acted above Self? Whether the Glory of GOD has ever been the sweetest highest Concern with you? Whether you have ever been reconciled to all the Perfections of GOD; in a Word, whether God has been you [...] Portion ▪ and a holy Conformity to him your chief Delight [...] can't answer positively, consider seriously the frequent [...] of your Soul: But don't however put your self off with a sl [...]ght Answer. If you slave Reason to think you are G [...]aceless, Oh give your self and the Throne of Grace no Rest, [...]ull GOD arise and save. But if the Case should be other­wise, bless GOD for his Grace, and press after Holiness. *

My Soul longs▪ that you should be fitted for, and in due Time go into the Work of the Ministry. I can't bear to think of your going into any other Business in Life. Don't be discouraged, because you see your elder Brothers in the Ministry die early, one after another: I declare, now I am dying, I would not have spent my Li [...]e otherwise for the whole World. But I must leave this with GO [...].

If this Line should come to your Hands soon after the Date, [...] should be almost desirous you should set out on a Journey to me: [...]t may be you may see me alive; which I should much [...]ejoyce in. But if you can't come, I must commit you to the Grace of GOD, where you are. May he be your Guide and Councellor, your Sanctifier and eternal Portion.

[Page 271]Oh, my dear Brother, flee fleshly Lusts, and the inchanting Amasements, as well as corrupt Doctrines of the present Day; and strive to live to GOD.

Take this as the last Line from

Your affectionate dying Brother, D. Brainerd.
*
Mr. Brainerd afterwards had greater Satisfaction concern­ing the State of his Brother's Soul, by much Opportunity [...] with him before his Death.
↵

No. 9. To a young Gentleman, a Candidate for the Work of the Ministry, for whom he had a special Friendship; also written at the same Time of his great Illness and nearness to Death in Boston.

Very dear Sir,

HOw amazing 'tis, that the Living, who know they must die, should notwithstanding put far away the evil Day, in a Season of Health and Prosperity; and live at such an awful Distance from a Familiarity with the Grave, and the great Concerns beyond it! And especially it may justly fill us with Surprize, that any whose Minds have been divinely enlight­ned, to behold the important Things of Eternity as they are, I say, that such should live in this Manner. And yet Sir, how frequently is this the Case! How rare are the Instances of those who live and act, from Day to Day, as on the Verge of Eternity ▪ striving to fill up all their remaining Moments, in the Service, and to the Honour of their great Master? We insensibly trifle▪ away Time, while we seem to have enough of it; and are so strangely amused, as in a great Measure to lose a Sense of the Holiness and blessed Qualifications necessary to prepare us to be Inhabitants of the heavenly Paradise. But Oh, dear Sir, a dying Bed, if we enjoy our Reason clearly, will give another View of Things. I have now, for more than three Weeks, lain under the greatest Degree of Weakness; the greater Part of the Time, expecting daily and hourly to enter into the eternal World: sometimes have been so far gone, as to be wholly Speechless, for some Hours together. And Oh, of what vast Importance has a holy spiritual Life appear'd to me to be in this Season! I have longed to call upon all my Friends, to make it their Business to live to GOD; and especially all that are designed for, or engaged in the Service of the Sanctuary. O dear Sir, don't think it enough, to live at the Rate of common Christians. Alas, to how little Purpose do they often converse, when they meet together! The Visits, even of those who are called Christians indeed, are frequently extreme barren: And [Page 272] Conscience can't but condemn us for the Misimprovement of Time, while we have been conversant with them. But the Way to enjoy the divine Presence, and be fitted for distinguish­ing Service for GOD, is to live a Life of great Devotion & constant Self-Dedication to him; observing the Motions and Dispositi­ons of our own Hearts, whence we may learn the Corruptions that lodge there, and our constant Need of Help from GOD for the Performance of the least Duty. And Oh, dear Sir, let me beseech you frequently to attend the great and precious Du­ties of secret Fasting and Prayer.

I have a secret Thought, from some Things I have observed, that GOD may perhaps design you for some singular Service in the World. Oh then labour to be prepared and qualified to do much for GOD. Read Mr. Edwards's Piece on the Af­fections, again and again; and labour to distinguish clearly upon Experiences & Affections in Religion, that you may make a Diffe­rence between the Gold & the shining Dress; I say, labour here, as ever you would be an useful Minister of Christ: For nothing has put such a Stop to the Work of God in the late Day as the false Religion, the wild Affections that attend it. Suffer me therefore, finally, to intreat you earnestly to give your self to Prayer, to Reading and Meditation on divine Truths: Strive to penetrate to the Bottom of them, and never be content with a superficial Knowledge. By this Means, your Thoughts will gradually grow weighty and judicious; and you hereby will be possessed of a valuable Treasure, out of which you may produce Things new and old, to the Glory of GOD.

And now, I commend you to the Grace of GOD; earnestly desiring, that a plentiful Portion of the divine Spirit may rest upon you; that you may live to GOD in every Capacity of Life, and do abundant Service for him in a publick, if it be his Will; and that you may be richly qualified for the Inheritance of the Saints in Light.

I scarce expect to see your Face any more in the Body; and therefore intreat you to accept this as the last Token of Love, from

Your sincerely affectionate dying Friend, David Brainerd.

P. S. I am now, at the dating of this Letter, considerably recovered from what I was when I wrote it; it having lain by me some Time, for want of an Opportunity of Conveyance; [Page 273] it was written in Boston— I am now able to ride a little, and so am removed into the Country: But I have no more Expectation of recovering, than when I wrote, tho' I am a little better for the present; and therefore I still subscribe my self,

Your dying Friend, &c. D. B.

No. 10. To his Brother John, at Bethel, the Town of Christian India [...]s in New-Jersey; written likewise at Boston, when he was there on the Brink of the Grave, in the Summer before his Death.

Dear Brother,

I Am now just on the Verge of Eternity, expecting very speedily to appear in the unseen World. I feel my self no more an Inhabitant of Earth, and sometimes earnestly long to depart and be with Christ. I bless God, he has for some Years given me an abiding Conviction, that it is impossible for any rational Creature to enjoy true Happiness without being entirely devoted to Him. Under the Influence of this Conviction I have in some Measure acted: Oh that I had done more so! I saw both the Excellency & Necessity of Holiness in Life; but never in such a Manner a [...] now, when I am just brought to the Sides of the Grave. Oh, my Brother, pursue after Holiness; press towards this blessed Mark; and let your thirsty Soul continu­ually say, I shall never be Satisfied 'till I awake in [...]y Likeness. Altho' there has been a great deal of Selfishness in any Views; of which I am ashamed, and for which my Soul is humbled at every View: Yet blessed be God, I find I have really had, for the most part, such a Concern for his Glory, and the Ad­vancement of his Kingdom in the World, that it is a Satisfaction to me to reflect upon these Years.

And now, my dear Brother, as I must press you to pursue after personal Holiness, to be as much in Fasting and Prayer as your Health will allow, and to live above the Rate of common Christians; so I must intreat you solemnly to attend to your publick Work: Labour to distinguish between true and false Religion: And to that End, watch the Motions of God's Spirit upon your own Heart; look to him for Help; and im­partially compare your Experiences with his Word. Read Mr. Edwards on the Affections, where the Essence and Soul of Re­ligion [Page 274] is clearly distinguish'd from false Affections. * Value religious Joys according to the Subject-Matter of them: There are many that rejoyce in their supposed Justification; but what do these Joys argue, but only that they love themselves? Whereas, in true spiritual Joys, the Soul rejoyces in GOD for what he is in himself; blesses God for his Holiness, Sovereignty, Power, Faithfulness, and all his Perfections; adores God, that he is what he is, that he is unchangeably possess'd of Infinite Glory and Happiness. Now, when Men thus rejoyce in the Perfec­tions of God, and in the infinite Excellency of the Way of Sal­vation by Christ, and in the holy Commands of God, which are a Transcript of his holy Nature, these Joys are divine and spi­ritual. Our Joys will stand by us at the Hour of Death, if we can be then satisfied, that we have thus acted above self, and [Page 275] in a disinterested Manner (if I may so express it) rejoyced [...] the Glory of the blessed GOD.— I fear, you are not suf­ficiently aware how much false Religion there is in the World: Many serious Christians and valuable Ministers are too easily imposed upon by this false Blaz [...]. I likewise f [...]ar, you are not sen­sible of the [...] Effects & Consequences o [...] this false Religion. Let me tell you, 'tis the Devil transformed into an Angel of Light; 'tis a Brat of Hell, that always springs up with every Revival of Religion, and stabs and murders the Cause of God, while it passes Current with Multitudes of well-meaning People for the Height of Religion. Set yourselves, my Brother, to crush all Appearances of this Nature, among the Indians, and never en­courage any Degrees of Heat without Light. Charge my Peo­ple in the Name of their dying Minister, yea, in the Name of Him who was dead and is alive, to live and walk as becom [...] the Gospel. Tell them, how great the Expectations of God and his People are from them, and how awfully they will wound God's Cause, if they fall into Vice; as well as fatally prejudice other poor Indians. Always insist, that their Experiences are rotten, that their Joys are delusive, altho' they may have been rapt up into the third Heavens in their own Conceit by them, unless the main Tenour of their Lives be spiritual, watchful, and holy. In pressing these Things, Thou shalt both save thy self, and those that hear thee?—

GOD knows, I was heartily willing to have served him longer in the Work of the Ministry, altho' it had still been attended with all the Labours and Hardships of past Years, if he had seen fit that it should be so: but as his Will now appears otherwise, I am fully content, and can with utmost Freedom say, The Will of the Lord be done. It affects me, to think of leaving you in a World of Sin: My Heart pities you, that those Storms and Tempests are yet before you, which I trust, through Grace I am almost delivered from. But God lives, and blessed be my Rock: He is the same almighty Friend; and will, I trust, be your Guide and Helper, as he has been mine.

And now, my dea [...] Brother, I commend you to GOD and to the Word of HIS Grace, which is able to build you up, and give you Inheritance among all them that are sanctified May you enjoy the divine Presence, both in private and publick; and may the Arms of your Hands be made strong, by the right Hand of the mighty God of Jacob. Which are the passionate Desires and Prayers of

Your affectionate, dying Brother, David Brainerd.
*
I had at first fully intended, in publishing this and the fore­going Letters, to have suppress'd those Passages wherein my Name is mention'd, and my Discourse on religious Af­fections recommended: And am sensible, that by my doing otherwise, I shall bring upon me the Reproach of some. But how much soever I may be pleased with the Commen­dation of any Performance of mine (and I confess, I esteem the Judgment and Approbation of such a Person as Mr. Brainerd, worthy to be valued, and look on my self at highly honoured by it) Yet I can truly say, the Things that governed me in altering my foremention'd Determi­nation, with Respect to these Passages, were these two. (1.) What M [...] Brainerd here says of that Discourse, shews very fully and particularly what his Notions were of ex­perimental Religion, and the Nature of true Piety, and now far he was from placing it in Impressions on the Ima­gination, or any enthusiastical Impulses, and how essential in Religion he esteem'd holy Practice, &c. &c. For all that have read that Discourse, know what Sentiments are there express'd concerning these Things, (2.) I judged, that the Approbation of so apparent and eminent a Friend and Example of inward vital Religion, and evangelical Piety in the Height of it, would probably tend to make that Book more Serviceable; especially among some Kinds of zealous Persons, whose Benefit was especially aim'd at in the Book; some of which are prejudiced against it, as written in too legal a Strain, and opposing some Things wherein the Height of Christian Experience con­sists, and tending to build Men up on their own Works.
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[Page 276]

AN APPENDIX. Containing some REFLECTIONS and OBSERVATIONS on the preceeding Memoirs of Mr. BRAINERD.

1. WE have here Opportunity, as I apprehended, in a very lively Instance, to see the Nature of true Religion; and the Manner of it's Operation when exemplified in a high Degree and powerful Exercise. Particularly it may be worthy to be observed:

1. How greatly Mr. Brainerd's Religion differed from that of some Pretenders to the Experience of a clear Work of saving Conversion wro't on their Hearts; who depending and living on that, settle in a cold, careless & carnal Frame of Mind, and in a Neglect of thorough, earnest Religion, in the stated Practice of it. Altho' his Convictions and Conversion were in all Res­pects exceeding clear, and very remarkable; yet how far was he from acting as tho' he thought he had got through his Work, when once he had obtained Comfort, and Satisfaction of his Interest in Christ, and Title to Heaven. On the contrary, that Work on his Heart, by which he was brought to this, was with him evidently but the Beginning of his Work, his first entring on the great Business of Religion and the Service of GOD, his first setting out in his Race. His obtaining Rest of Soul in Christ, after earnest striving to enter in at the strait Gate, and being violent to take the Kingdom of Heaven, he did not look upon as putting an End to any further Occasion for striv­ing and Violence in Religion; but these were continued still, and maintained constantly, through all Changes, to the very End of Life. His Work was not finished, nor his Race ended, 'till Life was ended; agreeable to frequent Scripture Representa­tions of the Christian Life. He continued pressing forward in a constant Manner, forgetting the Things that were behind, and teaching forth towards the Things that were before. His Pains and Earnestnes [...] in the Business of Religion were rather increas­ed, [Page 277] than diminished, after he had received Comfort and Satis­faction concerning the safety of his State. Those divine Prin­ciples, which after this he was actuated by, of Love to GOD, and Longings and Thirstings after Holiness, seem to be more effectual to engage him to Pains and Activity in Religion, than Fear of Hell had been before.

And as his Conversion was not the End of his Work, or of the Course of his Diligence and Strivings in Religion; so nei­ther was it the End of the Work of the Spirit of GOD on his Heart: But on the contrary, the Beginning of that Work; the Beginning of his spiritual Discoveries, and holy Views; the first Dawning of the Light, which thenceforward increased more and more; the Beginning of his holy Affections, his Sorrow for Sin, his Love to GOD, his Rejoycing in Christ Jesus, his Longings after Holiness. And the powerful Operations of the Spirit of God in these Things, were carried on, from the Day of his Conversion, in a continued Course, to his dying Day. His religious Experiences, his Admiration, his Joy, and Praise, and flowing Affections, did not only hold up to a considerable Height for a few Days, Weeks or Months, at first, while Hope and Comfort were new Things with him; and then gradually dwindle and die away, 'till they came to almost nothing, and so leave him without any sensible or remarkable Experience of spiritual Discoveries, or holy and divine Affections, for Months together; as it is with many, who after the Newness of Things is over, soon come to that pass, that it is again with 'em very much as it is used to be before their supposed Conversion, with Respect to any present Views of GOD's Glory, of Christ's Excel­lency, or of the Beauty of divine Things; and with Respect to any present Thirstings for GOD, or ardent Out-goings of their Souls after divine Objects: But only now and then they have a comfortable Reflection on Things they have met with in Times past, and are something affected with them; and so rest easy, thinking all Things are well; they have had a good clear Work, and their State is safe, and they doubt not but they shall go to Heaven when they die. How far otherwise was it with Mr. Brainerd, than it is with such Persons▪ His Experiences, in­stead of dying away, were evidently of an increasing Nature. His first Love and other holy Affection [...], even at the Beginning were very great; but after Months and Yea [...] ▪ became mu [...]h greater, and more remarkable; and the Spiritual Exercises [...] his Mind continued exceeding great (tho' not equally so at all Times, yet usually so) without indu [...]ged [...] [Page 278] habitual dwindling & dying away, even 'till his Decease. They began in a Time of general Deadness all over the Land, and were greatly increased in a Time of general Reviving of Religion. And when Religion decayed again, and a general Deadness returned, his Experiences were still kept up in their Height, and his holy Exercises maintained in their Life and Vigour; and so continued to be, in a general Course, wherever he was, and whatever his Circumstances were, among English and In­dians, in Company and alone, in Towns and Cities, and in the howling Wilderness, in Sickness and in Health, living and dying. This is agreeable to Scripture-Descriptions of true and right Re­ligion, and of the Christian Life. The Change, that was wrought in him at his Conversion, was agreeable to Scripture-Represen­tations of that Change which is wrought in true Conversion; a great Change and an abiding Change, rendring him a new Man, a new Creature: Not only a Change as to Hope and Comfort, and an Apprehension of his own good Estate; and a transient Change, consisting in high Flights, of passing Affections; but a Change of Nature, a Change of the abiding Habit and Temper of his Mind. Nor a partial Change, meerly in Poin [...] of Opinion, or outward Reformation; much less a Change from one Error to another, or from one Sin to another: but an univer [...]al Change, both internal and external; as from cor­rupt and dangerous Principles in Religion, unto the Belief of the Truth, so from both the Habits and Ways of Sin, unto uni­versal Holiness of Heart and Practice; from the Power and Service of Satan unto GOD.

2. His Religion did apparently and greatly differ from that of many high Pretenders to Religion, who are frequently ac­tuated by vehement Emotions of Mind, and are carried on in a Course of sudden and strong Impressions, and supposed high Illu­minations and immediate Discoveries, and at the same Time are Persons of a virulent Zeal, not according to Knowledge.

His Convictions, proceeding his Conversion, did not arise from any frightful Impressions on his Imagination, or any external Images and Ideas of Fire and Brimstone, a Sword of Vengeance drawn, a dark Pit open, Devils in terrible Shapes, &c. strongly fix'd in his Mind. His Sight of his own Sinfulness did not con­sist in any Imagination of a heap of loathsom material Filthines [...] within him▪ nor did his Sense of the Hardness of his Heart consist in any bodily feeling in his Breast something hard and heavy like a Stone, nor in any Imaginations whatever of such a Nature.

[Page 279]His first Discovery of God or Christ, at his Conversion, was not any strong Idea of any external Glory or Brightness, or Majesty and Beauty of Countenance, or pleasant Voice; nor was it any supposed immediate Manifestation of God's Love to him in particular; nor any Imagination of Christ's smiling Face, Arms open, or Words immediately spoken to him, as by Name, revealing Christ's Love to him; either Words of Scripture, or any other: But a Manifestation of God's Glory, and the Beauty of his Nature, as supremely excellent in it self; powerfully drawing▪ and sweetly captivating his Heart; bringing him to a hearty Desire to exalt God, set him on the Throne, and give him supreme Honour and Glory, as the King and Sovereign of the Universe; and also a new Sense of the infinite Wisdom, Suitableness and Excellency of the Way of Salvation by Christ; powerfully engaging his whole Soul to embrace this Way of Salvation, and to delight in it. His first Faith did not consist in believing that Christ loved him, and died for him, in particular. His first Comfort was not from any secret Sug­gestion of God's Eternal Love to him, or that God was recon­ciled to him or intended great Mercy for him; by any such Texts as those, Son, be of good Chear, thy Sins are forgiven thee▪ Fear not, I am thy God, &c. or in any such Way. On the contrary, when GOD's Glory was first discovered to him, it was without any Thought of Salvation as his own. His first Experience of the sanctifying & comforting Power of GOD's Spirit did not begin in some bodily Sensation, any pleasant warm Feeling in his Breast, that he (as some others) called the Feeling the Love of Christ in him, and being full of the Spirit. How exceeding far were his Experiences at his first Conversion from Things of such a Nature!

And if we look thro' the whole Series of his Experiences, from his Conversion to his Death, we shall find none of this Kind. I have had Occasion to read his Diary over and over, and very particularly and critically to review every Passage in it; and I find no one Instance of a strong Impression on his Ima­gination, through his whole Life: No Instance of a strongly impress'd Idea of any external Glory and Brightness, of any bodily Form or Shape, any beautiful Majestick Countenance: No imaginary Sight of Christ hanging on the Cross, with his Blood streaming from his Wounds; or seated in Heaven on a bright Throne, with Angels and Saints bowing before him; or with a Countenance smiling on him; or Arms open to embrace him: No Sight of Heaven, in his Imagination, with Gates of [Page 280] Pearl, and Golden Streets, and vast Multitudes of glorious In­habitants, with shining Garments; No Sight of the Book of Life opened, with his Name written in it: No hearing of the sweet Musick made by the Songs of heavenly Hosts; No hear­ing God or Christ immediately speaking to him; nor any sud­den Suggestions of Words or Sentences, either Words of Scripture, or any other, as then immediately spoken or sent to him: No new objective Revelations, no sudden strong Sug­gestions of secret Facts. Nor do I find any one Instance in all the Records he has left of his own Life, from Beginning to End, of Joy excited from a supposed immediate Witness of the Spirit; or inward immediate Suggestion, that his State was surely good, that God loved him with an everlasting Love, that Christ died for him in particular, and that Heaven was his; either with or without a Text of Scripture: No Instance of Comfort by a sudden bearing in upon his Mind, as tho' at that very Time directed by God to him in particular, any such kind of Texts as those; Fear not, I am with thee; — It is your Father's good Pleasure to give you the Kingdom; — You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you; — I have called thee by thy Name, thou art mine; — Before thou wast formed in the Belly, I knew thee, &c. No supposed Communion & Conversation with GOD carried on in this Way; no such supposed Tasting of the Love of Christ. But the Way [...]e was satisfied of his own good Estate, even to the entire abolishing of Fear, was by Feeling within himself the lively actings of a holy Temper and heavenly Dis­position, the vigorous Exercises of that divine Love, which casts out Fear: This was the Way he had full Satisfaction soon af­ter his Conversion (see his Diary on Octob. 18 & 19. 1740.) And we find no other Way of Satisfaction through his whole Life afterwards: And this he abundantly declared to be the Way, the only Way, that he had complete Satisfaction, when he looked Death in the Face, in it's near Approaches.

Some of the Pretenders to an immediate Witness by Suggesti­on, and Defenders of it, with an assuming Confidence, would bear us in Hand, that there is no full Assurance without it; and that the Way of being satisfied by Signs, and arguing an Inter [...]st in Christ from Sanctification, if it will keep Men qui­et in Life and Health, yet will never do when they come to die: Then (they say) Men must have immediate Witness, or else be in a dreadful Uncertainty. But Mr. Brainerd's Experi­ence is a Confutation of this; for in him we have an Instance of one that possess'd as constant and unshaken an Assurance, [Page 281] thro' the Course of his Life, after Conversion, as perhaps can be produced in this Age; which yet he obtain'd and enjoy'd without any such Sort of Testimony, and without all Manner of Appearance of it, or Pretence to it; yea, while utterly disclaim­ing any such Thing, and declaring against it: And one whose Assurance, we need not scruple to affirm, has as fair a Claim, and as just a Pretension to Truth and Genuineness, as any that the Pretenders to immediate Witness can produce: And not only an Instance of one that had such Assurance in Life, but had it in a constant Manner in his last Illness; and particularly in the latter Stages of it, through those last Months of his Life, wherein Death was more sensibly approaching, without the least Hope of Life: And had it too in it's Fulness, and in the Height of it' [...] Exercise, under those repeated Trials, that he had in this Space of Time; when brought from Time to Time to the very Brink of the Grave, expecting in a few Minutes to be in Eternity. He had the full Assurance of Hope, unto the End. When on the Verge of Eternity, he then declares his Assurance to be such as perfectly secluded all Fear; and not only so, but it manifestly fill'd his Soul with exceeding Joy: He declaring at the same Time, that this his Consolation and good Hope thro' Grace arose wholly from the Evidence he had of his good Estate, by what he found of his Sanctification, or the Exercise of a holy heavenly Temper of Mind, supreme Love to God, &c. and not in the least from any immediate Witness by Suggestion: Yea, he declares that at these very Times he saw the awful Delusion of that Confidence which is built on such a Foundation, as well as of the whole of that Religion which it usually springs from, or at least is the Attendant of; and that his Soul abhor'd those Delusions: And he continued in this Mind, often expressing it with much Solemnity, even 'till Death.

Mr. Brainerd's Religion was not selfish and mercenary: His Love to God was primarily and principally for the supreme Excellency of his own Nature, and not built on a preconceived Notion that God loved him, had received him into Favour, and had done great Things for him, or promised great Things to him: So his Joy was Joy in God, and not in himself. We see by his Diary how, from Time to Time, through the Course of his Life, his Soul was fill'd with ineffable Sweetness and Comfort. But what was the Spring of this strong and abiding Conso­lation? Not so much the Consideration of the sure Grounds he had to think that his State was good, that God had delivered [Page 282] him from Hell, and that Heaven was his; or any Thoughts concerning his own distinguished happy and exalted Circum­stances, as a high Favourite of Heaven: But the sweet Medi­tations and entertaining Views he had of divine Things without himself; the affecting Considerations and lively Ideas of God's infinite Glory, his unchangeable Blessedness, his Sovereignty and universal Dominion; together with the sweet Exercises of Love to GOD, giving himself up to him, abasing himself be­fore him, denying himself for him, depending upon him, acting for his Glory, diligently serving him; and the pleasing Pros­pects or Hopes he had of a future Advancement of the King­dom of Christ, &c.

It appears plainly and abundantly all along, from his Conver­sion to his Death, that that Beauty, that Sort of Good, which was the great Object of the new Sense of his Mind, the new Relish and Appetite given him in Conversion, and thencefor­ward maintained and increased in his Heart, was HOLINESS, Conform [...]ty to God, living to God, and glorifying Him. This was what drew his Heart; this was the Center of his Soul; this was the Ocean to which all the Streams of his religious Affec­tions tended: This was the Object that engaged his eager thirsting Desires and earnest Pursuits: He knew no true Excel­lency or Happiness, but this: This was what he longed for most vehemently and constantly on Earth; and this was with him the Beauty and Blessedness of Heaven; which made him so much and so often to long for that World of Glory; it was to be perfectly holy, and perfectly exercised in the holy Employ­ments of Heaven; thus to glorify God and enjoy him forever.

His religious Illuminations, Affections and Comfort seem'd, to a great Degree, to be attended with Evangelical Humiliation; consisting in a Sense of his own utter Insufficiency, Despicable­ness and Odiousness; with an answerable Disposition and Frame of Heart. How deeply affected was he almost continually with his great Defects in Religion; with his vast Distance from that Spirituality and holy Frame of Mind that became him; with his Ignorance, Pride, Deadness, Unsteadiness, Barrenness? He was not only affected with the Remembrance of his former Sinfulness, before his Conversion, but with the Sense of his pres [...]t Vilenes and Po [...]lution. He was not only disposed to think meanly of himself as before God, and in Comparison of him; but amongst Men, and as compared with them: He was [...] to think other Saints better than he; yea, to look on himself as the meanest and cast of Saints; yea, very often, as the [Page 283] vilest and worst of Mankind. And notwithstanding his great Attainments in spiritual Knowledge, yet we find there is scarce any Thing that he is more frequently affected and abased with a Sense of, than his Ignorance.

How eminently did he appear to be of a meek and quiet Spirit, resembling the Lamb-like, Dove-like Spirit of Jesus Christ! How full of Love, Meekness, Quietness, Forgiveness and Mercy! His Love was not meerly a Fondness and Zeal for a Party, but an universal Benevolence; very often exercised in the most sensible and ardent Love to his greatest Opposers and Enemies. His Love and Meekness were not a meer Pretence, and out­ward Profession and Shew; but they were effectual Things, manifested in expensive and painful Deeds of Love and Kind­ness; and in a meek Behaviour; readily confessing Faults under the greatest Trials, and humbling himself even at the Feet of those from whom he supposed he had suffered most; and from Time to Time, very frequently praying for his Enemies, ab­horring the Thoughts of Bitterness or Resentment towards them. I scarcely know where to look for any parallel Instance of Self-denial, in these Respects, in the present Age. He was a Person of great Zeal; but how did he abhor a bitter Zeal, and lament it where he saw it! And tho' he was once drawn into some Degrees of it, by the Force of prevailing Example, as it were in his Childhood; yet how did he go about with a Heart bruised and broken in Pieces for it all his Life after!

Of how soft and tender a Spirit was he! How far were his Experiences, Hopes, and Joys from a Tendency finally to stupi­fy and harden him, to lessen Convictions and Tenderness of Conscience, to cause him to be less affected with present and past Sins, and less conscientious with Respect to future Sins, more easy in the Neglect of Duties that are troublesome and inconvenient, more slow and partial in complying with difficult Commands, less apt to be alarmed at the Appearance of his own Defects and Transgressions, more easily induced to a Com­pliance with carnal Appetites! On the contrary, how tender was his Conscience! How apt was his Heart to smite him! How easily and greatly was he alarmed at the Appearance of moral Evil! How great and constant was his Jealousy over his own [...]! How strict his Care and Watchfulness against Sin! How deep and sensible were the Wounds that Sin made in his Conscience! Those Evils that are generally accounted small, were almost an insupportable Burden to him; such as his inward Deficiencies, his having no more Love to GOD, find­ing [Page 284] within himself any slackness or dulness in Religion, any Unsteadiness, or wandring Frame of Mind, &c. How did the Consideration of such Things as these oppress and abase him, and fill him with inward Shame and Confusion! His Love and Hope, tho' they were such as cast out a servile Fear of Hell, yet they were such as were attended with, and abundantly che­rish'd and promoted a reverential filial Fear of GOD, a Dread of Sin and of God's holy Displeasure. His Joy seem'd truly to be a rejoicing with Trembling. His Assurance and Com­fort differed greatly from a false enthusiastick Confidence and Joy, in that it promoted and maintained Mourning for Sin: holy mourning, with him, was not only the Work of an Hour or a Day, at his first Conversion; but Sorrow for Sin was like a Wound constantly running: He was a Mourner for Sin all his Days. He did not, after he received Comfort and full Satis­faction of the Forgiveness of all his Sins, and the Safety of his State, forget his past Sins, the Sins of his Youth, that were committed before his Conversion; but the Remembrance of them, from Time to Time, reviv'd in his Heart, with renew­ed Grief. That in Ezek xvi.63. was evidently fulfil'd in him, That thou mayst remember, and be confounded, and never open thy Mouth any more, because of thy Shame; when I am pacified toward thee for all that thou hast done. And how lastingly did the Sins that he committed after his Conversion, affect and break his Heart! If he did any Thing whereby he thought he had in any Respect dishonoured GOD, and wounded the Interest of Religion, he had never done with calling it to Mind with Sorrow and Bitterness: Tho' he was assured that GOD had forgiven it, yet he never forgave himself: His past Sorrows and Fears made no Satisfaction, with him; but still the Wound renews and bleeds afresh, again and again. And his present Sins, that he daily found in himself, were an Occasion of daily sensible and deep Sorrow of Heart.

His Religion did not consist in una [...]countable Flights and vehement Pangs; suddenly rising, and suddenly falling; at some Turns exalted almost to the third Heavens, and then at other Turns negligent, vain, carnal, and swallowed up with the World; for Days and Weeks, if not Months together. His Religion was not like a blazing Meteor, or like a flaming Comet, (or a wandring Star, as the Apostle Jude calls it, ver. 13.) flying thro' the Firmament with a bright Train; & then quickly going out in perfect Darkness: But more like the steady Lights of Hea­ven; that are constant Principles of Light, tho' sometimes hid [Page 285] with Clouds. Nor like a Land-Flood, which flows far and wide, with a rapid Stream, bearing down all afore it, and then dried up; but more like a Stream fed by living Springs; which tho' sometimes increased by Showers, and at other Times di­minished by Drought, yet is a constant Stream.

His religious Affections and Joys were not like those of some, who have Rapture and mighty Emotions from Time to Time in Company; but have very little Affection in Retirement and secret Places. Tho' he was of a very sociable Temper, and loved the Company of Saints, and delighted very much in religi­ous Conversation and in social Worship; yet his warmest Af­fections and their greatest Effects on animal Nature, and his sweetest Joys, were in his Closet-Devotions, and solitary Trans­actions between GOD and his own Soul; as is very observable thro' his whole Course, from his Conversion to his Death. He delighted greatly in sacred Retirements; and loved to get quite away from all the World, to converse with GOD alone, in secret Duties.

Mr. Brainerd's Experiences and Comforts were very far from being like those of some Persons, which are attended with a spiritual Satiety, and put an End to their religious Desires and Longings, at least to the [...] and Ardency of them; resting sati [...]fied in their own Attainments and Comforts, as having ob­tained their chief End, which is to extinguish their Fears of Hell, and give 'em Confidence of the Favour of GOD. How far were his religious Aff [...]ctions, Refreshments, & Satisfactions, from such an Operation and Influence as this! On the contra­ry, how were they always attended with Longings and Thirst­ings after greater Degrees of Conformity to GOD! And the greater and sweeter his Comforts were, the more vehement were his Desires after Holiness. For 'tis to be observed, that his Longings were not so much after joyful Discoveries of God's Love and clear Views of his Title to future Advancement and eternal Honours in Heaven; as after more of present Holiness, greater Spirituality, an Heart more engaged for GOD, to love and exalt and depend on him, an Ability better to serve him, to do more for his Glory, and to do all that he did with more of a Regard to Christ as his Righteousness and Strength; and after the Enlargement and Advancement of Christ's Kingdom in the Earth. And his Desires were not idle wishings and wouldings, but such as were powerful and effectual, to ani­mate him to the earnest, eager pursuit of these Things, with utmost Diligence and unfainting Labour and Self-denial. His [Page 286] Comforts never put an End to his seeking after GOD, and striving to obtain his Grace; but on the contrary, greatly en­gaged and enlarged him therein.

His Religion did not consist only in Experience, without Prac­tice. All his inward Illuminations, Affections and Comforts seem'd to have a direct Tendency to Practice, and to issue in it: And this, not meerly a Practice negatively good, free from gross Acts of Irreligion and Immorality: But a Practice posi­tively Holy and Christian, in a serious, devout, humble, meek, merciful, charitable, and beneficent Conversation; making the Service of GOD, and our Lord Jesus Christ, the great Bu­siness of Life, which he was devoted to, and pursued with the greatest Earnestness and Diligence to the End of his Days, thro' all Trials. In him was to be seen the right Way of be­ing lively in Religion: His Liveliness in Religion did not consist meerly or mainly in his being lively with the Tongue, but in Deed; not in being forward in Profession and outward Shew, and abundant in declaring his own Experiences; but chiefly in being active and abundant in the Labours & Duties of Religion; not slothful in Business, but fervent in Spirit, serving the Lord, and serving his Generation, according to the Will of God.

By these Things, many high Pretenders to Religion, and Pro­fessors of extraordinary spiritual Experience, may be sensible, that Mr. Brainerd did greatly condemn their kind of Religion; and that not only in Word, but by Example, both living and dy­ing; as the whole Series of his Christian Experience and Prac­tice, from his Conversion to his Death, appears a constant Con­demnation of it.

It can't be objected, that the Reason why he so much disliked the Religion of these Pretenders, and why his own so much dif­fered from it, was, that his Experiences were not clear. There is no Room to say, they were otherwise, in any Respect, in which Clearness of Experience has been wont to be insisted on; whether it be the Clearness of their Nature, or of their Order, and the Method his Soul was at first brought to Rest and Com­fort in his Conversion. I am far from thinking (and so was he) that Clearness of the Order of Experience is, in any Mea­sure, of equal Importance with the Clearness of their Nature: I have sufficiently declared in my Discourse on Religious Affecti­ons (which he expresly approved of and recommended) that I don't suppose, a sensible Distinctness of the Steps of the Spirit's Operation and Method of successive Convictions and Illumina­tions, is a necessary Requisite to Persons being received in full [Page 287] Charity, as true Saints; provided the Nature of the Things they profess, be right, and their Practice agreeable. Neverthe­less, 'tis observable, (which cuts off all Objection from such as would be most unreasonably disposed to object and [...]avil in the present Case) So it was, that Mr. Brainerd's Experiences were not only clear in the latter Respect, but remarkably so in the former: So that there is not perhaps one Instance in five Hun­dred true Converts, that on this Account can be parallel'd with him.

It can't be pretended, that the Reason why he so much ab­hor'd and condemned the Notions and Experiences of those whose first Faith consists in believing that Christ is theirs, and that Christ died for them; without any previous Experience of Union of Heart to him, for his Excellency, as he is in himself, and not for his supposed Love to them; and who judge of their Interest in Christ, their Justification, and GOD's Love to them, not by their Sanctification and the Exercises and Fruits of Grace, but by a supposed immediate Witness of the Spirit, by inward Suggestion; I say, it can't be pretended, that the Rea­son why he so much detested and condemned such Opinions and Experiences, was, that he was of a too legal Spirit; either that he never was dead to the Law, never experienced a thoro' Work of Conviction, was never fully brought off from his own Righteousness, and wean'd from the old Covenant, by a thorough legal Humiliation; or that afterwards, he had no great De­gree of evangelical Humiliation, not living in a deep Sense of his own Emptiness, Wretchedness, Poverty, and absolute De­pendance on the meer Grace of GOD through Christ. For his Convictions of Sin, preceeding his first Consolations in Christ, were exceeding deep and thorough; his Trouble and Exercise of Mind, by a Sense of Sin and Misery, very great and long continued; & the Light let into his Mind at his Conversion and in progressive Sanctification, appears to have had its genuine humbling Influence upon him, to have kept him low in his own Eyes, not confiding in himself, but in Christ, living by the Faith of the Son of GOD, and looking for the Mercy of the Lord Jesus to eternal Life.

Nor can it be pretended, that the Reason why he condemned those, and other Things, which this Sort of People call the very Height of vital Religion and the Power of Godliness, was, that he was a dead Christian, and lived in the Dark (as they express themselves) that his Experiences, tho' they might be true, were not great; that he did not live near to GOD, had but a [Page 288] small Acquaintance with him, and had but a dim Sight of spi­ritual Things. If any, after they have read the preceeding Account of Mr. Brainerd's Life, will venture to pretend thus, they will only shew that they themselves are in the Dark, and do indeed put Darkness for Light, and Light for Darkness.

'Tis common with this Sort of People, if there is any one whom they can't deny to exhibit good Evidences of true God­liness, who yet appears to dislike their Notions, & condemn those Things wherein they place the Height of Religion, to insinuate, that they are afraid of the Cross, and have a Mind to curry Fa­vour with the World, and the like. But I presume, this will not be pretended concerning Mr. Brainerd, by any one Person that has read the preceeding Account of his Life. It must needs appear a Thing notorious to such, that he was an extraordinary, and almost unparallel'd Instance (in these Times and these Parts of the World) of the contrary Disposition: and th [...], whether we consider what he has recorded of his inward Ex­perience, from Time to Time; or his Practice, how he in Fact took up and embraced the Cross, and bore it constantly, in his great Self-Denials, Labours, and Sufferings for the Name of Jesus, and went on without fainting, without repenting, or repining, to his dying Illness: How he did not only, from Time to Time, relinquish and renounce the World secretly, in his Heart, with the full and fervent Consent of all the Powers of his Soul; but openly and actually forsook the World, with it's Possessions, Delights, and common Comforts, to dwell as it were with wild Beasts, in a howling Wilderness; with con­stant Chearfulness, complying with the numerous Hardships of a Life of Toil and Travel there, to promote the Kingdom of his dear Redeemer. And besides, it appears by the preceed­ing History, that he never did more condemn the Things fore­mention'd, never had a greater Sense of their Delusion, per­nicious Nature, and ill Tendency, and never was more full of Pity to those that are led away with them, than in his last Illness, and at Times when he had the nearest Prospect of Death, supposed himself to be on the very Brink of Eternity, and looked on all this lower World as what he never should have any Thing more to do with. Surely he did not condemn those Things at these Seasons, only to curry Favour with the World.

Besides what has been already related of Mr. Brainerd's Sen­timents in his dying State concerning true and false Religion, we have his deliberate and solemn Tho'ts on this Subject, fur­ther appearing by his Preface to Mr. Shepard's Diary, before [Page 289] mentioned; which, when he wrote it, he supposed to be (as it proved) one of the last Things he should ever write. I shall here insert a Part of that Preface, as follows.

‘How much Stress is laid by many upon some Things as being Effects and Evidences of exalted Degrees of Religion, when they are so far from being of any Importance in it, that they are really irreligious, a Mixture of Self-Love, Ima­gination, and spiritual Pride, or perhaps the Influence of Satan transformed into an Angel of Light; I say, how much Stress is laid on these Things by many, I shall not determine: But 'tis much to be fear'd, that while GOD was carrying on a glorious Work of Grace, and undoubtedly gathering a Harvest of Souls to himself (which we should always re­member with Thankfulness) Numbers of others have at the same Time been fatally deluded by the Devices of the Devil, and their own corrupt Hearts. It is to be fear'd, that the Conversions of some have no better Foundation than this; viz. That after they have been under some Concern for their Souls for a while, and it may be manifested some very great and uncommon Distress and Agonies, they have on a sudden imagined they saw CHRIST, in some Posture or other; perhaps on the Cross, bleeding and dying for their Sins; or it may be, smiling on them, and thereby signify­ing his Love to them: And that these and the like Things, tho' meer Imaginations, which have nothing Spiritual in them, have instantly removed all their Fears and Distresses, fill'd them with Raptures of Joy, and made them imagine, that they loved Christ with all their Hearts; when the Bot­tom of all was Nothing but Self- [...]. For when they ima­gined that Christ had been so good to them as to save them, and as it were to single them out of all the World, they could not but feel some kind of natural Gratitude to him; altho' they never had any spiritual View of his divine Glory, Excellency and Beauty, and consequently never had any Love to him for himself. Or that instead of having some such imaginary View of Christ as has been mention'd, in order to remove their Distress and give them Joy, some having had a Passage, or perhaps many Passages of Scripture brought to their Minds with Power (as they express it) such as that, Son, be of good Chear, thy Sins are forgiven thee, and the like, they have immediately applied these Passages to themselves, supposing that God hereby manifested his peculiar Favour to them, as if mention'd by Name: Never [Page 290] considering, that they are now giving H [...]d to new Reve­lations; there being no such Thing reveal'd in the Word of God, as that this or that particular Person has, or ever shall have his Sins forgiven; nor yet remembring, that Sa­tan can, with a great deal of seeming Pertinency (and per­haps also with considerable Power) bring Scripture to the Minds of Men, as he did to Christ himsel [...]. And thus th [...]se rejoyce upon having some Scripture suddenly suggested to them, or impress'd upon their Minds, supposing they are now the Children of God, just as did the other upon their imaginary Views of Christ. And 'tis said, that some speak of seeing a great Light, which fill'd all the Place where they were, and dispel'd all their Darkness, Fears and Distresses, and almost ravish'd their Souls. While others have had it warmly suggested to their Minds, not by any Passage of Scripture, but as it were by a Whisper or Voice from Hea­ven, That God loves them, that Christ is theirs, &c. which groundless Imaginations and Suggestion [...] of [...] have had the same Effect upon them, that the Delusions before men­tion'd had on the others.—And [...] is the Conversion of this Sort of Persons, so are their After-Experience [...]; the whole being built upon Imagination, strong Impression, and sudden Suggestions made to their Minds: Whence they are usually extreme confident (as if immediately informed from God) not only of the Goodness of their own State, but of their infallible Knowledge, and absolute Certainty, of the Truth of every Thing they pretend to, under the No­tion of Religion; and thus all Reasoning with some of them is utterly excluded.’

‘But 'tis remarkable of these, that they are extremely defi­cient in Regard of true Poverty of Spirit, Sense of exceeding Vileness in themselves, such as frequently makes truly gra­cious Souls to gr [...]n, being burden'd; as also in Regard of Meekness, Love and Gentleness towards Mankind, Ten­derness of Conscience in their ordinary Affairs and Dealings in the World. And 'tis rare to see 'em deeply concerned about the Principles and Ends of their Actions, and under Fears lest they should not eye the Glory of God chiefly, but live to themselves; or this at least is the Case in their ordinary Conduct, whether civil or religious. But if any one of their particular N [...]tion [...], which their Zeal has espoused, [...]e attack'd, they are then so conscientious, they must born, if call'd to it, for the Defence of it. Yet, at the same Time, [Page 291] when they are so extremely def [...]cient in Regard of th [...]se preci­ous divine Tempers which have been mention'd, they are usually full of Zeal, Concern and Fervency in the Things of Religion, and often discourse of them with much Warmth and Engagement: And to those who don't know, or don't consider, wherein the Essence of true Religion consists, viz. in being conformed to the Image of Christ, not in Point of Zeal and Fervency only, but in all divine Tempers and Practices; I say, to those who don't duly observe and dis­tinguish, they often appear like the best of Men.’

'Tis common with this Sort of People to say, that God is [...] them, his Spirit accompanies their Exhortations and other Ad­ministrations, and they are seal'd by the holy Ghost, in the remarka­ble Success they have, in the great Affections that are stirred up in God's People &c. but to insinuate, on the contrary▪ that he is not with their Oppone [...]; and particularly, that God has [...] Ministry; and that the Time is come, when i [...] is the Will of God that they should be put down, and that God's People should forsake [...]; and that [...] more Success is to be [...] to attend their Administration [...].—But where can they find an instance, among all their most flaming Ex [...]rters, who has been sealed with so uncon [...]stible and wonderful Success of his La­bours, as Mr. Brainerd, not only in quickening and comforting God's Children, but also in a Work of Conviction and Con­version (which they own has in a great Measure ceased for a long Time among themselves) with a most visible and asto­nishing Manifestation of God's Power, on Subjects so unpre­pared, and that had been brought up and lived, some of them to old Age, in the deepest Prejudices against the very first Prin­ciples of Christianity; the divine Power accompanying his Labours, producing the most remarkable and abiding Change, turning the Wilderness into a fruitful Field, and causing that which was a D [...]sart indeed to bud and blossom as the Rose▪ And this altho' he was not only one of their greatest Opponents in their Errors; but also one of those they call the standing Mi­nistry; first examined and licensed to preach by such Ministers, and sent forth among the Heathen by such Ministers; and af­terwards ordained by such Ministers; always directed by them, and united with them in their Consistories, and Administrations; and even abhorring the Practice of those who give out, that they ought to be renounced and separated from, and that Teachers may be ordained by Lay-Men.

[Page 292]It cannot be pretended by these Men, that Mr. Brainerd condemned their Religion, only because he was not acquainted with them, and had not Opportunity for full Observation of the Nature, Operation & Tendency of their Experiences: For he had abundant and peculiar Opportunities of such Observation and Acquaintance: He lived through the late extraordinary Time of religious Commotion, and saw the Beginning and End, the Good and the Bad of it: He had Opportunity to see the vari­ous Operations and Effects, that were wrought in this Season, more extensively, than any Person I know of: His native Place was about the middle of Connecticut; and he was much con­versant in all Parts of that Colony: He was conversant in the Eastern Parts of it, after the Religion, which he condemned, began much to prevail there: He was conversant with the zealous People on Long-Island, from one End of the Island to the other; and also in New-Jersey, and Pennsylvania; with Peo­ple of various Nations: He had some special Opportunities in some Places in this Province ( Massachusetts-Bay) where has been very much of this Sort of Religion, and at a Time when it gre [...]tly prevailed: He had conversed & disputed with Abun­dance of this Kind of People in various Parts, as he told me; and also informed me, that he had seen something of the same Appearances in some of the Indians, whom he had preached to, and had Opportunity to see the Beginning and End of them. And besides, Mr. Brainerd could speak more feelingly and un­derstandingly concerning these Things, because there was once a Time when he was drawn away into an Esteem of them, and for a short Season had united himself to this Kind of People, and partook, in some Respects, of their Spirit and Behaviour.

But I proceed to another Observation on the foregoing Memoirs.

II. This History of Mr. Brainerd's may help us to make Distinctions among the high religious Affections, and remarkable Impressions made on the Minds of Persons, in a Time of great Awakening, and Revival of Religion; and may convince us, that there are not only Distinctions in Theory, invented to save the Credit of pretended Revivals of Religion, and what is called the Experience of the Operations of the Spirit; but Distinctions that do actually take Place in the Course of Events, and have a real and evident Foundation in Fact.

Many do and will confound Things, blend all together, and say, 'Tis all alike; 'tis all of the same Sort. So there are many [Page 293] that say concerning the Religion most generally prevailing among the Separatists, and the Affections they manifest, 'Tis the same that was all over the Land seven Years ago. And some that have read Mr. Brainerd's Journal, giving an Account of the extraordinary Things that have come to pass among the Indians in New-Jersey, say, 'Tis evidently the same Thing that appeared in many Places amongst the English, which has now proved naught, and come to that which is worse than nothing. And all the Reason they have thus to determine all to be the same Work, and the same Spirit, is, that the one manifested high Affections, and so do the other; the great Affections of the one had some Influence on their Bodies, and so have the other; the one use the Terms Conviction, Conversion, Humiliation, Coming to Christ, Discoveries, Experiences, &c. and so do the other; the Impressions on the one are attended with a great deal of Zeal, and so it in with the other; the Affections of the one dispose 'em to speak much about Things of Religion, and so do the other; the one delight much in religious Meetings, and so do the other.— The Agreement, that appears in these, and such like Things, make 'em conclude, that surely all is alike, all is the same Work. Whereas, on a closer Inspection & critical Examination, it would appear, that notwithstanding an Agreement in such Circum­stances, yet indeed there is a vast Difference, both in Essence and Fruits. A considerable Part of the religious Operations, that were six or seven Years ago, especially towards the latter Part of that extraordinary Season, was doubtless of the same Sort with the Religion of the Separatists; but not all: There were many, whose Experiences were, like Mr. Brainerd's, in a Judg­ment of Charity, genuine and incontestible.

Not only do the Opposers of all Religion consisting in power­ful Operations and Affections, thus confound Things; but many of the Pretenders to such Religion do so. They that have been the Subjects of some sort of vehement, but vain Operations on their Mind, when they hear the Relation of the Experi­ences of some real and eminent Christians, they say, Their Ex­periences are of the same sort: So they say, they are just like the Experiences of eminent Christians in former Times, which we have printed Accounts of. So, I doubt not, but there are many deluded People, if they should read the preceeding Ac­count of Mr. Brainerd's Life, who reading without much Un­derstanding, or careful Observati [...], would say, without Hesi­tation, that some Things which they have met with, are of the very same Kind with what he expresses: When the Agreement [Page 294] is only in some general Circumstances, or some particular Things that are superficial, and belonging as it were to the Profession and Out-side of Religion; but the inward Temper of Mind and the Fruits in Practice, are as opposite and distant as East and West.

Many honest good People also, and true Christians, don't very well know how to make a Difference. The glistering Appear­ance and glaring Show of false Religion dazzles their Eyes; and they sometimes are so deluded by it, that they look on some of these Impressions, which Hypocrites tell of, as the brightest Experiences. And tho' they have experienced no such Things themselves, they think, it is because they are vastly lower in Attainments, and but Babes, in Comparison of these flaming Christians. Yes, sometimes from their differing so much from those who make so great a Show, they doubt whe­ther they have any Grace at all. And it is a hard Thing, to bring many well-meaning People to make proper Distinctions in this Case; and especially to maintain and stand by 'em; through a certain Weakness they unhapply labour of, whereby they are liable to be overcome with the Glare of outward Appearances. Thus, if in a sedate Hour they are by Reasoning brought to allow such and such Distinctions, yet the next Time they come in the Way of the great Show of false Religion, the dazzling Appearance swallows them up, and they are carried away. Thus the Devil, by his cunning Artifices, easily dazzles the feeble Sight of Men, and puts 'em beyond a Capacity of a proper Exercise of Consideration, or hearkning to the Dictates of calm Thought & cool Understand­ing. When they perceive the great Affection, earnest Talk, strong Voice, assured Looks, vast Confidence, and bold Asserti­ons, of these empty assuming Pretenders, they are over-born, lose the Possession of their Judgment, and say, Surely these Men are in the Right, God is with 'em of a Truth: and so they are carried away, not with Light and Reason, but (like Chil­dren) as it were with a strong Wind.

This confounding all Things together, that have a fair Shew, is but acting the Part of a Child, that going into a Shop, where a variety of Wares are exposed to Sale (all of a shining Ap­pearance; some Vessels of Gold and Silver, and some Diamonds and other precious Stones; and other Things that are Toys of little Value; which are of some base Metal gilt, or Glass po­lished, and painted with curious Colours, or cut like Diamonds) should esteem all alike, and give as great a Price for the vile as [Page 295] for the precious: Or 'tis like the Conduct of some unskilful rash Person, who finding himself deceived by some of the Wares he had bought at that Shop, should at once conclude, all he there saw was of no Value; and pursuant to such a Conclusion, when afterwards he has true Gold and Diamonds offered him, enough to enrich him and enable him to live like a Prince all his Days, he should throw it all into the Sea.

But we must get into another Way. The want of distin­guishing in Things that appertain to experimental Religion, is one of the chief Miseries of the professing World. 'Tis at­tended with very many most dismal Consequences: Multi­tudes of Souls are fatally deluded about themselves, and their own State; and so are eternally undone: Hypocrites are con­firmed in their Delusions, and exceedingly puffed up with Pride: Many sincere Christians are dreadfully perplexed, darkened, tempted, and drawn aside from the Way of Duty; and sometimes sadly tainted with false Religion, to the great Dishonour of Christianity, and Hurt of their own Souls: some of the most dangerous and pernicious Enemies of Religion in the World (tho' called bright Christians) are encouraged and honoured; who ought to be discountenanced and shun'd by every Body: And Prejudices are begotten and confirmed in vast Multitudes, against every Thing wherein the Power and Essence of Godliness consists; and in the End Deism & Atheism are promoted.

III. The foregoing Account of Mr. Brainerd's Life may afford Matter of Conviction, that there is indeed such a Thing as true experimental Religion, arising from immediate divine Influences, supernaturally enlightning and convincing the Mind, and powerfully impressing, quickening, sanctifying, and go­verning the Heart; which Religion is indeed an amiable Thing, of happy Tendency, and of no hurtful Consequence to human Society; notwithstanding there having been so many Pretences and Appearances of what is called experimental vital Re­ligion, that have proved to be nothing but vain, pernicious Enthusiasm.

If any insist, that Mr. Brainerd's Religion was Enthusiasm, and nothing but a strange Heat and blind Fervour of Mind, arising from the strong Fancies and Dreams of a notional whimsical Brain; I would ask, if it be so, that such Things as these are the Fruits of Enthusiasm, viz. a great Degree of Honesty and Simplicity, sincere and earnest Desires and Endea­vours, [Page 296] to know and do whatever is right, and to avoid every Thing that is wrong; an high Degree of Love to God, De­light in the Perfections of his Nature, placing the Happiness of Life in him; not only in contemplating him, but in being active in pleasing and serving him; a firm and undoubting Belief in the Messiah, as the Saviour of the World, the great Prophet of God, and King of God's Church; together with great Love to him, Delight and Complacence in the Way of Salvation by him, and longing for the Enlargement of his King­dom; earnest Desires that GOD may be glorified and the Messiah's Kingdom advanced, whatever Instruments are made use of; uncommon Resignation to the Will of God, and that under vast Trials; great and universal Benevolence to Man­kind, reaching all Sorts of Persons without Distinction, mani­fested in Sweetness of Speech and Behaviour, kind Treatment, Mercy, Liberality, and earnest seeking the Good of the Souls and Bodies of Men; attended with extraordinary Humility, Meekness, Forgiveness of Injuries, and Love to Enemies; and a great Abhorrence of a contrary Spirit and Practice; not only as appearing in others, but whereinsoever it had appeared in himself; causing the most bitter Repentance, and Brokenness of Heart on Account of any past Instances of such a Conduct: A modest, discreet & decent Deportment, among Superiours, Inferiours and Equals; a most diligent Improvement of Time, and earnest Care to lose no Part of it; great Watchfulness against all Sorts of Sin, of Heart, Speech, and Action: And this Example and these Endeavours attended with most happy Fruits, and blessed Effects on others, in humanizing, civilizing, and wonderfully reforming and transforming some of the most brutish Savages; Idle, Immoral, Drunkards, Murderers, gross Idolaters, and Wizards; bringing them to permanent Sobriety, Diligence, Devotion, Honesty, Conscientiousness, and Charity: And the foregoing amiable Virtues and successful Labours all ending at last in a marvellous Peace, unmoveable Stability, Calm­ness, and Resignation, in the sensible Approaches of Death; with Longing for the Heavenly State; not only for the Honours and circumstantial Advantages of it, but above all for the moral Perfection, and holy and blessed Employments of it: And these Things in a Person indisputably of good Understanding and Judgment: I say, if all these Things are the Fruits of Enthu­siasm, why should not Enthusiasm be thought a desirable and excellent Thing? For what can true Religion, what can the best Philosophy do more? If Vapours and Whimsy will bring [Page 297] Men to the most thorough Virtue, to the most benign and fruitful Morality; and will maintain it through a Course of Life (attended with many Trials) without Affectation or Self-Ex­altation, and with an earnest constant bearing Testimony against the Wildness, the Extravagances, the bitter Zeal, assuming Behaviour, & separating Spirit of Enthusiasts; & will do all this more effectually, than any Thing else has ever done in any plain known Instance that can be produced; if it be so, I say, what Cause then has the World to prize and pray for this blessed Whimsicalness, and these benign Sort of Vapours?

It would perhaps be a Prejudice with some against the whole of Mr. Brainerd's Religion, if it had begun in the Time of the late religious Commotion; being ready to conclude (how­ever unreasonably) that nothing Good could take it's Rise from those Times. But it was not so; his Conversion was before those Times, in a Time of general Deadness (as has been before observed) and therefore at a Season when it was impossible, that he should receive a Taint from any corrupt Notions, E [...]mples, or Customs, that had Birth in those Times.

And whereas there are many who are not professed Opposers of what is called experimental Religion, who yet doubt of the Re­ality of it, from the bad Lives of some Professors; and are ready to determine that there is nothing in all the Talk about being born again, being emptied of Self, brought to a saving Close with Christ, &c. because many that pretend to these Things, and are thought by others to have been the Subjects of 'em, manifest no abiding Alteration in their moral Disposition and Behaviour; are as careless, carnal, coveteous, &c. as ever; yea, some much worse than ever: It is to be acknowledg'd and lamented, that this is the Case with some; but by the preceeding Account they may be sensible, that it is not so with all. There are some indisputable Instances of such a Change, as the Scripture speaks of; an abiding great Change, a Renovation of the Spirit of the Mind, and a Walking in Newness of Life. In the foregoing Instance particularly, they may see the abiding Influence of such a Work of Conversion, as they have heard of from the Word of GOD; the Fruits of such Experiences through a Course of Years; under a great Variety of Circumstances, many Changes of State, Place, and Company; and may see the blessed Issue and Event of it in Life and Death.

IV. The preceeding History serves to confirm those Doctrines usually called the Doctrines of Grace. For if it be allowed [Page 298] that there is Truth, Substance, or Value in the main of Mr. Brainerd's Religion, it will undoubtedly follow, that those Doc­trines are divine: Since 'tis evident, that the whole of it, from Beginning to End, is according to that Scheme of Things; all built on those Apprehensions, Notions, and Views, that are produced and established in the Mind by those Doctrines. He was brought by Doctrines of this Kind, to his Awakening, and deep Concern about Things of a spiritual and eternal Nature; and by these Doctrines his Convictions were maintained and carried on; and his Conversion was evidently altogether agree­able to this Scheme, but by no Means agreeing with the con­trary; and utterly inconsistent with the Arminian Notion of Conversion or Repentance. His Conversion was plainly found­ed in a clear strong Conviction, and undoubting Perswasion of the Truth of those Things appertaining to these Doctrines, which Arminians most object against, and which his own Mind had contended most about. And his Conversion was no con­firming and perfecting of moral Principles and Habits, by Use and Practice, and his own Labour in an industrious disciplin­ing himself, together with the concurring Suggestions and con­spiring Aids of GOD's Spirit: But entirely a supernatural Work, at once turning him from Darkness to marvellous Light, and from the Power of Sin to the Dominion of divine and holy Principles; an Effect, in no Regard produced by his Strength or Labour, or obtained by his Vertue; and not accomplish'd 'till he was first brought to a full Conviction that all his own Vertue, Strength, Labours, and Endeavours could never avail any Thing to the producing or procuring this Effect.

A very little while before, his Mind was full of the same Cavils against the Doctrines of GOD's Sovereign Grace, which are made by Arminians; And his Heart full even of a raging Opposition to 'em. And GOD was pleased to perform this good Work in him just after a full End had been put to this Cavilling and Opposition; after he was entirely convinced, that he was dead in Sin, and was in the Hands of GOD, as the absolutely sove­reign, unobliged, sole Disposer and Author of true Holiness. GOD's shewing him Mercy at such a Time, is a Confirmation, that this was a Preparation for Mercy; & consequently, that these Things which he was convinced of, were true: While he op­posed these Things, he was the Subject of no such Mercy; tho' he so earnestly sought it, and prayed for it with so much Painfulness, Care and Strictness in Religion: But when once his Opposition is fully subdued, and he is brought to submit to [Page 299] the Truths, which he before had opposed, with full Conviction, then the Mercy he sought for is granted, with abundant Light, great Evidence and exceeding Joy, and he reaps the sweet Fruit of it all his Life after, & in the Valley of the Shadow of Death.

In his Conversion, he was brought to see the Glory of that Way of Salvation by Christ, that is taught in what are called the Doctrines of Grace; and thence-forward, with unspeakable Joy and Complacence, to embrace and acquiesce in that Way of Salvation. He was in his Conversion, in all Respects, bro't to those Views, and that State of Mind, which these Doctrines shew to be necessary. And if his Conversion was any real Con­version, or any Thing besides a meer Whim, and if the Reli­gion of his Life was any Thing else but a Series of Freaks of a whimsical Mind, then this one grand Principle, on which de­pends the whole Difference between Calvinists and Arminians, is undeniable, viz. That the Grace or Vertue of truly good Men, not only differs from the Vertue of others in Degree, but even in Nature and Kind. If ever Mr. Brainerd was truly turned from Sin to GOD at all, or ever became truly Religi­ous, none can reasonably doubt but that his Conversion was at the Time when he supposed it to be: The Change he then experienced, was evidently the greatest moral Change, that ever he pass'd under; and he was then apparently first brought to that Kind of Religion, that remarkable new Habit and Temper of Mind, which he held all his Life after. The Narration shews it to be different, in Nature and Kind, from all that ever he was the Subject of before. It was evidently wrought at once, without fitting and preparing his Mind, by gradually con­vincing it more and more of the same Truths, and bringing it nearer and nearer to such a Temper: For it was soon after his Mind had been remarkably full of Blasphemy, and a vehement Exercise of sensible Enmity against God, and great Opposition to those Truths, which he was now brought with his whole Soul to embrace, and rest in, as divine and glorious, and to place his Happiness in the Contemplation and Improvement of. And he himself (who was surely best able to judge) declares, that the Dispositions and Affections, which were then given him, and thence-forward maintained in him, were most sensibly and certainly, perfectly different, in their Nature, from all that ever he was the Subject of before, or that he ever had any Con­ception of. This he ever stood to & was peremptory in (as what he certainly knew) even to his Death. He must be looked upon as capable of judging; he had Opportunity to know: He had [Page 300] practised a great deal of Religion before, was exceeding strict and conscientious, and had continued so for a long Time; had various religious Affections, with which he often flattered himself, and sometimes pleased himself as being now in a good Estate: And after he had those new Experiences, that began in his Conversion, they were continued to the End of his Life; long enough for him thoroughly to observe their Nature, and compare 'em with what had been before. Doubtless he was compos mentis; and was at least one of so good an Understand­ing and Judgment, as to be pretty well capable of discerning and comparing the Things that passed in his own Mind.

'Tis further observable, that his Religion all along operated in such a Manner as tended to confirm his Mind in the Doctrines of God's absolute Sovereignty, Man's universal and intire De­pendance on God's Power and Grace, &c. The more his Re­ligion prevailed in his Heart, and the fuller he was of divine Love, and of clear and delightful Views of spiritual Things, and the more his Heart was engaged in God's Service; the more sensible he was of the Certainty and the Excellency and Impor­tance of these Truths, and the more he was affected with them and rejoyced in them. And he declares particularly, that when he lay for a long while on the Verge of the eternal World, often expecting to be in that World in a few Minutes, yet at the same Time enjoying great Serenity of Mind, and Clearness of Thought, and being most apparently in a peculiar Manner at a Distance from an enthusiastical Frame, he at that Time saw clearly the Truth of those great Doctrines of the Gospel, which are justly stiled the Doctrines of Grace, and never felt himself so capable of demonstrating the Truth of them.

So that 'tis very evident, Mr. Brainerd's Religion was wholly correspondent to what is called the Calvinistical Scheme, and was the Effect of those Doctrines applied to his Heart: And certainly it cannot be denied, that the Effect was good, unless we turn Atheists, or Deists.— I would ask, whether there be any such Thing, in Reality, as Christian Devotion?— If there be, what is it? What is its Nature? And what its just Measure? Should it not be in a great Degree? We read abundantly in Scripture, of loving God with all the Heart, with all the Soul, with all the Mind, and with all the Strength, of De­lighting in God, of Rejoycing in the Lord, Rejoycing with Joy unspeakable and full of Glory, the Soul's Magnifying the Lord, Thirsting for God, Hungring and Thirsting after Righteousness, the Soul's breaking for the Longing it hath to God's Judgments, [Page 301] Praying to God with Gr [...]anings that cannot be uttered, Mourning for Sin with a broken Heart and contrite Spirit, &c. How full is the Book of Psalms, and other Parts of Scripture, of such Things as these! Now wherein do these Things, as express'd by and appearing in Mr. Brainerd, either the Things themselves, or their Effects and Fruits, differ from the Scripture-Repre­sentations? These Things he was brought to by that strange and wonderful Transformation of the Man, which he called his Conversion. And don't this well agree with what is so often said, in Old Testament and New, concerning the giving of a new Heart, creating a right Spirit, a being renewed in the Spi­rit of the Mind, a being sanctified throughout, becoming a new Creature, &c? Now where is there to be found an Arminian Conversion or Repentance, consisting in so great and admirable a Change? Can the Arminians produce an Instance, within this Age, and so, plainly, within our Reach and View, of such a Reformation, such a Transformation of a Man, to Scriptural Devotion, Heavenly-Mindedness, and true Christian Morality, in one that before lived without these Things, on the Foot of their Principles, and through the Influence of their Doctrines?

And here, is worthy to be considered, not only the Effect of Calvinistical Doctrines (as they are called) on Mr. Brainerd himself, but also the Effect of the same Doctrines, as taught and inculcated by him, on others. 'Tis abundantly pretended and asserted of late, that these Doctrines tend to undermine the very Foundations of all Religion and Morality, and to en­ervate and vacate all reasonable Motives to the Exercise and Practice of them, and lay invincible Stumbling-Blocks be­fore Infidels, to hinder their embracing Christianity; and that the contrary Doctrines are the fruitful Principles of Virtue and Goodness, set Religion on it's right Basis, represent it in an amiable Light, give it's Motives their full Force, and recom­mend it to the Reason and common Sense of Mankind.— But where can they find an Instance of so great and signal an Effect of their Doctrines, in bringing Infidels, who were at such a Distance from all that is Civil, Human, Sober, Rational, and Christian, and so full of inveterate Prejudices against these Things, to such a Degree of Humanity, Civility, Exercise of Reason, Self-denial, and Christian Vertue? Arminians place Religion in Morality: Let them bring an Instance of their Doctrines producing such a Transformation of a People in Point of Morality. 'Tis strange, if the Alwise God so orders Things in his Providence, that reasonable and proper Means, and his [Page 302] own Means, which he himself has appointed, should in no known remarkable Instance be instrumental to produce so good an Ef­fect; an Effect so agreable to his own Word & Mind, and that very Effect for which he appointed these excellent Means; that they should not be so Successful, as those Means which are not his own, but very contrary to 'em, and of a contrary Tendency; Means that are in themselves very absurd, and tend to root all Religion and Vertue out of the World, to promote and esta­blish Infidelity, and to lay an insuperable Stumbling-Block be­fore Pagans, to hinder their embracing the Gospel: I say, if this be the true State of the Case, 'tis certainly pretty won­derful, and an Event worthy of some Attention.

I know, that many will be ready to say, It is too soon yet, to glory in the Work, that has been wro't among Mr. Brainerd's Indians; 'Tis best to wait and see the final Event; It may be, all will come to nothing by and by; To which I answer (not to insist, that it will not follow, according to Arminian Principles, they are not now true Christians, really pious & godly, tho' they should fall away and come to nothing) that I never supposed, every one of those Indians, who in Profession renounced their Heathenism & visibly embraced Christianity, and have had some Appearance of Piety, will finally prove true Converts: If two thirds, or in­deed one half of 'em (as great a Proportion as there is in the Parable of the Ten Virgins) should persevere; it will be suffici­ent to shew the Work, wrought among them, to have been truly admirable and glorious. But so much of Permanence of their Religion has already appeared, as shews it to be something else besides an Indian Humour or good Mood, or any transient Effect in the Conceits, Notions, and Affections of these igno­rant People, excited at a particular Turn, by artful Manage­ment. For 'tis now more than three Years ago, that this Work began among them, and a remarkable Change appear'd in many of them; since which Time the Number of visible Converts has greatly increased: And by repeated Accounts, from seve­ral Hands, they still generally persevere in diligent Religion and strict Vertue. I think worthy to be here inserted, a Letter from a young Gentleman, a Candidate for the Ministry, one of those before mentioned, appointed by the honourable Commissioners in Boston, as Missionaries to the Heathen of the Six Nations, so called; who, by their Order, dwelt with Mr. John Brainerd, among these Christian Indians, in order to their being prepared for the Business of their Mission. The Letter was written from thence, to his Parents here in Northampton, [...] as follows.

[Page 303]
Bethel, in New-Jersey, Jan. 14. 1747, 8.
Honoured and dear Parents,

AFter a long and uncomfortable Journey, by Reason of bad Weather, I arrived at Mr. Brainerd's, the 6th of this Instant; where I design to stay this Winter: And as yet, upon many Accounts, am well satisfied with my coming hither. The State and Circumstances of the In­dians, spiritual and temporal, much exceed what I expected. I have endeavoured to acquaint my self with the State of the Indians in general, with particular Persons, and with the School; as much as the short Time I have been here would admit of. And notwithstanding my Expectations were very much raised, from Mr. David Brainerd's Jour­nal, and from particular Informations from him; yet I must confess, that in many Respects, they are not equal to that which now appears to me to be true, concerning the glorious Work of divine Grace amongst the Indians.

The Evening after I came to Town, I had Opportunity to see the Indians together, whilst the Rev. Mr. Arthur preach'd to them: At which Time there appeared a very general and uncommon Seriousness and Solemnity in the Congregation: And this appear'd to me to be the Effect of an inward Sense of the Importance of divine Truths, and not because they were hearing a Stranger: Which was abundantly confirmed to me the next Sabbath, when there was the same devout Attendance on divine Service, and a surprizing Solemnity appearing in the Performance of each Part of divine Worship. And some, who are hopefully true Christians, appear to have been at that Time much enliven'd and comforted; not from any observable Commotions then, but from Conversation afterwards: And others seem'd to be under pressing Concern for their Souls. I have endea­voured to acquaint my self with particular Persons; many of whom seem to be very humble and growing Christians; altho' some of them (as I am informed) were before their Conversion most monstrously Wicked.

Religious Conversation seems to be very pleasing and delightful to many, and especially that which relates to the Exercises of the Heart. And many here don't seem to be real Christians only, but growing Christians also; as well in doctrinal, as experimental Knowledge. Besides my Conversation with particular Persons, I have had Oppor­tunity to attend upon one of Mr. Brainerd's catechetical [Page 304] Lectures; where I was surprized at their Readiness in answering Questions which they had not been used to: Altho' Mr. Brainerd complained much of their uncommon Deficiency. It is surprizing, to see this People, w [...]o not long since were led Captive by Satan at his Will, and liv­ing in the Practice of all manner of Abominations, with­out the least Sense even of moral Honesty, yet now living soberly and regularly, and not seeking every Man his own, but every Man, in some Sense, his Neighbour's Good; and to see those, who but a little while past, knew nothing of the true GOD, now worshipping Him in a solemn and devout Manner; not only in publick, but in their Fami­lies and in Secret; which is manifestly the Case; it being a difficult Thing to walk out in the Woods in the Morn­ing, without disturbing Persons at their secret Devotion. And it seems wonderful, that this should be the Case, not only with adult Persons, but with Children also. It is ob­servable here, that many Children (if not the Children in general) retire into secret Places to pray. And, as far as at present I can judge, this is not the Effect of Custom and Fashion, but of real Seriousness and Thoughtfulness about their Souls.

I have frequently gone into the School, and have spent considerable Time there amongst the Children; and have been surprized to see, not only their diligent Attendance upon the Business of the School, but also the Proficiency they have made in it, in Reading and Writing, and in their Ca­techisms of divers Sorts. It seems to be as pleasing and as natural to these Children, to have their Books in their Hands, as it does for many others to be at Play. I have gone into an House where there has been a Number of Children ac­cidentally gathered together; and observed, that every one had his Book in his Hand, and was diligently studying of it. There is to the Number of about thirty of these Chil­dren, who can answer to all the Questions in the Assem­bly's Catechism; and the bigger Part of them are able to do it with the Proofs, to the fourth Commandment. I wish there were many such Schools: I confess, that I never was acquainted with such an one, in many Respects. Oh that what God has done here, may prove to be the Beginning of a far more glorious and extensive Work of Grace among the Heathen.

I am your obedient and dutiful Son, Job Strong.
[Page 305]

P. S. Since the Date of this, I have had Opportunity to attend upon another of Mr. Brainerd's catechetical Lectures: and truly I was convinced, that Mr. Brainerd did not com­plain before of his People's Defects in answering [...] Questi­ons proposed, without Reason: For altho' their Answers at that Time exceeded my Expectations very much; yet their Performances at this Lecture very much exceeded them.

Since this, we have had Accounts from Time to T [...]me, and some very late, which shew that Religion still continues in prosperous and most desirable Circumstances among these Indians.

V. Is there not much in the preceeding Memoirs of Mr. Brai­nerd to teach, and excite to Duty, us who are called to the Work of the Ministry, and all that are Candidates for that great Work? What a deep Sense did he seem to have of the Greatness and Importance of that Work, and with what Weight did it lie on his Mind! How sensible was he of his own Insufficiency for this Work; and how great was his Dependance on God's Sufficiency! How solicitous, that he might be fitted for it! And to this End, how much Time did he spend in Prayer and Fasting, as well as Reading and Meditation; giving himself to these Things! How did he dedicate his whole Life, all his Powers and Talents to GOD; and forsake and renounce the World, with all it's pleasing and [...]nsnaring Enjoyments, that he might be wholly at Liberty, to serve Christ in this Work; and to please him who had chosen him to be a Soldier, under the Captain of our Salvation! With what Solicitude, Solemnity, and Diligence did he devote himself to God our Saviour, and seek his Presence and Blessing in secret, at the Time of his Ordination! And how did his whole Heart appear to be con­stantly engaged, his whole Time employed, and his whole Strength spent in the Business he then solemnly undertook and was publickly set apart to! — And his History shews us the right Way to Success in the Work of the Ministry. He fought it, as a resolute Soldier seeks Victory, in a Siege or Battle; or as a Man that runs a Race, for a great Prize. Animated with Love to Christ and Souls, how did he labour always fervently, not only in Word and Doctrine, in publick and private, but in Prayers Day and Night, wrestling with God in secret, and travailing in Birth, with unutterable Groans and Agonies, un­til Christ were formed in the Hearts of the People to [Page 306] whom he was sent! How did he thirst for a Blessing on his Ministry; and watch for Souls, as one that must give Account! How did he go forth in the Strength of the Lord God; seeking and depending on a special Influence of the Spirit to assist and succeed him! And what was the happy Fruit at last, though after long waiting, and many dark and discouraging Appear­ances! Like a true Son of Jacob, he persevered in wrestling, through all the Darkness of the Night, until the breaking of the Day.

And his Example of labouring, praying, denying himself, and enduring Hardness, with unfainting Resolution and Patience, and his faithful, vigilent, and prudent Conduct in many other Respects (which it would be too long now particularly to re­cite) may afford Instruction to Missionaries in particular.

VI. The foregoing Account of Mr. Brainerd's Life may afford Instruction to Christians in general; as it shews, in many Respects, the right Way of practising Religion, in order to obtainin [...] the Ends of it, and receiving the Benefits of it; or how Christians should run the Race, set before them, if they would no [...] r [...]n in vain, or run as uncertainly, but would ho­nour God in the World, adorn their Profession, be Service­able to Mankind, have the Comforts of Religion while they live, be free from disquieting Doubts and dark Appre [...]ensions about the State of their Souls; enjoy Peace in the Approaches of Death, and finish their Course with Joy.— In general, he much recommended, for this Purpose, the Redemption of Time, great Diligence in the Business of the Christian Life, Watchful­ness, &c. And he very remarkably exemplify'd these Things.

But particularly, his Example and Success with Regard to one Duty in special, may be of great Use to both Ministers and private Christians; I mean, the Duty of secret Fasting. The Reader has seen, how much Mr. Brainerd recommends this Duty, and how frequently he exercised himself in it; Nor can it well have escap'd Observation, how much he was own'd and bless'd in it, and of what great Benefit it evidently was to his Soul. Among all the [...] Days he spent in secret Fasting and Prayer, that he gives an Account of in his Diary, there is scarce an Instance [...] one [...] either attended or soon followed with [...] and a remarkable Blessing, in special Incomes and Consolations of God's Spirit; and very often, before the Day was ended.— But it must be observed. [...]at when he se [...] about this Duty, he did it in good [Page 307] Earnest; stirring up himself to take hold of God, and continuing instant in Prayer, with much of the Spirit of Jacob, who said to the Angel, I will not let thee go, except th [...] bless me.

VII. There is much in the preceding Account to excite and encourage God's People to earnest Prayers and Endea­vours for the Advancement and Enlargement of the Kingdom of CHRIST in the World. Mr. Brainerd sat us an excellent Ex­ample in this Respect: He sought the Prosperity of Zion with all his Might: He prefer'd Jerusalem above his chief Joy. How did his Soul long for it, and pant after it! And how earnestly and often did he wrestle with God for it! And how far did he, in these Desires and Prayers, seem to be carried beyond all private and selfish Views! being animated by a pure Love to Christ, an earnest Desire of his Glory, and a disinterested Affection to the Souls of Mankind.

The Consideration of this, not only ought to be an Incitement to the People of God, but may also be a just Encouragement to 'em, to be much in seeking and praying for a general Out­pouring of the Spirit of God, and extensive Revival of Religion. I confess, that God's giving so much of a Spirit of Prayer for this Mercy to so eminent a Servant of his, and exciting him, in so extraordinary a Manner, and with such vehement Thirstings of Soul, to agonize in Prayer for it, from Time to Time, thro' the Course of his Life, is one Thing, among others, which gives me great Hope, that God has a Design of accomplishing something very glorious for the Interest of his Church before long. One such Instance as this, I conceive, gives more En­couragement, than the common, cold, formal Prayers of Thousands. As Mr. Brainerd's Desires and Prayers for the coming of Christ's Kingdom, were very special and extraordinary; so, I think, we may reasonably hope, that the God, who ex­cited those Desires and Prayers, will answer them with some­thing special and extraordinary. And in a particular Manner, do I think it worthy to be taken Notice of for our Encouragement, that he had his Heart (as he declared) unusually, and beyond what had been before, drawn out in Longings and Prayers for the Flourishing of Christ's Kingdom on Earth, when he was in the Approaches of Death; and that with his dying Breath he did as it were breathe out his departing Soul into the Bosom of his Redeemer, in Prayers and Pantings after this glorious Event▪ expiring in a very great Hope that it would soon begin to be ful­filed. And I wish, that the Tho'ts which he in his dying State [Page 308] expressed of that explicit Agreement, and visible Union of God's People, in extraordinary Prayer for a general Revival of Reli­gion, lately proposed in a Memorial from Scotland, which has been dispersed among us, may be well considered by those that hitherto have not seen fit to fall in with that Proposal.—But I forbear to say any more on this Head, having already largely published my Thoughts upon it, in a Discourse written on Pur­pose to promote that Affair; which, I confess, I wish that every one of my Readers might be supplied with; not that my Honour, but that this excellent Design might be promoted.

As there is much in Mr. Brainerd's Life to encourage Chri­stians to seek the Advancement of Christ's Kingdom, in gene­ral; so there is, in particular, to pray for the Conversion of the Indians on this Continent, and to exert themselves in the Use of proper Means for it's Accomplishment. For it appears, that he in his unutterable Longings and Wrestlings of Soul for the Flourishing of Religion, had his Mind peculiarly intent on the Conversion and Salvation of these People, and his Heart more especially engaged in Prayer for them. And if we consi­der the Degree and Manner in which he from Time to Time, sought and hoped for an extensive Work of Grace among them, I think, we have Reason to hope, that the wonderful Things, which God wrought among them by him, are but a Fore-runner of something yet much more glorious and extensive of that Kind; and this may justly be an Encouragement, to well-disposed charitable Persons, to honour the Lord with their Sub­stance, by contributing, as they are able, to promote the spread­ing of the Gospel among them; and this also may incite and en­courage Gentlemen who are incorporated, and intrusted with the Care and Disposal of those liberal Benefactions, which have already been made by pious Persons, to that End; and likewise the Missionaries themselves, that are or may be employed; and it may be of Direction unto both, as to the proper Qualifications of Missionaries, and the proper Measures to be taken in order to their Success.

One Thing in particular, I would take Occasion from the foregoing History to mention and propose to the Consideration of such as have the Care of providing and sending Missionaries among Savages; viz. Whether it would not ordinarily be best to send two together? It is pretty manifest, that Mr. Brainerd's going, as he did, alone into the howling Wilderness, was one great Occasion of such a prevailing of Melancholy on his Mind; which was his greatest Disadvantage. He was much in speak­ing [Page 309] of it himself, when he was here in his dying State; and ex­pressed himself, to this Purpose, that none could conceive of the Disadvantage a Missionary in such Circumstances was un­der, by being alone; especially as it exposed him to Discou­ragement and Melancholy: And spoke of the Wisdom of Christ in sending forth his Disciples by Two and Two; and left it as his dying Advice to his Brother, never to go to Susquahannah, to travel about in that remote Wilderness, to preach to the Indians there, as he had often done, without the Company of a Fellow-Missionary.

VIII. One Thing more may not be unprofitably observed in the preceeding Account of Mr. Brainerd; and that is the special and remarkable Disposal of divine Pro [...]dence, with Re­gard to the Circumstances of his last Sickness and Death.

Tho' he had been long infirm, his Constitution being much broken by his Fatigues and Hardships; and tho' [...]e was often brought very low by Illness, before he left Kaunaumeek, and also while he lived at the Forks of Delaware: Yet his Life was preserved, 'till he had seen that which he had so long and greatly desired and sought, a glorious Work of Grace among the Indians, and had received the wished for Blessing of God on his Labours. Tho' as it were in Deaths oft, yet he lived to behold the happy Fruits of the long continued Travail of his Soul and Labour of his Body, in the wonderful Conver­sion of many of the Heathen, and the happy Effect of it in the great Change of their Conversation, with many Circumstances which afforded a fair Prospect of the Continuance of God's Blessing upon them; as may appear by what I shall presently further observe.— Thus he did not depart, 'till his Eyes had seen God's Salvation.

Tho' it was the Pleasure of God, that he should be taken off from his Labours among that People whom God had made him a spiritual Father to, who were so dear to him, and whose spiritual Welfare he was so greatly concerned for; yet this was not before they were well initiated and instructed in the Chris­tian Religion, thoroughly weaned from their old heathenish and brutish Notions and Practices, and all their Prejudices and Jealousies, which tended to keep their Minds unsettled, were fully removed; and they were confirmed and fixed in the Christian Faith and Manners, were formed into a Church, had ecclesiastical Ordinances and Discip [...]ine introduced & settled; were brought into a good Way with Respect to the Education of Children, had a School Master sent to them in Providence, [Page 310] excellently qualified for the Business, and had a School set up and established, in good Order, among them; had been well brought off from their former Idle, strolling, sottish Way of Living; had removed from their former scattered uncertain Habitations; and were collected in a Town by themselves, on a good Piece of Land of their own; were introduced into the Way of living by Husbandry, and begun to experience the Benefits of it, &c. These Things were but just brought to pass by his indefatigable Application and Care, and then he was taken off from his Work by Illness. If this had been but a little sooner, they would by no Means have been so well pr [...] ­pared for such a Dispensation; and it probably would have been unspeakably more to the Hurt of their spiritual Interest, and of the Cause of Christianity among them.

The Time and Circumstances of his Illness were so or­dered, that he had just Opportunity to finish his Journal, and prepare it for the Press; giving an Account of the marvellous Display of divine Power and Grace among the Indians in New-Jersey, and at the Forks of Delaware: His doing which was a Thing of great Consequence, and therefore urged upon him by the Correspondents, who have honour'd his Journal with a Preface. The World being particularly and justly informed of that Affair by Mr. Brainerd, before his Death, a Foundation was hereby laid for a Concern in others for that Cause, and proper Care and Measures to be taken for the maintaining it after his Death. As it has actually proved to be of great Influ­ence and Benefit in this Respect ; it having excited and engaged many in those Parts, and also more distant Parts of America, to exert themselves for the upholding and promoting so good and glorious a Work, remarkably opening their Hearts and Hands to that End: And not only in America, but in Great Britain, where that Journal (which is the same that I have earnestly re­commended to my Readers to possess themselves of) has been an Occasion of some large Benefactions, made for the promoting the Interest of Christianity among the Indians.—If Mr. Brainerd had been taken Ill but a little sooner, he had not been able to compleat this his Journal, and prepare a Copy for the Press.

He was not taken off from the Work of the Ministry among his People, 'till his Brother was in a Capacity and Circum­stances to succeed him in his Care of them: Who succeeds him in the like Spirit, and under whose prudent and faithful Care his Congregation has flourished, and been very happy, since he [Page 311] left them; and probably could not have been so well provided for, otherwise. If Mr. Brainerd had been disabled sooner, his Brother would by no Means have been ready to stand up in his Place; having taken his first Degree at College but about that very Time that he was seiz'd with his fatal Consump­tion.

Tho' in that Winter that he lay sick at Mr. Dickinson's in Elisabeth-Town, he continued for a long Time in an extremely low State, so that his Life was almost despair'd of, and his State was sometimes [...]uch that it was hardly expected he would live a Day to an End; yet his Life was spared a while longer; he lived to see his Brother arrived in New-Jersey, being come to succeed him in the Care of his Indians; and he himself had Opportunity to assist in his Examination and Introduction into his Business; and to commit the Conduct of his dear People to One whom he well knew, and could put Confidence in, and use Freedom with in giving him particular Instructions and Charges, and under whose Care he could leave his Congrega­tion with great Chearfulness.

The Providence of God was remarkable in so ordering of it, that before his Death he should take a Journey into New-England, and go to Boston: Which was, in many Respects, of very great and happy Consequence to the Interest of Religion, and especially among his own People. By this Means, as has been observed, he was brought into Acquaintance with many Persons of Note and Influence, Ministers and others, belonging both to the Town and various Parts of the Coun­try; and had Opportunity, under the best Advantages, to bear a Testimony for God and true Religion, and against those false Appearances of it that have proved most pernicious to the Interests of Christ's Kingdom in the Land. And the Provi­dence of God is particularly observable in this Circumstance of the Testimony he there bore for true Religion; viz. That he there was brought so near the Grave, and continued for so long a Time on the very Brink of Eternity; and from Time to Time, look'd on himself, and was look'd on by others, as just leaving the World; and that in these Circumstances he should be so particularly directed and assisted in his Tho'ts and Views of Religion, to distinguish between the true and the false, with such Clearness and Evidence; and that after this he should be unexpectedly and surprizingly restored and strengthned, so far as to be able to converse freely; and have such Opportunity, and special Occasions to declare the Senti­ments [Page 312] he had in these, which were, to human Apprehension, his dying Circumstances; and to bear his Testimony concern­ing the Nature of true Religion, and concerning the mischie­vous Tendency of it's most prevalent Counterfeits and false Appearances; as Things he had a special, clear, distinct View of at that Time, when he expected in a few Minutes to be in Eternity; and the Certainty & Importance of which were then, in a peculiar Manner, impress'd on his Mind.

Among the happy Consequences of his going to Boston, were those liberal Benefactions that have been mention'd, which were made by pious disposed Persons, for the maintaining and promoting the Interest of Religion among his People: And also the meeting of a Number of Gentlemen in Boston, of Note and Ability, to consult upon Measures for that Purpose; who were excited by their Acquaintance and Conversation with Mr. Brainerd, and by the Account of the great Things God had wrought by his Ministry, to unite themselves, that by their joint Endeavours and Contributions they might promote the Kingdom of Christ, and the spiritual Good of their Fellow-Creatures, among the Indians in New-Jersey, and elsewhere.

It was also remarkable, that Mr. Brainerd should go to Boston, at that Time; after the honourable Commissioners there, of the Corporation in London for propagating the Gospel in New-England and Parts adjacent, had received Dr. Wil­liam's Legacy for the maintaining of two Missionaries among the Heathen; and at a Time when they having concluded on a Mission to the Indians of the Six-Nations (so called) were looking out for fit Persons to be imployed in that Important Service. This proved an Occasion of their committing to him the Affair of finding and recommending suitable Persons: Which has proved a succesful Means of two Persons being found and actually appointed to that Business; who seem to be well qualified for it, and to have their Hearts greatly engaged in it: One of which has been solemnly ordain'd to that Work in Boston, and is now gone forth to one of those Tribes, who have appeared well-disposed to his Reception: It being judged not convenient for the other to go 'till the next Spring, by Reason of his bodily Infirmity. *

[Page 313]These happy Consequences of Mr. Brainerd's Journey to Boston would have been prevented, in Case he had died, when he was brought so near to Death in New-Jersey. Or if after he came first to Northampton (where he was much at a Loss and long deliberating which Way to bend his Course) he had determined not to go to Boston.

The Providence of God was observable in his going to Boston at a Time when not only the honourable Commissioners were seeking Missionaries to the Six Nations; but just after his Journal, which gives an Account of his Labours and Suc­cess among the Indians, had been received and spread in Boston: Whereby his Name was known, and the Minds of serious People were well prepared to receive his Person, and the Testimony he there gave for God; to exert themselves for the upholding and promoting the Interest of Religion in his Congregation, and amongst the Indians elsewhere; and to regard his Judgment concerning the Qualifications of Missio­naries, &c. If he had gone there the Fall before (when he had intended to have made his Journey into New-England, but was prevented by a sudden great Increase of his Illness) it would not have been likely to have been in any Measure to so good Effect: And also if he had not been unexpectedly detained in Boston; For when he went from my House, he intended to make but a very short Stay there; But divine Providence by his being brought so low there, detain'd him long; thereby to make Way for the fulfilling it's own gracious Designs.

The Providence of God was remarkable in so ordering, that altho' he was brought so very near the Grave in Boston, that it was not in the least expected he would ever come alive out of his Chamber; yet he wonderfully revived, and was pre­served several Months longer: So that he had Opportunity to see, and fully to converse with both his younger Brethren before he died; which was a Thing he greatly desired; and especially to see his Brother John, with whom was left the Care of his Con­gregation; that he might by him be fully informed of their [Page 314] State, and might leave with him such Instructions and Direc­tions as were requisite in order to their spiritual Welfare, and to send to them his dying Charges and Counsels. And he had also Opportunity, by Means of this Suspension of his Death, to find and recommend a Couple of Persons fit to be employed as Missionaries to the Six Nations, as had been desired of him.

Thus, altho' it was the Pleasure of a sovereign God, that he should be taken away from his Congregation, the People that he had begotten through the Gospel, who were so dear to him; yet it was granted to him, that before he died he should see them well provided for, every [...] Way: He saw them provided for with One to instruct them, and take Care of their Souls; his own Brother, whom he could confide in: He saw a good Foundation laid for the Support of the School among them; those Things that before were wanting in order to it, b [...]ing supplied: And he had the Prospect of a charitable Society being established, of able and well-disposed Persons, who seem to make the spiritual Interest of his Congregation their own; whereby he had a comfortable View of their being well-pro­vided for, for the future: And he had also Opportunity to leave all his dying Charges with his Successor in the Pastoral Care of his People, and by him to send his dying Counsels to them. Thus God granted him to see all Things happily settled, or in a hopeful Way of being so, before his Death, with Re­spect to his dear People — And whereas not only his own Con­gregation, but the Souls of the Indians in North-America in general, were very dear to him, and he had greatly set his Heart on the propagating and extending the Kingdom of Christ among 'em; God was pleased to grant to him (however it was his Will, that he should be taken away, and so should not be the immediate Instrument of their Instruction and Con­version, yet) that before his Death, he should see unexpected extraordinary Provision made for this also. And 'tis remarka­ble, [...] God not only allowed him to see such Provision made for the maintaining the Interest of Religion among his own People, and the Propagation of it elsewhere; but honoured him by making him the Means or Occ [...]sion of it. So that it is very probable, however Mr. Brainerd, during the last four Months of his Life, was ordinarily in an extremely weak and low State, very often scarcely able to speak; yet that he was made the Instrument or Means of much more Good in that Space of [Page 315] Time, than he would have been if he had been well, and in full Strength of Body. Thus God's Power was manife [...]ed in his Weakness, and the Life of Christ was manifested in his mortal Flesh.

Another Thing, wherein appears the merciful Disposal of Providence with Respect to his Death, was, that he did not die in the Wilderness, among the Savages, at Kaunaumeek, or the Forks of Delaware, or at Susqua [...]annah; but in a Place where his dying Behaviour and Speeches might be observed and re­membred, and some Account given of them for the Benefit of Survivors; and also where Care might be taken of him in his Sickness, and proper Honours done him at his Death.

The Providence of God is also worthy of Remark▪ in so over-ruling and ordering the Matter, that he did not finally leave absolute Orders for the intire suppressing of his private Papers; as he had intended and fully resolved, insomuch that all the Importunity of his Friends could scarce restrain him from doing it, when sick at Boston. And one Thing relating to this is peculiarly remarkable, viz. that his Brother, a little before his Death, should come from the Jerseys unexpected, and bring his Diary to him, tho' he had received no such Order. So that he had Opportunity of Access to these his reserved Pa­pers, and for reviewing the same; without which, it appears, he would at last have ordered them to be wholly suppress'd: But after this, he the more readily yielded to the Desires of his Friends, and was willing to leave them in their Hands to be disposed of as they thought might be most for God's Glory: By which Means, he being dead, yet speaketh, in these Memoirs of his Life, taken from those private Writings: Whereby it is to be hoped he may still be [...]as it were the Instrument of much promoting the Interest of Religion in this World; the Advancement of which he so much desired, and hoped would be accomplish'd after his Death.

If these Circumstances of Mr. Brainerd's Death be duly considered, I doubt not but they will be acknowledged as a notable Instance of God's Fatherly Care, and Covenant-Faith­fulness towards them that are devoted to him, and faithfully serve him while they live; whereby he never fails nor forsakes them, but is with them living and dying; so that whether they live, they live to the LORD; or [...]hether they die, they die to the LORD; and both in Life and Death they are own'd and taken Care of as His.—Mr. Brainerd himself as was before observed, [Page 316] was much in taking Notice (when near his End) of the mer­ciful Circumstances of his Death; and said, from Time to Time, that God had granted him all his Desire.

And I would not conclude my Observations on the merciful Circumstances of Mr. Brainerd's Death without acknowledg­ing with Thankfulness, the gracious Dispensation of Providence to me and my Family, in so ordering, that he (tho' the ordi­nary Place of his Abode was more than 200 Miles distant) should be cast hither, to my House, in his last Sickness, and should die here: So that we had Opportunity for much Ac­quaintance and Conversation with him, and to shew him Kind­ness in such Circumstances, and to see his dying Behaviour, to hear his dying Speeches, to receive his dying Counsels, and to have the Benefit of his dying Prayers. May God in in­finite Mercy grant, that we may ever retain a proper Remem­brance of these Things, and make a due Improvement of the Advantages we have had, in these Respects! The Lord grant also, that the foregoing Account of Mr. Brainerd's Life and Death may be for the great spiritual Benefit of all that shall read it, and prove a happy Means of promoting the Revival of true Religion in these Parts of the World. AMEN.

FINIS.

ERRATA. Pag. 57. l. 24. r. refresh'd. Pag. 219. Marg. Not. Lin. ult. r. Days before.

[Page]

BOOKS printed for and sold by D. Henchman at his Shop over against the Old Brick Meeting-House in Cornhill.

  • SToddard's Safety of appearing in the Righteousness of Christ. — His Guide to Christ.
  • Shepard's Sincere Convert. — Sound Believer.
  • Appleton's Wisdom of GOD in the Redemption of fallen Man. — Discourses from Rom. viii.14. Setting forth the clearest and surest Marks of our being so led by the SPIRIT of GOD as to demonstrate that we are the Children of GOD.
  • Pemberton's Practical Discourses, I. The Dignity & Glory of Man's Primitive State. II. The Nature and Necessity of Conversion. III. The Reasonableness of striving to obtain Sal­vation. IV. The Method of Divine Grace in Conversion. V. The Nature and Obligation of Receiving Christ by Faith. VI. The Duty of imitating the Example of CHRIST. VII. The Folly of losing the Soul for the Gain of the World.
  • Dr. Watt's Guide to Prayer.
  • An Account of the Life and Death of Mr [...]. Elizabeth Bury.
  • The Marrow of Modern Divinity. Touching the Cove­nant of Works, and the Covenant of Grace. In a Dia­logue between a Minister of the Gospel—a Legalist — an Antinomian — and a young Christian.
  • Dr. Colman's Discourses on the Incomprehensibleness of GOD.
  • Spiritual Songs — Or Songs of Praise, with Penitential Cries to Almighty GOD upon several Occasions. Together with the SONG of SONGS which is SOLOMONS.
  • Hooker's Doubting Christian drawn to CHRIST.
  • L [...]ring's Nature and Necessity of the New-Bi [...]th.
  • [Page] Edwards's Humble Attempt to promote explicit Agreyment and visible Union of GOD'S People in extraordina [...]-Prayer for the Revival of Religion &c.
  • Holmes's Good Government of Christian Families recom­mended. With a Discourse of secret Prayer.
  • Wright's Treatise of being born again, without which no Man can be saved.
  • Alleine's Alarm to the Unconverted.
  • Fox on Time and the End of Time.
  • Russel's Seven Sermons.
  • Moody (Joshua) Practical Discourse concerning the Bene­fit of Communion with GOD in his House.
  • Mather's Apology for the Liberty of the Churches in New-England. To which is prefix'd a Discourse concerning Congregational Churches.
  • Barnard's Sermons on several Subjects, viz. A Confirma­tion of the Truth of the Christian Religion. Compel them to come in. The Christian Hero, or the Saints Victory and Reward.
  • Williams (Solomon) CHRIST the King and Witness of TRUTH, and the Nature Excellency and Extent of his Kingdom as founded in TRUTH and only promoted by it.
  • Some Remarkable Passages in the Life of the Hon. Col. JAMES GARDNER, who was Slain at Preston-Pans. With a Sermon by P. DODRIDGE, D. D.
  • Meditations on several divine Subjects. I. The Humanity of CHRIST. II. The Extensiveness of GOD'S good Design in selling Joseph into Egypt. III. CHRIST the King sitting at his Table. IV. Of the Love of CHRIST and saving Knowledge of it. With a Letter to a Friend.

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