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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 its right basis, represent it in an amiable light, give its 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, 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 virtue? Arminians place religion in morality. Let them then bring an instance of their doctrines producing such a transformation of a people in point of morality. It is strange, if the all-wise God so orders things in his providence, that reasonable and proper means, and his own means which he himself has appointed, should in no known remarkable instance be instrumental to produce so good an effect: an effect so agreeable to his own word and 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 them, and of a contrary tendency; means that are in themselves very absurd, and tend to root all religion and virtue 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, it is certainly 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, which has been wrought among BRAINERD'S Indians; it is 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, that they are not now true Christians, really pious and godly, though they should fall away and come to nothing, that never supposed, every one of those Indians, who in profession, renounced their Heathenism and visibly embraced Christianity, and have had some appearance of piety, will finally prove true converts. If two-thirds, or indeed one-half of them, as great a proportion as there is in the parable of the ten virgins, should persevere; it will be sufficient to show the work wrought among them to have been truly admirable and glorious. But so much of permanence of their religion has already appeared, as shows 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 crisis, by artful management. It is now more than three years ago, that this

work began among them, and a remarkable change appeared 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 virtue. I think, 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, worthy of insertion here. He, 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, and is as follows:

BETHEL, New-Jersey, Jan. 14, 1748.

Honoured and dear Parents,

"After a long and uncomfortable journey, by reason of bad weather, I arrived at Mr. BRAINERD'S, the sixth 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 myself 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. Notwithstanding my expectations were very much raised, from Mr. DAVID BRAINERD's Journal, and from particular information 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 among the Indians.

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"The evening after I came to town, I had opportunity to see the Indians together, while the Rev. Mr. Arthur preached to them at which time there appeared a very general and uncommon seriousness and solemnity in the congregation. This appeared 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 surprising solemnity appearing in the formance of each part of divine worship. Some, who are hopefully true Christians, appear to have been at that time much enlivened and comforted; not from any observable commotions then, but from conversation afterwards; and others seemed to be under pressing concern for their souls. I have endeavoured to acquaint myself with particular persons; many of whom seem to be very humble and growing Christians; although some of them, as I am informed, were before thei 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 do not seem to be real Christians only, but growing Christians also; as well in doctrinal, as experimental knowledge. Beside my conversation with particular persons, I have had opportunity to attend upon one of Mr. BRAINERD'S catechetical lectures; where I was surprised at their readiness in answering questions to which they had not been used; although Mr. BRAINERD complained much of their uncommon deficiency. It is surprising to see this people, who 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 public, 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. 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 surprised 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 books in their hands, as it does for many others to be at play. I have gone into a 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 it. About thirty of these children, can answer all the questions in the assembly's catechism; and the greater 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,

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"JOB STRONG.

"P. S. Since the date of this, I have had an 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 to questions proposed, without reason; for although 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 time, and some very late, which show that religion still continues in prosperous and most desirable circumstances among these Indians.

REFLECTION V.

Is there not much in the preceding memoirs of BRAINERD to teach, and excite to duty, us who are called to the work of the ministry and all who 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 dependence 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 its pleasing and ensnaring 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 to which he was publicly set apart! His history shows us the right way to success in the work of the ministry. He sought it, as a resolute soldier seeks victory, in a siege or battle; or as a man who runs a race, seeks a great prize. Animated with love to Christ and the souls of men, how did he "labour always fervently," not only in word and doctrine, in public 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 whom he was sent! How did he thirst for a blessing on his ministry; "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! 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.

His example of labouring, praying, denying himself, and enduring hardness with unfainting resolution and patience, and his faithful, vigilant, and prudent conduct in many other respects [which it would be too long now particularly to recite,] may afford instruction to missionaries in particular.

REFLECTION VI.

The foregoing account of BRAINERD's life may afford instruction to Christians in general; as it shows in many respects, the right way of practising religion, in order to obtain the ends, and receive the benefits of it; or how Christians should "run the race set before them," if they would not "run 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 apprehensions 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 exemplified these things.

Particularly, his example and success with regard to one duty in an especial manner, may be of great use to both ministers and private Christians; I mean the duty of secret fasting. The reader has seen, how much BRAINERD recommends this duty, and how frequently he exercised himself in it; nor can it well have escaped observation, how much he was owned and blessed in it, and of what great benefit it evidently was to his soul. Among all the many days he spent in secret fasting and prayer, of which he gives an account in his diary, there is scarcely an instance of one which was not either attended or soon followed with apparent success, and a remarkable blessing, in special influences and consolations of God's Spirit; and very often, before the day was ended. But it must be observed, that when he set about this duty, he did it in good 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 thou bless me.”

REFLECTION VII.

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There is much in the preceding account to excite and encourage God's people to earnest prayer and endeavours for the advancement and enlargement of the kingdom of Christ in the world. BRAINERD set us an excellent example in this respect.

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