, \V\E -UNIVERS//, k, .^OF-CAIIFOJ! *X rV 4 X". THE LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD, THE BROTHER OF DAVID BRAINERD, AND HIS SUCCESSOR AS MISSIONARY TO THE INDIANS OF NEW JERSEY. ijjjar Noitlt jFratrum. Wher reading such lives as those of Braincrd and Doddridge, I have often stood, amazed, I could almost say envious of their power to sustain a real and spiritual intercourse with Heaver, for large portions of a whole day. Thomas Chalmers, D.D. BY REV. THOMAS BRAINERD, D.D. PASTOR OF "OLD PINE STREET CHURCH," PHILADELPHIA. PHILADELPHIA: PRESBYTERIAN PUBLICATION COMMITTEE, 1JJ4 CHESTNUT STREET. NEW YORK: A. D. F. RANDOLPH, 770 BROADWAY. This Volume is Electrotyped by the liberality of COLONEL H. S. McCoMB, of the Central Presbyterian Church, Wilmington^ Delaware. Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the fear 1865, by the PRESBYTERIAN PUBLICATION COMMITTEE, the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States in and for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Electrotjifed If L. Johnson & Co., Philadelphia. JAS. D. RODGERS, Pfi , 52 & 54 Norlh SiMli Siivet. I'liihi. a 1? Mt&jQ PREFACE. rnHE inclination of the author has heretofore led him to "hoe short rows" in the field of lite- rature. He has edited a Child's Paper, a Youth's Magazine, a Religious Newspaper, and aided in a Quarterly. He has printed articles in Literary Monthlies, published Sermons and Tracts often; but this is his first attempt in making a boo k. If he have but imperfectly succeeded, there need be no alarm among his friends : he is not likely to repeat the offence. Dr. Livingstone, after escap- ing from sixteen years' travel and peril in Africa, said he "would rather repeat his journey than re- write his journal." We sympathize with him. The author's full professional labors and inci- dental duties have so absorbed his time and taxed his energies, that leisurely, discriminating, and ac- curate authorship would imply a miracle of self- 1965102 iv PREFACE. sacrificing ability. Failing to satisfy himself, lie cannot hope to satisfy his critical friends. In sending this volume into the world, the author has, however, some consolations: 1. The work is finished, and off his hands. 2. His investigations have kept his eye on a pure and benevolent character, and led him into communion with a holy enterprise and the sainted fathers of the Church in the Middle States and New England. 3. Possessing the diary of his namesake and remote kinsman, and impressed by the holiness and consecration of his life, the author first pro- jected this publication from family as well as public motives, with no expectation of gain or reputation ; and, therefore, in any event he is not likely to be greatly disappointed. 4. His labor has been lightened and cheered by the ready aid of many friends, whose names it gives the author a grateful pleasure to record wherever he has appropriated their contributions. 5. By the ready insertion of such relevant documents as time has spared, and allowing John Brainerd to speak for himself by all the records PREFACE. v he has left of his life, the author has aimed to illustrate his subject rather than himself, even if thereby he subordinated the temporary popularity of the volume to its final utility. 6. As to the literary execution of his task, the author is satisfied that he has used all accessible materials fully, and that he has written intelli- gibly. He has furnished the historic facts set in plain English. If the critical ask for a better ar- rangement, higher coloring, and richer ornament, the world is wide, and they can employ a more skilful artist. 7. The book is sent into the world with a cheerful conviction that, if it accomplish no mi- raculous good, it certainly threatens no harm: for it attacks no religious denomination and stimu- lates no sectarian bitterness; but, like the "Life of David Brainerd by Jonathan Edwards," is adapted to those of all religious names, creeds, and forms, in all times and in all lands, "who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity." Besides the persons to whom we have given credit for their aid, we desire to add those of Rev. Charles Bliss, of Reading, Mass., James C. i* vi PREFACE. Walkley, Esq., of Haddam, Conn., Cephas Brain- erd, Esq., of New York, Rev. J. Addison Henry, 0. H. Willard and George Young, Esqs., of Phila- delphia. From our cousin, the Rev. Davis S. Brainerd, of Lyme, Conn., a native of Haddam and graduate of Yale College, and also at pre- sent one of its Corporators, we have had great sympathy in our labors. In a letter, under date of January 30, 1865, he says: "It affords me the truest gratification to learn that a living hand has lifted up the memory of an able and most estima- ble Christian minister from the almost complete oblivion under which it has so long lain. What there was of true eternal life in him will now be seen and profitably incorporated into the great Christian commonwealth of coming times." Our anxiety is not lest our work should be undervalued and censured: in the secularities of the age and the excitements of the country, its great peril is that IT WILL NOT BE THOUGHT OF AT ALL. THOMAS BRAINERD. PHILADELPHIA, March, 1865. CONTENTS. PAGE INTRODUCTORY 9 CHAPTER I. John Brainerd's Parentage His Grandfather and Grandmother His Fathei and Mother His Brothers and Sisters His Step- Brother, Jeremiah Mason Major-General Joseph Spen- cer 21 CHAPTER II. John Brainerd's Childhood and Youth 37 CHAPTER III. John Brainerd in Yale College His Brother's Expulsion Its Injustice Effect on John Its Influence in founding Prince- ton College Letters, etc. 51 CHAPTER IV. John Brainerd's Entrance upon the Ministry . . . .66 CHAPTER V. Condition of the Indian Missions at the Time the Rev. John Brainerd entered upon his Labors 70 CHAPTER VI. David Brainerd at Kaunaumeek, Forks of Delaware, and Cross- weeks . 75 CHAPTER VII. John Brainerd's Invitation to the Field as a Missionary . . 93 CHAPTER VIII. John Brainerd's Introduction to his Missionary Field at Cran- berry, N. J 97 viii CONTENTS. CHAPTER IX. PAGE John Brainerd's First Year among the Indians Their Number Cranberry Bethel The Revival Letter to Rev. Mr. Pem- berton 106 CHAPTER X. John Brainerd meets Affliction in the Outset Sickness among the Indians Slanders from those without Sent for to at- tend his Dying Brother David 119 CHAPTER XL John Brainerd's Labors after the Death of David His Appoint- ment His Ordination His Report to the Scotch Society His Companions in the Winter of 1747-48 Rev. Elihu Spen- cer, D.D. First Concert of Prayer 138 CHAPTER XII. John Brainerd's Indians disturbed at Bethel Character of Chief-Justice R. H. Morris His Tragic Death The Indians lose their Lands 153 CHAPTER XIII. Diary of John Brainerd among the Indians How preserved His Spirit of Devotion His Industry His Self- Denial . 150 CHAPTER XIV. A Journey over the Delaware Visits Princeton Hopewell Crosses the River Finds some Indians, and preaches to them His Interpreter returns Home with Three Squaws Rev. Charles Beatty, Samuel Hazard, Esq., Rev. Richard Treat 166 CHAPTER XV. Endeavors to benefit a Quaker Rancocas Indians An In- dian Funeral An Indian God Saturday Sermons Much disturbed by White People A Little Indian Boy cries to go home with Mr. Brainerd Is taken along . . . .171 CHAPTER XVI. John Brainerd follows the Indians to a Mineral Spring In- dian Mistress attending to Prayers Rev. Mr. Davenport CONTENTS. ix PAGE Brainerd makes another Journey Elizabethtown Newark Rev. Aaron Burr Thanksgiving Leaves Home again Amwell Brunswick Rev. Mr. Arthur .... 178 CHAPTER XVII. New Jersey College Commencement John Brainerd takes his Master's Degree His Gratitude The Rev. Mr. Pomroy Rev. Samuel Finley 186 CHAPTER XVIII. Preaches at The Forks Irish Settlement The Craigs Gna- denhutten His Impressions of the Moravians . . . 194 CHAPTER XIX. Crosses the Blue Mountain Mr. Lawrence visits Bethlehem Mr. Brainerd's Discussions . 201 CHAPTER XX. Governor Belcher and his Lady visit Mr. Brainerd His Ser- mon on the Occasion 212 CHAPTER XXI. Visits Elizabethtown His Labors there 218 CHAPTER XXII. John Brainerd's Pastoral Labors His Trials His Consecra- tion End of Diary Its Character 221 CHAPTER XXIII. Extract from the Minutes of the Scotch Society Mr. Brain- erd's Full Report His Eventful Journey His Labors, Perils, and Observations . . .... 228 CHAPTER XXIV. Mr. Brainerd's Salary His London Letter .... 251 CHAPTER XXV. Visit from Rev. Samuel Davis Letter to Scotland Change of Field Letters of President Edwards Rev. Gideon Hawlcv 266 xii CONTENTS. CHAPTER XLIII. PAGE Mr. Brainerd as Pastor in Deerfield Why he went there His Predecessors Traditions of his Labors A Case of Dis- cipline His Indian Woman Becky His Death and Tomb- stone 429 CHAPTER XLIV. Mr. Brainerd's Last Will and Testament His Descendants His Person and Manners 436 CHAPTER XLV. Concluding Observations on Mr. Brainerd's Life and Labors . 445 APPENDIX. Letter of Rev. Joseph G. Symmes, of Cranberry, N. J., concern- ing Bethel, the former Indian Town in his Neighborhood . 455 David and John Brainerd's Journeys in Pennsylvania . . 456 Letter of Rev. Cutting Marsh, on the Present Condition of the Delaware Indians aud their Traditions of the Brainerd Bro- thers 459 David Brainerd not forgotten ....... 463 Letter of Rev. Allen H. Brown, of Absecom, N. J., on John Brainerd's Domestic Missionary Labors .... 466 Letters from Mrs. Ross to her Step- Mother, Mrs. Brainerd . 478 Letter from Mrs. E. M. Sims 480 A Modern Experiment in the Education of Young Indians . 482 Indian Wrongs . 486 INTRODUCTORY. rilHE name of the Rev. David Brainerd is familiar -*- and precious to the Church of God. Though more than one hundred years have elapsed since he died, his memory is still fresh and fragrant wherever Chris- tianity has found a lodgment in any part of the earth. His holy life, his fervent prayers, his devout, tender, and earnest teachings, his apostolic labors, his martyr sacrifices and spiritual triumphs and successes, furnish models and motives to the ministry, and to the pious of every class, so precious and useful that the Church can never afford to let his name die. As the great interests to which he gave his life and his energies were not of the day, nor the class, nor the place; as the great principles which he avowed are immutable and pertinent in all time and among all na- tions; as the great work he essayed is still unfinished; and as the concentrated vision of the Church for a century gone by has discovered in the martyr-mis- sionary more of the image of his great Master, it is no wonder that the name of David Brainerd has con- 2 9 10 INTRODUCTORY. stantly brightened, whilst more brilliant but less worthy names have faded from the memory of the Church. In moving into the future, it is the destiny of man to move into relative darkness. Every individual human advance is an adventure in paths dim, difficult, and perilous, never yet trodden; an experiment of labors and perils not yet endured, of responsibilities yet to be discharged, and of aims and elevations yet to be surmounted. No wonder that in these circumstances man looks around him to inquire, " Has any one mapped out the way ? Has any one successfully threaded the difficult and dreary paths? Has any one borne the labors and overcome the dangers? Has any one scaled the heights, and laid his hand on the proffered prize ?" The martial spirit is kept alive by the great names and achievements of its heroes ; its Caesars, Welling- tons, and Napoleons. Science renews its energy in communion with the names of its Galileos, Lockes, and Newtons. Men are brave to strike for human free- dom under the shelter of the great examples of Hamp- den, Cromwell, and Washington ! The biographies of the eminent dead not only furnish illustrations of what the living may be, and do, and dare; they not only lift men above the crowd to a higher estimate of human capacity and power; they do more, through the social principles by which one is set to imitate the good deeds which he contemplates in others. The Church of God has always availed itself of these principles of INTRODUCTORY n our nature; and, while war has cherished its heroes and science its devotees, Christianity has wisely em- balmed the memory of her great teachers, her saints, and her martyrs. It is well it is so; for, however dwarfed may be the present age in any grace or at- tainment, the true and growing Christian can find solace, sympathy, and companionship with the more excellent men and things of the past. No doubt Christian biography enrolls names more eminent for genius, learning, and eloquence than David Brainerd. No doubt hundreds, and perhaps thousands, have surpassed him in the wide-spread influence of their personal labors; for David Brain- erd's ministry, like his great Master's, lasted but about three years. At his death he "began to be" only "thirty years old." He has not been remem- bered and famed as a man eminently great in intel- lect, though his biographer, President Edwards, says of him : " God sanctified and made meet for his own use that vessel (Brainerd), which he made of large capacity, having endowed him with very uncommon abilities and gifts of nature. He was a singular in- stance of ready invention, natural energy, ready flow- ing expression and sprightly apprehension, quick dis- cerning, and a very strong memory ; and yet of a very penetrating genius, clear thought and piercing judg- ment." This likeness was drawn by a master. The man of whom President Edwards could say all this had an intellect of the first order. But President 12 INTRODUCTORY. Edwards goes farther, to affirm that David Brainerd "had an exact taste; that his understanding was of a quick, strong, and distinguished scent; that his learn- ing was very considerable, so that he was considered in college as one that excelled ; that he had an extra- ordinary knowledge of men as well as things; that he excelled most that Edwards ever knew in a commu- nicative faculty; that he had extraordinary gifts for the pulpit; being clear, instructive, moving, natural, nervous, forcible, and very searching and convincing;" that in private intercourse "he was of a sociable dis- position," and had excellent talents for conversation, being entertaining and profitable. President Edwards sums up his estimate of Brainerd by declaring him "an extraordinary divine, unequalled, for one of his age, for clear, accurate notions of the power and nature of true religion;" and this superiority in David Brainerd he attributes "to the strength of his natural genius, his great opportunities of observation, and his own great experience." We see from these extracts that President Edwards did not regard David Brainerd as simply a very re- markably pious and good sort of man, who had reached eminence and success by meaning well and industrious labor. In the judgment of Edwards, David Brainerd was distinguished for an intellect of wonderful power ; for gifts and graces that would have distinguished him in any profession, any age, or any land. His reputation 1NTRODUCTORT. 13 as a great man intellectually has failed only in the greater brilliancy of his holy heart and martyr life. But it is not David Brainerd, the man of genius and acute poetic sensibility ; not the skilful metaphysician and dialectician ; not the eloquent preacher and gifted and entertaining companion, whom the Church has embalmed in her memory and laid near her heart. She has had many other sons equally gifted and emi- nent in these regards. The David Brainerd who has stood before the Church for one hundred and twenty years, to stimulate successive generations to zeal, watch- fulness, humility, prayer, and evangelical labor, is the missionary saint ; his genius and attainments, his honor and wealth, his country, companionship, and home, all laid on the altar of God and humanity; the orphan- boy, struggling with doubt, fear, misapprehension, but led by truth and the Spirit into gradual light and peace in Jesus; the keenly-sensitive conscience and the lofty moral standard, that makes imperfection a crime to be overcome by prayers, penitence, and tears; the student, ambitious of learning and college-honors, but, for an indiscretion prompted by religious enthusiasm, banished from his alma mater and its doors forever barred against him ; the candidate for the ministry, mastering in his studies alike the sublimest problems of theology and the hearts of his teachers, like Mills and Bellamy; the young and bold missionary to the Indians, alone with the savages in the howling wil- derness, his dwelling a wigwam, his bed a blanket i 4 on the earth or gathered leaves, his food corn-cakes kneaded by his own hand and baked at his forest-fire; the missionary explorer, threading alone on horseback hundreds of miles of the wilderness, in the midst of tangled forest, swamps, ravines, and craggy precipices ; surrounded by yelping wolves, and himself cold, weary, sick, and oppressed by the morbid depression so often the attribute of genius, so that literally, like his great Master, "he had nowhere to lay his head;" the shrewd, unwearied, skilful Christian teacher, bringing all the energies of his nature to render himself familiar first with one and then another Indian tongue, until he could speak without an interpreter the words of life; the parental sympathy and love, that made his people's joys and sorrows his own, by which he stole their hearts and opened their ears to truth; the un- wearied assiduity by which, in season and out of sea- son, he made truth to percolate through the dark minds around; the blameless and heavenly life he led, by which his Indians saw the gospel organized into a loving example of purity and charity; the earnest, lowly, and effective prayers by which he preserved in himself a heavenly spirit and brought to his aid the energy of the Holy Ghost; patient and unremitted labor and prayer while the revival-blessing was de- layed, and the meek humility and quietude with which he bore himself when his labors were crowned with success; his pentecostal seasons of revival, his wonder- ful success in a few months of revolutionizing scores INTRODUCTORr. 15 of savages into penitent, God-fearing, Christian men and women, and the simple eloquence and self-aban- donment with which lie recorded all this in reports to the Society that employed him; bearing to a consider- able extent his own charges in all this work, and at the same time devoting his patrimony to aid in an education for the ministry of another young man to labor in the missionary work; literally, by labor, ex- posure, and religious anxiety, wearing himself out at thirty years, but brave, unfaltering, and submissive, seeking his own New England, to die in the presence of one that on earth he best loved; but not until he had summoned his own younger brother to enter the same field and bear the same burden in the great work of saving the poor Indians ; this was the man whom the Church could not afford that humanity should forget. But aside from his talents, his piety, and wonder- ful success, the fame of this distinguished man was not a little aided by the eminence and abilities of his greater biographer. Any man whose life Jonathan Edwards thought worthy to write would be certain of being remembered, as great and rapid streams im- part motion to all things, great and small, thrown on the bosom of their waters. There were some especial reasons why the great metaphysician and divine should throw his whole heart into his biography of the great missionary. Brainerd was a protege of Edwards, a martyr in college to his zeal for the Evangelical party, a type 16 INTRODUCTORT. of that peculiar form of piety enjoined in the "Reli- gious Affections," the accepted and betrothed lover of his daughter. Brainerd's whole mental constitution and training, his moral characteristics and developments, prepared him to look up to Edwards with the profoundest reverence, and to regard him as a model of all that is sublime in wisdom or commendable in piety. It was natural that the heart of Edwards should be touched by the admiration and love of such a saint-like and gifted young man, and that he should tax to the utmost his vast powers so to set him forth as to gain for him that elevation in the eyes of the Church which he held in the estimation of his biographer. This Edwards actually did, and thereby threw around the name and deeds of David Brainerd a moral radiance which the lapse of ages has 110 power to dim or extin- guish. The REV. JOHN BRAINERD, the younger brother of David, and his successor in missionary labor among the Indians of New Jersey, though of kindred spirit, and perhaps equal moral worth, had not the eminent talents, nor the large acquisitions, nor the marked success of his brother David. But the relative ob- livion into which his name has fallen is not mainly to be ascribed to any deficiency in these respects. He not only had the destiny to essay a work concern- ing which the highest expectation had been raised, while its novelty before the world had been ex- INTRODUCTORY 17 hausted, but to assume this work at its most difficult point; that is, to train to fixed principles and abiding Christian rectitude the wandering savages whom his brother David, by the grace of God, had converted to the hopeful profession of Christianity. Which brother had the harder task, I leave the reader to decide. It is true, the younger brother had the advantage resulting from the experience and labors of his pre- decessor, and the prestige of his good name, and all the influence of the Church's approbation. These were benefits not to be undervalued. But even these did not so counterbalance the facts before stated as to give him or his mission any great prominence in the eyes of the Church. When we add to this the fact that his labors were signalized by no marked and extraordinary developments among either the Indians or his own countrymen, and that there was no Presi- dent Edwards, with deep affection, patient toil, and consummate genius and skill, to give him a biography; we see how it is that, while the fame of David Brain- erd has gone over the earth, his beloved brother and co-laborer has been almost overlooked and forgotten. One star has differed from the other star in glory. The greater brilliancy of the one has paled the mild but beautiful shining of the other. Believing that the love of the Church in this and other lands for the memory of David Brainerd has created an interest which extends, in a certain degree, to his successor in the missionary work, and to the i8 INTRODUCTORT. result of their united labors, the writer has been induced to undertake the preparation of the present volume. Representing their name, and sharing with them the great responsibilities of the ministerial office, claiming kindred with them according to the flesh, and humbled by the contemplation of their moral excel- lence, it seems pertinent that he should have great interest in their history, and be willing to give such information concerning them as he can furnish for the benefit of the Church of God. He has sought for information on the subject from every available source; but after the lapse of one hundred years, the materials for the biography of any man will in most cases be few and unsatisfactory. The Indian nations whom John Brainerd instructed in God's truth have faded and perished, and with them mostly the record of his toils for their welfare. But something still remains; and it has been the writer's responsibility to gather these fragments of a martyr-life, and, giving symmetry and completeness to the skeleton form, by linking "bone to its bone," to throw into it such a beating heart, and over it such a mantle of muscle and flesh, as would justify its introduction to the living generation of the nineteenth century. Alone, the journal and biography of John Brainerd might lack interest, as the materials are scanty; but as a sequel to the memoir of his distinguished brother, it will, I trust, be regarded with satisfaction by the friends of Christ. INTRODUCTORY. 19 As the friend of Whitefield, the Tennents, Presi- dents Edwards, Burr, and Dickinson; as the trustee for twenty-six years of the College of Princeton; as the Moderator of the Old Synod of New York and Philadelphia; as one selected to fill the place of Presi- dent Edwards at Stockbridge, on his transfer to Nas- sau Hall; as a chaplain in the Old French War on the frontiers of Canada; as the first domestic missionary of the Presbyterian Church in the United States; as a faithful missionary to the Indians for more than twenty years; and, above all, as a holy and conse- crated man of God, I think there are materials in the life of John Brainerd to justify the tardy presenta- tion of his journal and biography to the public. The author feels great satisfaction in being able to set a character so stainless and benevolent before the rising ministry of the land. LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. CHAPTER I. JEN BRAINERD'S PARENTAGE HIS GRANDFATHER AKD GRAND- MOTHER HIS FATHER AND MOTHER HIS BROTHERS AND SIS- TERS HIS STEP-BROTHER, JEREMIAH MASON MAJOR-GENERAL JOSEPH SPENCER. A BOUT the year 1649, there was brought, as is supposed from Exeter, in England, to Hart- )rd, Conn., a little boy eight years of age, named )aniel Brainerd.* In what vessel he embarked, /hy he left home at such a tender age, by whom e was accompanied and cared for, we know not: /e only know that this little boy came with the Wyllis" family, one of the most affluent and re- pectable in Hartford, and that he remained in it ntil 1662, when he was twenty-one years of age. * We have followed Dr. Field's " Brainerd Genealogy." In the jbrary of the Massachusetts Historical Society, at Worcester, we ave lately seen a manuscript "Genealogy of the Brainerds," written a 1784, which states that Daniel Brainerd lived in the Wadsworth imily, at Hartford, until he was of age, and then, after two years, amoved to Haddam. We have no means of verifying the facts, as he whole matter rests on tradition. 3 21 22 LIFE OF JOHN BRAIN ERD. What relation he sustained to the Wyllis family, whether he was a relative, or an orphan taken to be sheltered, or a bound boy, we have no know- ledge. None of his name or blood have been o clearly traced in Europe, nor outside of his de- scendants in America. Two hundred and twelve years ago, the boy of eight years put his little feet on the banks of the Connecticut; around him a great continent covered by a howling wilderness, and perilous from roaming savage tribes and beasts of prey. It is said that at least thirty-three thou- sand persons in these United States have looked back to that lone boy as the head of their family.* Arrived at the age of twenty-one years, Daniel Brainerd, in company with twenty-seven others, young men of his own age, went about thirty miles below Hartford, and selected for settlement a tract of land twelve miles square, comprehending nearly equal portions on each side of the Connecti- cut River. Middletown, about nine miles above, and Saybrook, twenty miles below, had been al- ready taken up and thinly peopled. Haddam, for * The name Brainerd was variously spelled in the early records : sometimes we find it 'Brainard, and again Braynard, but most com- monly it was written Brainerd. This was the mode of David and John, and has obtained most in the family. However spelled, the name is identical, as all trace their origin to the common ancestor, Daniel Brainerd. The name is said to be of Norman origin. Tradition has it that the name was originally Brain wood, or Braidwood. This has some probability, as the name Brainerd is not now found in England. LIFE OF JOHN BRA1NERD. 23 this was the name given to the new settlement, comprehended one of the wildest and most pictu- resque portions of the State. Here the Connecti- cut River breaks through the mountain-range which terminates in the East Rock at New Haven. The broad, beautiful stream, the fine island opposite the town, the level fertile meadows reaching half a mile from the river, the terrace-like elevations by which the hills rise from the plain, the frown- ing and rocky bluffs which here and there force themselves to the water's edge, the deep lateral vales through which the smaller streams rush to meet the great river, and the dark shade ot the semi-mountains, hundreds of feet high, looming everywhere in the little distance, all these give to the scenery of Haddam a grandeur and beauty rarely to be equalled. Brainerd selected his estate about two miles above the present village of Haddam, and one mile below the present village of Higganum, a great part of which was originally owned by some branches of the family. His farm, gently sloping down to the river from a considerable elevation, looking west on craggy hills, commanded a view of the Connecticut for miles up and down the river. Here, on land reclaimed by. his own in- dustry from the forest, John Brainerd's grand- father planted his family; and his property re- mained with his descendants nearly two hundred years, to the present generation. 24 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. The poet J. G. Brainerd, Esq., of New London, thus apostrophizes the beautiful Connecticut, on the banks of which his fathers had been settled for nearly two centuries: "Stream of my sleeping fathers ! When the sound Of coming war* echoed thy hills around, How did thy sons start forth from every glade, Snatching the musket where they left the spade ! How did their mothers urge them to the fight, Their sisters tell them to defend the right ! How bravely did they stand, how nobly fall, The earth their coffin, and the turf their pall ! How did the aged pastor light his eye, When to his flock he read the purpose high And stern resolve, whate'er the toil may be, To pledge life, name, fame, all for liberty ! Bold river ! better suited are thy waves To nurse the laurels clust'ring round their graves Than many a distant stream, that soaks the mud Where thy brave sons have shed their gallant blood ; And felt, beyond all other mortal pain, They ne'er should see their happy home again." Of Daniel, the grandfather of David and John Brainerd, the Rev. D. D. Field, D.D., says, "The ancestor became the proprietor and settler of Had- dam about 1662, and was a prosperous, influential, and very respectable man; a justice of peace in the town, a deacon in the church. He became the greatest landholder in Haddam, owning, besides * Eleven of the Brainerd family served in the Old French War and in the War of the Revolution, four of whom fell martyrs to their country. In the present war to put down rebellion, the family has furnished many more soldiers and will mourn more victims. May their blood not be shed in vain ! LIFE OF JOHN BRA1NERD. 25 rights in other places in the township, about a mile in the northeast part, on the Connecticut River, including what is covered by the present village of Higganum." As Brainerd aided to found the first church of Haddam almost the first year of the settlement, and served it as deacon, it ap- pears that he was early and consistently pious, and wisely laid the foundation of his family hopes in the fear of God. About the year 1664 he married Hannah Spen- cer, daughter of Jared Spencer, first of Lynn, Mass., and afterwards of Haddam. Of his wife's family the Rev. Dr. Samuel Miller, in his article* on the Rev. Elihu Spencer, D.D., of Trenton, N. J., says, "The ancestors of the family from whom this eminent man descended were five brothers, who emigrated from England to Massachusetts early in the seventeenth cen- tury. The eldest, John Spencer, appears to have been a large landholder, a magistrate, a member of the Gene- ral Court, and a high military officer in Watertown, now Cambridge, from 1634 to 1638, when he returned to England, leaving no descendants on this side the Atlan- tic. William Spencer, the second brother, also settled in Cambridge, where he was a member of the General Court and a landed proprietor. He afterwards removed to Connecticut, where he died, leaving a numerous fam- ily. He was the ancestor of the late Ambrose Spencer, Chief Justice of New York. Thomas Spencer, the third brother, died in Haddam, the residence of his family, in 1685. * Spraguc's Annals, vol. iii. p. 165. 26 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. "Ichabod S. Spencer, D.D., late pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Brooklyn, N. Y., and Hon. Joshua A. Spencer, late of Utica, are among his de- scendants. The fourth brother, Jared Spencer, origin- ally settled with his brother in Cambridge, and came not long afterwards to Connecticut, when he became one of the first settlers of the town of Haddam. He died in 1685, leaving a numerous posterity. The Rev. Elihu Spencer, D.D., the subject of this article, and Major- General Joseph Spencer, a distinguished and active mili- tary officer during the Revolutionary War, were among his descendants." Tared Spencer, alluded to in this article, was the maternal grandfather of John Brainerd ; and, consequently, Rev. Dr. Elihu Spencer, of Trenton, was a cousin of the missionary. Daniel Brainerd, the paternal grandfather of John, was the father of eight children. Seven of these were sons, all of whom settled in life, raised large families, and lived to advanced years.* * It may interest a certain class of our readers to follow Dr. Field in a sketch of the descendants of these seven sons. Their names were, 1. Daniel; 2. James; 3. Joshua; 4. William; 5. Caleb; 6. Elijah ; 7. Hezekiah, the father of David and John. 1. Daniel Brainerd was the ancestor of Dr. Daniel Brainerd, of Tremont, Ohio, Hon. Jeremiah Gates Brainerd, Hon. William F. Brainerd, J. G. Brainerd the poet, Dr. Dyer Throop Brainerd, of New London. 2. James Brainerd was the ancestor of the Rev. Eliezer Brainerd, late of Ohio, Rev. Davis S. Brainerd, of Lyme, Conn., Rev. Thomas Brainerd, of Philadelphia, Dr. Austin Brainerd, late of New York, Cephas Brainerd, Esq., of New York, Norman L. Brainerd, Esq., of Brooklyn, N. Y., Erastus and Silas Brainerd, of Middletown, Conn., and Leonard W. Brainerd, of New York. LIFE OF JOHN BR A I NERD. 27 It is believed they were all hopefully pious, and most of them officers in the Church. Their de- scendants, to the fifth and sixth generations, have inherited and illustrated to a great extent the reli- gious faith and pure morals of their fathers. Hezekiah Brainerd, the youngest son of Daniel Brainerd, Esq., and father of David and John, was the most prominent and influential of the family ; a gentleman of education, means, and high official position. President Edwards calls him "the wor- shipful Mr. Brainerd, one of his majesty's council." Dr. Field says "he acquired much more education than was obtained by respectable young men gene- rally in his day, and became a man of great dis- 3. Joshua Brainerd was the ancestor of Hon. John Brainerd, Re- presentative in the Assembly in the Revolutionary War, &c. 4. William Brainerd was the ancestor of Rev. Chiliab Brainerd, of Eastbury, Conn., Roswell Colt Brainerd, Esq., of Middletown, Conn., Hon. Ezra Brainerd, late of Haddarn, Lawrence R. Brainerd, of St. Albans, Vt., Hon. Lawrence Brainerd, late United States Sen- ator at Washington, Rev. Israel Brainerd, late of Verona, N. Y., Hon. Joseph Hungerford Brainerd, of Vermont, Rev. Timothy G. Brainerd, of Halifax, Mass. 5. Caleb Brainerd was the ancestor of Dr. Daniel Brainerd, of Chi- cago, 111. 6. Elijah Brainerd was the ancestor of the Rev. Elijah Brainerd, of South Carolina, Rev. Carolus C. Brainerd, of Warrenton, N. C., Almon Brainerd, Esq., Greenfield, Mass., John Brainerd, Esq., late of New Orleans, Rev. John Brainerd, of Maryland. 7. Hezekiah Brainerd being the father of David and John, we shall speak of his family in the body of this memoir. " Contributions to the Ecclesiastical History of Connecticut," p. 401, gives the names of ten ministers of the name of Brainerd raised up by the Church in Haddam. As many more have entered the minis try elsewhere, all descended from Deacon Daniel Brainerd. 28 LIFE OF JOHN BR4INERD. tinction and influence. He was Representative to the General Assembly and Speaker of the House of Representatives, a member of the Council, or Senate, who intrusted him with many public con- cerns. In consideration of extra public services, the Legislature gave him a farm of three hundred acres in Goshen, Conn." He died in the Capitol, while attending in his place as Senator, May 24, 1727, when his son David was nine and John seven years old. His tombstone is in the grounds of the First Church, Hartford, in the rear of the church-edifice. Hezekiah Brainerd married Dorothy, daughter of the Rev. Jeremiah Hobart, pastor of the church in Haddam, October 1, 1707. Mrs. Brainerd's family affinities are very fully drawn by President Edwards, to which the reader is referred. She was of an excellent stock, and, it is believed, a woman of fine intellect and ardent piety. The lapse of one hundred and thirty years has thrown the deep veil of oblivion over her per- son, her talents, her maternal modes and character- istics, her counsels, and her yearning prayers.* How much David and John Brainerd owed of * Dorothy Hobart was the young widow of Daniel Mason, grand- eon of the famed Captain John Mason, the hero of the Indian Wars. She had one son, Jeremiah Mason, the grandfather of Hon. Jeremiah Mason, the great rival of Daniel Webster, of Boston. "Jeremiah Mason, the step-son of Hon. Hezekiah Brainerd, and step-brother of David and John, was born March 4, 1705, and mar- ried, May 24, 1727, Mary, daughter of Thomas Clark, of Haddam. LIFE OF JOHN BR4INERD. 29 their peculiar piety and usefulness to the early lessons, example, and prayers of their excellent Jeremiah at the time of his father's death was six months old, so that from his early infancy he was a step-child, and was brought up 'after the most straitest sect of our religion,' by a rigid Puritan, his step-father, who, as the family tradition tells us, ' looked after the boys.' It tells us also that Jeremiah, when a man, once coming in late at night, Mr. Brainerd asked him, 'Where have you been so late at night ?' " ' I have been,' said he, ' to see Mary Clark.' " 'Oh! very well,' answered the step-father. 'Go to bed.' " [Life of Mrs. Judge Boardman, of New Haven, by Rev. Dr. Schroeder.] The grandson before spoken of, the Hon. Jeremiah Mason, of Bos- ton, died November 3, 1848. Daniel Webster pronounced a eulogy upon him, November 4, 1848, before the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts, at Boston ; and presented to the court at the same time certain resolutions unani- mously adopted a short time before at a meeting of the Bar of the county of Suffolk, on motion of the Hon. Rufus Choate. On moving the resolutions, Mr. Choate said: "Mr. Mason was so extraordinary a person ; his powers of inind were not only so vast, but so peculiar ; his character and influence were so weighty, as well as good; he filled for so many years so con- spicuous a place in the profession of the law, in public life, and in intercourse with those who gave immediate direction to public affairs, that it appears most fit, if it were practicable, that we should attempt to record somewhat permanently and completely our appreciation of him, and to convey it to others, who knew him less perfectly and less recently than ourselves. It seems to me that one of the very few greatest men whom this country has produced ; a statesman among the foremost in a senate of which King and Giles, in the fulness of their strength and fame, were members; a jurist who would have filled the scat of Marshall as Marshall filled it; of whom it may be said that, without ever holding a judicial station, he was the author and finisher of the jurisprudence of a state ; one whose intellect, wisdom, and uprightness gave him a control over the opinions of all the circles in which he lived and acted, of which we shall scarcely see another example, and for which this generation and the country are the better to-day : such seems to me to have been the man who has just gone down to a timely grave. I rejoice to know that the 3* 3 o LIFE OF JOHN BHAINERD. mother will never be fully known on earth. But this woman, the daughter of a clergyman and child of the Church, who gave to the world among her descendants such men as David and John Brainerd for the pulpit, Jeremiah Mason for the bar, and Thomas Minor for the healing art, is in no danger of being forgotten. In respect to the father of the missionaries, the Hon. Hezekiah Brainerd, tradition gives us some reliable information. He is said to have been of great personal dignity and self-restraint, of rigid notions of parental prerogatives and authority, of the strictest puritanical views as to religious ordi- nances, of unbending integrity as a man and a public officer, and of extreme scrupulousness in his Christian life. From their father, no doubt, David and John Brainerd inherited a constitutional tendency to that keen sensibility, that high consci- entiousness, that self-dissatisfaction, that moral ad- hesiveness to fixed purposes, and that general reli- giousness which their whole history so prominently exhibits. eighty-first year of his life found his marvellous faculties wholly unimpaired. " ' No pale gradations quenched that ray.' " Down to the hour when the appointed shock, his first sickness, struck him, as it might seem, in a moment, from among the living, he was ever his great and former self. "Ho is dead: and, though here and there a kindred mind here and there, rarer still, a coeval rnind survives, he has left no one beyond his immediate blood and race who in the least degree resem- bles him." LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 31 But whatever personal influence these parents may have early exerted on David and John Brairi- erd, it was destined to be short. Their father died when they were respectively nine and seven. When they reached the ages of fourteen and twelve, they lost their excellent mother, and thenceforth were orphans, left to the care of relatives, who, provi- dentially, had the disposition and ability to do them every kindness. Their immediate family consisted of nine brothers and sisters. As five of these were older than the two missionaries, and several of them well settled in life, the two orphan boys and a younger brother and sister were not without efficient advisers and protectors. The names and birth of the children of the Hon. Hezekiah Brainerd were as follows : 1. HEZEKIAH BRALNERD, Jr., born 1708 2. DOROTHY " " 1710 3. NEHEMIAH " " 1712 4. JERUSHA " " 1714 5. MARTHA " 1716 6. DAVID " 1718 7. JOHN " 1720. 8. ELIZABETH " 1722 9. ISRAEL " "1725 Hezekiah retained the homestead in Haddam. Dr. Field says he was deacon in the church, clerk of the town, justice of the peace, repeatedly mem- ber of the Assembly, and colonel of the militia. 32 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. Among his descendants were Thomas Minor, M.D., and the Hon. Hezekiah Brainerd, M.D., formerly of Haddam. Dorothy Brainerd married Lieutenant David Smith. We have no knowledge of her family. The third child of Hon. Hezekiah Brainerd, father of David, was Rev. Nehemiah Brainerd, a graduate of Yale College, and settled in the ministry at Glas- tenbury (Eastbury), Conn. He is often mentioned in Edwards' "Life of Brainerd." Rev. Nehemiah Brainerd succeeded his cousin, Rev. Chilliab Brainerd, a graduate of Yale College, who was installed in 1736, and died, after two years' pastorship, January 1, 1739. The monument over his grave calls him "a zealous and faithful minister of Jesus Christ." Rev. Nehemiah Brainerd had a similar history. He graduated in 1732, settled in Eastbury in 1740, and died November 9, 1742, aged thirty-two years. The following letter, for which we are indebted to Rev. President Allen, of Northampton, Mass., is all we have ever seen from his pen. It was written in a great revival, when his health was failing. It breathes the spirit of David and John, or rather it illustrates the spirit they received from an elder brother. We give it verbatim et literatim: "To ye Rev d MR. WHEELOCK, of Lebanon. " Rev & Dear S'- "Y c Lambs of my Flock seem to entertain a great LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 33 Desire for y coming and preaching to 'em, and some others y f are older I think joyn with 'em. I entreat of you yt in Brotherly Love you would answer our request, and send me word when you intend to come y e I may warn a meeting. If you cant come till y e week after next, probably our Friend Buel and my Brother [David] will be here, & next Wednesday I de- sign to preach at Hock-anum, so that day must be ex- cepted. I trust, my dear Brother, you'll come, if you pos- sibly can, & joyn forces with mine, & help me under my weakness & infirmities, and help gather in X' s [Christ's] chosen here. There is, I trust, a great & effectual door opened to me, but there are many adversaries, especially in y e Town, where, I suppose, y e major part are rather opposing, & some are daring, hardy Soldiers of Satan in- deed ! Let us never forget each other & y e Ch. of X at y e throne of Grace. " I am y r sincere Friend & B r , "N. BRAINERD. "GLASSENBURY, Satur: July 17, or 1 8, 1741." Among his descendants we find the Hon. Nehe- rniah Brainerd, A.M., repeatedly a representative in the General Assembly of Connecticut, and dea- con in the church, and General John Brainerd, of Haddam, who, by a donation" of some fifteen thou- sand dollars, founded the "Brainerd Academy" in Haddam, and left two thousand five hundred dol- lars to the Congregational Church. Jerusha JBrainerd, David's second sister, mar- ried Samuel Spencer, of Haddam, December 19, 1732. She died a little before her brother David, 34 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. and the news was carried to him when he lay sick in Boston. President Edwards says, "She was a sister between whom and himself (David) had long subsisted a peculiarly dear affection. But he had this comfort together with the tidings, a confi- dence of her being gone to heaven." Martha Brainerd, third sister of David and John, married General Joseph Spencer, of East Haddam, a well-known major-general in the army of the Revolution.* * Of General Joseph Spencer, the brother-in-law of David Brain- erd, and also descended from Isaac Spencer, Brainerd's great-grand- father, Dr. Smith, recently President of Marietta College, now of Buf- falo, N. Y., said, in an obituary of Mrs. Martha Brainerd Wilson, of Marietta : " Mrs. Wilson was the daughter of the late Dr. Joseph Spencer, of Vienna, Wood county, Va. He was the son of Major-General Joseph Spencer, who served with reputation with the rank of colonel in the Northern Army during the French War, was a brigadier-general in the Continental Army, and in 1776 was appointed a major-general of the American Army of the Revolution, which he resigned in 1778, and was elected a member of the Continental Congress, a man whose character won an expression of high esteem from Washington, and whose deep-toned piety, with that of many of his compatriots, con- tributed much to throw around that fearful struggle the sacred sanc- tion of religion. " In 1794, Dr. Spencer, who had held the office of surgeon and aide to his father in the army, emigrated to the West, and, in company with the late Colonel Abner Lord, purchased a tract of land in Wood county, below Marietta, fronting five miles on the Ohio River. Dr. Spencer left a family of eleven children, six sons and five daughters. Of these sons three still survive, Messrs. William and Brainerd Spencer, of Vienna, and Mr. George Spencer, of Louisiana. Of the daughters only two Mrs. General Cass, of Detroit, and Mrs. Gene- ral Hunt, of Maumee are still living. To the two deceased Mrs. Wallace, wife of Rev. Matthew Wallace, of Indiana, and the late Mrs. Judge Nye, whose character and virtues are well remembered LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 35 David Brainerds history is already known, and John Brainerds we are to give elsewhere. Elizabeth Brainerd, the youngest sister of Da- vid, and only ten years old when left an orphan, was married to David Miller, of Middletown, July 21, 1743. Their descendants, mostly residing in Northern New York, are numerous, and generally distinguished for moral worth. Israel Brainerd, David's youngest brother, shared in the piety of the family. He was a member of Yale College when summoned to Bos- ton to see his suffering brother David. President Edwards says, "This visit was attended to Mr. Brainerd with joy, because he greatly desired an opportunity of some religious conversation with him before he died." In this interview the dying missionary gave a solemn charge to this younger brother to live a life of self-denial and devotedness to God. Among other things, he told him: "When ministers feel these special gracious influences on their hearts, it wonderfully assists them to come at the consciences of men, and, as it were, to handle them ; whereas without them, whatever reason and oratory we may make use of, we do but make use of stumps instead of hands.''* in this community it is now our melancholy duty to add the name of Mrs. Wilson." * Memoirs, pp. 243, 244. 3 6 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. But Israel was not allowed to preach the gospel. He died the following winter, 1748, at New Haven. President Edwards describes him as an "ingenious, serious, studious, and hopefully pious person." The son of the writer, while in the Freshman class of Yale College in 1855, was sauntering through the graveyard of New Haven on a cold day in autumn, when his attention was attracted by a broken marble slab matted in the grass, with the inscription underneath. Some curiosity prompted him to lift the stone: and what was his surprise to read his own name of Brainerd upon it! He read the whole epitaph; "This stone was erected in memory of Israel Brainerd, a member of Yale College, who died January 6, 1748." was the grave-stone of David Brainerd's youngest brother, Israel, above described. LIFE OF 'JOHN BR4INERD. 37 CHAPTER II. JOHN BKAINERD'S CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH. TOHN BRAINERD was born at the paternal ^ home, the residence of his father, in Haddam, February 28, 1720. Concerning his childhood and youth we have very little certain knowledge.* We may, however, consider the circumstances around him, and estimate their influence in forming his character. In his seventh year he lost his father, in his twelfth, his mother. But before his mother's death his eldest brother Hezekiah was married to Mary, the daughter of Rev. Phineas Fisk, the cler- gyman of Haddam, and was settled in. the family mansion. His elder brother, Nehemiah Braincrd, of Glastenbury, married Elizabeth, another of the Rev. Mr. Fisk's daughters. Two of his sisters, in 1732 and 1738, married, the one Samuel and the other Joseph (Major-General) Spencer, of East Had- dam. With some one of these families, connected with him by the closest ties of blood, and all of the highest respectability and eminently religious, * Webster, in his " History of the Presbyterian Church," says John was born in East Haddam. This is a mistake: he was born in Old Haddam. 4* 3 8 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. John Brainerd found doubtless a good home in his double orphanage.* The Rev. Phineas Fisk, his pastor, and the father-in-law of his two brothers, is described by Dr. Field "as one of the best scholars in Connec- ticut, who had long been a prominent instructor in the literary institution which was afterwards established at New Haven, named Yale College." How strict were the principles of Mr. Fisk is shown by his advice to David Brainerd when he was under serious impressions at twenty years of age. "I remember," says Brainerd, "that Mr. Fisk advised me wholly to abandon young com- pany and associate myself with grave, elderly people, which counsel I followed, "f If John shared in such counsel and followed it, as we have no doubt he to some extent did, we learn the Puritan severity and strictness of his training, and whence both the brothers imbibed a type of piety fitting them for the high resolve and patient endurance exhibited in their after-lives. The natural scenery of John Brainerd 's native place, Haddam, its traditions and legends, its earth- quakes and mysterious noises, all adapted to im- press the imagination of the young and give a bent to character, are so truthfully and graphically sketched by the Rev. Professor Parke, of Andover, * Brainerd Genealogy, p. 253. f Dwight's "Life of Bramenl," p. 35. LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 39 in his Memoir of Dr. Emmons,* that we shall confer an obligation on the reader by a large quo- tation : "Although Dr. Emmons wrote but little concerning the place of his birth, he thought much of it. In his later age he visited and re-visited his old home, with a childlike joy that the lines had fallen to him in so plea- sant a place. His character was doubtless affected in some degree by the natural scenery and the early tra- ditions of the township in which he was trained. The rock-bound hills of his native parish seem well fitted to nurture his habit of digging among the hard-twisted themes of theology. For many years his father lived on the very verge of a precipice, near a high and sharp ledge of rocks, at the foot of which flowed a swift brook. The rising grounds covered with the cedar and the oak, the intervening meadows, through which flowed limpid and rapid streams, the 'grate river' which the early records of the town celebrate as enriching its borders, the thrill- ing legends in regard to the Indian tribes who were at- tracted to the fishing-brooks and hunting-forests of the town, were not without their effect upon him, schooled though he was in the stern processes of metaphysics. He knew what was meant by a slight dash of poetic superstition. He felt what an artist would have ex- pressed. His mind was silently moulded by that which a man of more imaginative tendencies would have cele- brated in song. "The appropriate influence of the scenes in this l hill * Memoir of Dr. Emmons, by Prof. E. A. Parke, Boston, 1861, p. 2, ct passim. 4 o LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. country' of Connecticut has been well developed by the poet Brainerd. It was with his eye on the romantic townships of Old Haddam and East Haddam that he indited his poem on the Connecticut River, 'the stream of his sleeping fathers,' along whose noble shores " ' The tall steeple shines At mid-day higher than the "mountain pines." " ' Dark as the frost-nipped leaves that strewed the ground, The Indian hunter here his shelter found, Here cut his bow and shaped his arrows true, Here built his wigwarn and his bark canoe, Speared the quick salmon leaping up the fall, And slew the deer without the rifle-ball.' "* "The Salmon River, so called from the fish that once abounded in it, enters into the Connecticut at East Had- dam. It was a favorite retreat of the poet Brainerd, as its clear waters had been for ages the chosen resort of the angler and its wooded banks had been the home of the Indian huntsman. Brainerd sings of this river: j " 'There's much in its wild history that teems With all that's superstitious, and that seems To match our fancy and eke out our dreams, In that small brook. " ' Here Philip came, and Miantonimo, And asked about their fortunes, long ago, As Saul to Endor, that her witcli might show Old Samuel. " 'Such are the tales they tell. 'Tis hard to rhyme About a little and unnoticed stream That few have heard of ; but it is a theme I chance to love ; * Remains, p. 60. f Ibid. pp. 139, 141. LIFE OF JOHN BR4INERD. 41 " ' And one day I may tune my rye-straw reed, And whistle to the note of many a deed Done on this river, which, if there be need, I'll try to prove.' " The poem of Brainerd on "The Black Fox of Salmon River," and also the one entitled "Mat- chit Moodus," give us fine specimens of the le- gends which in the young days of Emmons were familiar to the natives of East Haddam.* With regard to the Matchit Moodus, Rev. Dr. Field re- marks : "A large tribe [of Indians] inhabited East Haddam, which they called Machemoodus, or the place of noises ; from the noises or earthquakes which had been heard there, and which have continued to the present time. These Indians were of a fierce and wretched character, remarkable for pawaws and the worship of evil spirits. The noises from the earth, regarded as the voice of their god, confirmed them in their monstrous notions of religion. o o An old Indian being asked the reason of the noises, said, l The Indian's God was very angry because the English- man's God came there. 'f "Those noises in East Haddam which caught the attention of the natives were not disregarded by the first settlers and their associates, nor have they been disre- garded by later generations. Seventy or eighty years ago, in consequence of their greater frequency and vio- lence, they gained the attention of the neighboring towns, * Brainerd's Literary Remains, pp. 141, 147. f A History of the Towns of Haddam and East Haddam. By David D. Field, A.M., Pastor of the Church at'Haddam. Printed in Middletown, 1814, p. 4. 4* 42 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD, and became the subject of inquiry and discussion among the learned and inquisitive throughout the State." Professor Parke, in continuation, says: "The Gazetteers of the day notice the fisheries, the navigation, the manufacturing establishments, the granite- quarries, of the tract of country once called Haddam ; but they fail to herald its real glory. Dr. Emmons was wont to rejoice that his native township was distinguished for its Puritan spirit. The hard soil, the bracing air, the pure waters of New England, have done much in forming its peculiar character ; but the religious habits of its fathers have done more. They have started an influence which will continue to flow onward, and will be felt even where it is not recognized. The Old Haddam settlement may be regarded as a representative region. It represents that part of our land which, like ancient Numidia, may be called ' arida matrix leonum' It exhibits the power which has been exerted over this entire country by our small Puritan communities. It illustrates the importance of sustaining with augmented vigor the schools and churches in these rural districts which have sent forth such a pene- trating energy through the world. It is estimated that Deacon Daniel Brainerd, the grandfather of David and one of the original proprietors of Haddam, has had more than thirty-three thousand descendants. Many of them have attained high distinction in Church and State. Among the natives of the region formerly called Had- dam who have been liberally educated, are David Brain- erd, who alone gives importance to a community ; Nehc- miah Brainerd, a pastor in Eastbury (Glastenbury), Con- necticut, who was a classical instructor of David, his younger brother; John Brainerd, an eminent minister, LIFE OF JOHN BR4INERD. 43 who succeeded his brother David in the Indian Mission and was for twenty-six years a trustee of Princeton Col- lege; Nathaniel Emmons; Edward Dorr Griffin, Pro- fessor at Andover and President of Williams College; his brother also, George G. Griffin, a noted lawyer and theological writer in New York City; Jeremiah Gates Brainerd, a Judge of the Superior Court of Connecticut and the father of John Gardiner Calkins Brainerd, l the gentle poet of the gentle stream ;' James Brainerd Tay- lor, and other men of no inferior note among the living as well as the dead.* "As the maternal grandfather of David Brainerd was the minister of Haddam for twenty-four years, as the brother-in-law of David Brainerd, Mr. Phineas Fisk, the eminent 'tutor,' was pastor of the same old church for the same number of years, as the father of David Brain- * Since its settlement there have been raised up on the original territory of Haddam the following ministers : David Brainerd, Davis S. Brainerd, John Brainerd, Daniel C. Tyler, Hezekiah May, Joseph Harvey, D.D., Elijah Brainerd, Joseph Vail, Jonathan Hubbard, Jedediah Chapman, Eleazar Brainerd, Elihu Spencer, D.D., Charles Dickinson, George Hall, Henry M. Field, Epaphras Chapman, Chilliab Brainerd, Robert D. Gardner, Nehemiah Brainerd, H. M. Parsons, Israel Brainerd, Henry Fuller, Israel JJrainerd (2), Nathaniel Emmons, D.D., James Brainerd, Edward Dorr Griffin, D.D., Israel Shailer, Warren D. Jones, George A. Beckwith. [ Contributions to the Ecclesiastical History of Connecticut, New Haven, ISfil, pp. 401, 426.] 14 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. erd was a man eminent for his gifts, and as there "have been numerous intermarriages between the Brainerds and the other ancient families of that region, it is reasonable to believe that the household to which this missionary belonged has left a deep, decided impress upon all the townships into which Old Haddam is now divided." These descriptions from Professor Parke have as real an application to the case of John Brainerd as to that of Dr. Emmons. Haddam scenery was adapted to nourish that solitary musing, that con- fiding faith in the supernatural, that awe of God, and that spirit of adventure and hardihood deve- loped by the missionary brothers. We can form a very ready conception of the early life of John Brainerd. The writer's grand- father was his contemporary and a deacon in the church of Haddam, only twelve years his junior, being born in 1732, and died 1815, aged eighty- four. My own father was born in 1754, resided in Haddam fifty years, within three miles of John Brainerd's early home, and in. possession of all his faculties died in Lewis county, N. Y., 1838, aged eighty-four. We had enforced on us in early life with too little effect, we fear many of the principles which formed the characters of David and John Brain- erd one hundred and fifty years ago. A boy was early taught a profound respect for his parents, teachers, and guardians, and implicit, prompt obedience. If he undertook to rebel, "his LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 45 will was broken ' ' by persistent and adequate pun- ishment. He was accustomed every morning and evening to bow at the family altar ; and the Bible was his ordinary reading-book in school. He was never allowed to close his eyes in sleep without prayer on his pillow. At a sufficient age, no caprice, slight illness, no"r any condition of roads or weather, was allowed to detain him from church. In the sanctuary he was required to be grave, strictly attentive, and able on his return at least to give the text. From sun- down Saturday evening until the Sabbath sunset his sports were all suspended, and all secular read- ing laid aside; while the Bible, New-England Pri- mer, Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, Baxter's Saints' Rest, (fee., were commended to his ready attention and cheerfully pored over. He was taught that his blessings were abundant and undeserved, his evils relatively few and mer- ited, and that he was not only bound to content- ment, but gratitude. He was taught that time was a talent to be always improved ; that industry was a cardinal virtue, and laziness the worst form of original sin. Hence he must rise early, and make himself useful before he went to school; must be diligent there in study, and be promptly home to do '''chores' at evening. His whole time out of school must be filled up by some service, such as bringing in fuel for the day, cutting potatoes for the sheep, feeding the swine, watering the horses, 46 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. picking the berries, gathering the vegetables, spool- ing the yarn, and running all errands. He was ex- pected never to be reluctant, and not often tired. He was taught that it was a sin to find fault with his meals,* his apparel, his tasks, or his lot in life. Labor he was not allowed to regard as a Burden, nor abstinence from any improper indul- gence as a hardship. His clothes, woolen and linen, for summer and winter, were mostly spun, woven, and made up by his mother and sisters at home ; and, as he saw the whole laborious process of their fabrication, he was jubilant and grateful for two suits, with bright but- tons, a year. Rents were carefully closed and holes patched in the "every-day" dress, and the Sabbath dress always kept new and fresh. He was expected early to have the "stops and marks," the "abbreviations," the "multiplication table," the "ten commandments," the "Lord's Prayer," and the "Shorter Catechism," at his tongue's end. Courtesy was enjoined as a duty. He must be silent among his superiors. If addressed by older persons; he must respond with a bow. He was to bow as he entered and left the school, and bow to every man or woman, old or young, rich or poor, black or white, whom he met on the road. Special * When the writer complained of any thing at table, his father Would say: "You don't like your mother's provision. You may leave the table." LIFE OF JOHN BRA1NERD. 47 punishment was visited on him if he failed to show respect to the aged, the poor, the colored, or to any persons whatever whom God had visited with in- firmities. He was thus taught to stand in awe of the rights of humanity. Honesty was urged as a religious duty, and un- paid debts were represented as infamy. He was allowed to be sharp at a bargain, to shudder at dependence, but still to prefer poverty to decep- tion or fraud. His industry was riot urged by poverty, but by duty. Those who imposed upon him early responsibility and restraint led the way by their example, arid commended this example by the prosperity of their fortunes and the re- spectability of their position as the result of these virtues. He felt that they governed and restrained him for his good, and not their own. He learned to identify himself with the interests he was set to promote. He claimed every acre of his father's ample farm, and every horse and ox and cow and sheep became constructively his, and he had a name for each. The waving harvests, the garnered sheaves, the gathered fruits, were all his own. And besides these, he had his indivi- dual treasures. He knew every trout-hole in the streams; he was great in building dams, snaring rabbits, trapping squirrels, and gathering chestnuts and walnuts for winter store. Days of election, training, thanksgiving, and school-intermissions, were bright spots in his life. His long winter 48 LIFE OF JOHN BRA1NERD. evenings, made cheerful by sparkling fires within and cold clear skies and ice-crusted plains and frozen streams for his sled and skates, were full of enjoyment. And then he was loved by those whom he could respect, and cheered by that future for which he was being prepared. Religion he was taught to regard as a necessity and luxury, as well as a duty. He was daily brought into contempla- tion of the Infinite, and made to regard himself as ever on the brink of an endless being. With a deep sense of obligation, a keen, sensitive con- science, and a tender heart, the great truths of re- ligion appeared in his eye as sublime, awful, prac- tical realities, compared with which earth was no- thing. Thus he was made brave before men for the right, while he lay in the dust before God. Such was Haddam training one hundred years ago. Some may lift their hands in horror at this picture; but it was a process which made moral heroes. It exhibited a society in which wealth existed without idleness or profligacy ; social ele- vation without arrogance; labor without degrada- O O tion; and a piety which, by its energy and martyr- endurance, could shake the world. We are not to suppose that the boyhood of John Brainerd under these influences was gloomy or joy- less : far from it. Its activity was bliss ; its growth was a spring of life ; its achievements were victories. Each day garnered some benefit ; and rising life, marked by successive accumulations, left a smile LIFE OF JOHN BR41NERD. 49 on the conscience and bright and reasonable hopes for the future. We might have desired that this Puritan train- ing had left childhood a little larger indulgence, had looked with interest at present enjoyment as well as at future good, had smiled a little more lovingly on the innocent gambols, the ringing laughter, the irrepressible mirth of boyhood; and had frowned less severely on imperfections cling- ing to human nature itself. We might think that, by insisting too much on obligation and too little on privilege, too much on the law and too little on the gospel, too much on the severity and too little on the goodness of the Deity, the con- science may have been stimulated at the expense of the affections, and men fitted for another world at an unnecessary sacrifice of their amiability and happiness in the present life. But in leaving this Puritan training, the world "has gone farther and fared worse." To repress the iniquity of the age and land, to save our young men for themselves, their country, and their God, I believe we shall gain most, not by humoring childhood's caprices and sneering at strict house- holds, strict governments, and strict Sabbaths, but by going back to many of the modes which gave to the world such men. as John Hampden, William Bradford, Jonathan Ed wards, Timothy Dwight, and David and John Brainerd. The son of a tolerably wealthy father, nurtured 5* 5 o LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. and trained by a pious mother, the early play- mate, schoolmate, and companion of his sensitive, talented, and conscientious brother David, John's childhood was spent under the best influences for the conservation of his morals and the develop- ment of his mind and heart. Probably he and his younger brothers and sisters remained at the paternal homestead, with the elder brother Heze- kiah, whose marriage, in 1731, with the daughter of the clergyman of the parish, Rev. Mr. Fisk, as before stated, would be likely to furnish a good home for the orphans. I have thought this rather detailed account of the family of the missionary Brainerds might be instructive, as illustrating the influences to which they were subjected in early life, and the home- circles in which they embalmed their early affec- tions, and, above all, the general prosperity and blessedness of families trained conscientiously in the fear and love of God. In this case, at least, the benediction descended to children, and chil- dren's children, even to the fourth and fifth generation. "Godliness is profitable to the life that now is." LIFE OF JOHN BR41NERD. 51 CHAPTER III. JOHN BRAINERD IN YALE COLLEGE HIS BROTHER'S EXPULSION ITS INJUSTICE EFFECT ON JOHN ITS INFLUENCE IN FOUNDING PRINCE- TON COLLEGE LETTERS, ETC. 1VTEHEMIAH graduated at Yale College in 1732, and settled in the ministry in 1740. As the three younger brothers, David, John, and Israel, all successively entered Yale College, it is probable that they were influenced by the exam- ple of the older brother, and all, moreover, aided by him in their classical studies. The early convictions and struggles of David Brainerd, which he has related so minutely, were doubtless shared to some extent by his brother, brought up under similar influences and only two years his junior. He entered the Freshman class in Yale College in 1742, and graduated in 1746, when he was twenty-six years of age. No record is preserved of his college life and standing. The confidence reposed in him by the wisest men of New England immediately after his graduation is evidence that his moral deportment was correct, and his scholarship at least respectable. As he entered college the year his beloved bro- ther fell into difficulties, and was, as is now be- 52 LIFE OF JOHN BRAIN ERD. lieved, treated with great and unnecessary severity and finally expelled, the heart of John must have been most sorely tried. Assuming that our readers are to some extent familiar with the Life of David Brainerd, by Ed- wards, it is not necessary to go into details of the fault and punishment of the eminent missionary. The story briefly told is this. Brainerd was sin- cerely attached to the revival party of the times, and wrought up to high excitement in favor of a religion of the heart rather than a religion of ortho- doxy and cold forms. Not to the neglect of his studies or the corruption of his morals, but against the arbitrary laws of his teachers,* he had attended upon the preaching of men like the sainted Gilbert Tennent. This had, probably, excited prejudice against him. On a certain occasion, when Tutor Whittlesey had led in prayer, and had retired from the chapel with the crowd, leaving Brainerd with only two or three friends in the hall, a Freshman overheard Brainerd say: "He has no more grace than that chair." A hard judgment, truly, but ex- cusable if the prayer of Whittlesey was as brief, pointless, and heartless as some which we have heard in colleges and schools from clerical profes- sors. Brainerd was imprudent in saying this, and, probably, uncharitable in thinking it; but, as it was spoken in private chat among his friends, it * Edwards's Life of Bramerd, pp. 05, 117, 255. LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 53 was beneath the dignity of the college authorities to pry into the matter and persecute the young offender. A Freshman heard him say it of some- body, he could not tell of whom. The Freshman told a woman, and she gossiped the matter so that the authorities were put on the scent. By intimidating Brainerd's young companions, they drew from them the fact that it was Tutor Whit- tlesey whom Brainerd had so severely judged. When called to account, he confessed that he had done wrong. He ought to have been for- given at once; but the college authorities insisted that he should disgrace himself for this venial of- fence by a public confession before the whole body of students. Brainerd, with the spirit of a man, refused, and was not only expelled, -but "after- wards found no place for repentance," when, by full confession of the wrong, and by the powerful intercession of President Edwards and others, he asked to be allowed to take his degree. No won- der " Brainerd thought himself very ill used in the management of this affair, and thought it was in- juriously extorted from his friends, and then in- juriously required of him, as if he had committed some open notorious crime, to humble himself be- fore the whole college in the hall for what he had said in private conversation."* His subsequent efforts to regain admission show how deeply the * Edwanls'K Life. 54 LIFE OF JOHN BRA1NERD. sense of injury was burned into his heart. But the authorities of Yale College allowed no candid discernment to discriminate between a courser and a plough-horse, between a sensitive and high-spi- rited genius and plodding obstinacy, and, by their persistence, obliterated the name of David Brain- erd forever from their "Triennial Catalogues." Whether Brainerd or the college lost most by this omission, I think the world has long since de- cided. We have no doubt that the life of David Brain- erd was shortened by his college persecution. His manuscript journal at Kaunaumeek develops the most intense and overwhelming mental suffering from the stigma fastened on him. President Ed- wards bears testimony to his Christian spirit when the negotiation for reconciliation at New Haven failed. But the blow was too crushing even for Brainerd's meekness. In his private journal he says, with a natural and indignant spirit savoring a little of the temper of the world : "New Haven, July 9, 1743. I was still occupied with some business depending on certain grandees for perform- ance. Alas ! how much men may lord and tyrannize over their fellow countrymen, yet pretend that all their treatment of them is full of lenity and kindness, that they owe them some special regard, that they would hardly treat another with so much tenderness, and the like. Like the Holy Court of Inquisition, when they put a poor innocent to the rack, they tell him that what LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 55 they do is all for the benefit of his soul ! Lord, deliver my soul from this temper!" John Wesley, in his "Life of Brainerd," is equally severe. He says, "Do those college au- thorities call themselves Christians ?" * John Brainerd must have felt deeply this treat- ment of his elder and favorite brother. David's class was the largest that had ever en- tered Yale College, and he stood at the head of it. College honors were then highly estimated. To be stricken down in his course and dismissed in disgrace was adapted not alone to cut him to the heart, but to overwhelm with disappointment and shame his younger brother, as yet a timid Fresh- man. Indeed, the meanness, severity, and per- sistent obstinacy of the authorities in this matter * The writer would greatly regret, if the manner in which he has told this painful story should lead any to infer that he is not an advocate of order and subordination among college students. The reverse is the tact. But he may be allowed to intimate his con- viction, that clerical professors in colleges should not sink them- selves into mere literary instructors, substituting dignity, insulation, and cold, reckless, and indiscriminate punishment for pastoral visita- tion, sympathy, forbearance, and admonition. To tolerate irregular- ities through half a century, and then begin reformations by select- ing the most orderly and sensitive among transgressors for punish- ment that the wicked may fear, strikes me as neither very wise nor very kind. If clerical professors do not exert a kind, Christian in- fluence to prevent irregularities, why may not the whole business of college instruction and government be left to laymen ? We think we have known some instances of "college infirmity" and injustice that resembled, if they failed to equal, the wrong inflicted on David Brain- erd. But it is not our province to settle such questions here. 5 6 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. seem to have shocked the sensibilities of the whole evangelical party in New England, and to have ex- tended an influence far into New York, New Jer- sey, and Pennsylvania. It is thought that Old Nassau Hall, or Princeton College, owed its exist- ence and first form not a little to the sympathy of the revival party with David Brainerd in his wrongs at Yale College. Dr. Field* says - " I once heard the Hon. John Dickinson, son of the Rev. Mr. Dickinson, of Norwalk, say that 'the estab- lishment of Princeton College was owing to the sym- pathy felt for David Brainerd because the authorities of Yale College would not give him his degree, and that the plan of the college was drawn up in his father's house.' ' In a notice of Dr. Field's remarks f on this sub- ject, that able and reliable work, "The Princeton Repertory, " admits that they are correct; "that the men who founded Princeton College were sti- mulated to act promptly and efficiently in the great work by sympathy with the exiled student of Yale." We have testimony to the same effect from an- other and most reliable source. The Rev. Archi- bald Alexander, D.D., in his history of "The Log College," says: '" Sec Princeton Review on " Brainerd Genealogy," 1857. f Brainerd Genealogy, p. 20. LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 57 "Messrs. Dickinson and Burr, the former pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Elizabethtown, and the latter in Newark, took the lead in this enterprise. Both these distinguished divines were graduates of Yale College ; but just at this time their minds probably experienced some alienation from tiieir alma mater on account of the harsh treatment which Mr. David Brainerd had received from the officers of that college ; for he had been expelled merely for a harsh word spoken in private company and overheard by a student who happened to be passing the door, who knew not to whom it referred. "The attachment of all the members of the New York Synod to Mr. Brainerd was warm, and deservedly so. This affair, it is probable, quickened the zeal of these excellent men to get up a college of their own. Some years ago the writer (Dr. Alexander) heard the relict of the late Dr. Scott, of New Brunswick, say that when she was a little girl she heard the Rev. Mr. Burr declare in her father's house in Newark, 'if it had not been for the treatment Mr. Brainerd received at Yale, New Jersey College would never have been erected.' How many influences are made to combine and operate when Providence has the design of giving existence to an institution which has affected, and will still affect, the happiness of thousands." This testimony of the Rev. Dr. Alexander so corroborates the statements of the Rev. Dr. Field, that we may regard the question as settled, that the expulsion of David Brainerd from Yale led to the founding of Princeton College. If so, it was not only evidence of the wisdom of Him "who 5 8 LIFE OF JOHN BR4INERD. brings good out of evil." but creditable alike to o o Brainerd's worth and the heartiness of his Chris- tian friends. They made a noble and enduring protest against his wrongs. But whatever outward excitement may have arisen from the expulsion of David Brainerd from Yale College, or whatever mortification arid an- guish it may have occasioned his brother John, neither of the brothers seems to have allowed any feeling to blind his judgment or change his pur- poses. John went on steadily with his studies, as if nothing unpleasant had occurred. He did not admire the religious spirit of the faculty, and could not but feel the injustice to his beloved brother. But he had no complaint to make of the compe- tence and fidelity of his instructors. Colleges were few, and their privileges precious, and he was too wise and considerate to abandon Yale from resent- ment of its despotism or his dislike of individual professors. He knew that the trial would be tem- porary and the benefits enduring. We find him, therefore, enrolled on the Catalogue as graduating at the end of a full four years' course in 1746. Not only this, but we find these older brothers willing to send their younger brother, Israel, to pursue his studies in the same institution. I can- riot but regard their whole conduct throughout this matter as indicative of a most Christian temper, elevated above the spirit of the world. In consulting the Triennial Catalogue of Yale LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 59 College for 1857, the reader will find that no less than twenty persons of the name and kindred of these brothers have received the honors of that institution. .However infelicitous may have been the treatment of the warm-hearted and over-zeal- ous missionary, no one will doubt that his imme- diate kindred and family connections owe a vast debt of gratitude to the noble institution in whose benefits they have so largely shared. May the blessing of God and the benedictions of good men abide with it for a thousand years to come ! The following letters addressed by David to his brother John, in college, are of deep interest, as marking the influence exerted by the elder upon the younger, the dignity and delicacy of their fra- ternal intercourse, and the confidence which they reposed in the godly sincerity and earnest piety of each other. In the purest and noblest sense they were "par nobilefratrum." ' KAUNAUMEEJC,* ALBANY Co., N. Y., April 30, 1743. "DEAR BROTHER: "I should tell you 'I long to see you,' but my own experience has taught me that there is no happiness and * It is now the site of a village about sixteen miles east of Albany, twenty-four from Troy, and twenty west from Stockbridge. The vil- lage is now called Brainerd's Bridge ; not from the missionary, but from Jeremiah Brainerd, Esq., afterwards of Rome, Oneida county, N. Y., who early settled on the spot, and built the bridge over Kinder- hook Creek. It contains a factory, a tavern, several stores, about forty houses, and a good Presbyterian church, with an able pastor. No rem- nants of the Indian occupants remain except the apple-trees which 60 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. plenary satisfaction to be enjoyed in earthly friends, though ever so near and dear, or in any other enjoyment, that is not in God himself. Therefore, if the God of all grace be pleased graciously to afford us each his presence and grace, that we 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 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 eighteen 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 Scotchman ; his wife can scarcely talk any English. My diet consists mostly of hasty-pudding, boiled corn, bread baked in ashes, and sometimes a little meat and butter. My lodg- ing is a little heap of straw laid upon some boards, a little way from the ground, for it is a log room, without any floor, that I lodge in. My work is exceedingly hard and difficult; I travel on foot a mile and a half, the worst of ways, 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 equally they planted, some of which measure four feet in diameter. On the plain, in a bend of the creek girdled all round by hills, tradition locates the cabin of the missionary. In the vicinity Indian graves, arrow-heads, and hatchets have been found, indicating the place as an Indian resort, for which the fertility of its soil and wild beauty of its scenery amply account. In Hopkins' "Memorial of Sergeant's Stockbridge Mission," published about 17GO, it is said of Stockbridge, " that it had forty miles of wilderness on the east, twenty miles on tlio west, and on the north the great and terrible wilderness reach- ing to Canada." Such was the country in the time of Brainerd's mission. UPE OF JOHN BRA1NERD. 61 uncomfortable, attend me ; and yet my spiritual conflicts and distresses so far exceed all these, that I scarce think ot them, or hardly observe that I am not entertained 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 cannot say much yet. The Indians seem generally kind and well disposed to- wards me, 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 that God has abundant bless- ings in store for them and me, but at other times I have been so overwhelmed with distress that I cannot see how his dealings with me are consistent with covenant love and faithfulness ; and I say, ' Surely his tender mer- cies are clean gone forever!' But, however, I see I needed all this chastisement already. It is good for me that I have endured these trials, and have had hitherto little or no apparent success. Do not be discouraged by my dis- tress. I was under great distress at Mr. Pomroy'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 ; it is 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. 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. 6* 62 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. Let us run, wrestle, and fight, that we may win the prize and obtain that complete 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, "DAVID BRAINERD." The above letter savors of the phraseology of the times and the morbid temperament of the writer; but the appeal which he makes for a younger bro- ther's prayers implies a respectful and affectionate confidence not often existing in such an intimate relation. It shows at least how David Brainerd estimated the moral worth and piety of his bro- ther John. In December of the same year David writes again, in a similar strain: "KAUNAUMEEK, ALBANY Co., N. Y., Dec. 27, 1743. " DEAR BROTHER : "I long to see you, and to know how you fare in your journey through a world of inexpressible sorrow, where we are compassed about with 'vanity, confusion, and vexation of spirit.' I am more weary of life, I think, than I ever was. The whole world appears to me like a huge vacuum, a vast empty space, where no- thing desirable or, at least, satisfactory can possibly be derived ; and I long dally to die more and more to it, even though I obtain not that comfort from spiritual things which I earnestly desire. Worldly pleasures, such as flow from greatness, riches, and honors, and sensual gratifications, are infinitely worse than none. May the LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 63 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 conflicts, but, 'having obtained help from God, I continue to this day,' and am now some- what better in health than I was some time ago. I find nothing more conducive to a life of Christianity than a diligent, industrious, and faithful improvement of pre- cious time. Let us then faithfully perform that business which is allotted to us by Divine Providence to the ut- most of our bodily strength and mental vigor. Why should we sink and grow discouraged with any particular trials and perplexities which we are called to encounter in the world ? Death and eternity are just before us : a few tossing billows more will waft us into the world of spirits, and, we hope, through infinite grace, into endless pleasures and uninterrupted rest and peace. Let us then 'run with patience the race that is set before us.' He- brews xii. i, 2. And oh! 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 com- fort 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 "Your affectionate brother, "DAVID BRAINERD." When David wrote the following letter, John had nearly finished his college-course. " CROSSWEEKSUNG (CROSSWICKS), N. J., Dec. 28, 1745. "VERY DEAR BROTHER: "I am in one continual, perpetual, and uninterrupted hurry, and Divine Providence throws so much upon me 64 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. that I do not know how it will ever be otherwise. May I obtain mercy of God to be faithful unto death. I cannot say that 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, who has car- ried me through so many trials, bless you for time and eternity, and fit you to do service for him in the church below and to enjoy his blissful presence in his church triumphant. "My dear brother, the time is short. Oh, let us fiU'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 for God. I bless the Lord I have nothing to do with earth, but only to labor honestly in it for God, till I shall accom- plish 'as a hireling my day/ I think I do not desire to live a minute for any thing which earth can afford. Oh that I could live for none but God till my dying moment ! " I am your affectionate brother, "DAVID BRAINERD." In the absence of other and more direct testi- mony, may we not safely infer that a college student capable of appreciating such letters, and deemed worthy of them by one who knew him so well, must have been a young man of rare excel- lence? We naturally consult the character and taste of our friends in our epistles to them, so that our sentiments and style not only mirror ourselves, but our friends. As to John Brain- erd's scholarship we have no testimony. He LIFE OF JOHN BRA1NERD. 65 graduated in course in 1746; creditably, doubt- less, but not distinguished. He numbered Presi- dent Stiles, Elihu Spencer, D.D., and other emi- nent men, among his classmates. 66 LIFE OF JOHN BR4INERD. CHAPTER IV. JOHH BRAINERD'S ENTRANCE UPON THE MINISTRY. T17ITH whom John Brainerd studied theology after his graduation is not certainly known. "He probably studied for a brief space with the Rev. Mr. Mills, of Ripton, or Rev. Mr. Bellamy, of Bethlehem."* It will be remembered that he was connected by marriage with the Rev. Mr. Fisk, pastor of the church in his native town. Precisely what time he occupied with any or all of these is not known. It may be said of men trained under the influ- ence of the better class of families in New Eng- land a century ago, that their whole youth was spent in a school of theology; and that, like Tim- othy, from "their youth they had known the Scriptures." This was especially the case with the. Brainerds. Hence, when their literary course was finished, they went forth to preach the gospel. The first we hear of John Brainerd after his graduation is, that the Correspondents^ had de- * Brainerd Genealogy, Dr. Field, p. 288. f These gentlemen were the correspondents,, in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, of " The Honorable Society in Scotland for Propagating Christian Knowledge." Edwards, p. 78. LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 67 signaled him to supply the place of his brother David, whose health had so failed that he was compelled to discontinue his labors. There can be no doubt that this application for his services among the Indians had its origin in the recommendation of David Brainerd. This fact, so far from abating, is apt to increase our respect for the younger brother ; for when we bear in mind the deep piety, the high moral standard, and the intense love to the poor Indians of David Brain- erd, connected with his discrimination of character and perfect knowledge of John's qualifications, it was in the highest degree honorable to be selected as David's successor. It is not often that a pro- phet has honor in his own country. The intimacy of brotherhood often abates mu- tual respect. The many minor shades of charac- ter which are likely to be obvious in the inter- course of brothers, often prompts them to look abroad for those to whom they are about to con- fide their weighty responsibilities. If no man is great to his valet-de-chambre, it is because all hu- man greatness has its narrow bounds, which the dullest intellect can ascertain by constant inter- course. We ordinarily allow the imagination to throw a veil over the weaknesses, and a halo over the virtues, of those for whom we cherish rever- ence or admiration. Men are often great, not by what they reveal but by what they conceal. The world reveres not so much the reality of heroes, 68 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. statesmen, and saints, as the drapery thrown over its idols by a partial fancy. Like their own sha- dows, great men often grow less as the sun rises higher and the daylight becomes clearer. Lapse of time, distance, and obscurity have magnified some of the ancients to demigods, until they seem very great, " Looming through the mist." To be held in the highest estimate by the wise and good associated with us in the family, the store, the workshop, the neighborhood, is the in- fallible test of moral weight and worth. This seems to have been the happy lot of John Brain- erd. Looking at the high standard to which Da- vid Brainerd held himself responsible, at the really great difficulties of the Indian missionary- work, at the wonderful attainments and successes of David, we might have presumed that in the widest range among the wise and good martyr-spirits of earth he would hardly find a man so eminent in talents, piety, skill, and energy, that the mission could be safely committed to his hands. Whom did he, in fact, select? His own brother John, the playmate of his childhood, the companion of his youth, the intimate associate of his early manhood. He knew every weakness and imper- fection of this brother; but lie also saw in him such a combination of talents and grace that, above all others, he prefers him for the work. LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 69 Considering the nature of the responsibility and the relation of the parties, there never has been higher confidence reposed by man in man than is here shown by David in his brother John. He implies that his brother, by purity of motive, ho- liness of heart, by industry, skill, and power, is worthy to be his successor; and this confidence was never disappointed. We shall defer our remarks on the origin and history of the Indian Missions of New York and New Jersey to the next chapter. Our first introduction to John Brainerd after his graduation is by the diary of his brother David, under the date of April 10, 1747. He says, " Spent the forenoon in Presbyterial business. In the afternoon rode to Elizabethtown ; found my brother John there; spent some time in conversation with him." 70 LIFE OF JOHN BRAIN ERD. CHAPTER V. CONDITION OF THE INDIAN MISSIONS AT THE TIME THE REV. JOHN BRAINEED ENTERED UPON HIS LABORS. TjlROM the first landing of the Pilgrims at Ply- mouth Rock, in 1620, the obligation to attempt the conversion of the Indians to Christianity was recognized and, to some extent, essayed. But the struggles of the colonists for sustenance gave them little leisure for the work, and the bitter hostility of the red men toward the whites led to wars, antipathies, and resentments, alike unfavorable to the missionary spirit of the colonists and the dis- position of the Indians to receive instruction from those whom they regarded as invaders of their lands and heritage. But some good men rose above the general apathy and prejudice, and, with a martyr spirit, attempted the conversion of their Indian neighbors. As early as 1646, the Rev. John Eliot formed a settlement of praying Indians at Newton, Mass. ; and in 1661 organized a church of Indians at Na- tick. Like Paul, he travelled extensively, preach- ing to the sons of the forest on the capes and islands of Massachusetts Bay and Plymouth Plan- tations. He translated the Bible and other pious LIFE OF JOHN BRslINERD. 71 books into the Indian language. Of his Bible fif- teen hundred copies were published in 1663, and two thousand in 1685. He died in 1690, aged eighty-five, and has ever since been honored with the title of the "Apostle to the Indians.'' Still earlier than Eliot on the islands of Mar- tha's Vineyard and Nantucket, Thomas Mayhcw began to preach the gospel to the Indians in 1643 ; and for five generations, until the death of Zecha- riah Mayhew in 1813, the May hew family kept up these labors. As a result, at Gayhead, in the western part of Martha's Vineyard, there is still an Indian property of four thousand acres held, as tenants in common, by the descendants of May- hew's Indians. The State of Massachusetts fur- nishes them with churches and schools. In the Plymouth colony in 1673, there were twenty-four regular churches of Christian Indians, taught not only the gospel, but the men to farm, and the women to spin, weave, sew, knit, cook, and keep house.* These missionary labors and successes, glow- ingly reported in England, stimulated there the formation of societies, with the collection of funds, to aid the good work in America. Among these societies one was formed in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1709, called " The Honorable Society for Pro- pagating Christian Knowledge." In 1730 this * Tracy's History oi American Missions. 72 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. society appointed correspondents, or a commission, in the United States, to settle its fields of labor, de- signate its missionaries, and disburse its American charities. They employed a Rev. Mr. Horton, who labored with considerable success among the Nar- ragansetts, Pequots, Nantics, Mohegans, and Mon- tauks. In ffiift the Rev. John Sergeant left his tutorship in Yale College, commenced a mission at Stockbridge, in a howling wilderness, and la- bored there fifteen years, until his death in 1749. His house is still standing in the vicinity of that beautiful village. When he entered on his labors, he found on the spot only fifty wild savages. He left them two hundred and eighteen in number, with neat dwellings, cultivated farms, a church, and schools of about one hundred pupils. His church consisted of forty -two communicants. He was succeeded by the great Jonathan Edwards, the biographer of David Brainerd. It is too common to censure the severity of the Pilgrims toward the Indians. From what we have stated, it will be seen that had succeeding genera- tions imbibed their benevolence and charity toward the aborigines, and had their spirit spread over the land, we should not now be compelled to reproach ourselves at the sepulchres of so many dead nations. The fact that some few remnants of once powerful tribes now exist is to be attributed to no govern- mental care, no sympathy of poets or philanthro- pists outside the Church, but to the humane and LIFE OF JOHN BRAIN ERD. 73 protecting power of Christianity. Would that this influence had been more earnest, efficient, and uni- versal ! We must not overlook, in this connection, the efforts of our Moravian brethren. As early as 1740, Christian Henry Bauch commenced a mis- sion among the Indians in Eastern New York, near Sharon, Conn. He had great success; but causes which have proved fatal to most other mis- sions among the aborigines compelled him to re- move. Rum sellers, land speculators, and such other bad men as hang on the skirts of civiliza- tion and barbarism, conspired against him. These - drew to their aid such legislative authority and such persecutions that the Moravians were obliged to retire to Bethlehem, in the deeper forests of Pennsylvania. They also had establishments at Gnadenhiitten, above the present borough of Eas- ton, where, as is well known, their converts suf- fered a dreadful massacre in 1755, by Indians in the French interest. The Moravian brethren re- treated deeper and deeper into the forest. They had successively missions at Friedenhiitten, on the Susquehanna, at Friedenstadt, on the Ohio, at Gna- denhiitten, on the Muskinghum, and finally near Detroit, in Michigan. They first and last num- bered hundreds of sincere converts; but, followed everywhere; by the same bad men who broke up their first mission, and subjected to constant inter- ruption by political jealousy and the wars of the 74 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. period, they finally settled, in 1792, on twenty- five thousand acres of land assigned them by the British Government on the river Thames, in Canada. " The Indian Apple Tree at Kannaumeck, now Brainerd, N. f." P. 75. LIFE OF JOHN BRAIN ERD. 75 CHAPTER. VI. DAVID BRAINERD IN KAUNAUMEEK.* TN 1743, David Brainerd, then a young man - twenty-five years of age, was selected by the Committee of the before-mentioned "Society for Propagating Christian Knowledge" to begin amis- * Since this chapter was written, we have received the following letter and the sketch from the Rev. Mr. Barbour, pastor of the Pres- byterian church at Brainerd's Bridge, the site of the ancient Kau- naumeek. We can testify to its accuracy of detail. The old apple- tree, we have no doubt, was planted in the days of David Brain- erd: " BRAINERD, June 25, 1864. " REV. AND DEAR SIR : "Your short visit at our place nearly two years since, and our ramble through the neighborhood and fields in search of traditions and relics of the Kaunaumeek Indians who inhabited this beautiful valley one hundred and twenty years ago, will long be remembered with interest. "You will readily recall, as I often do, the peculiar interest we felt in passing along the bank of the Kinderhook Creek, where tra- dition alone marks the Indian burying-ground, over which was waving a luxuriant growth of oats : and in pausing at the turn of the road, on the western margin of the valley, where tradition also points out the spot where David Brainerd built his house, and in which he lived for about one year while serving the Indians in missionary labors. That small house which stood upon that spot, a few foundation-stones of which only now remain, had cost the worthy missionary many days of weary toil ; but it added not a little both to his temporal and his spiritual comfort, judging from an extract from his diary, July 30, 1713: 76 LIFE OF JOHN BRA1NERD. sion among the Indians at Kaunaumeek, in Nas- sau township, N. Y., near the site of the town of " ' Just at night moved into my own house, and lodged there that night ; found it much better spending the time alone, than in the wigwam where I was before.' "There Brainerd 'boiled his corn,' made his 'hasty-pudding,' baked his 'corn-cakes,' ate his 'sour' and 'mouldy bread;' there he fasted, prayed, and humbled himself before God again and again ; there he read his Bible, consecrated and re-consecrated himself to Christ and his missionary work ; there he wrote his diary, studied his sermons, and taught rude savages the way of salvation ; there he enjoyed that retirement for which his panting soul often longed. " ' Diarj, Navtmber 19, 174}. Was perplexed for want of more retirement. I love to live alone in my own little cottage, where I can spend much time in prayer.' " It is no ordinary privilege to look upon even the foundation- stones of a house which once contained so devoted and self-sacrific- ing a Christian minister as was David Brainerd. "But the last, though not the least, of those interesting objects we viewed that day, pointing back to the time when the Indians dwelt here, must not be overlooked. I refer to the huge old appk-trcc standing in the rear of the ample farm-house, whose owner tills tlicso classic fields to reap abundant harvests. Its massive trunk and giant limbs and towering top show that it has come up through many generations. "At your request, I send you a rude sketch of this old century plant, which still continues not only to bud and blossom as in its youth, but also to bear a fair, sweet apple, some years in great abun- dance. "You will remember its trunk measured thirteen feet and four inches in circumference. Since you were here I have met with the following tradition among some of the old inhabitants of the place respecting the name of the old Indian settlement. "Kaunaumeek was a name given to a mountain about three-quar- ters of a mile southwest of the head of the valley where the village of Brainerd now stands. The Indians who dwelt in the valley on the east of this mountain would occasionally hear a noise, which they understood as saying, Kau-nau-meek, Kau-nau-meek. They imagined that this sound always proceeded from the top of this mountain, and that it was a warning to them that the deer were now around, and that the chase might be commenced with prospects of success. The Indians gave this name to the mountain on this LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 77 New Lebanon, Columbia county. His letter to his brother John in college, already quoted, describes his fare and his labors. He studied the language, composed simple forms of prayer, translated the Bible, taught the children to sing, set up a school, living in a hut erected by his own hands, and bring- ing his bread, when he had any, a distance of fif- teen miles. He entered on his labors at Kau- naumeek April 1, 1743, and continued them until March, 1744. His Indians were then advised to go to Stockbridge and put themselves under the care of the Rev. Mr. Sergeant. Mr. Brainerd himself was instructed to found a new mission in North Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania; making the Forks of the Delaware, the present site of Easton, Pa., the centre of his labors. May 9, 1744, he left New England, crossed the Hudson River at Fishkill, and went to Goshen; and from thence began his journey of one hundred miles from the Hudson to the Delaware "through a desolate and hideous country above Jersey." There were few settlements. He was alone in a strange wil- derness, and was, he says, " considerably disconso- account ; afterwards the name was given to the Indians of the settle- ment. Our village now bears the name of the Indian missionary. " And now, dear brother in Christ, may the savory influence of the several memoirs of David Brainerd, and that of his brother John, which you are about to add to them, permeate the whole membership of the Church, enlarged and extended, over the entire world. "Yours, fraternally, "P. BARBOUU." 78 . LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. late." May 13, be reached the Forks, and entered at once on his labors. Then, as now, the region was one of great pic- turesque beauty. Indeed, in the wildness of nature the scenery around must have approached the sub- lime; but the missionary was too much absorbed in his work to note attractions of river, hill, or mountain. These Forks of the Delaware Brainerd has made classical by his residence and labors. Travellers seek out the places associated with his name, and Easton has honored his memory by naming one of the sanctuaries there the "Brainerd Church." May his spirit ever characterize that congrega- tion.* * The term " Forks of the Delaware" was not applied exclusively to the point of junction of the rivers Delaware and Lehigh, but also designated the whole delta or triangle back to the Kittaning Moun- tain, the first range of the great Appalachian chain. Into this tri- angle a few Irish and German settlers had penetrated as early as 1730. The presence of these white settlers did something to mitigate the solitude and insulation of the early missionary. In the Histori- cal Collections of Pennsylvania it is said: "With the aid of a poor interpreter he translated prayers into the Delaware language. He speaks of the Indians of this region as excessively given to idolatry, as having contracted strong prejudices against Christianity on ac- count of the wicked lives of the whites with whom they had inter- course ; as being extremely attached to the customs and fabulous no- tions of their fathers, one of which was, ' that it was not the same God made them who made the whites, but another god, who com- manded them to live by hunting, &c.' Besides this, they were made mad by their powaws, who were supposed to have the power of en- chanting them in a very distressing manner. Nevertheless, some converts .were gathered, and among them his interpreter, Moses Finda Fatuary, and his wife. LIFE OF JOHN BR4INERD. 79 In July, 1744, Brainerd made his way on horse- back over the mountains to the Susquehanna, having been invited thither by some Indians whom he found at Kansesaushong (Catasauqua) ; and in May, 1745, he again visited that region, and followed the Susquehanna to Duncan's Island, where he had "some encouragement from the good attention of the Indians." On June 19 of the same year, he began his labors at Cross weeksung, N. J., among the Jersey Indians, the field of his greatest successes. For a detailed account of the wonderful power of God which attended his labors here, we must refer the " Brainerd built himself a cabin with his own hands, not far from Bethel Church, and on moving into it, having, as he says, 'a happy opportunity of being retired in a house of his own,' he set apart a day for secret prayer and fasting. This cabin was still standing in the memory of Mr. John Wilson. Brainerd frequently speaks of preaching to the white people of the ' Forks,' the Irish, the Low Dutch, the High Dutch ; of preaching to them in the wilderness on the sunny side of a hill, when he had a considerable assembly, con- sisting of people who lived, many of them, more than thirty miles asunder." The house of Brainerd was at Lower Mt. Bethel, in what was called the Forks North, to distinguish them from Forks South, now Allen township. The traveller who glides up the valley of the Delaware in a railroad-car and visits Easton, thronged by its busy thousands, en- riched by commerce, mineral resources, and manufacturing industry ; furnished with its classic temples for the worship of the true God, its courts of justice, its rising college and abundant schools ; its general intelligence, morality, and refinement, can hardly realize the fact that one hundred and twenty years ago David Brainerd, on tho same spot, gathered in, under forest trees or in smoky wigwams, wild pagans to hear the first tidings of Jesus Christ. Historical Collections of Pennsylvania, p. 522. 80 LIFE OF JOHN BRAIN ERD. reader to his well-known memoir, published first by Jonathan Edwards, in 1749, at Boston. Edi- tions of his Life and Labors were subsequently republished in the last century by the Rev. John Wesley, by the Rev. Philip Doddridge, and others. More recently they have been republished in this country by the Rev. S. E. D wight, D.D., by the American Tract Society, and in Sparks' American Biography. Brainerd's memoir is a classic in the literature of the Church, and we need not tran- scribe any portion of it in this volume. But we may be allowed to quote the testimony of a man whose extreme apprehension of fanaticism in re- vivals of religion has been criticized, whose calm judgment the Church has greatly approved, and whose caution in language gives weight to his opinions. The Rev. Ashbel Green, D.D., of Phi- ladelphia, in his book on American Missions, "At Crossweeksung, his success was perhaps without a parallel in heathen missions since the days of the apostles. For his exertions were made single-handed ; he had no fellow-laborer beyond a little occasional assistance from two or three neighboring brethren in the ministry. In opposition to discouragements which would have sub- dued any ordinary mind, and which went near to van- quish his own, he long persevered, with no prospect of obtaining the object of his wishes and his agonizing prayers, in the conversion of those to whom he minis- tered." * * Presbyterian Missions, p. 40 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 81 Dr. Green's language is strong, but true. Of the power of the Holy Ghost to open the ears of savages to the truth, to soften their hearts, bend their wills, curb their passions, and inspire them with meekness, gentleness, docility, reve- rence, watchfulness, faith, love, joy, and practical obedience, there has been no higher illustration since the day of Pentecost than in the case of the Indians of New Jersey, under the ministry of Brainerd. His frequent revivals, marked by cries of anxiety, tears of contrition, earnestness of prayer, fulness of transformation evinced in subsequent ho- liness, have encouraged for a hundred years past the whole Church of God. Henry Martyn, Clau- dius Buchanan, and their thousand successors in the missionary work, have been stimulated by Brain- erd's example and successes. Pastors in every land for three generations have toiled in brighter hope, as they saw in the results of Brainerd's labors that God is able to make a short work of the world's conversion. In the year 1746 he carried out a plan to estab- blish the Indians at Cranberry, N. J. At these two places, Crossweeksung and Cranberry, in eleven months, he baptized thirty-eight adults and thirty-seven infants; and concerning the cha- racter of these converts Mr. McKnight, of Cran- berry, testifies, they "may be proposed as exam- ples of piety and godliness to all the white people around them." 82 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. That such results were not reached without great toil may well be believed. Under date of Novem- ber 5, 1745, Brainerd says: "I have now rode (horseback) more than three thou- sand miles since March last, in my own proper business as a missionary. I have taken pains to look out for a companion or colleague to travel with me, but have not as yet found any person qualified or disposed for this good work. "The several companies of Indians to whom I have preached live at great distances from each other. It is more than seventy miles from Crossweeksung, in New Jersey, to the Forks of the Delaware, in Pennsylvania ; and thence, to the Indians I visited on the Susquehanna, one hundred and twenty miles." With all the modern appliances of railroads and steam, a missionary travel in six months of three thousand miles over a field two hundred and twenty miles in extent would be thought marvellous. What must it have been to the young, pale, consumptive Brainerd, threading alone the mountain-wilds and tangled forests of Pennsylvania! It will scarcely be credited that, in addition to all these burdens, Brainerd was followed by con- stant persecution and slander on the part of those whose profits had been lessened by the temperance of his converts, and of the greedy speculators who were anxious to grasp the lands of the Indians. But he went on with his work in spite of all hard- ships and opposition. Auu\ His life, however, was wearing out. April 11, LIFE OF JOHN BRA1NERD. 83 C 1747", far gone with consumption, yet still brave and enterprising, he undertook his last journey from Cranberry to the Susquehanna. To avoid the Lehigh Mountains, he determined to come to Philadelphia, go first to the river, and then follow it up to the field of his mission. The details of this journey are too painful to dwell upon. August 19, he struck the river near Harrisburg. August 20, "having lain in a cold sweat all night, he coughed up much bloody matter in the morn- ing." August 22. "All night lodged in the open woods. Enjoyed some liberty in secret prayer, and was helped to remember dear friends, as well as my dear flock and the Church of God." August 23. "Arrived at Shamoking [now Sun- bury], and the next day (being Sabbath) discoursed to the Indian king and others upon divine things. 8pent most of the day in those exercises." September 1, he started for the great island, fifty miles farther up the river; and lodged at night in the woods. September 6. "Spent the day in a very weak state, coughing and spitting blood. Was asked to do very little, except to discourse a while on divine things to my own people." By his "own people" he means the six Indians who accompanied him as guides and protectors. September 8, he began his return, reaching Phi- ladelphia on the 17th, arid his Indian congregation at Cranberry on the 20th. 84 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. He spent one month at Cranberry, struggling with disease which almost entirely unfitted him for labor. On the 20th of November he left his people, and with much difficulty made his way to Elizabethtown ; and there, in the house of his hos- pitable friend, the Rev. Jonathan Dickinson, he lay sick most of the time until the middle of March. Then, by taking two days for the journey, he re- visited Cranberry, It was for the last time. Re- maining two days only, he returned to Elizabeth- town. His missionary toils were ended. By his personal efforts he had done something. By his indomitable spirit, his entire consecration, by forc- ing himself on in the face of obstacles and suffer- ings at the call of duty, he has furnished a model, stimulated a zeal, and suggested an energy, by which his influence will tell on the Church of God in all time to come. "He still lives" in the increased devotion and endurance of thousands of sturdier and longer-lived men. It is a com- plete summer, however brief, that ripens a full harvest. Convinced that all efforts to labor on were now in vain, he advised the Correspondents, and they had sent, by his consent, for his brother John, to take his place in this missionary field. It would seem that David had not yet surren- dered all hope of resuming, after a season of rest in New England, his labors in the field. He had become used to travel and preach under the press- LIFE OF JOHN BR Al NERD. 85 ure of pain and weakness. With all his ailments, he had, nevertheless, with difficulty gained his own consent to intermit labor. And there were ties binding him to life. He was a young man, but twenty-nine years of age. He had won the heart and promised hand of one of the most intel- ligent, pious, and lovely daughters of New Eng- land ; he had gained the confidence and friendship of the best men of his age ; he had had eminent success in his glorious work, so that his name was mentioned with love and veneration not only in the wigwams of the savages whom he had edu- cated, but in the praying circles of London and Edinburgh. It is natural to suppose that a young man with such ties should cling to life, and be slow to admit that his work on earth was done. But if he hoped for life, it was "against hope." His entire physical prostration, confining him to his chamber for months in the house of his friend, his hospitable friend, his cough, his hemorrhages, his night-sweats, were all fingers pointing to an early grave. They must have thrown over his mind a foreboding that he had taken his final leave of his beloved Indian church, and that he was going home to New England to die. But whatever pain or presentiment of death might do to sadden, they did. not overwhelm him. On the 7th of April he says: "In the after- noon I rode to Newark, to marry the Rev. Mr. Dickinson, and in the evening performed that ser- 86 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. vice.* Afterwards rode home to Elizabethtown in a pleasant frame, full of compassion and sweet- ness." April 9, he appears 'to have occupied himself in the Presbytery of New York, then holding its sessions in Newark. He spent also the forenoon of the 10th in Presbyterial business; and, in the afternoon of that day returning to Elizabethtown, he says: "I found my brother John there. Spent some time in conversation with him ; was extremely weak and out-done." The meeting and conversation of these brothers must, in truth, strike the reader as deeply solemn, almost sublime. The elder had been an exile for Christ among savages, dwelt in a forest hovel, * As the Rev. Jonathan Dickinson is often mentioned in these pages, a brief account of him may be interesting. He was born in Hatfield, Mass., April 22, 1688, was graduated at Yale in 1706, and ordained to the gospel ministry in Fairfield, Conn., September 20, 1709. He began to preach in New Jersey in 1707, and his field of labor embraced not only Elizabethtown, but Rahway, Westfield, Con- necticut Farms, and Springfield. He had more agency in founding the College of Princeton than any other man. It is said that the first charter granted by Governor James Hamilton, afterwards renewed by Governor Belcher, was drawn up in Mr. Dickinson's house (see p. 56) in 1746. He was made the first President, but died October 7, 1747, two days before David Brainerd, aged fifty-nine. It was a second wife to whom he was married by Brainerd one year before. He and the Rev. Aaron Burr, of Newark, and Rev. Ebenezer Pem- berton, of the city of New York, constituted the clerical correspond- ents of the "Society for Propagating Christian Knowledge" under which Brainerd labored. Dr. Bellamy speaks of him as the "great Mr. Dickinson." As a wise counsellor and warm friend of the Brainerd brothers, he deserves this notice in the account of their lives. LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 87 pillowed his head on the hard ground, fed often on parched corn, been lost sometimes in the wilder- ness, sometimes maligned and slandered by the enemies of God and man. He had toiled and suf- fered until the energies of nature itself failed, and he was sinking to an early grave. The younger brother, twenty-seven years of age, of good family, easy circumstances, and finished education, had been "sent for;" and, with a wonderful abnega- tion of self and the world, with a martyr-love to Christ and unwavering submission to duty, he had come to assume the labors which had crushed an elder brother.- "The Correspondents," says President Edwards, "had sent for John to take David's place." What a cool matter-of-fact mode of summoning a moral martyr to leave home, kindred, and comfort, and bury himself among Indians in the wilderness ! They pay here a noble tribute to the piety and philanthropy of John Brainerd. They say, sub- stantially, that he only needed a call of duty to any work, however obscure, difficult, and perilous, and he would say, as he did say, "Here am I." May I be permitted to suggest here that, in thus promptly responding to the call of duty, young Brainerd exhibited the true spirit of a gospel min- ister? In the Roman Church, and in some Pro- testant denominations, young men are sent to their fields of labor by authority. One element of the power by which Loyola almost subdued the world 88 LIFE OF JOHN BR41NERD. to the Papal yoke was found in the fact that he held the authority by which he could "say to this man, Go, arid he goeth." He could distribute genius, talent, learning, physical and moral energy, where they would most tell for the glory and en- largement of the Church. The Episcopal Methodist Church, in its annual assignment of men to fields of labor, has had the o benefit of the same authority, and used it with great efficacy for noble purposes. The Presbyterian and Congregational policy has been different. It has limited the authority and responsibility of the Church as a governing body over its ministry, and implied a higher confidence in the individual, while it imposed greater per- sonal obligations to learn and follow duty. In our religious economy we have honored our ministers, by assuming for them such a baptism of the Spirit of Christ as would lead them to all diligence in ascertaining their personal duty, and all needful self-denial and fidelity in performing it. We have assumed that the love of ease, comfort, popularity, wealth, and high literary and social advantages, has no controlling place in the pur- poses and determinations of men who have pro- fessedly consecrated their all to the service of God. Hence we have no outward directions or constraint; no episcopal authority to distribute the talent, learning, and piety of the ministry where it will be most effective. Our system is not like LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. C; a vast machine moved by some central spring of mighty energy controlling its entire action. It finds a better illustration in the movements of the orbs of heaven, where each planet turns on its own axis and wheels in its own orbit by an inherent impulse imparted by the finger of God. In short, the Church assumes that her youthful sons, fresh from their sacred studies, with burnished intel- lects, with sanctified hearts, with manly courage, noble fortitude, and holy zeal, will not selfishly and coldly stipulate for eminent places, positions, and emoluments ; will not hang idly around cities and seminaries, waiting for eligible churches; will not, in ambitious scholarship and social exquisite- ness, imagine themselves too precious to be thrown away in quiet towns among plain people. It is to be feared that the sons of the Church have often lacked those high endowments of the Holy Spirit which would have fitted them to se- lect their appropriate field and work. Some secu- lar motive, some vision of worldly advantage, some compromise with conscience, has with links of iron held them back from rugged fields, but fields to which they were adapted, and in which they might have reaped glorious harvests. The world owes a special obligation to the pioneer husbandman who makes the desert blossom. The harder the soil, and the more abundant the weeds, the briers, and the thorns, the more need- ful the spade, the plough, and the strong hand of 9 ? LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. the laborer; and the more beautiful, by contrast, the waving grain over hill and valley. We once introduced a young minister to a mis- sionary congregation in the suburbs of a great city. The people were highly pleased with him, and invited him to settle among them. He came to consult me on the subject. As he was an un- married man, he regarded the salary as adequate. He had no fault to find with the number, the attendance, the attention and interest, of the con- gregation. I urged him to give an affirmative answer. He hesitated. "I am afraid, 11 said he, "it is not the place for me to develop myself," alluding to the plainness of the people. I replied : "It is an excellent place to develop the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, but I know not whether it is the place for you to develop yourself." He left the field, and has since "developed him- self" by giving up the ministry. "He that exalt- eth himself shall be abased." The little congregation, under the patient labors of purer and better men, has also "developed itself" into one of the most numerous, intelligent, and af- fluent churches in the land. Are there not other young ministers corroding in idleness, rejecting difficult fields, and waiting for a place to "develop themselves" ? Exactly the opposite of this seems to have been the spirit of John Brainerd. He knew all that his dying brother had suffered in his hard field, but LIFE OF JOHN BRAIN ERD. 91 still volunteered, in the true spirit of a martyr, to take that brother's place. David's whole record of their interview, at this period, is the following : "April 10. Found my brother John there, and spent some time in conversation with him. April u. As- sisted in examining my brother, by the New York Pres- bytery, for licensure. April 14. This day my brother went to my people." We doubt whether an interview stirring such thoughts, involving such heart-yearnings, ever had a record more brief. Its brevity is suggestive. To these brothers, duty was every thing; them- selves, nothing. They met as soldiers meet on the battle-field. One who had fought in the front rank, long, bravely, and triumphantly, had fallen wounded, and was returning home to die. The other, still fresh, strong, hopeful, and urged by a spirit as daring and a fortitude as enduring, stood ready to take his dying brother's sword and shield, to fight in the same conflict, or fall, as God should ordain. Their interview may remind the reader of a scene at the battle of Marengo. Desaix, one of Napoleon's bravest and most trusted generals, had been mortally wounded, and lay dying on the plain. Napoleon, pressing the retreating Austrians, paused by the side of his fellow-officer, who was expiring, and said that he was sorry he could not stay longer to weep for him. "I am sorry," said Desaix, "that I have but one life to give for the glory of France. ' 92 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. The servants of a nobler Master, and engaged with a spirit as heroic in a better cause, the bro- thers at Newark and Elizabeth town held a similar interview. The one must leave his dying brother for the field of duty; the other was regretting weakness, pain, and approaching death, only as they cut short his pious labors. The letter subsequently addressed by David to John may well be taken as an index of the "con- versation" between the brothers. John, now but twenty-seven years old, without experience as a minister or missionary, unaccustomed to Indian life and forest-fare, ignorant of the language of the people and a stranger to the localities of their neighborhood, had a thousand queries to propose and a thousand perplexities to be solved. No man ever had a better apology for self-distrust and shrinking at the outset of a great enterprise. On the other hand, David would have a thousand things to tell concerning his Indians, and, with his high standard of life and labors, a thousand solemn charges to impose. We can all readily picture the interest of this brief interview. As we know the keen, almost morbid, sensibil- ity of these young men, their matter-of-fact ar- rangements for duty show how they had subor- dinated every human sympathy to the obedience of Christ. We now leave the elder brother to pursue his last journey to New England, while we accompany John to the field of his future labors. LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 93 CHAPTER VII. JOHN BRAINERD'S ENTRANCE ON THE FIELD AS A MISSIONARY. T ICENSED as a preacher of the gospel by the Presbytery of New York, then in session at Elizabethtown, endorsed as a proper substitute for his brother by the Edinburgh Correspondents, who allowed forty pounds annually to the mission,* John Brainerd is now ready for his work. Grieved at parting with his beloved, sick brother; burdened by the untried responsibilities before him, yet cheered by the benedictions of the Rev. Jonathan Dickin- son, Rev. Aaron Burr, and other good men of the day; buoyed up by youthful hope, enthusiasm, and the consciousness of pure and lofty aims ; trusting in the God of his fathers, he sets his face toward his wild forest home. We can see him. He is mounted on horseback. His little wardrobe, his few books, and his ap- pliances for wigwam life, are stowed in his stuffed portmanteau. The scenery around him in its soft- ness contrasts strongly with his own rugged New England. He left behind leafless forests, bleak * David Brainerd's salary was two hundred dollars a year ; oblig- ing him to draw on his own funds for support. 9 9 4 LIFE OF 'JOHN BR Al NERD. fields, and wintry winds. But now he has borne himself "nearer to the sun." His cheek is farmed by gales from the south ; the forests are beginning J o to enrobe themselves in summer beauty; wild flowers are springing up around his path; birds are singing in the branches. Every advance is marked by some novelty. The rising villages of Rahway, Brunswick, and Princeton, if he took these in his route, the splendid scenery of the Raritan, his first vision of the noble Delaware, all these were adapted to impress by some novelty or charm by some beauty the heart of a reflecting and highly-educated young man. Still, amid all these attractions, there would be likely to come over him, like the chill of his own winters, the thought that he was a stranger, in a strange land, on a strange errand. He would reflect that for him no mother, sister, or friend had prepared the well-arranged apartment, had smoothed his pillow, provided his repast, and was waiting with arms of love to welcome him. He had left such far behind him; but before him was no such home. He would be solitary ; his labors would be in ob- scurity, and often unappreciated. He was to dwell among a people of a strange language, thus, for a time, at least, as to social life, be practically both deaf and dumb. He might pine for society, and for his New-England enjoyments ; but he would be chained to his post. He might long for a word of sympathy and cheer in vain. Ho might be sick, LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 95 with no science or affection to supply skill, sym- pathy, tenderness, or support. He might die alone in the wilderness, with no kind friend near to wipe the death-damp from his brow, to treasure his last words of love to kindred or of faith in God. He might sleep in a forest-grave, "Unwept, unhonored, and unsung," in a grave sheltered by no sod, marked by no stone, visited by no human feet, wet by no human tears. Thoughts like these would not be unnatural in a young man travelling on horseback and alone in the sands, under the sombre shades of the deep pine-forests of New Jersey, to find a home among savage tribes. All that we have sketched, save death itself, had been endured by his martyr-bro- ther; and may well be supposed to have hung cloudily over his adventurous successor. But I apprehend that, in his. first journey as a missionary to his field (he made David a social visit at Cranberry, May 23, one year before*), John Brainerd had a still deeper source of anx- iety. He was untried, and might fail in the work. David had more genius, greater learning, rich ex- perience, eminent holiness, powerful friends, like Edwards and others. His success had been won- derful, almost miraculous, and his renown had * Edwards' Life of Brainerd, p. 301. 96 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. already reached two hemispheres. John might well ask: "Am I fitted to take the place of such a man, and sustain a burden which has crushed my brother to the brink of the grave?" We can almost hear him crying out on his way: " Who is sufficient for these things?" A distrust of his own spiritual fitness for his work was, probably, the heaviest weight which pressed on the heart of the untried missionary. His other troubles, however severe, concerned himself and earth only : his moral deficiencies might hinder the glory of Christ in the salvation of souls. The former he had fortitude to dare and endure; the latter he lamented in dust and ashes. This is the proper spirit of a soldier of the Cross. LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 97 CHAPTER VIII. JOHN BRAINERD'S INTRODUCTION TO HIS MISSIONARY FIELD AT CRANBERRY, N. J. TI7E are not allowed to describe the emotions of the young missionary as he reaches Cran- berry, N. J., and takes up his solitary abode in the rude cabin which had been erected by the labor of his brother David. David had before this built, with his own hands, four houses "to dwell in, by himself, among the Indians," one in Kaunas meek, in the county of Albany, N. Y. ; one at the Forks of the Delaware, Pa.; one at Crossweek- sung, N. J. ; and, finally, one at Cranberry, where John was now to be settled. These forest cabins, in more senses than one, were like the "three tabernacles" which Peter and John desired leave to erect on the Mount of Transfiguration, to be filled with heavenly occupants. Jesus had dwelt in them all. David Bramerd, in his journal of September 27, 1746, says:- " I was able to ride over to my people two miles every day, and take some care of those who were then at work erecting a small house for me to reside in among the In- dians." His is anticipation was hardly realized. He was 9* 98 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. soon summoned to a mansion in heaven, leaving his "small house" in the wilderness to be occupied by his beloved and equally devoted brother. John Brainerd found a most enthusiastic and joyful welcome from the pious Indian congrega- tion. As a minister of Jesus, and a brother of their beloved sick pastor, he was received with open arms. To him, fresh from college halls, and from the most intelligent society of the long-set- tled and best-cultivated district in New England, every thing would seem strangely wild in the place and people. Though the village of Cranberry, near the scene of his labors, had been long settled by whites, yet his Indian neighborhood in the township was al- most a wilderness. His brother David, desirous of collecting the scattered Indians into some lo- cality where they would meet fewer temptations than at Crossweeksung, from contact with bad white men, arid where they could have good farms, a school, and a church, had encouraged them to enter upon some wild lands which they claimed as their own in Cranberry township. The Indians, confiding in the judgment of their beloved and revered pastor, cordially entered into this plan. Leaving their homes at Crossweeksung, the men cheerfully shouldered their axes, and, led by their pastor, sought out their new field, and began to level the forest-trees, roll and burn the logs, clear the lands, and fence the fields. In the course of a LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 99 year from that time, John Brainerd arrived among them: they had, with an industry and persever- ance wonderful for aborigines, cleared eighty acres, built their own cabins, erected a "small house" for their pastor, and a school-house, which served them for a sanctuary on the Sabbath. This clearing, embracing an area half a mile in length, a quarter of a mile in breadth, scalloped out of the pine forest, was the site of their village of scattered cabins. To give them encouragement in their la- bors, their emaciated and worn-out missionary had often shared in their toils, swinging the axe with his own hands. In relating the causes and the history of their removal from Crossweeksung to Cranberry, David Brainerd says: 21, 1745. Spent the forenoon in conversa- tion with Mr. Dickinson (at Elizabethtown), contriving something for the settlement of the Indians together in a body, that they might be in better advantages for in- struction. October 29. Rode and viewed the Indian lands at Cranberry. Still at Crossweeksung." March 24, 1746, David Brainerd says: "Numbered the Indians, to see how many souls God had gathered together here since my coming into these parts, and find them about one hundred and twenty, old and young, and about fifteen absent. "My people were out this day with the design of clearing some of their land, about fifteen miles from this settlement, in order to their settling there in a compact form, where they might be under the advantages of at- ioo LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. tending the public worship of God, of having their chil- dren taught in a school, and at the same time have a conveniency for planting ; their land in the place of our present residence being of little or no value for that pur- pose. The design of their settling thus in a body, and cultivating their lands, of which they have done very little in their pagan state, being of such necessity and importance to their religious interest as well as worldly comfort, I thought it proper to call them together and show them the duty of laboring with faithfulness and in- dustry, and that they must not now be 'slothful in busi- ness,' as they had ever been in their pagan state. I en- deavored to press the importance of their being laborious, diligent, and vigorous in the prosecution of their busi- ness, especially at the present juncture, the season of planting being now near, in order to their being in a capacity of living together, and enjoying the means of grace and instruction. Having given them directions for their work, which they very much wanted, as well as for their behavior in divers respects, I explained, sang, and endeavored to inculcate upon them the cxxviith Psalm, common metre, Dr. Watts' version ; and having recom- mended them and the design of their going forth to God by prayer with them, I dismissed them to their business. "After the Indians had gone to their work, to clear their lands, I retired by myself and poured out my soul to God, that he would smile on their feeble beginning's, and that he would settle an Indian town which might be a 'mountain of holiness.' "March 31. Called my people together, as I had done the Monday evening before, and discoursed to them again on the necessity and importance of laboring industriously in order to their living together and enjoy- ing the means of grace, &c. Having engaged in a LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 101 solemn prayer to God among them for a blessing upon their attempts, I dismissed them to their work. Num- bers of them, both men and women, seemed to offer themselves willingly to this service ; and some appeared affectionately concerned that God might go with them, and begin their little town for them ; that, by his bless- ing, it might be a place comfortable for them and theirs, with regard both to procuring the necessaries of life and to attending on the worship of God. "Towards night I enjoyed some sweet meditations on these words : c lt is good for me to draw near to God.' My soul, I think, had some sweet sense of what is in- tended in these words. " Cranberry, May 26. Rode home to my people at Cranberry, whither they now removed, and where I hope God will settle them as a Christian congregation." In order to render safe their new possession, he had already by order of the Correspondents paid the debts of the Indians, amounting to eighty-two pounds jive shillings, to secure their lands, and that there might be no entanglement lying upon them. "It is hoped," he says, "God designs to establish a church for himself among them, and hand down true religion to their posterity."* I have sketched the history of this migration of the Indians from Crossweeksung to Cranberry, * It is hardly necessary to say that this hope of a good man was thwarted by land-graspers and rum-sellers. Even this movement to Cranberry "raised a terrible clamor." Numbers gave out hard words to terrify or threaten the Indians, pretending a claim on their lands. We shall see in the sequel that the malice and cupidity of ungodly men at last expelled these poor Indians from Cranberry. 102 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. fifteen miles, that the reader may the better sym- pathize with John Brainerd in entering on his mis- sionary field. We must here bear in mind that not two years have yet elapsed since David Brainerd found all these Indians wild, roaming, reckless, stupid sav- ages. They have now, many of ll.em, been trans- formed by God's truth and Spirit into humble, do- cile, and earnest Christian men and women. In the brief period of their Christian life they have had the most intelligent, patient, and faithful in- struction. Their progress in Christian knowledge and grace has been wonderful, so that their holy and consistent lives, in the opinion of Mr. Mc- Knight, of Cranberry, and his elders, "put to shame their white brethren in other churches.'' They have a simple and confiding faith, which is adapted to invite instruction and gladden the heart of their minister. They are prepared to look upon their young pastor with profound reverence as a man of God, and with deep affection as the bro- ther of their spiritual father. All this is delightful ; but there is' a shade in the picture. They have just emerged from sav- age life, without education or books, without any knowledge of science or the arts, without any skill in trade or agriculture, without any civilized ideas of taste or refinement, without any home-comforts of beds, chairs, tables, and separate apartments in their dwellings, without fixed habits of industry, LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 103 definite aims, or any beau-ideal to stimulate their energy and elevate their social and pecuniary posi- tion. They are barbarians still. They doze in their unpaved, unglazed, dark, smoky cabins; or they creep out unwashed, un- combed, and half dressed, to lie on the ground and bask in the sun. They tear their half-cooked meat with their fingers, and masticate it with almost the avidity of beasts of prey. Every hour of the day, in every circle, service, and occupation, by some rudeness, stupidity, or indecency, they violate the taste and shock the sensibilities of their young mis- sionary ; and what adds to his chagrin is the fact, that to him their chatter is an unintelligible jar- gon, and he a barbarian to them. Entirely alone as a- missionary, with no wife or Christian family for companionship, we are not to be surprised if the gloom of which David so often complained throws its dark wing over John Brainerd in his Indian cabin. And in his efforts to preach the gospel he had many embarrassments and annoy- ances. Not only was he ignorant of the Indian language, but of their mental constitution, early associations, modes of thought. He was ignorant of their prejudices and antipathies. As his bro- ther's journal had been but recently published, John Brainerd could have had only slight know- ledge of the mode in which his Indians had been taught, or of the nature and extent of their reli- gious attainments ; and his church-edifice was but 104 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. a miserable hut, devoid of all cheerfulness, taste, and convenience. His brother David says : "I have often been obliged to preach in their houses in cold and windy weather, when they have been full of smoke and cinders, as well as unspeakably filthy, which has thrown me many times into violent sick headaches." He says, moreover: "While I have been preaching, their children have cried to such a degree, I could scarcely be heard; and their pagan mothers would take no manner of care to quiet them. At the same time, perhaps, some men have been laughing and mocking at divine truths, others play- ing with their dogs, whittling sticks; and this not from spite and prejudice, but for want of better manners." Rather a forbidding prospect, this, for the young graduate of Yale, just entering on the ministry! Theological dandies, ambitious of style and good .society, would hardly have accepted this "call" to the red men of Cranberry. There is no good library there; there is no appreciation of intellec- tual taste. The young missionary has no prospect of the smiles of beauty, or invitations to elegant soirees. If he be not sustained by his own good conscience, the joy of benevolence, and the grace and favor of God, the Lord have mercy on him ! He was, doubtless, thus sustained. He remem- bered the dying commands of his Saviour: "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." Bmincrd had come to the Cran- LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 105 berry Indians to do the very work intrusted to him by his Divine Master; and if great trials and bereavements were before him, he would bear him- self bravely in the thought that "The servant is not above his Lord." Parting with a dying brother to find a home and field of labor among savages in the forest was but a fitting preparation for, and apprenticeship to, that moral martyrdom which, we shall show, character- ized his whole life. " Mirthfulness" may be a very pleasant and profitable subject for eulogy by well- paid and well-fed literary lecturers in classic halls, or in great cities radiant with wealth, beauty, and fashion; but this "mirth fulness" has not been the ordinary characteristic of the ministers of Jesus, who, by lives of obscurity and self-denial, have "filled up the measure of the sufferings of Christ for the world's salvation." "No cross, no crown," has ever been their motto. But perhaps we have done John Brainerd injus- tice in supposing that the shade of the wilderness threw any sadness over his spirit. He has left no record of gloom. His wild forest-home and wild companions may have occasioned a pleasant excite- ment, aided as they were by manly courage and elevated Christian purposes. He doubtless could say: "Sure, 'tis a glorious path, To tread where martyrs trod; To disenthral mortality, And give a world to God." 10 io6 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. CHAPTER IX. JOHN BRAINERD'S FIRST YEAR AMONG THE INDIANS THEIR NUMBER CRANBERRY BETHEL THE REVIVAL LETTER TO REV. MR. PEM- BERTON. must now look at young Brainerd as do- mesticated for life in New Jersey; for lie never, except for brief visits, returned to his own New England. As already stated, the number of Indians who from regard to the gospel had ral- lied around Cranberry, had increased from fifteen or twenty, first found at Cross weeksung, to over one hundred and twenty ; seventy-eight of whom had been baptized. The church embraced nearly forty. There were also about fifty on the Ran- cocas, near Mount Holly, and a few scattered families elsewhere in East Jersey. Besides these, Brainerd was expected to follow up, as he had time and opportunity, the labors of his brother in the Forks of the Delaware and the Valley of the Susquehanna. The location of this Indian settlement near Cran- berry has been ascertained with sufficient definite- ness by the researches of the Rev. Mr. Symrnes, of Cranberry Church, who, with the writer, care- fully explored the region not long since. For par- LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 107 ticulars, we refer to the letter of Mr. Symmes.* The cut exhibits the old parsonage in which the Brainerds were often 1 entertained over one hundred years ago. Bethel was the name which they gave to their new erection of cabins. This place Bethel, from which John Brainerd dated his correspondence, is often spoken of by President Edwards as the "In- dian town in New Jersey." As Bethel, in Hebrew, signifies the house of God, their piety suggested the name given to the new settlement. John Brainerd began his labors, April 15, 1747. He says: f "It pleased the Lord greatly to smile on my brother's [David] endeavors, and in the most remarkable manner to open the eyes of the poor savages, and to turn them from Satan to God. The Indians had settled themselves on a tract of land near Cranberry, far better [than Cross- weeksung] for cultivation and more commodious for such a number as were now gathered together. In this situa- tion I found the Indians when I arrived among them at their new settlement, called Bethel, about the middle of April, 1747. And this summer officiated for my brother, who took a journey to the eastward, thinking it might possibly be a means of recovering his health. But his disease [consumption] had taken such hold of his vitals as not to be diverted or removed by medicine or means. He was, on his return from Boston to New Jersey, de- tained at Northampton by the increase of his disorder, * See Appendix A. j- See letter in Sprague's Annals, vol. iii. p. 150. io8 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. and there made his exit out of a world of sin and sorrow, and, no doubt, entered upon a glorious and blessed im- mortality, in October, 1747." He continues: "The work of Divine Grace still went on among the Indians, although those extraordinary influences that ap- peared for a time had begun some months before to abate, and still seemed gradually going off; but the good effects of them were abiding in numbers of instances." We are to look at this statement more in grief than surprise, that the "extraordinary influences" had begun to abate. According to the journal of David Brainerd, the "extraordinary" revival in- fluence first manifested itself at Crossweeksung, in August, 1745, nearly two years before. That among these poor, insulated, ignorant Indians the work should have been so continued, that in April, 1747, John Brainerd found it only "gradually going off," is evidence of its original purity and power. All revivals of religion marked by great power of the Holy Ghost, and attended, necessa- rily, with great excitement, have usually been, rela- tively, of brief continuance. We may regard this as almost a necessity, for it admits of a plain ex- planation. Where there is great energy of means, and a powerful influence of the Spirit, by which many are deeply moved and hopefully converted, one of two effects will be produced on the impeni- tent. They will either bow to the influence of the LIFE OF JGHN BRAINERD. 109 truth and Spirit, and be reckoned among the con- verts; or they will, by resisting truth, conscience, and the Holy Ghost, attain a moral hardihood which enables them to neutralize all efforts for their renovation. There may be, as there was in the case before us, a lingering of the good influ- ence for a long time. New individuals may be brought under the influence of the revival from without; and time may change the moral attitude of some within, who at first resisted these influ- ences. It is of the very nature of a powerful work of grace soon to exhaust the subjects on which it acts, and to cease as a result of its tri- umphs. We must not expect to load ourselves with abundant sheaves repetitiously on the field from which we have already gathered the rich harvest: the gleaning is all that is left us. These remarks, of course, must be restricted to localities and communities under the same influences; for outside, in the wide world, there will always be ample scope and subjects for the most powerful, wide-spread, and permanent revivals, until the last great harvest of souls is gathered in. Are not thoughts like these adapted to give useful hints to some zealous and true-hearted, but not very discreet, pastors, who press revival means, exhortations, and reproofs after the revival power has waned, and thus disgust and alienate those who have placed themselves, for the time being, in resistance to such influences; but who, allowed 10* no LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. to unbend, and led by various evangelical teach- ings to new angles of vision and new subjects of religious reflection, would be kept within the hear- ing of truth and become hopeful subjects of the next revival? Are not those pastors wise men who, instead of expecting always to reap, improve the time of sowing and watering, and thus in the "waning," from whatever cause, of one revival, "give diligence" to educate their people in sound Christian doctrine, in preparation and certain ex- pectation of another? While on this subject, which some may regard as excursive from our memoir, we may be allowed to say that there were peculiar reasons for the sub- sidence of the great work at Crossweeksung and Cranberry, among the Indians. Not only were they few in numbers, weak in understanding, fickle in habits, and strongly tempted by pagans of their own race and corrupt whites in the neighborhood, but the very characteristics of the Great Revival were not of a kind to promise permanence. Although the power of a great revival of religion is of God's sovereignty and rich grace, yet, as this power ope- rates by human instruments and agents, its mani- festations will put on a certain type under the im- pression received from these instruments or agents. As David Brainerd was a laborer and almost a martyr in the Great Awakening of 1740-41, so graphically described by Edwards; as he looked up to Edwards, Whitefield, Gilbert and William LIFE OF jOHN BRAINERD. in Tennent; Aaron Burr, and Jonathan Dickinson with the most profound reverence; as William Tennent, of Freehold, was his near neighbor; as his Indians, some of them at least, must have had some observation of revival-scenes in the Chris- tian congregations of New Jersey ; and, above all, as God in this great and glorious work had been pleased, in this region, to signalize the presence of his Spirit by certain remarkable and uniform effects, we may not wonder that the revival at Crossweeksung among savages and pagans imi- tates in its characteristics and developments, while it excels in energy and excitement, the revivals in Freehold, N. J., Bethlehem, Conn., and Northamp- ton, Mass. In all these places there was, for the time being, the same solemn sense of God's awful presence, the same realization of a long eternity, the same re- gard to the worth of the soul, the same rushing to- gether from widely-separated places as to a great sight, the same tendency to abide day and night under the preaching of the word and in prayer. The preaching was attended by crowds, all dis- solved in tears, uttering bitter and distressing cries, horrified by the consciousness of guilt and peril, or beseeching God for clear and joyful evidence of a new heart wrought by the Spirit. In this "awa- kening," preachers, in the most intense enthusiasm of gospel benevolence, everywhere ran to and fro, yearning for souls ; preaching in season and out of ii2 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. season, and giving no stint to their prayers; acting like men who believed that the great day of God's mercy had dawned, and that they were the ap- pointed leaders in the work of salvation. None will wonder that in some cases this heaven-inspired enthusiasm was carried into rank and baneful fana- ticism, so that they saw unearthly visions and had miraculous dreams. While Brainerd carefully protected his people from fanaticism, he nevertheless tolerated that high religious excitement and those natural de- monstrations of deep feeling which have usually attended great outpourings of the Spirit of God.* * " Few Christians appear to have enjoyed such abounding, even overwhelming, manifestations of the Divine Presence and favor as fell to the share of the heavenly-hearted Brainerd. In youth he would pass whole days in the wild solitudes of the forest, in a state of ecstasy, in which he was insensible to the flight of time, to hun- ger, and every impression of an outward kind; and during the whole course of his ardent, evangelic life there were seasons not uni'requent in which, through the abundance of the revelations, he might have said, with the apostle, that whether they were passed in the body or out of the body was known, not to him, but to God. Yet it is re- corded that ' there was no sight of heaven in his imagination, with gates of pearl and golden streets, and a vast multitude with shining garments; no vision of the book of life opened with his name writ- ten in it; no sudden suggestions of words or promise of Scripture, as then immediately spoken or sent to him -, no new revelations, or strong suggestions of secret facts.' But the way he was satisfied of his own good estate was by feeling within himself the lively actings of a holy temper and heavenly disposition, the vigorous exercise of that Divine Love which 'casts out fear.' Also on the subject of his missionary labors he says : ' I look upon it as one of the glories of this work of grace among the Indians, and a special evidence of its being Irom a divine influence, that there have been till now no vision- ary notions, trances, and imaginations intermixed with those rational LIFE OF JOHN BRA1NERD. 113 The bodily exercises which marked the Great Revival in Western Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Vir- ginia, and Tennessee in the beginning of the present century, so graphically described by the late Rev. Dr. Baxter, of Virginia, the faintings and prostra- tions attending the great Irish Revival of 1858- 59, were transcripts of the popular enthusiasm and impression in the Revival of 1742; so well described, and alternately lauded and condemned, by Jonathan Edwards. This last revival, into the spirit of which David Brainerd had so deeply drank, was produced in all its main characteristics under his own labors at Crossweeksung and Cranberry. Thus, under date of August 8, 1745, at Cross- weeksung, he says: "The power of God seemed to descend upon the Indians especially, ^ like a mighty rushing wind,' and with an astonishing energy bore down all before it. I stood amazed at the influence which seized the audience almost universally, and could compare it to nothing more aptly than the irresistible force of a mighty torrent or swelling deluge, that with its insupportable weight and pressure bears down and sweeps before it whatever comes in its way. Almost all persons of all ages were bowed down with concern together, and scarcely one was able to stand the shock of this surprising operation. Old men convictions of sin and solid consolations which numbers have expe- rienced; and might I have had my desire, there had been no appear- ance of any thing of this nature at all.' " A Present Heaven. Ticknor & Fields, Boston, 1863. u 4 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. and women who had been drunken wretches for many years, and some little children not more than six or seven years of age, appeared in distress for their souls. The most stubborn hearts were now compelled to bow. "They were almost universally praying and crying for mercy in every part of the house, and many out of doors, and numbers could neither go nor stand. Their concern was so great, each one for himself, that none seemed to take any notice of those about him, but each prayed freely for himself. I must say I never saw any day like it in all respects. " Sabbath afternoon, Aug. 9. Though I had not spoken a word of terror, a divine influence caused several persons to cry out in anguish of soul. "August 1 6. I never saw the work of God so inde- pendent of means as at this time. I seemed to do no- thing, and, indeed, to have nothing to do but stand still and see the salvation of God ; and found myself obliged and delighted to say, 'Not unto us,' as instruments and means, 'but to thy name be glory!' ' The scene was Pentecostal. Indeed, considering the numbers impressed, compared with the whole number present, it transcended in results the glo- rious day of Pentecost itself. "A young Indian woman, who had on her way to the meeting laughed and mocked, was so concerned for her soul, that she seemed like one pierced through with a dart, and cried out in the assembly. After public service was over, she lay flat on the ground. She could neither go, nor stand, nor sit in her seat without being held up. " I hearkened to her prayer. It was : ' Guttummauka- lummeh wechaitmeh kmeleh nolah f that is, 'Have mercy on me, and help me to give you my heart T ' LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 115 Remember that David Brainerd spoke by an in- terpreter of ordinary capacity and attainments, sin- cere but illiterate, and you will see there was no opportunity for passionate rhetoric. It is also well known that Brainerd always held a strong rein on his imagination. In modern days he would be re- garded as scholastic, biblical, theological; almost prosaic. In preaching, he relied more on the love of Christ than on the terrors of the law and the fear of perdition. The effects following the preaching of such a man to such a people indicate the presence of a Divine Power, which we regard with awe and reverence. Under this power savages became civilized, mur- derers relented, drunkards reformed, adulterers be- came chaste, scoffers reverential. Among these pa- gans marriages were solemnized, families organized, altars set up in wigwams, dwellings erected, farms cleared and cultivated, schools patronized, the Sab- bath consecrated, and the public worship of God attended. This wonderful scene advises the Church what may be hoped for the whole pagan world, when men like David Brainerd go everywhere to pray and preach, and the Holy Ghost descends to help. A nation will be born in a day. But, as we have said, such excitements among one hundred and twenty Indians, two-thirds of whom had become hopeful Christians, could not be long continued. n6 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. With the waning novelty of gospel truth, the frequent arid long absences of the pastor, and the natural tendency of even the converted heart to re-act from great excitements, it is matter of grati- tude that two years after the revival began John Brainerd could say, "the work of Divine Grace still went on among the Indians." Happily we have fallen on a letter, giving a very brief but distinct outline of the Mission in 1747. We extract the letter from the Appendix of Dr. Philip Doddridge's "Life of David Brain- erd:" * "For the Rev'd Mr. EBENEZER PEMBERTON, of New York. "Since you are pleased to require me to give an ac- count of the present situation of affairs among those In- dians which, at this present time, I have the more imme- diate care of, I shall endeavor to do it in as brief but just a manner as I can. And, "ist. There are now belonging to the Society of Indians something upward of one hundred and sixty persons, old and young, who, I think, may properly be * Dr. Philip Doddridge, in his "Abridgment of the Life of David Brainerd," published in London, 1748, says, p. 13: "The Honorable Society in Scotland for Propagating Christian Knowledge have very lately received letters from their corresponding members at New York, dated in February last, 'giving an account of the much-to-be-lamented death of Mr. David Brainerd, who (as they express it) was much honored hj God in life and death .'' And that his brother, Mr. John Brainerd, succeeds in the honorable employment of missionary at the new Indian town, which they have properly enough named Bethel, where he bids fair to follow the footsteps of his deceased brother, not only in his piety, but in his abilities, activity, and zeal for the kingdom of God; and that he meets with great encouragement and acceptance among the Indians, whose congregation and English school continue to prosper and in- crease by new-comers from other Indian countries." The above shows the estimate in which Rev. John Brainerd was held, at that early day, by the able men who employed him. LIFE OF JOHN BR41NERD. 117 called inhabitants of the town. 2dly. Among these there are thirty-seven who have been admitted to the Sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper, and who, in a judgment of charity, appear to have experienced a work of saving grace in their hearts. There are also several others who, as I have reason to think, are truly religious, and stand as proper candidates for those gospel ordinances. "3dly. Out of the number first mentioned there are about thirty persons who came "to this place since my arrival here, which was the I5th of April last. About ten of these are adults. I have reason to think all ration- ally convinced of the truth of the Christian religion, and under some degree of concern ; and most of them appear to be much concerned, and their convictions seem to be permanent and genuine. "The next thing I shall mention is the school, which consists of fifty-three children, who properly belong to it and generally attend upon it ; twenty-seven of these read in the Testament, and most of them can say the Assem- bly's Shorter Catechism throughout by heart. Others read in Psalters, Spelling-books, and Primers, and many of them can say the Catechism half through. These children are many of them under religious impressions, and seem to be earnestly inquiring the way to Zion ; and some, even of the new-comers, are much concerned for the salvation of their souls, and all that are grown to any considerable bigness (so far as we can know by observing and inquiring of their parents, and of one concerning another) do live in the constant performance of secret duties. "As touching their secular affairs, they are much more comfortable than they were. They have upwards of forty acres of English grain in the ground, and near 11 u8 LIFE OF JOHN BR4INERD. about so much Indian corn; and they do, I think, in general follow their secular business as well as can be expected, considering they have all their days been used to sloth and idleness. Thus, sir, I have given a very brief answer to your demands, but, I think, just account of the present condition of these Indians ; and am, "Rev. sir, yours, &c., "JoHN BRAINERD. "From Bethel, the Indian Town in New Jersey, June 23, 1747." LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 119 CHAPTER X. JOHN BRAINERD MEETS AFFLICTION IN THE OUTSET SICKJNESS AMONG THE INDIANS SLANDERS FROM THOSE WITHOUT SENT FOR TO AT- TEND HIS DYING BROTHER DAVID. JOHN BRAINERD had hardly settled himself at* Cranberry before he began to experience great and unanticipated trials. He says : "About this time a mortal sickness prevailed among the Indians, and carried off a considerable number, and especially of those who had been religiously wrought upon ; which made some infidels say, as in the days of Constantine, that it was because they had forsaken the old Indian ways and become Christians." Such a pestilence in the forest must have been a painful spectacle to the young pastor. Swarthy, stout-limbed hunters writhing in death on the earth floor of their cabins ; Indian mothers suffer- ing, but tearless and firm, bidding farewell to their homeless, penniless, and almost friendless children; young men, maidens, and little children, but slightly educated in gospel truths, were compelled to face the awful mystery of death! Without a full shelter from the cold, the heat, the wintry storm or summer rain, without a soft resting-place or friendly attendant, without proper izo LIFE OF JOHN BRAIN ERD, diet or medical skill, without materials for pleasant reflection, or hope as an anchor to the soul, the wig- wam of a dying savage seems almost an appropriate vestibule to the dark world of woe itself. Brainerd doubtless mourned the fact, that his Christian people were mainly the victims; but he must have drawn some relief from the hope which cheered them in dying, and the gospel beams which illumined their dark cabins and softened their hard pillows. It would give him a sustaining joy to know that so many of those who had wept with his bro- ther were going to triumph with him in heaven. But this was not all. He was not only doomed to an early bereavement by the loss of his dear people, but compelled to endure the taunts of the wicked; as if Christianity were a crime to be visited with Divine judgments. When the good suffer affliction, infidels are likely for the time to affect piety and see the hand of God in his provi- dence. Brainerd does not say so in words; but we gather from his remarks that the afflictions of his people were seized upon by hardened opposers as an occasion to prejudice the yet unconverted In- dians still more against Christianity, and "to add affliction to his bonds." No wonder Brainerd says: "This seemed to me a mysterious frown of Divine Providence." We hope he did not forget that, ' Behind a frowning Providence God hides a smiling face." LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 121 Of Brainerd's first labors, from April to Septem- ber, 1747, we have few details. He seems to have prosecuted his work in the very spirit of his bro- ther, with zeal, assiduity, wisdom, and success. In the memoirs of President Edwards and of David Brainerd we have a few hints throwing light on the young missionary's first endeavors. David Brainerd, after parting with John at Eliza- bethtown, set out on his final journey to New Eng- land, April 21. Travelling slowly on horseback, he reached his friends in Haddam, Conn., about the 1st of May. From thence, by easy journeys up the valley of the Connecticut, he made his way, May 28, to Northampton, the residence of Dr. Ed- wards. Tarrying there until June 9, he then started for Boston. He was accompanied in this final journey by Jerusha Edwards, a young lady in her eighteenth year, the second daughter of President Edwards. The relation of David Brainerd to this young lady constitutes one of the most romantic inci- dents of his personal history. Though it is not so affirmed directly by her father in his memoir of Brainerd, yet it is believed that the young lady had given her heart and plighted her hand to the martyr missionary. The Rev. Dr. Field, of Stockr bridge, says: 44 They had anticipated great happiness in married life in this world, surrounded by pious relatives and friends, and engaged with them in acts of piety and devotion; 11* 122 LIFE OF JOHN BRAIN ERD. but they have enjoyed more in connection with each other in heaven already, and their happiness is only begun." The two on horseback, every thing to each other, wending their way over hills and valleys for one hundred miles to Boston, would be a fine subject for the poet's pen or the painter's pencil. The tall, attenuated, yet striking form of the mis- sionary, his brilliant eye but blanched cheek, his worn features, on which labor and suffering had put at the age of twenty-nine the stamp of years ; his hallowed reveries, his deep spiritual commu- nion, his pensiveness, often interrupted, checked, and humanized by the conscious presence, the blooming cheek and radiant eye, the musical voice and cheerful bearing of the healthful, hopeful, and affectionate being at his side, what a scene for canvas, what a theme for poetry ! But perhaps poet and painter have shrunk back in despair at their inability to depict earth's highest hopes paling and dying under the brighter gleamings of Heaven's nearing glory. Earth's deepest affec- tions and softest emotions still living and glowing, but absorbed in the richer love of Christ! We shall allude again to this companion of Brainerd, and only quote here the language of Peabody : " She said, when dying, that for years she had not seen the time when she had the least desire to live one mo- ment longer, except for the sake of doing good and fill- LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 123 ing up the measure of her duty : such a being, though no warmer sentiment mingled with her admiration of his character and her delight in his conversation, was a fit companion of his dying hours."* Her offer to accompany Brainerd, as his sole companion and nurse, is evidence of her brave and generous love. That no parental prudence detained her, and no breath of scandal ever lighted upon her, is a proof that her moral worth was equal to her great heroism. The interesting travellers reached Boston in three days. Instead of mending, Brainerd grew rapidly worse. "My friends," he says, "divers times gathered around my bed to see me breathe my last, which they expected every moment, as I myself also did." Retaining unimpaired his intellectual powers, watching in the fear of God his frame and temper of mind, and stimulated by the most vivid and penetrating apprehensions of an opening eternity, ,he not only from day to day, as a little returning strength permitted, recorded his own dying expe- rience, but indited and transmitted to his mission- ary-brother John, in New Jersey, and others, his dying thoughts and counsels. We regard the fol-1 owing letter as one of the most remarkable ever written. It was addressed to his own absent, well-beloved, and trusted bro- * Sparks' Biography, vol. viii. 124 LIFE OF -JOHN BRA1NERD. ther as a final message, but it hardly alludes to the fraternal relation of the parties. The writer seems like one who has already insulated himself from earthly ties and become like an angel of God. He writes like one so lifted above earth that its cords were sundered and time lost in a broad vision and deep penetration of eternity. We quote from President Edwards: " David's final letter to John, at Bethel, the Town of Chris- tian Indians in New Jersey. "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 ear- nestly 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 and necessity of holiness in life j but never in such a manner as now, when I am just brought from the sides of the grave. O my brother, pursue after holiness, press towards this blessed mark ; and let your thirsty soul continually say, ' I shall never be satis- fied till I awake in thy likeness.' Although there has been a great deal of selfishness in my 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 ad- vancement of his kingdom in the world, that it is a satis- faction to me to reflect upon these years. LIFE OF JOHN BR4INERD. 125 "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 entreat you solemnly to attend to your public work : labor to distin- guish between true and false religion, and to that end watch the motions of God's Spirit upon your heart. Look to him for help, and impartially compare your experiences with his word. Value religious joys accord- ing to the subject-matter of them : there are many who rejoice in their supposed justification ; but what do these joys argue, but only that they love themselves? Whereas, in true spiritual joys, the soul rejoices 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 possessed of infinite glory and happiness. Now, when men thus rejoice in the perfections of God, and in the infinite excel- lency of the way of salvation by Christ, and in the holy com- mands 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 in a disinterested manner, if I may so express it, rejoiced in 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 blaze. I likewise fear you are not sensible of the dreadful effects and consequences of this false religion. Set yourself, my brother, to crush all appearances of this nature among the Indians, and never encourage any degree 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 126 LIFE OF JOHN BRA1NERD. as becomes the gospel. Tell them how great the expect- ations 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, although they may have been rapt up in the third heavens in their own conceit by them, unless the main tenor of their lives be spiritual, watchful, and holy. In pressing these things, 'thou shalt both save thyself and those that hear thee.' "God knows I was heartily willing to have served him longer in the work of the ministry, although it had still been attended with all the labors 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 the 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 from which, I trust, through grace, I am almost delivered. 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 dear 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 public ; 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." The emotions stirred by reading in Lis lone In- LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 127 dian cabin such a letter from a dying brother, we leave the reader to imagine. But it was the will of God that David Brainerd should not die in Boston. By going there lie had accomplished a great work. He had illustrated in his own person the martyr-spirit of Christianity and the beauty of holiness. He had originated a deep and practical sympathy for missions, which has survived to the present hour. He had by his counsel influenced the selection of two young men, Job Strong, of Northampton (Brainerd's cousin), and Elihu Spencer, of Haddam, to go as mission- aries to the Six Nations of Indians. He had a work to do of laboring and suffering in Boston: "he finished the work" there given him to do. When his brother Israel, from Yale College, reached Boston, David had revived. The young brother brought to him "the sorrowful tidings of his sister Spencer's* death in Haddam." She was a dear sister. Her house in Haddam, save his Indian cabin, had been his only earthly home. But he was comforted by confidence in her true piety, which inspired a hope of soon meeting her in heaven. She had crossed the cold river: * The Rev. Dr. Hall, in his History of the Presbyterian Church, Trenton, N. J., supposes the sister Spencer above referred to was the wife of General Joseph Spencer, of the Revolution. This is a mis- take. Two of Brainerd's sisters, Jerusha and Martha, married Spen- cers. Jerusha married Samuel Spencer, of East Haddam; Martha was the wife of the general. See Dr. Field. Brainerd Genealogy, p. 252. 128 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. his own feet began to touch the stream. He could say: "My gentle sister crossed the flood, And I am crossing now July 20, David Brainerd had so far recovered that he started for Northampton. The company now consisted of Jerusha Edwards, David Brain- erd, and his young brother Israel. Averaging six- teen miles a day, the little, stricken, but religiously peaceful group reached Northampton in a few days. The ages of the party were respectively twenty- nine, twenty -three, and eighteen: all highly edu- cated and devoutly pious, but all destined to die in less than one year. They arrived at Northampton, July 25. Brain- erd had been stimulated by his journey ; but now "he gradually decayed, becoming weaker." Sep- tember 2, "for the last time he went out of our gate alive," in a final visit to the house of God. His brother John, advised of his increased sick- ness, had left Cranberry to meet David at North- ampton. To the dying missionary this was an unexpected pleasure. He had not suggested it, though he desired it. President Edwards says: " He was much refreshed by this visit, for his brother was peculiarly dear to him ; and he seemed to rejoice in a devout and solemn manner to see him, and to hear the comfortable tidings he brought concerning the state of his dear congregation of Christian Indians. John also brought some of his private writings, particularly his diary, which he had kept for several years past." LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 129 This diary, so considerately brought to him, gave him intense satisfaction. He lived his life over, and comforted the weakness of his dying hours by the recollection of honest and earnest labor in the past. John remained one week, and then, being com- pelled to return to New Jersey on urgent business, intrusted the invalid to the care of his younger brother Israel, who reached Northampton on the 17th of September. That John could leave a brother in this state at the call of duty is evidence of great conscientious- ness; that he hastened his return from the long journey proves his deep fraternal love. No human passion was allowed to control conscience, and no pretence of religious obligation was urged as an apology for the absence of natural affection. In these brothers the conscience and the fine senti- ments of humanity seemed to have a most beauti- ful and symmetrical blending. In the temporary absence of his brother, David employed his fleeting hours in carrying out, by painfully- written epistles, his missionary plans. He counselled his young brother; he wrote to the Rev. Mr. Bryan, of New Jersey, a letter for the benefit of his church ; he gave repeated exhorta- tions to friends around his bedside, and especially to the younger children of his distinguished friend, President Edwards. But he especially occupied himself in correcting 12 1 3 o LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. his diary* He seems to have been conscious of the power and eloquence of his sublime religious experience, and expecting to live, as he has lived, in the Church's memory. On the 27th of September, he said : " I am almost in eternity. I long to be there ; my work is done! I am willing to part with all. I am willing to part with my dear brother John, and never see him again, to go and be forever with the Lord." * We have before us one hundred and twenty pages of this diary in the au'hor's own hand. He wrote in small duodecimo books, about four by six inches in size, comprehending from forty to one hundred pages each. Each little manuscript volume was neatly bound in strong paper or parchment. We have two of these volumes entire. The first contains only his religious experience, a great part of which was copied verbatim by Edwards. It is bound with parchment. On the first page is only written, "David Brainerd's Book." The other volume is his journal at Kaunaurneek (or, as he spells it, "Cannau- muck"), from May to November, 1743. It includes the entire his- tory of his conflict with Yale College, his confession in full, and his remarks on his treatment. Of this journal, Edwards published not more than a fourth part: we may yet give it entire, just as Brainerd wrote it. It is justly severe on the college authorities: they broke his heart. This "Cannaumuck" diary is marked "V. VOL.," showing how early and carefully he recorded his daily life. In the diary of his experience, on the margin of page 30, he says : " I can correct no farther. D. B." David Brainerd's initials are in- serted at the close of his corrections. It was probably the last he wrote, as on the next page we read: " The authors own corrections by another hand," that is, by the hand of his brother Israel. It may interest some to know that the lines in Brainerd's Diary were about the sixth of an inch apart; the chirography neat, clear, and tasteful, and scarce an interline or blot in two hundred pages. As he wrote while journeying in the forest, and in smoky Indian wig- wams, this is an evidence of exceeding care in such minor matters. I know some of my friends will think the present writer might profit by such an example. LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 131 There seems to have been a mysterious, almost unearthly, bond linking the hearts of these bro- thers. They loved as brothers by blood, and as angels love who discern in each other "the beauty of holiness." John was still absent, detained against his will in New Jersey. David had expressed a desire, if it might be the will of God, to live till his brother returned. John's delay and absence threw a shade over the heaven -lit raptures of the dying saint. But he submitted to the will of God. Probably his longing for John's presence was not wholly from his natural affection, but from his great interest in the Indian mission. "When he spoke of his own congregation of Chris- tian Indians in New Jersey, it was with peculiar tender- ness, so that his speech would be presently interrupted and drowned in tears." His beloved brother, his affianced bride, his earthly friends, were precious ; but dearer than all was his Master's work. His glazing eyes moist- ened only as flitted before his mental vision the Indian converts, for whose salvation he had sacri- ficed his life. October 2, he says: "I felt sweetly disposed to commit all to God, even my dearest friends, my dearest flock, my absent brother, and all my concerns for time and eternity. Oh that his kingdom might come in this world; that all might love and glorify him for what he is in himself! O come, Lord Jesus ! come quickly ! Amen!" 1 32 LIFE OF JOHN BR4INERD. These are the last words, dictated to Israel, in David's diary. Was any diary or any life ever better ended since the Great Martyr cried, "It is finished"? But the scene does not close here. On the Sab- bath, October 4, he looked on Jerusha Edwards pleasantly, and said : " Dear Jerusha, are you willing to part with me ? I am quite willing to part with you. I am willing to part with all my friends. I am willing to part with my dear brother John^ although I love him the best of any crea- ture living. Though if I thought I should not see you and be happy with you in another world, I could not even part with you. But we shall spend a happy eter- nity together." At first sight, this seems to be a strange decla- ration. That a young man of twenty-nine years of age should aver to an affectionate, faithful, comely maiden of eighteen, to whom he had pledged his hand and heart, and who with mar- tyr-love had clung to his weakness day and night for weeks and months; who had almost over- stepped the proprieties of her sex to soothe his dying pillow, who now stood in anguish and tears at his bedside to catch and embalm his words of tenderness as life-treasures; that Brainerd should say to such an one that he "preferred his brother John to all creatures living," seems at first blush to be unnatural, almost unkind, and inconsistent with his character. Some have inferred that the IFE OF JOHN BR4INERD. 133 love of the parties was unmingled with sentiments more tender than general admiration and Christian regard. We do not draw this inference ; nor do we infer any want of tenderness in the dying martyr. In his holy affections he had so sublimated every sympathy of his nature, that he judged and esti- mated those around him as a spirit of another sphere alighting on the .earth might have done. His brother John he had known from childhood. He had prayed deliberately and specially for him, with fasting, in his wigwam, at Kaunaumeek.* He had imparted to him the most deliberate and searching counsels. That brother was dear to him as a kinsman ; but doubly dear when, sanctified by grace, he had undertaken to carry out the life- aims of David, and was then actually folding the dying martyr's little flock in the wilderness. This seems the key to explain the mysterious declara- tion. Jerusha Edwards was his own peculiar treasure, which he could surrender for a time to reclaim and enjoy in heaven. His brother John was not only his treasure, but the ambassador of God, appointed to a holy labor, on which David would gaze with interest from the skies. In this view, Jerusha did not infer that she possessed less love than her * In David Brainerd's manuscript journal, under date of May 6, 1743, he says. " I was somewhat drawn out in prayer for a certain friend, meo fratri juniori, that God would make him a blessing in his day." He says the same elsewhere. i 3 4 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. heart claimed, but that her dying friend subordi- nated even his deepest earthly affection to one more elevated and holy. Her own father, by re- cording this declaration with apparent approval, seems to have understood it in this sense. In re- turning from this episode, may we not ask if the man whom David Brainerd "loved better than any other creature on earth" is not worthy of this biography, that he might to the end of time be loved by the whole Church of God? We have alluded to the submissive, but strong desire of David to see John once more. He was gratified. True to his promise and fraternal im- pulses, John, after many hindrances in New Jersey and a long journey, nevertheless reached North- ampton, October 7, before David died. John had been detained by a "mortal sickness among the Indians." Duty first. His heart yearned to be with his sick brother; but he sub- jects his feelings to his conscience, and the com- fort arid solace of one man, even his own brother, to the pastoral duty of sustaining and comforting the hearts of such of his Indian flock as were dying under the dark wing of a fatal pestilence. He was worthy to be David's brother and successor. So David regarded the matter. He was affected and refreshed by seeing him, arid fully satisfied with the reasons of his delay, when the interests of reli- gion and the souls of his people required it. Pas- tors! missionaries! In looking at these brothers, LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 135 may we not "put our shoes from off our feet. The ground on which we tread is holy." With David, life was fast ebbing. In the latter part of the night preceding the morning of his death, he besought prayers for support under his agonies. He said "it was impossible to conceive the distress which he felt in his breast." In these circumstances, "when it was very late at night, he had much profitable discourse with his brother John concerning his congregation in New Jersey, and the interests of religion among the Indians" This scene occurs in one of the most beautiful villages on the banks of the Connecticut, and in the dwelling of one of the greatest metaphysicians and divines of that or any other age. The whole family is gathered. The grave father and mother are there. The heart-stricken Jerusha, almost afraid to give vent to her sorrow, stands at his pillow. The little children of the household, to whom Brainerd was dear, are struggling between the weight of drowsiness and the wakeful awe of approaching death. A neighboring minister has kindly come in to relieve the hour of agony. David feels the ice-chill of death stealing over him, and knows that he has but an hour or two to live. How does he employ this hour? In selfish complaints? He utters none. In pathetic and repetitious leave-takings? He had done this al- ready. In messages of love to friends? They needed no assurances of his affection. In dread S 3 6 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. apprehensions of an opening eternity? He felt no fear. Amid his wasting and dying agonies, his mind is with his poor Indians in New Jersey. Here was a love literally "stronger than death." These brothers, holding such discourse at such an hour, in such circumstances, and in such a circle, would be central figures to stand out sublimely and honorably on any painting, even though an angel's hand held the pencil. It was no doubt limned on memories in earth and in heaven, in colors which eternity will never efface. At six o'clock, Tuesday morning, October 9, 1747, the curtain fell. David Brainerd entered into that holy temple in whose vestibule he had so submissively waited. His body rests in the old graveyard at Northampton, marked by a plain monumental slab. A well-worn pathway to his grave shows it to be the shrine of many a pious pilgrimage. Some years since, during a session of the General Association of Massachusetts, a long procession was formed, and went up to his monument. Rev. Justin Edwards, D.D., delivered an appropriate address. Jerusha Edwards survived Brainerd but six months. "They were lovely" and loving "in their lives, and in death not divided."* It is grateful to think that David Brainerd sleeps, awaiting the last trumpet, in a most beautiful neigh- borhood, on the banks of the noble river by which * Brainerd Genealogy, p. 283. LIFE OF JOHN BR4INERD. 137 he was born, and in the bosom of the old Com- monwealth of Massachusetts, where the mission- ary heart beats warmest, and where, by a diffused religious intelligence and sympathy, all are pre- pared to appreciate the early missionary martyr. Massachusetts is willing and worthy to cherish Brainerd's ashes, and Brainerd was worthy to die and be buried in the State where the great Ame- rican Board of Foreign Missions was to have its origin and expansion. 138 LIFE OF JOHN BRAIN ERD. CHAPTER XL JOHN BRAINERD'S LABORS AFTER THE DEATH OF DAVID HIS APPOINT- MENT HIS ORDINATION HIS REPORT TO THE SCOTCH SOCIETY HIS COMPANIONS IN THE WINTER OF 1747-48 REV. ELIHD SPENCER, D.D. FIRST CONCERT OF PRAYER. TTITHERTO John Brainerd has been but a satel- - lite in the orbit of his more eminent brother. Now we must regard him as the principal in the missionary work. His trial in the loss of his bro- ther was severe. He reciprocated David's intense affection, and cherished profound reverence for his character and admiration of his talents. John had lost his companion, mentor, and model, and turned with a heavy heart from Northampton to seek his forest home. He had until now regarded himself only as a substitute or locum tenens. for David. He was employed as such by the " American Cor- respondents," having had no regular appointment from the Society in Scotland, which had employed and paid his brother. Nor had he been ordained. He seems at once to have returned from Northamp- ton to his work at Cranberry ; but we have no de- tails of his labors from October, 1747, to February, 1748. He says. "In February, 1748, I was ordained, and soon after LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 139 had the Society's commission sent me from Scotland, and continued in their service several years." By the kindness of my friend, the late Hugh Elliott, Esq., of this city, of the old firm of Grigg & Elliott, I have been able to obtain from Edin- burgh the manuscript records of the " Society for Propagating Christian Knowledge" They make the following minute of the appointment of Rev. John Brainerd in place of his brother. These manuscript records have never before been pub- lished : Extract from Minutes of date Edinburgh, November 5, 1747. " Received a letter from Mr. Pemberton, Preses of the Correspondents at New York, dated the 2ist day of July thereafter, bearing testimony that the converted Indians evidence the sincerity of their change by a conversation becoming the gospel, and their numbers are lately in- creased by considerable additions from several places, who all live together in a regular society. That an English schoolmaster is maintained amongst them by private con- tributions in these parts, and many of their children make great progress in reading and learning the Catechism. That Mr. Brainerd has been confined by sickness for a long time, and is yet in a low and dangerous state of health, occasioned by his excessive fatigues and travels in the prosecution of his mission ; but, lest the Indian service should suffer, he has procured his brother, Mr. John Brainerd (a pious and ingenious youth, a candidate for the ministry), to reside among the Indians, who meets with great acceptance among them. Mr. David Brainerd sends word that he has materials for a large journal, but 140 LIFE OF JOHN BR41NERD. the state of his health prevented his being able to meth- odize and transcribe it. Mr. Pemberton transmits hither a letter, dated 23d of June last, from the said Mr. John ttrainerd, containing an account of the situation of affairs among the Indians. That in the Indian town in New Jersey, called Bethel, there are one hundred and sixty persons, old and young, inhabitants thereof; among these are thirty-seven who have been admitted to the Sacra- ments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper, and appear to have experienced a work of saving grace in their hearts ; and several others are wisely religious and proper candi- dates for these gospel ordinances. That in the school are fifty-three children, who learn and read the Testa- ment and repeat the Shorter Catechism." Extract from Minutes of date Edinburgh, id "June, 1748. "The Committee reported that there are lately come to hand letters from the Correspondents in New York. That the Rev. David Brainerd, the other missionary minister among the Indians, died in the month of Octo- ber last, very much regretted, and that a printed copy of the funeral sermon preached on that occasion by the Rev. Mr. Edwards is also transmitted hither. That the said Correspondents had ordained Mr. John Brain- erd, brother to the said Mr. David, to the office of the holy ministry among the Indians; and they transmit hither a letter from him, containing a brief account of his diligence and success in his mission since the death of his said brother. The Correspondents further men- tion that the school under his inspection flourishes ex- ceedingly, though it has no settled fund for its support other than the contributions of some charitable persons and sometimes a public collection at the church-doors in and about New York; and the Committee is of opinion LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 141 that this General Meeting do order a commission to the said Mr. John Brainerd, to supply as missionary minister in room of his deceased brother, and do report that a certain gentleman in England had taken the trouble to make ah abridgment of the large journals of the said Mr. David Brainerd, now deceased, which abridgment is now publishing at" London, with a preface by the Rev. Doctor Philip Doddridge. The Committee had directed Mr. Anderson to purchase one hundred copies thereof, to be sent hither for the use of the members of this So- ciety, and authorized him to purchase as many more copies as shall be found proper to be distributed among the correspondent members and other charitably disposed persons at London; and it appearing by the transcript of a letter from Mr. Pemberton, at New York, that a charter is granted for the erection of a college or semi- nary for learning in that province [College of New Jer- sey], where some encouragement is now wanting for purchasing books, the Committee have recommended to members and other well-disposed persons to contribute for this purpose, and have ordered that a copy of the Society's letter, dated 23d February, 1747, bearing their agreement to have one young man educated at the So- ciety's expense, and to be sent to Mr. Pemberton, with a letter acquainting him that this Society will heartily concur to encourage this new-erected seminary of learn- ing for educating of youth, and desiring to know what books they have already got, and what kind are mostly wanted. The General Meeting having heard the said report, and considered the several particulars above set forth, approved of their Committee's opinion thereupon, and resolved accordingly that Mr. John Brainerd have (ommission to be one of the Society's missionary-ministers in place of the aforesaid Mr. David Brainerd, deceased, and 18 i 4 z LIFE OF JOHN BRAIN ERD. that all encouragement competent be granted by this So- ciety to the aforesaid College and Seminary of Learning in New Jersey." It will be remembered that David Bramerd had made arrangements in Boston for the support of two missionaries among the Six Nations* of In- dians in Western New York. He had selected two young men for the work, Rev. Elihu Spen- cer, of Haddam, and Rev. Job Strong, of North- ampton. Of these young men, President Edwards says : * These Six Nations were called Iroquois, embracing the Mohawks, the Oneidas, the Onondagas, the Cayugas, the Senecas, and the Tus- caroras. The Mohawks were northeasterly on the Mohawk River, below the present Little Falls, number 420. The Oneidas came next, extending over the region of Utica and Rome, number 600. Next to the Oneidas, and forty miles distant westerly, were the Onondagas, numbering 800. The Cayugas, amounting to one thousand and forty, were forty miles southwest of the Onondagas. The Senecas, forty miles northwest of the Cayugas, were in number 4000. The Tusca- roras numbered 1000. (Documentary History of New York, vol. iv. p. 1093.) This was in the year 1771. In 1796 the numbers had fallen: the Mohawks to 300 ; the Oneidas, 628 ; Cayugas, 500; Onon- dagas, 450; Senecas, 1780; Tuscaroras, 400. At present only a few hundreds of the Senecas and Tuscaroras remain in New York, pre- served by missionary care. The Mohawks and Cayugas, having taken part with the British, mostly migrated to Canada, where a few fragments remain. Some of the others have remnants in the far West, under government pro- tection. But it is sad to think that the great Iroquois race, the noblest of Indian blood in the land, inhabiting the beautiful and fertile district of Western New York, with its charming lakes and streams, have perished from the earth. They protected the early English from French aggression, and aided to give this land to Pro- testant Christianity, but could not protect themselves from the des- tiny of the red man. Had the early missionaries been seconded pro- porly, the case might have been different. LIFE OF JOHN BRA1NERD. 143 "They were, undoubtedly, well-qualified persons, of good abilities and learning, and pious dispositions. The Commissioners did not think proper to send them imme- diately to the Six Nations; but ordered them to c go and live during the winter [1747-48] with Mr. John Brain- erd, in New Jersey, among the Christian Indians ; there to follow their studies, and get acquainted with the man- ners and customs of the Indians.' "* This arrangement was carried out, greatly, we have no doubt, to the satisfaction of all parties. It must have cheered the heart of John Brainerd to welcome to his log cabin, in Bethel, two young men of his own age, early friends, of classic edu- cation and of congenial spirit and aims. We can readily imagine them by their evening fire, keeping "bachelor's hall," holding frequent counsel as to the missionary work, praying together, laboring to- gether among the Indians, settling many a knotty point in theology and science, calling up many a reminiscence of college-life and their New-England homes, and relieving the burdens of serious toil by noting the amusing peculiarities of their Indian neighbors and by many a feat of gymnastic exer- cise. This was natural in young men thus sepa- rated from the world ; and we have no doubt they spent many a happy hour in their smoky cabin. But their letters to distant friends say nothing of all this. With them duty, not pleasure, was life. We have one of these letters, which throws * Life of President Edwards, p. 29. i 4 4 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. light on the spiritual condition of the Indian con- gregation and the employment of their teachers. This letter is as follows: "BETHEL, NEW JERSEY, Jan. 14, 1748. "HONORED AND DEAR PARENTS: "After a long and uncomfortable journey, by reason of bad weather, I arrived at Mr. Brainerd's the sixth in- stant, 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. 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. " Religious conversation seems to be very pleasing and delightful to many, and especially that which relates to the action of the heart. And many here do not seem to be real Christians only, but growing Christians also, as well in doctrinal as in experimental knowledge. Beside my conversation with particular persons, I have had op- portunity to attend upon one of Mr. Brainerd's cate- chetical 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 uncom- mon 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, with- out 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 neighbor's good ; and LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 145 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 into the woods in the morning without disturbing persons with secret devotions. It seems wonderful that this should be the case not only with adult persons, but with children also. It is observ- able here, that many children (if not the children in gene- ral) 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 atten- tion upon the business of the school, but also the pro- ficiency 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 dili- gently studying it. About thirty of these children can answer all the questions in the Assembly's Catechism, and the greater part of them 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 f " I am your obedient and dutiful son, "Jos STRONG." 13* 146 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. The gravity and spiritual discrimination of this letter mark the writer as one of kindred spirit to the Brainerds. President Edwards had warmly commended Brainerd and his two friends to Governor Bel- cher, of New Jersey. Governor Belcher says in response, in a letter dated at Burlington (then the capital), February 5, 1748: * " You will be sure, sir, of me as a friend and father to the missionaries this way, and all my might and encou- ragement for the spreading the everlasting gospel of God our Saviour in all parts and places where God shall honor me with any power and influence. "As to myself, sir, it is impossible to express the warm sentiments of my heart for the mercies without number with which I have been loaded by the God who has fed me all my life long to this day." These would be noble sentiments from the lips of any man. From the chief magistrate of the commonwealth they are the more beautiful as they are eminently rare. The friendship and patronage of such a man would be most valuable to young Brainerd, and fully appreciated.f * Edwards' Life, p. 266. f No life of John Brainerd would be perfect that did not pay a tribute to the memory of Governor Belcher. He was a native of New England, and inherited an ample fortune, by which he received the advantages of the best education and of foreign travel. For a time he was the Royal Governor of Massa- chusetts. When appointed Governor of New Jersey, in 1747, he was advanced in years and infirm in health. LIFE OF JOHN BRA1NERD. 147 It had been the purpose of the "Correspond- ents" that, after spending the winter at Bethel, Messrs. Strong and Spencer should make an ex- cursion with Brainerd to the Indians on the Sus- quehanna River; but, as the Susquehanna tribes were subject to the Six Nations, they dared not receive the missionaries without the consent of these nations. Governor Belcher (we shall often mention the good man's name) wrote President Edwards that in this visit to the Susquehanna the young men "should have all his assistance and encouragement, by letters to the king's governors [in Pennsylvania and New York] and his letters to the Sachem of those tribes." The journey, for the cause mentioned, failed. Messrs. Strong and Spencer in the spring, instead of going to the Susquehanna, returned to New England, and spent the summer in Northampton in study with President Edwards. Mr. Strong's health soon after so failed, that he renounced the missionary work and settled in the ministry at Portsmouth, N. H., June, 1749. President Ed- wards preached his ordination sermon. Not distinguished for great intellect, and perhaps rather self-com- placent and fond of show, pomp, and ceremony even for that age, he still had a large, genial, pious heart, which made him a friend of good men and of every good work. He was a firm champion of gospel truth in the most orthodox forms, and the hnter of all error and iniquity. He enlarged and confirmed the charter of Princeton College, and until his death was a fast friend of the institution. President Burr pronounced an earnest, elaborate, and beautiful eu- logy at his death, to which we refer the reader. 148 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. Mr. Elihu Spencer, Brainerd's other companion, was ordained by a Council in Boston, September, 1748, and sent to establish a mission among the Six Nations, "at a place called by the Indians Onohanquanga, about one hundred and eighty miles west of Albany," in the Oneida tribe. His mission was a failure, but by no fault of his own. His interpreter was the wife of a fanatic English- man who opposed Spencer's views, and the woman herself was too indolent and obstinate to aid him in conversing with the Indians. After six months Spencer came away, in the spring of 1749, discou- raged ; and an enterprise which had commanded the dying regards of David Brainerd, and the charity of the purest and best men of the age, was relin- quished. It is a specimen of the difficulties met in the early Indian missions. Rev. Elihu Spencer, probably attracted by the vicinity of Brainerd and his own acquaintances in New Jersey, came to Elizabeth town, and was set- tled there as the successor of the Rev. Jonathan Dickinson, February 7, 1750, in his twenty-ninth year.* * As the Rev. Elihu Spencer was intimately associated with John Brainerd during his life, and his intimate friend, a brief sketch of him seems appropriate in the outset. He was the son of Isaac Spencer, of Haddam, and second cousin to David and John Brainerd. As natives of the seme town, they were playmates in childhood. He graduated at Yale College in 1746, a classmate of John Brainerd. He was pastor at Elizabethtown six years. He held the office of Trustee of Princeton College from 1752 to his death, in 1784. In 1756 he removed from Elizabethtown to Jamaica, L. I., and occupied LIFE OF JOHN BR4INERD. 149 John Brainerd's general fidelity and success in his first labors are vouched by President Edwards. Writing in 1749, he speaks of John's succeeding his brother "in a like spirit, and under whose pru- dent and faithful care the congregation had flou- rished and been happy, and probably could not have been so well provided for otherwise." This is good testimony, and from a competent source. July 26, 1746, twelve clergymen of Scotland in a memorial proposed a United Concert of Prayer to the Churches of America. They addressed their letter to President Edwards, who eagerly caught a church there two years. He was a chaplain in the army during the French War. He then came back to New Jersey, and labored some time in the congregations of Shrewsbury, Middletown Point, Shark River, and Amboy. In 1764 the Synod of New York and Philadelphia sent him, with the Rev. Alexander McWhorter, on a mission to North Carolina. Soon after his return he settled at St. George's, Delaware, as successor to the Rev. Dr. Rodgers, transferred to New York. He remained five years, and then accepted a call to Trenton. In the Revolutionary struggle he took an active part. Congress sent him to conciliate the wavering in North Carolina; and he performed his extraordinary mission. The Tories hated him, and once burnt a part of his library. The University of Pennsylvania conferred on him the title of D.D. in 1782. He seems to have de- served it. He peaceably ended life at Trenton, December 27, 1784, in the sixty-fourth year of his age. His epitaph in the grounds of the First Presbyterian Church says: " He possessed fine genius, great vivacity, and eminent, active piety." If not greatly studious and scholarly, he was, doubtless, a man of great energy and executive power. Among his grandchildren were reckoned the wife of the late Rev. Dr. Samuel Miller, of Princeton, N. J., and the late John and Thomas Sergeant, of Philadelphia. Our readers will see that the young men who sat by the log-cabin fire in Cranberry, in the winter of 1747-48, "have left deep footprints on the sands of time." We shall often meet Elihu Spencer in this memoir, and our readers will now know him. 148 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. Mr. Elihu Spencer, Brainerd's other companion, was ordained by a Council in Boston, September, 1748, and sent to establish a mission among the Six Nations, "at a place called by the Indians Onohanquanga, about one hundred and eighty miles west of Albany," in the Oneida tribe. His mission was a failure, but by no fault of his own. His interpreter was the wife of a fanatic English- man who opposed Spencer's views, and the woman herself was too indolent and obstinate to aid him in conversing with the Indians. After six months Spencer came away, in the spring of 1749, discou- raged ; and an enterprise which had commanded the dying regards of David Brainerd, and the charity of the purest and best men of the age, was relin- quished. It is a specimen of the difficulties met in the early Indian missions. Rev. Elihu Spencer, probably attracted by the vicinity of Brainerd and his own acquaintances in New Jersey, came to Elizabethtown, and was set- tled there as the successor of the Rev. Jonathan Dickinson, February 7, 1750, in his twenty-ninth year.* * As the Rev. Elihu Spencer was intimately associated with John Brainerd during his life, and his intimate friend, a brief sketch of him seems appropriate in the outset. He was the son of Isaac Spencer, of Haddam, and second cousin to David and John Brainerd. As natives of the same town, they were playmates in childhood. He graduated at Yale College in 1746, a classmate of John Brainerd. He was pastor at Elizabethtown six years. He held the office of Trustee of Princeton College from 1752 to his death, in 1784. In 17^6 he removed from Elizabethtown to Jamaica, L. I., and occupied LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 149 John Brainerd's general fidelity and success in his first labors are vouched by President Edwards. Writing in 1749, he speaks of John's succeeding his brother "in a like spirit, and under whose pru- dent and faithful care the congregation had flou- rished and been happy, and probably could not have been so well provided for otherwise." This is good testimony, and from a competent source. July 26, 1746, twelve clergymen of Scotland in a memorial proposed a United Concert of Prayer to the Churches of America. They addressed their letter to President Edwards, who eagerly caught a church there two years. He was a chaplain in the army during the French War. He then came back to New Jersey, and labored some time in the congregations of Shrewsbury, Middletown Point, Shark River, and Amboy. In 1764 the Synod of New York and Philadelphia sent him, with the Rev. Alexander McWhorter, on a mission to North Carolina. Soon after his return he settled at St. George's, Delaware, as successor to the Rev. Dr. Rodgers, transferred to New York. He remained five years, and then accepted a call to Trenton. In the Revolutionary struggle he took an active part. Congress sent him to conciliate the wavering in North Carolina; and he performed his extraordinary mission. The Tories hated him, and once burnt a part of his library. The University of Pennsylvania conferred on him the title of D.D. in 1782. He seerns to have de- served it. He peaceably ended life at Trenton, December 27, 1784, in the sixty-fourth year of his age. His epitaph in the grounds of the First Presbyterian Church says: "He possessed fine genius, great vivacity, and eminent, active piety." If not greatly studious and scholarly, he was, doubtless, a man of great energy and executive power. Among his grandchildren were reckoned the wife of the late Rev. Dr. Samuel Miller, of Princeton, N. J., and the late John and Thomas Sergeant, of Philadelphia. Our readers will see that the young men who sat by the log-cabin fire in Cranberry, in the winter of 1747-48, "have left deep footprints on the sands of time." We shall often meet Elihu Spencer in this memoir, and our readers will now know him. 150 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. the idea, and published an Appeal with this long title, viz. : "An Humble Attempt to promote Explicit Agreement and Visible Union among God's People in Extraordinary Prayer for the Revival or Religion and the Advancement of Christ's Kingdom on Earth, pursuant to Scripture Pro- mises and Prophecies concerning the Last Time." The work was as elaborate as the title ; and it doubtless laid the foundation for that Monthly Concert of Prayer which is now observed over the earth. Edwards proposed a Quarterly Con- cert, and he urged it with great success not only among the New England churches, but the Indian missions. The Brainerds entered heartily into its spirit. David expressed "his wonder that there was no more forwardness in promoting united extraordi- nary prayer according to the Scotch proposal," and sent his dying advice to his own congregation that "they should practise that proposal."* How well they took this advice, and how heartily John Brainerd entered into the matter, we learn from President Edwards' letter to Rev. Mr. Mc- Culloch, of Scotland under date of May 23, 1779. He says: "I sent another copy into New Jersey, to Mr. John Brainerd, missionary to the Indians there, with a desire that he would communicate it to others, as he thought would be most serviceable. * Braincrrl's Life, p. 400. LIFE OF JOHN BR4INERD. 151 "He writes in answer, March 4, 1748, as follows: 1 1 received yours of January 12 on Sabbath morning, February 5 ; and desire to acknowledge your kindness with much thankfulness and gratitude. It was a great resuscitant as well as encouragement to me, and, I trust, has been so to many others in these parts, who are concerned for the prosperity of Zion. The next Thursday after (as perhaps, sir, you may remember) was the quarterly day appointed for extraordinary prayer ; upon which I called my people together, and gave in- formation of the most notable things contained in your letter. And since I have endeavored to communicate the same to several of my neighboring ministers and sundry private Christians, as I had opportunity. I have also thought it my duty to send an extract, or rather a copy of it, to Governor Belcher. I have likewise (for want of time to transcribe) sent the original to Phi- ladelphia by a careful hand, that the Rev. Mr. Gilbert Tennent might have the perusal of it ; where a copy was taken, and the original safely returned to me again. I cannot but hope that this letter, as it contains many things wherein the power and goodness of God do ap- pear in a most conspicuous manner, will be greatly ser- viceable in stirring up the people of God in these parts, and encouraging their hearts to seek his face and favor, and to cry mightily to him for the further outpouring of a gracious Spirit upon his Church in the world. For my part, I think the remarkable things which your letter contains might be sufficient to put new life into any one who is not past feeling, and as a means to ex- cite a spirit of prayer and praise in all those who are not buried in ignorance or under the power of a lethargic stupor. And it is looked upon by those whom I have had an opportunity to converse with, whether ministers ij2 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. or private Christians, that what God has done is matter of great thankfulness and praise, and might well en- courage his people to lift up the hand of prayer, and be instant therein.' ' The little Indian church of Cranberry gathered to pray, "Thy kingdom come," presents a novel spectacle. Writing under the same date to Mr. Robe, of Scotland, President Edwards says : "We have had accounts from time to time of religion being in a flourishing state in the Indian congregation of New Jersey, under the care of Mr. John Brainerd ; of the congregation's increasing by the access of Indians from distant parts ; of a work of awakening carried on among the unconverted, and additions made to the num- ber of the hopefully converted ; and the Christian beha- vior of professors there. Mr. Brainerd was at my house a little while ago, and represented this to be the present state of things in that congregation." LIFE OF JOHN BR41NERD, 153 CHAPTER XII. JOHN BRAINERD'S INDIANS DISTURBED AT BETHEL CHARACTER OF CHIEF-JUSTICE K. II. MOURIS HIS TKAGIC DEATH THE INDIANS LOSE THEIR LANDS. JOHN' BRAINERD has now been nearly two years at his work, and with eminent success. David, his brother, was a hard man to equal ; but it seems that John approximated his predecessor in fidelity and usefulness. But dark clouds began to lower over the path- way of the young missionary. We have seen with what sacrifices and with what hopes the poor In- dians had been removed from Crossweeksung to Cranberry. David had paid their debts. They supposed the land was their own. They had made their clearings, built their cabins, erected their church and school-house, and their pastor had, with his own hands, aided in finishing the rude parsonage. They had called the place Bethel. It had been sanctified by Christian labor, prayers, and tears. In the desert of Indian paganism and barbarity it was the first oasis. Can we believe that any could be found vile enough to break up this Christian community, to wring the heart of this young pastor, and to crush the hopes of Christians abroad by exiling these Indians from their homes? 14 I 5 4 LIFE OF 7 OHN BR4INERD. There were men wicked enough to plan all this, and powerful enough to accomplish it. We get the first intimation of the coming storm in a letter of President Edwards to Mr. Erskine, of Scotland, dated June 20, 1749. He says:- "As to the mission in New Jersey, we have from time to time had comfortable accounts of it ; and Mr. John Brainerd, who has the care of the congregation of Christian Indians there, was about three weeks ago at my house, and informed me of the increase of his congregation, and of their being added to from time to time by the coming of Indians from distant places and settling in the Indian town at Cranberry, for the sake of hearing the gospel ; and of something of a work of awakening being all along carried on among the Indians to this day, and of some of the new-comers being awa- kened, and of there being instances from time to time of hopeful conversions among them, and of a general good and pious behavior of the professing Indians. But he gave an account also of some trouble the Indians meet with from some of the white people, and particu- larly from Mr. Morris, the chief justice of the province, a professed deist, who is suing them for their lands under pretext of a will made by their former king, which was undoubtedly forged. However, he is a man of such craft and influence that it is not known how the matter will issue." * * The opinion here expressed of Robert Hunter Morris, Chief Jus- tice of New Jersey from 1738 to 1764, was doubtless too true. He was the second son of Lewis Morris, Governor of New Jersey, and uncle of Gouverneur Morris, whose life has been written by Sparks. In 1749 he visited England, and by intrigue got himself appointed Governor of Pennsylvania, retaining at the same time his judgeship LIFE OF JOHN BR4INERD. 155 This is a song of "mercy and judgment." In- ternally the mission was blessed, but outwardly foes were plotting and combining for its ruin. The Indians seemed doomed to perish; and one grand instrument of their ruin was the spirit of avarice. New Jersey had two classes of land titles: one from the original proprietors, the other from the Indian occupants. Up to the time of Judge Mor- ris, Indian titles were respected; but he and his associates having obtained from the proprietors a title to a considerable part of New Jersey, and in New Jersey. In 1756 he resigned the Governorship of Pennsyl- vania, but retained his office of Chief Justice of New Jersey success- fully, resisting in 1759 the claims of Nathaniel Jones, who had been appointed to the office by the crown. His aristocratic connections, his great talents and legal acuteness, his restless and generally successful ambition, his grasping avarice and utter moral unscrupulousness in using his judicial influence for his own self-emolument,- all these, with the absence of any religious faith or generous sentiments of humanity, made him a hard antago- nist for the Indians of Bethel. He claimed their land as his own under a dreamy title, and finally exiled them from their homes. There is a God in heaven. Sometimes, as in the case of Herod, the wicked soar only to make their fall more terribly and instruct- ively sublime. On the morning of 27th of January, 17G4, Morris left Morrisiana in fine health on a visit to Shrewsbury, where he had a cousin resid- ing, the wife of the clergyman of the parish. " In the evening there was a dance. The chief justice made one of the gay throng, and en- tered heartily, as was his habit, into the festivities of the occasion. He had led out the parson's wife, opened the ball, danced down six couples, and then, without a word, or a groan, or a sigh, fell dead upon the floor ! "What, then, were those things that he had provided" at the ex- pense of justice and the Bethel Indians ? Mr. Smith's letter. New York Historical Society, 156 LIFE OF JOHN BR4INERD. either trumping up some Indian conveyance, or treating Indian titles as a nullity, began actions of ejectment against a large number of occupants resting securely on their farms.* This was for a time resisted by popular violence, which often and for a long period protected justice at the expense of the technicalities of law and the decisions of interested judges. But the chief justice, shelter- ing his designs under legal pretensions, finally tri- umphed; and, as a consequence, a large number of New Jersey farmers, and the Indians of Bethel among the rest, were driven from the fields they had cleared and the houses they had erected. In "Smith's History of New Jersey," now a rare but most instructive book, is a full account of these land conflicts and of Judge Morris. To that book we refer the reader. That our readers may have all we can glean of Brainerd's history at this period, we close this chapter with another extract from the archives of the "Society for Propagating Christian Know- ledge" at Edinburgh. It gives collateral facts of interest: * A large quantity of East Jersey lands under the Carteret title had gotten into the hands of Robert Hunter Morris and James Alex- ander, Esquires, who held important offices in the province, the one being chief justice, the other, secretary, and both at times were in the Council. These gentlemen, with other extensive proprietors, during the life of Governor Morris and toward the close of his administra- tion, commenced actions of ejectment, and suits for the recovery of quit-rent, against many of the settlers. Gordon's History oj Ne.w Jersey, p. 109. LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 157 Extract from Minutes, Edinburgh, 2$d March, 1749. "The Committee reported, that by a letter from Mr. Pemberton, in name of the Correspondents in New York, it appears that the missionaries employed by this Society among the Indians continue diligent in the business of their mission; that the Indians under the care of Mr. Brainerd are not only incorporated in a church, but dwell together in a regular civil society ; that the school, which is supported by contributions in these parts, is greatly in- creased, and an additional allowance is made for the en- couragement of one or two well-qualified young Indians who assist in the instruction of the rest ; that by the charity of well-disposed persons they have got spinning- wheels, that Indian women may be trained up to in- dustry and diligence, which was unknown until Chris- tianity was introduced among them." Extract from Minutes, Edinburgh, "id November, 1749. "The Committee reported, that having received let- ters from their Correspondents at New York, mention- ing the erection of a College at New Jersey for the edu- cation of youth intended principally for training up for the ministry, the Committee had agreed for encourage- ment of such a seminary of learning that a parcel of good books be purchased, at an expense not exceeding thirty pounds of the Society's funds, to be sent to the said new-erected college, and transmitted to the Rev'd Mr. John McLaurin, one of the ministers of Glasgow, a short account they had laid before them of the said college, to the end that from thence, and a more full ac- count thereof in his hands, a narrative be drawn up and transmitted hither in order to be printed, after being re- vised by the Committee ; that the Correspondents at 11* 158 LIFE OF JOHN BRAIN ERD. New York had likeways sent hither journals of the Rev'd Mr. John Brainerd, from the ist May, 1748, to 7th September, 1749, and of Azariah Horton, from the 26th August, 1748, to the Qth April, 1749, as mission- ary ministers employed by this Society for the conversion of the infidel Indian natives living upon the borders of the Provinces of New York, New Jersey, and Pennsyl- vania, bearing their diligence and success in their mis- sion. That the Indians under the charge of Mr. Brain- erd are forming themselves into a civilized and orderly society j the men cultivate their lands, and the women learn to spin, so that they have in a great measure aban- doned their slothful course of life ; and a difficulty aris- ing about the property of the land now possessed by the Indians in New Jersey, which is claimed by one Mr. Morris, Chief Justice, on pretence of a will made many years ago by one of the Indian kings, the Correspondents are to bring the cause to a trial at law. "The General Meeting, having heard the above re- port, approved of the Resolution above mentioned, for purchasing books for the said new-erected college, and also of publishing an abridgment of the journals of the aforesaid missionaries, and likewise an account of the College of New Jersey, and remit the Committee to see the same done accordingly." LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 159 CHAPTER XIII. DIAEY OF JOHN BRAINERD AMONG THE INDIANS HOW PRESERVED HIS SPIRIT OF DEVOTION HIS INDUSTRY HIS SELF-DENIAL. T17E are now allowed to let Mr. Brainerd speak for himself. The following diary we received from Mrs. John C. Sims, of Philadelphia, a great- granddaughter of Mr. Brainerd. It is a small duo- decimo manuscript book, of seventy-seven pages, written closely and legibly, after the manner of the day, but inferior in artistic execution to the diary of his brother David. It was retained as a keep- sake by a remote relative of the family when the remainder of his papers were innocently, but most unthinkingly, committed to the flames about thirty years ago. In deciphering its time-stained pages, we confess to a feeling of profound awe and veneration. We seem to be holding communion with a spirit of holi- ness over the lapse of more than a hundred years. It will be remembered that when Brainerd began this diary he was only twenty-nine years of age. Obviously, it was not designed for publication, but as a kind of thermometer by which he could esti- mate his own religious state, and enrich his mind by his own recorded experience and observations. 162 LIFE OF JOHN BRAIN ERD. the same to the lasting benefit of all the hearers ! Made it evening before I came home, and had time only to read a portion of Scripture and to attend, religious duties. O Lord, sanctify to me the opportunity of repeatedly attending on funerals for my spiritual and lasting good ! Friday, Aug. 18. Went to take care of the Indian mentioned yesterday ; spent most of the day with him, and joined in prayer with him. Then rode out a little way to see a sick neighbor among the whites. People tarried some time at the house, and I had considerable discourse upon things of religion, and some in particular with the sick man: at his desire and the desire of his wife, prayed with him, and, taking leave of them, re- turned home. Went to see the sick Indian, tarried a while with him, and gave orders how he was to be tended; but felt much indisposed in body myself, and so, returning home, attended family and secret duties, in which, I hope, I had some taste of divine things. Blessed be the Lord! Saturday, Aug. 19. Was very much indisposed in body this morning, yet something comfortable in mind. Attended religious duties with comfortable composure, but no special enlargement. Took some care of the sick man in the forepart of the day, but towards noon felt so poorly I was obliged to lie down; continued unwell all day. Towards even- ing thought it my duty to take an emetic. Endeavored to commit myself to God in a few petitions. The Lord graciously accept of me in and through Christ. Lord's day, Aug. 20. Was very weak this day ; not able to attend the public worship in the forenoon, and LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 163 very poorly able to attend even family and secret duties; but in the afternoon, feeling a little better, I went to meeting, and had considerable freedom in the various parts of divine service. The worship of God was also attended upon with much seriousness both by the white people and the Indians. In the evening visited the sick man mentioned yester- day, &c. ; found him unable to converse, so I prayed with him, and returned home. Blessed be the name of the Lord ! * Monday, Aug. 21. Attended religious duties. Was very poorly in body ; notwithstanding, went to see the sick man several times, and had some discourse with him; but his senses were so disordered that it was to little purpose. Visited him about two o'clock, and prayed with him. Then took leave of him, thinking it my duty to ride out for my health ; and, commending myself and my people to God by prayer, I set out, and rode first to Mr. Tennent's,f and then to Dr. Le Count's, * Sick himself, he forgets his weakness in care of his flock. How like his brother David in this energy of duty ! f This was the Rev. William Tennent (2), of Freehold, about six miles from Bethel. He was the second son of the Rev. William Tennent, of Neshaminy, Pa., father of Gilbert, William, John, and Charles, all preachers of note in their day. William Tennent (2) was settled in Freehold, as successor to his brother John, by the Philadelphia Presbytery, October 25, 1733, and remained pastor until 1777, forty-four years. His wonderful trance, his marvellous an- swers to prayer, and hair-breadth escapes from enemies, have made him famous. He was a near neighbor and warm friend of the Brain- erds, and often took the care of the Indian Church in their absence. He was a holy, active, warm-hearted man, of large almost super- stitious faith, and just the man to cheer and comfort John Brainerd in his sadness and depression. Dr. Le Count was a pious parishioner of Tenuent's. His name is still fragrant in New Jersey. 1 64 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. and tarried there all night ; was very kindly entertained, and had considerable refreshment in conversation. At- tended family prayers and secret devotions, in which I had comfortable composure of mind and something of freedom. Praised be the Lord ! Tuesday y Aug. 22. Attended religious duties, and after some time took leave of Dr. Le Count and his spouse, and rode about three miles to a medicinal spring, where were a number of my people, who came there to drink the waters; with these I spent considerable time in con- versation and prayer. Took leave of them, and went to several houses in Freehold, where I had business, and in the evening came to Mr. Tennent's ; after some conver- sation with him, attended to religious duties and went to rest. Wednesday, Aug. 23. Took leave of Mr. Tennent and his spouse, and returned home. Visited the sick man mentioned the day before yesterday, and found him still very low, but yet, I hope, something better. In the even- ing called my people together, and explained to them the four last commandments, concluding with some spiritual improvement. Returned home ; visited the poor sick man again, &c. Spent some time in reading, and attended religious duties with some comfortable freedom. The Lord's name be praised ! The simplicity of this diary may strike some as almost puerile; but, as a transcript of a real life one hundred years ago, it will be of interest. We see from it the regularity and specialty of Brainerd's devotions. How constantly he watched LIFE OF JOHN 3RAINERD. 165 for the Divine Presence in his prayers, and how gratefully he acknowledged any special influence of the Spirit on his own heart ! Every hour had its duty, and every duty was assigned to its appro- priate hour. This entire absorption in his work; his readiness to sympathize with the poor, to bear their burdens, and improve their character and condition ; his humility, prayerfulness, and earnest fidelity to every obligation, marked him as a model missionary and a fit disciple of Him who " fulfilled all righteousness." 15 166 LIFE OF JOHN BRAIN ERD. CHAPTER XIV. A JOURNEY OVER THE DELAWARE VISITS PRINCETON HOPEWELL CROSSES THE RIVER FINDS SOME INDIANS, AND PREACHES TO THEM - HIS INTERPRETER RETURNS HOME WITH THREE SQUAWS - REV. CHARLES BEATTY, SAMUEL HAZARD, ESQ., REV. RICHARD TREAT. , Aug. 24. Visited the sick man; found him considerably better, and had some discourse with him. Blessed be the gracious Lord for his kindness to him! Visited the sick Indian again, and prayed with him; took leave of him and several others of my people, and set out on a journey about three o'clock in the after- noon. Called at Mr. Wales' as I passed along; tarried a little while, and then came to Princeton. Went to Jus- tice Stockton's,* and tarried there. I spent the evening mostly in conversation, and afterwards attended family and secret duties, in which I was favored with some comfortable composure of mind, but had no special en- largement. * By Justice Stockton, Mr. Brainerd refers to John Stockton, Esq., of Princeton, father of the Hon. Richard Stockton, of Revolutionary memory. The grandfather of Richard Stockton purchased some five thousand or six thousand acres of land at an early day, and, leaving it to his heirs, founded one of the most affluent families in the State. We believe the present Commodore R. H. Stockton, a lineal descend- ant of John, still retains a portion of the first purchase. John Stock- ton was an elder of the church, a gentleman of fortune and influence, a most liberal friend of the College of New Jersey and its early pre- sidents, and a presiding judge in the county court. His house was a frequent home for both the Brainerds. His memory is blessed ! LIFE OF JOHN BR4INERD. 167 Friday, Aug. 25. Attended religious duties. Took leave of Mr. Stockton and the family, and proceeded on my journey, but felt very unwell; it being very hot, I could not travel far. Stopped at two or three places, and spent some time with my friends. Came a little after sundown to Mr. Paine's, at Hopewell,* and there tarried all night. Was much indisposed ; notwithstand- ing, had considerable discourse on divine subjects, and, I trust, some real taste of divine things in family and secret duties. Saturday, Aug. 26. Set out with my interpreter to- wards Delaware. Travelled about twelve miles up the stream, and crossed the river; then rode about eight or nine miles, and found the Indians I was in quest of. Spent the remainder of the day with them, mostly in private conversation and prayer. In the evening went to a house about a mile off, where I was courteously entertained. Was much indisposed, and had no special freedom in holy duties. The Lord graciously quicken me by his Holy Spirit! Lord's day, Aug. 27. Had some taste of divine things * Hopewell was the ancient name of Pennington, in Mercer county. The church was founded in 1709, and is yet flourishing. It is eight miles north of Trenton, and on Brainerd's course from Princeton to Neshaminy, Pa. In 1744, what was termed a "New Light Church" was erected, by persons who seceded from the Presbyterian Church under the labors of Whitefield, Tennent, and others. (Webster's His- tory.) The last preacher of this church was the famous Rev. James Davenport, who died there in 1757, aged forty years. After his death, his congregation, having perhaps accomplished its mission as a witness for holy zeal and eminent earnestness in religion, returned to the old church. The two parties may have been necessary to each other. Mr. Paine doubtless belonged to the new church. 1 68 LIFE OF JOHN BR4INERD. in holy duties this morning; was still very unwell. How- ever, I visited the Indians again, and spent the forenoon with them. Attended public worship, and had some divine aid in prayer and preaching. One or two persons were consi- derably affected; the rest attended with commendable decency. In the afternoon I preached to a large number of white persons, who gathered together ; and it pleased God to give me very comfortable freedom in speaking to them, and sundry persons seemed to be much affected with divine truths. Afterwards spent some time with the Indians, conversing with them privately. Felt very poorly ; * not able to sit up long ; but it pleased God to give me comfortable freedom of soul in family and secret duties. Forever praised be his holy name! Monday, Aug. 28. Visited the Indians again, and spent the forenoon with them. Conversed privately with them some time, and afterwards preached to them. The word was attended unto with decency and much seriousness ; and, as they were about to remove, I endeavored to per- * These frequent allusions to ill health are remarkable and painful in a young man of twenty-eight. He shared, we fear, in the feeble constitution that carried his brother David to the grave at twenty- nine, Nehemiah at thirty-two, Israel at twenty-three, and his sister, Jerusha Spencer, at thirty-four. Though he himself reached sixty, his whole life seems to have been a struggle with physical infirmity. It must, however, be confessed that in the whole Brainerd family for two hundred years there has been a tendency to a morbid depression, akin to hypochondria. They have been generally, in fact, long-lived, and in health relatively better in old age than in youth. But their nervous sensibility, restless activity, and impaired digestion, either as a cause or effect of peculiar temperament, have made them often in imagination "die daily." Quorum pars fui. LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 169 suade them to come to the Indian town* in New Jersey ; but they seemed not willing, and desired that I would come up to the place where they were going, about thirty or forty miles above the Forks of Delaware, and they would be willing to hear me. So I took leave of them, and they went their way. My interpreter also left me by agreement, and returned into the Jerseys with two or three squaws who came here from the Indian town to see these Indians ; and I proceeded on my journey, and rode to Mr. Beatty's,f at Neshaminy, and tarried there all night. Attended family and secret duties with some comfortable composure of mind. The Lord be praised for all his goodness and kindness to the most unworthy of all creatures! * Bethel. f The Brainerd brothers had no friend more intimate, more reli- able and valued than Rev. Charles Beatty, of Neshaminy, Pa. In David's journal, October 28, 1746, he makes a touching allusion to the kindness of Mr. Beatty and others, who had taken pains to ride thirty or forty miles to see him at Princeton. Mr. Beatty was born in Ireland in 1714, came to America in 1729, was licensed by New Brunswick Presbytery in 1742, and settled at the Forks of Nesham- iny (now Hartsville, Bucks county, Pa.), May 26, 1743, and con- tinued pastor until he died at Bridgeton, in the island of Barbadoes, in 1782. His fervent piety and apostolic zeal endeared the Brainerds to him, and him to them. He was one of the master-minds of his day. As a missionary to North Carolina for a season, and to the Indians at Muskingum with Dr. Duffield in 1766, as the successful agent for a public charity to England, as moderator to the Synod in 1764, as chaplain in the army and evangelist among the churches, as the faithful pastor at Neshaminy for forty years, his name occurs everywhere in the annals of the period, and always with honor. His grandson, the Rev. C. C. Beatty, D.D., Steubenville, Ohio, has made the name precious to another generation. I am happy by this brief note to pay this little tribute to a man so cherished by the subject of this memoir. 15* 170 LIFE OF JOHN BR4INERD. Tuesday, dug. 29. Took leave of Mrs. Beatty, an.l proceeded on my journey. Visited Mr. Treat * on my way to Philadelphia. Dined with him, and spent some time in conversation with him ; then set forward, and came to Philadelphia a little after sundown. Went to Mr. Hazard's,! an ^ tarried there. Spent some time at a singing meeting, and afterwards attended family and secret duties, but with very little freedom or enlarge- ment. The Lord forgive, and graciously quicken me by his Holy Spirit! * The Rev. Richard Treat, of Abington, Bucks county, Pa. He was born at Milford, Conn., in 1708, graduated at Yale in 1725, and settled at Abington in 1731. In 1734, after having preached six years, he was converted, or re-converted, under the preaching of Whitefield. Becoming a zealous revivalist according to the mode of the "New Side," he was "excluded" by the Philadelphia Presbytery, and attached himself to the Presbytery of New Brunswick. He was a most useful man in his day, and survived until 1778. f This was, no doubt, Samuel Hazard, formerly a respectable mer- chant of this city, and father of the late Ebenezer Hazard, an early Postmaster-General under the old Congress. Samuel Hazard took a very active part in the religious and benevolent institutions of the day. He was one of the founders of the Second Presbyterian Church under Rev. Gilbert Tennent, then worshipping in the "new building' erected by Rev. G. Whitefield, on Fourth, below Arch Street, and also an elder. When the congregation was obliged to remove from thence, a sale of the building having been made to the Trustees of the Aca- demy in 1749-50, he was one of a committee to purchase a new lot for the church and burial-ground at the corner of Arch and Third, as well as superintend the erection. He continued, it is believed, elder, treasurer, or trustee, till the time of his death, which occurred July 19, 1758; and he was also one of the early contributors to the foundation of the Pennsylvania Hospital, and was at the first elec- tion chosen a manager, and as such served for three years, from 1751 to 1753. In many other respects he was considered a very excellent and useful man. LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 171 CHAPTER XV. ENDEAVORS TO BENEFIT A QUAKER RANCOCAS INDIANS AN INDIAN FUNERAL AN INDIAN GOD SATURDAY SERMONS MUCH DISTURBED BY WHITE PEOPLE A LITTLE INDIAN BOY CRIES TO GO HOME WITH MR. BRAINERD - IS TAKEN ALONG. , Aug. 30. Attended family and secret devotions ; visited a friend or two, and then, taking leave at Mr. Hazard's, crossed the ferry, and came to a number of Indians near Rancocas,* where I had appointed my interpreter to meet me. I spent some time in private conversation with them, and afterwards called them all to- gether, being about twenty-two in number, and preached to them. They attended on divine worship with serious- ness and considerable decency. I spent the remainder of the day in private discourse with them, and about sundown went to my lodgings. May the Lord follow what has been'spoken with his blessing! * Rancocas is the name of a river which rises in Burlington county, N. J., and after a course of some twenty miles empties into the Dela- ware, about sixteen miles above Philadelphia. It is navigable to Harrisport, about ten miles up from the Delaware. The village of Rancocas is on the south side of the stream, about six miles up the river. Many Indians lingered about this stream until their final re- moval from the State. Their principal settlement was about a mile west of Vincenttown, on Quakeson Creek. At a later period, when Mr Brainerd removed to Mount Holly (or Bridgetown), on the Ran- cocas, he had a log church, in which he preached to these Indians many years. It was afterwards occupied by the whites. A school- house about two miles from Vincenttown is said to have in it some of the timbers of the old Rancocas Indian sanctuary built by Brainerd. 1 72 LIFE OF JOHN BRA1NERD. I spent some time in conversation with the man of the house, whom I found to be a Quaker. Endeavored to convince him of the reasonableness and duty of family religion, such as asking a blessing and giving thanks at table, family prayer, &c. He had nothing to object against these things, but yet was not willing to comply. After some time, returned to my lodging-room ; spent some time in reading and prayer, and then went to bed. Friday, Sept. i. Visited the Indians again. Spent some time in private discourse with them, and then gathered them all together and preached to them. They attended on the several parts of divine worship with seriousness and decency, and one or two seemed to be affected with divine truths. Blessed be the Lord ! Oh that it might please a gracious God to bring them to a saving acquaintance with himself! Spent some time in discoursing with them, and then returned to my lodg- ings; took some refreshment, and came back to the In- dians again ; found a great number of white people with them, who came to attend the funeral of an old Indian who died the day before. The old man, it seemed, had been an honest creature, and had gained the respect of all the neighbors. I called the Indians together in one place, and, after prayer, discoursed to them, suiting my discourse to their understanding and the occasion as well as I could ; and when I had done speaking to the Indians, turned to the white people, a great number of whom were present, I believe at least one hundred and fifty or two hundred of all sorts, and gave them a solemn word of exhorta- tion (may the Lord follow it with his blessing!). After public worship was ended, attended the funeral of the old man. The Indians were generally sober ; but one LIFE OF JOHN BRA1NERD. 173 or two had too much drink, notwithstanding all the pains I had taken the day before and in the forenoon. After the funeral was over and the white people gone, I spent some time discoursing with the Indians, and, upon their desire, determined to tarry with them the Sabbath over. A little after came my interpreter and two more, an In- dian and a squaw, with whom I had some discourse, and, to my comfort, found them well inclined. The woman after the meeting in the forenoon came to me, and told me that she had an aunt about eight or nine miles off who kept an idol image, which, indeed, partly belonged to her, and that she had a mind to go and fetch her aunt and the image, that it might be burnt ; but when she went to the place she found nobody at home, and the image also was taken away. After this I spent some time in reading the Bible, and in my evening de- votions had something of freedom and comfort. The Lord's name be praised for all his kindness to me ! Saturday, Sept. 2. Had, I hope, some real desire after God this morning in secret prayer for precious souls, especially of the poor Indians. Spent some time in read- ing ; then waited on a friend who came from New Eng- land, and spent some time in conversation with him. Afterwards visited the Indians, had considerable conver- sation with them in a more private manner ; then retired a little while for prayer, and afterwards called the In- dians all together and carried on public worship ; prayed, and gave them some instruction from the word of God ; after meeting discoursed more privately to several of them, and then retired to my quarters. Took some re- freshment, and came again to the Indians. Spent about an hour in more private conversation with them, and then called them all together and preached to them again. 174 L1FE OF JOHN BR4INERD. These Indians (being near twenty in number) seem to be generally convinced of the truth of the Christian reli- gion, and one or two seem to be concerned for their souls, and desire to go where they can have opportunity to hear the gospel. I encouraged their going to Bethel, the Christian Indian town, which I suspect a number will do; but others seem inclined to go over towards Susque- hanna. May the Lord follow them, wherever they go, with his blessing, and make them savingly acquainted with his dear Son ! Spent some time in conversation with the people of the house, and afterwards in reading and meditation ; and attended secret devotions, in which I had some freedom and, I hope, a real sense of divine things. Praised be the Lord! Lord's day, Sept. 3. Spent some time in meditation, and afterwards had some conversation with the man of the house. Observing that he talked about worldly things, endeavored to show him the evil of the same, and that the Sabbath ought to be kept holy in both word and deed. Went to the Indians about nine in the morn- ing; attended divine worship with them, there being now about thirty persons more able to attend on religious wor- ship. After meeting, went about half a mile to preach to a number of white people, at their desire (many of the In- dians attending there also); and it pleased God to grant me very comfortable freedom in preaching. May the Lord set home the word upon their hearts for their saving good ! After I had some refreshment, returned again to the Indians. Gathered them all together, and attended di- vine worship with them, in which it pleased a gracious LIFE OF JOHN BR4INERD. 175 God to give some freedom and an ardent desire for their souls. They attended again with seriousness and solemnity, although there were many white people present who be- haved very badly, going from place to place and talking loud, so that I was obliged to speak to them and desire them to be still. Took some refreshment, and had some discourse with several persons who came in. Afterwards attended secret devotions, in which it pleased God to give me some freedom and comfort. Blessed be his holy name ! Monday, Sept. 4. Rose early this morning. Soon after bid farewell to the honest old man and his wife, who were so kind they would take nothing of me for my keeping. Then went to the Indians; spent some time in conversation, and then called them together and at- tended public worship ; prayed, preached, &c,, and after I had done, gave them a more particular account of the state of affairs among the Indians at Bethel, where I live, and advised them to come there. Just as I was about to take leave of them, there came a little boy of about ten or eleven years old, and hung about me and began to cry, upon which I inquired what he wanted. I soon understood that he wanted to go o with me ; so I asked his parents if they were willing. They said, "yes." So I sent him along with an Indian who belonged to the place where I live.* Another showed a very great desire to go, and cried heartily enough be- cause he could not go then ; and when I took my leave of them the most of them seemed to be sorrowful. May * The fate of this little volunteer we know not. We hope his choice of God's people led him to Christ. It was a scene which must have cheered the heart of the earnest missionary. 176 LIFE OF JOHN BRAlh 'ERD. the Lord bless what has been spoken to them, and grant that the good impressions made on their minds may never wear off till they are brought to a saving acquaintance with himself! Travelled to Maidenhead,* and was kindly welcomed by a friend there. Tuesday, Sept. 5. Attended family and secret duties, and then took leave of my friends and came on my way. Went to visit a number of Indians as I passed along, and spent considerable time with them in prayer, singing, and conversation ; visited also several Christian friends. Took leave of the Indians, etc., and came up to Justice Stock- ton's, at Princeton, with whom I tarried all night. Wednesday, Sept. 6. Attended religious duties, and then took leave of Mr. Stockton, etc., and came on my way homeward. Visited Mr. Wales, f and spent some hours with him, and came home about four o'clock in the afternoon. Spent the remainder of the day and even- ing mostly in conversation with my people, who came to see me, and was considerably refreshed. Praised be the Lord for all his kindness and goodness to me on this * Maidenhead was the ancient name of the present village of Law- renceville. It is about five miles from Trenton, and the same distance from Princeton. It is a place of historic Revolutionary interest, and at the present time distinguished for its excellent male and female aca lemies. James Brainerd Taylor was here prepared for college. f The Rev. Eleazer Wales graduated at Yale College in 1727, and is. said to have been settled at Allentown, N. J., in 1730. David Brainerd assisted him at a communion at Kingston, near Princeton, June 15, 1746. As John Brainerd found him at Allentown, on the way from Princeton to Bethel, we arc inclined to believe he occupied both Kingston (Milestown anciently) and Allentown. lie died in 1749, shortly after this visit from John Brainerd. LIFE OF JOHN BRA1NERD. 177 journey, and that he has been graciously pleased to bring me home in safety to my family and people ! Oh, may I live as well as speak his praise ! Thursday, Sept. 7. Conversed with two or three of my people, who came in to see me. Afterwards began to transcribe my journal, but felt so exceedingly poorly in body that I was not able to write ; so I spent some time in reading. Felt something dejected, but yet not altogether uncomfortable in mind. After dinner, spent some time in prayer, in which I found considerable freedom. Blessed be God! All the world appeared like nothing to me, and God seemed like all in all ; and it was the earnest desire of my soul to glorify him in heart and life. After this I read a little, and in the evening called my people together and wor- shipped in my usual manner, and afterwards made some practical improvement of the subject. It pleased God to give me considerable freedom this evening, especially in prayer. Returned home; spent some time with a Chris- tian friend, and afterwards attended family and secret du- ties, in which also I had some outgoings of soul to God. Blessed be his holy name ! Friday, Sept. 8. Took care of a temporal affair be- longing to the Indians. After dinner, spent two or three hours with a couple of Indians about some particular business ; afterwards occupied some time in reading, and the evening was wholly spent in reading and prayer. O Lord, grant me the quickening influence of thy grace and Holy Spirit, I humbly beseech thee! LIFE OF JOHN BR41NERD. CHAPTER XVI. JOHN BRAINERD FOLLOWS THE INDIANS TO A MINERAL SPRING IN- DIAN MISTRESS ATTENDING TO PRAYERS REV. MR. DAVENPORT BRAINERD MAKES ANOTHER JOURNEY ELIZABETHTOWN NEWARK REV. AARON BURR THANKSGIVING LEAVES HOME AGAIN AM- WELL BRUNSWICK REV. MR. ARTHUR. &4TURD4T, Sept. 9. Attended morning devotions in the family and secret, but had not much life; yet I had some real desire to love and glorify God. May the blessed Lord increase the same! Spent a little time in reading the Bible ; afterwards rode about fifteen miles to visit a number of my people, who were gone to a me- dicinal spring, being valetudinary. Conversed with them, and then prayed with them, and, taking leave of them, called at Rev. Mr. Tennent's, and then came home. Found the mistress and the Indians attending on divine service, as usual, this evening. Had thoughts of going to join with them, but, going into the house, found Rev. Mr. Davenport* within, much indisposed and not able * The Rev. James Davenport, the great-grandson of the Rev. John Davenport, founder of the colony of New Haven, Conn., was born in Stamford, Conn., in 1716; he graduated at Yale College under President Williams. Whitefield met him in May, 1740, and calls him "one of the ministers whom God has lately sent out; a sweet, zealous soul." He caught fire in the Great Revival, and was among its most zealous promoters. Whitefield said of him : " He knew no man keep so close a walk with God." Twenty Niantic Indians were converted under his preaching at East Lymc. With talents, piety, and zeal, fitting him for vast influence and usefulness, he fell into LIFE OF JOHN BRA1NERD. 179 to attend the meeting. Attended family and secret du- ties, and had, I hope, some real sense of divine things. Praised be the Lord for any favor vouchsafed to an un- worthy creature! Lord's day, Sept. 10. Had some comfort this morning in holy duties. O Lord, pardon and quicken me by thy Holy Spirit ! Attended the public worship at the usual time, and was favored with something of freedom in the various parts of divine service. Preached from the Para- ble of the Supper. In the afternoon Mr. Davenport preached, without an interpreter, from Matt. xi. 23, in which he seemed to have considerable freedom, and several of the Indians were much affected with divine truths; and the whole assembly attended with serious- ness, there being also many white people present. Toward the close of the day attended a third meeting , Mr. Davenport being unable to go. Repeated the heads and substance of his discourse, and concluded with some exhortations which seemed to have a desirable effect on the minds of the audience, and several appeared to be much affected. Blessed be the Lord ! Oh, may those efforts be productive of good effects ! Returned home ; it being something after sundown. Spent some time in religious conversation, and attended family and secret du- fanaticism. His excesses at one period, attended, as they were, by a "long fever" and "cankery humor," with " inflammatory ulcera- tions," raise a presumption of insanity ; and he was a better subject for a lunatic asylum or hospital than the jail to which bigotry con- signed him. He recovered physically and mentally, repented of his extravagance, removed to New Jersey, and was installed, October 27, 1754, over the congregations of Maidenhead (Lawrenceville) and Hopewell, where he died in 1757, and was buried about a mile from Pennington, towards the Delaware. 180 LIFE OF JOHN BRAIN ERD. ties, and had, I hope, some comfortable desires and out- goings toward God. Praised be thy holy name, O Lord ! Monday, Sept. 1 1 . Spent some time with Mr. Daven- port, and, after he was gone, attended upon some busi- ness relating to the Indians, which occupied me till noon. In the evening called my people together ; spent some time in discoursing to them on a divine subject and prayer, which was attended to with much seriousness and affection in some. Returned home ; read a portion of Holy Scripture, and attended secret devotions with some enlargement of heart. Tuesday, Sept. 12. Set out on a journey to Newark. Had some comfortable meditations on the way. Went no farther than Elizabethtown this day. Tarried at Mr. Woodruff's; after some conversation, attended to family and secret devotions, but had no special freedom therein. The Lord pardon my deadness, and quicken me by his Holy Spirit. Wednesday, Sept. 13. After family and secret devo- tions, set out for Newark. Visited a friend on the way, and came to Mr. Burr's about ten o'clock. Spent some time at his house; after dinner rode with him to the Mountains,* to Mr. Smith's; tarried with him two or * Newark Mountains embrace the region now called Orange, north of Newark, N. J. The Rev. Caleb Smith was born in Brookhaven, L. I., in 1723; graduated at Yale in 1743. In common with Brain- erd, he was a warm friend and trustee of the College of New Jersey. He married a daughter of President Dickinson. His sermon on the death of the Rev. President Aaron Burr is highly creditable to his intellect and taste. He died in 1762, aged thirty-nine. His descend- ants are highly respectable. LIFE OF JOHN BR4INERD. i?i three hours, and then returned to Mr. Burr's. Visited a dear Christian friend in the evening, and returned to Mr. Burr's again. Spent the remainder of the evening mostly in conversation. Thursday, Sept. 14. Set out with Mr. Burr for Shrews- bury, upon some business relating to the college. Came as far as Dr. Le Count's, and lodged there. Spent the evening chiefly in religious conversation ; and had some refreshment in holy duties, especially in secret prayer. Friday, Sept. 15. Rode with Mr. Burr to Shrewsbury, intending (after the business was accomplished) to ride a considerable part if not all of the way home on the same day; but, it growing very stormy in the afternoon, was obliged to tarry there. Was comfortable in mind and, I think, resigned to the disposal of Providence, though I exceedingly wanted to be at home. In my evening de- vo'aons had comfortable freedom and enlargement. For- ever blessed be thy holy name, O Lord ! Saturday, Sept. 1 6. Attended holy duties, &c., and then set out with Mr. Burr on my journey home. Came to Dr. Le Count's, and there parted ; he turning to the right hand, and I to the left. Reached home a little after noon. After some short time, convened my people together, and entertained them with a discourse from Matt. xxv. 6, in which it pleased the Lord to give me very comfortable freedom. Sundry of the Indians also were much affected with divine truths, and attended with much seriousness. After sermon we spent some consi- derable time in prayer, and then returned home. Spent the evening mostly in reading, meditation, and prayer, and had, I hope, some real sense of divine things and 16* 1 82 LIFE OF JOHN BR4INERD. some desires to be devoted to God. Praised be the name of the Lord ! Lord's day, Sept. 17. Spent a considerable part of the morning in secret prayer, in which, I hope, I had a real sense of divine things, but no special enlargement. At- tended public worship at the usual time, and it pleased God to give me some aid in the various parts of divine service. Preached from Isa. liii. 5, and several persons were much affected. When the exercise was concluded, I administered the Lord's Supper, in which it pleased the gracious God to give me a comfortable sense of spiritual and divine things. Forever praised be his holy name ! The Indians also were, many of them, sweetly affected while at the table. After a short intermission, again preached from Isa. Iv. 5, and it pleased the gracious Lord to give me freedom in speaking and, I trust, some real assistance, and much comfort in every part of divine service. It seemed alco to be a refreshing season among the dear Indians. The Lord's name be praised ! Returned home, being much spent in body, but, through the grace of God, comfort- able in mind. Afterwards visited several of my people, and found, to my great satisfaction, it had been a refresh- ing season to their souls. After this returned home, and attended secret prayer, in which I was favored with very comfortable outgoings of soul to God. Monday, Sept. 1 8. Attended family and secret duties, and was very comfortable therein. Had some discourse with one of my people, who came to see me. About nine o'clock called my people together, and entertained them with a discourse from Titus iii. 8, in which I had comfortable freedom, as also in the other parts of divine LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 183 service ; the Indians seemed also greatly affected. After public worship, had some discourse more privately with sundry persons, and found it had been a refreshing season to their souls. O Lord, I humbly thank thee for all thy kindness and goodness to me and the dear people thou hast committed to my charge, especially on this solemn and sacramental occasion ! May there be lasting good effects from it on all our souls ! After I came home, spent considerable time with one and another of my people, who came to my house ; then wrote a letter to a friend, and afterwards had a little time to read ; but in the evening came Mr. Davenport and Justice Stockton, who had been at Mr. Tennent's sacra- ment. With these I spent the evening, and after some time attended family and secret duties. I hope I had some real sense of spiritual things. O Lord, increase my view of and love to thee, and let me ever live to thy glory ! Tuesday, Sept. 19. Having occasion to go to Amwell* on some business for the Indians, after attending religious duties, set out with Mr. Davenport and Mr. Stockton, their road and mine being the same for about ten miles. Called to see Mr. Wales, and dined with him ; then pro- ceeded on our journey. Parted with my two companions and rode the rest of the way alone, being something more than twenty miles, and arrived there early in the evening. Lodged at the house of an old honest Dutchman, and was kindly entertained. After some conversation with him, retired to my lodging-room ; attended to secret devotions, and went to rest. * Amwell was a township of Hunterdon county. It embraced the territory in which are now situated Flemington, Sergcantville, Ringoes, Prattsville, and Lambertsville. 1 84 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. Wednesday, Sept. 20. Arose early ; attended to secret duties ; took leave of the honest man and his family, and came on my way towards Brunswick, being obliged to go that way because I could not accomplish the business at Amwell that I went upon. Arrived there about one of the clock, being about thirty miles. Dined at Rev. Mr. Arthur's;* tarried some time in town, but could not ac- complish the business I aimed at. Left the town about five o'clock, and came home in the beginning of the evening. Read a little, but felt tired with my journey ; so, after attending family and secret duties, went to rest. Blessed be the Lord for all his goodness in carrying me forth and returning me home in safety ! Oh, may I speak and live his praises! Thursday, Sept. 21. Spent the forenoon in writing. In the afternoon, called my people together and preached to them from Eccl. xii. 5, giving a particular view to the young people and children. After sermon, catechized the children, and concluded with some exhortation. Spent the remainder of the day and evening mostly in writing. Friday, Sept. 22. Attended religious duties, and sat down to write. Spent most of the day in transcribing my journal. Attended family and secret prayers, and, blessed be the Lord, had some freedom and comfort in both ! Saturday, Sept. 23. Spent some time with the Indians, discoursing with them, and especially with one of them, * This was Rev. Thomas Arthur, pastor of the church of New Brunswick. He graduated at Yale in 1743, and was an original trustee of New Jersey College. His obituary says: " He was a good scholar, a graceful orator, an excellent Christian." He died at the earl_y age of twenty-seven. LIFE OF JOHN BR4INERD. i8< on a matter of difficulty and prejudice. Set out on a journey for Shrewsbury,* and came to Justice Little's after sundown. Felt very poorly in body, and not very comfortable in mind. Attended family prayer, and spent some time in private meditation and prayer, but had very little freedom. The Lord pardon and quicken me for his mercy's sake. Lord's day, Sept. 24. Spent the morning mostly in meditation. Attended divine worship in public, but had no special freedom in the forenoon service; in the after- noon had considerable enlargement, both in prayer and preaching. Oh that it might be set home upon their hearts for spiritual good ! Spent the evening mostly in conversation and singing psalms, and had something of freedom in holy duties, especially in secret prayer. Monday, Sept. 25. Spent the forenoon at Mr. Eaton's (it being rainy), partly in reading and partly in conversa- tion. In the afternoon came to Dr. Le Count's, but, it being very stormy, could proceed no farther. Tuesday, Sept. 26. After family and secret duties, took leave of the doctor and his spouse, and came to Rev. Mr. Tennent's, and then returned home. Called my people together; exhorted as usual, and afterwards made some practical reflections. * Shrewsbury is a village of Monmouth county, N. J., twelve miles east from Freehold, and fifty southeast from Trenton. It is a seaport town. Shrewsbury township embraces Long Branch, the famous watering-place. Visitors of the present day can hardly picture the country as, in its wildness, it met the eyes of Brainerd in 1749. 1 86 LIFE OF JOHN BR41NERD. CHAPTER XVII. NEW JERSEY COLLEGE COMMENCEMENT JOHN BEAINERD TAKES HIS MASTER'S DEGREE HIS GRATITUDE THE REV. MR. . POMROY REV. SAMUEL FINLEY. TtfEDNESDAT, Sept. 27. Set out with Mr. Ten- nent for Brunswick, it being the day of college commencement there. Had opportunity of seeing and conversing with many of my friends and acquaintances, which was very comfortable and refreshing. The Lord make me truly thankful, and graciously pardon any thing that may have been amiss in me, or wherein I may have misimproved the opportunity! About two o'clock, attended upon the commencement exercises, and, after the disputations were over, took my Master's degree with Mr. Davenport, Mr. Finley,* and Mr. Green,f which was given me gratis. Oh that I * The Rev. Samuel Finley was born in Ireland in 1715, prepared for the ministry at the Log College, and was licensed by the Pres- Lytery of New Brunswick August 5, 1740. He was a zealous revi- valist; was prosecuted for irregular preaching in New Haven, Conn., put in jail, and sent out of the colony as a vagrant. He was settled in Nottingham, Md., in June, 1744, and remained pastor seventeen years. He there established a famous school, and counted among its pupils Governor Martin, of North Carolina, Benjamin Rush, of Phi- ladelphia, Rev. Dr. Alexander McWhorter, of Newark, and Rev. James Waddell, of Virginia. He was elected President of New Jersey College at the death of President Davis. f The Rev. Mr. Green, who took his Master's degree with Brain- erd, was the Rev. Jacob Green, father of the Rev. Ashbel Green, D.D., late of Philadelphia. He was born at Maiden, Mass., in 1722, LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 187 may have grace to improve this and every advantage I am favored with to the praise and glory of Him who is the giver of all! After meeting, spent some time in conversation with one and another of my dear friends, and then attended an evening lecture, and heard the Rev. Mr. Pomroy, of Hebron, in Connecticut, from Exod. xxxii. 10; but, be- fore he had proceeded far in his discourse, I was called out to wait on the Correspondents and to give them some account of the circumstances and affairs of the Indians I have the pastoral charge of; which being done and their meeting broke up, I soon returned to my lodg- ings, and there spent the remainder of the evening in company with Mr. Pomroy, Mr. Davenport, and Mr. Spencer, and after some conversation attended family and secret prayers, but was very cold and lifeless. O Lord, forgive and graciously quicken me for thy mercy's sake! Thursday, Sept. 28. Waited on the Governor, having some particular business with him. Spent the day with the ministers and other gentlemen of my acquaintance. Towards night took leave of them, and came home; graduated at Harvard in 1744, and ordained pastor of the church at South Hanover (now Madison), N. J., in 1746. He was a faithful minister and warm patriot. Against his will he was elected to the Provincial Congress. As a decided abolitionist, he provoked the ma- lice of slaveholders around him. Dissatisfied with strict Presbyte- rianism, he separated himself from the Synod and organized Morris Presbytery, of which he was the head. In short, he was as remark- able for ultraism as his distinguished son Ashbel was for conservatism in Church and State. But, if one moved in an eccentric and the other in a regular orbit, both were equally shining orbs, leaving in their track a broad train of light on the world. The memory of both t father and son id blessed. 1 88 LIFE OF JOHN BR4INERD. was informed by the Mistress that several Indians had been drunk, and that one family had gone to the Mora- vians,* which things were a great exercise to me. Oh, how distressing it is to have the charge of such a people ! How much need have I of Divine support! O Lord, I design to depend on thee alone ; I am not able to bear this people, it is too heavy for me ! Oh, grant me Di- vine help and support, suitable to bear all the distressing difficulties thou knowest I labor under, and let me have grace and wisdom from above so to behave under all my trials that I may be an honor to the holy religion I pro- fess and the character I sustain among these poor people. Attended family and secret prayers, and found some relief and comfort therein. Blessed be the Lord ! Friday, Sept. 29. Had some discourse with two per- sons who had lately come into town. In the afternoon * As this is the first allusion which Brainerd makes to the Mora- vians, it may be proper to caution the reader on a few points. One class of Whitefield's disciples, in their enthusiastic reliance upon the teaching of the Spirit and distrust of dead orthodoxy and cold forms, had assimilated to the Moravian modes and adopted their name. Whitefield himself was supposed to lean in that direction. His friends and the friends of truth and order became alarmed, and filled the country with pamphlets and exhortations against the errors and moral effects of the Moravian communities. Imbued with the spirit of these warnings, Brainerd approached the Moravian settlements. As he had no confidence in their orthodoxy or order, but regarded them as perverters of his brother's Indian converts, and as he was entirely ignorant of their language and early training, it is no won- der that he thought "no good could come out of Nazareth," or the Moravian Bethlehem itself. There was, doubtless, much that was puerile, fanciful, and fanatical among the early Moravians; but, at the same time, they have evinced a godly sincerity, a Christian ear- nestness and benevolence, which for more than one hundred years have made them models of piety and martyrs in spreading the gos- pel. In noting their defects, we must not overlook their virtues. LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 189 had a little time to write, but was diverted by a Christian friend who came in to see me. As I came into the town from a visit, I heard the noise of a drunken Indian, which was affecting to me. Took care that he should not be able to hurt anybody, and, when I had seen him tied, returned home. Saturday, Sept. 30. Attended morning devotions, and spent some time in discoursing with several Indians, espe- cially with him who was drunk last night. In the after- noon rode out and visited a poor woman who had lately lost her husband. Found her very sorrowful, and endea- vored to administer some comfort to her. Returned home and spent some time in studying, and in the even- ing attended a religious meeting with my people; read and explained thirteen verses in the beginning of the eighth chapter of Matthew, and made some practical improvement of the same, concluding with some exhort- ation. The Indians attended with seriousness, and one or two discovered considerable feeling. Returned home; attended family and secret duties, but had no special en- largement. Lord's day, Oct. i. Arose something later than usual this morning, and first of all endeavored to commend myself to God in secret, and beg his gracious presence and assistance in the holy duties of the day. Then at- tended family prayer, and retired again to my study, and spent a considerable part of the morning in prayer. In the forenoon preached from Isa. i. 18, but had no great freedom in any part of divine service. Notwithstanding, one or two persons were considerably affected. In the afternoon preached without an interpreter. Very diligent and solemn attention was given to the word, but nothing T7 I 9 o LIFE OF JOHN BRA1NERD. else remarkable appeared in the assembly. Returned home; took some refreshment, and again convened my people together, and preached to them from Isa. i. 19, 2O ; sundry of the people were much affected. After meeting discoursed with a stranger who had lately come, being one of that company of Indians to whom I preached September ist, 2d, 3d, and 4th. Two more also of that company are come to town, and as yet behave well, and seem to be rationally convinced of the truth of the Chris- tian religion. May the Lord graciously carry on this work in their hearts ! Returned home, and spent some time in conversation with a negro, who came in to see me, and was pleased to hear him express so much of the life of religion, and with so much simplicity. Read several chapters in the Bible, and afterwards at- tended secret devotions with some freedom and comfort. Praised be the Lord for all his goodness to me ! Monday, Oct. 2. Attended family and secret devo- tions, and after a little while called my people together, and entertained them with a discourse from Luke vii. 43, intending the next day to set out on a journey to visit a number of Indians about forty miles above the Forks of the Delaware; and after I had explained the word, and showed that it was my duty to preach the gospel to other poor Indians as well as to them, I gave them some directions how to behave and conduct in my absence, and earnestly exhorted them to behave seriously and to live like Christians one with another, and concluded the meeting with prayer. They all attended very seriously, and several persons were much affected with what they heard. Spent the remainder of the forenoon with the Indians. In the afternoon came the Rev. Mr. Gilbert and Wil- LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 191 Ham Tennent to my house, with whom I spent some time, and then set out with them for Princeton. Went with Mr. W. Tennent to Mr. Hall's, and tarried there all night. Spent the evening in conversation, particularly endeavoring to make up a breach that subsisted between him and his father-in-law, Mr. Bainbridge, and we were so intent upon it that we sat up till after midnight. I felt something poorly in body, but it pleased God to give me some comfortable sense of divine things, especially in secret devotions. Praised be his holy name ! Tuesday, Oct. 3. Arose pretty early this morning; attended family and secret devotions, then took leave of Mr. Hall and his spouse, and proceeded on my journey with Mr. Tennent. Called at Justice Stockton's, but did not tarry there, but went forward to Maidenhead (Lawrenceville). Came to Mr. Bainbridge's, hoping to make up the difference between him and his son-in-law. Was kindly received, and treated with courtesy. Had a long discourse, and some encouragement that the breach might be healed. Took leave of Mr. Bainbridge and his wife, and went forward to Trenton, and, after taking some refreshment, attended the Presbytery, and spent the afternoon in busi^ ness. Rode with Mr. McKnight * to see a relation of his, and tarried there all night. Was very poorly in * This was the Rev. Charles McKnight, pastor of the church of Cranberry and Allentown. He was licensed by New Brunswick Presbytery, June 23, 1741, and installed October 16, 1744. April 21, 1767, he accepted a call to Middletown Point, Shark River, and Shrewsbury, Monmouth county. He was captured by the British and his church burned in the Revolution. He died in 1778, and his church at Shark River be- came extinct. He was Brainerd's nearest clerical neighbor and firm friend. 192 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. body, and not well able to sit up long. Attended family and secret prayers, and went to rest. Wednesday, Oct. 4. Returned to town again, and sat in Presbytery all the forenoon; felt sick, but was able most of the time to sit in Presbytery. In the afternoon the commission of the two Synods of York and Phila- delphia met, to endeavor an agreement of the two Synods. Spent the evening with the commission of York Synod, but felt very poorly. Thursday, Oct. 5. Felt much out of health this morn- ing; notwithstanding, being appointed to preach at Am- well, on my way to the Forks, I took leave of the min- isters, and arrived at Amwell meeting-house about two o'clock. P'ound the people generally gathered together, and it pleased the Lord to give me some freedom in the various parts of divine service. Forever blessed be his holy name ! After service, being invited by Colonel Reading, I went home with him five miles, and tarried there all night. Was treated with much kindness and respect, and was well pleased with my entertainment. Attended family prayers. Retired to my lodging-room, and spent some time in reading, meditation, and secret devotion, and had, I hope, some real sense of divine things. Friday, Oct. 6. After attending family and secret duties, took leave of Mr. Reading and his family, and carne to Mr. Lewis', at Bethlehem.* Spent some time * Bethlehem was a township on the east of the Delaware, now called Alexandria. The Rev. Thomas Lewis, referred to in the journal, was a fellow-student of David Brainerd, graduating at Yale College in 1741. LIFE OF JOHN BRA1NERD. 193 in conversation with him and his spouse ; and he, having a lecture appointed this day, urged me to tarry and preach it, which I did, but was considerably straitened in the several parts of divine service. After meeting, returned to Mr. Lewis' ; spent the evening mostly in conversation with him and several neighbors who came in, and after- wards attended family and secret prayers. O Lord, par- don and quicken me for thy mercy's sake. Being a zealous friend of the Great Revival, like Davenport, Symmes, Allen, and others, he sought to escape the persecutions of Connec- ticut in the more peaceful borders of New Jersey. He was settled in Bethlehem October 14, 1747. Subsequently he labored at Oxford, Hopewell, N. J., Smithtown, L. I., and finally settled at Mendham, N. J., where he died May, 1778. 17* 1 9 4 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. CHAPTER XVIII. PREACHES AT THE FORKS IRISH SETTLEMENT THE CRAIGS GNA- DENHUTTEN HIS IMPRESSIONS OF THE MORAVIANS. &ATURD4T, Oct. 7. Took leave of Mr. Lewis and his spouse, and came on my journey to the Forks; but, being hindered several hours at the ferry,* did not arrive at Mr. Hunter's till after sundown. Was very much fatigued ; but it pleased the blessed Lord to make me comfortable in mind, and to give me much freedom in family and secret duties. Forever praised be his holy name! Lord's day, Oct. 8. Spent the morning mostly in medi- tation and prayer ; and having inquired concerning the Indians that used to live here, and finding that they were gone, and that no congregation of them could possibly be had, I preached to the white people both parts of the day. In the afternoon, especially, it pleased the Lord to give me very comfortable freedom and enable me to press home divine truths upon the hearers. May the Lord bless the same to them for spiritual and saving good ! After meeting, spent some time in prayer to God. Afterwards attended family duties, and spent some time in conversation with Mr. Hunter and others; but felt poorly, and so retired to my lodging-room,f the same that * He crossed the river, probably, at a place called Achen's Ferry, in Upper Mt. Bethel, about fifteen miles from Easton. f This room was said to be an addition, probably of logs, to lift LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 195 my dear brother David used to lodge in when he preached to the Indians in the Forks. Read several chapters in the Bible, and attended secret devotions, in which I hope I had some real sense of eternal things.* Monday, Oct. 9. Attended morning devotions, and spent some time in conversation concerning the Indians, designing to prosecute my journey among them as soon as I could; but, it being stormy, was obliged to tarry here to-day. Was much indisposed, especially in the afternoon; but in the evening felt something better, and spent some time in prayer, and wrote a little. Tuesday, Oct. 10. Took leave of Mr. Hunter and his family, and proceeded on my journey. Called at one of the Moravian settlements. f Spent some time in conver- sation with them, especially with one of their ministers. Tarried and dined with him, and was treated with cour- tesy. After dinner, took leave of them, and came for- ward to Mr. Lawrence's settlement, but found him not at home. Went to Captain Craig's, J and tarried all house of the good Mr. Hunter, of Easton, Pa. It was standing within the memory of aged persons who died a few years ago. * We insert in the Appendix, marked B, a communication pre- pared at our request by Matthew Henry, of Easton, author of the "History of the Lehigh Valley." He was fifty years with the Mo- ravians at Bethlehem, and has spent his whole life in the vicinity of the Forks. It is adapted to help modern readers to follow the journeys of the Brainerds in their early explorations of that region. f In the opinion of Mr. Henry, the historian of Lehigh Valley, this Moravian settlement was Nazareth. % Craig's Settlement and the Irish Settlement are identical. It was a name derived from the number of Irish families who settled in the vicinity, the principal of whom was the Craig family. The settlement was, it is supposed, at the Lehigh Water-Gap, in Allen township, where a village still exists, and where General Craig, of 196 LIFE OF JOHN BRA1NERD. night. Visited the Justice, his father, in the evening. Returned to the captain's ; spent some time in reading, attended family prayers, and retired to my lodging-room. Wednesday, Oct. 1 1. Took leave of Mr. Craig and his spouse (having been treated with much kindness by them), and came forward on my journey, and, by good providence, found a man who lived not far from the In- dian settlement and was returning home. Joined my- self to him, and came forward. Spent the whole day in riding about twenty miles, it being, I think, the worst road I ever saw in my life.* Came to his house, as I judged, about sundown, it being rainy, as it had been most of the afternoon. Was uncomfortable, it having been a cold, raw day. Was kindly treated by the man and his wife, and, after I had taken some refreshment, was more comfortable. Spent some time in reading and conversation, and concluded the business of the day with family and secret duties. Thursday, Oct. 12. Attended family and secret devo- tions. Took leave of the honest man and his wife, and proceeded on my way towards the Indians, and, when I came to them, found they lived in the same town with the Moravians, and were entirely brought into their scheme of religion, which inwardly grieved me and greatly sunk my spirits, especially when, in conversation with some of them, I saw how erroneous and enthusi- Revolutionary memory, died in 1832, at the advanced age of ninety- two. He must often have heard the Brainerds preach. The settle- ment was the starting-point for their Susquehanna journeys. * He crossed the first range of the Appalachian chain. Its height is from twelve to sixteen hundred feet, rough and rocky, and, being narrow on the top, the sides are very steep and precipitous. LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 197 astic they were in some of their tenets. However, I spent the day in this place, which the Moravians call Canatanheat,* partly in conversation with them and partly with the Indians. Visited all that were at home, going from house to house, but had very little satisfac- tion, fearing that they were many of them poor de- ceived creatures. Discoursed with some of the white people as well as the Indians, and observed their man- ners and behavior, and found they set very lightly by verbal prayer, either private or public, saying that they always prayed in heart, that they very little saw the ne- cessity of informing the understanding in the doctrines of religion, dehorting from sin, or exhorting to the ob- servation of the divine commands and the practice of godliness, saying that persons must be told to believe in and love [our Saviour], as their expression always is, "to look to and keep close to him, and then there would be no danger, but they would certainly be directed and in- clined to do every thing right ;" and I observed farther, as far as I could learn, that the spring and foundation of their love to the Saviour was because he suffered and died for sinners, and them in particular, which I endeavored to detect and show that that was not the only foundation or the prime cause of a true believer's love to God and Jesus Christ, &c. &c. I also, in my discourse with one who bears the character of a minister, endeavored to con- vince and impress upon him the danger of deceiving the poor Indians and making them believe that they had an interest in Christ's merits when they have never expe- rienced a change of heart, for I obseived that they made * This was, doubtless, Gnadenhiitten, founded by the Moravians in 1746. It was situated on the Mahoning Creek, near the Lehigh River, about three miles below Mauch Chunk (Indian Bear Moun- tain), and about thirty above Easton. 198 LIFE OF JOHN BRAIXERD. no account of a previous work of the law, and some of the Indians told me they had not been under any special concern, but, after they were baptized, their hearts began to love our Saviour, and one of them told me his heart was quite good, quite good enough. And this I found to be the case, that the Moravians would tell the Indians how Christ died and suffered, and ask them whether they loved him and were willing to be baptized, and, if they assented, would proceed to administer the ordinance to them, and admit them, if adults, to the Lord's Supper. When the evening was come, the bell was rung, and the whole so- ciety called together to attend divine worship, upon which I also attended. They first sung one or two short hymns in the German language, then one of them took a text of Scripture and spoke upon it perhaps near a quarter of an hour; after this they sung a hymn, and concluded with a very short prayer; and this I found was all they pre- tended to do, either public or private. I could not but be affected at the slight these people put upon prayer to God, and felt an inward desire to retire alone and pour out my soul to him ; which I did, and it pleased the gracious Lord to give me considerable freedom and enlargement. Blessed be his holy name ! After this, had some further conversation, and concluded the day. Friday, Oct. 13. Arose early this morning, and retired for secret devotion ; it pleased the Lord to give me some freedom at the throne of grace. Not long after, the whole society was again called together by the ring of the bell, and the service of this morning consisted only in singing a short hymn or two, and a few words spoken to the people, which I understood was the more usual way, and that they rarely joined prayer with them. After this, was invited to breakfast, at which there was no appear- LIFE OF JOHN BR-AINERD. 199 ance of a blessing asked or thanks returned, even so much as in a mental way. Soon after breakfast was over I took leave of the Moravian Brethren, and pro- ceeded on my journey ; rode up the west branch of the Delaware* a little way, and came to two Indian wig- wams, in which were several Indians, though some were gone from home. Some of the Indians were turned to the Moravians, but three or four of them were not yet brought over. With these I spent considerable time, discoursing with them in the best manner I could, and got the pro- mise of one or two of them to come and see me at our Indian settlement in the Jerseys, and then took leave of them, leaving them to the mercy and goodness of God. Then I proceeded on my journey. Rode between fif- teen and twenty miles to visit a number of Indians that lived near a great hill, called the Blue Mountain. f Spent some time in conversation with such of them as I found at home, and found that the most of them were baptized by the Moravians, and brought into their interest. This made me despair of doing any considerable good among them ; so, after some conversation, I took leave of them for the present (it being now evening), and went to the house of a High-Dutchman, being the nearest and best I could find, and there lodged. The man could speak a little broken English, but his wife did not know one word. Their not being able to understand English ren- dered my circumstances very difficult, and, besides, they were extremely poor. After I had made the best pro- vision I could for my horse, &c., I retired for secret * Brainerd means the Lehigh River. Lehigh in Indian means Fork. The river was so called as the Fork of the Delaware. f This was the Kittany Mountain, called still m the neighborhood the Blue Mountain from its appearance in the distance, looking from the east upon it. 200 LIFE OF JOHN BR41NERD. prayer, in which it pleased the Lord to give me some en- couragement in the midst of my difficulties; then I came into the house and got something for my refreshment, and after some time returned again and prayed. Then came into the house, and, when we had sat some time, endeavored to make the man understand something about God and the propriety of family prayer before we lay down to sleep, but could not, by all the signs I could make, give him to understand any thing of it. So, en- deavoring to commit myself to God, lay down on some straw that I had provided, and it pleased the Lord to grant me considerable refreshment by sleep. Praised be his holy name for all his kindness toward me ! LIFE OF JOHN BRA1NERD. 201 CHAPTER XIX. CROSSES THE BLUE MOUNTAIN MR. LAWRENCE VISITS BETHLEHEM MR. BRAINERD'S DISCUSSIONS. SATURDAY, Oct. 14. Arose early in the morn- ing, and, when I had taken my breakfast, bid fare- well to the family, and visited the Indians again, and spent some time with them. Found two of the Mora- vian Brethren, who came the evening before and had been with them all night; after some time spent with them and the Indians, took leave of them all except one of the Brethren, who came forward with me. With some difficulty passed over the great mountain yester- day, on horse, which is by far the highest and most diffi- cult I ever crossed. From thence I came to the Irish Settlement, on the west branch of the Delaware. Went to Mr. Craig's, and there found Mr. Lawrence,* he being just returned from his journey. Spent some time in conversation with him. * The Rev. Daniel Lawrence was born in Long Island, in 1718, studied at the Log College, and was licensed at Philadelphia, May 28, 1745. He began his labors at the Forks of Delaware (Easton), May, 1746, and was installed the third Sabbath in June, 1747. The Forks north and the Forks west, fifteen miles apart and embracing the country between, was the field of his labors. His health failed, and in 1751 he removed to Cape May, but was not installed before 1754. He died April 13, 1766. Being of the same age and similar sentiments, his presence in that wild region must have greatly clmered his friend Br.tiiierd. 18 202 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. Lord's day, Oct. 15. Soon after I arose, retired for secret prayer, and it pleased the Lord to give some con- siderable freedom therein. Blessed be his holy name ! Spent the morning partly in conversation with Mr. Law- rence, and partly in meditation. About eleven o'clock attended public worship, and, at Mr. Lawrence's dis- cretion, carried on divine service. Had some freedom in prayer, but not so much in preaching, especially in the first part of my discourse ; but towards the close, especially in the applicable part, it pleased the Lord to give me some deep feeling of divine truths, and some assistance in pressing the great and solemn truths of the gospel on the minds of the audience. May the Lord set home his word upon their conscience with divine power! In the afternoon, heard Mr. Lawrence from John xiv. 19, in which he seemed to speak with some life and power. After meeting, came to Mr. Craig's with Mr. Lawrence. Monday, Oct. 16. Spent some time with a number of people who came from home (Bethel) about the same time with me, with a design to hunt in those parts; and had I been seconded in my undertakings, and found any number of persons together who were not brought into the Moravian scheme, they (the Bethel Indians) would have been with me. But, my design being frustrated, most of my other people (being about fifteen in number) went no farther than Mr. Lawrence's upper settlement, and were there when I returned from my journey above. With those I spent most of the forenoon, conversing with them and instructing them as I thought proper, and so took leave of them for the present ; and in the after- noon rode with Mr. Lawrence to Bethlehem,* having a * Bethlehem was founded by the Moravian Brethren in 1741. It LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 203 desire to get some further acquaintance with the Mora- vians. When we came there, we were received with kindness and treated respectfully. Had considerable con- versation with two or three of them, though several of their principal men happened to be out of town. After some time, with as much decency and candor as I could, touched upon some matters of faith ; but they seemed much to dislike speaking in a way of dispute, and when any thing was proposed would handsomely wave it, and endeavor to say as little as possibly they could. How- ever, from what they did say I was abundantly confirmed that they held those errors referred to in my journal of Thursday last, and from their discourse I could not but fear they worshipped the human nature of Christ, for I never heard the name of God once mentioned among them, and that they did not really believe the morality of the Sabbath. For, as I discoursed with them con- cerning the day to be kept, they said they looked upon the seventh day to be the proper day ; upon which I said comprised five hundred acres. Its schools have obtained a high reputation, a.id the entire Moravian community sustain an excellent character for industry, neatness, probity, and true religion. It must also be said that in their records they have spoken kindly of both the missionary Brainerds. In Heckwcldcr's Narrative, under date of 1747, he says: " About this time the Brethren [Moravian] also paid a visit to the Rev'd David Braincrd, missionary to the Indians in New Jersey, and rejoiced at the success with which that faith- ful servant of God had been blessed in preaching the gospel to the Indians; and some time after this, that worthy man, accompanied by some of his converts, visited both Bethlehem and Gnadenhutten, much to his satisfaction." We have also received from the records of the Moravian Commu- nity at Bethlehem the following notice of this visit of Brainerd and Lawrence: " October 27, 1749. Mr. John Braincrd arrived here to-day, in company with Mr. Law- rence, the Irish minister who lives in the Forks. Mr. Brainerd has been at Gnadenhutten and Meniolagomikok, visiting the Indians. He also examined them in religious matters. " October 28. Mr. Brainerd left ; and he showed himself very friendly, and was cordial in his manner." Bethlehem Diary, 1749. 204 LIFE OF JOHN BR4INERD. I thought it was not essential to religion which, but that one ought to be kept holy, and no work ought to be done upon it but what was of absolute necessity ; and I thought we ought every day, and in all our actions, aim at the glory of God ; yet if God had reserved one day in seven peculiarly for himself, it should be devoted more to his immediate service? To this they made no reply. When the evening was come, I retired for secret prayer, and it pleased the Lord to comfort and refresh my soul in this holy duty. Blessed be his holy name ! After some time I attended on their evening service, which consisted in singing hymns* and speaking about five or six minutes to the people. When we came to the house where we * The Germans are poetic and musical, and in the early days of the Moravian Community they employed hymns in worship which they would not tolerate at the present day. We have in our posses- sion a book, entitled "A Collection of Hymns, compiled chiefly from the German. London. Printed for James Hutton, Bookseller, in Fetter Lane. MDCCXLIX." It purports to be a standard Mora- vian hymn-book. The first article of the Augsburg Confession in rhyme, with a prayer attached, we give : HYMN 1. Tune The Saviour's Blood and Righteousness. ARTICLE I. 1 I do believe, that in Heaven's throne Dwells one Divine being alone! Who's called (as he himself explains), And truly is, God, and remains 2 Of like duration of pow'r one, As God our Father, God the Son, And God the Holy Ghost likewise. This three one Divine being is, 3 Which is eternal, without parts, Immense, Almighty Pow'r exerts; His Mission ne'er can measured be, Nor fathom'd his Benignity. 4 Maker, Preserver of as well Things unseen as the visible, By the word Person is expressed, No piece divided from the rest, 5 Nor some mere property, which may Itself in different kind display, The Church by Person understands, What by itself subsisting stands. PRAYER. O holy, blessed Trinity ! God Father ! Warring under thee ! God the Holy Ghost ! Thou being guide, I with God's Son go, side by side. We give also the thirty-sixth hymn entire: LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 205 were to lodge, I questioned those who came with me why they did not pray at their meeting, inasmuch as we receive all from God, and entirely depend on him, why they did not acknowledge him? The answer was, that they did pray publicly sometimes, when it was the mind of our Saviour. I questioned them further, but had no satisfac- tion. Afterwards, in discourse, one gave me to under- stand that they believed assurance to be the essence of faith, or, that there was no true believer but knew that he was so. I took occasion to let him know that I did not believe what he said, but another replied that they did not incline to dispute the point. Several other things were proposed to them in way of discourse, which they waved; so it was difficult to know what their sentiments were in many points. Thus we spent the evening, and finally were shown our lodging-room. Thursday, Oct. 17. Arose early this morning, and en- deavored to commit myself to God by prayer, and was HYMN XXXVI. Tune Elder of thy Train. I Dear Church, art them well, In the side Hole's cell >. Art thou other places scorning, At thy rising in the morning? Hid within the Shrine Of this wound divine I 2. Dost thou know the hand Of thy dear husband >. Hast thou been so well all over, That thy eyes the bliss discover, And this day by day ? Canst thou Amen say.' 3 Really that Hole dear, Open'd by the spear, Always Room enough is given, That we all may there be living; And who will be well Must come in this cell. 4 Husband of Thy She (Banished once from Thee), But, through Thy most holy Passion, Purchas'd out of every Nation, From all curse and fear, Stand her Husband dear! I think intelligent readers of the nineteenth century will decide that the Rev. John Brainerd wars affected by the prejudices of his age and party in his criticism on the Bethlehem Brethren; hut, from the specimen we have given of Moravian hymns, it must be admitted that there was much in the Brethren to deserve criticism. 1 *fi 206 LIFE OF JOHN BRA1NERD. going with Mr. Lawrence to attend the Moravian ser- vice; but, as we were going towards the house, we per- ceived that worship was over. Upon which we returned to the house again, and had some further conversation with two or three of them. After breakfast, we took a walk with one who conducted us into the town to view the buildings, &c. Went into their place of worship, viewed the organs that were played there, and several other things. Among the rest saw a writing, in very large letters, placed over the minister's seat, which was written in the German language. I desired him who conducted us to explain it, which he did, as near as I can remember, to this effect: "0 wounds (meaning the wounds of our Saviour), preserve us, thy people, and me, in particular!" So, after we had viewed every thing that was curious, we returned to the house where we had lodged ; and, hearing of a number of Indians who lived about three miles down the river,* I had a mind to make them a visit. We rode to see them. I found they were Indians whom I had some time ago been acquainted with, for several of them had lived a considerable time at our Indian town in Cranberry, and went from thence be- cause one of the men had a mind to put away his own wife and take another woman, and I could by no means allow it, and reproved him because he would leave his wife and go and lodge in the same house where this other woman lived. Finally they went off together, and several more, near relations, with them. With these I had considerable discourse, and found they were all bap- tized by the Moravians, although they appeared to me to be the same poor, carnal creatures that they were when they went from the Indian town. * This place is now called Skinnersville, near Frccmansburg. LIFE OF JOHN BRA1NERD. 207 In discourse with them, I found the Moravians had changed their names, although all except one had Scrip- ture names before. I asked them why they changed their names ; and one of them said that the Moravians said they had those names in sin, and they would not have them now when they were come to be Christians, and that Jesus Christ gave them a new name. After this, I asked them if they came also to the Lord's table. They said, "Yes." I inquired if they understood the nature of the ordinance. They were light and vain even while I was speaking of this most solemn institution of Christ, which surprised and much affected me. How- ever, I found by what they said that they were taught to believe the real Presence of Christ in the sacrament, that they did absolutely eat and drink Christ's body and blood. I endeavored to show them the absurdity and impossi- bility of it, and observed that these elements were only a sign or representation of Christ's body and blood, and not really and substantially so ; and, withal, they had need take care how they approached that holy ordinance, for such as come unworthy eat and drink their own dam- nation ; or, in other words, that it would be much worse for them than if they had stayed away. So, after I had discoursed some considerable time, I invited them to come and see me, which they promised they would do, at Cranberry, and so took leave of them ; being in heart affected at their miserable, blinded condition. May the Lord have mercy on them for Christ's sake ! Returned to the Moravian town, called and took leave of the Brethren, and returned with Mr. Lawrence to Mr. Craig's.* Took some refreshment, and then, according * Craig's Settlement was about seven miles from Bethlehem north, and three miles from the present town of Catasanqua. 208 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. to my appointment, went to see a number of my people mentioned yesterday, proposing the next morning to set out on a journey homeward ; but they proposed to tarry a while longer in these parts, and it pleased the Lord to give me very comfortable freedom in speaking to them from Phil. i. 27, and in other parts of the divine service. Many of the white people were present. After the meeting was over, took leave of the Indians, it being now considerably in the evening, and returned to Mr. Craig's with Mr. Lawrence, and had very comfort- able freedom in private and family devotions. Praised be the Lord for all his goodness of this day ! Wednesday, Oct. 1 8. Spent the forenoon with Mr. Lawrence, the weather being stormy ; but in the after- noon, the storm having abated, took leave of him and other friends, and came to Mr. Hunter's,* upon the north branch of the Delaware, in the evening. Thursday, Oct. 19. After attending religious duties, took leave of Mr. Hunter's family, and came, in com- pany with him, to Mr. Henry's, at Greenwich. f Dined there, and then proceeded on my journey, and came to Mr. Lewis', at Bethlehem. Spent an evening with him, and attended family and secret prayers, but had no special freedom. * At Aken's Ferry. Mr. Alexander Hunter was a native of the North of Ireland, a sound Presbyterian. He settled at Upper Mt. Bethel in October, 1730. Being an educated man, he was made one of the first magistrates of the county in 1747 or 1748. He was a man of large influence in his day. f Greenwich township lies opposite Easton. The church was about three miles from the river. There is still a flourishing Presbyterian congregation on the spot. Its present edifice is the third one. LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 209 Friday, Oct. 20. After duties of the morning were at- tended, took leave of Mr. Lewis and his spouse, and came on my journey to Hopewell. Went to Mr. Paine's, and, it being near night, lodged there. Spent the evening mostly in religious conversation, and had very comfortable out- goings of soul in family and secret duties. Blessed be the Lord ! Saturday, Oct. 21. Arose early this morning. Took leave of Mr. Paine (his family not being up), and came to Mr. Alling's. Attended family duties, and took break- fast with him, and then proceeded on my journey. Dined at Mr. Stockton's, in Princeton. Came home a little be- fore sundown, and found my people generally well, though two or three were sick. The Lord be praised for all his goodness to me on my journey, and to my people in my absence ! Called them all together, and, after friendly salutation, carried on divine service among them, in which it pleased the Lord to give me very comfortable freedom. Ex- plained a part of the ninth chapter of Matthew from the beginning. The Indians were, many of them, much affected. Lord's day, Oct. 22. Attended secret and family de- votions, and then retired again, and spent the remainder of the morning in meditation and prayer. Attended public worship at special time, but had no considerable enlarge- ment in any part of divine service. Preached from Matt, ix. 12, 13; yet two or three persons seemed to be much affected and really concerned for their souls. Oh that God would carry on the work which he has so graciously begun in their hearts till they become lovingly acquainted with himself! 210 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. In the afternoon, preached without an interpreter, and it pleased the Lord to give me freedom in the several parts of divine service. There seemed to be a very solemn and devout attendance on the worship of God, and considerable concern in one or two interpreters. Monday, Oct. 23. Visited one of my people who had been taken ill the day before. Spent some time in con- versing with him, and afterwards prayed with him ; then came home. Spent some time in writing and praying, and did some business of a secular nature. Tuesday, Oct. 24. Arose early this morning, and at- tended family and secret duties. Spent some time in the forenoon in particular business ; afterwards had a little time to write. In the afternoon, spent some time with a Christian friend who came to see me. After him, came in a woman of my congregation, who seemed to be much oppressed in mind. I inquired into the reason of it, and found it was because she had been out of temper and even angry at something that occurred in my ab- sence, which she confessed with as much sorrow and brokenness of heart as I think I ever saw in my life. It was very affecting to hear her speak of what she had been guilty of, and to see the distress and anguish of her soul : I think I never saw any person more deeply affected with the death of the dearest relation than she seemed to be at this time and on the account before mentioned. She desired me to pray with and for her, which I did, and, after some further discourse, dismissed her. Then visited a sick man, and endeavored to have some dis- course with him, but could get him to say but little. After this, visited a poor woman who has been in a low condition for a long time ; had some discourse with her LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 211 and her husband, keeping them in mind of the dispensa- tions of Providence towards them, and that they should labor to be resigned to his holy will and to have a sanc- tified hope of the effective dispensations of God. After- wards spent some time in writing, and concluded the business of the day with prayer. Wednesday, Oct. 25. Attended to some secular busi- ness, and spent the remainder of the forenoon mostly in writing. In the afternoon, visited the sick man men- tioned yesterday ; had some considerable discourse with him, although he was not now so free to talk as I could have desired ; then prayed with him, in which it pleased the Lord to give me some comfortable enlargement. Spent the remainder of the day and part of the even- ing in removing my household goods from the place where I had lived hitherto, about half a mile, to a place which the Master and I bought to commode the mission ; it being dangerous to live on the Indian land, by reason of the proprietors who lay claim to it, and we having now a little house built outside. Thursday, Oct. 26. Went on with the business I had begun last night, and spent the whole day in fitting up the house and setting the things in order. In the even- ing, convened my people, and, after prayer and singing, entertained them with a discourse from Isa. xlix. 15, 16, in which it pleased the Lord to give me good freedom, and it was also, I trust, a comfortable season to some of my hearers. 212 LIFE OF JOHN BRA1NERD. CHAPTER XX. GOVERNOR BELCHER AND HIS LADY VISIT MR. BRAINERD HIS SERMON ON THE OCCASION.* , Oct. 27. Governor Belcher having sundry times manifested a desire of coming and seeing the Indians, and his purpose of doirig it upon his return from Amboy to Burlington, f at the rising of the Assembly, I thought it my duty to wait upon his Excellency, and, hearing that he desired to leave Amboy this day, after family and secret devotions, set out for that place, and met the governor about a mile on this side of the town. As soon as I had opportunity to speak with him, I found he desired to be at Rev. Mr. W. Tennent's that night, and the next day visit the Indians, and I must wait upon him the round ; which I did, and arrived at Mr. Ten- nent's a little after sundown. Spent the evening mostly in conversation, but felt poorly in body, having a pain in my head, and yet comfortable in mind. Saturday, Oct. 28. Attended family and secret devo- tions, and tarried till after two o'clock; it being very stormy, spent the time mostly in conversation with the governor, Mr. Tennent, etc., and then, the storm being * This visit of the governor was a great event in the life of the secluded missionary, and he marks his estimate of the honor hy the seriousness and particularity of his description. f Burlington was at this time the seat of government of New Jersey. LIFE OF JOHN BRAIN ERD. 213 something abated, set out for home. But, the weather being so uncomfortable, did not attend a religious meet- ing as usual, but spent the evening mostly in reading, meditation, and prayer. Lord's day, Oct. 29. Attended the religious duties of the morning, and then spent some time in my study, but had not much freedom in private devotions. At the usual time attended divine worship in public, and preached both parts of the day from Matt. viii. 35. The Indians as well as the white people attended seriously, but nothing re- markable appeared in the assembly. After meeting, visited a woman that seemed to be near her end ; conversed with her as much as I could by rea- son of her weakness, and prayed with her. Then, taking leave of her, returned home, took some refreshment, and then visited another sick person. Conversed some time, and prayed with her j and, after we had sung a hymn, re- turned home, and attended family and secret prayers, in which it pleased the Lord to give me some comfortable freedom and refreshment. Blessed be the Lord ! Monday, Oct. 30. Took care to make some provision to receive the governor, he having appointed this day to make a visit to the Indians. After I had put things in some order, sat down to study, being expected to preach to the Indians before the governor. About twelve o'clock, waited upon his Excellency and Madam Belcher, his con- sort. Mr. Tennent and his spouse, and many others, at- tended the governor ; and, after a little time, I called the Indians all together, and preached by an interpreter from Matt. xi. 23, in which I had comfortable freedom ; and when I had a little explained the words, raised these two propositions: I. That those who enjoy the means of .grace 214 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. and the ordinances of the gospel are highly honored and privi- leged of God; 2. That those who abuse or misimprove such precious privileges make themselves awfully guilty be- fore God, and procure to themselves the most sore and dread- ful judgments; viz., " Those w ho enjoy" etc. 1st. lob- served it was a great honor, because ordained and sent by the most honorable Being, viz., by the great God; 2d. Because the proposals are most honorable in their own nature. It was a great privilege, because thereby we were taught to know God and how to love and glorify him ; (2) because we are taught our perishing condition, and how we may obtain deliverance and recovery there- from ; (3) because we are thereby taught those things, and the way to make ourselves happy in this world ; (4) we are taught those things which make us comfortable in death and completely and eternally happy in the next world. And as to the second proposition, viz. : " That those who abusej' etc., I inquired when persons might be said to improve the gospel aright, and when to abuse it. (i) When they don't accept of the Lord as he is offered in the gospel; (2) when they don't square their lives ac- cording to the rules of the gospel ; (3) when, instead of being humble and thoughtful for such blessed privileges, they are lifted up with pride and forgetful of their duty to devote themselves to God. When it is thus with the people, the means of grace and ordinances of the gospel are abused, but rightly improved when the contrary is true. And as to the punishment inflicted on those who abuse the means of grace, it would be as near as it could be to conform to the dignity of the Being offering and the great- ness of the mercy offered, and, consequently, unspeak- able and eternal. Then I proceeded to some improve-. LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 215 ment. (i) A use of examination, that all should exa- mine how they had improved the gospel, etc. j (2) of ex- hortation to all to make a wise and faithful improvement of the precious privileges they were favored with ; and of the honor done them by God, and by man also, with relation to the governor's visit among them. The Indians, and many friends, were much affected ; and after meet- ing, taking some refreshments, the governor, his lady, etc. walked through the town, to visit the Indians and see their town and dwellings. I waited upon them, and returned a little after sundown. Spent the remainder of the evening in conversation with the governor and others, and had something of freedom in holy duties. O Lord, I thank thee for all thy goodness to me ! * Tuesday, Oct. 31. Arose early this morning, and at- tended religious duties. Waited on the governor, with Mr. McKnight and sundry others, about twenty miles. Dined with his Excellency, and waited upon him and his lady till they had mounted a chaise to go to Burlington. Took leave of them, and returned home in the evening ; then, after having attended family prayer, retired to my lodging-room, attended secret devotion, and went to rest. Wednesday ', Nov. i. Arose early; wrote a little, and in the afternoon attended the funeral of a woman, and had, I hope, some sense of divine things in speaking to the people and in prayer. May the Lord bless what was * Mr. Brainerd's sermon before the governor, which, from the im- portance of the occasion, he saw proper to record, is certainly not remarkable for either originality, point, or power; but it had the grand excellence of faithfulness and truth. It is the simple gospel. His use of the governor's visit as a motive to honor the gospel is a little strained, but with the Indians might be telling. 216 LIFE OF JOHN BR4INERD. spoken to the benefit of the hearers ! Returned home, and spent the evening mostly in settling accounts with the Master and some other secular business. Thursday, Nov. 2. Attended religious duties in family and secret. Spent the day in transcribing my journal for Scotland; in the evening attended a religious meeting, designing to have catechized as usual, but, my interpreter being absent, I could not proceed; so I spent the time in giving them some familiar and easy instructions, con- cluding with exhortation and prayer. Visited also, this evening, two sick persons, Saturday, Nov. 4. Attended holy duties this morning, but was in a great measure lifeless. The Lord mercifully guide and quicken me by his Holy Spirit ! Spent most of the day in writing my journal ; but in the evening attended a religious meeting with mv people, and explained part of the ninth chapter of Matthew, concluding with some exhortations. It pleased the Lord to give me something of freedom, but no special enlarge- ment. Lord's day, Nov. 5. Spent the time before meeting mostly in prayer and meditation; attended public wor- ship at the usual time. Blessed be the Lord, had free- dom in the several parts of the divine service ! Preached both parts of the day from John xiv. 19. Extraordinary attention was given to the word by the white people as well as the Indians, and several persons were greatly affected with divine truths. Toward evening, met again. Requoted some of the words of my preceding discourse, and had considerable enlargement. I have reason to think that, through the grace of God, it has been a re- LIFE OF JOHN BRAIN ERD. 217 freshing season to some of God's dear people; and to his holy and blessed name be all the glory ! Returned home, and spent some time in writing. At- tended family and secret duties. Monday, Nov. 6. Attended morning devotions, and spent the remainder of the day in writing my journal for Scotland. In the evening was troubled with evil thoughts, and in my attendance on holy duties, especially in secret, I was something broken and distracted. The Lord par- don and graciously deliver me for Christ's sake ! Tuesday, Nov. 7. Between eleven and twelve o'clock called my people together, it being the Quarterly Day of Prayer,* and, when I had reminded them of the great- ness and solemnity of the business we were come upon, made one prayer. I preached a discourse from Gal. vi. 9 ; after which we spent some time in prayer. Several of the Indians prayed, who seemed to be much affected ; but nothing remarkable appeared in the assembly. * Quarterly Concert of Prayer on the plan of President Edwards. 19* 2i 8 LIFE OF JOHN BR4INERD. CHAPTER XXI. VISITS ELIZABETHTOWN HIS LABORS THERE. TtfEDNESDdT, Nov. 8. Set out on a journey to Elizabethtown. Visited Mr. Arthur, at Brunswick, and Mr. Richards,* of Rahway, and arrived at Mr. Wood ruff's in the evening. After a little while, I went with him and Mr. Spencer to see a man who was truly sup- posed to be near his end. Had some discourse with him, though he was not able to say much, and afterwards prayed with him. Returned to Mr. Woodruff's, and spent the rest of the evening in conversation with Mr. Spencer. Thursday, Nov. 9. Spent the day mostly in transcrib- ing my journal for Scotland. Attended on evening ser- vice, and preached from John xii. 26, but had very little sense of divine things, which was exceeding distressing to me ; but in the last prayer was more comfortable. Returned to Mr. Woodruff's, and felt very poorly in soul and body; afterwards had some relief by secret prayer. Blessed be God ! Friday , Nov. 10. Went with Mr. Spencer to Newark, to see Mr. Burr, with whom I had considerable business. * The Rev, Aaron Richards, of Rahway, graduated at Yale in 1743, and was ordained by the New York Presbytery in 1719. Throughout his life he was harassed by hypochondria: still, he was a good man, and ended his life peaceably, May lf>, 1793, in the forty-fifth year of his ministry and the seventy-fifth year of his age. LIFE OF JOHN BRA1NERD. 219 Tarried with him till about one o'clock, and then came to Elizabethtown and attended the funeral of the man mentioned yesterday, at which I felt very solemn and impressed. Lord's day, Nov. 12. Was something composed in morning duties, but had no special enlargement; was also poorly in body, and felt faint. Attended public worship at the stated time, and it pleased the Lord to give me freedom and, I trust, some real sense of divine things. Preached on a funeral sub- ject, and endeavored to suit my discourse in some mea- sure to the circumstances of the sorrowful widow the funeral of whose husband I had lately attended. After some intermission, attended divine worship again, and it pleased the gracious Lord to give me much enlargement in preaching his dear and blessed gospel, and in other parts of divine service. Baptized a child, and had much freedom in prayer previous to that holy ordinance. May God sanctify the opportunity of this holy day to the living good and benefit of his people ! After meeting, came to Mr. Woodruff's, and endea- vored to pour out my soul to God for a blessing on his word in this and other places, and that he would merci- fully please to make and keep me humble. In the evening, visited a dear friend ; then went, with Mr. Woodruff, to see the sorrowful widow mentioned in the forenoon, and found her in a sweet, comfortable, and Christian frame. Was much refreshed in conversation. Returned to Mr. Woodruff's, and transcribed a letter to Dr. Philip Doddridge. The Lord has made this day comfortable to my soul. Forever blessed be his holy name! My people were supplied by Mr. Spencer, who tarried with them Sabbath over in my stead. 220 LIFE OF JOHN BR4INERD. Monday , AW 13. Attended religious duties; then took pains to gather some money among my friends to help a poor Indian who was cast into prison for debt. Had some success. Afterwards took leave of my friends, and came out of the town. Dined at Mr Pierson's, and proceeded on my journey. Visited the poor Indian above mentioned in prison, and gave him some good advice, and so came forward; but, being hindered at the ferry, did not get home till some time in the evening. Some time after I came, was informed by the Master that several of the Indians had been drunk in my absence, and had fought to such a degree that one, in all likelihood, would have been killed had he not been rescued. This greatly sunk my spirits. Alas! it seemed to me as if all would come to nothing ; and my heart was discouraged within me. I fell down before the Lord, and it pleased him to help me to open my cause to him ; and, blessed be his name, I found some relief. LIFE OF JOHN BR4INERD. 221 CHAPTER XXII. JOHN BRAINERD'S PASTORAL LABORS HIS TRIALS HIS CONSECRATION - END OF DIARY ITS CHARACTER. , Nov. 14. Attended holy duties this morn- ing with something of freedom ; afterwards had op- portunity to discourse with two of the Indians who had lately been drunk. They seemed to be convinced of their folly, and discovered considerable sorrow for it, but, I ha\ e reason to fear, will do the same again the first opportunity. The Lord grant it may be otherwise ! Spent some time in taking care of temporal business, and, towards the close of the day, rode to Freehold, de- signing to visit a number of my people who were still at the medicinal springs. Went to Dr. Le Count's, and rhere spent the evening in pleasant and edifying conver- sation and in family and secret duties. Wednesday, Nov. 15. After the performance of holy duties, took leave of the doctor and his spouse, and came to the place where the Indians lived. Found one in a low condition, and had little expectation that she would ever recover. Had considerable discourse with her, but found that she was under some darkness, although I trust she is truly gracious ; then prayed, in which it pleased the Lord to give me freedom. Took leave of them for that time, and rode to the court-house, having some business in the court relating to the Indians, but could not accomplish it. Came to 222 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. Mr. Tennent's, and tarried with him all night. Spent the evening mostly in conversation, but was exceeding low in spirits and had little freedom in holy duties. The ill circumstances and ill behavior of some of my poor people, and the difficulties that living among them is at- tended with, are often very painful and depressing, and were so this evening. May the Lord help me to behave like a Christian under all afflictions and difficulties ! Thursday, Nov. 1 6. Spent the forenoon with Mr. Tennent, it being rainy and uncomfortable weather. In the afternoon set out for home. Did some business of a temporal nature on the way, and came home in the even- ing. Spent some time in reading, and was more com- fortable than I had been in family and secret duties. May the Lord's holy name be forever praised ! Friday, Nov. 17. Was obliged to spend much time in temporal affairs ; but in the afternoon, the Master having permission to ride out, I kept the school. Saturday, Nov. 18. Attended family and secret duties this morning, but had no special enlargement. Oh that the Lord would help me, and graciously quicken me by his Holy Spirit, that I might always live and act for him ! Visited one of my poor people (a professor) who had been out of the way with drink, and found him in great distress on that account. Discoursed with him a consi- derable time, and could not but be deeply affected with his condition, and yet could not but inwardly rejoice to see him sensible of the wrong he had done to God and the reproach he had brought upon religion. There are two or three Indians who make a profession of religion who, alas ! have of late been overtaken with LIFE OF JOHN BRA1NERD. zz 3 drink, which has given me awful apprehension concerning them, and God only knows the event ; but, oh, may the Lord save his cause from reproach and them from finally falling away ! It has been sometimes like death to me ; I know not how to bear up under the weight of it. But God (forever adored be his holy name) has hitherto helped me, and will, I trust, still be my helper. As to the rest, their behavior has been comfortable, although there have been some slips among some. I have often thought of the apostle's words, and, I trust, felt the weight of them, I Thess. iii. 8: "For now we live, if ye standfast in the Lord" It has been life to me to see their good beha- vior ; and the contrary has sometimes seemed more bitter than death. Spent the remainder of the forenoon in conversing and discoursing with my people. In the afternoon, spent some time in endeavoring to inform myself concerning the foundation of the Indian language, intending to learn it. Had considerable discourse with a young man about eighteen years old, an J could not but entertain some hope that he had undergone a saving change. In the evening called my people together, and explained and applied a portion of Holy Scripture that I thought was suited and adapted to the circumstances we were under. There was serious attention. Returned home, and spent the remainder of the evening in reading my brother's Life (having lately obtained the book], and God, I trust, made it profitable to me. Attended family prayers, and afterwards sat up till twelve o'clock. Spent the time in reading, meditation, and prayer; had longing desires after holiness, and inwardly covenanted to be devoted to the service of the blessed God. Oh, when shall it once be ! Come, dear Lord Jesus ! come quickly ! 224 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. Lord's day, Nov. 19. Had, I hope, some real sense of God and divine things in holy duties. Oh that God would daily increase the same ! Attended public worship, and it pleased the Lord, I humbly trust, to give me some assistance in the various parts of it. Preached in the forenoon from Psalm cxix. 136; in the afternoon, without an interpreter, from John xiv. 19. The Indians as well as the white people (a number of whom were present) gave good attention to the word spoken, but nothing very special appeared in the assembly. I had much sweetness and comfort in my soul this day, especially in the afternoon. Blessed be the gracious Giver! After I came home, felt much sweetness and calmness in my soul, and so through the evening earnestly desired to be wholly devoted to God and perfectly free from sin. Oh, how sweet is such a feeling! Oh, how much does it surpass all that the world can possibly afford ! May I ever live with and for the blessed God ! May I wholly die to all sublunary things, and be wholly wrapt up in the joy that is unspeakable and full of glory. May I live upon those glimpses that I hive of Christ, or, rather, on Christ himself while I have but, as it were, a glimpse of him, till I shall come to the beatific vision and full frui- tion of him in the blessed heavenly world ! Monday, Nov. 2O. Felt some earnest desire to give away myself to God, if the Lord would graciously accept of me, abundantly qualify me for his service, and make me an instrument of his praise and glory. Spent the forenoon in reading and writing; in the afternoon was obliged to ride out upon some temporal business, which took me till some time in the evening. Felt much indisposed after I came home, but in an hour LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD, 225 or two was much better. Attended family prayer, and afterwards read in the Bible, in which I had considerable comfort, as also in secret duties. Blessed be the Lord f Oh that I could wholly and forever be devoted to his service ! Tuesday, Nov. 21. Attended holy duties in family and secret. Oh, how apt is my poor heart to warp off and wander from the blessed God ! Oh, 'tis most affect- ing that I should wander from him, who is in himself the best good and only satisfying portion of my soul ! Oh, when shall I be delivered from this body of death, and drop this world's earthly chains and fetters ! Was obliged to spend this day in hard labor, excepting that I read a little in the Bible in the morning, and in the evening composed a letter to a friend. My little affairs of a temporal nature being much out of order by reason of my being absent, and being exceedingly crowded with other business since my return, I had no time to do any thing, scarcely, as a preparation for the winter; and hav- ing tried to procure some help, but being unsuccessful, I am obliged to do it myself. I was exceedingly troubled for a little while this day with evil thoughts, for which I desire to be humbled be- fore God, and even to hate and abhor myself; but soon had some deliverance. Blessed be God ! Though I had no realizing sense of the wrong done to God, or of his goodness to me, till the evening, then it pleased the Lord to give me an humbling sense of it, and an earnest desire to be free from this body of sin and death. The Lord help me to keep a more strict watch over my heart for the future, and mercifully strengthen me against all tempt- ations ! Spent the evening partly in reading the Bible, and partly 20 226 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. in reading my brother's Life, and could not but be affected at my own extreme barrenness and nonconformity to God. I saw that, although he was an imperfect man, I was very short of being what he was and doing what he did, which made me ashamed to look up.* However, I trust I had some real desire to devote my all to God, and both in family and secret devotions had comfortable outgoings of the soul to God. Blessed be his holy name ! Oh that the same might be increased day by day ! End of Diary, November 21, 1749. Thus ends the daily journal of this eminently pious young man. It is but a fragment; it was written only for his own eye, and barely escaped de- struction with his other papers. It is often repe- titious and tedious in detail. But we could not consent to pass it over, nor even abridge it; for, with all its imperfections, there is something in it which will deeply interest every true Christian heart longing for holiness and communion with God. It presents a most perfect exhibition of the hidden life of a devout and holy missionary of the Cross. It confirms a saying common in Haddam, the native town of the two brothers, that, "al- though not so great a man, John Brainerd was as holy as his brother David." In each there was the name profound humility, prayerfulness, activity, self-denial, and longing for Christian perfection. * The marked influence of David's biography on the heart of John indicates how entirely they sympathized in their aspirations for holi- ness and in their zeal to do good. LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 227 If David's journal develops a wider range of thought and a more graphic power of language, it is also shaded with a deeper sadness, from which the diary of his brother is relatively free, I think our missionaries in the field will see much in John Brainerd's diary to remind them of their own experiences and to stimulate their self-deny- ing labors. He speaks to them over a lapse of one hundred and twenty years as a pioneer in their great work; and in communion with his spirit they will realize that, by his example, he is still with them as an elder brother. 228 LIFE OF JOHN BR4IXERD. CHAPTER XXIII. EXTRACT FROM THE MINUTES OF THE SCOTCH SOCIETY - MR. BRAINERD's FULL REPORT HIS EVENTFUL JOURNEY HIS LABORS, PERILS, AND OBSERVATIONS. difficulty of constructing a continuous nar- rative of Mr. Brainerd's life and labors has induced us to prefix the date of each successive year, and throw under it such fragments concern- ing him as time has left. In this way we shall glean up many insulated facts which would other- wise be lost. 1750. In this year we have no other record of Mr. Brainerd's life than a few hints in the reports of the Society in Edinburgh. They say: "At a meeting held in Edinburgh, on 22d March, 1750, letters were read from the New York Correspond- ents, in which the Society was recommended to augment Mr. Brainerd's salary, on account of his frequent and long journeys. This recommendation the Society at its next meeting declined, on account of the low state of the funds." Extract from the Minutes of date Edinburgh, $th January, 1751. "The Committee reported, that they have received letters from the Society's correspondents at New York, LIFE OF JOHN BRA1NERD. 229 and from Azariah Horton, one of the missionaries among the infidel Indian natives upon the borders of that and neighboring province, with journals of the said Mr. Hor- ton from to and of Mr. John Brainerd from to , which journals are put into the hands of members for their perusal, and thereafter to be put into some proper hand in order to compose a short narrative of the pro- gress of the gospel in those foreign parts. That the Committee have, for the encouragement of these foreign missionaries, allowed them to draw for their salaries each half-year, and have ordered the payment of six pounds, the half-year's allowance for boarding and educating one of the young Indians at the new-erected College of New Jersey. In the said letter from the Correspondents at New York, they renew their request for an augmentation of the salary of Mr. Brainerd, and propose an applica- tion to be made to the General Assembly for a national collection for the benefit of the said new college. The General Meeting, having heard the said report, approved of the above-mentioned order for payment of the foreign missionaries' salaries each half-year, as also of the above allowance for the young Indian, and remit to the Com- mittee to do with respect to the augmenting Mr. Brain- erd's salary as they see cause." Minutes of id November, 1752. "The Society, upon the recommendation from London in respect of Mr. Brainerd's great fatigue and expense in his mission, augmented his salary from ^40 to 50." The death of Rev. David Brainerd is noted in the Records of the Presbyterian Church for 1748. The name of John Brainerd is entered the same 20* 230 LIFE OF JOHN BRAIN ERD. year, and the Rev. Elihu Spencer allowed to sit as a correspondent. In 1749 and 1750, Brainerd seems to have been absent from the Synod. 1751. This year Mr. Brainerd was enrolled as a mem- ber of the Presbytery of New York,* at the Synod meeting in Newark ; and was henceforth until late in life seldom absent. We have procured from Edinburgh the follow- ing letter, which will show how Mr. Brainerd was employing himself: To the Reverend Ebenezer Pemberton, President of the Cor- respondent Commissioners from the Honorable Society in Scotland for Propagating Christian Knowledge. Journey to Wyoming. REV'D SIR: After the account given in my last, which concluded with April 22d, I continued with the people of my charge residing at Bethel, in New Jersey, one Sabbath, and car- ried on the worship of God among them as usual. The Wednesday following I convened them together again for divine worship, and, being about to take a long journey, entertained them with such instructions and exhortations as I thought would be most for their benefit and edifica- tion. The next day, having visited some of my people, and being visited by them in general, I took leave of them, and set out in the afternoon with a design to visit the Indians living on Susquehanna and parts adjacent. Minutes of the Synod of New York, p;-.. 23(>, LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 231 Leaving my people to the care of the schoolmaster, who was to reside constantly on the spot, and expecting also to have my place supplied most if not all the time by the neighboring ministers, on Saturday evening following I arrived at the Forks of Delaware; being much retarded in my journey by having a horse to lead, that was much laden with provisions for the journey. At this place I tarried three days, partly to procure some more provisions for my journey, in which I pro- posed to be out about three months, and partly to visit a number of my people who for some time past have lived in these parts and attended the ministry of the Rev. Mr. Lawrence, among whom I hoped to procure one to go with me as an interpreter. On Wednesday, May the yth, I set out with my inter- preter for Susquehanna, and the next Saturday evening we arrived at an Indian town on that river, called Wha- womung, the same mentioned in my journal last year. I had a very fatiguing journey to this place, being obliged to travel almost the whole day on foot by reason of the almost impassable mountains, and the horses being deeply bden with provisions for our long-intended journey. When I came to the town, the people generally came together, seeming glad to see me, and treated me with more courtesy and kindness than I expected, which was a great comfort to me after my tiresome and tedious travel. I had not been in town long before I understood that there was an army from the Six Nations, who were upon a march with a design to fight the Catawba Indians, who live on the borders of South Carolina.* * These people have been at war one with another for many years together, and frequently commit the most cruel barbarities one upon another; but at a late treaty between the Governor of York and Commissioners from sovoral provinces on the continent and the Six z 3 2 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. An Indian Dance Frightful Gestures. In the evening, these Indians gathered to one place, where they held a martial dance, and such an one as in- deed was almost terrible to behold. The manner of the dance was as follows. There was a post set up, about seven or eight feet high, painted in spots with red, and on the top of it was fixed a bunch of feathers. Near by it was a fire, and not far off sat two Indians, one with a small drum and the other with a gourd of rattles in each hand, with which they made a continual noise. The In- dians placed themselves in a great circle round them all, and jumped round with great swiftness as one man, or as though they had been framed together ; sometimes erect, sometimes half bent, and sometimes seeming to let or rest themselves on the strength of their knees, but still going round in the same order, making a most hideous noise, and seeming to try to look as fierce and furious as they could. Indeed, their countenances were rueful to behold; they appeared rather like creatures come from the infernal regions than inhabiters of the earth. THs horrid dance they held, I suppose, the most of the night; and the dolorous noise of them was the last thing I heard before I dropped asleep. The next morning, which was the Lord's day, they went off early, and were so intent upon their journey that to try to detain them for any time was utterly in vain. Divine Worship evaded. After they were gone, I visited the principal men of United Nations, at which a number of these Catawbas were present, a cessation of arms was concluded upon ; and there is a prospect of a firm and, we hope, lasting peace between them, which will very much prepare the way for the spreading of the gospel among the Indians in general. you may draw upon the commissioners for the year's expenses, and it will be paid to Mr. Pom- roy's son at college. You may draw upon Mr. William Tennent, who at present has the care of the Indians. The affair has appeared so discouraging, and our late attempts proved so unsuccessful, together with the loss of about twenty of our men who enlisted in the Provin- cial Army and were lost at Fort William Henry, that the commissioners thought fit to dismiss me again last commencement, though, if I could have answered the end of a missionary, I should have chosen to be con- tinued before taking the charge of any congregation in America. I can send you another pretty Indian boy in the spring, if we live, and I doubt not but two. Please to let me know your mind. And now I can only ask your excuse for this incorrect thing. The reason of my writing now is, because I have a direct opportunity to New Haven. I got home from Princeton last night about nine o'clock. My best regards to Mrs. Wheelock. Love to Sr. Bar- num, your family, to the little Indian boys, etc. In the greatest haste, Reverend and honored sir, Yours most affectionately, JOHN BRAINERD. P.S. My duty to Mr. Pomroy : his son was well yes- * He means Jacob Woolley, whom Dr. Wheelock had sent to enter Princeton College. He failed to develop a good character, and was no honor to his instructors 300 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. terday, and all the scholars. Things go on bravely ; the Indian boys are well. The Rev'd Mr. WHEELOCJC. From this letter we see what sorrows he had to meet, and how bravely he bore himself. The loved and cherished wife of his youth and mother of his three little children died September 17th of this year. In another letter, alluding to this event, he says : " My dear wife, after a long and painful sickness, de- parted the i jth of September, 1757, the greatest loss I ever sustained, the most sorrowful day I ever saw. May God sanctify it to us in spiritual and divine blessings ! Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. Having a desire to depart and to be with Christ, which is far better, she has exchanged a vale of tears for a crown of glory. Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord ; they rest from their labors, and their works do follow them."* The Correspondents had made her ill health a reason for detaining him from the Onohquanga mission. Did they fear that a husband's sym- pathy with an afflicted wife absorbed too much of his attention? or did they sympathize with her in her affliction, and feel unwilling to hazard her life in the wilderness? We know not. As there is no evidence to the contrary, we infer that this afflicted wife was herself willing to endure the * Brainerd Genealogy, p. 286. LIFE OF JOHN BR4INERD. 301 perils of any enterprise. She was an element of strength, not weakness, to her husband, and, with all his zeal for missionary labor, he speaks of her death as the "greatest loss" of his life. He has not told where she died (probably at Newark), and we have not been able to find her grave. The Saviour knows where the ashes of this true woman repose, who, to solace a servant of Christ, exiled herself from civilization and refinement to elevate and save degraded savages.* Brainerd's mission to Stockbridge was a respon- sible one. He and the Rev. Caleb Smith, of New- ark Mountains, had been appointed agents of the College of New Jersey to tender the appointment of President to Rev. Jonathan Edwards, and se- cure his acceptance and the consent of his breth- ren to his removal. The mission, as all know, was completely successful ; and Mr. Brainerd must have rejoiced in having so earnest and affectionate a friend of his brother and himself in such a posi- tion, and so near at hand. But here again he was doomed to sorrow. Edwards came, was installed, presided a few weeks, and died on the 22d of March, 1758. The successive deaths of Presidents Burr * We asked S. H. Congar, Esq., of Newark, N. J., for information as to her grave. In response, under date of June 10, 1861, he says: "Were it in my power, I would cheerfully answer your queries. We would look for her grave adjacent to those of her children. I have never seen nor heard of a monument of any kind bearing her name. In 1844, the inscriptions in our old cemetery were copied, but many stones had then been broken, destroyed, or removed. Mrs. Rrainerd was doubt- less buried, with her children, near the family graves of the Rev. Dr. McWhortcr. Her gravestone has perished by neglect." 26* 302 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. and Edwards with Mrs. Burr and Edwards, all in about one year, took from Brainerd his most che- rished friends at a period of his own deep affliction. No wonder he reeled under it. His mission to Stockbridge had one result he little anticipated. "The council of 'ministers in Stockbridge, at the re- quest both of the English and Indian congregations at Stockbridge, addressed a letter to the Commissioners in Boston, requesting that the Rev. John Brainerd might be appointed Mr. Edwards' successor ; the Housatonnucks offering land for a settlement to the Indian congregation at Cranberry, New Jersey, if they would remove to Stock- bridge ; and another letter to the trustees of the college requesting that they use their collective and individual influence to procure the appointment of Mr. Brainerd and his removal to Stockbridge."* To be invited by the council of ministers and the people to succeed Jonathan Edwards in the pulpit was a compliment sufficient to please any ordinary man ; but we do not find that Mr. Brain- erd makes any allusion to it in his letters. It shows what he was at that period, what impres- sion he made at Stockbridge, and how sternly, like his brother David, he subordinated himself to duty. He came to New Jersey, to his Indians and his work, and remained in it in relative shade and dependence : his life going out in obscurity in * Edwards' Life, pp. 576, 577. LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 303 the Jersey Pines, like the Niger dried up by the sands of Africa. In the Synod of New York, which met at Maid- enhead (now Lawrence ville, N. J.) this year, the vote of the interest on the Indian fund to Mr. Brainerd is with a proviso: "in case the Corre- spondents shall continue him in the mission."* We confess to some embarrassment in ascertain- ing precisely what was his exact position. It seems, from all we can glean, to have been this: he was dismissed from his mission, and went to Newark. The prospect of purchasing land for the Indians induced the Society to reappoint him, and him to accept, and so he removed to Brunswick. The scheme failed: he is now again at Newark, delaying to be installed, and ready to go to his In- dians if the way opens. The Synod provides for this contingency. He speaks of having been a chaplain in the army once, before his campaign in Canada in 1759. This must have occurred, we think, about 1756, at the time Mr. Beatty went as chaplain of Colonel Benjamin Franklin's regiment to protect the Moravian settlements of Pennsylvania. After one hundred years, it is not easy to make a bio- graphy strictly consecutive: it is enough to ap- proximate truth. * Records of the Presbyterian Church, p. 278. 304 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. CHAPTER XXX. REUNION OF OLD AND NEW SIDE PRESBYTERIANS MR. BRAINERD's DOMESTIC SORROWS THE GRAVES OF HIS WIFE AND HIS TWO CHILDREN HIS REMOVAL TO BROTHERTON. 1758. rilHIS year, among Presbyterians, was made me- morable by the happy reunion of the Old and Side Presbyterians, as represented by the Synods of Philadelphia and New York. After a long storm of controversy and recrimination pre- cedent, and a sulky separation for seventeen years, they found that they had not fully understood all truth nor each other; that each side had some truth and some error, and had both excellencies and defects; that the evils of separation and con- flict were more pernicious than the errors of either party : so, when the old men had become softened by time, amended by reflection, or passed to heaven, there were none to rebuke a younger generation who crept up and shook hands over the wall which had separated their fathers. A century later, "this history is likely to repeat itself." At the meeting of the united Synods of New York and Philadelphia at this time, Mr. Brainerd is marked as absent, which no doubt he regretted, LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 305 for it must have been "good to be there." During the year Mr. Brainerd seeins to have quietly pro- secuted his labors in Newark ; but he did this under the pressure of most overwhelming afflictions. The following letter, although bearing a later date, re- fers to these trials of 1758: NEWARK, March 20, 1759. DR. WHEELOCK: REV'D AND VERY DEAR SIR : I was at New Haven last fall, with a design to have gone farther eastward ; but, as I was then riding for my health, my design was prevented by that turn of extreme cold we had the be- ginning of November, otherwise I might perhaps have had the pleasure of seeing you at your own house. How often, and how many ways, are our expectations dashed and disappointed ! Of late, I had very great and sorrow- ful experience of this. Death has made the world to me, what it really is in itself and ever was, an empty nothing. The loss of two dear lovely babes in less than a year after the death of their amiable, virtuous mother, the desire of my eyes,* has brought me very low indeed; * Since our first allusion to the wife of Mr. Brainerd, we have re- ceived from the Rev. E. L. Cleaveland, D.D., of New Haven, Conn., an extract from a paper prepared by him for the Historical Society, giving some account of his church-lot. Incidentally he gives the following focts respecting the Lyon family, into which the Rev. John Brainerd married. Though out of place, we insert the extract here : " After the death of Matthew Gilbert, son of the governor, the north side of his old homestead was sold by his widow and children to William Lyon. This was the first Wil- liam Lyon, who came to New Haven. His wife was Experience Hayward, or Howard. They had two children, William and Experience. This second William Lyon was father of Colonel William Lyon, the well-known President of New Haven Bank. " William Lyon, the purchaser of the Gilbert place, died before the year 174}. HJJ purchase must have been as early as 1755. His house stood near the site of Mr. Henry O. Hotchkiss' house. 306 LIFE OF JOHN BR4INERD. and I am ready to say with the Psalmist : Unless the Lord bad been my helper, I had even perished in my afflictions ; but having obtained help from him, I yet live. I long to see you very much ; but whether I shall ever have an oppor- tunity in this world, God only knows. I have some thoughts of going into the army again, but am at a great loss what is my duty, mostly on account of my present very low state of health. I hope duty will be made plain to me one way or another; I think I desire to be abso- lutely at the disposal of Heaven. I wonder who goes [to the army as chaplain] this year in Connecticut ? whether dear, good Mr. Pomroy goes again? I have heard nothing. Our Assembly [New Jersey] have bought that land for the Indians, which I attempted in vain to purchase, and Governor Bernard appears very forward to promote the mission. 'Tis not altogether improbable I shall en- gage in it again, if I live. 'Twas the desire of the Correspondents at a meeting last fall, if I remember, that Jacob should be sent down about this middle of April with an account in regard to what we did for Mr. Pomroy's son, and what you have done for him. I hope your school flourishes. May the time be hastened when God will send the gospel among the poor Indians and other benighted heathen. My best regards to Mrs. Wheelock; and when you "After the death of William Lyon, in 1743, his widow and children remained in the house on Church street. " In 1749, they sold it to their aunt, Silence Hayward, but probably continued to live there. In 1751, Silence Hayward sold the north part of the lot, extending to Court Street, to Yale Bishop, the husband of Sybil Gilbert. In 1754, she sold the south half to Mr. John Brainerd, of Perth Amboy ; and in I7J8, John Brainerd, then of Newark, sold his lot to Timothy Ailing. "John Brainerd's interest in this lot was natural and legitimate. In 1752 he had mar- ried Experience, daughter of William and Experience Lyon ; and he was therefore buying back his wife's former ownership in the estate." LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 307 see Mr. Pomroy and Mrs. Pomroy, please to salute them in the most affectionate manner for me : and please, sir, likewise to give love to the little boys and others of your school. ? Tis a very great favor that the British and Prussian arms are still so much smiled upon. The taking of Guadaloupe is no inconsiderable thing. Colonel Schuyler goes this year at the head of our forces. God send them all prosperity, and make us a thankful, fruitful people. I hope, among many others, you do not wholly forget to pray for, Reverend and honored sir, Your humble servant, JOHN BRAINERD. The tombstones of the little ones mentioned in the above letter are still to be seen in the grave- yard of the First Presbyterian Church in Newark. Rev. Dr. Stearns, in his history of that church, gives the inscriptions on these stones as appended in the note below.* While personal sorrows were pressing heavily upon Mr. Brainerd, the hopes of his Indian mis- sion were reviving. The Legislature of New Jer- sey, alarmed by the hostile spirit of the Indian tribes in Pennsylvania, who had carried bloodshed * " Miss Sophia Brainerd, elder daughter of the Rev. John Brain- erd, died Sept. 5, 1758, in the 6th year of her age. "David Brainerd, only son of the Rev. John Brainerd, died Sept. 14, 1758, in the 2d year of his age. Sweet babe, so late received thy breath, And now commanded unto death ; Thy warfare ended ere begun, Triumphant victory is won." 3 o8 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. along the borders, and apprehensive lest the New Jersey Indians, smarting under a sense of their wrongs, might join their brethren in the West and become dangerous, had awakened to a sense of justice. "The first outbreak occurred in 1755, but, so soon as a hostile feeling became apparent, the Legislature ap- pointed commissioners to examine into the causes of dis- satisfaction. A convention was held at Crosswicks for the purpose in January, 1756, and in March, 1757, a bill was passed, calculated to remove the difficulties which had grown out of impositions upon the Indians when in- toxicated, the destruction of deer by traps, and the occu- pation of lands by the whites which they had not sold.* During this year, however, and the first part of 1758, the western borders of the province were in much alarm from the hostile feeling prevalent among the Minisink and neighboring tribes, from May, 1757, to June, 1758, twenty-seven murders having been committed by them on the West-Jersey side of the Delaware. A constant guard was kept under arms to protect the inhabitants; but it was not always able to check the predatory excur- sions of the savages. "In June, 1758, Governor Bernard, of New Jersey, consulted General Forbes and Governor Denny, of Penn- sylvania, as to the measures best calculated to put a stop to this unpleasant warfare, and, through Teedyescung, king of the Delawares, he obtained a conference with the Minisink and Pompon Indians, protection being as- sured them.f * Neville's Laws, vol. ii. p. 125. t Smith's New Jersey, pp. 447, 448. LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 309 " The conference took place at Burlington, August 7, 1758. On the part of the province there were present the Governor, three Commissioners of Indian Affairs of the House of Assembly, and six Members of the Coun- cil. Two Minisink or Munsey Indians, one Cayugan, one Delaware, messenger from the Mingoians, and one Delaware who came with the Minisinks, were the dele- gates from the natives. The conference opened with a speech from the Governor. He sat, holding four strings of wampum, and thus addressed them: 'Brethren, as you are come from a long journey, through a wood full of briers, with this string I anoint your feet, and take away their soreness ; with this string I wipe the sweat from your bodies ; with this string I cleanse your eyes, ears, and mouth, that you may see, hear, and speak clearly ; and I particularly anoint your throat, that every word you say may have a free passage from the heart. And with this string I bid you heartily welcome.' The four strings were then delivered to them. The result of the conference was, that a time was fixed for holding another at Easton, at the request of the Indians : that being, as they termed it, the place of the Old Council fire."* "The Act passed in 1757 appropriated 1600 for the purchase of Indian claims; but, as the Indians living south of the Raritan preferred receiving their proportion in land specially allotted for their occupancy, three thou- sand and forty-four acres in the township of Evesham, Burlington county, were purchased for them. A house of worship and several dwellings were subsequently erected, forming the town of Brotherton ; and, as the selling and leasing of any portion of the tract was pro- * Historical Collections of New Jersey, p. 61. 27 310 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. hibited, as was also the settlement upon it of any per- sons other than Indians, the greatest harmony appeared to have prevailed between its inhabitants and their white neighbors."* This treaty secured the land for which Brainerd and the Scotch Society had negotiated. As the town of Christian Indians was called Bethel, this new town was named Brotherton ; long the resi- dence of Mr. Brainerd, and from which he dates many of his letters. The tract, as it appeared in a state of nature one hundred years ago, has been pretty accurately described by Mr. Brainerd in his Edinburgh corre- spondence. It comprehended three thousand acres lying in the east part of Burlington county, about twenty miles from Burlington, fifteen from Mount Holly, and twenty from the sea at Tuckerton. Led by our friend Rev. Samuel Miller, of Mount Holly, we have visited the spot and studied its surround- ings, but reserve the description for another part of this book. The securing of this land for the In- dians turned at once the eyes of the Government of New Jersey, of the Synod of his Church, and of the missionary Correspondents upon Mr. Brain- erd, as most likely "to care for the estate of the poor Indians;" and they all set to work to draw him from Newark, which, with his martyr- spirit, was not difficult. * Allinson's Laws, p. 221. LIFE OF JOHN BR4INERD. 311 CHAPTER XXXI. MR. BRAINERD A CHAPLAIN IN THE AEMY. 1759. French War was now raging along our whole northern frontier. As the flag of o France bore Romanism with it, and as the French armies were accompanied by yelling and scalping Indians, the Protestant as well as martial spirit was stirred by the war, and ministers and people gave their prayers and persons to the work of beating back the invaders and carrying the war into Canada. As with us in our present struggle with traitors and treason, all the loyal clergymen of the land (and all Presbyterian clergymen in that day were loyal) stood ready to make any sacrifice for their country. Their sermons and prayers, as in the case of Rev. Mr. Davis and others, breathed a warm and unequivocal Chris- tian patriotism. So it ought always to be in our country's perils. John Brainerd would have been false to the instincts of his family and the noble- ness of his heart had he failed to share in the re- sponsibilities and spirit of the times. We might suppose that, with his church in Newark, his Southern tours, his Indian missionary interests, 312 LIFE OF JOHN BR4INERD. his college burdens and responsibilities, he had suf- ficient to keep him at home; but no; we find him, in the middle of this year, four hundred miles north of New Jersey, on the borders of Canada. CROWN POINT, August 9, 1759. REV'D AND DEAR SIR : I had the pleasure of seeing a letter from you to dear Mr. Pomroy, of a much later date than any thing I had heard from you before. I always rejoice to hear of your welfare, and desire to sympathize with you under any afflicting dispensation. Your son, I observe by your let- ter, is in a low, fading state : may the Lord prepare both him and you for his good will and pleasure. It has pleased a sovereign God to bereave me of all but one dear little babe: I know he is just and righteous in giving me a bitter cup to drink, for I am worthy. But to lose such dear friends, such tender parts of ourselves, as wife and children, is hard to flesh and blood ! The world can never be to me what it has been ; and doubt- less 'tis best it should not. After considerable hesitation, I thought it my duty to come into the army again, But, alas ! dear sir, I feel as if I did but little good. Profanity and wickedness greatly prevail, and at times my heart almost sinks within me; but I try after my poor manner to make a stand for God, and I desire to be very thankful. I never had so much courage in general as this year. Oh, what a mercy of mercies it is to have a face to speak for God ! Good Mr. Pomroy is at present my near neighbor, and often strengthens my heart. God has done wonderful things for us ! 'Tis his own right hand and his holy arm that has gotten the victory! 'Tis pity, O 'tis infinite pity, that he should be the more LIFE OF JOHN BRA1NERD. 313 dishonored, his sacred, adorable name the more pro- faned, and his most, holy, excellent, equitable laws the more trampled upon on that account ! Oh, my dear sir, there is a dreadful day a-coming for the wicked! But what our eyes have seen and your ears have heard from these parts are, I trust, but the beginning of the dawn of a glorious day to the Church of God. The Lord's stand was most conspicuous, and very re- markable, in the reduction of Niagara as well as these two important posts. O sing unto the Lord a new song, for be hath done marvellous things! I hope your school will be established upon the best foundation, in the best time, and in the best way. I am sorry to hear of dear Mr. Buel's affliction : we know how to sympathize with him. May his great loss be made up in spiritual and divine blessings. Mr. Beebe was very poorly when we left Carillon a few days ago. I should be glad to hear that he was so far recovered as to be gone homeward. The rest of our fraternity, I believe, are pretty well. The provincial chaplains, except Mr. Pomroy, are all at Carillon. My best regard to Mrs. Wheelock, love to your chil- dren and the scholars, and cordial salutations to all friends. And never forget to pray for, Reverend and dear sir, Your affectionate friend And humble servant, JOHN BRAINERD. P.S. Mr. Pomroy's letter in answer to yours gives you the substance of what is doing here. May Heaven succeed the important business the army are engaged in. I hear Mr. Beebe is better. RcvM Mr. WHEELOCK. 27* 3H LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. Mr. Brainerd's account of the wickedness of the army and of his times may lead us to hope that a merciful God may still be with us, as he was with our fathers, in spite of our sins. It is touching to remember that the Indians of Bethel, the converts of David Brainerd, shared in the patriotism of their pastor, and cheerfully gave up their lives for their country and its safety. Mr. Brainerd says: "The Indians have, every year since the commence- ment of the war, enlisted into the king's service far be- yond th^ proportion, and generally more or less every campaign have died in the army." * Brave and true men, fighting for a government that had denied them a place where to "lay their heads" ! They helped "to save others," but their own national existence they could not save. Like our own colored soldiers, they perilled the loss of all things, with but a dim and doubtful vision of any benefit to themselves. We trust God remem- bered them. Their loss must have been severe in a community of less than two hundred. The united Synod of New York and Philadel- phia, in their minutes of this year, say : "Mr. Brainerd applied to the Synod for their advice, whether it was his duty to leave his present charge at Newark and resume his mission to the Indians. * Letter of J. Brainerd, Sprague's Annals, pp. 151, 152. LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 315 "Arguments on both sides were fully heard. "Though the Synod are tenderly affected with the case of Newark congregation, yet, in consideration of the great importance of the Indian mission, they do unanimously advise Mr. Brainerd to resume it. " The Synod do farther agree to give him the interest of the Indian fund for this year, in order to his more comfortable subsistence." * Under the same date, the minutes add: " Mr. Brainerd being removed from Newark, it is or- dered that Messrs. Woodruff, Kettletas, Darby, and Cum- mings supply there, each one Sabbath." Mr. Brainerd had not yet left Newark officially, but was absent probably in the army. His own account of matters about this time is as follows : "In this settled state, in Newark, I remained but a little while; for in March, 1759 (in consequence of a treaty with the Indians and this land purchased and se- cured to them by the government), I was requested by Mr. Bernard, the then governor of this province, and the Society's correspondents, at a joint meeting at Perth Am- boy, again to resume the mission. I took their proposals under consideration, and in the May following laid the matter before the Synod at Philadelphia ; and, with the unanimous advice of that venerable body, gave up my charge at Newark, and embarked once more in the cause of the poor Indians. "About this time I made the Indians a visit at their * Records of the Presbyterian Church, p 294. 316 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. new settlement, and procured some supplies for them by order of the Synod during my absence in the army ; and, upon my return the November following, fixed myself down among them, where I have steadily resided ever since." The following letter was addressed by him to Mrs. Elizabeth Smith, of Wethersfield, Conn., wife of the Hon. William Smith, and previously the wife of Colonel Elisha Williams,* once Rector of Yale College : BROTHERTON in NEW JERSEY, August 24, 1761. MADAM: According to my promise, I here send an account of the Indian mission in this province, which for some years has been the object of my care. In 1757 we lost near twenty, taken captive at Fort William Henry, f and but three or four have ever re- turned to this day; so that our number is greatly re- duced. * Colonel Elisha Williams graduated at Harvard College in 1711 ; was a minister of the gospel in Wethersfield, Conn., in 1726 ; inau- gurated President of Yale College, resigned from ill health, 1739; and went as chaplain in the expedition against Cape Breton in 1745. The next year he was appointed" colonel of a regiment in the pro- posed expedition against Canada. Dr. Doddridge, who was intimately acquainted with him, says: "He had a nobleness of soul capable of contriving and acting the greatest things without seeming to be con- scious of his having done them." He went to England, where he married a lady of superior accomplishments, the daughter of the Rev. Thomas Scott, of Norwich : to her the above letter was ad- dressed. He died July 24, 1765, aged sixty. Allen's Biographical Dictionary, p. 862. f Fort William Henry, at the south end of Lake George, Warren county N. Y. Erected in 1753 ; captured by the French in 1756. LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 317 On this spot, which is a fine, large tract of land, and very commodiously situated for their settlement, there are something upward of an hundred, old and young. About twelve miles distant there is a small settlement of them, perhaps near forty. About seventeen miles farther there is a third, containing possibly near as many more; and there are yet some few scattering ones still about Crossweeksung. And if all were collected, they might possibly make two hundred. I spend something more than half my Sabbaths here at Brotherton; the rest are divided. At this place I have but few white people : the reason is, because this is near central between Delaware and the sea, and the English settlements are chiefly on them. The other places are in the midst of the inhabitants, and, whenever I preach there, I have a large number of white people that meet to attend divine service. But, besides these, I have preached at eight different places on Lord's days, and near twenty on other days of the week, and never fail of a considerable congregation, so large and exten- sive is this vacancy. Two large counties, and a considerable part of two more, almost wholly destitute of a preached gospel (ex- cept what the Quakers do in their way), and many of the people but one remove from a state of heathenism. As to the success that has attended my labors, I can say but little : it is a time wherein the influences of the Divine Spirit are mournfully withheld. I think, how- ever, I have ground to hope that some good has been done among both Indians and white people, and the prospects of further usefulness are very considerable if proper means could be used. But such is the state of this country, there is such a mixture of Quakers and other denominations, and so many that have no concern 27* 3i8 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. about religion in any shape, that very little can at present be expected towards the support of the gospel. On my own part, I have never thought proper to take one single farthing yet in all my excursions, fearing that it might prejudice the minds of some and so, in a measure, frus- trate the design. At this place, where most of the Indians are settled, we greatly want a school for the children. When I built the meeting-house last year, I provided some mate- rials also for a schoolhouse, and in the fall addressed the * legislature of this province for some assistance, not only for the support of a school, but for the erecting of a small grist-mill, a blacksmith's shop, and a small trading store to furnish the Indians with necessaries in exchange for their produce, and so prevent their running twelve or fifteen miles to the inhabitants for every thing they want ; whereby they not only consume much time, but often fall into the temptation of calling at dram-houses (too frequent in the country), where they intoxicate them- selves with spirituous liquors, and after some days, per- haps, instead of hours, return home wholly unfit for any thing relating either to this or a future world. The Governor, the Council, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, and several of the other members, thought well of the motion, and recommended it ; but the Quak- ers, and others in that interest, made opposition, and, being the greater part of the house, it finally went against us. If the same could be done some other way, it would be the best step towards the end proposed, and be the most likely to invite not only the Indians at these other small settlements above mentioned, but those also who live in more distant parts of the country. Thus I have touched upon the most material things relative to this mission, and, I fear, tired your patience LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 3 , 9 with my long epistle. And now, that all needed provision may be made for the promotion and perfecting of this good work among the Indians, and you, among others, be made an happy instrument of the same ; that many faithful laborers may be thrust forth, and all vacant parts of the harvest be supplied ; that this wilderness in par- ticular may be turned into a fruitful field, and even the whole earth be filled with the knowledge of the Lord, is the fervent prayer of, Madam, your most obedient, humble servant, JOHN BRAINERD. P.S. Since my settlement here, I have been obliged to advance above 200 for the building of the meeting- house, for some necessary repairs of ah old piece of an house that was on the spot, and for my support and other necessary expenses. This letter somewhat anticipates our narrative ; alluding to his labors in the field which he was just entering in 1759. But, as it includes also facts occurring at an earlier period, it is relevant here. 320 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. CHAPTER XXXII. ACTION OF SYNOD WAS HE PA3TOE AT NEWARK? HIS LETTERS. 1760. Synod of New York and Philadelphia this year adopted the following minute, alike con- siderate in them and honorable to Mr. Brainerd : "It is known to many in the bounds of this Synod that some ministers, moved with an holy zeal to promote the kingdom of Christ among the Indian tribes, applied to the Society in Scotland for Propagating Christian Know- ledge, and obtained a grant of a certain sum of money yearly to support two missionaries to promote the con- version of the savage nations/ They employed Mr. David Brainerd, whose praise is in the churches of Christ, and whose endeavors were blessed with success in this great work of bringing the Indians to a know- ledge of Christ. "It pleased God soon to remove him from his useful labor on earth to the joys of his heavenly kingdom. As the name of Brainerd was dear to these poor tribes, his brother was chosen to succeed him in the mission, in which station he continued for seven or eight years ; but, as the prospect of a troublesome war made the mission dangerous and disagreeable, the Commissioners, who employed him, dismissed him from his care of the LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 321 Indians, and he was employed to preach the gospel at Newark. "At an Indian treaty, the province of New Jersey bought all the small tracts of land that the Indians claimed in different parts of the government ; and, that they might still encourage the native inhabitants to re- side among them in their own country, they bought and bestowed on the remnant of these people about four thousand acres of land, which they gladly accepted, and, as many of them were converted to Christianity, they earnestly requested that Mr. Brainerd might be granted to them again as a gospel minister. "The annuity which the Society in Scotland had al- lowed to the missionary was stopped upon Mr. Brainerd's dismission, though there was and is hope of procuring it again : Mr. Brainerd was requested by the Governor and Commissioners of Jersey to undertake the Indian mis- sion. He applied to the Synod for advice ; and, though he had a very comfortable settlement at Newark, yet the Synod, through an earnest desire to promote the kingdom of Christ among these poor Indians, advised him to give up these temporal advantages and settle as a missionary among those poor Indians, with which advice he readily and generously complied. But, as there is no provision yet made to support him, and to answer many and vari- ous expenses in preaching to and settling schools among those people, the Synod think themselves obliged to use all lawful endeavors to support said mission, and have now, at their Synodical meeting, agreed to contribute themselves and to make application to the congregations in the bounds of this Synod for a general collection to promote this pious and good design ; and do order that a collection for this purpose be made in every congregation under the carj of this Synod, and the respective collec- 28 322 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. tions be sent by the Moderators of the Presbyteries be- fore the beginning of September to Mr. Jonathan Ser- geant, near Princeton, who is to receive it and pay it to the Correspondents of the Indian mission, to be by them used for this purpose. "Ordered, that a copy of this minute be taken by the Moderators of such Presbyteries as are present, and sent to such as are absent."* The question has been raised, whether Mr. Brain- erd was in fact settled as a pastor in Newark, in- asmuch as the Rev. Dr. McWhorter fails to mention him in his "Century Sermon." The Synod, speak- ing deliberately and of its own knowledge, seems to conclude the matter: it says "he was comfort- ably settled in Newark." Why Dr. McWhorter totally ignored his pious and self-sacrificing prede- cessor is a mystery difficult of explanation or apo- logy. As he succeeded Mr. Brainerd, there may have been personal relations of the parties to ex- plain this strange omission. Probably Mr. Brainerd was never installed of- ficially ; but all the ecclesiastical writers recognize him as pastor in Newark, and he claims the same for himself. He says he had "some encourage- ment as a preacher there;" and, though his name is not in the catalogue of its ministers, we trust the influence of his teaching and prayers had a place in forming the character of a congregation so blessed of God and so wide-spread in its useful- * Records of Presbyterian Church, pp. 299, 300. LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 323 ness to the Church and the world during the cen- tury gone by. Let us now hear from Mr. Brainerd at his new home at Brotherton : BROTHER-TON, NEW JERSEY, November 24, 1760. REV'D AND DEAR SIR : Yours to Mr. William Tennent by Mr. Whitaker he received at the Commencement, and immediately deli- vered it to me. I thought with an answer to have sent two little Indian girls to the care of Mr. Whitaker, at Norwich ; but the fever and ague has so prevailed among the Indians, and continued so long, it is now become too late for this season : I hope to send them as early in the spring as will do. Both parents and children are pleased with the offer; and I am much pleased to hear that your school flourishes. I hope God will make it a distin- guished blessing. I likewise rejoice to hear that more provision is made for the support of missionaries to the Indians : I could not tell you of one for Onohquanga. It is hoped such a per- son may present after a while : I shall make all the in- quiry I can. My best regards to Mrs. Wheelock, etc. ; love to the little boys. And please to accept the most respectful and affec- tionate salutations from, Reverend and honored sir, Your very humble servant, JOHN BRAINERD. To the Rev'd Mr. WHEELOCK (LEBANON.) We find Mr. Brainerd the next month still seek- ing a missionary for another field. 324 LIFE OF JOHN BR41NERD. NEW HAVEN, December 9, 1760. REV'D AND VERY DEAR SlR : After I wrote the inclosed, I set out on a journey to the northward, not without some hopes of reaching as far as Lebanon ; but the season is so far advanced, and I am under some necessity to be home by such a time, that I think I must deny myself that pleasure. I waited on Mr. President Davis in my way, and ad- vised with him about a young gentleman for Onoh- quanga. After maturely considering, he thought of one who took his degree at Princeton last Commencement, Amos Thompson by name. With him we conversed on the head, who told us "it was new to him; but, if it should appear that he could serve his generation better in that capacity than any other, he had no objections to it." The president thinks him well qualified. Sir, I write in the utmost haste, in a cold morning, and without fire. I know you are a good reader, other- wise I should fear this would not answer the end ; I likewise know you are kind and good, and therefore need add no more but my very affectionate regard to you and Mrs. Wheelock, and subscribe myself, Reverend and dear sir, Your very humble servant, JOHN BRAINERD. Rev'd Dr. WHEELOCK. LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 325 CHAPTER XXXIII. THE SYNOD EARNEST IN ITS CARE OF THE MISSION ACTION OF THE SCOTCH SOCIETY THE GOVERNMENT OF NEW JEESEY NOT FULFILL- ING ITS PLEDGES. 1761. fTlHE Synod of New York and Philadelphia still exhibited a care for their missionary. They say: "The Synod, taking this matter into serious consider- ation, judge that, though the mission among the Oneida Indians overtured by Mr. Kirkpatrick is a matter of great importance, and which we would gladly favor were it in our power, yet, inasmuch as after all the inquiry we can make no person can be found to undertake said mis- sion, nor can we in present circumstances raise a suffi- cient supply for its support, it is agreed that we will, to the utmost of our power, support Mr. Brainerd ; and for this purpose agree that another collection shall be raised in all our congregations, one hundred and fifty pounds of which shall be allowed to Mr. Brainerd for the ensu- ing year; and that those who have not yet collected shall be included in this order, besides their fulfilling the order of the last year's Synod on this subject."* This language, so cordial and strong, indicates * Presbyterian Record, p. 311. 28* 326 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. their missionary zeal, and makes us proud of our venerable Church. The minute of the Scotch So- ciety is interesting: Minute dated Edinburgh, $th March, 1761. "Upon letters from America, Mr. Brainerd's salary is paid, and he continued as formerly." Extract from Minutes dated Edinburgh, \th March, 1762. "The Committee reported that there was given in to them a letter of the 23d September last, from the Rev'd Mr. David Bostwick, President of the Society's Corre- spondents at New York, in answer to that sent them by order of the Committee on the 7th of March last, which letter bears that the Government of New Jersey, in a contract with the Indians, on condition -of their quitting all right to any other lands in the province, had pur- chased for them and settled on them and their succes- sors, by a legislative act, that whole tract of land which the Correspondents were endeavoring to procure for them ; that the Correspondents had inadvertently, with- out acquainting the Society, assumed the following gen- tlemen to be joint with them, and now propose the So- ciety would send them commissions for that purpose, viz. : the Rev'd Messieurs Richard Treat, Timothy Johnes, David Bostwick, Elihu Spencer, Caleb Smith, John Brainerd, Abraham Kettletas, ministers of the gos- pel in New York and New Jersey; William Livingston, Esq., attorney-at-law, Messieurs Peter Vanbrugh Liv- ingston and David Vanhorn, merchants in New York, the Hon. Samuel Woodruff and William Peartree Smith, Esquires, Messrs. Robert Cuming and Jonathan Sergeant, of New York. LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 327 "The Committee agreed to transmit to the General Meeting, with the opinion that Commission of Corre- spondence be given to the gentlemen above proposed." Same date as above. "The General Meeting having heard the said report and opinion of their Committee, and the foiesaid letters being now read, the General Meeting agreed that letters of commission be sent to the gentlemen above pro- posed." The names in the above designate the persons who at that time represented the Scotch Society in America. Mr. Brainerd speaks gloomily of his new home and his prospects at Brotherton. He says : " I had repeated promises from Governor Bernard of a comfortable, decent house for the place of my residence, as also a house for the public worship of God. But pro- mises were all I could get towards either; and, when I came to think of moving here, was obliged to sell almost all my household furniture, because I had no place to put it in. And the loss I hereby sustained, together with the losses and expenses in my several removes, was about .150 damage to my estate, besides all the fatigue and trouble that attended the same."* When the Governor and Council of New Jersey induced Mr. Brainerd to make his home in the forests and among the swamps of Brotherton, the * J. Brainerd's letter, Sprague's Annals, vol. iii. p. 152. 328 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. least they could do properly was to give him the means of carrying out the very object of his resi- dence there. It seems they abandoned him to his own resources. His Scotch salary appears to have failed, so that his only certain dependence was on the twenty pounds from his Synod. He certainly was not " Passing rich with twenty pounds a year," if he had to build a dwelling-house, a church, a schoolhouse, a store, and a mill for his people. His friends in the Synod and elsewhere stood by him ; and all these buildings, of a sort, were set up. A mill on the old site, called the "Indian mill," exists to this day. We have hitherto regarded him as a missionary to the Indians only: the following letter to Rev. Enoch Green shows how apostolically he carried the gospel to the destitute whites. He is directing a Synodical supply on his field : TRENTON, June ai, 1761. REV. AND DEAR SlR : It has not been in my power, by any means, to make a visit to the shore since the session of the Synod, and consequently could not make appointments for you ; your plans of preaching, however, will be as follows : Tom's River, the most northerly place ; then southward, Good- luck, either at Thomas Potter's or David Woodmon- see's; Barnegat, at Mr. Rulon's; Manuhocking, at Mr. Haywood's or Mr. Randal's ; Wading River, at Charles Loveman's or John Leak's ; Great Egg Harbor, at Cap- LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 329 tain Davis', Wm. Reed's, Benjamin Ingersoll's, And'w Blackman's, John English's, Philip SchulPs, George May's, Elijah Clark's ; Cape May, either at Captain Sill- will's or John Golden's, and at Tuckahoe meeting-house ; and any other places you may think proper when you come on the spot And some of those mentioned pos- sibly you may not think best to preach at : that will be as you judge best ; but these are the houses where meet- ings are generally held. If you could begin with Tom's River, and be there a day or two before Sabbath to notify the people, then you might make the rest of your appointments and send them seasonably before you. The proportion will be: two Sabbaths to the northward of Little Egg Harbor River, three in Great Egg Harbor, one at the Cape or Tucka- hoe, and as many weekly lectures at all as you can. Thus, dear sir, in a minute or two, as I pass through town, I have given you these hints, which perhaps may be of some use to your tour on the shore ; in which I hope the blessing of God will attend your labors, and am, with all respect, Reverend and dear sir, Your affectionate brother, J. BRAINERD. P.S. If you could consult with Mr. Thomas Smith and Mr. McKnight, who will succeed you, and make their appointments for them, it would be of use. I hope you will be kind enough to call and see me on your return. To the Rev. ENOCH GREEN.* * Rev. Enoch Green was licensed, in 1761, by the New Brunswick Presbytery, in company with Rev. William Tennent. Ho was Mr. Brainerd's predecessor at Deerfield, N. J., and died there about 1776. 28* 330 LIFE OF JOHN BR4INERD. We have seen that Mr. Brain erd had sent seve- ral Indian boys (John Pumshire, Jacob Woolley, Hezekiah Calvin, Joseph Woolley, etc.), at Dr. Wheelock's request, to be educated in his Indian school in Lebanon, Conn. Dr. Wheelock was dis- posed to try the same experiment with little In- dian girls. Our young friends will have great in- terest in the following letters of Mr. Brainerd's, introducing those girls to their new home at Dr. Wheelock's : NASSAU HALL, May 30, 1761. REV'D AND VERY DEAR SlR : Yours of the i8th instant met me here the day before yesterday ; at the same time I received a letter from Mr. Andrew Oliver, of Boston. I rejoice that your school is so prosperous: I shall always esteem it a favor to have it in my power to do any thing for its promotion. I communicated your letter to Mr. Wm. Tennent ; but we have had the affairs of college, in its present melancholy circumstances, under consideration, and are hardly in a capacity to think ma- turely of what you proposed respecting an incorporation. I hardly know what you mean " by advising you with respect to taking three Indian boys at the expense of the Com- missioners^ and three more at your own risk" I am highly pleased with every thing of that kind ; and doubtless it would be best to get them from remote tribes, if they can be had. I am glad to hear our little boys are well : their parents are, too. One of the girls proposed to be sent has been in a poor state all winter; I hoped she might be well enough LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 331 in the spring, but have now no hopes. Several others I have tried, whose parents are not willing to let them go so far off; but I hope, nevertheless, to send two by the first vessel that sails, either to Captain Coit, of New London, according to Mr. Whittaker's direction, or by Captain Loveman, of Middletown, who will take care of the children till you can leave word and they can be conveyed to Lebanon. Mr. Samuel Finley is chosen president of this college in the room of the dear and much lamented Mr. Davies. You will easily guess I have not much time at com- mand. Please to excuse incorrectness, etc. etc., and pre- sent affectionate regards to your spouse. I am, in the tenderest bonds, Reverend and honored sir, Your very humble servant, JOHN BRAINERD. To the Rev'd Mr. WHEELOCK. BROTHERTON, ON MOUNT CARMEL, September 14, 1761. REV'D AND VERY DEAR SlR : With this I have at last sent the little Indian girls to Middletown, having no direct way to convey them to Norwich. It has given me no small uneasiness that I could not send them before. I have sent the two I at first proposed ; not being able to prevail with the parents of any other to let their child go so far. She that was sick last fall, and for that reason could not be sent, continued so all winter, and until the sum- mer, but seems now to be fully recovered and quite well. But her mother for some time past has been in a very poor way, and is now so low that she does not ex- pect ever to see the child again in this world after she parts with her, which is an affecting circumstance. 332 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD, The name of the elder child is Miriam Store. She is a very amiable child, and I have much reason to think was savingly converted when she was about three years old. Her life, however, has hitherto no way contradicted such a marvellous work as seemed then to be wrought upon her, of which I had the pleasure and satisfaction to be an eye-witness. I could not then determine what it was, but thought multitude of days would speak. The name of the younger is Elizabeth Quela; has been a pretty-behaved child as far as I have known, but nothing respecting her any ways remarkable. They were both baptized in their infancy ; the father of the elder and the mother of the younger being members of this church. Miriam will be twelve years old if she lives till Decem- ber; Betty will be ten some time next spring, They have had very little schooling ; and the younger, I believe, has near or quite lost what little she was taught. We have had no school since the Indians were settled on this land, nor have we yet any thing to support such an expense. I have thought sometimes of trying to do something at it myself; but the country round about me is so large, and so destitute of the means of grace, that I know not how to think of spending my time with a few little children. I am in hopes that, by some means or other, we shall be able after a while to set up a school again. I feel tenderly concerned for these little girls ; and, as it is a very considerable thing for them to go so far from their parents and all their relations and acquaintances, I hope they will meet with the kindest and best treatment ; and may Heaven succeed the design. I have had the favor of two letters from you this sum- mer, and when I received them was somewhat at a loss LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 333 to know why you had not received my answer. I sent it by Mr. Thompson, and at the same time an answer to one I received from Mr. Oliver, of Boston. I have wanted very much to hear from Mr. Thompson, but have heard nothing from the day he left Nassau Hall. Mr. Occum * has done bravely. I heard of him after his arrival among the Oneidas, and that he was well rc- * As the name of Mr. Occum often occurs, some account of him may be pertinent. Sampson Occum, an Indian clergyman, was born at Mohegan, near Norwich, Conn., in the year 1733. He was the first Indian pupil educated at Lebanon by the Rev. Mr. Wheelock, with whom he entered in 1742, at the age of nine, and remained with him four years. In 1748 he taught school in New London, and about the year 1755 went to the east end of Long Island, where he opened a school for the Shenecock Indians. He was ordained by the Suffolk Presbytery in August, 1759. In January, 1761, he visited the Oneidas, and in 1766 was sent by Mr. Wheelock to England with Mr. Whittaker, the minister of Norwich, in order to promote the in- terest of Moor's school, as Mr. Wheelock's institution at Lebanon was called. As Occum was the first Indian preacher that visited England, he attracted large audiences, and preached between three and four hun- dred sermons. About ten thousand pounds were collected for esta- blishing schools among the American aborigines. This was placed in the hands of trustees, of whom the Earl of Dartmouth was the prin- cipal, and Dr. Wheelock's school was removed to Hanover, N. H. On Occum's return he labored among his countrymen, and removed eventually, in 1786, to Brotherton, near Utica, N. Y., whither many Mohegans and Montauks accompanied him, where he died in July, 1792, aged fifty-nine. He was accompanied to the grave by upwards of three hundred Indians. An account of the Indians of Montauk, by Occum, is published in the Massachusetts Historical Collections. He published a sermon at the execution of Moses Paul, at New Haven, September 2, 1772, and much of his correspondence is among the papers of the Historical Society of Hartford, Conn. A portrait of him was published in one of the early volumes of the Evangelical Magazine. McClure's Life of Wheelock; Memoirs of the Countess of Huntington; New York His- torical Collections; Aliens Biographical Dictionary. 29 334 LIFE OF JOHN BR4INERD. ceived : I suppose you have had later advices. Oh, may Heaven succeed the laudable design ! I am very^ glad to hear of the encouragement your school meets with, and the blessing that seems to attend your endeavors; particularly the visitation it has met with from Heaven, the notice taken of it by the Mar- quis of Lothian and the Commissioners in Boston. We do not write to the marquis now: they have directed us to write to the Preses of the Committee of Directors, by whom all the Society's business is transacted. I pro- pose soon to write to that gentleman (Mr. Smollett), and shall take occasion to mention your school, by which means it will probably come before the whole Society. I would be most heartily willing to promote that laud- able design in every possible way, but doubt whether I can be of any use in the suit of an Incorporation for Indian affairs: I should be very glad, however, to converse with you a few hours on the head. For that and other reasons I want very much to take a journey into New England ; and would go as far eastward as Boston, but I know not how to spare the time. I supply at more than half a dozen places on Lord's days besides this, and preach lectures on other days of the week at near twenty, so large is this destitute coun- try; and never had people greater need of ministerial help. When it will please the Lord of the harvest to send laborers here I know not ; there is no provision for their support. I am glad to hear so well of the little boys: their parents were well lately. Jacob Woolley is like to make a good scholar, and behaves well. My little daughter is lately returned from Cohansey, where she has been all summer, and has a great desire to go to Mr. Wheelock's with the Indian children, to learn LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 335 good things. May-be, sir, you may sometimes think of her in your retired moments : she is just turned of six. Accept of all duty and affection from, Reverend and honored sir, Your very humble servant, JOHN BRAINERD. NASSAU HALL, December 9, 1761 REV'D AND VERY DEAR SlR : Yesterday I had the pleasure of receiving your favor of the 6th ultimo, and conversing several hours with your son.* Am much pleased with his account of your school, and more than ever confirmed in my hopes that God de- signs something great by it. It gives me pleasure to hear of the safe arrival of the Indian child I sent last, of the comfortable situation of her and the rest of the children, and particularly what you inform me of about Hezekiah. Please to give my love to them: their parents and friends were all well a few days ago. Your son may expect every thing from me that he might from a father, so far as my ability reaches; but whether the Commissioners can take Joseph [Woolley] under their care depends upon our hearing from the So- ciety, and what we hear. We have had nothing yet from that quarter for Jacob's support, and his expenses have for some time been borne by the college fund : we hope to hear from the Society some time this winter, or in the spring at farthest. You may depend upon every * Dr. Wheelock's son was subject to nervous spasms, and his health broke down in Princeton College. He was put in charge of Brainerd. 336 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. thing in my power in favor of your proposal, if your son is suited with his situation and inclines to continue at the college. I am very unfortunate in not seeing dear good Mr. Pomroy.* I heard of his being gone southward, but could not learn when he expected to return. Hoped to meet him here at this time, but find he is not expected till next week, and uncertain whether then. My best regard to Mrs. Wheelock. I write in haste, and feel so aguish this morning that I think I don't do quite so well as common. You have goodness enough to excuse all, and to believe that I am Your most affectionate And very humble servant, JOHN BRAINERD. To the Rev'd Mr. WHEELOCK. * The Rev. Benjamin Pomroy, D.D., minister of Hebron, Conn., died December 22, 1784. His wife was a sister of Dr. Wheelock, and his daughter married Rev. David McClure. As a friend of the Re- vival and of Whitefield, he was once arrested and deprived by gov- ernment of his salary seven years. Dr. Trumbull describes him as a real genius, and among the best of preachers in his day. LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 337 CHAPTER XXXIV. ME. BRAINERD ELECTED MODERATOR OF THE SYNOD OF NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA HIS SERMON REV. SAMPSON OCCUM WEST- ERN MISSION HIS LETTER FROM GREAT EGG HARBOR. 1762. 1V/TR. BRAINERD was this year elected Mode- - L " J - rator of the Synod of New York and Phila- delphia, at its annual meeting in Philadelphia, May 19. For the first time he is entered as a member of the Philadelphia Presbytery, instead of New York. Why his relation was changed he does not tell us ; but probably the accession of new elements had made the Presbytery of Philadelphia more accordant to his taste. Fifty-nine members were present in the Synod, and fifty-three absent. Mr. George Duffield was made clerk. After one hundred years a Duffield and Brainerd have been often associated in Philadelphia ecclesiastical bo- dies in a friendship as cordial as that cherished by their namesakes of old.* The Synod f this year, threatened with a storm about "the examination * At the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church held in May, 1864, at Dayton, Ohio, Thomas Brainerd was elected Modera- tor, and George Duffield, Clerk, a singular coincidence. f Records of the Presbyterian Church, pp. 317, 224. 29* 338 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. of the experiences of candidates," went into a committee of the whole, with Mr. Brainerd in the chair, and finally reached a compromise, which did not satisfy all, but to which all submitted. Mr. Brainerd seems to have honored his office : unless a Moderator can do this, the office of Moderator never honors him. We have no report of Mr. Brainerd's missionary labors this year. 1763. Mr. Brainerd opened the meeting of the Synod of New York and Philadelphia with a sermon from John ix. 4: " I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day : the night cometh, when no man can work." A characteristic text, marking the practical, energetic, martyr-like spirit of the preacher. No theological hair-splitting, no rancorous con- troversy, no transcendental dreamings, no rhetori- cal flourishes, no parade of great learning, no ego- tistic sentimentalism, we will venture to affirm, had a place in that sermon. It was the voice of John "crying in the wilderness," that men should repent and do works meet for repentance. Synod directed that: "The members who have made collections for the In- dian mission are ordered to pay the same to Mr. Ewing before to-morrow morning. " Ordered, that there be a collection made in all the LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 339 congregations under the care of this Synod, both in those who have and who have not ministers settled among them, for the Indian mission and the Indian school ; and that every Presbytery take care that the collections in their vacancies be made in due time; and that thirty pounds be given to a schoolmaster for the ensuing year; and that Messrs. John Meas, John Wallace, George Bryans, John Bayard, Isaac Snowdon, be requested to assist Mr. Brainerd to build a schoolhouse, and to dis- pose of the money collected for the use of said school, and lay the accounts before the next Synod; and that Mr. George Bryan be appointed treasurer of the com- mittee. " Ordered, also, that Mr. Ewing procure a state of the accounts of Mr. Sergeant, relating to the Indian mission under the care of Mr. Brainerd, and lay them, with an account of the money received by himself, before the Synod at their next meeting. 11 A request from the corporation for the relief of poor and distressed Presbyterian ministers, etc., was brought in and read, which is as follows : " 'Nov. 1 6, 1762. At a meeting of the corporation in this city it was agreed, that this board appoint some of their members to wait on the Synod at their next meet- ing, and in their name request that some missionaries be sent to preach to the distressed frontier inhabitants, and to report their distresses, and to let us know where new congregations are forming, and what is necessary to be done to promote the spread of the gospel among them, and that they inform us what opportunities there may be of preaching the gospel to the Indian nations in their neighborhood. " c And it is agreed that the necessary expenses of these missionaries be paid by this board, and that Messrs. John 340 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. Meas, Dr. Redman, William Humphreys, George Bryans, Treat, Ewing, and the secretary, wait on the Synod, and earnestly press them to grant this request.' "In consequence of the above request, the Synod ap- point Messrs. Beatty and Brainerd to go on the aforesaid mission, as soon as they can conveniently, so as to be able to return to make a report to the corporation at their next general meeting in October ; and that Messrs. Wil- liam Tennent, sen., McKnight, and Hunter supply Mr. Brainerd's pulpit and take care of his concerns among the Indians, and that Mr. Treat supply Mr. Beatty's pulpit once every three Sabbaths. Mr. Chestnut is to supply at Barnegate and Manehockin the first Sabbath of Sep- tember." This mission failed ; the Synod, next year, say : u The Moderator and Mr. Brainerd were prevented from fulfilling the order of the Synod in their mission to the frontiers, and the whole design of the mission was entirely prostrated by the breaking out of the Indian )) O, war. Messrs. Duffield and Beatty afterwards accom- plished this work. We have only one letter of Mr. Brainerd's this year: it is mainly devoted to Dr. Wheelock's affairs. We give a brief extract: GREAT EGG HARBOR, June 6, 1763. REV'D AND DEAR SIR : I thank you for the letter by your son, and your kind * Records of the Presbyterian Church, p. 335. LIFE OF JOHN BR4INERD. 341 present of the pamphlet giving account of the rise and progress of your school. I spoke to Dr. Alison in favor of it : found he was fur nished with one of your books. He seemed cordial, but was afraid nothing could be obtained at present from the fund. I expect to set out some time next month, in company with the Rev'd Mr. Beatty, on a journey to the remote Indians. We propose to go up the branches of the Sus quehanna, from thence to Alleghany, down to Pittsburgh and parts adjacent, and endeavor to learn the state and temper of the Indians. I hope it may have some good effects. My best regards to Mrs. Wheelock : love to the chil- dren in the school. The parents of those belonging to us were well lately. I am more encouraged with our Indians than some time ago : they are more sober and industrious. The Synod of New York and Philadelphia at their last session determined to support a school among them ; and voted Mr. Occum 65 for the current year to assist him in his mission. I hope God intends some good to the poor Indians : may the time haste when the earth shall be filled with his glory. I am yours, etc.,, JOHN BRAINERD. To the Rev'd Mr. WHEILOCK. 29* 342 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. CHAPTER XXXV. SYNODICAL ACTION JACOB WOOLLEY WHITEFIELD's SUCCESS IN COL- LECTING MONEY A REVIVAL NEEDED SICKNESS OF GILBERT TEN- NENT SENDING OCCUM TO EUROPE. 1764. rPHIS was one of the most important years in Mr. Brainerd's life. In the Synod he must have been a most influential member. He was put on the Committee "to appropriate the money for pious youths in Princeton College," made one of the members of the "Commission" for the year, and one of the "Committee of Correspondence with the American and Foreign Churches," which comprehended delegates from New England. The Synod say : "The Indian affairs come under consideration, and Mr. Brainerd reports that there has been paid into his hands the sum of twenty-eight pounds, nineteen shillings, and four-pence, provincial currency, which money, with other collections that are or may be put into his hands, the Synod order to be laid out, as in manner ordered last year, for the support of the Indian school ; and that the money allowed for the support of the master shall not exceed fifty pounds provincial currency ; and further ap- point that a collection be made this year also, through their bounds, for the support of said school, and that LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 343 each Presbytery take care that said collection be duly made through their bounds, and that they lay their ac- counts, regularly adjusted, before our next Synod. " And Mr. Brainerd further reports, that there appears to have been paid to Mr. Occum about the sum of thirty- four pounds, provincial currency."* Mr. Brainerd' s letters furnish a glimpse of his manner of life. BROTHER-TON, March 31, 1764. REV'D AND DEAR SIR : Yours of December 1763, came last evening by your son, who is now with me, and Mr. Kirkland, f a very * Presbyterian Records, p. 336. f Mr. Kirkland, "the pretty, agreeable youth," was afterwards the Rev. Samuel Kirkland, a missionary among the Indians, who died March 28, 1808, aged sixty-six. He donated the land for Hamilton College ; and it may be said that through him and Dr. Wheelock both Hamilton and Dartmouth Colleges rose up, indirectly but really, as a result of Indian missions. "Mr. Kirkland was the son of Daniel Kirkland, minister of Nor- wich. After enjoying for some time the advantages of Wheelock's school, he finished his education at the College in New Jersey, where he graduated in 1765. While at school he had learned the language of the Mohawks, and he commenced a journey to the Seneca Indians, in order to acquire their language, November 20, 1764, and did not return till May, 1766. June 19 he was ordained at Lebanon as a missionary to the Indians. He removed his wife to Oneida Castle in 1769. She was Jerusha Bingham, whose mother was a sister of Pre- sident E. Wheelock, in whose family she long lived. In the spring he went to the house of his friend General Herkimer, at Little Falls, and them his twin children were born, August 17, 1770, of whom one was President Kirkland, of Harvard College. His daughter Jerusha married John H. Lothrop, of Utica, the father of Rev. S. K. Lothrop, of Boston. About 1772 he removed to Connecticut, and afterwards lived for a time at Stockbridge. For more than forty years his atten- tion was directed to the Oneida tribe in New York, and he died at 344 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. pretty, agreeable youth: I hope the Lord designs to make him a blessing to his church. Your son is tole- rably well. I am very sorry to have such a melancholy account of Jacob Woolley ; but he is in the hand of God, and we must pray for him. His grandmother and aunts were very much affected when we told them to-day, which was done in the most prudent manner. I am likewise pained for poor Enoch Class ; am afraid he will be wicked. But what your son tells me of Josey and the rest is com- fortable: may the Lord perfect what is lacking. With pleasure I heard of the collection at New York for your school, by the instrumentality of our dear and very worthy Mr. Whitefield. The Lord makes him a blessing wherever he goes: may he long be continued such to the Church of God. New York and the churches in these parts have met with a very great loss in the death of dear Mr. Bostwick. I know not how the vacancy will be filled up; but the great Lord of the harvest lives. Our valuable young brother Mr. C. J. Smith has been faithfully laboring in these frozen parts all winter, and is, I trust, an helpmeet of very considerable good in this un- cultivated world. He is a good young man : he will tarry five or six Sabbaths longer with us. I have greatly to mourn my unsuccessfulness among the Indians, and yet (I thank God !) some good is done. I have had three persons under examination some time for baptism, two of whom have evidently been wrought upon of late, and one or two great backsliders give some hopes of returning. The prospects among the while Clinton, in that State, the place of his residence in the neighborhood of Oneida." Aliens Biographical Dictionary. LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 345 h n appear something encouraging in several in- stances. All glory to Him who does all things well! My kind salutations to the children : their parents are all well. I redeem a few moments to write this from my sleep: It is between eleven and twelve, and my pen writes very badly. Adieu. Honored and dear sir, I am yours till death, JOHN BRAINERD. Rev'd Mr. WHEELOCK. The hopes of both Dr. Wheelock and Brainerd to make their educated Indians useful begin to shake. BROTHERTON, June 17, 1764. REV'D AND VERY DEAR SlR : This incloses a line to poor Jacob Woolley : I wish it may have some good effect on his mind. His awful apos- tasy is truly affecting, and very distressing: the Lord, in great mercy, bring him again to the exercise of his reason and make him yet a vessel of honor. I have sent the letter open (written in some haste), that, if you judge it not best to send, you may suppress it, or alter, or add, as you think proper. Oh that the Lord would reclaim other apostates too, awaken sinners, comfort saints, and build up Zion ! Blessed be his holy name for the good news we have from Long Island and some other parts : may this glorious work overspread the land and become a praise in the whole earth ! There is little of it in these parts : I hope our infinitely gracious God will hear prayer and revive his work. We kept a fast, by Synodical appointment, the day before yes- terday, principally on that account. Oh, when shall we 30 346 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. "see his tribes rejoice, And aid the triumph with our voice" ? It is certainly a mournful time now; yet, alas! how few mourners ! may the number be multiplied by thousands ! In my neighborhood there is little more than some dis- tant prospects, such as people becoming disposed to exert themselves to build meeting-houses, propose for the set- tlement of ministers, etc., which yet has something en- couraging in it ; and I would hope the time draws near when a glorious shower will fall upon us. Oh, may it be plenteous and extensive ! Dear Mr. C. J. Smith has been very helpful in the winter past. I am in a poor, low state of body, scarce able to go on with my work anyhow. I thought sometimes last win- ter I must have wholly desisted; but was considerably better in the spring; otherwise I believe I should have attempted a journey into New England. Now for about three or four weeks I have been down again, very weak and languid : nevertheless, I do officiate in several places as well as I can. Ministerial help is greatly needed in this neighborhood : half a dozen ministers might be well employed here every Sabbath. How afflicting to have the faithful laborers so disproportioned to the harvest: may the Lord greatly increase their number ! Mr. Gilbert Tennent is far gone with a kind of fever- ish habit ; he has not been able to preach for some time, and in all probability will not continue long. He has been, you know, a laborious servant in the Lord's vine- yard, and we know not how to spare such ; but the resi- due of the Spirit is with Christ. My best regards to Mrs. Wheelock. I have not heard whether your son is come to college : my love to him if he is at home, and Mr. Kirkland. My little daughter LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 347 sends duty to Mr. Wheelock and Mrs. Wheelock, and desires in the best manner she can to express her grate- ful sense of your son's kindness in the present he sent her after he was here last spring, and Mr. Kirkland for his. The [Indian] children's parents and relations are all well. I send my love to them, and a solemn charge to behave well and be good children. I humbly ask the continuance of your prayers for me and mine, and am, with greatest respect Reverend and dear sir, Your very humble servant, JOHN BRAINERD. P.S. My little daughter comes in while I am folding up this, and says that Mr. Wheelock has two little daugh- ters, whom she desires to be remembered to in the kind- est and most respectful manner, which, she says, is the least she can do: she would write to them if she had time. The little monitor has freshened my memory and reminded me of my duty, in consequence of which I send my affectionate regards to your family. Did the Eev. George Whitefield originate the idea of which Dartmouth College was the final result? It would seem from the following letter that Whitefield, through John Brainerd, first pro- posed to Dr. Wheelock the plan of removing his school from Lebanon to the Indian Border, up the Connecticut, and to send Occum to England to beg for it. These two ideas, whoever originated them, founded Dartmouth College. 348 LIFE OF JOHN BR4INERD. BROTHER-TON, October 9, 1764. REV'D AND DEAR SIR : Yours of yth August I received at Commencement, but could not possibly get a moment to write then. Am greatly afflicted that my miserable, wretched creatures are such a trouble to you, and like to turn out so poorly after all. The Lord pity and help us ! Alas ! I am greatly distressed at home too: some of the Indians behave in- conceivably bad ! I know not what the Lord designs with these distressed creatures : oh that His infinite mercy may reach our de- plorable case ! We have had several days of fasting and prayer of late, besides what have been of public appoint- ment, and the Lord is gracious to us in many respects, forever adored be his sacred name ! Some Christians are considerably enlivened, and some are lately added, of such as, I hope, shall be saved. I had an interview last week with Mr. Whitefield, at Philadelphia. He was indeed at Princeton, and preached Commencement-morning half-after eight ; but I could get no time with him that day, and next morning early he went off westward. He says he will do all in his power to raise a fund for Indian service in Great Britain, etc., if a good plan can be laid, and that he thinks I must go with Messrs. Occum and Fowler to transact the affair. But how can my extensive, extremely necessitous charge be taken care of? I also alleged my unfitness for such an important undertaking with real sincerity and, I think, much propriety. But he said, " I was Mr. David Brain- erd's brother," etc. I mentioned Mr. C. J. Smith. He objected to his youth, want of experience and acquaint- ance with mankind. I said then, Mr. Smith must sup- ply my place ; but Mr. Smith is up the North River, and LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 349 could not hear a word of what we said, and thus the matter stands. Mr. Whitefield has written to him to be in Philadelphia some time this month : perhaps he will be the man, after all, to cross the Atlantic. For my part, I feel just at the disposal of Heaven. I should be glad of the advantage of a year in Great Britain, not to mention the agreeable- ness of such a tour and how much it would gratify my curiosity: I have also tender connections here, and it is likely it would be with loss to my outward circumstances, etc. But all these I entirely set aside, and feel myself wholly at the disposal of Divine Providence. Where I can be the instrument of most good and best serve the interest of our dear Divine Master, that is the spot, and no other : may Heaven direct and order for the best ! But what plan will you lay ? Mr. Whitefield thinks a tract of land should be procured and a house built, and he would be glad as near as might be to the Indian settle- ments ; that the boys should be taught all sorts of plan- tation-work, to read and write English, arithmetic, etc. ; but that it would be quite lost to teach them the dead lan- guages, etc., as I suppose he told you at your interview. I am glad you have a Commission for Correspondents in Connecticut : cannot you and we correspond as bodies ? We have written, desiring the Society to send Letters of Commission to the Trustees of New Jersey College, and make that board, for the time being, their Correspondents and Commissioners for propagating the gospel among the Indians; but have no return yet. It is likely the Society will grant our request. I am sorry for your poor, dear son : the Lord grant him the grace of patience and resignation to his will, and send him help in the best time ! I cannot, as a friend, advise him to apply for a degree unless he is at least tolerably 3D* 350 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. well qualified with learning. The trustees, as such, can- not think of showing favor, how much soever they would be desirous to oblige as private friends. My best regards to Mrs. Wheelock; kind love to your son, Kirkland, and the Indian children, their parents are generally well. My humble, affectionate salutations to the reverend Commissioners, particularly dear Mr. Pomroy ; my little daughter sends duty to Mrs. Wheelock, and love to dear little misses. Pray do not at any time forget, Reverend and dear sir, Your affectionate, unworthy JOHN BRAINERD. Mr. Brainerd seemed to acquiesce in his pro- posed visit to Europe with Mr. Occum. The fol- lowing letter is on the subject, though some parts are unintelligible at this day. Precisely what he expected of Mr. Livingston he does not tell us. NEW YORK, December 19, 1764. REV'D AND DEAR SIR : I arrived here yesterday in the forenoon ; after dinner waited on Mr. Wm. Livingston. Delivered your letter, and he read the copies: thinks highly of your school, as also Mr. P. V. B., his brother, who read them before dinner. Afterwards I waited on Mr. David Vanhorn, who says Mr. Whitefield is friendly to your school and desirous to promote it, but did not think well of Mr. Oc- rum's tour: I set the matter in as good a light as I could. Then I waited on the Hon. Mr. Smith and his lady, and did as you bid me. His three eldest sons were there, the third, a doctor, lately from England, France, and Hol- land, where he has spent several years. They read the LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 351 copies, seemed much pleased, and the doctor begged that he might copy that from Onohquanga, at least. They expressed great satisfaction respecting your school, and seem to think it will be best to have it continued where it is, and particularly Mr. Wm., the eldest son, was very full in that opinion. They doubt of Mr. Occum's capa- city, say he preached very poorly here ; but Mrs. Smith thinks he would do, and they say he might, if he could get more acquaintance with men and things, carefully study a number of sermons and commit them to memory, etc. Mrs. Smith can think of no man that would do to go with him but Mr. Rodgers : your humble servant, you may be sure, was not mentioned. I am satisfied, and still feel as I did at your house ; but more than ever think it ne- cessary that the matter should be agitated and determined soon, that I may know what to depend upon; for it must take me a good while to settle my affairs and make neces- sary provision. I would go as strong as possible. Mr. P. V. B. Livingston mentioned Mr. Occum's in- capacity, that on the whole he hopes he might do; he would have another with him, and, if possible, a Mo- hawk. They all say it would be of great advantage at least, if not necessary, that those who go, especially the Indians, should be well acquainted with the interior parts of this land, Canada, the lakes, forts, Indian towns, cas- tles, etc. I am sensible it would be a good thing ; but every thing cannot be obtained. However, as there is now peace with the Indians, it might be worthy of thought whether it would not be best to spend a year in getting such acquaintance. I propose, if the weather will per- mit, to set out this afternoon for New Jersey. Hope to hear from you by your son : forgot to ask you to let him come and tarry with me as many days as he can when he comes to Princeton. 352 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. My best regards to Mrs. Wheelock; compliments to the young ladies, Mr. Lothrop, and Mr. Smith; love to the children, etc. Please to correct inaccuracies, I write in haste, and accept most cordial salutations from, Revejend sir, Your affectionate servant, JOHN BRAINERD. To the Rev'd Mr. WHEELOCK. Dr. Wheelock, a shrewd and statesmanlike man in the Church, eagerly caught at Whitefield's idea, as may be inferred from the following appeal which he made to the Correspondents : " To the Honorable Board of Correspondents in the Province of New York and New "Jersey , commissioned by the Honor able Society in Scotland for Propagating Christian Know ledge. "The Memorial of Eleazar Wheelock, of Lebanon, in the Colony of Connecticut, humbly showeth : 14 That, by the blessing of God upon endeavors used, the Indian Charity School, which he has for several years last past had under his immediate care, is now increased to the number twenty-six ; and the prospect both of the increase of their number and the usefulness of the under- taking, as well as the expense of it, is yet growing; that several of this number are young gentlemen whom he apprehends to be well accomplished for a mission among the Indians, and ten others of them are Indian youth, whom he esteems well qualified for schoolmasters, ex cepting that some of them yet want age, which difficulty, he supposes, may be well accommodated by their being under the inspection, direction, and conduct of the mis- LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 353 sionaries, and such of the schoolmasters as are of ripe age and judgment are ready to be authorized and sent with them. "These are, therefore, to pray your Honorable Board to take it into consideration, and grant the concurrence of your endeavors with ours in these parts for the further- ance and speedy accomplishment of the design in view ; and particularly that you would grant liberty to the Rev. John Brainerd, your missionary, to go to Europe in com- pany with an Indian from these parts, to solicit the cha- rity of such as are of ability for the support of this school, and such missionaries and schoolmasters as Divine Provi- dence shall enable us to send ; and that you would com- missionate, authorize, and suitably recommend him, said Brainerd, for that purpose, and also recommend the design itself to the charity of God's people abroad, etc. "All which is, with much respect, honorable gentle- men, humbly submitted to your consideration and deter- mination by "Your most obedient "And most humble servant, "ELEAZAR WHEELOCK, "Dated at Lebanon, in Connecticut, "January 14, 1765."* Dr. Wheelock accompanied his petition with the following letter to the President of the Board of Correspondents : "LEBANON, January 14, 1765. "SiR: " I am informed that the calling your Board of Com- missioners together is committed to you, which occasions * Manuscript of Dr. Wheelock, furnished by Dr. Allen. 30* 354 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. you the present trouble. You will see by the prayer in- closed what is designed, and the difficulty of proceeding in any other manner at present. " If your Board shall see fit to return answer in favor of my request, I pray you would not fail to make as speedy return to me as may be ; for I would not fail to have every thing done that is necessary and suitable, to put Mr. Brainerd under all advantages possible to serve the design in the proposed tour. "Please, sir, to accept sincere respects "From your unknown friend, "And very humble servant, "ELEAZAR WHEELOCK. " WM. PEARTREE SMITH, Eiq." Why Mr. Brainerd failed to carry out the sug- gestion of Whitefield and the desire of Dr. Whee- lock, that he should go with Occum to Europe, and why the Rev. Nathaniel Whitaker, of Norwich, Conn., took his place, we are left to conjecture. The mission realized fifty thousand dollars; and, though the Indian school finally died out, Dart- mouth College arose as the result of the mission. We are sorry, on his own account, that Mr. Brain- erd lost the personal benefits of the contemplated European tour. The modesty that declined noto- riety and despised intrigue and spiritual ambition made it more desirable that his friends should give him position and prominence. It was hard to find one willing to labor in the wilderness for the poor Indians, but easy to select a man ready to travel for them in Great Britain. Desirable posts in LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 355 Church and State never "go a-begging." The , Rev. Mr. Whitaker performed his duties with en- ergy and success in Europe. He went recom- mended by Sir William Johnson, Lord Sterling, and General Thomas Gage, by six royal Gov- ernors, many eminent judges, senators, lawyers, and merchants, and by fifty-eight of the leading clergymen of all denominations in America. This gave the mission weight in England, while the novelty of the Indian Occum's preaching drew crowds to hear the appeals of the mission. The Rev. Mr. Whitaker also published his appeals in a little book, issued in London, 1765. He was the right man in the right place. 356 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. CHAPTER XXXVI. MR. BRAINERD DECLINES TO GO TO NEW YORK HIS LETTER OF CON- DOLENCE HIS SALARY DISAPPOINTMENTS IN HIS INDIAN YOUTH. 1765. rTlHE Synodical "Commission," of which Mr. Brainerd was for several years a member, was a "committee ad interim* borrowed from the Scotch judicatories. It had, during the year, the authority of the Synod itself, and its sessions were as formally opened with a sermon.* Mr. Brain- erd' s continued membership of this committee marks his status among his brethren. The Synod, as usual, granted Mr. Brainerd the interest on the Indian fund "as an addition to his salary." They also "Ordered, that a collection be made for propagating the gospel among the Indians, and for teaching their children ; and that the several Presbyteries take care it be made in all their congregations, as well in those that want as in those that have settled ministers; and that * "I have before me, in a pamphlet, a sermon preached before the Commission of the Synod at Philadelphia, April 20, 1735, by E. Pem- berton, pastor of the Presbyterian Church in the city of New York. The dedication ' to the Reverend Commission of the Synod ' refers to its having been 'preached in obedience to your commands.' " Dr. Hall's History of the First Presbyterian Church, Trenton, p. 94. LIFE OF JOHN B REINER D. 357 each Presbytery appoint some member to bring into next Synod a particular account how every congregation in their bounds has complied with this order." * New appeals from aggrieved parties were given entirely into the bands of two committees, to meet at the residence of the parties "to issue arid deter- mine both those matters." As a peace-maker, Mr. Brainerd had a place on each of these committees. The Rev. Dr. Wheelock, writing to Sir William Johnson, says: "The Board of Correspondents in New Jersey have been applied to for Mr. Brainerd for the Oneida mission ; but, for several reasons, he cannot be obtained. "f The following letter of condolence to an afflicted friend presents the writer in a very amiable light. The lady addressed we have already described : J NEWARK, September 16, 1765. MADAM: I have lately had the mournful news of the much la- mented death of Colonel Williams, your honored and very worthy consort. I heartily condole with you in this great and public loss, great to many, but greatest of all to you. But, whoever is the loser, he is doubtless an in- finite gainer. He has exchanged darkness for light, and a vale of tears for a crown of glory ; left a world of sin and sorrow for the perfection of holiness and everlasting * Presbyterian Records, p. 350. f Documentary History of New York, vol. iv. p. 357. t See p. 316. 31 358 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. joys, where he has the beautiful sight of Christ and the blissful enjoyment of him, and out of all danger of ever losing the glorious vision and blessed fruition while time and eternity endure. This, madam, must needs be matter of unspeakable comfort to you under the afflicting hand of God, in the sore bereavement you have lately been exercised with, and especially as you expect shortly, through Infinite Grace, to ascend yourself and join the same glorious company, I mean the general assembly, consisting of angels, archangels, and the spirits of the just made perfect, there to spend a blessed eternity; not in the company of your dearest earthly friend only, but in the enjoyment of God and Jesus Christ, the com- mon friend of lost and perishing man. May these and the like considerations support you under the heavy stroke; and may you sensibly have the comfort of that blessed promise: "All things shall work together for good to them that love God." That the Lord may favor you with much of his divine and gracious pre- sence, much more than make up the loss you sustain in the death of a most valuable man and the dearest of earthly relations, and after many profitable and comfort- able days on earth admit you to join the adoring hosts above, and spend a blessed eternity in the rapturous vision and fruition of God and the Lamb, is the un- feigned desire and prayer of, madam, Your obliged, humble servant, JOHN BRAINERD. To Mrs. WILLIAMS, widow and relict of Colonel Elisha Williams, late of Wethersfield, Conn. We ought, perhaps, here to remind the reader that, though we have hitherto regarded Mr. Brain - erd mainly as a laborer among the Indians of Bro- LIFE OF JOHN BR4INERD. 359 therton, he in fact, from his first advent there, as- sumed the responsibility of a domestic missionary among the destitute whites of the New Jersey Pines and along a coast of nearly one hundred miles, from near Cape May to Shrewsbury and Shark River. His position as an Indian mission- ary was very trying : he loved his Indians too well to leave them. But they were too few to justify the entire appropriation of his time and energies. He clings to them, but at the same time, with apostolic fervor and benevolence, travels far and wide along the coast and among the Pines to give the gospel, gratuitously almost, to the destitute whites. How much they needed reformation, those who have read the history of the " Piners" in New Jersey will understand. 1766. We glean from the minutes of the Synod this year a pretty definite idea of Mr. Brainerd's salary at this period of his hardest and most self-denying labor. The Synod say : "Mr. Brainerd is appointed to receive the money in the hands of the Trustees of New Jersey College for Indian affairs for the current year, as an addition to his salary." And again : "From last year's minutes, some affairs respecting Mr. Brainerd's mission to the Indians, with some papers now 360 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. received from him, were taken under consideration ; and it is ordered that what moneys have been collected last year for this mission be put into the hands of Mr. Treat, jun., an account of which he is desired to give the Synod to-morrow." Once more: "The Synod resolves to support the Indian school under Mr. Brainerd's care, and for that purpose order such mem- bers as have not this last year made collections immediately to collect, and transmit to the hands of Mr. Joseph Treat or Mr. Ewing, to be paid to Mr. Brainerd ; and that the money now in Mr. Treat's hands be paid to Mr. Brainerd as soon as possible, which sum appears to be twenty-one pounds, sixteen shillings, and one penny." According to this, the salary of Mr. Brainerd consisted of twenty pounds from the interest at Princeton, and twenty-one pounds, sixteen shil- lings, and one penny, making in all a little over forty pounds, with two or three pounds' addition by Mr. Ewing; and this, with all his extra ex- penses lor his Indians, all his journeys to meet missionaries, and all his domestic missionary la- bors in a field so obscure, so wide, and so poor that when he died his churches decayed, and no Presbyterian minister rose to follow him for near a hundred years. Truly he waged a warfare at his own charges. The Synod had some sympathy for him, as they this year say: "Mr. Brush is appointed to assist Mr. Brainerd in sup- plying the vacancy in his neighborhood." LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 361 The following letter to Dr. Wheelock shows that Mr. Brainerd's anxiety in sending his young Indians to a distant school was not groundless. We read such a letter with sorrow : FORKS or EGG HARBOR, February 26, 1766. REV'D AND VERY DEAR SlR I I received a letter from you some time this winter which I had not opportunity to answer, and so, as is too common in more important matters, deferred preparing until an opportunity should present to reply ; and now I hear of a vessel designed for New London in about a fortnight, but am on a journey and can say but a few things. I was grieved to hear such an account about poor, un- happy Enoch. His mother, who is a calm, Christian woman, was, indeed, very much hurt, but behaved under it as became her character; but his father used me ill, and charged me with what had befallen his son. I was obliged to give him a good setting down, and soon quieted him, so that in a few minutes he was very hum- ble, and begged me to write, and he would go to New England and look for his son. I discouraged that, as it was a bad season in the year and he a drunken fellow, telling him I would write to Mr. Wheelock. If there- fore, dear sir, you can be any way instrumental in get- ting him home to his parents, it will, I think, be the best thing that can now be done. I am very much grieved for the trouble you have already had with him ; I could wish a hundred times he had never gone a step that way. Pray, sir, if you can hear any thing of him at Rhode Island or elsewhere, let him know that his parents would have him come home, and the sooner the better. SI* 362 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. Where is Jacob Woolley? I have not heard a word of him since I was at your house. I wish I could get a sight of him, poor, unhappy youth ! Some of our Indians behave better of late than they did. Where is Josey Woolley ? and how does he manage ? Where is Mr. Smith ? and what encouragement has he ? And, above all, how does your poor school live? I am sorry from my heart I can do nothing but say: "Be ye warmed." Where is Mr. Whitaker ? I never heard whether he went to England. In haste. Reverend and honored sir, Yours most cordially, JOHN BRAINERD. LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 363 CHAPTER XXXVII. SCHOOLMASTER PAID BEATTY AND DUFFIELD'S TOUR AND JOURNAL CONGREGATIONS TROUBLED BY SNAKES FORT PITT, AND LABORS THERE SUCCESS AMONG THE INDIANS MR. BRAINERD AND HIS IN- DIANS URGED TO MIGRATE TO OHIO THE INDIANS REPLY IN THE NEGATIVE. 1767-68. E Synod of New York and New Jersey begins to be more considerate of its first foreign and domestic missionary. It says: " The affairs of Mr. Brainerd's school came to be con- sidered, and the Synod agree to allow Mr. Brainerd the sum of thirty pounds per year for the last three years for defraying the expenses of the Indian school, which sum he acknowledges he has already in his hands. " And it is further agreed to allow Mr. Brainerd the sum of thirty pounds for the support of the Indian school for the current year, and the sum of twenty pounds as an addition to his salary for bis extraordinary services in form- ing societies and laboring among the white people in that large and uncultivated country." * As if his labors were not sufficient, they impose, no doubt with his consent, new responsibilities. In 1766, the Synod had appointed Messrs. Duf- * Records of Presbyterian Church, pp. 371, 275. 364 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. field and Beatty to go together the first of August, and preach at least two months among the desti- tute on the frontiers of the province. These gen- tlemen went accordingly, and a report of their tour was published in 1768, drawn up mainly by Dr. Beatty.* In their report to Synod in 1767, they say: "That they performed their mission to the frontiers and among the Indians. That they found on the fron- tiers numbers of people earnestly desirous of forming themselves into congregations, and declaring their will- ingness to exert their utmost in order to have the gospel among them, but in circumstances exceedingly distress- ing and necessitous from the late calamities of the war in these parts; and, also, that they visited the Indians at the chief town of the Delaware nation on the Muskin- gum, about one hundred and thirty miles beyond Fort Pitt, and were received much more cheerfully than they could have expected. That a considerable number of them waited on the preaching of the gospel with pecu- liar attention, many of them appearing solemnly con- cerned about the great matters of religion ; that they ex- pressed an ardent desire of having further opportunities of hearing those things; that they informed them that several other tribes of Indians around them were ready to join them in receiving the gospel, and earnestly de- siring an opportunity. Upon the whole, that there does appear a very agreeable prospect of a door opening for * "The Journal of a Two Months' Tour with a View of Promoting Religion among the Frontier Inhabitants of Pennsylvania, and of Introducing Christianity among the Indians to the westward of the Alleghgeny Mountains. By Charles Beatty, A.M. London, 1768." LIFE OF JOHN BR4INERD. 365 the gospel being spread among those poor, benighted, savage tribes." The Synod in 1767 appointed "The Rev Messrs. Brainerd and Cooper to pay a visit to our frontier settlements and Indians on Mus- kingum and other places, and tarry with them at least three months this summer, provided the report brought back by the Indian interpreter Joseph from them, and delivered to the Rev. Dr. Alison and Messrs. Treat, Beatty, and Ewing, proves encouraging; which gentle- men are hereby appointed a committee to receive and judge of said report. " Ordered, also, that Messrs. Brainerd and Cooper take no money from the frontier settlements for their ministe- rial labors among them. " Ordered, that Mr. McKnight supply Mr. Brainerd's place among the Indians and at Mount Holly the second, third, and fourth Sabbaths of July, and that Mr. William Tennent serve Mr. McKnight with a copy of this mi- nute." We have procured Mr. Beatty's journal from London. In their journey outward, leaving Car- lisle August 16, they threaded the water-courses among the mountains, and preached wherever they found straggling settlers in the valleys. It is somewhat difficult to follow them on the Juni- ata, and fix their stations.* All was rude and * Above the present Lewistown on the Juniata, Mr. Beatty records the following scene: "While the people were convening, it began to rain, and the rain continuing obliged as many as could to crowd into 366 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. wild in their way. They reached Fort Pitt on September 6, in twenty-five days from Carlisle. "The Rev. Mr. McLagan, chaplain of the garrison, with other gentlemen of the place, furnished them with blankets to sleep in, and some other necessaries, so that they fared as well as they could expect." Their expectations from Pittsburgh at that time seem to have been very moderate. They preached on the Sabbath "to the garrison, and the people, who live in some kind of a town without the fort," the first sermons ever preached in Pittsburgh, ex- cept by army chaplains. September 10, they left for Keahlampaga, the residence of the King of the Delawares, one hun- dred and thirty miles distant, and reached his place, near Zanesville, on the 18th. Being cor- dially received by the king, they delivered an ad- dress. Among other things, they gave him: " First, a message from the commanding officer at Fort Pitt, informing that their fathers, the English^ concerned for them and pitying their state of ignorance, sent now two ministers to ask them whether they would embrace the Christian religion, that they might see clearly as we a small house. While I was preaching, and the people were very attentive, we were alarmed by a rattlesnake creeping into the house, it being pretty open; but this venomous creature was happily disco- vered and killed before it did any damage. Scarcely were the people well composed again, before we were alarmed anew by a snake of an- other kind being discovered among the people, which was also killed without any detriment besides disturbing us." LIFE OF JOHN BRA1NERD. 367 do, and that the evil spirit might not tempt them any more to what is wrong; that he expected they would treat these men, sent them on such a good errand, well, and send their young men to hunt for them and bring them back safe to the fort, and that he wished they would put in execution what their agent and he at the last treaty had invited them to do, namely, to return back to their old towns and there live, that they might be nearer their brethren the English^ who might more easily send ministers to teach them. Secondly, we told them that, some years ago, our Great Council (for such we called our Synod), who met from different provinces once a year to consult about religion, did appoint two of their number to come out to speak to them about the great things of religion ;* but that the war breaking out stopped up the path and thereby prevented their coming, for which we were very sorry, and therefore prayed ear- nestly to the great God that the war, so hurtful to them and us, might come to an end and peace again be re- stored; that now the great God had granted our request." They gave a string of wampum with their mes- sage. Mr. Beatty continues : "In the evening, Tepis-cow-a-hang and his sister, both advanced in years, came to our house, who both had for- merly been in New Jersey at the time of the revival of * "Referring to Mr. John Brainerd and myself [Beatty], who were appointed by the Synod to visit them ; but as we were preparing for our journey, the last war broke out. Had we been among the In- dians at that juncture, we had probably either suffered death or cap- tivity ; and therefore it appears a very kind interposition of Provi- dence that we were not set out on our mission." Bcatty's Journal, pp. 45, 4fi, 47, 49. 368 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. religion among the Indians there, and had received some good impressions under the ministry of Mr. David Brain- erd. They desired us to talk to them about religion, which I did some time by the interpreter, particularly concerning backsliding, and pointed out to them in the plainest manner I could how they should come to God again through the Lord Jesus Christ." * The next day the Indians responded to the ad- dress; they said: "Our dear brothers, what you have said we are very well pleased with, as far as we can understand it; but, dear brothers, when William Johnson spoke with us some time ago, and made a peace which is to be strong and forever, he told us we must not regard what any other might say to us ; that though a great many people all round about might be speaking a great many things, yet we must look upon all these things only as when a dog sleeps, and he dreams of something, or something dis- turbs him, and he rises hastily and gives a bark or two, but does not know any thing or any proper reason why he barks : and just so the people all round that may be saying some one thing, and some another, are to be no more regarded, and therefore they cannot understand or hear any in any other way." Messrs. Beatty and Duffield stayed ten days, and thought that nearly forty-seven Indians had some "considerable impression made on their minds by their preaching." They left with light hearts and * Beatty's Journal, pp. 45, 46, 52. LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD, 369 their hopes elevated by the success of their mis- sion.* One incident of their mission had a special refer- ence to Mr. Brainerd and his Indians at Brother- ton. On the Sabbath, September 21 : " About four o'clock two of the council returned, and gave our interpreter Joseph a belt of wampum with a speech, the purport of which was to invite the Christian Indians in New "Jersey, under the care of the Rev. Mr. John Brainerd, to come to Qui-a-ha-ga,f a town the king and some of his people here had lived in, about seventy miles northwest of this place, where, as they said, there was good hunting, and where they might have a minister with them ; and all the Indians who de- sired to hear the gospel, as they gave us to understand there was a number of such, might then go and settle with them." This invitation Messrs. Beatty and Duffield re- ported to Mr. Brainerd's Indian congregation. Their response was as follows, reported by Mr. Beatty : J * Mr. Beatty was credulous. He records with confidence the state- ment of a white man found among the Indians, "that he had visited a tribe who spoke Welsh, and had a book in that language." Mr. Beatty also tells a story of a captive Welshman about to be put to death by the Indians, who saved his life by praying in Welsh at the stake. The Indians understood him, and let him go. See Beatty's Journal, p. 24. f Probably an Indian town on Cuyahoga River, near the present villages of Alton or Cuyahoga Falls, or at the mouth of the river where Cleveland is built. J Beatty'b Jdurnal, p. 93. 32 370 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. " A copy of a Letter from the Christian Indians under the care of the Rev. John Brainerd, in New Jersey , to their brethren the Delaware tribes to the westward of Alle- ghgeny River, in answer to a message and invitation sent by Joseph, our interpreter, to go back and settle among them (dated February, 1767), which message, etc. is men- tioned in this journal. "To the Chief of the Delaware Tribes of Indians, and all that reside at Ke-la-mip-pa-ching, on the other side of Alleghgeny. "BROTHERS: "You sent us a message by our friend Joseph Peepy, with a belt of wampum, which we have returned by him, according to your order, with these strings, which he will deliver to you at a proper time. " Brothers, you tell us we sit near a great water, where we are in danger of being drowned ; and you take us by the hand and lead us, and set us down at Qui-a-ha-ga, where we may have good land, hunting and fishing, and where we may sit down quietly and worship God. " Brothers, we thank you in our hearts that you take so much care of us, and so kindly invite us to come to you ; but we are obliged to tell you that we do not see at present how we can remove with our old people, our wives, and our children, because we are not able to be at the expense of moving so far, and our brothers, the Eng- lish, have taken us into their arms as fathers take their children, and we do not think we ought to go without their consent, and indeed we cannot go without their assistance and protection. We have here a good house for the worship of God, another for our children to go to school in, besides our dwelling-houses and many com- LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 371 fortable accommodations, all which we shall lose if we remove. "We have also a minister of Christ to instruct us in all our spiritual concerns and lead us to heaven and hap- piness, which are of more worth to us than all the rest. Now, whenever these difficulties can be taken out of our way, we shall cheerfully embrace your kind, friendly offer ; in the mean time we desire the path between you and us may be kept open, and hope that some of us shall be able soon to make you a visit. " Brothers, you tell us you behold us from a great dis- tance at our devotions, and desire to join us. " Brothers, we are very glad you have such good de- sires : certainly the Great Spirit above has given you these desires. We also should be very glad to have you with us in our holy devotions ; but our land here is so narrow that we cannot expect you will leave your wide, rich country and come to us, but we rather think that, after some time, we may be able to order things so here as that a number of us may come to you, if not all. " Brothers, you tell us you wonder none of us have been so kind as to make you a visit and inform you what we have met with, and desire we would now tell you. "Brothers, we have not been altogether negligent in this matter. Some of us have gone several times to Wyoming and other parts of Susquehanna to inform our brothers there of the good things which the Lord has made known to us ; and some of us who were at Lan- caster with our minister, when the last Council-fire was kindled there, would gladly have informed all the Indians thereof what we had learned about the Christian way, and now also we are cheerfully willing, with all our hearts, to let you know what we have found and met with. " Brothers, we have learned the whole of our duty. 372 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. We know what will please God, and what will displease him; what will bring us to happiness, and what will make us miserable; and so now, if we are not forever happy, it will be our own faults. But, alas ! though we know all this, we are not so good as we should be. We have also learned to pray, sing psalms, and some of us can read and write. " Brothers, what we have now told you of is the sub- stance of what we have learned; but we cannot on this little piece of paper tell you every thing particularly. " Brothers, you tell us you desire we should come, that we might teach you the Christian way, and how you also may come to be happy. " Brothers, we wish to do this with all our hearts, so far as it is in our power, and are sorry you are so far from us. "Brothers, we have learned many good things, it is true, and should be very glad to see you and talk with you as brethren ; and some of us might teach you to sing psalms, and to read and to write, but are not fit to be ministers, nor are we called to that high office. Minis- ters are men that the great God calls to preach the gos- pel, and to teach mankind what they must do to be saved. And when they preach, they speak in God's name : from such we received the gospel, and all other heathen people that have been made Christians have been made so by the preaching of God's ministers. Two such men, we are informed, you had with you last sum- mer; and we do not doubt that, if you desire it, they or some others will visit you again, at which we shall very much rejoice. "Brothers, we have heard our minister say he has a great concern for you ; and though we always want him at home, yet we should be willing to part with him a LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 373 while that he might teach you and do you good, as he has done us. He has lived with us many years, and we know him to be a good friend to the Indians and that he seeks their best good. " Brothers, we wish you all good ; that you may have good ministers to take you gently by the hand, and lead you safe to heaven and happiness. And, that you might obtain this great good, we think it might be well for you to speak to Sir William Johnson, who, you know, is the person the great king George has appointed to speak to the Indians, and we do not doubt he would be willing to help you. He might also, perhaps, so order matters that we, after some time, might remove to you and be very happy in your country. " Brothers, we desire to commit you and all that con- cerns you and us to the great God, who made all things. "We pray that he would take you under his particular care, and that you and we may so know him and his Son Jesus Christ as that we may meet in heaven and be happy with him for evermore. "We are your sincere friends and loving brothers, "(Signed) THOMAS STORE, JOSEPH MEECHY, STEPHEN CALVIN, ISAAC STILL, JACOB STAKET." Who can read this letter without emotion? Thomas Store and Stephen Calvin were the fathers of children sent to Dr. Wheelock. This mission of Messrs. Duffield and Beatty to the Muskingum, and the invitation of the Indians to Mr. Brainerd's 32* 374 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. congregation, no doubt led to the appointment of Messrs. Brainerd and Cooper to go West in 1767. They failed to go. The Synod v in 1768, says: u The Synod proceeded to consider the affair of the Indian school under the inspection of the Rev. Mr. Brainerd, and it appears from Mr. Brainerd's report that there is still a school existing among the Indians under his care; and this Synod do agree to continue to support said school, and do appoint the usual salary of thirty pounds to be paid to Mr. Brainerd for the ensuing year ; and do order the clerk of the Synod to give an order for that sum on the Synodical treasurer. It is further agreed to allow Mr. Brainerd twenty pounds as an addition to his salary for his extensive services and labor in those uncul- tivated parts, and that the clerk also give an order to Mr. Brainerd on the Synodical treasurer for this purpose. "The Synod do also appoint Mr. Brainerd to receive for the current year the sum of eighteen pounds, being the interest of the money in the hands of the Treasurer of New Jersey College, appointed to support an Indian mission. " Messrs. Brainerd and Cooper report, that they did not execute their mission among the Indians on the Muskingum and other parts, as ordered at Synod, by reason of the discouraging accounts brought in by the interpreter Joseph, sent out as mentioned in our last year's minutes, and other discouraging circumstances; and, as it appears that Mr. Brainerd had occasion to be at the expense of sending an Indian to prepare the way for his intended mission, therefore the Synod do agree to pay the sum of five pounds to discharge said expense. " Ordered, that the Synodical treasurer pay said sum." * * Records of the Presbyterian Church, p. 380. LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 375 Dissatisfied with the hitherto loose manner of conducting missions, the Synod this year appointed a committee, of which Mr. Brainerd was one, " to draw up a plan" and report next year. This was a prelude to those modern mission boards and so- cieties which have long been the order of the day. As^a Church, Presbyterians were early in the field of missions. It is believed that about this period Mr. Brain- erd left his Indian home in Brotherton, and re- moved to Bridgetown (now Mount Holly), a village seven miles from Burlington and fifteen from his former residence. The Synod in 1767 appointed Mr. McKnight to supply Mr. Brainerd' s place among the Indians and at Mount Holly. It seems that he then had, in addition to his great domestic missionary field along the shore and his Indian charge, a congre- gation at Mount Holly (or Bridgetown) ; and thither he removed in 1768. His reasons he does not give for the removal; perhaps he was driven there by pecuniary necessity or failing health. At Mount Holly he was near two of his stations, Rancocas and Quakertown, now Vincenttown. Located at Mount Holly, where he gathered a congregation and built a church, he purchased property near his church-edifice, and erected a dwelling and a schoolhouse. We have seen the deeds of this property, which is now the site of 376 LIFE OF JOHN BR Al NERD. a modern church in Mount Holly, situated on "Brainerd" Street. The late venerable John Mc- Dowell, D.D., of this city, in the reorganization of the Presbyterian Church at Mount Holly, October 27, 1839, alluded feelingly to the early church planted there by John Brainerd, but which had been left to die out. From the doctor's manu- script, kindly furnished us by him shortly before his death, we make an extract. He said: "Brethren, this was anciently Presbyterian ground, and we are about to-day not to introduce something be- fore unknown in this place, but to restore that which long since existed and probably flourished among you, but which has fallen into decay. A Presbyterian church existed in this place for many years in the last century, and for a time enjoyed the ministerial and pastoral labors of that eminently pious and devoted servant of God, the Rev. John Brainerd, as I have learned from a respectable and aged citizen of this place, of another denomination, since my arrival here. Mr. Brainerd preached between twenty and thirty years, and was much beloved, and was instrumental in doing much good among the inhabit- ants of the place, and also among a tribe of Indians in the neighborhood. "Mr. Brainerd died about sixty years since, in 1781, in Deerfield, in Cumberland county, whither he removed. During the Revolutionary War, the house of worship, which was then situated on your graveyard, was torn down by the British soldiers. After that, I understand, for some time the congregation had occasional preaching in private houses ; but by degrees the church declined, until it became extinct." LIFE OF JOHN BR4INERD. 377 We shall again have occasion to refer to this early church at Mount Holly ; we only allude to it now to explain the date of the following letter: BRIDGETOWN (MOUNT HOLLY), February 12, 1768. REV'D AND DEAR SIR : The reason of my inability to answer your letter was, I could not tell what assistance I should want of you for the journey to the Western Indians. The provision to be made here was uncertain, and depended upon a meet- ing of the Corporation for the Widows' Fund, who have moneys for propagating the gospel. That corporation sat some time after, but did nothing in the affair. The rea- son assigned was, "the present prospect of an Indian War." This melancholy prospect has since increased. Ten of the Indians have been cruelly murdered by a white man, the man apprehended and confined with irons, but soon after forcibly taken out of Carlisle jail ; all which and much more you doubtless have seen or will see in the public papers. Besides satisfaction for this barbarous outrage, the In- dians, I am told, demand three things : 1. That all the white people be removed off their un- purchased lands. 2. That there be a line drawn and settled between them and the English. 3. That the blood shed by the murder of the Indians some years ago in Lancaster jail be wiped off. I am also informed that Sir William Johnson has writ- ten to some of our governors, particularly of Pennsylva- nia, of aggrievances and disturbances among the Indians in those parts. 378 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. While things are in this sad situation, you doubtless will be of opinion with us that to attempt any thing of the kind before proposed would be very imprudent. We must no doubt wait a more favorable opportunity, which may the Lord hasten, though I something scruple my ever embarking in it again: my state of body is too weak and slender for such fatigues. We are all tolerably well, through Divine goodness, and the Indian children's parents, etc., were so lately. The Lord smile on all our attempts to enlarge the kingdom of his dear Son, and hasten the blissful period when he shall reign from the rising to the setting sun. When you feel well, try to remember us, and particu- larly, Reverend and dear sir, Your very affectionate JOHN BRAINERD. P.S. It won't do for Hezekiah* to be anywhere near his father. To the Rev'd Dr. WHEELOCK. * Hezekiah Calvin, the son of Stephen Calvin, one of Mr. Brain- erd's Indian elders at Brotherton. We shall see that he disappointed the hopes of his excellent father : when at home, he was unreliable. LIFE Of JOHN BRAINERD. 379 CHAPTER XXXVIII. MR. BRAINERD'S SCHOOL WHEELOCK'S INDIAN PUPILS VERY IMPER- FECT MR. BRAINERD ASKS A COMMITTEE OF SYNOD ON HIS MIS- SIONARY AFFAIRS "FIFTY-NINE POUNDS FOB FIVE HUNDRED SER- MONS." 1769. fTlHOUGH Mr. Brainerd had only reached the - 1 - age of forty-nine, the "shadows of the even- ing" seemed to be gathering over his life. He complains more of ill health; he is less prominent in the Synod; he is sent on fewer missions. All his health and time and energies were demanded by the great field of his personal labor. As his hopes failed in regard to giving permanent cha- racter and prosperity to his Indian mission, he seems to have devoted himself entirely to founding churches among the scattered whites. The Synod this year appointed a committee, consisting of Drs. Alison, Witherspoon, Rogers, and Mr. Brainerd, to see if a plan of missions could be reported next year. They also say : "From Mr. Brainerd's report respecting the school under his inspection, which the Synod agreed to support, we find it hath not been kept up more than half the last year, for which we therefore allow him fifteen pounds, 380 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. which is half of what was voted last year. But, as he expects he shall be able to continue that school the cur- rent year, having provided a master for that purpose, voted that he be allowed thirty pounds for the support of it. "Ordered, also, that Mr. Brainerd shall receive for the current year the sum of eighteen pounds, being the inte- rest of the money in the hands of the Treasurer of the College of New Jersey for the support of an Indian mis- sion, and that he also have twenty pounds from the Sy- nodical treasurer for the continuance of his labors in the year past in those desolate parts where he has been use- fully employed, and the Synod desire Mr. Brainerd to supply in these parts as formerly." * t They continued him on the Great Committee to meet, on the 14th September, at New Haven, in the Convention of Presbyterians and Congre- gationalists, assembled for the purpose of devising measures to resist the inroads of Episcopal autho- rity. He was in an obscure field, but still honored by his brethren. f They appointed him to supply vacancies at Burlington, Gloucester, and Cape May counties. * Records of Presbyterian Church, p. 0g. f Sir Walter Scott, in one of his novels, makes an old gray-haired butler, who had been in the family forty years, affirm that his gray head was an emblem of both his and his master's honors, i.e.., lie thought it honorable to himself that he had been so long employed, and honorable to his master that he had the discrimination to appre- ciate him. Mr. Brainerd might have said this to the members of the New York and Philadelphia Synod. LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 381 BRIDGETOWN (MOUNT HOLLY), February 3, 1769. REV. AND DEAR SlR : It is true I am not a good correspondent, I have neither inclination nor facility to write letters; but I think I have a friendly heart, and sincerely wish pros- perity to Zion and your Indian academy. Two of your kind letters are now before me : one by Miriam Store,* which came the last of November, the other bearing date the 4th of July last, which I came across in a journey a few days before. Much of the contents of both are very afflictive to me. Is it so, then, that all our painful labors and long-continued ex- pense must be unspeakably worse than lost? I could give you a long detail of baseness and ingratitude, such as I did not think could exist even in Indians till of late. I know of no other way than to bear every thing or quit the service. Dr. Whitaker gave me a sad account of Hezekiah,f which was grievous. I was glad, however, of an inter- view with him : shall always think myself well employed when attempting any thing for the promotion of your school. Pray draw upon me often that way, if there be occasion ; I shall always most readily answer your bills in the best manner I can, though I am sensible it is little I can do. I yet sometimes feel a very strong bias towards Indian affairs, notwithstanding I have been so pitiably used by them. Should be very glad of an interview with you, and the more so if it could be any degree of comfort to you in your worn-out state. * The Indian girl mentioned already as sent to Dr. Wheelock's school. f Hezekiiih Calvin. 33 382 LIFE OF JOHN BR4INERD. Miriam came to Bridgetown with a heavy heart ; was there some time before my return from a journey. Told Mrs. Brainerd* she was on the point of turning back when she came to New^London, and even after she got to New York. Speaks very well of Dr. Wheelock and all his family, etc. After the receipt of your letter, I took an opportunity to talk with her; she appeared to be considerably affected, but, upon the whole, did not discover so good a temper as I could have desired. Her behavior since her return, as far as I know, has been unexceptionable. I have not been able yet to get her into a tailor's shop as a journeywoman, to perfect her trade. She at present does house-work with a serious, religious woman in this town, and is well liked. I return you very many thanks for your faithful and painful care of her and the rest. Her poor old parents were overjoyed to see her: I wish she might be a blessing to them.f I told Stephen Calvin about his son, the watch, etc. I know not what he intends to do: he did not desire me to write any thing about it. The account from Oneida is very comfortable: may the work spread far and wide, and Jesus reign in all that barbarous world. By the first opportunity please to give my kindest regards to Mr. Kirkland, and congratulate him * About nine years after the death of his first wife (during which time his only companion was his little daughter Mary), Mr. Brainerd married Mrs. Elizabeth Price, of Philadelphia, who survived him, and died in 1783. She was a woman of great excellence of charac- ter, not only a good wife to Mr. Brainerd, but a most affectionate and beloved mother to his only daughter. Of her family relations we have no knowledge. f We infer that Miriam had run away from Dr. Wheelock's school and returned home. She seems to have been not much worse than other girls of her age. LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 383 for me. The Lord comfort his heart and strengthen his hand abundantly. My best salutations to Mrs. Wheelock, in which Mrs. Brainerd joins : kind love to your son and family. Reverend and dear sir, Your very humble servant, JOHN BRAINERD. BRIDGETOWN (MOUNT HOLLY), June 22, 1769. REV'D AND DEAR SIR : Hezekiah Calvin* is this minute come into my house, on his way to New England, and finds me just returned from a journey into Pennsylvania. He has behaved pretty well, for any thing I know, since he has been in these parts. I have given him the offer of the school if he could behave steady and well : he talks of accepting the offer after his return from New England. Miriam Store is not the thing I want her to be, by any means. She has, however, behaved better of late than last winter. I am greatly distressed often. There is too much truth in that common saying: "Indians will be Indians." I am at present very poorly, almost worn out ; have neither time nor strength to write. Send the most cordial salutations, in which Mrs. Brainerd joins with, Reverend and honored sir, Your affectionate JOHN BRAINERD. * Hezekiah Calvin had become unsteady. In 1766, three years before, Dr. Wheelock said of him, "he is a sober, well-behaved youth, and teaches a school among the Mohawks. He is a good scholar in English, Latin, and Greek, and writes a good hand."- Whcdock 's Narrative, London, 1766. 384 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. BROTHERTON, August 25, 1769. REV'D AND DEAR SIR : I have been some years attempting to send the gospel to Muskingum, and met with repeated disappointments ; some of which you have not been unacquainted with. Two years ago I furnished out an Indian to go into their country and carry a letter to Natotrohalament, chief king of the Delawares, who resides at Kalamapa- hung, an Indian town five days' journey from Fort Pitt westward, and containing, I am told, about one hundred huts. The Indian wholly deceived me, spent my money another way ; afterwards was taken sick, and never went, nor ever returned me a copper of the expense. Some time last month there was one to visit me and the Indians here from those parts. He appeared to be one of the most sincere, modest Indians I have met with for a long time, and, to all appearances, was indeed a pretty fellow. He appeared likewise to be a man of note among the Indians, much inclined to embrace Christian- ity, and bid fair to be an instrument of introducing it among his neighbors. By him I sent another letter to the king, attended with wampum as before, but have lately had the afflicting news of his being murdered by the white people on his way thither. It is also said that murders are committed by the Indians on some of the frontiers. Sad, indeed ! Alas ! that there should be so many afflictions to that which is of so much importance. I expected the above Indian here again next spring, and intended in the mean time to exert myself to the uttermost that a minister and schoolmaster should be provided to go back with him, and had some thoughts, if my state of body should permit, to go myself; but now I know not what to do. I do not intend, however, to give out so, and beg you would have your eye out LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 385 for some proper persons to go in both those characters, and let me know. It is beyond doubt that the above- mentioned king and a number more in that town are friendly to Christianity. I have had thoughts of attending the Convention at New Haven, where my principal business would have been to lay some foundation, if possible, for erecting a mission at Kalamapahung ; but my state of health is low, and I have other obstacles in the way, too: this late news is also very discouraging. I hope you will be at New Haven, and, if so, every thing that can be done will be. I want to hear very much from Mr. Kirkland, and what prospects there still are in that part of the world. Miriam Store has been gone several months from us: I hear of late that she is in East Jersey, not far from where the Indians formerly lived. I wish I could write more comfortably about her. Hezekiah is gone into New England : I send you a few lines by him. If he returns and behaves well, I shall employ him in the school here. My best salutations wait on Mrs. Wheelock. I am, reverend and honored sir, Your ever affectionate JOHN BRAINERD. Rev'd Dr. WHEELOCK. We give, to fill up the history of this year, the following from the Scotch Society : Extract from Minutes dated Edinburgh, February 1 6, 1769. "Letters from Mr. Brainerd, with a journal of his pro- ceedings, and from the Society's Correspondents at New York, being read, representing Mr. Brainerd's diligence 33* 386 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. in his mission, his misfortune in having expended money for erecting and furnishing a house for worship and for the residence of a missionary upon the tract of land pur- chased by the Government for the Indians, on the faith of being reimbursed by the Government, of which he was and is likely to be disappointed. The letters further propose that the Trustees of the College of New Jersey be appointed Correspondents, and they send a belt of wampum in a present to the Society from the Oneida Indians. " Ordered, that letters be wrote acquainting the Cor- respondents that as to Mr. Brainerd, though the Society are very much pleased with the diligence shown in his journal of his proceedings, and sincerely regret the ex- pense of money he has been at, yet their funds cannot admit to reimburse him at this time. They wish he would represent the matter either to Governor Bernard himself, who pledged his faith for his reimbursement, or to the present Governor of the Province ; and are hope- ful in that way he may still obtain redress."* 1770-71. The Synod appointed a committee to visit Mr. Brainerd' s school, with power to draw on the treasurer "for such moneys as the exigencies of the school might require, and report to the next Synod;" and voted "twenty pounds for the con - * "The Minutes of the General Meeting of the Society for Propa- gating Christian Knowledge, so far as concerns their proceedings with regard to their Foreign affairs, end here. "DAVID W. MOREIS, "Librarian p. t. to United Presbyterian Church. "EDINBURGH, 1862." LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 387 tinuance of his labors the ensuing year in those desolate parts where he has been so successfully employed." Twenty pounds for supplying seven or eight stations ! all they had to give ; but how much less than he required! He was again sent to the "Convention" at Elizabethtown, but otherwise is not mentioned in the records of 1770. We have no details of the year's trials and labors. May 20, 1771, the records say: "Mr. Brainerd reports that he has under his care an Indian school since the 24th of December, which he expects to continue through the summer, and possibly through the winter also. "Ordered, that the Treasurer for the Synod pay Mr. Brainerd fifteen pounds for the half-year which shall end the 24th of June. And Dr. Alison, Dr. Witherspoon, Messrs. Ewing, Sproat, Treat, and Beatty, are appointed a committee, who are to meet the last Wednesday of August at ten o'clock, who shall visit the school and judge whether it shall be continued the winter half-year; and, if it appears to them that the school has been con- tinued through the summer, that they may draw upon the treasurer for fifteen pounds more, and then determine whether it is expedient to continue the school through the winter, and to engage with Mr. Brainerd in behalf of the Synod to allow him fifteen pounds also for that term, in case it be continued. "It also appears to this Synod that Mr. Brainerd has labored very diligently in the numerous destitute vacan- cies to which he was appointed the last Synod ; the trea- surer is therefore ordered to pay Mr. Brainerd the twenty 388 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. pounds voted him last year for the said service ; and it is also agreed to allow Mr. Brainerd twenty pounds for the ensuing year, provided it shall appear at the next Synod that he continues to. preach the gospel in the numerous and destitute vacancies in his neighborhood. "Mr. Brainerd requested that some members of this body should be appointed to inspect the journal of his last year's labors in the destitute places in his neighbor- hood, and to report the state of his accounts with respect to that service ; and Messrs. Hunter and Spencer are or- dered a committee for that purpose." On the 22d, tins committee reported ; they say : "The Committee appointed to examine Mr. Brainerd's accounts from the year 1760 to the year 1770 inclusive, report that Mr. Brainerd had received from the several congregations he hath from time to time supplied in the neighborhood of Monohawkin and Egg Harbor only the sum of fifty-nine pounds nineteen shillings, though he had preached upwards of five hundred times among them, and that his accounts respecting the Indian school stand fair." * Fifty-nine pounds nineteen shillings for five hundred sermons! He had been engaged for years; he had travelled in all weathers, and on all roads but smooth and well-beaten ones; he had erected some half-dozen churches; and all this outside of his main work; and, as a return for this labor, he had received for five hundred sermons less than sixty pounds, or about two shil- * Records of the Presbyterian Church, pp. 415, 41fi, 418. LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 389 lings a sermon. This is the grasping avarice of the Presbyterian clergy! This man was doubtless called by some, in contempt, a hireling preacher! If men must live by the gospel, it is little wonder that when Mr. Brainerd died, so far as Presbyte- rian ministers are concerned, his field lay desolate for near a hundred years. We have a single letter from Mr. Brainerd in 1771. It has little of interest, except that it shows the warmth of his heart. NEW HAVEN, October 16, 1771. REVEREND SIR: I thank you for your favor of the yth instant by Mr. Davenport, and desire very sincerely and affectionately to condole with you and the public on the death of your dear son, the Rev'd Mr. Maltby. The Lord take care of his dear fatherless and motherless children, and send to the people of his late charge a pastor after his own heart. And may Heaven's blessings in abundance rest on you, your dear family, and charge. I long to see you, your college, etc., but cannot now: what may be hereafter I know not. Can say nothing farther respecting the intended mis- sion on the Muskingum. I send all respectful salutations to Mrs. Wheelock and your family. I am, most affectionately, JOHN BRAINERD. 390 LIFE OF JOHN BR4INERD. CHAPTER XXXIX. MISSION OF MESSES. MCCLURE AND FRISBIE TO MttSKINGUM ME. BRAINEBD'S LETTEES ON HIS OWN EMBARRASSMENTS. 1772. FT1HE Synod say: "Mr. Brainerd's Indian school appears to have been successfully continued since our last Synod six months, for which it is agreed to give him fifteen pounds; and we farther desire him to continue the school this year at the expense of the Synod, and we appoint Messrs. Spen- cer, Hunter, and Green to visit the school twice before next Synod, or oftener, if convenient. "It appeared also to the Synod that Mr. Brainerd had very fully complied with the order of last Synod, in sup- plying the numerous vacancies in his neighborhood : there- fore the treasurer, agreeably to the order of last year, is directed to pay him twenty pounds. Ordered, also, that Mr. Brainerd receive for the ensuing year the sum of eigh- teen pounds, being the interest of the money in the hands of the Treasurer of the College of New Jersey for the support of an Indian mission." * The correspondence of Mr. Brainerd with the Rev. Dr. Wheelock this year is unusually full, * Records of the Presbyterian Church, p. 427. LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 391 suggesting facts bearing on his character and his- tory. We have hesitated in spreading some of these facts before our readers; but it would be impossible rightly to represent this missionary if we failed to allow him to speak for himself in re- gard to difficulties which burdened and embarrassed his life and labors. We have seen what he received for his services, his school, and his mission, about fifty-five pounds a year from the Synod, and a few pounds additional, say five or six a year, from his white churches. He had expended much of his little estate in his mis- sion, expecting that Governor Bernard and the Gov- ernment of New Jersey, who had drawn him to the field, would see him through in the matter. He was disappointed. With advancing years and en- feebled health, he naturally became anxious to re- cover for his support and comfort what he had ex- pended in good faith for the benefit of his mission. Having no relief at home, he turned to his old friends in Scotland, and appealed to the Society for Propagating Christian Knowledge. He sup- poses Dr. Wheelock's European acquaintance and influence would avail to bring him relief. This explains the long letter among those that follow. TRENTON, June 19, 1772. REV'D AND DEAR SIR : We have of late some things that appear very un- friendly to our design of opening a mission on the Mus- kingum, or anywhere in these parts. There have been, 392 LIFE OF JOHN BR4INERD. if we are not misinformed, several murders committed between the Indians and white people on both sides, and a prospect of war between the Senecas and Delawares ; nevertheless, it appears to me best to prosecute the design as far as we can, and, by consulting Dr. Witherspoon and Mr. Spencer, I find they are of the same opinion : the doctor (Witherspoon) will write you on this head. If it be so that we cannot make a tour this year, per- haps the door may be open early in the spring. In the mean time, the young gentlemen* may be em- ployed in my boundaries; but, after all, the matter will be submitted wholly to your judgment and at your direc- tion. My best regards to Mrs. Wheelock, and kind saluta- tions to your son and family. I write in haste, and almost without pen and ink, but am, more than ever, Reverend and honored sir, Your affectionate friend, JOHN BRAINERD. BRIDGETOWN (MOUNT HOLLY), August 27, 1772. REV'D AND DEAR SIR : Yours by Messrs. McClure and Frisbief claims my thankful acknowledgments. It is not now before me. * Young men designing to enter on missions. f Rev. David McClure, D.D., spent some time with Mr. Kirkland at Oneida, afterwards graduated at Yale College in 1769, became a teacher in Dr. Wheelock's school, and in 1772 set out, in company with Mr. Frisbie, to visit the Delaware Indians on the Muskingum River, and made this call on Mr. Brainerd on his way. The mission was fruitless. His wife was the daughter of Dr. Pomroy, and niece of Dr: Wheelock. He died at East Windsor, Conn., in 1820, aged seventy-one. In 1811, in connection with Dr. Parish, he published the "Memoirs of Dr. Wheelock," in which there seems to be an am- bitious effort to connect him with great personages in England and LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 393 After the young gentlemen had been with me some days, as long as we thought best, and both preached in my borders, I attended them to Philadelphia, spent some days with them there preparing for the tour-work among the remote Indians. If the road had been open, I was to have gone with them to Muskingumj but, as the Board of Correspond- ents thought that not advisable at this time, it was con- cluded they should make a visit up the Susquehanna, especially the west branch, which puts out toward the Ohio ; and, as no great things were expected this season, my place here important, the summer far advanced, and my state of body very frail, I could not think it duty to accompany them on that tour. But, by a letter a few days ago from Mr. Sproat, I find that, as they proceeded westward, they had intelligence by the Indian traders that the ruptures and disturbances among the Indians, espe- cially in the parts where we first proposed to make trial, had happily subsided, and they determined to make their way for Muskingum. May Heaven prosper their way ! Their letter to Mr. Sproat was from Carlisle, about one hundred and twenty miles from Philadelphia, on the road to Fort Pitt, bearing date the loth instant. I hope they may meet with good acceptance among the Indians. I would have gone with all my heart, and given them the best introduction in my power; but Divine Providence, America, and to ignore Dr. Wheelock's earliest and warmest friends. When it mentions Brainerd, which it does but once or twice, it calls him Rev. Mr. B d. No wonder the book never readied a second edition. It was false to the heart and memory of Dr. Wheelock. The Rev. Levi Frisbie, a pupil of Dr. Wheelock, graduated in the first class at Dartmouth College, in 1771. After some years of faithful missionary labor, he was settled at Ipswich, Mass., in 1776, and died there, in 1806, aged fifty-seven. He was a most devoted and useful minister. 34 394 LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. if I mistake not, has ordered it otherwise, and, I trust, all for the best. Appearances here among the white people are more- encouraging ; among the poor, poor Indians less ; never- theless, I cannot help having a warm side towards the cause and nation, and would gladly penetrate far into their country, would my state of body permit. My best regards wait on Mrs. Wheelock : kind saluta- tions to your family, particularly your eldest son. I greatly rejoice at the prosperity of your college, and am, with unfeigned regard, Reverend and honored sir, Yours most affectionately, JOHN BRAINERD. BRIDGETOWN (MOUNT HOLLY), October 5, 1772. REV'D AND DEAR SIR : My last, dated some time in August, if I mistake not, gave you an account that Messrs. McClure and Frisbie were on their way to Fort Pitt, what obstructions the mission had met with, and the reasons why I did not accompany them as was proposed and as I expected. The young gentlemen set out by themselves, if I mis- take not, the 25th of July; but when they had proceeded about one hundred miles, hearing that those obstructions were in a great measure removed, they bent their course towards Fort Pitt, where, I hear, they are safely arrived, and expected soon to go for Muskingum. Frisbie was not very well; but Mr. McClure was determined to go alone if he should prove unable to accompany him. The state of things here respecting the white people wears a more hopeful aspect than for some time past : the Indians are in statu quo. I write in haste. My very kind regards to Mrs. Whee- LIFE OF JOHN BRAINERD. 395 lock and your family, and please to accept the same your- self from, Reverend and honored sir, Your very affectionate JOHN BRAINERD. BRIDGETOWN (MOUNT HOLLY), December 25, 1772. REV'D AND DEAR SIR : I have long expected to hear something from Messrs. McClure and Frisbie, but nothing since I wrote you last. I can hardly think they have omitted writing, but nothing has come to hand since the day I parted with them at Philadelphia. I cannot but be much concerned about them and the important embassy they went upon, and exceedingly want to hear and know something. You remember I informed you they took a different route from what we all expected when they set out. Had we apprehended the way clear to Muskingum, I could have gone with great cheerfulness at a proper season of the year, which the last of July was not. I had an inward inclination to go up the Susquehanna, the country they expected to visit when they went from us, but could not see a prospect of being so useful there as at home; and, besides, the Board of Correspondents at their last meeting did not appoint or advise my going. I hope, or at least most sincerely wish, that an effectual door may be opened in these parts and others for the pro- pagation of the gospel among the poor savages. Prospects here among the whites are rather more en- couraging than heretofore. Most of the Indians manage but poorly. Hezekiah Calvin is capable enough, but will not be any thing: he seems to choose to be a useless creature after all the encouragements I can give him. Miriam Store has had a most dreadful spell of rheuma- 396 LIFE OF JOHN BRAIN ERD. tism, is not able to go or stand, and has but poor use of her hands: she has been grievously afflicted for more than a year: I hope it may be for the good of her soul. The old man, her father, is yet living. There has been one remarkable instance of conversion or recovery in a great and grievous backslider : I hope it may be perma- nent, and be followed with many other instances. In November, 1763, the Correspondents appointed two of their members to examine my account, in consequence of which the following minute was drawn up: Mr. Brainertfs Pecuniary Statement. "We, the under-written, appointed by the Correspond- ents of the Society in Scotland for Propagating Christian Knowledge as a committee to inspect and examine the Rev'd Mr. John Brainerd's accounts of disbursem'ents in the said Society's service as their missionary among the Indians, do hereby report and certify that we have gone through and minutely examined his said accounts, article by article, and do clearly find that from the beginning of his said mission he hath expended in the said Society's service and for the benefit of the same the sum of three hundred and twenty pounds, New-Jersey proclamation- money, over and above his annual allowances from the said Society, and over and above the public collections and private donations received by him for the purposes of the said mission. 14 Witness our hand, this 5th of November, 1763. "WM. P. SMITH, Secretary, "SAM'L WOODRUFF." ' In December, 1763, I received toward the above 49 13*. bd. : the remainder of the principal, with the interest, yet remains, together with more than 159 spent in the same way since the above settlement. LIFE OF JOHN BR4INERD. 397 I do not know that it will be in your power, in any degree, to relieve me in the above premises ; and I must beg your pardon for giving you the trouble of such a dis- agreeable detail. Was I a person of fortune, no one, I think, should ever hear of it. The Correspondents have written repeatedly to the Society on the head, and no help is to be expected there. In their last letter they expressed themselves well satisfied with my conduct, and were sorry for my disbursements, but pleaded inability to refund ; nor have I any hopes, unless from your instrumentality or some other friend in New England. I wrote to Mrs. Smith, alias Williams, on the head some time in the fall, but have yet heard nothing. If the Correspondents could anyhow get it, they would ; for I offered to give 50 of it to the College at least, if not