The Life of Rev. David Brainerd, Chiefly Extracted from His DiaryBrainerd, David
Religion
The Life of Rev. David Brainerd, Chiefly Extracted from His Diary
Brainerd, David
Indians of North America -- Missions -- Early works to 1800
“There were several Indians newly come, who thought their state good,
and themselves happy, because they had sometimes lived with the white
people under gospel light, had learned to read, were civil, &c.,
although they appeared utter strangers to their own hearts, and
altogether unacquainted with the power of religion, as well as with the
doctrines of grace. With these I discoursed particularly, after public
worship; and was surprised to see their self-righteous disposition,
their strong attachment to the covenant of works for salvation, and the
high value they put upon their supposed attainments. Yet after much
discourse, one appeared in a measure convinced that ‘by the deeds of the
law no flesh living can be justified;’ and wept bitterly, inquiring
‘what he must do to be saved.’
“This was very comfortable to others, who had gained some experimental
knowledge of their own hearts; for before they were grieved with the
conversation and conduct of these new comers, who boasted of their
knowledge, and thought well of themselves, but evidently discovered to
those who had any experience of divine truth, that they knew nothing of
their own hearts.
_Lord’s day, Aug. 25._—“Preached in the forenoon from Luke, 15:3-7. A
number of white people being present, I made an address to them at the
close of my discourse to the Indians; but could not so much as keep them
orderly; for scores of them kept walking and gazing about, and behaved
more indecently than any Indians I have ever addressed. A view of their
abusive conduct so sunk my spirits, that I could scarcely go on with my
work.
“In the afternoon I discoursed from Rev. 3:20; at which time _fifteen_
Indians made a public profession of their faith. After the crowd of
spectators was gone I called them together, and discoursed to them in
particular; at the same time inviting others to attend. I reminded them
of the solemn obligations they were now under to live to God; warned
them of the evil and dreadful consequences of careless living,
especially after their public profession of Christianity; gave them
directions for future conduct; and encouraged them to watchfulness and
devotion, by setting before them the comfort and happy conclusion of a
religious life.
“This was a desirable and sweet season indeed! Their hearts were engaged
and cheerful in duty; and they rejoiced that they had, in a public and
solemn manner, dedicated themselves to God. Love seemed to reign among
them! They took each other by the hand with tenderness and affection, as
if their hearts were knit together, while I was discoursing to them; and
all their deportment toward each other was such, that a serious
spectator might justly be excited to cry out with admiration, ‘Behold
how they love one another.’ Numbers of the other Indians, on seeing and
hearing these things, were much affected, and wept bitterly; longing to
be partakers of the same joy and comfort which these discovered by their
very countenances as well as conduct.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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