The consideration of this, not only ought to be an _incitement_ to the people of God, but may also be a just _encouragement_ to them, to be much in seeking and praying for a general outpouring of the Spirit of God, and an extensive revival of religion. I confess, that God’s giving so much of a spirit of prayer for this mercy to so eminent a servant of his, and exciting him in so extraordinary a manner, and with such vehement thirstings of soul, to agonize in prayer for it, from time to time, through the course of his life, is one thing, among others, which gives me great hope that God has a design of accomplishing something very glorious for the interest of his church before long. One such instance as this, I conceive, gives more encouragement than the common, cold, formal prayers of thousands. As BRAINERD’S desires and prayers for the coming of Christ’s kingdom were very _special_ and _extraordinary_; so I think we may reasonably hope, that the God who excited those desires and prayers, will answer them with something _special_ and _extraordinary_. And in a particular manner do I think it worthy of notice for our encouragement, that he had his heart unusually drawn out in longings and prayers for the flourishing of Christ’s kingdom on earth when he was in the approaches of _death_; and that with his dying breath he breathed out his departing soul into the bosom of his Redeemer, in prayers and pantings after the glorious event; expiring in very great hope that it would soon begin to be fulfilled. I would not conclude these reflections without a grateful acknowledgment of the mercy of God in the circumstances of BRAINERD’S death, and especially the gracious dispensation of Providence to me and my family, in so ordering that he, though the ordinary place of his abode was more than two hundred miles distant, should be brought to my house in his last sickness, and should die here. Thus we had opportunity for much acquaintance and conversation with him, to show him kindness in such circumstances, to see his dying _behavior_, to hear his dying _speeches_, to receive his dying _counsels_, and to have the benefit of his dying _prayers_. May God in infinite mercy grant, that we may ever retain a proper remembrance of these things, and make a due improvement of the advantages we have had in these respects! The Lord grant also, that the foregoing account of BRAINERD’S life and death may be for the great spiritual benefit of all who shall read it, and prove a happy means of promoting the revival of true religion! _Amen._ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Perpetuated by the Donations of Messrs. George Douglass, Charles Starr and William A. Hallock, of New-York. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Transcriber’s Note