write the life, and judiciously to select from the original volume the most important and interesting portions of the diary and journal, would be conferring upon the public a real benefit, as it would greatly reduce the book both in size and price, without at all diminishing its intrinsic worth. This task I was requested to undertake, and I engaged in it the more readily, as I hoped by cultivating a close intimacy with the spirit of this exemplary missionary I might greatly improve my own, At this time I was not acquainted with Mr. Wesley's abridgment, which therefore I thought it necessary to peruse, that I might avoid engaging in a needless labor. By this perusal I was rather induced to proceed in my undertaking, than influenced to lay it aside: and whatever imperfections may mark the present volume, I can venture to declare, that it is a ⚫ FAITHFUL record of Brainerd's PRINCIPLES, conduct, and experience as a Christian and a missionary. For the materials I am indebted to President Edwards, and for the extracts in their abridged form, after I had compared them with the original, I have to express my obligations to Mr. Wesley. Frequently I have indulged my self in reflection and remark; this perhaps may relieve and enliven the uniformity of narrative. I have taken pains to render the whole interesting and useful, and I trust that the volume will prove an acceptable addition to the devo tional library of younger Christians and students for the ministry. If any thing will quicken diligence, animate zeal, and spiritualize the affections, the diary and journal of Mr. Brainerd will not fail of success. His early departure from the field of labor, is an affecting consideration, and may teach the ministers of Christ the importance of doing immediately whatsoever their hands find to do; we may have but little time to live, and we have much to perform. Souls are perishing; every moment they are rushing in multitudes to that world "where there is no reviving spirit, and where the blood of Christ has no efficacy." The remarks of President Edwards, at the close of his narrative, form so valuable a portion of his work, that I could not persuade myself to close this volume without subjoining them, somewhat abridged, as an Appendix. His observations on the "Witness of the Spirit," should, in this age of antinomian delusion, be seriously read and deeply considered by Chris tians of all denominations: and that class in the religious world, who think themselves at the farthest possible remove from the immoral influence of antinomian heresy, would do well to examine how far their notions of distinct and immediate testimony have the same tendency with the principles of those whose spirit and conduct they so justly abhor. The sentiments of President Edwards, on this subject, are the sentiments of all rational and consistent Calvinists; and if ever the preachers of this denomination in the Christian church, abandon these views of the nature of Divine operations upon the mind, they will throw wide open the floodgates of fanaticism and licentiousness. J. S. West Cowes, Isle of Wight. CONTENTS. His going to college; the state of the college at that time. The revival there. Religious zeal. The danger of a zeal not according to knowledge. Brainerd's case. The painful result. The rector. and superiors of Yale college. Dangerous to of fend some men. An unforgiving spirit. The use The state of his mind previous to entering upon his great undertaking. Probable reasons of his dejection and mental exercises. His destination as The arduous nature of a missionary's word. Mr. Brainerd's residence with the Indians. His method Mr. Brainerd's return to Delaware. Extracts from his diary. His journies to different places. His preaching and success, as related by himself, as far as to the close of his first journey to Susquahannah river; another journey to New England. Its ob- |