CHAPTER XIII. DIARY OF JOHN BRAINERD AMONG THE INDIANS-HOW PRESERVED HIS SPIRIT OF DEVOTION-HIS INDUSTRY-HIS SELF-DENIAL. WE E are now allowed to let Mr. Brainerd speak for himself. The following diary we received from Mrs. John C. Sims, of Philadelphia, a greatgranddaughter of Mr. Brainerd. It is a small duodecimo 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 keepsake 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 holiness 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 estimate his own religious state, and enrich his mind by his own recorded experience and observations. The language is perfectly unstudied, devoid of grace, sometimes tame and repetitious, and, in respect to taste and spirit, is not equal to his brother's. He sees nothing which has not a bearing on religious duty. It is monotonous, like David's; but we say of it, as a record of evangelical labor, what Dr. Thomas Chalmers says of David's journal, "it is the monotony of sublimity." We could greatly enliven this diary by alterations and abbreviations, but in doing this we should throw a veil over the real spirit and character of the man. By giving it in his own language, we show more fully the missionary as he was; and no defects of style nor simplicity of narration will conceal that "beauty of holiness" with which the diary is filled. It was probably but one of a series of similar journals covering his life; but, excepting this fragment, all are lost. It begins abruptly, and extends through half a year. At its commencement, as he had been on the field two years already, the diary may be regarded as a fair specimen of his life and labors. Journal of Rev. John Brainerd among the Indians at Bethel, near Cranberry, N. J. Tuesday, Aug. 15, 1749.-Was something comforted in the duties of the morning, blessed be the Lord! I spent a considerable part of the forenoon in discoursing with sundry of my people, who came to see me. Afterwards had a little time to read. After dinner visited a poor young woman, whom I apprehend to be near her end. Prayed with her, but could have no conversation with her, she being not able to converse. Visited another sick person, and then returned home. Spent the remainder of the afternoon chiefly in reading. In my evening devotions had considerable freedom and comfort. O Lord, I humbly thank thee for all thy kindness and goodness unto me, most unworthy! Wednesday, Aug. 16.-Had some comfortable freedom this morning in prayer. Took care of some secular business. In the afternoon was called to attend the funeral of the young woman mentioned yesterday, and had considerable freedom in prayer at the sorrowful procession; afterwards spent some time in secret prayer, and a little before sundown called my people together, and explained the fifth and sixth commandments to them, concluding with some practical improvement and exhortation. Then returned home and attended family and secret duties, in which it pleased God to give me much freedom and comfort. Blessed be his holy name! Thursday, Aug. 17.-Was comfortable this morning in holy duties. Spent most of the forenoon in taking care of, and attending upon, one of the Indians, who was very sick. In the afternoon attended upon the funeral of one of my neighbors, the same mentioned in my journal of Lord's day and Monday.* A great number of people was present, to whom Mr. McKnight preached with freedom and earnestness. May the gracious Lord bless *This refers to a previous diary, now lost. 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, returned 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 evening 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 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 yesterday, &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,† 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! 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 answers to prayer, and hair-breadth escapes from enemies, have made him famous. He was a near neighbor and warm friend of the Brainerds, and often took the care of the Indian Church in their absence. Ile was a holy, active, warm-hearted man, of large-almost superstitious-faith, and just the man to cheer and comfort John Brainerd in his sadness and depression. Dr. Le Count was a pious parishioner of Tennent's. His name is still fragrant in New Jersey. |