These Indians (being near twenty in number) seem to be generally convinced of the truth of the Christian religion, 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 Susquehanna. 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 morning; attended divine worship with them, there being now about thirty persons more able to attend on religious worship. After meeting, went about half a mile to preach to a number of white people, at their desire (many of the Indians 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 divine worship with them, in which it pleased a gracious 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 behaved 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 attended 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 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 because 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. 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 Stockton'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,† and spent some hours with him, and came home about four o'clock in the afternoon. Spent the remainder of the day and evening 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 Lawrenceville. 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 academies. James Brainerd Taylor was here prepared for college. †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 are inclined to believe he occupied both Kingston (Milestown anciently) and Allentown. He died in 1749, shortly after this visit from John Brainerd. 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 worshipped 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 Christian friend, and afterwards attended family and secret duties, 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 belonging 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! 16 CHAPTER XVI. JOHN BRAINERD FOLLOWS THE INDIANS TO A MINERAL SPRING-INDIAN MISTRESS ATTENDING TO PRAYERS-REV. MR. DAVENPORTBRAINERD MAKES ANOTHER JOURNEY-ELIZABETHTOWN-NEWARK -REV. AARON BURR-THANKSGIVINGLEAVES HOME AGAIN-AMWELL-BRUNSWICK-REV. MR. ARTHUR. SAT ATURDAY, 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 medicinal 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 Lyme. With talents, piety, and zeal, fitting him for vast influence and usefulness, he fell into |