The influence of God’s word was not _confined_ to those who had given evidences of being truly gracious, though I calculated my discourse for, and directed it _chiefly_ to such: but it appeared to be a season of divine power in the whole assembly; so that most were, in some measure affected. And one aged man in particular, lately awakened, was now brought under deep and pressing concern, and was earnestly inquisitive “how he might find Jesus Christ.”
God seems still to vouchsafe the influence of his blessed Spirit, in all our meetings for divine worship.
November 30. I preached near night, after having spent some hours in private conference with some of my people. I explained the story of the rich man and Lazarus, Luke xvi. 19. 26. The word made powerful impressions upon many, especially while I discoursed of the blessedness of “Lazarus in Abraham’s bosom.” _This_ I could perceive, affected them much more than what I spoke of the _rich man’s_ torments. And thus it has been usually with them. They have appeared much more affected with the _comfortable_ than the _dreadful_ truths of God’s word. And that which has distressed many of them under convictions, is, that they wanted, and could not obtain the happiness of the godly; they have often appeared to be more affected with _this_, than with the _terrors_ of hell. But whatever be the _means_ of their awakening, it is plain, numbers are made _deeply sensible_ of their sin and misery, the wickedness of their own hearts, their _utter inability_ to help themselves, or come to Christ for help, without divine assistance.
Lord’s-day, December 1. I gave them particular cautions and directions relating to their conduct in divers respects. And pressed them to _watchfulness_ in all their deportment, seeing they were encompassed with those that “waited for their halting,” and who _stood ready_ to draw them into _temptations_ of every kind, and then to expose religion on their account.
Monday, December 9. I spent most of the day in procuring provisions, in order to my setting up house-keeping among the Indians.
Tuesday, December 10. Towards night I got into my own house.¹
¹ This is the third house that he built to dwell in by himself among the Indians: the first at Kaunaumeek in the county of Albany: the second at the Forks of Delaware in Pensylvania; and now this at Crosweeksung in New-Jersey.
December 12. I preached from the parable of the ten virgins, Matthew xxv. The divine power seemed to attend this discourse, in which I was favoured with _uncommon_ plainness of address, and enabled to open divine truths, in a ♦manner _beyond myself_.――There appeared in many an affectionate concern for their souls: and it was refreshing to see them melted into tears; some with _sense_ of divine love, and some for _want_ of it.
♦ “maner” replaced with “manner”
Lord’s-day, December 15. I preached to the Indians from Luke xiii. 24, 28. Divine truths fell with weight upon the audience. Near night I discoursed to them again from Matthew xxv. 31. to 46. At which season also, the word appeared to be accompanied with divine influence, and made powerful impressions upon the assembly in general, as well as upon divers persons in a very particular manner. This was an amazing season of grace! “The word of the Lord,” “was quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword.” The assembly was _deeply_ wrought upon; and the impressions made by the word of God appeared solid and rational, worthy of the solemn truths by means of which they were produced.
O how did the hearts of the hearers seem to bow under the weight of divine truths! And how evident did it now appear that they _received_ and _felt_ them, “not as the word of man, but as the word of God!”
*December 16. There was much affection and concern in the assembly; especially one woman appeared in great distress. She was brought to such an _agony_ in seeking after Christ, that the sweat ran off her face for a considerable time, although the evening was very cold; and her bitter cries were the most affecting indication of the _inward_ anguish of her heart.