IV. Is there not much in the preceding memoirs to teach and excite to duty, us who are called to the work of the ministry? What a deep sense had he of the importance of that work, and with what weight did it lie on his mind? How sensible was he of his own insufficiency for this work: and how great was his dependence on God’s sufficiency! How solicitous, that he might be fitted for it! And to this end how much time did he spend in prayer and fasting, as well as reading and meditation; _giving himself to these things_! How did he dedicate his whole life, all his powers and talents to God and renounce the world, with all its ensnaring enjoyments, that he might be wholly at liberty to serve Christ in this work; and to please him who had chosen him to be his soldier. With what solicitude, solemnity, and diligence did he devote himself to God our Saviour, and, seek his presence and blessing, at the time of his _ordination_! And how was his whole heart constantly engaged, his whole time employed, his whole strength spent in the business he then undertook!――And his history shews us the right way to _success_ in the work of the ministry. He sought it as a resolute soldier seeks victory, in a siege or battle, or as a man that runs a race for a prize. Animated with love to Christ and souls, how did he “labour always fervently,” not only in word and doctrine, in public and private, but in prayers day and night, “wrestling with God” in secret, and “travailing in birth,” with unutterable groans, “until, Christ were formed” in the hearts of the people to whom he was sent! How did he thirst for a blessing on his ministry; and “watch for souls as one that must give account!” How did he go forth in the strength of the Lord God; depending on a special influence of the _Spirit_! And what was the happy fruit at last, though after long waiting, and many discouraging appearances! Like a true son of Jacob, he persevered in wrestling until the breaking of the day.
V. The foregoing account may instruct _Christians in general_; as it shews in many respects, the right way of _practising_ religion, in order to obtain the ends of it; or how Christians should “run the race set before them,” if they would adorn their profession, be serviceable to mankind, have the comforts of religion while they live, be free from disquieting doubts; enjoy peace in the approach of death, and “finish their course with joy.”――――In general he much recommended, for this purpose, the _redemption of time_, and great _diligence in watchfulness_.
*And his example, with regard to one duty in special, may be of great use to both ministers and private Christians: I mean the duty of secret fasting. The reader has seen how much Mr. Brainerd recommends this duty, how frequently he exercised himself in it; and of what great benefit it evidently was to his soul. Among all the days he spent in secret fasting and prayer, there is scarce an instance of one, but what was attended with a remarkable blessing.――――But it must be observed, that when he set about this duty, he did it in good earnest: “stirring up himself to take hold of God,” and “continuing instant in prayer,” with much of the spirit of Jacob, who said to the angel. “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.”
VI. One thing more may be observed in the preceding account, the _remarkable disposal_ of ♦divine Providence, with respect to the circumstances of his last _sickness and death_.
♦ “di-divine” replaced with “divine”
Though he had long been infirm, his constitution being broken by fatigues and hardships; and though he was often brought very low by illness, yet his life was preserved, till he had seen that which he had so greatly desired, a glorious work of grace among the Indians.
And though it was the pleasure of God, that he should be taken off from his labours among that people, who were so dear to him; yet this was not before they were well instructed in the Christian religion, confirmed in the Christian faith and manners, formed into a church; brought into a way with respect to the education of children; collected in a town by themselves, on a good piece of land of their own; and introduced into the way of husbandry. These things were just brought to pass by his indefatigable application, and then he was taken off from his work. If this had been but a little sooner, they would by no means have been prepared for such a dispensation: and it probably would have been ♦more hurt to their spiritual interest, ♠and to the cause of Christianity among them.
♦ “more” replaced with “more hurt” per Errata
♠ “and of” replaced with “and to” per Errata