His religion did not consist only in experience, without practice. All his comforts had a direct tendency to practice; and this, not merely a practice negatively good, but a practice positively holy, in a serious, devout, humble, meek, charitable, and beneficent conversation: making the service of God, the business of life, which he pursued with the greatest earnestness and diligence to the end of his days.
[♦]III. The foregoing account shews, that there is indeed such a thing as true experimental religion, arising from immediate divine influences, supernaturally enlightening and convincing the mind, and powerfully quickening, sanctifying, and governing the heart; which religion is indeed of happy tendency, and of no hurtful consequence to human society; notwithstanding there have been many pretences to experimental religion, that have proved to be nothing but enthusiasm.
[♦] point II. not indicated in text
If any insist, that Mr. Brainerd’s religion was enthusiasm, I would ask, if such things as these are the fruits of enthusiasm, viz. honesty and simplicity, sincere and earnest desires and endeavours, to know and do whatever is right, and to avoid every thing that is wrong; love to God, placing the happiness of life in him; not only in contemplating him, but in being active in pleasing, and [♦]serving him; a firm belief in the Messiah, as the Saviour of the world; together with great love to him, and longing for the enlargement of his kingdom; resignation to the will of God, under all trials; benevolence to mankind, reaching all persons without distinction, manifested in sweetness of speech and behaviour, mercy, liberality, and earnest seeking the good of the souls and bodies of men; attended with extraordinary humility, meekness, forgiveness of injuries, and love to enemies; a modest, and decent deportment, among superiors, inferiors, and equals: a diligent improvement of time, and earnest care to lose no part of it; great watchfulness against all sorts [♠]of sin, of heart, speech, and action; and the foregoing amiable virtues all ending in a marvellous peace, unmoveable calmness, and resignation, in the sensible approaches of death: I say, if all these things are enthusiasm, that enthusiasm is a desirable and excellent thing.
[♦] “serve” replaced with “serving” per Errata
[♠] “sin” replaced with “of sin” per Errata
And whereas there are many that are not professed opposers of experimental religion, who yet doubt of it, from the bad lives of some professors; and are ready to determine there is nothing in all the talk about being born again, because that many that pretend to it, manifest no abiding alteration in their disposition and behaviour; are as careless, carnal, or covetous as ever; yea, perhaps much worse than ever: it is acknowledged, that this is the case with some; but they may see it is not so with all. There are some indisputable instances of such a change, a “renovation of the spirit of the mind,” and a “walking in newness of life.” In the foregoing instance particularly, they may see the abiding influence of such a work of conversion; the fruits of such experience through a course of years; under a great variety of circumstances, and the blessed event of it in life and death.
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.”