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
The time and circumstances of his illness were so ordered, that he had just opportunity to finish his journal. A foundation was hereby laid for a concern in others for that cause, and proper care and measures to be taken for the maintaining it after his death. As it has actually proved to be of great benefit in this respect; it having excited many in those parts, and also more distant parts of America, to exert themselves for the promoting so glorious a work, remarkably opening their hearts and hands: and not only in America, but in Great-Britain, where that Journal has been an occasion of some large benefactions, made for the promoting the interest of Christianity among the Indians.
He was not taken off from the work of the ministry among his people, till his brother was in a capacity to succeed him: who succeeds him in the like spirit, and under whose prudent and faithful care his congregation has flourished, and been very happy, since he left them; and probably could not have been so well provided for otherwise. If Mr. Brainerd had been disabled sooner, his brother would not have been ready to stand up in his place; having taken his first degrees at college, but about that time that he was seized with this fatal consumption.
Though in that winter that he lay sick at Mr. Dickinson’s in Elisabeth-Town, he continued, for a long time in an extreme low state, so that sometimes it was hardly expected he would live a day to an end; yet his life was spared awhile longer; he lived to see his brother arrive in New-Jersey, being come to [♦]succeed him in the care of his Indians: and he himself had opportunity to assist in his examination and introduction into his business: and to commit the conduct of his dear people to one whom he well knew, and could use freedom with in giving him particular instructions, and under whose care he could leave his congregation with great chearfulness.
[♦] “succed” replaced with “succeed”