The providence of God was remarkable in so ordering it, that before his death he should take a journey to Boston; which was of very happy consequence to the interest of religion, and especially among his own people. By this means, as has been observed, he was brought into acquaintance with many persons of note and influence, ministers, and others, belonging both to the town and various parts of the country; and had opportunity under the best advantages, to bear a testimony for God and true religion.
The providence of God was observable in his going to Boston at a time when not only the honourable commissioners were seeking missionaries, to the Six Nations, but just after his journal, which gives an account of his labours and success among the Indians, had been spread at Boston; whereby his name was known, and the minds of serious people were well prepared to receive him, and the testimony he gave for God; to exert themselves for upholding the interest of religion among his congregation, and among the Indians elsewhere; and to regard his judgment concerning the qualifications of missionaries. If he had gone there the fall before, (when he had intended it, but was prevented by a sudden increase of his illness) it would not have been to so good effect; and also if he had not been unexpectedly detained in Boston. When he went from my house he intended to make but a very short stay there; but divine Providence by his being brought so low there, detained him long: thereby to make way for the fulfilling its own gracious designs.
Thus, although it was the pleasure of God, that he should be taken away from his congregation; yet it was granted to him that before he died he should see them well provided for every way: he saw them provided for with one to instruct them, and take care of their souls; his own brother whom he could confide in; he saw a good foundation laid for the support of the school among them: those things that before were wanting, being supplied; and he had also opportunity to leave all his dying charges, with his successor in the care of his people, and by him to send his dying counsels to them.
*Another thing, wherein appears the merciful disposal of Providence, was that he did not die in the wilderness, among the savages at Kaunaumeek, or the Forks of Delaware, or at Susquahannah: but in a place where his dying behaviour might be observed, and some account given for the benefit of survivors: and also where care might be taken of him in his sickness, and proper honours done him at his death.
*I would not conclude my observations on the merciful circumstances of Mr. Brainerd’s death, without acknowledging with thankfulness, the gracious dispensation of Providence to me and my family in so ordering, that he (though the ordinary place of his abode was more than two hundred miles distant) should be cast to my house, in his last sickness, and should die here: so that we had opportunity for much conversation with him, and to shew him kindness in such circumstances, and to see his dying behaviour, to hear his dying speeches, to receive his dying counsels, and to have the benefit of his dying prayers. May God in infinite mercy grant, that we may ever retain a proper remembrance of these things, and make a due improvement of the advantages we have had! The Lord grant also, that the foregoing account may be for [♦]the spiritual benefit of all that read it, and prove a happy means of promoting true religion in the world. Amen.
[♦] duplicate word “the” removed
An EXTRACT of
Miss Mary Gilbert’s Journal.
TO THE READER.