This section doesn't really add anything new but it is a really nice summary of what Brainerd got up to.
He lists again the difficulties that he had:
(i) the prejudices against Christianity by nominal Christians;
(ii) pagan traditions;
(iii) the immoral behaviour;
(iv) the physical hardships of being a missionary.
I liked the emphasis that Brainerd gave to the need of living living closely to those you're shepherding: 'After I had spent about three months in this situation, I found my distance from the Indians a very great disadvantage to my work among them, and very burdensome to myself; as I was obliged to travel forward and backward almost daily on foot, having no pasture in which I could keep my horse for that purpose. And after all my pains, could not be with the Indians in the evening and morning, which were usually the best hours to find them at home, and when they could best attend my instructions. I therefore resolved to remove, and live with or near the Indians, that I might watch all opportunities, when they were generally at home, and take the advantage of such seasons for their instruction.'
It seems to be more common that ministers live a fair distance from their church.
Although you may not have to travel on foot like Brainerd, the advantages of living close to your church cannot be underestimated, such as making contacts with neighbours and even redeeming time from not having to commute - I hate traffic!
Read Mr Brainerd's remains - Letters to his friends.
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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