David Brainerd
A few of the sublimest geniuses of Rome and Athens had some faint discoveries of the spiritual nature of the human soul, and formed some probable conjectures, that man was designed for a future state of existence.
David BrainerdAs the most extravagant errors were received among the established articles of their faith, so the most infamous vices obtained in their practice, and were indulged not only with impunity, but authorized by the sanction of their laws.
David BrainerdBut let me tell you, my brother, eternity is another thing than we ordinarily take it to be in a healthful state.
David BrainerdMost men seem to live to themselves, without much regard to the glory of God, or the good of their fellow-creatures.
David BrainerdMy disorder has been attended with several symptoms of a consumption; and I have been at times apprehensive that my great change was at hand: yet blessed be God, I have never been affrighted; but, on the contrary, at times much delighted with a view of its approach.
David BrainerdOnce more, Never think that you can live to God by your own power or strength; but always look to and rely on him for assistance, yea, for all strength and grace.
David BrainerdArdent love or desire introduced, as passionately longing to please and glorify the Divine Being, to be in every respect conformed to him, and in that way to enjoy him.
David BrainerdI am more weary of life, I think, than ever I was.
David BrainerdWorldly pleasures, such as flow from greatness, riches, honours, and sensual gratifications, are infinitely worse than none.
David BrainerdOh, how precious is time, and how it pains me to see it slide away, while I do so little to any good purpose.
David BrainerdAs to my success here I cannot say much as yet: the Indians seem generally kind, and well-disposed towards me, and are mostly very attentive to my instructions, and seem willing to be taught further.
David BrainerdSet yourself, my brother, to crush all appearances of this nature among the Indians, and never encourage any degrees of heat without light.
David BrainerdThe all-seeing eye of God beheld our deplorable state; infinite pity touched the heart of the Father of mercies; and infinite wisdom laid the plan of our recovery.
David BrainerdWe should always look upon ourselves as God's servants, placed in God's world, to do his work; and accordingly labour faithfully for him; not with a design to grow rich and great, but to glorify God, and do all the good we possibly can.
David BrainerdI am an old sinner; and if God had designed mercy for me, he would have called me home to himself before now.
David BrainerdI have now no hopes of prosecuting my journey into New England this winter; my present state of health will by no means admit of it.
David BrainerdI board with a poor Scotchman: his wife can talk scarce any English.
David BrainerdI fear God never showed mercy to one so vile as I.
David Brainerd
