David Brainerd

David BrainerdDavid Brainerd (1718-1747) was an American Presbyterian minister and missionary to the Native Americans among the Delaware Indians of New Jersey.

David Brainerd Quotes

Oh, how I longed to be with Christ, to be employed in the glorious work of angels, and with an angel’s freedom, vigour, and delight! And yet how willing was I to stay awhile on earth, that I might do something, if the Lord pleased, for his interest in the world!

—David Brainerd

In the evening, the hand of faith seemed to be strengthened in God; my soul seemed to rest and acquiesce in him; was supported under my burdens, reading the 125th Psalm; and found that it was sweet and comfortable to lean on God.

—David Brainerd

Felt an abasing sense of my own impurity and unholiness; and felt my soul melt and mourn, that I had abused and grieved a very gracious God, who was still kind to me, notwithstanding all my unworthiness.

—David Brainerd

Through the infinite goodness of God, I felt what I spoke; he enabled me to treat on divine truth with uncommon clearness: and yet I was so sensible of my defects in preaching, that I could not be proud of my performance, as at some times; and blessed be the Lord for this mercy.

—David Brainerd

Oh, methinks, if he would punish me for my sins, it would not wound my heart so deep to offend him: but though I sin continually, yet he continually repeats his kindness to me! Oh, methinks I could bear any sufferings; but how can I bear to grieve and dishonour this blessed God!

—David Brainerd

O what reason of thankfulness have I on account of this retirement! I find that I do not, and it seems I cannot, lead a Christian life when I am abroad, and cannot spend time in devotion, Christian conversation, and serious meditation, as I should do.

—David Brainerd

Oh, how heavy is my work, when faith cannot take hold of an almighty arm, for the performance of it! Many times have I been ready to sink in this case. Blessed be God, that I may repair to a full fountain.

—David Brainerd

Lord, if it be most for thy glory, let me proceed in it; but if thou seest that it will in any wise hinder my usefulness in thy cause, oh prevent my proceeding…all I want, respecting this world, is such circumstances as may best capacitate me to do service for God in the world.

—David Brainerd

I longed to make some returns to God; but found I had nothing to return: I could only rejoice, that God had done the work himself; and that none in heaven or earth might pretend to share the honour of it with him.

—David Brainerd

But let me tell you, my brother, eternity is another thing than we ordinarily take it to be in a healthful state. Oh, how vast and boundless! Oh, how fixed and unalterable! Oh, of what infinite importance is it, that we be prepared for eternity!

—David Brainerd

O blessed be God that I may pray!

—David Brainerd

I had great hopes of the ingathering of precious souls to Christ; not only among my own people, but others also.

—David Brainerd

How blessed it is to grow more and more like God.

—David Brainerd

Sanctification in myself, and the ingathering of God’s elect, was all my desire; and the hope of its accomplishment, all my joy.

—David Brainerd

I rejoiced that he was God, and longed that all should know it, and feel it, and rejoice in it.

—David Brainerd

Was very fearful lest I should admit some vain thought, and so lose the sense I then had of divine things. O for an abiding heavenly temper!

—David Brainerd

Blessed be thy name for ever, that thou art God, and that thou wilt glorify thyself. O that the whole world might glorify thee! O let these poor people be brought to know thee, and love thee, for the glory of thy dear ever-blessed name!

—David Brainerd

Oh (methought) if God’s people knew me, as God knows, they would not think so highly of my zeal and resolution for God, as perhaps now they do!

—David Brainerd

Oh, how I longed to be with Christ, to be employed in the glorious work of angels, and with an angel’s freedom, vigour, and delight! And yet how willing was I to stay awhile on earth, that I might do something, if the Lord pleased, for his interest in the world!

—David Brainerd

God has made me willing to do any thing that I can do, consistent with truth, for the sake of peace, and that I might not be a stumbling-block to others.

—David Brainerd

O that I could begin this year with God, and spend the whole of it to his glory, either in life or death!

—David Brainerd

In the evening I was grieved that I had done so little for God. Oh that I could be a flame of fire in the service of my God!

—David Brainerd

I poured out my soul for all the world, friends, and enemies.

—David Brainerd

I find that both mind and body are quickly tired with intenseness and fervour in the things of God. O that I could be as incessant as angels in devotion and spiritual fervour!

—David Brainerd

Through the infinite goodness of God, I felt what I spoke; he enabled me to treat on divine truth with uncommon clearness: and yet I was so sensible of my defects in preaching, that I could not be proud of my performance, as at some times; and blessed be the Lord for this mercy.

—David Brainerd

Enjoyed some sweetness in things divine, in the midst of my pain and weakness. O that I could praise the Lord!

—David Brainerd

O that I may never distrust infinite goodness!

—David Brainerd

I never feel comfortably, but when I find my soul going forth after God: if I cannot be holy, I must necessarily be miserable forever.

—David Brainerd

My soul seemed so to reach and stretch towards the mark of perfect sanctity, that it was ready to break with longings.

—David Brainerd

Oh, how I delighted to pray and cry to God! I saw God was both able and willing to do all that I desired, for myself and friends, and his church in general.

—David Brainerd