Christian Writers and Preachers

Oh that these trials might make me more humble and holy.

—David Brainerd

Time appeared a moment, life a vapour, and all its enjoyments as empty bubbles, and fleeting blasts of wind.

—David Brainerd

My soul was this day, at turns, sweetly set on God: I longed to be with him, that I might behold his glory.

—David Brainerd

O that the Lord would be my support and comforter in an evil world!

—David Brainerd

O my soul exceedingly longs for that blessed state of perfect deliverance from all sin!

—David Brainerd

This, through grace, I can say at present, with regard to life or death, ‘The Lord do with me as seems good in his sight;’ that whether I live or die, I may glorify him, who is ‘worthy to receive blessing, and honour, and dominion for ever. Amen.’

—David Brainerd

My soul grieved with reflection on past levity, and want of resolution for God.

—David Brainerd

But, oh, to love and praise God more, to please him for ever! this my soul panted after, and even now pants for while I write.

—David Brainerd

As long as I see any thing to be done for God, life is worth having; but O how vain and unworthy it is to live for any lower end!

—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

It is ‘through great trials,’ I see, ‘that we must enter the gates of paradise.’

—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

Oh, it refreshed my soul, to think of former things, of desires to glorify God, of the pleasures of living to him!

—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

My soul longed to wing away for the paradise of God; I longed to be conformed to God in all things.

—David Brainerd

My soul blessed God for what he is in himself, and adored him, that he ever would display himself to creatures.

—David Brainerd

Oh that we could depend more upon the living God, and less upon our own wisdom and strength!

—David Brainerd

O that God would make me more lively and vigorous in grace, for his own glory!

—David Brainerd

Was grieved that I could do so little for God before my bodily strength failed.

—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

I enjoyed much more intenseness, fervency, and spirituality, than I expected; God was better to me than my fears.

—David Brainerd

Longed exceedingly for angelic holiness and purity, and to have all my thoughts, at all times, employed in divine and heavenly things.

—David Brainerd

O that my soul were holy, as he is holy! O that it were pure, even as Christ is pure; and perfect, as my Father in heaven is perfect!

—David Brainerd

“Infinite patience! Immeasurable longsuffering! where are ye to be found save in the breast of the Well-beloved? Surely the hoe has spared many of us simply and only because he who is meek and lowly in heart is the gardener.”

– Charles Spurgeon

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

…what a death it is, to strive, and strive; to be always in a hurry, and yet do nothing, or at least nothing for God!

—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

Truly God is a ‘present help in time of trouble.’

—David Brainerd

…upon a day of thanksgiving kept in this place, I was enabled to recall and recount over the mercies of God, in such a manner as greatly affected me, and filled me with thankfulness and praise.

—David Brainerd

Prayer was so sweet an exercise to me, that I knew not how to cease, lest I should lose the spirit of prayer.

—David Brainerd