I longed that those who, I have reason to think, owe me ill will, might be eternally happy. It seemed refreshing to think of meeting them in heaven, how much soever they had injured me on earth: had no disposition to insist upon any confession from them, in order to reconciliation, and the exercise of love and kindness to them. Oh! it is an emblem of heaven itself, to love all the world with a love of kindness, forgiveness, and benevolence.
David Brainerd (Missionary, 1718 – 1747)
The 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 Brainerd (Missionary, 1718 – 1747)
I have ever found it, when I have thought the battle was over and the conquest gained, and so let down my watch, the enemy has risen up and done me the greatest injury.
David Brainerd (Missionary, 1718 – 1747)
No amount of scholastic attainment, of able and profound exposition of brilliant and stirring eloquence can atone for the absence of a deep impassioned sympathetic love for human souls.
David Brainerd (Missionary, 1718 – 1747)
God designs that those whom He sanctifies…shall tarry awhile in this present evil world, that their own experience of temptations may teach them how great the deliverance is, which God has wrought for them.
David Brainerd (Missionary, 1718 – 1747)
Whatever else you fail of, do not fail of the influence of the Holy Spirit; that is the only way you can handle the consciences of men.
David Brainerd (Missionary, 1718 – 1747)
In the silences I make in the midst of the turmoil of life I have appointments with God. From these silences I come forth with spirit refreshed, and with a renewed sense of power. I hear a voice in the silences, and become increasingly aware that it is the voice of God.
David Brainerd (Missionary, 1718 – 1747)
All my desire was the conversion of the heathen… I declare, now I am dying, I would not have spent my life otherwise for the whole world.
David Brainerd (Missionary, 1718 – 1747)