[♦] duplicate word “and” removed
To his Brother John, at Yale-college in New-Haven.
Kaunaumeek, December 27, 1743.
Dear Brother,
I LONG to see you, and know how you fare in your journey through the world of sorrow, where we are compassed about with “vanity, confusion, and vexation of spirit.” I am more weary of life than ever I was. The whole world appears to me like a vast empty space, [♦]whence nothing desirable, or at least satisfactory, can possibly be derived, and long daily to die more and more to it; even though I obtain not that comfort from spiritual things which I earnestly desire. Worldly pleasures, such as flow from greatness, riches, honours, and sensual gratifications, are infinitely worse than none. May the Lord deliver us more and more from these vanities! I have spent most of the fall and winter in a very weak state of body; and sometimes under pressing inward trials, but “having obtained help from God, I continue to this day;” and am now something better in health. I find nothing more conducive to a life of Christianity, than a diligent and faithful improvement of precious time. Let us then faithfully perform that business, which is alloted us by divine Providence to the utmost of our bodily strength and mental vigour. Why should we sink with any particular trials, we are called to encounter in the world? Death and eternity are just before us; a few tossing billows more will waft us to the world of spirits, and we hope (through infinite grace) into endless pleasures. Let us then “run with patience the race that is set before us.” And Oh that we could depend more upon the living God, and less upon our own wisdom and strength! Dear brother, may the God of all grace comfort your heart, and succeed your studies, and make you an instrument of good to his people. This is the instant prayer of
Your affectionate Brother,
David Brainerd.
[♦] “where” replaced with “whence” per Errata