To his Brother John, at College.
Crosweeksung, in New-Jersey, December 28, 1745.
Very Dear Brother,
—I AM in one continued and uninterrupted hurry; and divine Providence throws so much upon me, that I do not see it will ever be otherwise. May I “obtain mercy of God to be faithful to the death!” I cannot say, I am weary of my hurry; I only want strength and grace to do more for God.
My dear brother, The Lord of heaven, that has carried me through many trials, bless you; bless you for time and eternity; and fit you to do service for him in his church below, and to enjoy his blissful presence in his church triumphant. My brother; “the time is short:” Oh let us fill it up for God; let us count the sufferings of this present time as nothing, if we can but “finish our course with joy.” Oh, let us strive to live to God. I bless the Lord, I have nothing to do with earth, but only to labour honestly in it for God, till I shall “accomplish as an hireling my day.” I do not desire to live one minute for any thing that earth can afford. Oh, that I could live for none but God, till my dying moment!
I am your affectionate brother,
David Brainerd.
To his Brother Israel, at College, written a few Months before his Death.