God knows, I was heartily willing to have served him longer in the work of the ministry, although it had still been attended with all the _labours_ and _hardships_ of past years, if he had seen fit: but as his will appears otherwise, I can with the utmost freedom say, “The will of the Lord be done.” It affects me, to think of leaving you in a world of sin: my heart pities you, that those storms and tempests are yet before you, which through grace I am almost delivered from. But “God lives, and blessed be my rock:” he is the same Almighty friend; and will, I trust, be your guide and helper, as he has been mine. And now, my dear brother, “I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and give you an inheritance among all them that are sanctified.” May you enjoy the divine presence, both in private and public; and may “the arms of your hands be made strong, by the right hand of the mighty God of Jacob!” Which are the passionate desires and prayers of _Your affectionate dying brother_, DAVID BRAINERD. SOME Reflections _and_ Observations ON THE Preceding _Memoirs_ of Mr. BRAINERD. I. WE have here an opportunity, in a very lively _instance_, to see the _nature_ of _true religion_; and the _manner_ of its _operation_ when exemplified in a high degree. Particularly it may be observed. 1. How greatly Mr. Brainerd’s religion differed from that of some who, depending on something past, settle in a cold, careless, and carnal frame of mind, and in a neglect of thorough, earnest religion. Although his convictions and conversion were exceeding clear, yet how far was he from acting as though he thought he had _got through his work_, when once he had obtained satisfaction of his interest in Christ? On the contrary, this was with him but the beginning of his work, his entering on the great business, his first setting out in his race. His obtaining rest in Christ, after earnest striving to enter in at the strait gate, he did not look upon as putting an end to any further occasion for striving and violence in religion: but these were continued, and maintained constantly, through all changes, to the very end of life. He continued pressing forward, forgeting the things that were behind, and reaching forth towards the things that were before. His pains and earnestness in religion were rather increased than diminished, after he had received satisfaction concerning the safety of his state. Love to God, and longings after holiness, were more effectual to engage him to pains and activity, than fear of hell had been before.