are consistent with covenant love and faithfulness, and I say “surely his tender mercies are clean gone for ever.” But however, I see, I _needed_ all this _chastisement_ already: “it is good for me,” that I have endured these trials. Do not be discouraged by my distresses: I was under great distress, at Mr. Pomroys, when I saw you last; but “God has been with me of a truth,” since that. But let us always remember, that we must _through much tribulation_ enter into God’s eternal kingdom. The righteous are _scarcely_ saved: it is an infinite wonder, that we have hopes of being saved at all. For my part, I feel the most vile of any creature living; and I am sure, there is not such another existing on this side _hell_.――――Now all you can do for me, is, to pray incessantly, that God would make me humble, holy, resigned, and heavenly minded, by all my trials.――――“Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” Let us _run_, _wrestle_, and _fight_, that we may obtain the prize, and obtain that compleat happiness, to be “holy, as God is holy.” So wishing ♦and praying that you may advance in learning and grace, and be fit for special service for God, I remain _Your affectionate Brother_, DAVID BRAINERD. ♦ duplicate word “and” removed * * * * * To his Brother John, at Yale-college in New-Haven. _Kaunaumeek, December 27, 1743_. _Dear Brother_,