I am in a very poor state of health: but through divine goodness, I am not discontented: I bless God for this retirement; I never was more thankful for any thing, than I have been of late for the necessity I am under of self-denial: *I love to be a _pilgrim_ and _stranger_ in this wilderness: it seems most fit for such a poor, ignorant, worthless creature as I. I would not change my present _mission_ for any other business in the whole world. I may tell you freely, God has of late given me great freedom and fervency in prayer when I have been so weak and feeble, my nature seemed as if it would speedily dissolve. I feel as if my _all_ was lost, and I was undone, if the poor Heathen be not converted. I feel different from what I did when I saw you last, more _crucified_ to all the enjoyments of life. It would be very refreshing to me, to see you here in this desert; especially in my weak disconsolate hours: but, I could be content never to see you, or any of my friends again in this world, if God would bless my labours to the conversion of the poor Indians. I have much that I could willingly communicate to you, which I must omit, till Providence gives us leave to see each other. In the mean time, I rest _Your obliged friend and servant_, DAVID BRAINERD. * * * * * 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. _Boston, June 30, 1747._ _My dear brother_,