Life and Diary of David Brainerd - Edwards - XIII - Brainerd's remains

Required reading
Life and Diary of David Brainerd by Jonathan Edwards (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Mr Brainerd's remains - Letters to his friends.

My summary
Now we read a selection of Brainerd's letters to his brother and friends. 

The recurring theme appears to be an encouragement to walk in holiness before the Lord.

What grabbed me
These letters are great!

I loved the repeated exhortation that happiness is found in holiness: 'I bless God, he has for some years given me an abiding conviction, that it is impossible for any rational creature to enjoy true happiness without being entirely “devoted to him.” Under the influence of this conviction I have in some measure acted. Oh that I had done more so! I saw both the excellency and necessity of holiness in life; but never in such a manner as now, when I am just brought to the sides of the grave. Oh, my brother, pursue after holiness; press towards this blessed mark; and let your thirsty soul continually say, “I shall never be satisfied till I awake in thy likeness.” Although there has been a great deal of selfishness in my views; of which I am ashamed, and for which my soul is humbled at every view; yet, blessed be God, I find I have really had, for the most part, such a concern for his glory, and the advancement of his kingdom in the world, that it is a satisfaction to me to reflect upon these years.'

Our creator knows the best way for us to live and that is according to his laws.  The sooner we wake up to it, the sooner we will be happy.

Next week's reading
Read 'Detached papers' and a 'Sermon Preached in Newark, June 12, 1744'.

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.