1Two extracts, for 1746, from The Diary and Journal of David Brainerd. This fine book is available from the Free Presbyterian Bookroom.
August 26.
About noon, discoursed to a considerable number of Indians. A God helped me to speak with such plainness, warmth and power. The discourse made an impression upon some and made them appear very serious. I saw things now appeared as encouraging as they did at Crossweeksung. At the time of my first visit to those Indians, I was a little encouraged. I pressed things with all my might and called out my people who were then present to give in their testimony for God, which they did. Towards night, was refreshed; felt a heart to pray for the setting up of God’s kingdom here, as well as for my dear congregation and friends elsewhere.
August 28.
In the forenoon was under great concern of mind about my work. Being visited by some who desired to hear me preach, I discoursed to them in the afternoon with some fervency and laboured to persuade them to return to God. Was full of concern for the kingdom of Christ and found some enlargement in prayer, both in secret and in my family. Scarcely ever saw more clearly than this day that it is God’s work to convert souls, and especially poor heathen. I knew I could not touch them; I saw I could only speak to dry bones, but could give them no sense of what I said. My eyes were up to God for help; I could say the work was His; and, if done, the glory would be His.