David Brainerd was an American missionary to the Native Americans who had a particularly fruitful ministry among the Delaware Indians of New Jersey. During his short life he was beset by many difficulties. As a result, his biography has become a source of inspiration and encouragement to many Christians, including missionaries such as William Carey and Jim Elliot, and Brainerd's cousin, the Second Great Awakening evangelist James Brainerd Taylor.
I fear God never showed mercy to one so vile as I.
I have a secret thought from some things I have observed, that God may perhaps design you for some singular service in the world.
If you hope for happiness in the world, hope for it from God, and not from the world.