David Brainerd’s attachment to the world

Some time ago, I was struck by the content of the following poem that David Brainerd wrote in his journal regarding his lack of attachment that he felt to this world.  In the modern age, it is often difficult to lose the attachment to the world and the things of it, so I long to be able to echo these words with a full heart.

I think I have not had such power of intercession these many months, both for God’s children, and for dead sinners, as I have had this evening. I wished and longed for the coming of my dear Lord: I longed to join the angelic hosts in praises, wholly free from imperfection. O the blessed moment hastens! All I want is to be more holy, more like my dear Lord. O for sanctification! My very soul pants for the complete restoration of the blessed image of my Saviour; that I may be fit for the blessed enjoyments and employments of the heavenly world.

‘Farewell, vain world; my soul can bid adieu;
My Saviour’s taught me to abandon you.
Your charms may gratify a sensual mind;
Not please a soul wholly for God design’d.
Forbear to entice, cease then my soul to call;
’Tis flx’d through grace; my God shall be my all.
While he thus lets me heavenly glories view,
Your beauties fade, my heart’s no room for you.’

This was taken from the Works of Jonathan Edwards, Volume 2, Page 323.