Diary and Journal of David Brainerd
Preface and Reflections by Jonathan Edwards
| Weight | 0.75 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 19.56 × 13.34 × 4.57 cm |
| ISBN | 9781800403796 |
| Binding | Cloth-bound, eBook (ePub & Kindle), Cloth-bound & eBook (ePub & Kindle) |
| Format | Book |
| Page Count | 528 |
| Original Pub Date | 1749 |
| This Edition | 2023 |
*Newly re-typeset edition just released*
Book Description
The Diary and Journal of David Brainerd is of much more than merely historical interest. The first internationally recognized biography ever to be published, it has had a profound impact on successive generations of Christians around the world.
The Diary covers the period from April 1742 to October 1747, and although written as a private and personal record, was published in abridged form by the great New England pastor and theologian Jonathan Edwards in 1749.
Brainerd wrote the Journal, which covers the twelve months from June 1745 to June 1746, at the request of the Scottish Society for Propagating Christian Knowledge, which was supporting his missionary work amongst the indigenous peoples of North America. As Sir Marcus Loane has noted in They Were Pilgrims, ‘the Diary and Journal were each written for a distinct purpose, and each had its separate character. The Diary is a remarkable record of the interior life of the soul, and its entries still throb with the tremendous earnestness of a man who whose heart was aflame for God. The Journal is an objective history of the missionary work of twelve months, and its details are an astonishing testimony to the grace of God in the lives of men.’
Jonathan Edwards’ own ‘Reflections and Observations’ on Brainerd’s life, included in this volume, are, according to Iain H. Murray in his Jonathan Edwards: A New Biography, ‘among the most important descriptive pages on the Christian life which Edwards ever wrote.’
Between 1742 and his death in 1747 David Brainerd took the gospel to the North American Indians of New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. He willingly ran any risk and accepted any hardship to fulfil his calling as a missionary. The amount of work which he achieved in such unpromising and difficult circumstances now seems almost incredible. Moreover his total dedication to the cause of making Christ known inspired the finest of missionaries who followed in his footsteps.
Few books have done so much to promote prayer and missionary action as The Diary and Journal of David Brainerd.
Table of Contents Expand ↓
| VOLUME ONE | ||
| INTRODUCTION ix | ||
| JONATHAN EDWARDS’ PREFACE xli | ||
| THE DIARY OF DAVID BRAINERD | ||
| I | From His Birth, and during His Preparation for the Ministry | 1 |
| II | His Experience and Religious Exercises until the Time he was Licensed to Preach | 34 |
| III | From the Time of His Appointment to His Entering on the Work of the Mission | 59 |
| IV | From the Time of His Examination to His First Entrance on the Business of His Mission | 80 |
| V | From His first Beginning to Instruct the Indians at Kaunaumeek to His Ordination | 97 |
| VI | His Removal to Crossweeksung, where He Had His Most Remarkable Success | 167 |
| VII | His Return to Susquehanna, and Last Illness | 231 |
| VIII | The Return to Boston, and the Circumstances of His Death | 307 |
| VOLUME TWO | ||
| PREFACE vii | ||
| THE JOURNAL OF DAVID BRAINERD | ||
| PART ONE: Mirabilia Dei inter Indicos; or, The Rise and and Progress of a Remarkable Work of Grace amongst a Number of the Indians in the Provinces of New Jersey and Pennsylvania | 1 | |
| PART TWO : Divine Grace Displayed; or, The Continuance and Progress of a Remarkable Work of Grace among the Indians | 78 | |
| THE FIRST APPENDIX TO THE JOURNAL | 183 | |
| THE SECOND APPENDIX TO THE JOURNAL | 236 | |
| THE REMAINS OF DAVID BRAINERD | ||
| I | A Dialogue between the Various Powers and Affections of the Pious Mind | 259 |
| II | Desponding Thoughts of a Soul under Convictions of Sin | 268 |
| III | Signs of Godliness, or the Distinguishing Marks of a True Christian | 269 |
| IV | Letters | 270 |
| SOME REFLECTIONS AND OBSERVATIONS ON THE PRECEDING MEMOIRS, &C. OF DAVID BRAINERD, by Jonathan Edwards | 293 |
Endorsements
‘Brainerd’s life is a vivid, powerful testimony to the truth that God can and does use weak, sick, discouraged, beat-down, lonely, struggling saints, who cry to him day and night, to accomplish amazing things for his glory.’ JOHN PIPER
‘I was much humbled today by reading Brainerd. O, what a disparity betwixt me and him! He always constant; I as inconstant as the wind.’ WILLIAM CAREY
‘Oh! blessed be the memory of that beloved saint! No uninspired writer ever did me so much good.’ HENRY MARTYN
Reviews
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This recently re-released, full re-typeset edition from Banner of Truth, reproduced from the two-volume works of Jonathan Edwards, is sewn-bound in a cloth-over-board cover with fresh and highly readable font and typeface. Edited by the great American Puritan Jonathan Edwards, this volume includes his preface, notes, and reflections.
Covering April 1742 to October 1747, the Diary was initially private but published in abridged form by Jonathan Edwards in 1749. Brainerd’s Journal, from June 1745 to June 1746, was written at the request of the Scottish Society for Propagating Christian Knowledge, documenting his missionary efforts among North America’s indigenous peoples. Despite facing considerable challenges, Brainerd dedicated himself to spreading the gospel among Native Americans until his death in 1747, inspiring future missionaries with his unwavering commitment to Christ.
In his diary and journals, we see Brainerd as an individual troubled by life’s challenges, wrestling with loneliness and depression. Nevertheless, his commitment to personal devotion and holiness remained steadfast, even in times of perceived distance from God. His obedience, humility, and recognition of his own sinfulness are commendable qualities deserving of contemplation.
Brainerd’s diary offers an intimate glimpse into his spiritual life, while his journal provides an objective account of his missionary work. However, they lack extensive descriptions of his interactions with the Native Americans he ministered to. So, if you want to learn more about his missionary work on the Natives, you need to consult other references aside from this.
Although containing repetitions common in diary entries, reading it really strengthened my admiration for David Brainerd. His passionate commitment to God, and love and compassion for others are deeply inspiring. His example challenges me to live with passion, purpose, and excellence, for the glory of God. Furthermore, in a time when worship is often seen as contingent on feelings, Brainerd’s adherence to obedience over emotions is really encouraging. His steadfastness provides inspiration to endure difficulties and trials.
There are only a few books that I would call life-changing, and I must say that The Diary And Journal Of David Brainerd is one of them. The faith, resilience, and courage that this brave missionary has shown despite trials and tribulations of life are extraordinary and worth emulating. This book will surely inspire you to serve God and others, and proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day. If you haven’t read this life-changing book, I highly recommend this fine edition from Banner of Truth!