Life of the Rev. David Brainerd
Missionary to the North American Indians

A moving biography of an eighteenth-century missionary to the Native North Americans, compiled from his journals and letters.

Josiah Pratt (Author), Jonathan Edwards (Author)

9781108011907, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 20 May 2010

416 pages
21.6 x 14 x 2.4 cm, 0.53 kg

David Brainerd dedicated much of his short life to preaching the gospel to Native American peoples. Josiah Pratt's 1834 biography uses Brainerd's own journal and letters to examine the character of an extraordinary man and expose the discrepancy between Brainerd's self-lacerating writings and the exceptional fortitude made evident by his deeds. It includes Brainerd's moving and eloquent account of his own conversion, his chronic illness and the privations he suffered during a life he described as 'a constant mixture of consolations and conflicts'. This fascinating insight into the private thoughts and struggles of a remarkable figure charts his ceaseless pursuit of God and the battle between his inexhaustible religious fervour and his chronic physical infirmity. The book also includes Brainerd's reflections on the process of conversion and the signs of godliness, and his description of the difficulties he faced in converting Native Americans.

Introduction Edward Bickersteth
1. From his birth to his entrance at college
2. His conduct at college, and preparation for the ministry
3. Entrance on his missionary labours
4. The first year of his mission
5. The second year of his missionary labour, from April 1744, to April 1745
6. The third year of his missionary labours, from April 1745, to April 1746
7. The fourth year of his missionary labours, from April 1746, to April 1747
8. His last sickness and death
9. Concluding remarks
Remains of Mr. Brainerd.

Subject Areas: Church history [HRCC2]