The Life And Diary of David Brainerd

Book Description

This compilation, taken from Jonathan Edwards's edited versions of David Brainerd's Diary and Journal, offers a highly readable record of the life and labors of David Brainerd as he presented the gospel to American Indians in the face of many obstacles, both the external challenges of life in what was still the frontier of eighteenth-century America, and internal battles as he persevered through bouts of depression during his short but fruitful life.

Customer Reviews:

Native Rescuer.......2007-02-22

David Brainerd's recorded life speaks my heart and breath--my longings for my heavenly home. This is a must read for all as it washes away the deceiving beguilement of trendy Christianity.

Traveling through his pages of life, you witness his true mission that of only knowing Christ and Him crucified, 1 Corinthians 2:1-2. He was one of few who despised this vile world with its entertaining ways.

His soul displayed was that of a faithful, humble, loyal pastor who ministered to the natives in isolated areas of New England. He never set himself above these socially rejected ones who he found to be quite refreshing in contrast to snobbish white folk. He became known among fur trappers as "The man who trapped Indians with love."

Below are experts from David Brainerd's diary. The initial are the quotes of "His Heart." The following are observances of "His Natives."

His Heart:

"I know I long for God and conformity to His will, in inward purity and holiness, ten thousand times more than for anything here below."

"God was so precious to my soul, that the world, with all its enjoyments, was infinitely vile. I had no more value for the favor of men, than for pebbles."

"Spent the day mainly in conversing with friends; yet enjoyed little satisfaction, because I could not find but few disposed to converse on divine and heavenly things. Alas, what are the things of this world, to afford satisfaction to the soul! In secret, I blessed the God for retirement, and that I am not always exposed to the company and conversation of the world. Oh, that I could live in the secret of God's presence!"

His Natives:

"Discoursed from John 4:13, 14. There was a great attention, a desirable affection, and an unaffected melting in the assembly. It is surprising to see how eager they are to hear the Word of God. I have oftentimes thought that they would cheerfully and diligently attend divine worship twenty-four hours together if they had an opportunity so to do."

"I never saw any appearance of bitterness or censoriousness (being critical) in these, nor any disposition to `esteem themselves better than others.'"

Native Rescuer.......2007-02-22

David Brainerd's recorded life speaks my heart and breath--my longings for my heavenly home. This is a must read for all as it washes away the deceiving beguilement of trendy Christianity.

Traveling through his pages of life, you witness his true mission that of only knowing Christ and Him crucified, 1 Corinthians 2:1-2. He was one of few who despised this vile world with its entertaining ways.

His soul displayed was that of a faithful, humble, loyal pastor who ministered to the natives in isolated areas of New England. He never set himself above these socially rejected ones who he found to be quite refreshing in contrast to snobbish white folk. He became known among fur trappers as "the man who trapped Indians with love."

Below are experts from David Brainerd's diary. The initial are the quotes of "His Heart." The following are observances of "His Natives."

His Heart:

"I know I long for God and conformity to His will, in inward purity and holiness, ten thousand times more than for anything here below."

"God was so precious to my soul, that the world, with all its enjoyments, was infinitely vile. I had no more value for the favor of men, than for pebbles."

"Spent the day mainly in conversing with friends; yet enjoyed little satisfaction, because I could not find but few disposed to converse on divine and heavenly things. Alas, what are the things of this world, to afford satisfaction to the soul! In secret, I blessed the God for retirement, and that I am not always exposed to the company and conversation of the world. Oh, that I could live in the secret of God's presence!"

His Natives:

"Discoursed from John 4:13, 14. There was a great attention, a desirable affection, and an unaffected melting in the assembly. It is surprising to see how eager they are to hear the Word of God. I have oftentimes thought that they would cheerfully and diligently attend divine worship twenty-four hours together if they had an opportunity so to do."

"I never saw any appearance of bitterness or censoriousness (being critical) in these, nor any disposition to `esteem themselves better than others.'"

Challenging read in so many ways.......2005-12-20

This book is not for the faint of heart, or those not willing to put in the time to read and think.

While this edited for length, the writing style is still that of 18th century English, and it can be a little difficult to parse at times. However, once you get use to that, this biography is chock-full of challenging questions about the nature of sin, salvation, and God's plan for our life's work.

At times, Brainerd seems particularly pessimistic, even to the point of being clinically depressed, while at other times, he seems to be floating on cloud nine (although much more of the former than the latter).

I read this as a part of a small discussion group, and that helped in the understanding of various passages.

Read and Weep at the Passion!.......2005-03-02

David Brainerd was an incrediable man of God. The son-in-law of the great theologian Jonathan Edwards, Brainerd combined sound theology with a deep passion for Jesus. His story is one that should be told to our children's children.

Brainerd's diary is a wealth of the spiritual passion of a man who longed to see American Indians won to Christ. His hatred for his own sinfulness is found throughout the book. Some days Brainerd is on the mountain of God and the next he is in the valley of despair. With the exception of the dairies of the late Keith Green, have I seen a man who truly wrestled with his own flesh by the power of the Spirit.

For those longing to be all that God wants them to be (Philippians 3:7-12), I would urge you to purchase this book. You will be blessed and challenged.

Must Read.......2001-11-08

We live in a day of "easy belevism". The days we live in are also sadly characterized by a christianity, which implies when it doesn't declare, that life is supossed to be easy for the child of God. The reader will see both of these dilusions dispelled in the life story of David Brainerd. Brainerd,was willing to undergo great hardship to take the true gospel to the natives of his day. His life shows all christians what happens when "glorifing God and enjoing Him forever" becomes ones chief aim in life. This certainly is not a chicken soup for the soul book that can be read with little thought. This book, however, will challenge every christian to live for the glory of God.

The Life of David Brainerd: Chiefly Extracted from His Diary

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Native Rescuer
from the back of the book

The Life of David Brainerd: Chiefly Extracted from His Diary
David Brainerd , and Jonathan Edwards
Manufacturer: Baker Book House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

ASIN: 0801007267

Book Description

Though he was orphaned at age fourteen, repeatedly struck with debilitating illnesses, and unfairly expelled from college, Brainerd allowed nothing to deter him from serving God wholeheartedly. He traveled thousands of miles by horseback across treacherous terrain to preach the gospel to remote Indians. Their benefit ultimately brought about his early death at the age of 29. This book not only offers a captivating story, but an uplifting buoy for those who are weary, distant, or discouraged.

Customer Reviews:

Native Rescuer.......2007-02-22

David Brainerd's recorded life speaks my heart and breath--my longings for my heavenly home. This is a must read for all as it washes away the deceiving beguilement of trendy Christianity.

Traveling through his pages of life, you witness his true mission that of only knowing Christ and Him crucified, 1 Corinthians 2:1-2. He was one of few who despised this vile world with its entertaining ways.

His soul displayed was that of a faithful, humble, loyal pastor who ministered to the natives in isolated areas of New England. He never set himself above these socially rejected ones who he found to be quite refreshing in contrast to snobbish white folk. He became known among fur trappers as "the man who trapped Indians with love."

Below are experts from David Brainerd's diary. The initial are the quotes of "His Heart." The following are observances of "His Natives."

His Heart:

"I know I long for God and conformity to His will, in inward purity and holiness, ten thousand times more than for anything here below."

"God was so precious to my soul, that the world, with all its enjoyments, was infinitely vile. I had no more value for the favor of men, than for pebbles."

"Spent the day mainly in conversing with friends; yet enjoyed little satisfaction, because I could not find but few disposed to converse on divine and heavenly things. Alas, what are the things of this world, to afford satisfaction to the soul! In secret, I blessed the God for retirement, and that I am not always exposed to the company and conversation of the world. Oh, that I could live in the secret of God's presence!"

His Natives:

"Discoursed from John 4:13, 14. There was a great attention, a desirable affection, and an unaffected melting in the assembly. It is surprising to see how eager they are to hear the Word of God. I have oftentimes thought that they would cheerfully and diligently attend divine worship twenty-four hours together if they had an opportunity so to do."

"I never saw any appearance of bitterness or censoriousness (being critical) in these, nor any disposition to `esteem themselves better than others.'"

from the back of the book.......2006-03-20

This is a rare, almost forgotten document depicting life in pre-Revolutionary America during the period when religious enthusiasm swept the colonial frontier. From 1743 to 1747 Brainerd had been a missionary to the Indians. Riding alone, thousands of miles on horseback, he kept a journal of daily events that he continued until the week before he died, at the age of twenty-nine, in Edwards' house. First published in 1749, the book became a spiritual classic in its own time. As the first popular biography to be published in America, it went through numerous editions and has been reprinted more frequently than has any other of Edwards' works. But what has not until now been known is that Edwards made drastic alterations in the original text. He shaped the narrative events to fit his own needs, presenting Brainerd as an example of a man who by example and deed opposed the rationalist, Arminian stance. Because the Yale edition is the first to print that portion of Brainerd's manuscript that survives, set in parallel columns with Edwards' text, these alterations can readily be discerned.

The Life and Diary of David Brainerd, Missionary to the Indians (The Works of Jonathan Edwards)

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Native Rescuer

The Life and Diary of David Brainerd, Missionary to the Indians (The Works of Jonathan Edwards)
Jonathan Edwards , and David Brainerd
Manufacturer: Diggory Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Native American | Earth-Based Religions | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 1846853818

Book Description

David Brainerd was a pioneer missionary to the American Indians in New York, New Jersey, and eastern Pennsylvania in the 1700s. He died at the tender age of 29 from TB.

Customer Reviews:

Native Rescuer.......2007-02-22

David Brainerd's recorded life speaks my heart and breath--my longings for my heavenly home. This is a must read for all as it washes away the deceiving beguilement of trendy Christianity.

Traveling through his pages of life, you witness his true mission that of only knowing Christ and Him crucified, 1 Corinthians 2:1-2. He was one of few who despised this vile world with its entertaining ways.

His soul displayed was that of a faithful, humble, loyal pastor who ministered to the natives in isolated areas of New England. He never set himself above these socially rejected ones who he found to be quite refreshing in contrast to snobbish white folk. He became known among fur trappers as "the man who trapped Indians with love."

Below are experts from David Brainerd's diary. The initial are the quotes of "His Heart." The following are observances of "His Natives."

His Heart:

"I know I long for God and conformity to His will, in inward purity and holiness, ten thousand times more than for anything here below."

"God was so precious to my soul, that the world, with all its enjoyments, was infinitely vile. I had no more value for the favor of men, than for pebbles."

"Spent the day mainly in conversing with friends; yet enjoyed little satisfaction, because I could not find but few disposed to converse on divine and heavenly things. Alas, what are the things of this world, to afford satisfaction to the soul! In secret, I blessed the God for retirement, and that I am not always exposed to the company and conversation of the world. Oh, that I could live in the secret of God's presence!"

His Natives:

"Discoursed from John 4:13, 14. There was a great attention, a desirable affection, and an unaffected melting in the assembly. It is surprising to see how eager they are to hear the Word of God. I have oftentimes thought that they would cheerfully and diligently attend divine worship twenty-four hours together if they had an opportunity so to do."

"I never saw any appearance of bitterness or censoriousness (being critical) in these, nor any disposition to `esteem themselves better than others.'"

Journey With David Brainerd (Great Awakening Writings (1725-1760))

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Journey With David Brainerd (Great Awakening Writings (1725-1760))
Richard A. Hasler
Manufacturer: Soli Deo Gloria Ministries
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Devotionals | Spirituality | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1573581305

Book Description

David Brainerd was a protegé of Jonathan Edwards. He was a Puritan missionary to the Indians in New England until his early death at the age of 29. Jonathan Edwards said that Brainerd's example of personal piety was "most worthy of imitation." The martyred missionary of the last century, Jim Elliot, often read Brainerd for encouragement and inspiration.

Here are 40 devotions taken from the journals of David Brainerd, along with prayers corresponding to each one. InterVarsity Press originally published this book in 1975, and we are proud to make it available again. Any person at any level of spiritual development can profit from these warm meditations.

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The Life and Diary of David Brainerd : Carefully Condensed From the Wycliffe Series of Christian Classics
Jonathan Edwards
Manufacturer: Moody Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000VO6GOE

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The Life and Diary of David Brainerd...the Wycliffe Series of Christian Classics
Jonathan Edwards
Manufacturer: Moody Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000JJYNQ4

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The life of David Brainerd, missionary to the Indians,: Taken from his diary and other private writings by Jonathan Edwards;
Jonathan Edwards
Manufacturer: Christian Alliance Pub. Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Native American | Americas | History | Subjects | Books
United States | Americas | History | Subjects | Books | 19th Century | 20th Century | 21st Century | African Americans | Civil War | Colonial Period | General | Revolution & Founding | State & Local
ASIN: B00085PC78

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The life of Rev. David Brainerd: Chiefly extracted from his diary
David Brainerd
Manufacturer: Published by the American Tract Society
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Native American | Americas | History | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000861FI2

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The Life of Rev. David Brainerd: Chiefly Extracted from His Diary By President Edwards
David Brainerd
Manufacturer: Baker Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000WA7QDC

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The life of Rev. David Brainerd: Chiefly extracted from his diary. Somewhat abridged, embracing, in the chronological order, Brainerd's public journal ... successful year of his missionary labors
Jonathan Edwards
Manufacturer: American Tract Society
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Native American | Americas | History | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B00088E2R6

Book Description

Born to an immigrant Philadelphia family in 1779, Stephen Decatur became at age twenty-five the youngest man ever to serve as a captain in the U.S. Navy. His intrepid heroism, leadership, and devotion to duty made him a perfect symbol of the aspirations of the growing nation. Leading men to victory in Tripoli, the War of 1812, and the Algerian war of 1815, and coining the phrase "Our country, right or wrong," Decatur created an enduring legend of bravery, celebrated in poetry, song, paintings, and the naming of dozens of towns—from Georgia to Alabama to Illinois.

Decatur's friendships with James Madison, John Quincy Adams, and others made him a rising star in national politics. He and his wife Susan built an elegant home near the White House, which became a center of Washington society. The capital and the nation were shocked when Decatur was killed at the age of forty-one in a duel with a rival navy captain. Although he died prematurely, Decatur played a significant role in the shaping of the nation's identity at a time when the American people were deciding what kind of nation they would become.

Customer Reviews:

The Context Behind "My Country, Right or Wrong".......2007-02-19

Among the spate of recent Decatur biographies, this volume stands out. Decatur's biography is swashbuckling stuff, to be sure, easy on the merit of the facts to make into a compelling story. But intricately, often subtly, woven into this book is the story of America moving from revolution to a budding empire, from underdog barely surviving in a dangerous world to conqueror, from a nation obsessed with concepts of honor and hot violence to one of commerce and enterprise. Of particular interest in the sad tale of Decatur's ultimate demise by the hand of a fellow officer is the intricate personal politics of the time, that both created the myth of the individual hero on which Decatur's reputation rests and the ascendancy of the organization, in this case the United States Navy, as having life and supremacy over the mere invididual. On this last matter, the often-overlooked contributions of Decatur towards professionalizing the Navy, assuring its subservience to civilian control -- this at a time when rumors of military coups abounded, and when the great fear of a standing Navy was its potential role in toppling the Republic -- and helping guide the administration of the service are presented ably by the author. (One cute story is that of the original 'pork barrel' politics and corrupt defense contractors -- who supplied bad pg meat from the interior of the country as part of a deal to help provide multi-state political support for the blue-water Navy.)

Of particular current interest is the treatment of Decatur's involvement with the Tripolitan states -- America's first wars with Islamic states, from 1803 to 1815. The role of Decatur in the Navy's expeditions against what are now Algeria, Libya, and Tunisia are essential in understanding the historical context of the use of American force in that region, as are the political and economic currents that produced the reasons for our involvement.

The words for which Decatur is dimly remembered by the general population -- frequently misquoted as 'My Country, right or wrong!' were more precisely, a toast: 'In her intercourse with foreign natons, may she always be right; and always successful, right or wrong.' Decatur uttered these words in the context of the nearly-disastrous War of 1812, which saw the country closely divided over its declaration, then invaded, rent by political decisions concerning the conduct of the war, and then nearly divided by a late secessionist movement that would have sought a separate peace. Decatur was no polished orator, and his intention in the context of his experience seems to have been to make the case that, it being far easier to deal with the world from a position of victory and superiority, there is no substitution for preparedness and planning. The author puts this sobriquet in further relief by quoting the opposing contemporary viewpoint, in the person of John Quincy Adams, then an experienced diplomat some years away from the Presidency, who wrote to his father, the former President, "I cannot ask of Heaven success, even for my country, in a cause where she should be in the wrong. I disclaim as unsound all patriotism incompatible with the principles of eternal justice. But the truth is that the American union, while united, may be certain of success in every rightful cause, and may if it pleases never have any but a rifghtful cause to maintain." The debate between these two views of our national conduct and security continues to this day, of course.

The ugly irony of Decatur's death by duel with a fellow officer over a matter of "honor" was that it was no such thing, involving no substantial issue of "right or wrong" but merely the perceived issues of status and career. It is a sad rhyme that such a distinguished American's ability to contribute to our national defense and conversation about the nature of security in a free Republic came to a violent and wholly unnecessary end.

Warmly recommended for both the general reader of naval biography and those with an interest in the politics and military history of the period.

An Extraordinary Hero for Extraordinary Times.......2006-06-29

Allison captures the spirit of a hero whose real life bursts beyond the credibility of most fiction. The book is rich in detail difficult to find elsewhere. I particularly appreciated his coverage of the second Barbary War and Decatur's competition with William Bainbridge. Allison tells his story with a compelling, easy-to-read style.

International history at its best..........2006-03-24

All too many Americans seem to think that early American history ended at the Atlantic's shoreline, but this is hardly the case. Robert Allison has been a strong voice in favor of the Atlantic perspective in American history. His works are a must read. Before reading this book I'd highly suggest reading his earlier work The Crescent Obscured. The Crescent Obscured will give the average reader a better idea where Allison is coming from.
Allison offers a strong narrative supported by exhaustive research. I HIGHLY suggest this book to anyone (at any level) interested in early American history.

For naval/American history buffs.......2006-03-12

Stephen Decatur became the youngest man ever to serve as a captain in the U.S. Navy, at age 25, in the late 1700s: he led many to victor and created for himself a legend of bravery and literacy alike. STEPHEN DECATUR: AMERICAN NAVAL HERO, 1779-1820 comes from a historian who recounts both Decatur's achievements and life and naval history and politics of his times, covering the early years of the new young republic and showing how Decatur helped direct naval policy and politics in the new nation. A highly recommended biographical pick for any fan of early Republic history in general and naval history in particular.

The Most Admired Naval Officer of His Day........2006-01-26

In 1820, President James Monroe found himself at the center of an "etiquette war, which had erupted over the question of whether his wife and daughters should call on the wives of ambassadors" concerning his daughter Maria's wedding in the White House on March 9. A reception celebrating the marriage had taken place at the Lafayette Square home of Stephen and Susan Decatur (an 1822 watercolor of which is included in the photo section). Two days later, the rest of the parties planned were called off after Decatur was killed in a duel.

He had risen in the ranks very quickly, the youngest man ever to serve as captain in the U. S. Navy, and rose to Commodore by the age of 41. Many towns were named for him, including Decatur, Alabama. He'd served his country well in Tripoli (there is a popular 1857 engraving showing Decatur wrestling with the Tripolitan captain who had killed his brother James) and the War of 1812, after which he moved to Washington from Philadelphia to become a rising star in politics.

His school friend, Richard Rush, whose father had aided in Stephen's education, had become U. S. ambassador to England. He described him as "a man of ten thousand; great resources of native intelligence and propriety upon all subjects; as a companion delightful; formed for the highest ranges of action, no matter in what sphere; prudent, and I will say even forbearing, whatever he may have been in earlier days." As an adult, Stephen was so self-conscious about his own writing that he wrote little. "I have always thought," he confessing in one of his few surviving personal letters, "that they who write badly should write little or by the way of practice a great deal." Thinking that no amount of practice could make him "become an adept," he seldome wrote anything. However, there remains a correspondence between Decatur and James Barron, which led up to the fatal meeting on March 22, 1820. Corrine Lowe called him the 'Knight of the Sea' in her book.

In the brief War with Algeria in 1815, Decatur became a national hero when he defeated the greatest Algerian admiral since Barbarossa. His funeral day was declared a day of public mourning. John Quincy Adams called him "warm-hearted, cheerful, unassuming, gentle in deportment, friendly and hospitable. The Nation has lost one of its heroes, one who has illustrated in history and given grace and dignity to its character in the eyes of the world." He reflected "of the fifty-six men who had signed the Declaration of Independence, only four are at this day numbered among the living. John Adams of Massachusetts, my father. Thomas Jefferson of Virginia, William Floyd of New York, and Charles Carroll of Carrollton, Maryland. With these patriarchs would go the memory of the past; America's future seemed bery much in doubt."

While writing his 2004 A SHORT HISTORY OF BOSTON, Robert Allison discovered that the only surviving ship Decatur commanded is in Boston, where he lives and teaches at the Harvard Extension School. The Decatur House in Washington is now a museum, a true treasure in our nation's capital. This is a very well-researched history book about a true American Naval Hero.

Stephen Decatur: American Naval Hero, 1779-1820.(Book review): An article from: The Historian

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Stephen Decatur: American Naval Hero, 1779-1820.(Book review): An article from: The Historian
Kurt Hackemer
Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B000SHD8UE
Release Date: 2007-06-22

Book Description

This digital document is an article from The Historian, published by Thomson Gale on June 22, 2007. The length of the article is 575 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Stephen Decatur: American Naval Hero, 1779-1820.(Book review)
Author: Kurt Hackemer
Publication: The Historian (Magazine/Journal)
Date: June 22, 2007
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 69 Issue: 2 Page: 316(2)

Article Type: Book review

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