From Cradle to Calling: The Early Years of David Brainerd | Jonathan Edwards

Deep Dive into The Life And Diary Of David Brainerd by Jonathan Edwards - From His Birth, to the Time When He Began to Study for the MinistryDavid Brainerd was born on April 20, 1718, in Haddam, Connecticut, into a family with strong social and clerical standing. His mother, Dorothy Hobart, died in March 1732 when David was about fourteen, leaving him distressed and melancholy. Brainerd pursued a liberal education, intending to devote himself to the ministry. He initially lived a strict life, focusing on duties, but eventually realized this dedication was rooted in self-righteousness.His spiritual development was defined by intense theological conflict. He struggled bitterly against the perceived rigidity of the divine law and fiercely opposed the doctrine of divine sovereignty, which he could not bear, often wishing for another way of salvation besides Christ. He constantly tried to earn mercy through sincere prayers and religious efforts, but ultimately realized all his self-contrivances were "utterly in vain."This led to a powerful conversion experience on July 13, 1739. Following the realization of his total helplessness, his soul was overwhelmed by a "new inward apprehension" of God's "unspeakable glory" and beauty. This delight caused him to be "swallowed up" in God's excellence, temporarily forgetting his own salvation, and leading to peace and assurance.Brainerd entered Yale College in September 1739. His participation in the Great Awakening on campus (beginning in 1741) fueled his religious engagement but was characterized by an "intemperate, indiscreet zeal." This zeal led to his expulsion from Yale College in New-Haven in the winter of 1742. The primary cause was a censorious private comment—that a tutor, Mr. Whittelsey, "has no more grace than this chair"—which was overheard. His failure to comply with the demand for a public confession, along with attending a forbidden separate meeting, sealed his departure from the institution.The biographical account and diary detailing Brainerd's life, conversion, and struggles were later compiled and written by Jonathan Edwards.Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologianhttps://buymeacoffee.com/edi2730