The Life And Diary Of David Brainerd by Jonathan Edwards - Preaching Met with Remarkable Success

David Brainerd’s journal entries from June 13, 1744, to June 18, 1745, reveal a deeply introspective and spiritually intense account of his ministry among the Native Americans and his personal struggles. Despite ongoing physical ailments, including debilitating fevers, severe weakness, and emotional melancholy, Brainerd remained steadfast in his mission. He frequently expressed gratitude for God’s providence in preserving his life through illness and arduous travel, as well as for moments of spiritual refreshment in prayer and preaching. Brainerd’s ministry was marked by periods of both profound discouragement and hopeful anticipation. At times, he lamented his perceived spiritual barrenness, distractions in prayer, and inability to effectively communicate the gospel to the Indians. Yet, he also recorded moments of divine assistance, where he felt unusually free and empowered in prayer and preaching. His dependence on God was a recurring theme, often acknowledging that success in his work relied entirely on divine intervention. In his interactions with the Native Americans, Brainerd encountered resistance, idolatrous practices, and spiritual indifference, which deeply burdened him. However, he also noted instances of genuine attentiveness, tears, and apparent conviction among his listeners. His love for the Native people was evident in his ceaseless prayers for their conversion and his willingness to endure extreme hardships for their spiritual welfare. Brainerd also reflected on his inner life, frequently mourning his sinfulness, pride, and spiritual dullness. Yet he found solace in the doctrine of free grace and in meditating on scriptural promises. He was sustained by a vision of eternity, often longing for heaven where he could be free from sin and serve God perfectly. Amid his physical frailty and emotional lows, Brainerd remained resolute in his calling, finding fleeting but profound moments of spiritual joy and divine nearness. His journal is a testament to his unwavering commitment to God, his heartfelt intercessions for others, and his perseverance through suffering for the sake of the gospel. This recording is made by Eleven Labs AI audio generated platform: elevenlabs.io/?from=partnerhall9106 Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologian Patreon: patreon.com/edi_reformed