9 October 1747 A.D. Death of David Brainerd
October 9: Death of David Brainerd
We have more than once made
reference to the diary of David Brainerd in this historical devotional guide.
Often times these entries filled a date in which no other Presbyterian person,
place, or event could readily be found, so this writer was thankful for that.
But it also set forth the true example of an individual who by his own
statement wanted to wear out his life in God’s service and for His glory. How
scarce are they found today in Christ’s church!
Talk about a Christian who, by
all reports, was skinny and sickly. No modern missionary agency, whether for
overseas or in our own country, would even approve of one like this for
missionary service. So the very fact that he was a missionary in the first
place to native Americans had to be of God. There simply was no other reason
for it. God was in the whole plan as well as the details of the plan.
From the time of his
ordination until his death was but about three years. As the inscription on his
tombstone reads, “Sacred to the memory of the Rev. David Brainerd, a faithful
and laborious missionary to the Stockbridge, Delaware, and Susquehanna Tribes
of Indians.” And yet his influence upon them doesn’t really tell the whole
story. His diary has caused countless in every century since that time to open
themselves up to the call of God upon their lives. His life and ministry have
stood the test of time, and a stream of workers for the kingdom of God have
been sent forth to the nations of the world with the gospel of Christ, at least
in part because of his example.
His closing days were precious
in more than one way. After discovering that he had tuberculosis, he spent his
months in the home of America’s greatest philosopher, Dr. Jonathan
Edwards, in Northampton, Connecticut. While there, Dr. Edwards youngest daughter,
Jerusha, a mere teenager, took care for him in an atmosphere of spiritual love.
Whether they were engaged has never been proved, but there was a loveliness in
that relationship which brought words like “we will spend a happy eternity
together,” on the day he died, which was October 9, 1747. That eternity came
sooner than later, as Jerusha contracted the same dread disease, and died
a year later. They are buried side by side in the cemetery in Northampton.
Words to live by: If you
have never, dear reader, read the Diary of David Brainerd, it remains available
in either book form or on the web in digital format. Open your heart to
the words of this young man who died at age 29. Not only will it convict you of
your need for more holiness, but it will give you a sense of urgency to take
the gospel to unsaved loved ones, to friends, and to strangers, as David
Brainerd did in his day. And who knows? Maybe it will send you to far off
shores as a missionary, as it has so many since that time now long ago in colonial
America.
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