Deep Dive into The Life And Diary Of David Brainerd by Jonathan Edwards - Brainerd's Death

David Brainerd’s final year was defined by a severe, debilitating illness identified as consumption, yet his physical decline fostered a remarkable intensification and purification of his spiritual life. Though suffering from constant fever, extreme weakness, and pain, he maintained perfect composure and serenity, finding comfort in the belief that his life and death were determined by an infinitely wise God.

Facing imminent death, Brainerd achieved profound clarity regarding the nature of genuine Christianity. He discerned that the essence of true religion lay in the soul’s conformity to God, acting above all selfish views for His glory, motivated by a vision of His infinite excellency. He forcefully testified against what he deemed "false religion," which included superficial emotional joys, impressions not rooted in Scripture, and the dangerous idea that saving faith was merely believing Christ died for one personally. He insisted that true faith required deep humility, brokenness of heart, and resulted in a life of holiness.

Brainerd’s highest desire was to glorify God. He viewed heaven not as a place for personal reward or happiness, but as a state where he could please and serve God perfectly for eternity. This fervent desire for service sustained him even as his bodily capacity dwindled.

His ministerial energy, redirected by his illness, focused intensely on the continuation of Christ’s kingdom. He lamented his inability to preach to his Indian congregation, an affliction he considered worse than his physical pain. Using his remaining strength, he secured funding for his Indian school and successfully recommended two young men to the Commissioners in Boston to serve as missionaries to the Six Nations. He also imparted earnest dying counsels to future ministers, stressing the need for self-denial, frequent prayer, and the special influences of the Holy Spirit for effective ministry. He greeted his death with eager anticipation, calling it the "glorious day" of his entrance into perfect holiness.

Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologian

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