The Life and Diary of David Brainerd Summary

10 questions on the main ideas. Each answer comes with a short explanation.

Take it one question at a time

1. Question 1

   According to Jonathan Edwards' introduction, what unique opportunity did David Brainerd have that allowed him to gain insight into spiritual matters?

   1. He traveled extensively across Europe, observing various religious practices.
   2. He was a gifted theologian who spent years studying ancient texts.
   3. He had a peculiar opportunity of acquaintance with the false appearances and counterfeits of religion.
   4. He participated in many theological debates with leading scholars of his time.
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   C. He had a peculiar opportunity of acquaintance with the false appearances and counterfeits of religion. Edwards highlights Brainerd's unique position to discern true from false religion due to his experiences, stating he 'had a peculiar opportunity of acquaintance with the false appearances and counterfeits of religion.'

2. Question 2

   What was David Brainerd's primary missionary focus?

   1. Establishing schools for colonial children in New England.
   2. Preaching to European settlers in developing frontier towns.
   3. Bringing the Gospel to the American Indians in New York, New Jersey, and eastern Pennsylvania.
   4. Translating the Bible into various indigenous languages.
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   C. Bringing the Gospel to the American Indians in New York, New Jersey, and eastern Pennsylvania. The text explicitly states Brainerd was 'an early missionary to the American Indians in New York, New Jersey, and eastern Pennsylvania' with the goal 'to bring the Gospel to the Indians.'

3. Question 3

   At what age did David Brainerd die, and where did he pass away?

   1. He died at age 35 at his own mission post.
   2. He died at age 29 at the home of Jonathan Edwards.
   3. He died at age 42 while traveling on the frontier.
   4. He died at age 25 in a colonial hospital.
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   B. He died at age 29 at the home of Jonathan Edwards. The biography states he 'died in 1747 at the age of twenty-nine at the home of his long-time friend and supporter, the eminent Puritan theologian and preacher Jonathan Edwards.'

4. Question 4

   What challenges did Brainerd frequently face during his missionary work, as mentioned in the text?

   1. Opposition from colonial governments and lack of financial support.
   2. Depression, loneliness, and physical illness.
   3. Conflicts with other missionaries and theological disagreements.
   4. Language barriers and a lack of interest from the native populations.
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   B. Depression, loneliness, and physical illness. The text explicitly lists 'depression, loneliness, and physical illness' as challenges Brainerd faced.

5. Question 5

   How has Brainerd's Diary and Journal influenced Christians for over 250 years?

   1. It provided a detailed historical account of the American frontier.
   2. It became a foundational text for early American political thought.
   3. Jonathan Edwards' careful preservation and thoughtful editing led to its enduring influence on Christians worldwide.
   4. It was widely distributed as a guide for medical practices in the 18th century.
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   C. Jonathan Edwards' careful preservation and thoughtful editing led to its enduring influence on Christians worldwide. The text credits 'Edwards' careful preservation and thoughtful editing of his friend's Diary and Journal that Brainerd has influenced Christians all over the world for over 250 years.'

6. Question 6

   What characteristic is consistently presented as a backdrop to Brainerd's turbulent inner world?

   1. His intellectual curiosity and pursuit of scientific knowledge.
   2. His genuine piety and single-minded devotion to God, both in heart and in practice.
   3. His leadership skills in organizing missionary expeditions.
   4. His ability to adapt to diverse cultural environments.
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   B. His genuine piety and single-minded devotion to God, both in heart and in practice. The text states, 'Yet his genuine piety and single-minded devotion to God, both in heart and in practice, form a consistent backdrop to his turbulent inner world.'

7. Question 7

   What does Jonathan Edwards' introduction suggest the reader will gain from Brainerd's account beyond external circumstances?

   1. A comprehensive understanding of colonial economic systems.
   2. Insight into the political structures of Native American tribes.
   3. An opportunity to see not only what were the external circumstances and how he spent his time, but also what passed in his own heart.
   4. Detailed medical knowledge of 18th-century diseases.
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   C. An opportunity to see not only what were the external circumstances and how he spent his time, but also what passed in his own heart. Edwards' introduction promises 'the reader will have an opportunity to see not only what were the external circumstances and remarkable incidents of the life of this person... but also what passed in his own heart.'

8. Question 8

   Given the description of Brainerd's challenges and his 'turbulent inner world,' what aspect of his character is emphasized as being particularly strong?

   1. His diplomatic skills in negotiating with different groups.
   2. His unwavering commitment to God despite personal struggles.
   3. His physical resilience in the face of harsh frontier conditions.
   4. His scholarly abilities in theology and philosophy.
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   B. His unwavering commitment to God despite personal struggles. Despite facing 'depression, loneliness, and physical illness' and having a 'turbulent inner world,' his 'genuine piety and single-minded devotion to God' are presented as a consistent and strong aspect of his character.

9. Question 9

   The description states Brainerd was 'compelled by God to share His love with others in the most difficult of circumstances.' This suggests his motivation was primarily:

   1. To gain personal fame and recognition for his efforts.
   2. A deep, internal spiritual conviction and divine calling.
   3. To escape personal troubles by focusing on external work.
   4. To fulfill a social expectation placed upon him by his community.
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   B. A deep, internal spiritual conviction and divine calling. The phrase 'compelled by God' points to an internal, spiritual motivation rather than external factors or personal gain.

10. Question 10

    Jonathan Edwards notes that Brainerd's ministry was 'attended by very remarkable and unusual events' and that he was 'the instrument of a most remarkable awakening.' What does this imply about the impact of Brainerd's work?

    1. His work primarily consisted of quiet, individual conversions with little broader impact.
    2. He caused significant social unrest and political upheaval among the native populations.
    3. His efforts led to widespread spiritual revival and significant religious conversions among those he ministered to.
    4. He established a new denomination that challenged existing religious institutions.
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    C. His efforts led to widespread spiritual revival and significant religious conversions among those he ministered to. Phrases like 'remarkable and unusual events' and 'most remarkable awakening' strongly suggest a significant, widespread spiritual impact, typically associated with revival and numerous conversions.