Jun
1
Tuberculosis and David Brainerd
Filed Under Christian History
With all the talk about tuberculosis, my thoughts have been drawn to the life of David Brainerd. What is the connection between the disease and this preeminent American missionary? Well, Brainerd died of tuberculosis. Not only did he die of that disease but he spent the last 19 months of his life in the home of Jonathan Edwards. Brainerd was nursed by Edwards own 17 year old daughter, Jerusha. No doubt, the time spent with Brainerd left a deep impression on Edwards. Edwards said of Brainerd’s stay with his family,
I would not conclude my observations on the merciful circumstances of Mr. Brainerd’s death, without acknowledging with thankfulness, the gracious dispensation of Providence to me and my family, in so ordering that he (though the ordinary place of his abode was more than two hundred miles distant) should be brought to my house, in his last sickness, and should die here. So that we had opportunity for much acquaintance and conversation with him, to show him kindness in such circumstance, to see his dying behavior, to hear his dying speeches, to receive his dying counsels, and to have the benefit of his dying prayers.
If it were not for Brainerd’s disease and the ensuing stay in the Edward’s home, Jonathan Edwards may not have been lead
to publish The Life and Diary of the Rev. David Brainerd. Many a missionary claim that book as the primary instrument that God used in calling them to missions.
So, as tuberculosis makes headlines, take a moment to think back on the brevity of life, the great commission, service to our God, the sweetness of the gospel, and the lives of holy men and women who have preceded us.
For a short piece on the life of David Brainerd, I heartily recommend John Piper’s biographical essay on Brainerd.
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