The life of 18th-century American missionary David Brainerd not only inspired teachers of the Christian faith for many years after his untimely death, it also earned him the unofficial title of father of modern missionary workers. His friend JONATHAN EDWARDS (1703-1758)–the enormously influential American preacher an theologian–developed much of this biography from Brainerd’s own diaries.

From the profound impact of the deaths of both his parents by the time of his early adolescence to his contentious tenure as a student at Yale University (from which he was expelled) to his missionary years among the Indians of the Central Atlantic states, this 1749 volume celebrates Brainerd’s great insight into human nature–and how his melancholy disposition may have informed it–and his observance of true spiritual devotion as a man challenged throughout his life to distinguish between the false ecstasy of fantasy and the genuine joy of true communion with God.

Seekers of spiritual truth and students the history of the missionary movement will all enjoy this classic work of faith and piety.