It is clear when you read the writings of Rev. David Brainerd (1718-1747) that he firmly believed in the providence of God. In brief, it can be stated that he affirmed that God was involved in the affairs of men. God’s “invisible hand” directed Brainerd in a multitude of personal decisions that were necessary to carry out his missionary work with the American indians. When difficult circumstances arose, and they did many times over, he trusted that God was superintending all of the events of his life and that in the end these trials would prove to be for his own benefit, or for the benefit of others. This aspect of Brainerd’s faith gave him a deep personal assurance and a firm resolute confidence. Consider now this gripping example of God’s providential care in David Brainerd’s life:
“Tomahawks in hand, the Indians crept toward the strange tent. As they cautiously peered under the flap, their intention to kill was forgotten. There, in the center of the tent was a man on his knees. As he prayed, a rattlesnake crossed his feet and paused in a position to strike. But the snake did not strike. It lowered its head again and glided out of the tent. It was a long time later when David Brainerd, the man in the tent, found out why the Indians at the village received him with such honor as they did. He had expected that they would want to kill him. The reason for their change of heart was the report their comrades had brought of the marvelous thing they had seen. The Indians looked upon David Brainerd as a messenger from the Great Spirit, which indeed he was. In all good work the protection of God is with the worker.”
Tan, Paul Lee. “Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations: Signs of the Times.” Rockville, MD: Assurance Publishers, 1979, #2031
The historic Westminster Confession of Faith (1647) defines the doctrine of “Providence” in the following manner: “God the great Creator of all things doth uphold, direct, dispose, and govern all creatures, actions, and things, from the greatest even to the least, by His most wise and holy providence, according to His infallible foreknowledge, and the free and immutable counsel of His own will to the praise of the glory of His wisdom, power, justice, goodness, and mercy.” (WCF, Chapter 5, Article 1) David Brainerd was well-acquainted with these words since he had memorized them as a child. In short, he trusted God to “uphold, direct, dispose, and govern” all the circumstances of his life. And the Lord, did not let him down.
“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, and says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’ ” Isaiah 52:7
Brainerd’s Journal and Diary
At this time of accelerating interest in Christian missions, it is prudent for Christians everywhere to remember the life, work, and words of a sincere and diligent missionary to the American Indians. The Rev. David Brainerd (1718-1747) lived as a minister of the gospel amongst the Indians for five years until he was overtaken by the ravages of tuberculosis. During that time he conducted lengthy preaching missions with the Indians in places such as Kaunaumeek, at the forks of the Delaware River, the Susquehanah valley, Crossweeksung, and Cranbury. He preached the gospel to thousands of Indians in a time of spiritual “Awakening” throughout New England, and wondrously saw God open the hearts of hundreds. Brainerd went head to head with the pagan religion of the Indians, and saw it for what it actually was—the worship of evil spirits, superstitious slavery to local Shamans, and cruel and unkind treatment of women, children, the aged, and captives. In his Journal and personal Diary he chronicles numerous events which showed the American Indians to be illiterate and without any spiritual hope. Nevertheless, he loved the Indians as those who needed to gain the assurance of eternal life. He did not seek to change their cultural practices, except where these were expressly forbidden in the pages of the Bible. Moreover, he sought to encourage literacy and contemporary practices of farming among them. David Brainerd has become a model of the effective and dedicated missionary for our age and in the past. Let us review the specific events of his short, but energetic, life.
David Brainerd
David Brainerd was born on April 20, 1718 at Haddam, Connecticut the third son of his father (Worshipful Hezekiah Brainerd) and his mother (Dorothy Hobart Brainerd). David came from a family background of lawyers on his father’s side and of ministers on his mother’s side. He grew up in a large rollicking family of nine children, five boys and four girls. His father unexpectedly died when he was nine years old, and he was left a complete orphan by age fourteen upon his mother’s untimely death. It seemed certain that he was destined to become a Connecticut farmer working the land that he had inherited from his parents while taking care of his younger siblings. It was during these teenage years that Brainerd became increasingly interested in Christianity. He wrongly thought that by performing “deeds of religion” God would find favor in him. He transparently wrote about this period,
When about twenty years of age, I applied myself to study and was now more engaged than ever in the duties of religion. I became very watchful over my thoughts, words, and actions; and thought I must be sober indeed, because I designed to devote myself to the ministry; and imagined I did dedicate myself to the Lord…My manner of life was now exceedingly regular and full of religion, such as it was; for I read my Bible more than twice through in less than a year, spent much time every day in prayer and other secret duties, gave great attention to the Word preached, and endeavored to my utmost to retain it. So much was I concerned about religion that I agreed with some young persons to meet privately on Sabbath evenings for religious exercises, and thought myself sincere in these duties…In short I had a very good outside, though not sensible of it.
Jonathan Edwards, ed., Life and Diary of David Brainerd, 58-59.
Fortunately, God broke into the midst of his erroneous way of thinking and he was profoundly converted in 1739. It was by the mercy of God and the abandonment of “works righteousness” that his heart was opened to the transforming wonders of the “new birth.” He subsequently entered Yale College to pursue ministerial preparation and theological studies. In this erudite institution he excelled as a student relishing in his studies of theology and the Bible. As in many people’s life, there can often be a “defining moment” that shapes that person’s attitudes in a negative way or a positive way—in 1742 such an event happened to Brainerd. His biographer, Jonathan Edwards, explains what occurred,
And it once happened that he and two or three…intimate friends were in the hall together, after Mr. Whittelsey, one of the tutors, had been to prayer there with the scholars; no other person now remaining in the hall but Brainerd and his companions. Mr. Whittelsey having been unusually pathetical in his prayer, one of Brainerd’s friends on this occasion asked him what he thought of Mr. Whittelsey; he made the answer, “He has no more grace than this chair.” One of the freshmen happening at this time to be near the hall (though not in the room) overheard those words. This person, though he heard no name mentioned and knew not who was thus censured, informed a certain woman in the town, withal telling her of his own suspicion, namely that he believed Brainerd said this of someone or other of the rulers of the college. Whereupon she went and informed the Rector, who sent for this freshmen and examined him. He told the Rector the words he heard Brainerd utter and informed him who were in the room at that time. Upon which the Rector sent for them: they were very backward to inform against their friend what they looked upon as a private conversation, and especially as none but they had heard or knew of whom he had uttered those words; yet the rector compelled them to declare what he had said, and of whom he had said it…for these things he was expelled from the college.
Jonathan Edwards, ed., Life and Diary of David Brainerd, Appendix 1, 381-382.
Rev. Gilbert Tennant
Although Brainerd could have harbored ill feelings toward the Rector and the College, and allowed his frequent melancholy spirit to dominate him with sorrow, he did not. Instead, he saw these events as the divine providence of God and as a means of humbling him for future service to God’s kingdom. In addition, as a leader amongst the students Brainerd was heavily criticized for his attendance at a nearby revival meeting where the fiery Presbyterian preacher the Rev. Gilbert Tennant (1703-1764) was speaking. Rev. Tennant had become famous by his sermon “The Dangers of an Unconverted Ministry.” In this message he criticized the New England clergy for their uniform lack of evidence of regeneration. Such animosity was generated by Tennant’s sermon, which had been widely published, that the Rector at Yale had forbidden the students to attend any meetings where he was speaking. Brainerd, out of curiousity, attended a meeting and when this became known Brainerd was unable to assuage the authorities—their minds were made up to make an example of him for the rest of the students. As a result, he never graduated although he stood first in his class at the time of his expulsion.
A few years later, Brainerd actually attended Commencement Day proceedings at Yale College when he would have graduated. At the urging of others he submitted a public confession and apology to the directors of the college. They voted to readmit Brainerd so that he could continue his studies, but since he was then deeply engaged in his ministry to the Indians he reluctantly declined. For him what could have been an extremely bitter experience, was used by the Lord to further refine his character and prepare him for the hardships of missionary service. Here was a man who was willing to go and do exactly what God required of him, no matter what the personal sacrifice.
Brainerd pursued private studies in divinity through several ministers and in short order received his License to preach. Although he had several invitations to preach in established settlements and towns he felt sure that God had called him to spread the gospel to the Indians. Thus, in November of 1742 he was commissioned as a missionary of the “Society for the Propagation of Christian Knowledge” (also known as the S.P.C.K.). This organization had been founded in 1709 to encourage missionary work amongst American Indians. He began a permanent work near Stockbridge, Massachusetts among the Indians and settlers. His daily Diary reads not as an adventure story, living in the wilderness in the midst of heathen savages, but as a sober chronicle of preaching to a people that he truly came to love as his brothers. Here is a revealing entry from his Diary,
I live in the most lonesome wilderness; have but one single person to converse with, that can speak English (the Indian who served as Brainerd’s interpreter, Wauwaumpequunnaunt). Most of the talk I hear is either Highland Scotch or Indian. I have not a fellow Christian to whom I might unbosom myself or lay open my spiritual sorrows; with whom I might take sweet counsel in conversation about heavenly things and join in social prayer. I live poorly with regard to the comforts of this life. Most of my diet consists of boiled corn, hasty-pudding, etc. I lodge on a bundle of straw, my labor is hard and extremely difficult, and I have little appearance of success, to comfort me. The Indians have no land to live on but what the Dutch people lay claim to; and these threaten to drive them off. They have no regard for the souls of the poor Indians; and by what I can learn, they hate me because I come to preach to them. But what makes all my difficulties grievous to be borne is that God hides His face from me.
Jonathan Edwards, ed., Life and Diary of David Brainerd, 124.
Rev. George Whitefield
During the years that David Brainerd was laboring in the wilderness, the preaching of the itinerant Anglican evangelist, Rev. George Whitefield (1714-1770), was being mightily used by God to further revival in America. Those who favored the Great Awakening were referred to as the “New Lights” or the “New Side Presbyterians.” Although, Brainerd was congregational in his understanding of church polity, he did have an appreciation for the work of God’s Spirit in the revival and strongly identified with the “New Lights.” He felt that New England was being drenched by “showers of God’s Grace” through the preachers of the Awakening. Essentially, “New Light” theology was a warm-spirited evangelical Calvinism which emphasized man’s complete inability to respond to the offer of the gospel. Salvation was seen as completely of God’s grace, without a shred of human cooperation. This became the studied view and firm belief of David Brainerd. Over the five years of missionary service he labored at several locations in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. In June 1744 he was ordained by the Presbytery of Newark, New Jersey. By November 1745 he had ridden over 3,000 miles on horseback throughout the American wilderness. A typical entry in his Diary reads like this,
Lord’s Day, April 10. Rose early in the morning and walked out and spent a considerable time in the woods, in prayer and meditation. Preached to the Indians, both forenoon and afternoon. They behaved soberly in general; two or three in particular appeared under some religious concern, with whom I conversed privately. One told me her heart had cried ever since she heard me preach first.
Jonathan Edwards, ed., Life and Diary of David Brainerd, 120.
David Brainerd in the saddle
During the final two years of his ministry in the forests of New Jersey he saw “a remarkable work of grace” with the conversion of more than one hundred and thirty Indians. He baptized thirty-eight Indians and formed churches at Crossweeksung, and Cranbury. He lovingly referred to the Indians in these congregations as “my people.” Brainerd’s general pattern of ministry consisted of daily preaching, frequent spiritual counseling, and evening catechism. This revival was thoroughly described in his Journal which was published in 1746. Consider this entry from that year,
Lord’s Day, December 29. Preached from John 3:1-5. A number of white people were present, as is usual upon the Sabbath. The discourse was accompanied with power, and seemed to have a silent, but deep piercing influence upon the audience. Many wept and sobbed affectionately. There were some tears among the white people, as well as the Indians. Some could not refrain from crying out, though there were not so many exercised, but the impressions made upon their hearts appeared chiefly by extraordinary earnestness of their attention, and their heavy sighs and tears. After public worship was over, I went to my house, proposing to preach again after a short season of intermission. But they soon came in one after another, with tears in their eyes, to know “what they should do to be saved.” The Divine Spirit in such a manner set home upon their hearts what I spoke to them that the house was soon filled with cries and groans. They all flocked together upon this occasion, and those whom I had reason to think in a Christless state were almost universally seized with concern for their souls. It was an amazing season of power among them, and seemed as if God “had bowed the heavens, and come down.”
Jonathan Edwards, ed., Life and Diary of David Brainerd, 265.
Rev. Jonathan Edwards
It was in April of 1747 he had a serious bout with the tuberculosis from which he had suffered from for years. This illness finally led to his having to leave the work with the Indians that he loved so much. His younger brother, John Brainerd, eagerly continued the ministry with David’s Indian congregation at Cranbury, New Jersey. In July of 1747 he retreated to the home of his old friend, Rev. Jonathan Edwards, for recuperation. While there Brainerd became engaged to be married to Jonathan Edward’s oldest daughter, Jerusha. She lovingly nursed him during his agonizing illness, yet he finally succumbed to the effects of tuberculosis on October 9, 1747 and died at twenty-nine years of age. Sadly, Jerusha Edwards also contracted tuberculosis and she died on February 14, 1748, five months after Brainerd’s death. She was 19 years old at the time of her death. In recognition of the love they shared for each other, Jerusha Edwards was laid to rest in a grave next to David Brainerd in the Old Cemetery in Northampton, MA.
Following Brainerd’s his death, his work was fully taken over by his younger brother, John Brainerd. In 1749 Jonathan Edwards published a stirring account of his Diary and Journal which has had a deep influence on Christian missionaries through the years. Such notables as William Carey, Henry Martyn, and Thomas Coke were deeply influenced by Brainerd’s activities and attitudes. This account has become a devotional classic used by God to encourage hundreds to become missionaries in the Lord’s work. In closing, consider these stirring words of David Brainerd as he reflected on the purpose of his life, “I longed to be as a flame of fire, continually glowing in the Divine service, preaching and building up Christ’s kingdom to my latest, my dying hour.” He fulfilled his purpose, and he faithfully served his Lord unto his “dying hour.” Soli Deo Gloria!
David Brainerd’s grave at the Old Cemetery in Northampton, Mass.
An Addendum:
On July 6, 2009, we (the Serven family) diligently searched for Brainerd’s grave in the Old Cemetery of Northampton, MA. Alas, we could not find it. However, my wife Cheryl spotted a county worker and asked for the location of the grave site. The worker replied that he would be glad to show us where it was and then laughingly remarked that it was only “Bible-thumpers” who seemed to be interested in finding that particular grave. As we stood before David Brainerd’s grave I was glad to be considered a “Bible-thumper” since he also suffered the ridicule of the world for the sake of his Lord, Jesus Christ. We noted that Jerusha Edwards was buried right next to him, although sadly her gravestone has now fallen over. Nearby, can be found the grave of Rev. Solomon Stoddard (Jonathan Edwards’ maternal grandfather), and the graves of several members of the extended Edwards family. To us, this is holy ground.
Jerusha Edward’s grave is placed right next to her Beloved’s grave
Resources for Further Study:
Ahlstrom, Sydney E. A Religious History of the American People. 2 Volumes. Garden City, NY: Image Books, 1975.
Douglas, J. D., ed. The New International Dictionary of the Christian Church. Revised edition. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1978.
“Brainerd, David,” by J. G. G. Norman
“Calvinism,” by W. S. Reid
“Edwards, Jonathan,” by Paul Helm
“Eliot, John” by J. D. Douglas
“Great Awakening, The,” by Bruce L. Shelley
“Presbyterianism,” by W. S. Reid
“Tennent, Gilbert,” by Howard A. Whaley
“Whitefield, George,” by Arthur Pollard
Edwards, Jonathan, ed. The Life and Diary of David Brainerd. Originally published in Boston, MA: 1749; Reprint, Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1989.
Elwell, Walter A., ed. Evangelical Dictionary of Theology. Second Edition. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2001.
“Edwards, Jonathan,” by Mark A. Noll
“New England Theology,” by Mark A. Noll
“New Light Schism,” by W. A. Hoffecker
“Old School Theology,” by W. A. Hoffecker
“Revivalism,” by M. E. Dieter
“The Great Awakenings,” by Mark A. Noll
Houghton, S. M. Sketches from Church History. Edinburgh, Scotland: The Banner of Truth Trust, 1980.
Marshall, Peter, and David Manuel. The Light and the Glory. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1977.
Murray, Iain H. Jonathan Edwards: A New Biography. Edinburgh, Scotland: The Banner of Truth Trust, 1987.
Noll, Mark A. A History of Christianity in the United States. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing House, 1992.
Reid, Daniel G., ed. Dictionary of Christianity in America. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1990.
“Brainerd, David,” by J. Conforti
“Edwards, Jonathan,” by J. H. Edwards
“Edwards, Sarah Pierpont,” by R. A. Tucker
“Eliot, John,” by G. W. Harper
“Great Awakening,” by H. S. Stout
“Missions, Evangelical Foreign,” by H. M. Conn
“Missions to Native Americans, Protestant,” by M. S. Joy
“New Lights,” by H. S. Stout
“New Side Presbyterians,” by A. C. Guelzo
“Old Lights,” by H. S. Stout
“Old Side Presbyterians,” by A. C. Guelzo
“Revivalism,” by W. G. Travis
“Society for the Promotion of Christian Knowledge,” by E. C. Nordbeck
“Tennant, Gilbert,” by S. T. Logan
Wells, David F., ed. Eerdman’s Handbook to Christianity in America. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdman’s Publishing House, 1983.
Dr. Marcus J. Serven, ThM and DMin
The Genevan Foundation – Copyright 2018 – All Rights Reserved
Saul the Pharisee stands by while Stephen is stoned to death
Written by Dr. Marcus J. Serven
The Early Church was forged in the midst of much persecution and suffering. Jesus told his disciples that “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt. 5:10) And indeed, that is exactly what happened. Wave after wave of persecution flooded the church. But, these early Christians persevered and grew ever stronger in their faith. In the first decade following the resurrection of Jesus, the disciples Stephen, James, Timon, and Parmenas all suffered martyrdom at the hands of the Jews and the Romans. The followers of Jesus fled from Jerusalem when the Apostles were arrested, tried, and jailed. In God’s providence, however, the church spread as a result of this persecution. Cyprian prophetically stated, “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.” And so it was; as the martyrs died, the Church of Jesus Christ spread and multiplied all over the known world. Consider the record of the Twelve Apostles and other key figures in the Early Church. These brave men and women received a “Martyr’s crown” for their steadfast witness to the resurrection of Jesus Christ and for preaching the Gospel.
Following the Crucifixion & Resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth – AD 33…
Stephen (a church deacon, Acts 6:5) — was stoned to death in Jerusalem with Saul, the persecutor and Pharisee, standing by and approving of his martyrdom (Acts 7:54-60)
Nicanor (a church deacon, Acts 6:5) — he suffered martyrdom in AD 34.
Mary (the mother of Jesus) — after she “treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart” regarding Jesus (Luke 2:19, 34-35, 51), she appears to have come to faith following His resurrection (Acts 1:14). She died AD c.40.
James (a disciple & brother of John) — James was put to death with a sword by the edict of Herod Agrippa I in AD 44 (Acts 12:1-3).
Timon (a church deacon, Acts 6:5) — suffered martyrdom at Philippi in AD 44.
Parmenas (a church deacon) — was martyred in the region of Macedonia in AD 44.
Philip (a disciple) — labored in Upper Asia and was scourged, imprisoned, and crucified at Hierapolis in Asia Minor in AD 54.
Matthew (a disciple) — various traditions have him laboring throughout Macedonia, Parthia, & Persia. He wrote the Gospel of Matthew and was slain with a spear or an axe in Nadabah, Ethiopia, in AD 60.
Matthias (a follower of Christ) — took Judas Iscariot’s place following his betrayal and death as one of the twelve disciples (Acts 1:15-26). After preaching and evangelizing throughout Ethiopia he was stoned in Jerusalem and then, beheaded.
James the Less (Son of Alphaeus, a disciple) — he ministered and was martyred in Syria.
The Apostle Andrew as he faced his death sentence in Edessa
Andrew (a disciple & brother of Peter) — preached in Asia Minor and Greece; crucified in Edessa on a transverse cross (commonly known as St. Andrew’s Cross).
John Mark (an evangelist) — possibly the “young man” who fled from the garden of Gethsemane (Mark 14:51-52); served with Paul and Barnabas on their 1st missionary journey, yet he disappointed Paul and went off with Barnabas (Acts 15:36-41); 2 Tim. 4:11 speaks of Paul and Mark eventually reconciling; tradition tells us that Mark was Peter’s amanuensis for the second gospel; he established churches in Alexandria; he was dragged to pieces by the people of Alexandria, Egypt, because they believed that he offended their idol, Serapis.
Apollos (traveling evangelist & preacher) — befriended by Paul and instructed by Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:24-28), he traveled throughout the Mediterranean region seeking to strengthen the churches. Some scholars believe he is the author of Hebrews.
Peter finding the coin in the fish’s mouth as Jesus said he would
Simon Peter (a disciple & brother of Andrew) — he labored throughout the Roman world, perhaps visiting Britain and Gaul; wrote two NT Epistles and superintended the Gospel of Mark (1 Peter 5:13); crucified in Rome upside-down, because he felt unworthy of being crucified in the same manner as the Lord, during Nero’s persecution of Christians (AD 67)
Paul (formerly Saul, the persecutor of “The Way”) — the Apostle to the Gentiles; he wrote thirteen Epistles; labored throughout the Roman world; may have visited Spain; beheaded in Rome during Nero’s persecution of Christians (AD 67)
The Apostle Paul hard at work writing his many letters
Jude, or sometimes known as Thaddaeus (the Brother of James the Less, a disciple) — was crucified at Edessa in AD 72.
Barnabas (the evangelist) — traveled throughout the Roman world and was martyred on Cyprus in AD 73.
Bartholomew (a disciple) — accompanied Philip to Hierapolis; martyred after ministry in Armenia or India.
Thomas, or Didymus (a disciple) — labored in Babylon and India; was trust through with a spear by enraged pagan priests in India.
The Apostle Thomas dies while preaching the Gospel in India
Luke (the traveling companion of Paul and a physician) — wrote the gospel of Luke and the book of Acts; hanged to death on an olive tree by idolatrous priests in Greece.
Simon The Zealot (a disciple) — tradition has him serving in Persia, Egypt, Carthage, and Britain; crucified in Britain in AD 74.
Mary Magdalene (a follower of Jesus) — Jesus delivered her of seven demons (Luke 8:1-3), out of loyalty she later stood by Him at the cross (Mark 15:40) and witnessed His resurrection (Mark 16:1-ff). She served with the Apostle John in Ephesus and died there. Her body was later moved to Constantinople. Other traditions suggest that she traveled with Martha and Lazarus to France and is buried there.
Timothy (a traveling-companion of Paul, & pastor in Ephesus) — he was badly beaten by a procession of pagans in Ephesus after he preached to them about Christ. Two days later he died from his injuries (AD 97).
John (a disciple & brother of James) — the “one whom Jesus loved”; wrote the Gospel of John, three Epistles, and the Revelation; in Ephesus John was pitched into a cauldron of boiling oil, yet escaped without serious injury; later he was exiled to the island of Patmos by the Roman Emperor, Domitian. John was the only disciple who died a natural death. He died in Ephesus approximately AD 100.
James (the brother of Jesus, Mt. 13:55) — according to Paul, the risen Christ appeared to James (1 Cor. 15:7). Also, James, and Jesus’ other brothers and mother, were gathered with the disciples in Jerusalem following the Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus (Acts 1:13-14). Following these events James came to faith in Christ and became the leader of the church in Jerusalem. Moreover, he convened the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15) and authored the Epistle of James. He was severely beaten and then stoned by the Jews in his 94th year having his brains dashed out with a club.
The Colosseum in Rome where so many Christians were martyred
Sources of Information:
Boer, Harry R. A Short History of the Early Church. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1976.
Cross, F. L., gen. ed., and E. A. Livingstone. The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church. Second Edition. Oxford, England: Oxford University Press, 1974.
Douglas, J. D., gen. ed. The New International Dictionary of the Christian Church. Second Edition. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1978.
Douglas, J. D., gen. ed. Who’s Who in Christian History. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 1992.
Eusebius of Caesarea. Ecclesiastical History. Originally written in A.D. 325; Reprint, Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1992.
Foxe, John. Foxe’s Book of Martyrs. Formally known as Actes and Monumentes. William Byron Forbrush, ed. Originally published in English 1563; Reprint, Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1967.
Harrison, Everett F. The Apostolic Church. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1985.
Houghton, S. M. Sketches in Church History. Edinburgh, Scotland: The Banner of Truth Trust, 1980.
Schaff, Philip. History of the Christian Church. Vol. 1. “Apostolic Christianity (A.D. 1-100).” Originally published in 1858; Reprint, Peabody, MA: Hendricksen Publishers, 1996.
Tenney, Merrill C., gen. ed. The Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible. 5 Volumes. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1975-1976.
Walton, Robert C. Chronological & Background Charts of Church History. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1986.
Woodbridge, John D., gen. ed. Great Leaders of the Christian Church. Chicago, IL: Moody Press, 1988.
Dr. Marcus J. Serven, ThM and DMin
The Genevan Foundation – Copyright 2023 – All Rights Reserved
The lush and verdant countryside of Ireland takes my breath away–it is so beautiful!
Written by Dr. Marcus J. Serven
Patrick – Missionary Evangelist to Ireland
Patrick (A.D. c.390-c.461), a young man raised by loving Christian parents, was thoroughly acquainted with the Bible and the evangelical faith. He was also greatly influenced towards faith in Christ by an old family friend by the name of Julias, who had been a slave in Ireland many years before. One day when Patrick was sixteen years old, he was out working on his Father’s farm and became aware of a disturbance on the beach near his house. He could tell something was going on by the loud cries of the sea gulls. Upon further investigation he discovered that “sea raiders” from Ireland had invaded the English coast and were preparing to attack the nearby village of Banavem. Knowing that he should warn his Father and Mother who were in the village Patrick tried to slip away undetected, but in his haste slipped and fell down the cliff overlooking the beach. As he tumbled downwards, he hit his head on a boulder and landed unconscious at the feet of the Irish leader. They tied him up in their boat and kidnapped him! Much later, when Patrick awakened he realized that he would probably never see his parents or England again. He put himself in God’s providential care. However, God did not leave him all alone for Julius, his Father’s friend, had also been captured in the battle for Banavem. By God’s grace they were able to stay together in captivity.
Patrick as a Shepherd
For six long years Patrick (sometimes known by the name, Maewyn Succat) served as a shepherd to an Irish chieftain by the name of Michlu (a Druid priest). He learned the language (Gaelic) and the local customs of the Irish, but he refused to worship the false deities of the Druid religion. Strangely, the Druid Priests had widely prophesied that a man from over the sea would come amongst them. He would humble the leaders of the land and lead the people to the Great God. The Druids greatly feared this man, yet they also acknowledged that he would cause them to take up “shepherd’s staffs” in submission to the Lord and end their war-like ways. Patrick often wondered who this man might be, but he never dreamed that he was the very man! Julius in the meantime discipled him, as he would his own son, teaching him the doctrines of the Bible. Patrick said of this time, “The Lord opened to me the sense of my unbelief that I might remember my sins and that I might return with my whole heart to the Lord my God.” It was during these formative years that Patrick matured in his own faith and in his desire to communicate the Gospel to the Irish people. His first interested listeners were the three children of Michlu: Gussacht, Emer, and Bronach. After six years, Patrick escaped with Julias to France and eventually returned home to England. He believed that God had called him to become a minister of the gospel and he was ordained. During his studies he experienced an intense desire to return to Ireland and evangelize his former captors. He once even had a dream when he heard a voice calling to him in Gaelic saying “Holy Boy, we beseech you to come and walk among us once more.”
The ruins of an ancient Celtic Church in the Irish countryside
Patrick finally returned to Ireland in A.D. 432, when he was 43 years old, and spent the next thirty years laboring there. He was appointed a missionary Bishop over that pagan land and risked his life many times in order to further the gospel. He had special ties to several of the chieftains and established many monasteries and preaching points throughout the land. He is the object of many legends and spurious tales, but none of these take away from the real man of God that he truly was. During his extended ministry he established thirty churches and baptized over 120,000 persons. How do we evaluate the ministry of Patrick? Merle d’Aubigne makes this learned assessment. He writes,
Succat, afterwards known as St. Patrick…returned to Ireland…ever active, prompt, and ingenious, he collected the pagan tribes in the fields by the beat of drum, and then narrated to them in their own tongue the history of the Son of God. Erelong his simple recitals exercised a divine power over their rude hearts, and many souls were converted, not by external sacraments or by the worship of images, but by the preaching of the Word of God. The son of a chieftain, whom Patrick calls Benignus, learnt from him to proclaim the Gospel, and was destined to succeed him. The court bard, Dubrach MacValubair, no longer sang druidical hymns, but canticles addressed to Jesus Christ. Patrick was not entirely free from the errors of the time; perhaps he believed in pious miracles; but generally speaking we meet with nothing but the gospel in the earlier days of the British church.
Merle d’Augbigne, The Reformation in England, Vol. 1, 28-29
The legacy of Patrick continues to survive today due many legends of dubious quality and his recognition as a “Saint” by the Roman Catholic Church. Thankfully, Patrick himself leaves an autobiographical book, The Confessions of Patrick, and a powerful poem entitled, The Breastplate of Patrick. The words of his poem give some idea of Patrick’s immense courage and unflagging resolve in facing down the wicked Druids. He placed his faith in “the strong name of the Trinity” and trusted that God would providentially protect him from “all Satan’s spells and wiles.” The Lord did not fail him, and he significantly blessed the ministry of this missionary-evangelist to Ireland. It is good for us to remember, that what others meant for evil (his kidnapping and enslavement), God meant for good (his knowledge of Ireland’s language and his love for the Irish people). Let us, then, rejoice in the life and ministry of Patrick and give thanks to God for the powerful gospel we proclaim!
The Breastplate of Patrick
I bind unto myself today the strong name of the Trinity, by invocation of the same, the Three in One, and One in Three.
I bind this day to me forever, by power of faith, Christ’s incarnation; His baptism in the Jordan river; His death on the cross for my salvation. His bursting from the spiced tomb; His riding up the heav’nly way; His coming at the day of doom; I bind unto myself today.
I bind unto myself today the power of God to hold and lead, His eye to watch, His might to stay, His ear to hearken to my need; The wisdom of my God to teach, His hand to guide, His shield to ward, The word of God to give me speech, His heav’nly host to be my guard.
Against all Satan’s spells and wiles, against false words of heresy, against the knowledge that defiles, against the heart’s idolatry, against the wizard’s evil craft, against the death-wound and the burning, the choking wave, the poison’d shaft, protect me, Christ, till Thy returning.
Christ be with me, Christ within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me, Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort and restore me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ in quiet, Christ in danger, Christ in hearts of all that love me, Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.
I bind unto myself the name, the strong name of the Trinity, by invocation of the same, the Three in One, and the One in Three, of whom all nature hath creation, Eternal Father, Spirit, Word, Praise to the Lord of my salvation: Salvation is of Christ the Lord.
“Patrick’s Breastplate” Translated by C. F. Alexander in Eerdman’s Handbook to The History of Christianity, 212
Resources for Further Study:
A Celtic Cross
Cahill, Thomas. How the Irish Saved Civilization. New York, NY: Anchor Books, 1995.
Christian History Magazine. Vol. XVII, No. 4, Issue 60. “How the Irish Were Saved: The Culture & Faith of Celtic Christians.”
Douglas, J. D., ed. The New International Dictionary of the Christian Church. Revised Edition. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1978.
“Celtic Church” by Robert G. Clouse
“Ireland” by Adam Loughridge
“Ireland, Church of” by Adam Loughridge
“Missions, Christian” by Ian Breward
“Ninian” by J. D. Douglas
“Patrick of Ireland” by Hugh J. Blair
d’Aubigne, Merle J. H. The Reformation in England. S. M. Houghton, ed. Volume 1. Edinburgh, Scotland: The Banner of Truth Trust, 1962.
Douglas, J. D., ed. Who’s Who in Christian History. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale Publishers, 1992.
Dowley, Tim, ed. Eerdman’s Handbook to The History of Christianity. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1977.
“Patrick’s Confessions and Breastplate” in Great Christian Classics. Kevin Swanson, ed. Parker, CO: Generations With Vision, 2010.
Neill, Stephen. A History of Christian Missions. Second Edition. New York, NY: Penguin books, 1986.
Olsen, Ted. Christianity and the Celts. Downers Grove, Il: InterVarsity Press, 2003
Reynolds, Quentin. The Life of Saint Patrick. New York, NY: Random House, 1955.
Wace, Henry and William Piercy, eds. A Dictionary of Christian Biography. London, England: John Murray, 1911; Reprint, Peabody, MA: Hendricksen Publishers, 1994.
Woodbridge, John D. Great Leaders of the Christian Church. Chicago, IL: Moody Press, 1988.
Dr. Marcus J. Serven, ThM and DMin
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