Jerry Falwell Library acquires colonial-era publications with writings from theologian Jonathan Edwards

Liberty University’s Jerry Falwell Library has announced the acquisition of two 18th century publications that include writings by noted pastor, theologian, and philosopher Jonathan Edwards.

The first-edition copy of “An Account of the Life of the Late Reverend Mr. David Brainerd, Minister of the Gospel, Missionary to the Indians” was published in 1749 and lists Edwards as the editor.

“A passionate advocate of Christian missions, it is difficult to think of a work that inspired American missionaries over time more than Jonathan Edwards’ work (about Mr. David Brainerd), which is the earliest biography of the best-known Indian missionary of the Great Awakening,” said Dr. Roger Schultz, Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences. “Edwards’ work is a continuing reminder of Christ’s commission to evangelize the nations.”

The book was previously owned by Moses Peck, a Boston watchmaker and enthusiastic supporter of Indian missions.

The second title, “True Religion Delineated; or, Experimental Religion,” was written in 1780 and includes an eight-page preface by Jonathan Edwards. The book also has distinguished provenance with an early owner, including the Rev. James Manning, founding president of Brown University in Rhode Island and a Continental Congress delegate.

“Jonathan Edwards is one of the most important figures in early American history from both a Christian and secular perspective,” said Dr. Samuel Smith, chair and graduate program director of Liberty’s Department of History. “He is widely considered the greatest intellectual America has ever produced. The fact that he was a committed evangelical theologian, philosopher, pastor, and missionary makes his life that much more important to LU’s distinct mission.”

Based on input from the History Department, these two titles were acquired at auction using the Jerry Falwell Library’s Dean’s Excellence Fund, to which supporters have contributed during the past few Liberty University Giving Day campaigns.

“The attainment of these significant publications gives our students a unique chance to observe and study two important original pieces produced and published during the era of the First Great Awakening,” Smith said. “The History Department is committed to teaching and researching America’s dynamic Christian history, and arguably no one plays a more important role in that history than Jonathan Edwards.”

Both titles are now stored in the library’s Archives & Special Collections area, located in the lower terrace, and can be viewed in the Archives Reading Room during the Archives’ operational hours. A group of graduate history students were invited to the archives to view the publications.

For questions related to these titles or other materials available through the Archives & Special Collections, email archives@liberty.edu or call (434) 592-6230. Those wishing to contribute to the library’s acquisition of these types of historically significant materials can visit Liberty.edu/Library/Donations.