The Dawn Treader

Jonathan Edwards, 1703-1758

I am part of a men's group that is taking time to look at biographies of giants of the faith.  My turn to teach is next Thursday.  I will present a lesson called "Learning From Jonathan Edwards."  I chose to present Edwards knowing very little about the man.  What I knew, however, is that the name Jonathan Edwards appears often as a significant influence in the lives of great thinkers and thought leaders.

I asked theologian T.M. Moore about Edwards.

Was home schooled along with his 10 sisters.  Showed early promise in science.  Was on track to become a world class scientist before switching to study theology.   Gave up science to enter the ministry.  First pastorate lasted only two years.  Second pastorate ended in controversy and dismissal.  Out of work at age 46, he accepted a call to pastor a small church on the edge of the frontier that had only 12 families plus 100 Mohawk Indians.   As a pastor, he was considered aloof and reclusive.   He was a quiet man and not particularly good at making conversation.   When he died at age 54 from a botched smallpox inoculation, he barely received one line of mention in the newspapers.

Yet ... he rocked the world with his passion and insight into the glory and excellency of God.    He has shaped the thinking of generations.  The impact of his life is incalculable.   Who is he?

UPDATE: 3 have answered correctly.  Anyone else?

It is true.  Comments?

Christ The King Presbyterian, a member of the PCA, will be studying the giants of the faith in our two Thursday men's groups.  If you live in or near Roanoke, please come and join us.  Just post a comment and I'll tell you how to find us.

I have the privilege of presenting the lives of six of these giants of the faith.  First up for Mr. Dawntreader is Jonathan Edwards.

October 18: Francis Schaeffer
November 1: Jonathan Edwards
November 15: Patrick (missionary)
December 6: John Witherspoon
January 3: Martin Luther
January 17: Chuck Colson
February 7: David (from the Bible)
February 21: John Newton
March 6: Robert Murray McCheyne
March 20: George Muller
April 3: Augustine
April 17: William Wilberforce
May 1: C.H. Spurgeon
May 15: C.S. Lewis

I am blogging from the Presidents room in the Alumni House at Covenant College.  If you are on campus today, feel free to stop by and  visit.

Look for the guy with the laptop on the big comfy chair.   That'll be Mr. D.

The last names of Fernando, Helena, and Jennifer are Grayson, Kraft and Landers.  Each person joined one of the U.S. Armed Forces - army, marines or navy.

Landers is not a marine.
Grayson likes being in the army and tried unsuccessfully to talk Helena into joining.
The marine said he didn't like the basic training period.

Find each person's full name and armed service branch.

Last year, Eric was twice Aaron's age.  This year, if you reverse the digits on Eric's age, it equals Aaron's age.  If you add Eric and Aaron's age this year, what do you get?

Write down your start time.  Solve the puzzle.  Record the answer and how long it took you.