1. William Borden, 26—Son of rich businessman, missionary to Muslims
  2. Jim Elliot, 28—Missionary, murdered along with 4 of his friends
  3. Conrad Grebel, 28—Godly Baptist killed by reformers
  4. Robert Murray McCheyne, 29—Pastor with unusual devotion and humility
  5. David Brainerd, 29—Missionary, risked his life and saw revival
  6. George Boardman, 30—Missionary to Myanmar, died after baptizing converts
  7. Henry Martyn, 31—Missionary to Iran, brilliant mind
  8. Jonathan Edwards, 54—Unusual mind and godliness, died from vaccination
  9. George Whitefield, 55—Saw thousands converted when he preached
  10. Charles Spurgeon, 57—Perhaps used more than any other Christian

Conclusions

God could have prolonged the lives of any or all of these men, but He was pleased to allow their lives to have what we might call “few” days.

Such a surprising number of very gifted and godly men died young, that we should not think highly of ourselves or much of our own lives, but rather be very content if only our King is obeyed, and as the essence of sweetness and beauty, is adored.

(This post was first published on Seth’s blog, Son of Carey.)