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The Complete Works of Edward Payson
The Complete Works of Edward Payson, Compiled by Rev. Asa Cummings (2197 pages) is a monumental compilation that offers a comprehensive look at the life, ministry, writings and sermons of one of the most revered pastors in early 19th-century America. This collection includes Payson’s sermons, memoirs, theological reflections, and personal letters, presenting an unparalleled glimpse into his deep piety, spiritual struggles, and pastoral wisdom.
The volume begins with a detailed memoir chronicling Payson’s early life, spiritual development, and calling to the ministry. Readers will find inspiration in the accounts of his relentless dedication to proclaiming the gospel despite physical ailments and personal trials. The memoir offers valuable lessons on the Christian life, showcasing Payson’s remarkable reliance on God’s grace in every circumstance.
The collection also features select theological writings and sermons, which reveal Payson’s profound understanding of Scripture and his skill in applying it to the lives of his congregation. His sermons (over 100 of them) cover a wide range of topics, from the majesty of God’s sovereignty to the practical outworking of Christian holiness. Each discourse is rich in theological insight and pastoral warmth, making them as relevant and impactful today as when they were first preached.
Payson’s letters, included in the compilation, provide a deeply personal glimpse into his inner life. They highlight his struggles with spiritual despondency and his victories through faith, offering encouragement to readers who face similar challenges. His candid reflections and heartfelt advice resonate with authenticity and point continually to the sufficiency of Christ.
This collection is not merely a historical artifact but a treasure trove for pastors, theologians, and believers seeking to deepen their spiritual walk. Payson’s life and writings challenge readers to a higher standard of devotion, service, and dependence on God.
About Edward
Edward Payson (1783–1827), often referred to as "Praying Payson of Portland," was a prominent Congregationalist pastor in Maine. Renowned for his fervent preaching, deep prayer life, and pastoral care, Payson’s ministry left a lasting impact on his congregation and the wider Christian community. His legacy endures through his writings, which continue to inspire Christians with their profound theological insights and passionate devotion to Christ.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREF. I. The Memoir of Dr. Payson.
PREF. II. Selections from conversations and unpublished writings.
PART. I. Memoirs of the Rev. Edward Payson.
1. CHAP. I. Uses of religious biography. Birth of Edward Payson. His early impressions; intellectual qualities; filial and fraternal conduct; moral character. His literary education; enters Harvard College; his reputation there.
2. CHAP. II. Comprising a period of three years from the time of his leaving college.
3. CHAP. III. His religious history during the period embraced in the preceding chapter.
4. CHAP. IV. Retires to Rindge, and devotes himself exclusively to his preparation for the ministry.
5. CHAP. V. His state of mind in the immediate prospect of the ministry.
6. CHAP. VI. His first efforts as a preacher. His religious character further developed.
7. CHAP. VII. Visits Portland, — his favorable reception, and Ordination.
8. CHAP. VIII. His concern for his flock. Reverse in his temporal prospects. Is taken from his work by sickness.
9. CHAP. IX. Resumes his pastoral labors. Letters. Review of the year.
10. CHAP. X. His dependence on God; its influence on himself and church. His uniform purpose to know nothing save Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Illustration. Letters. Resolutions. Increased success.
11. CHAP. XI. Permanency and strength of maternal influence—Correspondence—Deathbed anguish, how alleviated—Disgraceful incident—Price of popularity— Reasons of former trials developed—Letters, &c.
12. CHAP. XII. Holy aspirations. Gratitude to the Savior. Multiplied labors. Novel family scene. Danger averted. “Curious frame.” Flattery deprecated. His marriage. Becomes sole pastor of the church. Retrospect of the year.
13. CHAP. XIII. Forms of prayer—Thoughts on public prayer—His sincerity—The importance of this quality to a minister’s success.
14. CHAP. XIV. The pastor in action—Methods of exciting, sustaining and extending a due interest in religious concerns — Preaching, administration of ordinances, church fast, conference, inquiry meetings.
15. CHAP. XV. The same subject—Bible class—Pastoral visits—Social parties—Special and casual interviews—Charm of his conversation—Singular recounter— Whence his competency—His publications.
16. CHAP. XVI. His exertions without the bounds of his parish — Influence on his ministerial associates; in resuscitating and edifying other churches — Visits “The Springs”—Effect of his exampl...
The volume begins with a detailed memoir chronicling Payson’s early life, spiritual development, and calling to the ministry. Readers will find inspiration in the accounts of his relentless dedication to proclaiming the gospel despite physical ailments and personal trials. The memoir offers valuable lessons on the Christian life, showcasing Payson’s remarkable reliance on God’s grace in every circumstance.
The collection also features select theological writings and sermons, which reveal Payson’s profound understanding of Scripture and his skill in applying it to the lives of his congregation. His sermons (over 100 of them) cover a wide range of topics, from the majesty of God’s sovereignty to the practical outworking of Christian holiness. Each discourse is rich in theological insight and pastoral warmth, making them as relevant and impactful today as when they were first preached.
Payson’s letters, included in the compilation, provide a deeply personal glimpse into his inner life. They highlight his struggles with spiritual despondency and his victories through faith, offering encouragement to readers who face similar challenges. His candid reflections and heartfelt advice resonate with authenticity and point continually to the sufficiency of Christ.
This collection is not merely a historical artifact but a treasure trove for pastors, theologians, and believers seeking to deepen their spiritual walk. Payson’s life and writings challenge readers to a higher standard of devotion, service, and dependence on God.
About Edward
Edward Payson (1783–1827), often referred to as "Praying Payson of Portland," was a prominent Congregationalist pastor in Maine. Renowned for his fervent preaching, deep prayer life, and pastoral care, Payson’s ministry left a lasting impact on his congregation and the wider Christian community. His legacy endures through his writings, which continue to inspire Christians with their profound theological insights and passionate devotion to Christ.
-----
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREF. I. The Memoir of Dr. Payson.
PREF. II. Selections from conversations and unpublished writings.
PART. I. Memoirs of the Rev. Edward Payson.
1. CHAP. I. Uses of religious biography. Birth of Edward Payson. His early impressions; intellectual qualities; filial and fraternal conduct; moral character. His literary education; enters Harvard College; his reputation there.
2. CHAP. II. Comprising a period of three years from the time of his leaving college.
3. CHAP. III. His religious history during the period embraced in the preceding chapter.
4. CHAP. IV. Retires to Rindge, and devotes himself exclusively to his preparation for the ministry.
5. CHAP. V. His state of mind in the immediate prospect of the ministry.
6. CHAP. VI. His first efforts as a preacher. His religious character further developed.
7. CHAP. VII. Visits Portland, — his favorable reception, and Ordination.
8. CHAP. VIII. His concern for his flock. Reverse in his temporal prospects. Is taken from his work by sickness.
9. CHAP. IX. Resumes his pastoral labors. Letters. Review of the year.
10. CHAP. X. His dependence on God; its influence on himself and church. His uniform purpose to know nothing save Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Illustration. Letters. Resolutions. Increased success.
11. CHAP. XI. Permanency and strength of maternal influence—Correspondence—Deathbed anguish, how alleviated—Disgraceful incident—Price of popularity— Reasons of former trials developed—Letters, &c.
12. CHAP. XII. Holy aspirations. Gratitude to the Savior. Multiplied labors. Novel family scene. Danger averted. “Curious frame.” Flattery deprecated. His marriage. Becomes sole pastor of the church. Retrospect of the year.
13. CHAP. XIII. Forms of prayer—Thoughts on public prayer—His sincerity—The importance of this quality to a minister’s success.
14. CHAP. XIV. The pastor in action—Methods of exciting, sustaining and extending a due interest in religious concerns — Preaching, administration of ordinances, church fast, conference, inquiry meetings.
15. CHAP. XV. The same subject—Bible class—Pastoral visits—Social parties—Special and casual interviews—Charm of his conversation—Singular recounter— Whence his competency—His publications.
16. CHAP. XVI. His exertions without the bounds of his parish — Influence on his ministerial associates; in resuscitating and edifying other churches — Visits “The Springs”—Effect of his exampl...
- GenresTheology
2197 pages, ebook
First published December 1, 1998
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24 people want to read
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