by Edward Payson
in ePub, .mobi & .pdf formats
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 Payson:
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 example, conversation, and prayers on other visitors — Excursions in behalf of charitable societies — Translation of ministers — He is invited to Boston and New York.
17. CHAP. XVII. Letters to persons in various circumstances and states of mind.
18. CHAP. XVIII. His private character—His affections and demeanor as a husband, father, master, friend—His gratitude, economy, generosity—His temper of mind under injuries.
19. CHAP. XIX. Further particulars relating to his personal history, and religious exercises, hi connexion with his pastoral labors and their results.
20. CHAP. XX. His last labors — His spiritual joys, heavenly counsels, and brightening intellect, during the progress of his disease — His triumphant exit—Conclusion.
PART. II. Select Thoughts.
21. SELECT. I. Select thoughts.
22. SELECT. II. Christan experience.
23. SELECT. III. Blessed reciprocity.
24. SELECT. IV. Searching retrospection.
25. SELECT. V. The New Jerusalem.
26. SELECT. VI. God in the midst of his Church.
27. SELECT. VII. Address to Seamen.
PART. III. Sermons.
28. SERM. I. The Bible above all price.
29. SERM. II. God’s ways above men’s.
30. SERM. III. All things created for Christ.
31. SERM. IV. The way which wicked men have trodden.
32. SERM. V. Sins estimated by the light of Heaven.
33. SERM. VI. Men tried and found defective.
34. SERM. VII. Our sins infinite in number and enormity.
35. SERM. VIII. The wicked, from pride, refuse to seek God.
36. SERM. IX. Recollections of God painful to the wicked.
37. SERM. X. Sinners willful and perverse.
38. SERM. XI. Amiable instincts not holiness.
39. SERM. XII. The promised fruit of Christ’s sufferings.
40. SERM. XIII. Messiah’s victory predicted and desired.
41. SERM. XIV. Sinners entreated to hear God’s voice.
42. SERM. XV. The difficulty of escaping the damnation of Hell.
43. SERM. XVI. The dead in sin made alive.
44. SERM. XVII. Universal law of forgiveness.
45. SERM. XVIII. Fraud exposed and condemned.
46. SERM. XIX. The mark of deliverance.
47. SERM. XX. The Christian manner of expressing gratitude.
48. SERM. XXI. The timely presence and salutation of Jesus.
49. SERM. XXII. A festival kept to the Lord.
50. SERM. XXIII. The second coming of Christ.
51. SERM. XXIV. Equality of men with angels.
52. SERM. XXV. The punishment of the wicked dreadful and interminable.
53. SERM. XXVI. Jehovah, a King.
54. SERM. XXVII. Prayer for the advancement of Christ’s kingdom.
55. SERM. XXVIII. The fulness of God dwelling in Christ.
56. SERM. XXIX. Christ and his harbinger compared and distinguished.
57. SERM. XXX. Man in his original, and in his lapsed state.
58. SERM. XXXI. Knowledge of one’s sins, a difficult acquisition.
59. SERM. XXXII. Sinners in Zion described and doomed.
60. SERM. XXXIII. A class of sinners excluded from mercy.
61. SERM. XXXIV. Punishment of' the impenitent inevitable and justifiable.
62. SERM. XXXV. The guilt of indifference to divine threatening’s.
63. SERM. XXXVI. The sin, danger, and unreasonableness of despair.
64. SERM. XXXVII. The stubborn sinner submitting to God.
65. SERM. XXXVIII. Christ rejects none who come unto him.
66. SERM. XXXIX. God heard in the still small voice.
67. SERM. XL. The day of small things not to be despised.
68. SERM. XLI. God’s special presence distinguishes his own people.
69. SERM. XLII. How to prolong the gracious visits of Christ.
70. SERM. XLIII. The churches increased.
71. SERM. XLIV. An unjust imputation repelled by Jehovah.
72. SERM. XLV. Demonstration of Christ’s love.
73. SERM. XLVI. Christ’s special tenderness towards penitent disciples.
74. SERM. XLVII. The end of time.
75. SERM. XLVIII. The feelings and employment of saints in Heaven.
76. SERM. XLIX. The oracles of God.
77. SERM. L. The Gospel, glad tidings.
78. SERM. LI. The divinity of Christ.
79. SERM. LII. Titles of Christ.
80. SERM. LIII. Christ’s joy in the church before his incarnation.
81. SERM. LIV. Christ’s priestly office.
82. SERM. LV. Christ a man of sorrows.
83. SERM. LVI. Christ a king.
84. SERM. LVII. Christ’s ascension.
85. SERM. LVIII. Christ’s victory over Satan.
86. SERM. LIX. Christ’s love for the church.
87. SERM. LX. Christ, the Savior of the lost.
88. SERM. LXI. Christ, God’s best gift to man.
89. SERM. LXII. Mans treatment of Christ.
90. SERM. LXIII. An assembly convoked against sinners.
91. SERM. LXIV. Why the wicked are spared for a season.
92. SERM. LXV. Lovers of pleasure described and warned.
93. SERM. LXVI. The sinner’s mistakes exposed and reproved.
94. SERM. LXVII. The sleeper awakened.
95. SERM. LXVIII. Joy in heaven over repenting sinners.
96. SERM. LXIX. The oppressed soul seeking divine interposition.
97. SERM. LXX. Fellowship with the Father and with the Son.
98. SERM. LXXI. The blameless pair.
99. SERM. LXXII. Children to be educated for God.
100. SERM. LXXIII. How little children are prevented from coming to Christ.
101. SERM. LXXIV. The children of the covenant, the Savior’s first care.
102. SERM. LXXV. Duty of the present, to the coming generation.
103. SERM. LXXVI. Anguish of parents at the perverseness of children.
104. SERM. LXXVII. The guilt and consequences of parental unfaithfulness.
105. SERM. LXXVIII. The iniquity of the fathers visited upon their children.
106. SERM. LXXIX. An early interest in God’s mercy essential to a happy life.
107. SERM. LXXX. Sin avoided by considerations of God.
108. SERM. LXXXI. Solomon’s choice.
109. SERM. LXXXII. Character affected by intercourse.
110. SERM. LXXXIII. Character of Daniel.
111. SERM. LXXXIV. Our obligations to God and men.
112. SERM. LXXXV. Participation in other men’s sins.
113. SERM. LXXXVI. Prayer for Rulers.
114. SERM. LXXXVII. Love to Christ indispensable.
115. SERM. LXXXVIII. The characters whom Christ loves.
116. SERM. LXXXIX. The safety of religion.
117. SERM. XC. A dissuasive from ambition.
118. SERM. XCI. Christs mission and return.
119. SERM. XCII. Holiness to the Lord.
120. SERM. XCIII. The glory which is due to Jehovah
121. SERM. XCIV. God’s praises sung; his works forgotten.
122. SERM. XCV. The condition of men without the Bible, or with the Bible proved to be false.
123. SERM. XCVI. The final judgment.
124. SERM. XCVII. Waiting for death.