Search

This collection contains 21 sermons and sets of sermon notes compiled by Reverend James Cushing of Haverhill, Massachusetts, and Plaistow, New Hampshire, between 1734 and 1756. Cushing, a Congregationalist minister, preached throughout northeastern Massachusetts on topics such as sin, vanity, and divine law.

This collection contains 21 sermons and sets of sermon notes compiled by Reverend James Cushing of Haverhill, Massachusetts, and Plaistow, New Hampshire, between 1734 and 1756. Each sermon records the date on which it was first preached, as well as dates and places of subsequent delivery, which occasionally included private residences. Cushing traveled around northeastern Massachusetts, often preaching in Andover and Salisbury. The sermons include Biblical verses as a basis for discussion, and address topics such as vanity, sin, and divine laws. Several sermons include expanded sections titled "Improvements." Most of the sermons are bound, and some comprise over 30 closely written, two-column pages; many items contain the texts of multiple sermons.

The Jonathan Parsons sermons, delivered in Lyme, Connecticut, and present-day Newburyport, Massachusetts, concern numerous religious topics such as salvation, the afterlife, and faith.

This bound group of around 20 sermons (330 pages) by Reverend Jonathan Parsons pertains to numerous religious topics, often related to redemption, salvation, judgment, the afterlife, and hell. Other topics concern faithfulness, the "reasonableness of religion," and faith. Some are part of numbered series. The entry on pages 65-67 is a postmortem sermon for John Kimbal, and the entry on pages 245-260 is a Thanksgiving Day sermon. Parsons delivered most of the sermons in Lyme, Connecticut, and present-day Newburyport, Massachusetts, between the 1730s and 1750s.

This collection is made up of 135 sermons and 46 incomplete sermons/notes/fragments/prayers by Presbyterian minister Thomas Picton of Westfield, New Jersey; and the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, initially written between 1792 and 1823. Each of Rev. Picton's sermons include designated hymns for the service, places and dates where he delivered it, and sometimes notes about events or people pertinent to the occasion. The collection also includes four letters and drafts of letters dating between 1815 and 1825, pertinent to his ministry, a request for a letter of recommendation, and his dismissal from the West Point chaplaincy.

This collection is made up of 135 sermons and 46 incomplete sermons/notes/fragments/prayers by Presbyterian minister Thomas Picton of Westfield, New Jersey; and the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, initially written between 1792 and 1823. Each of Rev. Picton's sermons include designated hymns for the service, places and dates where he delivered it, and sometimes notes about events or people pertinent to the sermon. The collection also includes four letters and drafts of letters dating between 1815 and 1825, pertinent to his ministry, a request for a letter of recommendation, and his dismissal from the West Point chaplaincy.

An example of Thomas Picton's sermons is one that he wrote at Westfield on January 17, 1809, for the funeral of Isaac Acken (who inadvertently shot himself in the arm and died from complications of the gunshot wound). Picton utilized the text again, as the basis for his sermon at the funeral of Sally Mooney at Westfield on January 17, 1810; the funeral of Dr. Isaac Ludlow at Westfield on March 30, 1815; the funeral of West Point cadet Dryden Laycock on October 17, 1818; and for "soldiers" at West Point on July 8, 1821.

Rev. Picton titled one of several sermons pertinent to the War of 1812 "Thanksgiving day" (based on 147th Psalm, 14th verse, 1st part), which he delivered at Westfield on April 13, 1815, "The day appointed by James Madison, President of U.S. for a publick Thanksgiving, on account of peace with England, signed in London Decr. 14. 1814. ratified in Washington Febry 18th. 1815"

One of the fragments (in box two, folder six) is in the Welsh language and another (in box two, folder five) is in shorthand.

• Incomplete autograph letter to Thomas Picton, December 26, 1815; New Haven. Replying to a request for advice from Rev. Picton about Phyllis/Phyllis, a woman of African descent (possibly an enslaved woman), who refused to marry the man "Mr. and Mrs. Aikorn" insisted she marry. On account of their subsequent "unkind & unchristian" treatment, Phillis refused to attend communion.
• Dymbech yng Rgwynedd autograph letter signed to Thomas Picton, January 20, 1818; Cape May Court House. 3 pages. The Welshman from New Bridge, Benbighshire, NW, mentioned in Picton's letter (recently seen in N.Y.), was committed to State Prison where he served his full term. He was about the city before taking a steamboat for N.B.; he was seen on Cape May hearty but fatigued. Daughter recovered from illness. Another daughter and son-in-law moved to Ohio and settled between the Miamis. Tracking down a copy of Dr. Lewis' "Body of Divinity" that was owned by the late Mr. Edwards. It was apparently sent by the estate to Philadelphia where it was sold. Rev. Ogden ordained and installed in Presbyterian congregation at Cape May. Thoughts on Ogden. Five lines and sign off in Welsh language.
• Jno. M. Picton autograph letter signed to Thomas Picton, January 9, 1825; Fortress Monroe. 4 pages. To his uncle. Unpleasant passage on account of stormy weather. With deference, reminded Picton of a vacancy in the artillery company at West Point. Fort Monroe not as well equipped for practical, "scientific & useful" instruction. Specifically mentioned the Library at West Point. Had conversations with Colonel Thayer, applied but has not heard. Wanted to connect with Rev. Picton before re-connecting with Thayer. Did not need transportation money to reach the post.
• Draft letter of three pages, with a section crossed out (still readable), signed "Aristides"; following the draft is a note from J. Mansfield (Mamfield?) to Thomas Picton, dated December 28, 1825, in which he attested to be the author of the draft and that it was originally written as a criticism of the West Point Board's idea of having a group of annual visitors brought in to assess the institution. Posted from West Point December 28, to Thomas Picton in New York.