1805 THOMAS PICTON. Manuscript Sermon Archive of First Chaplain to West Point.

A wonderful small archive of sermons and manuscripts by Thomas Picton [1775-1861]. Picton was born in Wales, was set aside for the ministry in Wales and emigrated to the United States. He was initially pastor at Westfield, New Jersey from 1805-1818, then appointed the very first Chaplain at West Point. He held the post from 1818-1824 and was replaced by one of the most prominent divines of the era, Charles P. McIlvaine. He is buried at West Point and many of his MSs are held at Princeton.

Fascinatingly, the archive begins with what must have been the sermon he preached at his application for financial support to study for the ministry. It begins with a short sermon, really exposition, on Revelation chapter 3, and an original translation of the same. This is signed by Thomas. Then, in the same document, in a different hand, we have an address beginning, "The Reverend ministers, worthy Gentlemen, Managers for the Congregational Fund," on behalf of the Church of Christ at Glandwn in Pembrokeshire [Wales] advocating for financial support of young Thomas, providing his history, an appraisal of his character, etc., and this is signed by John Griffith [Pastor], William Evan [Teaching Elder], Rees Thomas, Mark Evans, and David Zacharias [Elders], John David, Roger Griffiths, and John Davis ]Deacons], and Thomas Evans, John Phillips, and Amaziah Owen [Members]. This probably dated c. late 1790's.

Then, we have 9 complete, extensive sermon manuscripts, extending to approximately 225pp in total. 

They include: 

Sacramental Occasion. On the Sufferings of Christ [Preached for the Lord's Supper at West Point, 1821].

On Christian Self-Denial. [Preached West Point, 1823; Fishkill Landing, 1824; 8th Presbyterian in New York, 1827; Village Church in New York, 1827, etc.]

Thanksgiving. [Preached Westfield, 1816]

Ezekiel 36.37. Thus saith the Lord God; I will yet for this be inquired of by the house of Israel, to do it for them. [Preached West Point, 1821]

Philippians 2.12, 13a. Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling: for it is God who worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. [Preached Westfield, 1812; West Point, 1821, etc.]

New Year. Luke 13.8. Lord, let it alone this year also . . . [Preached West Point, 1823]. 

Luke 13.34. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem! Which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not. [Preached West Point, 1823; Peakway, 1807, etc.] 

Isaiah 21.11 Watchman, what of the night? [Preached Westfield, 1816]

Funeral Sermon. Psalm 90.12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom. [Preached at West Point, funeral of Cadet James Scott of Newbern, North Carolina, 1824, etc.]

All in a very good, legible state. An important insight into early West Point history, etc.