John Mason and Sarah Paine Peck: Missionaries Extraordinaire
by Myron D. Dillow
edited by Douglas J. Holcomb
This volume follows primarily the life of John Mason Peck (1789-1858). Peck made a significant contribution to Baptist history. He became the leading figure among missionary Baptists in Illinois and Missouri. With his New England Puritan background, Peck's ministry played a significant role in influencing the moral, social, intellectual, and spiritual environment in Illinois and Missouri. He also became a national figure in Baptist life, and through his publications, he had a major impact on Western society and migration in the early to mid-nineteenth century. Lyman Beecher reportedly stated, "John Mason Peck led more valuable settlers into the Northwest than any other ten men." —from the Introduction to the book.
Presenting a comprehensive view of Peck's life and ministry, this volume will be an inspiration as you read of Peck's committment to the Lord and spreading the gospel.
“I have now put my hand to the plow. O Lord, may I never turn back—never regret this step. It is my desire to live, to labor, to die as a kind of pioneer in advancing the gospel. I feel the most heavenly joy when my heart is engaged in this work.” —J. M. Peck, Rufus Babcock, Forty Years of Pioneer Life: Memoir of John Mason Peck, D.D., 68.
Contents:
1. The Sunrise Years, 1789-1810
2. Moving to New York State
3. Communicating with Baptist Officials and His Studies in the Theological Institute in Philadelphia, 1816-1817
4. Departing for St. Louis and the Western Mission
5. Rock Spring, Illinois: The Center of Operations
6. The Constitutional Crisis of 1823-1824
7. Opposition From the Rising Anti-mission Movement
8. Peck’s Other Ministry to the Greater Society
9. Rock Spring Theological and High School, 1827-1831
10. Alton Seminary (1832), Alton College (1835), Shurtleff College (1836), and the Founding of the American Baptist Home Mission Society (1832)
11. The Press: Journalism and Literary Publications
12. The Sunset Years, 1853-1858
Appendixes:
A. The Doctrine of Election. Circular Letter of the Rensselaerville Baptist Association, 1813
B. John Mason Peck, Letter of Application to the Baptist Board of Foreign Missions
C. “Conversion of an African”
D. Articles of Faith of the Baptist Church at Rock Spring, Illinois (1829)
E. Moral Progress of the Mississippi Valley Circular (1854)
F. Positions Peck Held During His Ministry
G. Excerpts from J. M. Peck, Last Will and Testament, March 5, 1858
386 pages; 51 illustrations; Index of Persons, Subjects and Churches.
Hardcover in navy cloth vellum, smyth-sewn binding.