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Even in the 21st century, Stepping Heavenward by Elizabeth Payson Prentiss constitutes one the most beloved spiritual classics in print today. It comes from the pen of a 19th century American Presbyterian writer, who left a legacy of literature for young ladies, in particular, which has recently been added to Log College Press.
The daughter of the famous Congregationalist minister Edward Payson, and later the wife of Presbyterian minister George Lewis Prentiss, at the age of 12 Elizabeth made a profession of faith at the Bleecker Street Presbyterian Church in New York City.
She returned to New York City in 1851, but within a year, she lost two of her children. The sufferings in her life inspired her writings. As she once said, “Much of my experience of life has cost me a great price and I wish to use it for strengthening and comforting other souls.” This quote comes from The Life and Letters of Elizabeth Prentiss, published by her husband. Alfred Nevin, in the Encyclopedia of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, tell us that “Her memoir…is one of the most beautiful of religious biographies.”
Take time to read her famous classic, as well as her other writings, which are available here. See the publications of her husband here.
