LOUISVILLE, Ky. (BP) — Several folders of original material authored by John A. Broadus more than 100 years ago have been added to the archives of Southern Seminary.

Broadus (1827-95) served as Southern’s first professor of New Testament interpretation and homiletics and was the institution’s second president. Southern already housed a substantial collection of Broadus’ papers, including the original manuscript of his classic book, “On the Preparation and Delivery of Sermons.” But according to Jason Fowler, Southern’s archives and special collections librarian, the new papers will help researchers understand Broadus more fully.

Southern acquired the new materials when Don Whitney, associate professor of biblical spirituality, saw them for sale on eBay. Whitney notified Gregory A. Wills, professor of church history and director of Southern Seminary’s Center for the Study of the Southern Baptist Convention, of his find.

The seller stumbled across the papers by accident when she bought some glassware at an auction and discovered letters and manuscripts in the bottom of one of the boxes.