Archives

The Confessional Presbyterian Archive is a curated digital library dedicated to preserving and promoting the writings of 17th–20th century Presbyterian pastors, teachers, and leaders. Featuring thousands of searchable texts, biographies, and historical resources, the archive provides direct access to the primary-source materials of American Presbyterianism.

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Inaugural Address, Delivered at the Danville Theological Seminary, October 13, 1853

Inaugural address on ecclesiastical history: history as a collection of facts; advocates a topical method (doctrine, worship, government) and treats Gnosticism, Arianism, Acts' authority.

Edward Porter Humphrey ⬩ 1854

The Promised Land

“Refuge” depicts Otho’s inn at Ancyra as a haven for persecuted Christians. “The Promised Land” surveys Palestine’s topography and how geography shaped Israel’s history.

Edward Porter Humphrey ⬩ 1870

Abraham’s Position in Sacred History

Discusses Abraham's role in sacred history—his call, the covenant (circumcision), founding of Israel, and status as spiritual father of believers and channel of God's redemptive plan.

Edward Porter Humphrey ⬩ 1864

Address by Rev. Dr. E.P. Humphrey at the Semi-Centennial of Amherst College

Address honoring Rev. Dr. E.P. Humphrey at Amherst's semi-centennial, highlighting his humble origins, leadership in revivals, support for missions and ministerial education.

Edward Porter Humphrey ⬩ 1871

Address of Rev. Edward P. Humphrey, D.D. to the American Colonization Society

1872 annual report of the American Colonization Society reviewing Liberia's founding, the suppression of the slave trade, and the Society's missionary and civil work in Africa.

Edward Porter Humphrey ⬩ 1872

Africa and Colonization: An Address Delivered Before the American Colonization Society, January 21, 1873

Address urging continued support for Liberia: colonization helped suppress the slave trade, resettle freed Africans, and provides a Christian republic and base for missions into Africa.

Edward Porter Humphrey ⬩ 1873

Ceremonial Institutes

Survey of Israel's ceremonial institutes: the tabernacle's design, furniture, priesthood, and rites; their historical roots, symbolism, and typological meaning pointing to atonement.

Edward Porter Humphrey ⬩ 1875

The Present Condition, Prospects, Beneficent Work, Needs and Obligations of the Presbyterian Church

1876 address on the Presbyterian Church: its evangelical witness, missionary work, and steadfast commitment to the Westminster Standards and Scripture as the rule of faith.

Edward Porter Humphrey ⬩ 1876

The Color Question: A Letter Written for the Sixtieth Annual Meeting of the American Colonization Society

An 1877 address urging American Colonization Society efforts: advocating emigration of freed African Americans to Liberia as a remedy for post‑emancipation racial inequality and social tension.

Edward Porter Humphrey ⬩ 1877

The Dead of the Presbyterian Church in Kentucky: Address

Memorial address recounting the founding of the Presbyterian Church in Kentucky—early pioneers (David Rice, the “eight missionaries”), revivals, controversies, and institutional beginnings.

Edward Porter Humphrey ⬩ 1883

Sacred History from the Creation to the Giving of the Law

Concise survey of sacred history from Creation to the giving of the Law, defending biblical inspiration and explaining key events (Creation, Fall, Flood, Abraham) for ministers and students.

Edward Porter Humphrey ⬩ 1888

Henry Boynton Smith

Discusses a new New Testament revision and provides a biographical sketch of Henry Boynton Smith, emphasizing his Christ-centered philosophy of history and scholarly influence.

Zephaniah Moore Humphrey ⬩ 1881

Memorial Sketch of Zephaniah Moore Humphrey and Five Selected Sermons

Memorial sketch and five selected sermons of Rev. Dr. Zephaniah M. Humphrey, recounting his life, ministry, character, and influence as pastor and church historian.

Zephaniah Moore Humphrey ⬩ 1883

The Book of Wealth; In Which It Is Proved from the Bible, That It Is the Duty of Every Man, to Become Rich

An 1836 tract arguing Scripture makes it a duty to acquire and wisely steward wealth: diligence and prudence opposed to sloth, with charity regulated by ability.

Thomas Poage Hunt ⬩ 1836

The Pillow: A Selection of Daily Texts on a New Plan

Daily-text devotional (The Pillow, 1836) compiling Scripture passages on creation, the heavens' praise, human mortality and the brevity of life for reflection and piety.

Thomas Poage Hunt ⬩ 1836

The Cold Water Army

1841 children's temperance tract urging youth to pledge total abstinence. It likens drunkenness to an army, appeals to parents, and grounds the plea in Christian piety.

Thomas Poage Hunt ⬩ 1841

The Bible Baptist

Debate between Baptists and Presbyterians over the meaning and mode of baptism and the validity of communion. Argues immersion vs pouring/sprinkling using biblical examples.

Thomas Poage Hunt ⬩ 1843

Jesse Johnston and His Times

Temperance-era sketch (c.1828) of Jesse Johnston and his wife, whose drinking ruins their home and character. Highlights domestic harms of alcohol and the rise of early temperance reform.

Thomas Poage Hunt ⬩ 1845

The Wedding Days of Former Times

19th-century essay condemning alcohol at weddings and urging total abstinence. It argues celebratory drinking spawns drunkenness, ruined marriages, and social harm.