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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The Reasons of Mr. Alexander Craighead’s Receding from the Present Judicatures of this Church, Together with Its Constitution

Alexander Craighead ⬩ 1743

A Renewal of the Covenants, National and Solemn League; A Confession of Sins, and Engagement to Duties; and a Testimony

Preface urging renewal of the National and Solemn League Covenants (1743). Argues withdrawal from local Presbyterians and gives biblical and historical reasons for covenant renewal and reform.

Alexander Craighead ⬩ 1748

The Querists: Or, An Extract of Sundry Passages Taken Out of Mr. Whitefield’s Printed Sermons, Journal and Letters

18th-century Presbyterian pamphlet challenging George Whitefield’s teachings—questions about Christ’s divinity, regeneration, justification and alleged Arminian/antinomian tendencies; appeals to Scripture and presbytery.

Francis Alison, D.D., Thomas Evans ⬩ 1741

March 30, 1764 Circular on Royalization

Francis Alison, D.D., Gilbert Tennent, John Ewing ⬩ 1764

Preface to James Davenport, The Faithful Minister Encouraged

An 18th-century sermon encouraging ministers to persevere: ministry is a mercy and calling requiring humility, faithfulness, prayer, and diligent preaching to build souls and glorify God.

Gilbert Tennent, James Davenport ⬩ 1756

Preface to Samuel Finley, The Curse of Meroz

Gilbert Tennent, Samuel Finley ⬩ 1757

Preface to David Bostwick, Self Disclaimed and Christ Exalted

Two 1758 sermons (Francis Alison; David Bostwick) urging Christian peace, charity, and unity among churches—calling for humility, forbearance, and preservation of essential truths.

Gilbert Tennent, David Bostwick ⬩ 1758

Preface to Robert Eastburn’s A Faithful Narrative

Gilbert Tennent, Robert Eastburn ⬩ 1758

A Sermon, Preached Before the Reverend Presbytery of New-Castle, October 11, 1752

Samuel Davies, Samuel Finley ⬩ 1753

An Account of the College of New-Jersey

Samuel Blair, Jr., Samuel Finley ⬩ 1764

A Discourse Concerning the Covenants: Containing the Substance of Two Sermons, Preached at Middle-Octarara, January 10 and 17, 1741

Alexander Craighead ⬩ 1742

A Discourse, Delivered Nov. 23, 1794: The First Sabbath After His Ordination

Daniel Dana ⬩ 1794

Two Sermons, Delivered April 25, 1799: The Day Recommended by the President of the United States for National Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer

Daniel Dana ⬩ 1799

A Discourse on the Character and Virtues of General George Washington: … February, 1800: The Day of National Mourning for His Death

Daniel Dana's 1800 funeral sermon mourning George Washington, honoring him as father, protector, and exemplar of civic virtue while attributing national deliverance to God's providence.

Daniel Dana ⬩ 1800

Obituary of George Davenport

1766

The Reverend Mr. James Davenport’s Confessions and Retractions

James Davenport ⬩ 1744

A Letter from the Rev. Mr. James Davenport, to Mr. Jonathan Barber Preacher of the Gospel at Bethesda in Georgia

James Davenport ⬩ 1744

Geography Epitomized, or, A Tour Round the World. Being a Short but Comprehensive Description of the Terraqueous Globe, Attempted in Verse

A school-ready epitome of geography in verse (1784), describing the globe, continents, oceans, and European countries for youth instruction.

Robert Davidson ⬩ 1784

An Oration on the Independence of the United States of America, Delivered on the 4th of July, 1787

Robert Davidson ⬩ 1787

The Elements of Geography, Short and Plain: Designed as an Easy Introduction to the System of Geography in Verse

Introduction urging youth to learn geography; praises Robert Davidson and explains geography's value for understanding history, commerce, Scripture, and world cultures.