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.
A Sermon, Delivered at the Meeting House of the Second Parish in Portland, August 20, 1812: On the Occasion of the National Fast
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Nathan S. Beman (1812) preaches from Genesis 13:8, condemning war's devastation — loss of property, moral corruption, and bloodshed — and urging Christian brotherhood, peace, and protection of missions.
On Early Piety
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1824 anthology of sermons from eminent Southern US ministers, edited by Rev. Colin M'Iver. Addresses doctrine, early piety, repentance, atonement and pastoral instruction.
Four Sermons on the Doctrine of the Atonement
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Four sermons on the atonement: its necessity, nature and extent. Argues atonement wasn't to move God's mercy but to uphold the moral law via vicarious blood (hebrews-9).
Sacred Lyrics: Or, Select Hymns, Particularly Adapted to Revivals of Religion, and Intended as a Supplement to Watts
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Preface and selections from an 1832 hymnbook for revivals. Argues for lyrical, scriptural, unified, and suitably short hymns for evening lectures, prayer meetings, and revivals.
A Discourse Delivered at the Opening of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, on the 17th May, 1832
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Sermon on Acts 19:20 contrasting apostolic preaching's extraordinary success with modern ministry, exploring miracles, inspiration, and the Holy Spirit's role in conversions.
The Gospel Adapted to the Wants of the World: A Sermon
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Beman's 1840 sermon argues the Gospel is universally adapted to all nations, stages of society, and orders of mind, meeting humanity's common spiritual needs.
The Western Continent: A Discourse, Delivered in the First Presbyterian Church, Troy, July Fourth, 1841
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1841 Fourth-of-July sermon portraying Columbus' discovery as providential, spurring industry, colonization and religious liberty, testing self-government; critiques native dispossession.
Sacred Lyrics: Or, Psalms and Hymns Adapted to Public Worship
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Preface to an 1841 hymnal urging better sacred song in public worship; advocates lyric, devotional hymns and carefully curated, singable psalms for congregational use.
A Plea for the Swiss Mission in Canada: A Discourse Delivered in the First Presbyterian Church, Troy, October 15, 1843
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1843 sermon urging support for the Troy Swiss Mission in Canada, recounting Madame Feller's sufferings and conversions. Urges women to sustain missions by giving and prayer.
The Influence of Freedom on Popular and National Education
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Argues that political liberty and American institutions uniquely foster popular and national education, shaping minds unlike European systems. Appeals to nature and Reformers.
Collegiate and Theological Education at the West
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Calls Eastern churches to support collegiate and theological education in the American West as a fraternal duty—'Am I my brother's keeper?' Warns of Roman Catholic influence.
Episcopacy Exclusive: Or Two Series of Letters, Being a Review of Dr. Coit’s Sermon and Pamphlet
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N.S.S. Beman critiques Dr. Coit's defense of Episcopal exclusivism, arguing Christ's example favors interdenominational cooperation and condemning high‑church bigotry.
The Annual Fair: An Address Delivered Before the Rensselaer Co. Agricultural Society, at Lansingburgh, September 17th, 1857
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An 1857 agricultural address asserting that agriculture underpins civilization and urging renewed attention to farming practices, education, and collective action via county fairs.
Roman Catholic Countries: Or, The Roman Catholic Population of Our World, Scattered Abroad Everywhere, as Furnishing a Missionary Field: A Sermon
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1859 sermon urging Protestants to evangelize Roman Catholic countries as a vast, neglected missionary field; critiques Romanism and calls for urgent Gospel outreach.
Thanksgiving in the Times of Civil War: Being a Discourse Delivered in the First Presbyterian Church, Troy, New York, Nov. 28th, 1861
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Thanksgiving sermon (Nov 1861) on Psalm 115:16. Beman reflects on God's gift of the earth, human stewardship, providence, and the horrors of war, citing Paul's Mars Hill address.
Our Civil War: The Principles Involved, Its Causes and Cure, Being a Discourse Delivered on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27, 1862
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1862 Thanksgiving sermon condemning secession and slavery, defending the Union. Invokes Psalm 83 and Isaiah 8 to portray the Confederacy as a conspiratorial rebellion.
Nathan Sidney Smith Beman, D.D.
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Brief biographical sketches of 19th-century Rensselaer Polytechnic officers and presidents, outlining careers in education, ministry, publications, and invention. Notes temperance advocacy and long tenures.
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