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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Sermons Collected from the Manuscripts of the Late Rev. John D. Blair

Preface and opening sermon (1800) from John D. Blair’s collected sermons, featuring a funeral sermon on George Washington that emphasizes providence, virtue, and national mourning.

John Durburrow Blair ⬩ 1825

The Doctrine of Predestination, Truly and Fairly Stated

Samuel Blair's 18th-century treatise defines and defends the doctrine of predestination from reason and Scripture, prefaced by a narrative of a notable Pennsylvania revival.

Samuel Blair, Sr. ⬩ 1836

Memoir of Rev. Samuel Blair

Biographical sketch of Rev. Samuel Blair, Log College instructor and influential American Presbyterian minister. Notes his piety, learning, pastoral labors, revival work, and Calvinist theology.

Samuel Blair, Sr. ⬩ 1845

Extracts from October 15, 1842 Letter

Missionary letters recount hardships and progress in South Africa, India, Creek and Texas; reports on China’s opening after the war and other mission news.

William Cochran Blair ⬩ 1843

A Souvenir of Prof. J.R. Blake, and His Friends

Biographical sketch of Prof. John R. Blake (b.1825), his Scotch‑Irish ancestry, upbringing in Greenwood, SC, and academic career at Davidson College. Emphasizes Presbyterian piety and education.

John Rennie Blake ⬩ 1878

Elements of the Greek Language

Samuel Blatchford ⬩ 1807

An Address, Delivered to the Oneida Indians, September 24, 1810

1810 missionary address to the Oneida urging industry, schooling, temperance and Christian faith, promising ministerial support; includes a thankful reply from Chief Christian.

Samuel Blatchford ⬩ 1810

The Excellency of the Scriptures: A Sermon, Delivered Before the Albany Bible Society, at Their Annual Meeting, in the North Dutch Church, February 12, 1811

Samuel Blatchford's 1811 sermon, The Excellency of the Scriptures, argues for the Bible's divine inspiration, moral purity, and prophetic truth, urging its universal acceptance and obedience.

Samuel Blatchford ⬩ 1811

A Sermon, Delivered to the United Presbyterian Congregations of Lansingburgh and Waterford, April 13, 1815

Sermon (Apr 13, 1815) on Psalm 136:1 urging sincere, humble thanksgiving to God for his enduring mercy and providence—especially for national deliverance and the blessings bestowed on America.

Samuel Blatchford ⬩ 1815

The Sanctification of the Sabbath, a Sermon, Delivered November 27, 1825

Sermon urging the sanctification of the weekly Sabbath (the Lord's Day), arguing its divine institution from creation, Mosaic law, and Ezekiel's covenantal sign.

Samuel Blatchford ⬩ 1825

The Charm: A Collection of Sunday School Music

Collection of 19th-century Sunday-school and devotional hymns for children and congregational worship (includes songs like "Crown Him" and "Let the Lower Lights Be Burning").

Philip Paul Bliss ⬩ 1871

Sunshine for Sunday-Schools: A New Collection of Original and Selected Music

19th-century Sunday-school hymnal (1873) with music and guidance for superintendents, choristers, teachers, and devotional songs about the Savior, heaven, and prayer.

Philip Paul Bliss ⬩ 1873

The Joy: A Collection of New and Carefully Selected Music for Classes, Choirs, and Conventions

19th-century Sunday-school hymn collection with prefatory guidance and Scripture selections; devotional songs on the Savior, heaven, prayer, and Christian service.

Philip Paul Bliss ⬩ 1873

Gospel Songs: A Choice Collection of Hymns and Tunes, New and Old, for Gospel Meetings, Prayer Meetings, Sunday Schools, Etc.

1874 gospel hymnal compiled by P. P. Bliss. Contains hymns of salvation, prayer, praise, and invitation for gospel meetings, prayer meetings, and Sunday schools.

Philip Paul Bliss ⬩ 1874

“Hold the Fort”

Hymn 'Hold the Fort' (P.P. Bliss) uses a Civil War signal story to urge believers to stand firm, trusting Christ's coming and timely reinforcements.

Philip Paul Bliss ⬩ 1877

The Death of the Good Man Precious in the Sight of God: A Sermon Delivered at Pisgah, Occasioned by the Death of the Rev. John Brown

James Ebenezer Blythe ⬩ 1804

Our Sins Acknowledged: Being a Sermon, Preached in Lexington, Jan. 12, 1815, the Day of the National Fast

James Ebenezer Blythe ⬩ 1815

On the Chemical Changes on the Atmospheric Air, and Upon the Blood, During Respiration

1828 medical essay on respiration describing chemical changes in the blood—oxygenation, decarbonization, generation of animal heat, and the role of respiration in forming fibrin from chyle.

James Ebenezer Blythe ⬩ 1828

Inaugural Address, Delivered January 1, 1833, by James Blythe, D.D., at His Inauguration into Office, as President of South Hanover College

1833 inaugural urging expanded education, Christian missions, philanthropy, and liberty—arguing providence is preparing the world for the triumph of the gospel and progress.

James Ebenezer Blythe ⬩ 1833

The Present State and Duties of the Church

Sermon on Isaiah 40:3-5 assessing the church's state—numbers, character, advocates, and assumptions—and urging its duties in evangelism, education, and moral leadership.