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.
The Lament of the Church at the Sepulchre of the Righteous: A Sermon on the Death of Frederick A. Raybold, Esq., … May 11th, 1851
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A 1851 funeral sermon for Frederick A. Raybold reflecting on Stephen’s burial (Acts 8), offering Christian consolation and affirming hope in death and the resurrection.
Our Church and Our Review
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Affirms the permanence and independence of the separated Presbyterian body, upholding Westminster standards, theological freedom, orderly government, and denominational expansion. Rejects reunion with brethren who refuse communion or repudiate their principles.
Daniel Webster
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Reflection on true greatness: worldly fame vs. godly virtue. Great men (Moses, David, Paul, Webster) are portrayed as providential instruments raised by God.
The Value of a Good Wife
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Two essays urging household religion: Joshua's call to serve the Lord and Solomon's praise of a virtuous wife (Prov. 31). Practical counsel on family, marriage, and domestic piety.
Popular Objections to Divine Goodness from the Existence of Evil
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Argues that natural and moral evils do not disprove God's goodness; they manifest sin, restrain vice, discipline believers, wean hearts from the world, and prepare souls for eternity.
Old Pine Street Church: Manual of the Third Presbyterian Church, In the City of Philadelphia
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Brief history of Old Pine Street Church (Philadelphia): founded in the 1760s, connected to the Whitefield/Tennent revivals, endured Revolutionary occupation, with notable Presbyterian pastors and building changes.
Who Is Responsible for the Present Slavery Agitation?
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Examines responsibility for the U.S. slavery agitation, blaming slavery itself, southern politicians, and mercenary agitators; urges Christian reform.
Remarks of Rev. Dr. Brainerd: At the Funeral of Lieut. John T. Greble, U.S.A.
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Funeral remarks honoring Lt. John T. Greble, praising his exemplary life, Christian faith, and calm courage; frames his death as martyrdom for country and offers consolation.
Quarter Century Sermon
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Thomas Brainerd's 1862 25th‑anniversary sermon reflects on gratitude, pastoral responsibility, and shared sorrow across a quarter‑century of ministry in Philadelphia.
Death of Rev. Benjamin John Wallace
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Obituary and memorial for Rev. Benjamin J. Wallace (1810–1862), praising his Christian patriotism, scholarly ministry, and mourning his son and wartime losses.
Patriotism Aiding Piety: A Sermon, Preached in the Third Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia, on the 30th of April, 1863
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Civil War–era sermon calling for a national day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer. Urges patriotism to be expressed as piety and repentance (Esther 4:14).
The Habeas Corpus, and Martial Law
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1861 essays and correspondence debating suspension of the writ of habeas corpus and martial law. Examines Lincoln/Bates arguments, court opinions (Treat, Taney), and civil liberty vs. Union preservation.
The Western Luminary, Vol. 1, No. 44 (May 11, 1825)
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1825 Western Luminary: a Jewish conversion narrative tracing human depravity from Genesis to Christ's atonement; plus a report on Capt. Stockton securing Cape Montserado for colonization.
Ministerial Responsibility
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Sermon asserting the ministry is God's permanent ordinance for converting the world under the Great Commission. It charges ministers with primary responsibility for the church's missionary failure.
The Claims of Foreign Missions
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Critiques semi-Pelagianism and surveys the doctrine of original sin; urges renewed zeal for foreign missions and calls American Presbyterians to obey Christ's commission.
The Annual of the Board of Education of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, Vol. 1
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Introductory address urging ministry candidates to pursue deep piety and thorough training. Warns against love of popular applause, superficial preparation, and misplaced dependence on aid.
Introductory Address, The Annual of the Board of Education of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States
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1832 Board of Education Introductory Address urging ministry candidates to pursue deep piety and rigorous training, warning against ambition, superficial preparation, and seeking popularity.
Sprague on Revivals
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Review of Wm. B. Sprague's Lectures urging sober, Spirit-led revivals. Discusses characteristics of genuine revivals: Holy Spirit's work, mass conversion, and church renewal.
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