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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An Address Delivered Before the Colonization Society of Kentucky, at Frankfort, on the 6th day of January, 1831

1831 address advocating African colonization as a remedy for slavery; traces Africa's oppression, historical causes, and appeals to Scripture for justice and redemption.

Robert Jefferson Breckinridge ⬩ 1843

An Address Delivered Before the Temperance Society in the Woodford Church, on the 13th November, 1831

Examines the 1843 Disruption of the Church of Scotland, highlighting church-state conflicts over patronage. Reprints an 1831 temperance address documenting alcoholism's social and economic costs.

Robert Jefferson Breckinridge ⬩ 1843

Hints on Colonization and Abolition; With Reference to the Black Race

1833 essay debating colonization vs. abolition, invoking Genesis on racial origins, assessing the plight of free people of color, and arguing mixing races is impractical.

Robert Jefferson Breckinridge ⬩ 1833

A Short Treatise of the Scapular

Two reviews: a Presbyterian rejects Quaker 'inward light' as unbiblical; and a critique of a Catholic Treatise on the Carmelite Scapular, its miracles, indulgences, and purgatory.

Robert Jefferson Breckinridge ⬩ 1833

Act and Testimony (1834)

Act and Testimony (1835): Presbyterian ministers denounce Arminian/Pelagian errors, defend Westminster standards, urge discipline and reform to prevent schism, and call a Pittsburgh convention.

Robert Jefferson Breckinridge, William Morrison Engles ⬩ 1856

The Immorality of the Traffic, Manufacture, and Use, of Ardent Spirits as a Drink, and the Duty of Christians with Reference to the Temperance Cause

Sermon contending that manufacturing, selling, or drinking ardent spirits is immoral and incompatible with Christian duty; addressed to Christian dealers and urging temperance.

Robert Jefferson Breckinridge ⬩ 1834

A Plain Statement

Author rebuts Dr. Charles Hodge's attacks in the Biblical Repertory, defends his role in drafting the Act and Testimony, and recounts meetings, objections, and perceived injustices.

Robert Jefferson Breckinridge ⬩ 1835

Secreta Monita Societatis Jesu: The Secret Counsels of the Society of Jesus, in Latin and English

Editor defends the authenticity of the Secreta Monita (Secret Counsels of the Jesuits), surveying editions, provenance, and rebutting claims it is a forgery or expelled-Jesuit fabrication.

Robert Jefferson Breckinridge ⬩ 1835

The World to Be Reclaimed by the Gospel

Archibald Alexander urges the church to pursue global conversion through preaching, missions, prayer, and ministerial training. He affirms the prophetic certainty of the world’s conversion.

Archibald Alexander, D.D., LL.D. ⬩ 1828

Brown’s Theory of Cause and Effect

Review of Dr. Brown’s theory that ‘power’ is merely invariable antecedent-consequence; the author defends common-sense causation and the reality of divine agency in nature.

Archibald Alexander, D.D., LL.D. ⬩ 1829

Suggestions in Vindication of Sunday-Schools

Argues Sunday-schools are vital, nonsectarian means to spread Bible knowledge, moral reform, and to train teachers and missionaries. Calls for improving methods and instructional materials.

Archibald Alexander, D.D., LL.D. ⬩ 1829

Wilson’s Evidences

Reviews of works on the Second Advent and Daniel Wilson’s Evidences, addressing prophecy, miracles, New Testament authenticity, and the inspiration of Scripture.

Archibald Alexander, D.D., LL.D. ⬩ 1830

The Scottish Seceders

Archibald Alexander, D.D., LL.D. ⬩ 1835

Circular Epistle of the General Assembly

Archibald Alexander, D.D., LL.D. ⬩ 1837

Works of Rev. Andrew Fuller

Review of Rev. Andrew Fuller’s works—his theological writings defending evangelical Calvinism, promotion of foreign missions (notably India), biographies, and expository sermons.

Archibald Alexander, D.D., LL.D. ⬩ 1846

Review of E.B. Elliott, Horae Apocalypticae

Review of E.B. Elliott’s Horae Apocalypticae, comparing four interpretations of Revelation — Praeterist, Futurist, Church-scheme, and Elliott’s historicist (Roman-empire) reading.

Archibald Alexander, D.D., LL.D. ⬩ 1847

Chalmers’ Mental and Moral Philosophy

Reviews Bingham’s 21‑year account of the Sandwich (Hawaiian) Islands, urging continued missionary support. Discusses Chalmers’ Mental and Moral Philosophy on volition, emotion, and moral blame.

Archibald Alexander, D.D., LL.D. ⬩ 1848

Memoir of Rev. Thomas Gouge

Archibald Alexander, D.D., LL.D. ⬩ 1849

The Calcutta Review

Annual missions report and a detailed account of the Khonds in Orissa, documenting human sacrifice and female infanticide and British/missionary efforts to suppress these practices.