Sunday Laws
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Defends Sunday laws and the authority of Scripture against an anti‑Sabbath ‘freethought’ movement, arguing such opposition is essentially anti‑Christian and threatens religiously grounded law.
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.
Sunday Laws
The Unity of Mankind
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Reviews liturgical works and J.L. Cabell’s scientific defense of the unity of mankind, urging harmony between science and theology and affirming common human origin.
An Exposition of the Second Epistle to the Corinthians
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Charles Hodge’s exposition on 2 Corinthians 1 explores Paul’s thanksgiving for God’s consolation amid intense affliction, his apostolic defense, and the link between Christian suffering and comfort.
Dr. Hodge’s Remarks at the Seminary
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Reminiscences and tribute to Dr. Addison Alexander emphasizing his pulpit gifts and scholarship; a charitable anecdote; and a statistical defense of Old‑school over New‑school theology.
Presbyterianism
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Examines 1860 Presbyterian debates over church government and Boards, debating if Scripture prescribes all ecclesiastical organizations and whether the Spirit or visible structures constitute the church.
Sir William Hamilton’s Philosophy of the Conditioned
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Critiques modern philosophical systems (Hume, Kant, Hamilton) and their influence on the church. Defends Scripture and argues human reason is limited in knowing divine realities.
The General Assembly 1860 (Princeton Review)
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Report of the 1860 General Assembly debates on reorganizing church Boards. Contention between Boards and constitutional church courts over authority, missions, and church order.
Theories of the Eldership — The Constitutional View of the Presbyterian Church
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Argues the Presbyterian constitutional view of eldership: ruling elders are distinct from ministers, representing the people in government and discipline within the visible church.
What Is Christianity?
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Critique of modern German theologies (Schleiermacher, Hegel) that fuse divine and human. Defends traditional doctrines of the incarnation, personhood, and Christianity as both doctrine and life.
The Church and the Country
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1861 essay urges the Presbyterian Church to remain united despite national secession, warning that slavery-driven sectionalism risks ecclesiastical schism and moral perversion.
The General Assembly 1861 (Princeton Review)
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1861 Presbyterian General Assembly: sermons on Christ’s kingdom, debate over baptizo translation and parliamentary procedure, and appeals to fund church extension.
Are There Too Many Ministers?
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Argues that claims of “too many ministers” are mistaken. Ministers are called by the Spirit; churches must examine candidates, and more laborers are needed to reach the unchurched.
England and America
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Affirms Anglo-American kinship but denounces the British government and press for siding with the Confederate rebellion and slavery, betraying Christian brotherhood.
Examination of Some Reasonings Against the Unity of Mankind
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Critiques Dr. Morton’s craniological case for multiple human species, assessing methodological flaws and the social implications for slavery and the unity of mankind. Urges caution in generalizing.
The General Assembly 1862 (Princeton Review)
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1862 General Assembly report on the Presbyterian Board of Publication and its colportage to soldiers and prisoners. Covers Sabbath-school publishing, finances, and committee appointments.
Address of Dr. Hodge at the Funeral of Rev. John McDowell
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Funeral discourse and memorial addresses for Rev. John McDowell (d.1863), honoring his life as pastor, seminary founder, and devoted servant of Christ.
Dr. Hodge’s Address at the National Sabbath Convention
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Account of Presbyterian domestic missions among German immigrants in the Midwest. Highlights Rev. A. Van Vliet’s leadership in training ministers, planting churches, and local self-support.
Relation of the Church and State
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Two essays: the Sabbath is defended as a God-given weekly rest from creation. The other surveys church–state relations from Constantine to the Reformation, noting papal and state claims.
The General Assembly 1863 (Princeton Review)
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Proceedings of the 1863 General Assembly (Presbyterian) describing fraternal correspondence, exchange of commissioners, and hopes for reunion and joint missionary work.
The War
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Claims moral law binds nations; public policy must heed morality over expediency. National suffering may be punishment, trial, or discipline under God’s sovereign providence.
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