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.
Breckinridge’s Theology
⬩
Review endorsing the Bible’s public diffusion and a favorable critique of R. J. Breckinridge’s systematic theology, highlighting its objective method and treatment of creation, providence, and Scripture.
Breckinridge’s Knowledge of God, Subjectively Considered
⬩
Review of R. J. Breckinridge’s The Knowledge of God (Vol. II), focusing on subjective theology: experimental religion, covenant theology, election, grace, and the church’s life.
Revised Book of Discipline
⬩
Defense of the Revised Book of Discipline, arguing for brevity, clarified procedures, and the inherent right of church courts to inquire and supervise members for spiritual good and order.
A Few More Words on the Revised Book of Discipline
⬩
Defends the Revised Book of Discipline by limiting judicial prosecution to professing believers, treating baptized non-professors as covenant children to be excluded from sacraments rather than tried.
Baird’s Elohim Revealed
⬩
Review of Samuel J. Baird’s Elohim Revealed, covering creation, providence, and original sin. Praises insight but criticizes his realist theory of hereditary sin.
Hear the South! The State of the Country
⬩
Thornwell defends South Carolina’s secession as a sober, necessary response to perceived constitutional betrayal over slavery, rejecting mercenary motives.
National Sins
⬩
Thornwell’s 1860 fast-day sermon calls the Commonwealth to national penitence, asserting civil government is ordained by God and requires true religion. He warns ministers against partisan pulpit politics.
The Personality of God, as Affecting Science and Religion
⬩
Argues Fort Sumter is under divine providence and critiques the war’s guilt. Defends the personality of God—intelligence, will, simplicity—against pantheism and impersonal systems.
The State of the Country (Southern Presbyterian Review)
⬩
Fast-day sermon (Nov 1860) arguing South Carolina’s secession is a grave, considered response to perceived constitutional threats to slavery. Calls for national penitence and explanation of causes.
Address of the Presbyterian Church in the Confederate States to all the Churches of Jesus Christ throughout the Earth
⬩
1862 address explaining Southern Presbyterians’ separation to form an independent church, to avoid political rancor in courts and preserve spiritual unity and church-state distinction.
Enmities and Barbarities of the Rebellion (1861)
⬩
Inaugural address on Christian college instruction and governance. An accompanying essay condemns the Confederate rebellion, blaming slavery for its hatred and barbarities.
Dr. Thornwell on Ruling Elders (1843)
⬩
Contains a postwar report on the church’s relations to freedmen and Dr. Thornwell’s defense of ruling elders’ authority, arguing elders are presbyters with ordaining power.
Inaugural Discourse (1857)
⬩
Thornwell’s inaugural defines theology as the study of God, outlines its scope and method for ministerial education, and affirms fidelity to the Westminster Confession.
Relation of the State to Christ (1861)
⬩
Confederate Presbyterian Assembly petitions Congress to amend the Constitution to acknowledge God and Christ’s supremacy, urging laws conform to Scripture while protecting conscience.
Showing 3,961–3,980 of 11,604 items