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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A Denial of Divine Right for Organs in Public Worship

John Bailey Adger, D.D. ⬩ 1869

Critiques the claim of a "divine right" for organs in public worship, examining historical and scriptural arguments and defending congregational singing and Presbyterian order.

Bannerman’s Church of Christ

John Bailey Adger, D.D. ⬩ 1869

Review of James Bannerman’s Church of Christ defending a divinely‑ordained Presbyterian polity, two orders of office‑bearers, and the church’s limits in worship and government.

Editorial Comments on the Preceding Article

John Bailey Adger, D.D. ⬩ 1870

Editorial arguing for provision for ministers’ widows and orphans and defending revision of the Book of Church Order. Discusses parity of ruling and teaching elders and ordination practice.

Some Thoughts and Some Facts Concerning Domestic Missions in Our Presbyteries

John Bailey Adger, D.D. ⬩ 1870

Defends Presbyterian government and the parity of elders, arguing presbyteries—not centralized boards or single leaders—should direct domestic missions. Recommends commissions and presbytery-appointed evangelists.

The Collected Writings of James Henley Thornwell, D.D., LL.D., Vol. 1

John Bailey Adger, D.D. ⬩ 1871

The Collected Writings of James Henley Thornwell, D.D., LL.D., Vol. 2

John Bailey Adger, D.D. ⬩ 1871

The First and Highest Office in the Church

John Bailey Adger, D.D. ⬩ 1871

Analyzes secondary causes of the Reformation and argues the preacher/teaching elder is the first and highest office, detailing duties, apostolic roots, and pastoral demands.

The General Assembly of 1871

John Bailey Adger, D.D. ⬩ 1871

Reports on the Reformation’s secondary causes and a detailed account of the 1871 General Assembly: moderator election, Book of Church Order revision, and a proposed university.

The General Assembly of 1872

John Bailey Adger, D.D. ⬩ 1872

1872 Presbyterian General Assembly debated Bible reading, expository preaching, and whether to introduce optional liturgical forms and congregational responses in public worship.

A Few Observations on the Foregoing Article

John Bailey Adger, D.D. ⬩ 1873

Debate on ministerial training and the nature of a ministerial call in Presbyterianism — ordinary means versus direct illumination by the Holy Spirit and church authentication.

Letter to the Editors from Rev. John B. Adger

John Bailey Adger, D.D. ⬩ 1873

Reports on the French Protestant Synod and Reformation memories; letters defend Dr. Thornwell’s ecclesiastical views amid debates over church boards, slavery, and secession; notes on the U.S. General Assembly.

Church Power

John Bailey Adger, D.D. ⬩ 1874

Sermon defending Presbyterian church government: doctrine is the Church’s life and discipline its nerve. Advocates representative authority (sessions, presbyteries, assemblies) over prelacy and independency.