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 Apostleship a Temporary Office
Argues from Scripture that the apostolic office was temporary and its functions passed to presbyters/elders, examining texts and apostolic powers.
⬩
The Official Powers of the Primitive Presbyters
Argues that primitive presbyters (elders) held the highest local church authority—oversight, discipline, ordination—based chiefly on Acts 20. Defends presbyterian polity against episcopal claims.
⬩
Counsellor Phillips
An 1850 magazine essay defending aesthetic personification and the Transcendentalist revival of neglected genius. It satirically re-evaluates ‘Counsellor Phillips’ and rhetoric.
⬩
Dialogue
Essays: explains Swiss Ranz-des-Vaches pastoral songs; analyzes Dialogue, arguing it must be genuinely two-sided; notes Shenstone’s prose is undervalued.
⬩
Discoveries at Dinner
Selections from the 1850 Princeton Magazine: a vivid retelling of the Battle of Trasimene, a social sketch "Discoveries at Dinner", and an excerpt from The Odyssey.
⬩
Economy of Thought
Princeton Magazine (1850) features Wordsworth’s obituary and critique, an essay ‘Economy of Thought’ arguing that honesty is the best policy, and a review of a book on New Jersey’s aborigines.
⬩
Economy of Words
Princeton Magazine (1850): explains Swiss ‘Ranz-des-Vaches’ pastoral songs; advocates an ‘economy of words’ for concise writing; and defines friendship as a disinterested union of minds.
⬩
Freedom of Speech
Satirical essay on freedom of speech criticizing rigid rhetorical rules, advocating unfettered composition and offering absurd prose and verse samples.
⬩
Gentlemanly
Explains Swiss ‘Ranz-des-Vaches’ pastoral songs. A French traveler’s comic account of ‘gentlemanly’ manners in America reveals cultural misunderstandings and racial prejudice.
⬩
Grinfield’s Apology for the Septuagint
Review of E.W. Grinfield’s Apology for the Septuagint, tracing its origins and contested authority versus the Hebrew text and Vulgate, and its reception in Jewish and Christian tradition.
⬩
Ham and Eggs
Argues that oral legislative debate wastes time and money and should be curtailed in favor of delayed written consideration; includes a nostalgic visit to an old home and a sketch of Zachariah Johnston.
⬩
Monosyllabics
Critique and tribute to Wordsworth, affirming his lasting place among English poets. Includes ‘Monosyllabics’, a poem praising the power of short, plain words.
⬩
Mother-Country and Father-Land
Selections from an 1850 Princeton magazine: a nostalgic visit to the childhood home, a satirical dialogue on ‘mother-country’ vs ‘father-land’, and a mythic poem about Hercules.
⬩
Nil Admirari
1850 Princeton Magazine issue with literary pieces: a vivid sketch of the Battle of Trasimene, an essay "Nil Admirari" on manners and affected admiration, and poems on Carthage.
⬩
Old Commencement
Essays from the 1850 Princeton Magazine: a moonlit return to the author’s childhood home, reflections on Old Commencement traditions at Nassau Hall, and notes on the Declaration’s dating.
⬩
Pedagogics
Selections on the ‘physiognomy of houses’ and pedagogics. Argues against fashionable educational experiments, urging respect for established methods and competent teachers.
⬩
Persian Proverbs
Nostalgic essay revisiting a childhood home paired with a collection of Persian proverbs (Sadi Shirazi), blending memory, moral aphorisms, and evening reflection.
⬩
School of Legislation
Satire of a “School of Legislation” that trains boys in the vices and theatrics of politicians—mock debates, franking, fights, and sham piety—critiquing political education and corruption.
⬩
Seeing the World
Nineteenth-century magazine essays: a nostalgic visit to the author’s childhood home, a humorous steamboat travel vignette, and reflections on commencement day.
⬩
Showing 4,741–4,760 of 11,608 items