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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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The Moral Character of Slavery: Letter No. 9

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Richmond Enquirer page of notices, ads and educational announcements; convention report proposing Virginia’s General Assembly structure and rules for apportioning delegates and senators.

Principles of Christian Economy

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Argues that all property belongs to God and Christians are stewards. Use possessions to glorify God—provide for self, family, and future, devote surplus to God’s work, and avoid luxury.

Abstractionists

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Argues for the necessity of abstract principles in church and state, defending theology and consistent principle over mere expediency. Critiques the contempt for ‘abstractionists.’

Relations of the Seminaries to the General Assembly

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Discusses who may vote in Presbyterian congregations and argues the church must wisely steward temporal goods. Proposes shifting seminary management from the General Assembly to regional Synods while retaining Assembly review and veto.

The Gospel Idea of Preaching

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Argues preaching must be expository and confined to Scripture; ministers are heralds of God’s word, not politicians or philosophers. Gospel truth alone redeems souls.

Liberty and Slavery

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Review of A.T. Bledsoe’s Essay defending slavery on biblical and constitutional grounds; critiques abolitionists and discusses the Fugitive Slave Law and civic duty.

Mob Law

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Travel notes on Niagara, Toronto, and the fugitive-slave presence in Canada with critique of the Underground Railroad, followed by Presbytery minutes on licensing, missions, and relief plans.

Popish Literature and Education

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Draws the church’s idea from Acts 2–5 and denounces Rome’s suppression of vernacular Scripture, free inquiry, and popular education.

Pray for Your Country

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1856 Presbyterian editorial defending a presbytery-led plan for systematic benevolence over paid agents to cultivate the "grace of giving" and better fund boards and missions. Also notes a shortage of preachers.

A Hymn for Matins

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Biographical sketch of Rev. William D. Paisley (1770–1857), a Presbyterian minister influential in the 1801–02 revival and in founding Greensboro’s church. Highlights his zeal, family, and legacy.

The Examination Rule

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1857 Central Presbyterian reports a powerful revival at Mt. Pleasant with ~110 conversions, an Old School church dedication in Bedford, and an urgent appeal to found a Virginia Presbyterian female school.

The Sabbath Controversy

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Surveys the Sabbath controversy: is the Lord’s Day merely ceremonial (Roman/Lutheran) or a perpetual moral obligation (Puritan/Westminster), with historical analysis.

Showing 5,061–5,080 of 11,604 items

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