What Is Inductive Demonstration?
Examines the nature and limits of inductive reasoning. Contrasts Aristotelian and Baconian methods and highlights problems noted by Mill, Whewell, and Galileo.
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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.
What Is Inductive Demonstration?
Doctrine of Original Sin
Landis defends historic Reformed teaching that Adam’s sin was imputed because it was common, critiquing Hodge’s antecedent, immediate, gratuitous imputation.
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The Emotions
Discussion of evolution and a review of James McCosh’s The Emotions, critiquing classifications of feelings and arguing emotions’ primacy for moral life and action.
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The Inductive Logic
Defends Scripture against misapplied scientific induction; critiques the limits and abuses of inductive logic and urges sound epistemology to reconcile science and faith.
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The Stoning of Stephen
Sermon on Stephen’s martyrdom and prayer ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ Argues for Christ’s deity, the soul’s conscious state after death, and assurance of immediate entrance to glory.
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Symposium on the “New Theology”
Symposium essays argue there is no scriptural or rational basis for probation after death and robustly defend penal, vicarious atonement against the ‘New Theology’.
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Final Cause
R.L. Dabney defends final causes and the teleological argument against evolution, arguing nature’s regularity and adaptive organs point to design by a rational Creator.
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Letter from Dr. Dabney on Organic Union
Mission report: Rev. R. B. Grinnan recounts rapid church growth and numerous baptisms in Kōchi, Japan. R. L. Dabney argues against organic union with Northern Presbyterians over principle and abolitionist influence.
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Spurious Religious Excitements
Argues that emotional religious excitements don’t prove true conversion; genuine sanctification requires renewed understanding and will, shown by hungering for righteousness.
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Anti-Biblical Theories of Rights
Argues Jacobin/social-contract theories of rights conflict with Scripture. Defends biblical social order and rejects mechanical equality, universal suffrage, and denial of imputed guilt.
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The Bible Its Own Witness (1871)
Two sermons: Bridgman insists the church exists for service and ministry; Dabney argues Scripture is self-evidencing, enabling intelligent faith even for the unlearned.
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Review of Girardeau’s Instrumental Music in Public Worship
A 1889 Presbyterian Quarterly issue debating Presbyterianism and education and defending exclusive vocal worship. Includes critique of instrumental music and historical-theological arguments.
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The Latest Infidelity
Apologetic reply to Ingersoll’s atheism defending biblical morality and inspiration, addressing criticisms of Joshua and Achan, Old Testament judgment, slavery, and miracles.
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Memorial on Theological Education (1869)
Argues for multiple regional Presbyterian seminaries. The General Assembly should set uniform standards and retain review/veto, while local boards manage daily governance and faculty.
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The Death of Moses
Essay on ancient Egypt’s otherworldliness and R.L. Dabney’s poem ‘The Death of Moses,’ portraying Moses’ longing for Canaan, a heavenly vision, and Michael repelling Satan.
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The Truth of History
Correspondence (1891–1892) disputing Civil War anecdotes and historical accuracy: R. L. Dabney denies a fictionalized story about Malvern Hill; J. W. Jones apologizes and vows correction.
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Uses and Results of Church History (1854)
Dabney’s induction address defends rigorous study of church history: it requires broad learning and careful method and yields practical lessons for ministers and theological education.
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The Depression of American Farming Interests
An 1892 analysis arguing American farmers face severe economic depression, low wages, rural poverty, and mass migration to cities, fueling agrarian unrest.
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