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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The Wisdom of Man Versus the Power of God

Thomas E. Peck ⬩ 1878

Essay contrasts human wisdom with the power of God, urging faith to rest in divine power and providence rather than human schemes, illustrated from Israel’s history and miracles.

Thornwell’s Writings

Thomas E. Peck ⬩ 1878

Review of James H. Thornwell’s Collected Writings, highlighting his handling of the covenant of works, original sin, and theological method. Praises the editors and predicts lasting influence.

The Lord’s Supper

Thomas E. Peck ⬩ 1879

An 1879 Presbyterian essay defending the Lord’s Supper as a Christ‑instituted, symbolic teaching ordinance that sanctifies believers by truth and faith, rejecting magical or transubstantiationist views.

The Action of the Assembly of 1879 on Worldly Amusements

Thomas E. Peck ⬩ 1880

Reviews Lecky’s History and analyzes the 1879 General Assembly decision: its deliverances on worldly amusements are advisory, not judicial, upholding lower courts’ disciplinary jurisdiction.

A Memorial of the Life and Labors of the Rev. Stuart Robinson

Thomas E. Peck ⬩ 1882

Discusses conducting domestic missions and balancing church life with organization. Includes a biography of Rev. Stuart Robinson, his ministry, education, and revival work.

Herodias and John the Baptist: Or, the Dance and the Murder

Thomas E. Peck ⬩ 1882

The Spirit of Presbyterianism

Thomas E. Peck ⬩ 1884

Argues Presbyterianism is government by representative presbyteries with two classes of presbyters, rooted in apostolic practice and a missionary, unity-preserving polity.

Revivals of Religion

Thomas E. Peck ⬩ 1888

Probation After Death

Thomas E. Peck ⬩ 1889

Argues against post‑mortem probation and soft universalism, defending eternal punishment from Scripture and reason; critiques appeals to 1 Pet. iii.18–20 and cites Luke 16 and Ephesians 2.

Shedd’s Dogmatic Theology

Thomas E. Peck ⬩ 1889

Discusses "Woman in the Church" and reviews W. G. T. Shedd’s Dogmatic Theology, commending its Augustino‑Calvinistic systematic treatment of the Trinity, original sin, and bibliology.

Notes on Ecclesiology

Thomas E. Peck ⬩ 1892

A 1892 introductory work on ecclesiology defining the church (visible/invisible), its nature, government, officers (presbyteries, deacons), apostolic succession, and church–state relations.

Notes on the Acts of the Apostles

Thomas E. Peck ⬩ 1897

Peck argues the New Testament is an organism; Acts continues Christ’s work by the Holy Spirit, shifting from proclamation to lived apostolic testimony and authoritative teaching.

Resolution Concerning Rev. E.W. Blyden (1868)

Thomas Henry Amos ⬩ 1869

Address at the American Colonization Society anniversary on colonization and Liberia, urging Presbyterian support for Rev. E. W. Blyden’s missions among West African Muslims.

The Eldership of the Presbyterian Church

Thomas Smyth ⬩ 1836

1836 sermon urging restoration of active, prayerful ruling elders in Presbyterian churches, outlining their duties in governance, discipline, visitation, and catechetical instruction.

Oration Delivered on the Forty-Eighth Anniversary of the Orphan House, in Charleston, S.C., October 18th, 1837

Thomas Smyth ⬩ 1837

Oration (1837) honoring Charleston’s Orphan House, recounting Francke’s Halle model and the rise of Christian charity. Urges communal duty to care for orphans, widows, and educate the poor.

The Voice of God in Calamity: Or, Reflections on the Loss of the Steam-Boat Home

Thomas Smyth ⬩ 1837

Thomas Smyth’s 1837 sermon on the loss of the steam-packet Home urges Charleston to repent in light of calamity, emphasizing God’s judgment and providence.

Manual, for the Use of the Members of the Second Presbyterian Church, Charleston, SC

Thomas Smyth ⬩ 1838

The Moral Influence of a Church (1837)

Thomas Smyth ⬩ 1838

The Prelatical Doctrine of Apostolical Succession Examined, and the Protestant Ministry Defended Against the Assumptions of Popery and High-Churchism

Thomas Smyth ⬩ 1841

An Ecclesiastical Catechism of the Presbyterian Church

Thomas Smyth ⬩ 1843

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