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.
Memoir of the Rev. Edward D. Griffin, D.D.
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Memoir of Rev. Edward D. Griffin (b.1770), detailing his upbringing, Yale education, conversion, ministerial calling and influential revival preaching in New England.
The Abounding Grace of the Gospel
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William B. Sprague proclaims the abounding grace of the gospel: God’s love, Christ’s atonement, and the Spirit’s aid make room in the church and in heaven — salvation is offered to all who will come.
A Sermon, Delivered Dec. 19, 1838, at the Ordination of A. Augustus Wood as Pastor of the First Congregational Church, West-Springfield
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Ordination sermon urging ministers to imitate Paul’s example: generous yet self-denying, dignified yet humble. Calls pastors to follow Paul insofar as he follows Christ.
I Would Not Live Alway
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Sermon on Job 7:16 explaining why a Christian would not wish to live always: longing for perfect light, purity, strength, serenity, and the fellowship of the glorified over earthly imperfection.
Memoir of the Rev. Edward D. Griffin, D.D.
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Memoir of Rev. Edward D. Griffin recounting his birth, conversion, study under Jonathan Edwards, and early pastoral ministry that sparked local revivals.
The Crown of Thorns and the Many Crowns
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W. B. Sprague contrasts Christ’s crown of thorns with his many crowns, showing how humiliation and suffering prepared his mediatorial glory. A sacramental meditation urging patience in trials.
A Mighty Saviour
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Affirms Christ as mighty to save—perfect God and man whose atoning blood and sanctifying grace secure redemption. Applies this truth to the work of Christian missions.
Do Not Marry a Fop
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Warning against parents yielding to children’s importunity, which breeds insubordination. Also essays on charity and on educating women for mature usefulness rather than mere youth and display.
Voice of the Rod
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Sermon (1841) for a national fast after President Harrison’s death. Urges gratitude and humility before God’s sovereignty, rebukes national ingratitude, self-confidence, and ruler-idolatry.
A Sermon Delivered in Connection with the Anniversary of the Foreign Evangelical Society
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1843 sermon urging American support for foreign missions to Europe, answering the Macedonian call. It stresses the difficulty, importance, and urgency of converting Catholics, Protestants, and infidels.
An Address Delivered August 16, 1843, Before the Society of Phi Beta Kappa in Yale College
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An 1843 Yale Phi Beta Kappa address urging that men of letters bear heavy responsibility: they shape a nation’s intellect, morals, and institutions and must labor for truth and virtue.
Great Labor Essential to Great Acquirements or Achievements (1842)
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A 19th-century miscellany promoting self-improvement through mental discipline, self-reliance, diligent labor, and moral character formation; offers practical methods for study and habit.
Review of Life and Writings of Ebenezer Porter Mason
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Review and biographical sketch of Ebenezer Porter Mason, a Yale prodigy and astronomer, with reflections on the nature of biography and Christian character.
A Discourse on True Magnanimity, Addressed Particularly to Young Men, and Delivered in the Second Presbyterian Church in Albany, February 25, 1844
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1844 sermon by W. B. Sprague to young men on ‘true magnanimity’ (Genesis 45:5): Christian greatness—moral perception, courage, benevolence, self‑denial—and forgiveness over revenge.
A Discourse Pronounced July 30, 1844 Before the Philomathesian Society in Middlebury College
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A discourse urging young men to heed the past: its monuments, arts, sciences, and especially the Bible, shape character and duty in the present.
An Address Delivered at the Close of the Annual Examination of the Young Ladies’ Institute, Pittsfield, Mass., September 28, 1844
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An 1844 commencement address advocating comprehensive female education—intellectual, moral, and physical—grounded in Christian virtue, benevolence, and proper manners.
A Discourse Delivered on Sabbath Evening, August 17, 1845, Before the Mills Society of Inquiry and the Theological Society of Williams College
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Sprague warns theological students that college temptations—especially neglect of physical health and manners—threaten ministerial effectiveness and urges disciplined habits.
A Sermon Delivered Aug. 27, 1845, at the Installation of Malcolm N. McLaren, to the First Presbyterian Church, Rochester
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Sermon (installation of Malcolm N. McLaren) expounding Revelation 1:16: the seven stars symbolize ministers who must shine in holiness and knowledge and serve others’ salvation.
A Sermon Preached in the Second Presbyterian Church, Albany, February 9, 1845
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Funeral sermon (Albany, Feb 9, 1845) on Psalm 36:9. Sprague contrasts natural darkness with spiritual illumination, portraying the Christian’s surprise, satisfaction, and vision of heavenly light.
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