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 Substance of an Argument Against the Indiscriminate Incorporation of Churches and Religious Societies
Argument (1846) opposing a general law to indiscriminately incorporate churches in Virginia; defends religious liberty, property safeguards, and legislative restraint.
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Duelling — Code of Honour
1848 essay condemns duelling as murder and a form of suicide, arguing it violates divine and civil law and exposing the brutal, perverse ‘code of honour.’
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Polemic Theology
Discussion of the call to the ministry and rules for polemical theology. Urges prudence, humility, love of truth, and orderly controversy in defending doctrine.
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Short Sermons to Little Children
Short sermons for children teaching God’s greatness, Christ the Good Shepherd, prayer, and holy living through simple stories and Bible examples.
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Swedenborgianism
Critical review of Swedenborgian "New Church"—accuses Swedenborg of claiming private revelations, rejecting much of Scripture, and denying orthodox Trinitarian doctrine.
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Thoughts on the Religious Instruction of the Negroes of this Country
1848 essay advocating Christian instruction for Black people, recounting Moravian and Methodist missions among slaves and free Blacks, resistance faced, and social benefits of evangelization.
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Plain Thoughts About Great and Good Things for Little Boys and Girls
Aimed at children, these plain lessons argue for God’s existence and attributes, urging prayer, obedience, and rejection of idolatry with simple proofs from creation and Scripture.
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The Inquisition
Review condemning the Inquisition and Bishop Kenrick’s defense of papal primacy, tracing historical abuses and citing Llorente, Dellon, and others to expose ecclesiastical tyranny.
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The Saint and the Sinner
Contrasts the saint and the sinner, detailing Christian character, conversion, justification, and sanctification. Emphasizes paradoxes of faith and holy living.
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The Efficiency of the Church
Inaugural sermon on the efficiency of the Church, urging personal piety, fervent prayer, zeal, and faithful ministry to revive congregational growth and reform.
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The Works of Algernon Sidney
Biographical sketch of Algernon Sidney, praising his steadfast commitment to liberty, opposition to tyranny, exile, trial, and execution for republican principles.
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Great Students of the Bible
A plea for the Otoe Indians after a Sioux attack urging Christian sympathy and mission. Reports on Lafayette College commencement and a critique of inadequate pastoral support.
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Life of Socrates
1851 Princeton Review pieces: essays on missions and a detailed biography of Socrates—his life, philosophy, family, military service, trial, and death (he repeats Psalm 51).
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Popery: Bellarmine’s Fifteenth Mark of a Church
Argues against Bellarmine’s claim that temporal prosperity marks the true Church, citing Scripture and history showing God’s people often suffer. Affirms persecution as the Church’s witness.
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Satan’s Temptations
Essay contrasts extemporaneous preaching with written sermons and offers devotional meditations: death as Christ’s victory, resisting Satan’s temptations, and the shortness of time to serve God.
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South Carolina and the Union
Mid-19th-century Richmond newspaper page with ads (timber sale, bridge bids, stallion stud), a runaway slave reward, and local items on President Fillmore’s visit and the new steamship Roanoke.
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Showing 5,961–5,980 of 11,608 items