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.

Browse all archives

“A New Standard Bible Dictionary”

Oswald Thompson Allis, D.D. ⬩ 1926

Obituary for Princeton professor John D. Davis and a detailed review of the 1926 revised New Standard Bible Dictionary, outlining contributors, revisions, and its critical editorial stance.

The Blessing of Abraham

Oswald Thompson Allis, D.D. ⬩ 1927

Article examines Hebrew verb stems (Hithpael, Niphal) in Genesis 12:2–3 and related passages, arguing for the traditional passive rendering of the Abrahamic blessing over modern reflexive readings.

An “American” Translation of the Old Testament

Oswald Thompson Allis, D.D. ⬩ 1928

Surveys Jeremiah’s background and prophetic call in Josiah’s reign. Critically reviews an "American" Old Testament translation, focusing on Hebrew scholarship and textual criticism.

The Alleged Aramaic Origin of the Fourth Gospel

Oswald Thompson Allis, D.D. ⬩ 1928

Article reviews Jeremiah’s message of everlasting love (Jer.31), then critically examines C.F. Burney’s claim that the Fourth Gospel derives from an Aramaic original, assessing linguistic evidence.

“The Law and the Prophets” (1925)

Oswald Thompson Allis, D.D. ⬩ 1929

Editorial urges Christians to be witnesses. Oswald T. Allis defends the unity of Scripture, arguing ‘the law and the prophets’ form a coherent whole and rejects higher criticism that pits prophet against priest.

The New Presbyterian Seminary

Oswald Thompson Allis, D.D. ⬩ 1929

1929 Sunday School Times pieces on teaching God’s law (neh. 8), prayer and family worship, Achsah’s request (joshua 15), and the founding of a new conservative seminary.

Was Jesus a Modernist?

Oswald Thompson Allis, D.D. ⬩ 1929

Critiques theological ‘modernism’, defending traditional readings of the resurrection and revelation against higher criticism and evolutionary approaches. Examines Paul’s role and biblical authority.

Comparing the Incomparable

Oswald Thompson Allis, D.D. ⬩ 1930

Argues for the primacy of doctrine against modernist comparative religion and naturalism. Defends Biblical uniqueness, miracles (Red Sea, Jonah) and the authority of prophecy.

Robert Dick Wilson — Defender of God’s Word

Oswald Thompson Allis, D.D. ⬩ 1930

Reflects on modern secular challenges to Christianity and celebrates Robert Dick Wilson, an Old Testament scholar and teacher who defended Scripture against higher criticism.

The Laymen’s Report, the Foreign Board and the New Hymnal

Oswald Thompson Allis, D.D. ⬩ 1933

1933 editorial denouncing the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions for tolerating Modernism, promoting modernist books and a revised hymnal, and urging conservative resistance (Machen overture).