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.
Blessed Saint Certainty: A Story
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A frontier novel set on the Ocklawahaw Indian Reservation following Captain Urwoldt, missionary Williams, and Blackberry Eyes. Themes: conversion, culture clash, and community life.
William M. Baker
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Biographical sketch of William M. Baker, a Presbyterian minister and author, with an excerpt from his frontier tale "The Hunt of the Bears" (The New Timothy).
Excommunicated for Laziness
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Index and selections from The Manhattan, Vol. II (1883): illustrated literary magazine with essays on Western scenery, travel, art, poetry and the short story "Excommunicated for Laziness."
The Making of a Man
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Excerpt from the novel The Making of a Man following Theodore Thirlmore, a former preacher turned struggling farmer, his family, and the trials that shape his character.
William Mumford Baker, D.D.
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Obituary-style necrological report of Presbyterian ministers, recounting lives, ministries, deaths, and dying testimonies (notably “I know that my Redeemer liveth”).
Hezekiah James Balch
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Sketch of Rev. Hezekiah Balch (1741–1810), a Presbyterian frontier minister and founder of Greenville College; recounts his ministry, ecclesiastical controversies, and legacy.
Early Associations
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Argues religious periodicals are vital to spread Christianity and support missions. Praises missionary sacrifice and urges education and aid to avert wars with Native tribes.
The Waste Places of Zion
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Calls Christians to active domestic and foreign missions to reclaim the 'waste places of Zion,' rebuking indifference, sectarianism, and worldly self‑interest, with Scripture appeal.
Christianity and Literature: In a Series of Discourses
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Discourses on literature's temptations—fame, disappointment, pride—and Christianity's remedy of humility and piety, illustrated by Milton and Watts.
The Puritan Divines: In a Letter to the Rev. Dr. Ashbel Green, from Rev. Thomas B. Balch
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Overview and defense of the Puritan divines and their theology, emphasizing the covenant of works, total depravity, and sovereign grace. Argues these views align with the Westminster standards.
Linnæus and Wilson
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1836 Southern Literary Messenger issue: sketches of Tripoli and Barbary diplomacy (consuls, Pasha, a fugitive), alongside literary essays, poetry, and biographical pieces on Linnaeus and Wilson.
An Evening Hymn
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An evening hymn reflecting on dwelling with the Savior, Calvary's sorrow, angels, and the hope of eternal morning where the ransomed flock find rest.
Pencil Notes
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1843 Christian World essays: pencil sketches of Virginia—Harper's Ferry, Natural Bridge, Vaucluse—blending travel description, local biography and meditations on nature and memory.
Sketching at Richmond
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A 19th-century travel sketch of Richmond: vivid seasonal scenery, historical reflections (Pochahontas, Powhatan, Wirt, Burr), and proposals to beautify and ennoble the city.
Sabbath and Annfield
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Rev. T.B. Balch's 'Sabbath at Annfield' recounts a rural Sabbath visit to a pious, hospitable lady, highlighting humble devotion, charity, prayer, and missionary concern for Africa.
South West Range
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Travelogue across Virginia's South West Range describing Montpelier, Monticello, the University of Virginia, with reflections on nature, Madison, and immortality.
The Wigwam
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A Virginia vignette of Nim Carter's hunting life, genteel society, and a winter of English reading—contrasting sporting pursuits with literary taste.
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