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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Oration Delivered Before the Somerset County Bible Society, 20th August, 1822

Lecture defending Scripture and tracing God's providence in biblical history, focusing on Jacob's dream (Gen. 28) and the Bible's power to convert and guide individuals and families.

Samuel Bayard ⬩ 1822

Letters on the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

Pastoral letters guiding timid Christians on the Lord's Supper: its institution, obligations, who should be admitted, duties before and after communion, and key scriptural exegesis.

Samuel Bayard ⬩ 1822

The Sacredness of the Medical Profession: A Sermon

Sermon asserting the medical profession as a sacred Christian vocation: physicians serve humanity, guard life, and minister to the poor, modeled by Luke, "the beloved physician."

Elias Root Beadle ⬩ 1865

Giving Thanks always, and for All Things: A Sermon Preached on Thanksgiving-Day, December 7th, 1865

Elias Root Beadle ⬩ 1866

Gladness in the Works of God: A Sermon Preached on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 1873

Elias Root Beadle ⬩ 1873

The Old and the New, 1743–1876: The Second Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia

History of the Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia), its 1743 founding and growth amid the Great Awakening under revivalists George Whitefield and Gilbert Tennent.

Elias Root Beadle ⬩ 1876

The Drift of Divine Providence: Thanksgiving Sermon, November 28, 1878

Elias Root Beadle ⬩ 1878

Biographical Sketch of the Rev. Elias R. Beadle, D.D., LL.D.

Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society (Oct 1885): obituaries/biographies of Thomas S. Kirkbride and Elias R. Beadle, with linguistic and scientific papers and meeting records.

Elias Root Beadle ⬩ 1885

The New Life

History of the Hollond Memorial Presbyterian Church recounting the 1865–66 revival and restoration of its Sunday school. Miss Estabrook, Miss Penrose, and Rev. Heber Beadle led the effort.

Heber Hamilton Beadle ⬩ 1899

Through the Johnstown Flood

Eyewitness account of the 1889 Johnstown Flood by Rev. David J. Beale, detailing the catastrophe, rescues, relief, morgues, and rebuilding. Contains reports, lists of dead, and lessons learned.

David Joshua Beale, Sr. ⬩ 1890

“What of the Night?”

1900 Presbyterian articles urging pastoral concern for the spiritual peril of wealth and the salvation of the rich; also editorials on confessional debate, prohibition, and missions.

David Joshua Beale, Sr. ⬩ 1900

Death of Dr. Beale

Editorials on angelic ministry and evangelical life in Germany; debates over revising the Westminster standards; obituary of Rev. David J. Beale.

David Joshua Beale, Sr. ⬩ 1900

The Outlook of Modern Science

Examines tensions between modern science (notably evolution) and Christianity, urging patience and Christian apologetics to harmonize scientific findings with foundational theological truths.

William Smith Bean ⬩ 1874

Berkeley and the Philosophy of Idealism

Examines the theological debate over free will and reviews Krauth's edition of Berkeley's Idealism, arguing that ideas exist in and depend on the Divine Mind as counter to materialism.

William Smith Bean ⬩ 1878

Hansen’s “Reformed Church in the Netherlands”

Review of Hansen's history of the Reformed Church in the Netherlands, tracing its formative and defensive periods, persecution under Spain, confessions, synods, and church–state tensions.

William Smith Bean ⬩ 1885

A Plea for Biblical Theology

From The Presbyterian (Oct 1889): essays on the 'negro question' in church relations and a plea for biblical theology, urging historical, comprehensive study of Scripture.

William Smith Bean ⬩ 1889

George Eliot

Essay on how thought and language affect the doctrine of inspiration. Literary critique of George Eliot's portrayal of religious character, faith and conscience, and marital controversy.

William Smith Bean ⬩ 1893

Body, Soul and Spirit

Late-19th-century essay tracing providence behind church movements and a biblical analysis of body, soul, and spirit, arguing for a meaningful distinction grounded in Scripture.

William Smith Bean ⬩ 1899

What Is Religion?

Defines religion as a conscious dependence on a higher Power expressed in creed, cultus, and ethics; surveys definitions and argues Christianity adds true spiritual life.