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

Elias Root Beadle ⬩ 1876

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

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.

Elias Root Beadle ⬩ 1885

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.

The New Life

Heber Hamilton Beadle ⬩ 1899

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.

Through the Johnstown Flood

David Joshua Beale, Sr. ⬩ 1890

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.

“What of the Night?”

David Joshua Beale, Sr. ⬩ 1900

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.

Death of Dr. Beale

David Joshua Beale, Sr. ⬩ 1900

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

The Outlook of Modern Science

William Smith Bean ⬩ 1874

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

Berkeley and the Philosophy of Idealism

William Smith Bean ⬩ 1878

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.

Hansen’s “Reformed Church in the Netherlands”

William Smith Bean ⬩ 1885

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.

A Plea for Biblical Theology

William Smith Bean ⬩ 1889

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.

George Eliot

William Smith Bean ⬩ 1893

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.

Body, Soul and Spirit

William Smith Bean ⬩ 1899

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.

What Is Religion?

William Smith Bean ⬩ 1899

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.

Brief Biographical Sketches of Some of the Early Ministers of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, First Series

Richard Beard ⬩ 1867

Profiles of early Cumberland Presbyterian ministers—especially James McGready—detailing revival efforts, ministry labors, conflicts, and the church's early formation and legacy.

Brief Biographical Sketches of Some of the Early Ministers of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Second Series

Richard Beard ⬩ 1874

Biographical sketch of Rev. Samuel McAdow and other early Cumberland Presbyterian ministers, highlighting his life, ministry, role in the 1810 founding of Cumberland Presbytery, and revival work.

Why Am I a Cumberland Presbyterian?

Richard Beard ⬩ 1874

Argues for joining the Cumberland Presbyterian Church because Presbyterian government balances authority and freedom better than episcopacy or democracy, rooted in Scotch‑Irish heritage.

Brief Historical Sketch of Cumberland College

Richard Beard ⬩ 1876

Historical sketch of the founding and early years (1825–1826) of Cumberland College at Princeton, Kentucky, detailing site selection, trustees, finances, manual-labor plan, and early struggles.

Fifty Years a Teacher

Richard Beard ⬩ 1879

Autobiographical sketch by a Cumberland Presbyterian recounting fifty years as teacher and minister. He recalls health setbacks, early schools, and his vocational calling.

An Examination of the Utilitarian Theory of Morals

Francis Robert Beattie ⬩ 1885

1885 treatise by F.R. Beattie examining and critiquing the Utilitarian theory of morals, defending intuitional ethics and exploring conscience, obligation, motive, and the will.

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