A Christmas Fantasy
Two 1873 pieces: Rev. Preston reviews ancient Chinese law and urges the Christian gospel and missionary aid; Julia M'Nair Wright's "Christmas Fantasy" offers whimsical holiday folklore.
⬩
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.
A Christmas Fantasy
A Ramble in Grayfriars
A literary ramble through Grayfriars churchyard in Edinburgh, recounting monuments, Covenanter history, epitaphs and local anecdotes. Meditates on martyrdom, memory and resurrection.
⬩
Pro Bono Publico: A People’s Park
Oct 1873 magazine: a Westphalian country-life sketch on wedding customs, classical echoes and Paul’s learning; and an essay on a people's park, urban leisure and poor families.
⬩
Ben’s Business
A family drama in which prudent Judith holds the household together as fortunes dwindle and prodigal Ben chases risky speculation. A moral tale of stewardship, duty, and domestic responsibility.
⬩
Genii of Roof and Hearth
Two magazine pieces: a critique of Carmelite monastic life that laments loss of individuality, and a vivid travelogue of Pennsylvania coal mining detailing miners, machines, and processes.
⬩
Walking in Newness of Life: A Memorial Tribute to a Pastor
Memorial tribute to Pastor Alexander McColl celebrating his faithful ministry, piety, and missionary labors. Urges Christians to "walk in newness of life" through devoted service.
⬩
A Rose from Cashmere
1873 magazine excerpts: 'Bombo and His Land' sketches African travel; 'A Rose from Cashmere' opens with Miss Hamilton's New-Year, revealing inheritance and guardianship tensions.
⬩
Marion Through the Brush: A Border Story
Civil War-era tale of Marion Hamsted, a young girl sent from Arkansas to New York after family deaths. A father's grief, faith, and the trials of separation and journey.
⬩
Saints and Sinners of the Bible
Preface and contents of 'Saints and Sinners of the Bible'—devotional sketches of biblical characters that draw moral lessons and historical context to guide Christian living.
⬩
Dreams of Golden Days
December 1872 magazine pieces: an essay on Australian natives and racial origins, followed by "Dreams of Golden Days," a whimsical Mother Goose–style literary travelogue into fairylands.
⬩
Rock Top Lights
Two 1872 magazine pieces: 'The Kingdom of Ararat' evokes Armenian tradition linking Mount Ararat to Noah. 'Rock Top Lights' is a parish story of a leaky church, disputes, and pastoral care.
⬩
Our New Summer Resort
Two 1872 travel essays: a Himalayan hermit's account and a lively sketch of Prince Edward Island—vivid natural description, coastal fishing, local customs, and rural life.
⬩
The Mystery of an Old Manor Hall
August 1872 magazine containing a travel sketch of Algeria and the short fiction "The Mystery of an Old Manor Hall," about Prudence, an antiquarian who hunts relics and opens burial mounds.
⬩
Sketches of a Country Parish
1872 sketches of parish life: a young pastor grapples with funeral excesses, parish customs, and pastoral burdens—minister shortages and resistance to reform.
⬩
Beginning a Pastorate
A young seminarian, Peter, accepts a rural pastorate at Rocktop under Dr. Stamford; the story explores pastoral beginnings, humility, and congregational life.
⬩
A Ministerial Tea Party
A comic yet sympathetic tale of a minister's wife in small-town Stoneton, her disappointments with parish life and lessons on duty, charity, and pastoral service.
⬩
A Million Too Much: A Temperance Tale
Novel opening about an orphaned infant heir amid family wealth and tragedy. Caretakers debate alcohol, intemperance, guardianship and moral duty; faith and temperance emphasized.
⬩
Mayor Christmas
A Christmas tale: a compassionate mayor confronts urban poverty and family hardship, wrestling with civic duty and the call to generous stewardship and charity.
⬩
A Story of Two Poor Fishermen
1871 magazine pieces: an essay on Buddha and the Brahmanical system in ancient India, followed by a short coastal fiction about two poor fishermen, storms, and matters of faith.
⬩
The Brandon Ghost
A gothic short story: Margaret Brandon is haunted by a family ghost after her family emigrates. The spectral visits weaken her and expose cultural tensions over belief.
⬩
Showing 6,641–6,660 of 22,006 items