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

Recent Developments in Biblical Criticism

Surveys 19th-century scientific progress and recent biblical criticism, highlighting critics' skepticism about scriptural historicity and potential impact on Protestant doctrine.

Willis Judson Beecher ⬩ 1900

The Baltimore Literary and Religious Magazine, Vol. 2, No. 2 (Feb. 1836)

Sermon argues that Jesus' character—humility, sound judgment, practical benevolence, and willing death—serves as decisive evidence for the truth of Christianity (Matt. 22:42).

Robert Jefferson Breckinridge ⬩ 1836

A Discourse on the Formation and Development of the American Mind: Delivered … at Easton, Pa., on the 20th September 1837

An 1837 discourse on the formation and development of the American mind. It credits discovery, the Reformation, and diverse colonial settlers for a lasting spirit of liberty and civic institutions.

Robert Jefferson Breckinridge ⬩ 1837

Documentary History of the Assembly of 1837

Examines the 1837 General Assembly's abrogation of the 1801 Plan of Union, arguing it was unconstitutional and necessary due to doctrinal drift and church-order abuses.

Robert Jefferson Breckinridge ⬩ 1882

Discussion on American Slavery Between George Thompson and Robert J. Breckinridge

1836 Glasgow debate: abolitionist George Thompson vs. Rev. R. J. Breckinridge on American slavery and the Church's duty; printed proceedings with notes by Garrison.

Robert Jefferson Breckinridge ⬩ 1836

A Plea for the Restoration of the Scriptures to the Schools

1839 address urging restoration of the Bible as a reading-book in public schools to provide moral and religious instruction for youth. It rebukes Popery, indifference, and infidelity.

Robert Jefferson Breckinridge ⬩ 1839

Memoranda of Foreign Travel

1836–39 travel memoir across France, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy. Observations on landscape, customs, and the religious condition—Catholicism, Geneva, and the Reformation.

Robert Jefferson Breckinridge ⬩ 1839

The Second Defence of Robert J. Breckinridge Against the Calumnies of Robert Wickliffe

Robert J. Breckinridge's 1841 pamphlet replying to Robert Wickliffe, rebutting personal and political charges and defending his character, church, and alleged abolitionism.

Robert Jefferson Breckinridge ⬩ 1841

Papism in the XIX Century, in the United States

Breckinridge's 1841 essays on the 1835–40 Baltimore 'papal controversy', charging Roman Catholic political influence, press bias, and legal persecution.

Robert Jefferson Breckinridge ⬩ 1841

The Calling of the Church of Christ and the Rule of Her Faith: Two Discourses

Robert Jefferson Breckinridge ⬩ 1841

Spirit of the XIX Century, Vol. 1

Editorial launching a new 1842 periodical. Strongly attacks the Pope’s Spanish allocution, condemning Roman Catholicism as a political conspiracy against liberty and urging resistance.

Robert Jefferson Breckinridge ⬩ 1842

The Rule of Faith: A Discourse to Vindicate the Incarnate Word, Delivered by Order of the General Assembly

1842 Presbyterian discourse defending Scripture as the sole rule of faith against Roman Catholic claims, contrasting sola fide, Christ's sole mediatorship, and papal authority.

Robert Jefferson Breckinridge ⬩ 1842

Spirit of the XIX Century, Vol. 2

Robert J. Breckinridge's 1843 Third Defence rebuts Robert Wickliffe's calumnies with public records and unimpeachable witnesses, defending his reputation and conduct.