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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Prayer at the Third Congress of the Scotch-Irish Society of America

Proceedings of the Scotch-Irish Society's Third Congress (Louisville, May 14–17, 1891), recording addresses, prayers, poems and papers on Scotch‑Irish heritage, pioneers and church life.

Thomas Dwight Witherspoon, Sr. ⬩ 1891

“The Gospel to Them That Are Dead”

Two reviews: one urges fearless, comparative study of non‑Christian religions; the other exegetically interprets 1 Peter 4:6 as referring to martyrs who heard the Gospel while alive and rejects post‑mortem probation.

Thomas Dwight Witherspoon, Sr. ⬩ 1891

The Evangelistic Revival in the Synods

Critiques Burney's attack on penal-substitutionary atonement and warns of Cumberland drift. Reports a vigorous Southern Presbyterian evangelistic revival—its spread, risks, and practical counsel.

Thomas Dwight Witherspoon, Sr. ⬩ 1891

Christ as the Rain

Selections from The Homiletic Review (Jan 1891): essays and sermons including a study of Cardinal Newman, sermons on Christ as the rain and the renewal of all things, and an article on stewardship.

Thomas Dwight Witherspoon, Sr. ⬩ 1891

The Priceless Legacy. A Sermon to Young Men. 2 Kings 2:9

Sermon urging young men to seek a "double portion" of the spirit of predecessors — firm faith, courage to defend convictions, strong character, and wholehearted consecration to God's service.

Thomas Dwight Witherspoon, Sr. ⬩ 1890

Christ Preaching to the Spirits in Prison

Scholarly exegesis of 1 Peter 3:18–20 arguing Christ's 'preaching to the spirits in prison' is a post‑resurrection proclamation of victory, not a descent into hell or post‑mortem probation.

Thomas Dwight Witherspoon, Sr. ⬩ 1890

Elements of Strength and of Weakness in Church Liturgy

Assesses strengths and weaknesses of church liturgy, praising responsive elements (Amen, litany, responsive Psalms). Warns against mechanical alternation and urges extempore prayer with set congregational responses.

Thomas Dwight Witherspoon, Sr. ⬩ 1890

Woman in the Church

1889 Presbyterian Quarterly article: affirms women's broad service in the church but argues Scripture bars them from ordained ministry and teaching authority over men.

Thomas Dwight Witherspoon, Sr. ⬩ 1889

Your Goodness Is as a Morning Cloud

Devotional urging deep, radical regeneration for lasting faith (Matt. 13). Warns against shallow, emotional religion and commends revival and principled conversion.

Thomas Dwight Witherspoon, Sr. ⬩ 1889

The Work of Presbyterianism for the Future

Centennial addresses (1888) reviewing Presbyterianism's history and urging renewed mission. Calls the Church to defend the finality of Scripture against rising rationalism.

Thomas Dwight Witherspoon, Sr. ⬩ 1888

Nineteenth Century Evangelism

Survey of 19th-century evangelism and missionary expansion—praising missions and lay zeal while warning against fanaticism, irresponsible evangelists, and abuses.

Thomas Dwight Witherspoon, Sr. ⬩ 1887

Thoroughly Educated Womanhood, the Inspiration and Hope of the South

An 1880s newspaper miscellany with anecdotes on horse-handling, a fortune-teller, local curiosities (Devil's Mill Hopper), mansion description, fraternal notices, and subscriptions.

Thomas Dwight Witherspoon, Sr. ⬩ 1887

What Should Be the Attitude of the American Clergy Towards the Revised Version of the Scriptures?

Two essays: modern biblical criticism (esp. OT) is defended as not undermining doctrine; the Revised Version is praised for scholarship while clergy are urged to adopt it cautiously.

Thomas Dwight Witherspoon, Sr. ⬩ 1886

The Christian’s Surrender to Christ

Sermons warning against skeptical attacks on Christianity and urging full surrender to the Gospel — heart, life and resources. Believers are kept by God's power through faith.