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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Review of John Pye Smith, Four Discourses on the Sacrifice and Priesthood of Jesus Christ

Archibald Alexander, D.D., LL.D. ⬩ 1829

Review of John Pye Smith’s Discourses on Christ’s sacrifice and priesthood, critiquing his exegesis, views on atonement, the symbolism of ancient sacrifices, and literary style.

The Bible, A Key to the Phenomena of the Natural World

Archibald Alexander, D.D., LL.D. ⬩ 1829

Argues the Bible is the key to understanding nature: it affirms creation ex nihilo and confirms design, showing revelation completes and corrects reason.

The Nature and Means of Growth in Grace

Archibald Alexander, D.D., LL.D. ⬩ 1829

Archibald Alexander urges Christians to "grow in grace," explaining grace as the new, implanted life and outlining marks of growth (faith, love, humility, obedience) and means to promote it.

Objections Obviated, and God Glorified, by the Success of the Gospel Among the Heathen

Archibald Alexander, D.D., LL.D. ⬩ 1830

Archibald Alexander’s 1830 sermon defends and celebrates the success of foreign missions among the heathen, rebutting objections and urging renewed zeal and confidence.

Review of Ashbel Green’s Lectures on the Shorter Catechism

Archibald Alexander, D.D., LL.D. ⬩ 1830

Advocates catechetical instruction and reviews Dr. Ashbel Green’s Lectures on the Westminster Shorter Catechism. Urges domestic and church catechising, citing Deut. 6 and Ps. 78.

The Doctrine of Original Sin as Held by the Church, Both Before and After the Reformation

Archibald Alexander, D.D., LL.D. ⬩ 1830

Historical survey of the doctrine of original sin: Pelagianism, Augustine, Aquinas, the Reformers, and the Council of Trent; discusses imputation, concupiscence, and original righteousness.

The Early History of Pelagianism

Archibald Alexander, D.D., LL.D. ⬩ 1830

Survey of the rise of Pelagianism: outlines Pelagius, Coelestius, Julian and Augustine’s responses, situating the controversy amid early-church heresies and warnings against false teachers.

A Pocket Dictionary of the Holy Bible (1829)

Archibald Alexander, D.D., LL.D. ⬩ 1831

A Preliminary Discourse on the Evidences of Christianity

Archibald Alexander, D.D., LL.D. ⬩ 1831

A Selection of Hymns, Adapted to the Devotions of the Closet, the Family, and the Social Circle

Archibald Alexander, D.D., LL.D. ⬩ 1831

Hymn selection for private, family, and social devotion. Archibald Alexander (1831) urges sacred music in the closet and family worship, citing Colossians on singing.

An Inquiry Into That Inability Under Which the Sinner Labours, and Whether It Furnishes Any Excuse for His Neglect of Duty

Archibald Alexander, D.D., LL.D. ⬩ 1831

Examination of the sinner’s inability, distinguishing natural and moral inability. Defends Calvinistic emphases (Edwards) and stresses need of regeneration for true repentance.

Introductory Essay to William Bates’ The Harmony of the Divine Attributes

Archibald Alexander, D.D., LL.D. ⬩ 1831

A Puritan systematic exposition of human sin, divine attributes, and God’s plan of redemption — the incarnation, atonement, justification, and sanctification in Christ.

Preface to Isaac Watts’ A Rational Defence of the Gospel

Archibald Alexander, D.D., LL.D. ⬩ 1831

Isaac Watts’ apologetic preface defending the gospel, defining its nature and urging bold profession of Christ against infidelity. The work combines theological exposition and pastoral exhortation.

Review of Dr. Matthews’ Letter

Archibald Alexander, D.D., LL.D. ⬩ 1831

Review praises Dr. Matthews’ calm, accessible defense of divine decrees, predestination, election, and providence, addressing objections and showing their pastoral bearings.

Review of Woods’ Lectures on Infant Baptism

Archibald Alexander, D.D., LL.D. ⬩ 1831

Review of writings on Christian baptism urging moderation. Considers infant baptism and communion admission, and whether positive ordinances need explicit biblical commands.

Review of Woods on Inspiration

Archibald Alexander, D.D., LL.D. ⬩ 1831

A review of Leonard Woods’ Lectures on the Inspiration of Scripture. It probes the distinction between authenticity and inspiration, weighing miracles, internal excellence, and the Spirit’s witness.

An Address to Candidates for the Ministry, on the Importance of Aiming at Eminent Piety in Making Their Preparation for the Sacred Office

Archibald Alexander, D.D., LL.D. ⬩ 1832

Archibald Alexander urges candidates for ministry to aim at eminent piety, arguing that deep, vigorous holiness is essential for effective preaching, pastoral care, assurance, and church health.

Annals of the Jewish Nation During the Period of the Second Temple

Archibald Alexander, D.D., LL.D. ⬩ 1832

History of the Jewish nation in the Second Temple era (Cyrus–Herod), stressing divine providence, fulfilled prophecy, and the intertestamental context for the New Testament.

March 9, 1832 Letter to William B. Sprague

Archibald Alexander, D.D., LL.D. ⬩ 1832

Distinguishes genuine revivals from spurious emotionalism; warns against fanaticism and hasty communion admission; urges sober pastoral methods, catechesis, and sustained piety.

Review of The Articles of the Synod of Dort

Archibald Alexander, D.D., LL.D. ⬩ 1832

Review of a translation of the Articles of the Synod of Dort, recounting the Arminian controversy, debates over atonement, predestination, and ecclesiastical responses.

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