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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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A Referendum for the Illustrations in the Garfield Edition of General Lew. Wallace’s Novel “Ben-Hur”

Reference notes for the Garfield edition of Ben‑Hur listing sources and explanations for illustrations—antiquities, geography, customs, and biblical sites (Bethlehem, Jericho).

Paul Van Dyke ⬩ 1893

Rationalistic Criticism of the Life of Christ

Argues theology must be theocentric (God-centered) over merely Christocentric, then surveys German rationalistic criticism of Christ's life, tracing philosophers (Descartes, Spinoza, Leibnitz) and critics like Reimarus.

Paul Van Dyke ⬩ 1887

Theism and Evolution: An Examination of Modern Speculative Theories as Related to Theistic Conceptions of the Universe

Critical 1886 examination of evolutionary theories arguing their atheistic tendencies. Defends theism, the distinctness of the soul from matter, free will, and limits of evolution.

Joseph Smith Van Dyke ⬩ 1886

From Gloom to Gladness: Illustrations of Life from the Biography of Esther

A devotional introduction to the Book of Esther: setting, archaeology of Shushan, and portraits of Esther, Mordecai, Haman and Xerxes, drawing moral lessons of courage and deliverance.

Joseph Smith Van Dyke ⬩ 1883

Through the Prison to the Throne: Illustrations of Life from the Biography of Joseph

A biographical study of Joseph tracing providence through adversity to exaltation. Uses Joseph's life to encourage faith, perseverance, and reliance on God's guidance.

Joseph Smith Van Dyke ⬩ 1881

Hard Times: The Causes which Produce Them; The Lessons they Teach; The Spirit in which to Bear Them; How to Make Them Good; When will they Come no More?

Sermon: national 'Hard Times' arise from violating God's laws—immorality, war debt, speculation and lawlessness. Urges repentance, industry, thrift, and godly stewardship.

Joseph Smith Van Dyke ⬩ 1879

Popery: The Foe of the Church, and of the Republic

An 1871 Protestant polemic claiming Roman Catholicism (the Papacy) is apostate and a political despotism hostile to Christianity and civil liberty. Reviews history, dogmas, miracles and persecution.

Joseph Smith Van Dyke ⬩ 1871

Elements and Evidences of National Decay: A Lecture Delivered in the Presbyterian Church, Bloomsbury, N.J., Aug. 7, 1862

Joseph Smith Van Dyke ⬩ 1862

Henry Jackson Van Dyke, D.D.

Necrological report to Princeton Theological Seminary Alumni (May 3, 1892), featuring the obituary of Henry J. VanDyke D.D., his long Brooklyn pastorate, seminary service, writings, and death.

1892

The Church: Her Ministry and Sacraments

Van Dyke defends a scriptural, 'holy catholic' view of the Church as one visible and invisible body. He explains the ministry, sacraments, and urges greater unity among Christians.

Henry Jackson Van Dyke, Sr. ⬩ 1890

Shall Women Be Licensed to Preach?

A review of theological progress followed by an essay opposing licensing women to preach, defending traditional church order, gender roles, and historical-theological arguments.

Henry Jackson Van Dyke, Sr. ⬩ 1888

Pastor’s Letter in Walter S. Allen, A Voice from the Pew: No Uncertain Sound

1887 pamphlet arguing for conditional immortality and the annihilation of the wicked. Urges private judgment and close Scripture study, challenging traditional eternal torment doctrine.

Henry Jackson Van Dyke, Sr. ⬩ 1887

The Vicissitudes of a Palace

Essay traces how critics shaped Alfred Tennyson's development and revisions of 'The Palace of Art,' highlighting shifts from aesthetic isolation to broader moral sympathy.

Henry Jackson Van Dyke, Sr. ⬩ 1887

Necessity and Administration of the Lord’s Supper

Begins with Plato’s educational ideal; main essay defends the Lord’s Supper as a divinely-appointed, necessary means of grace in Reformed theology, equal to the Word.

Henry Jackson Van Dyke, Sr. ⬩ 1887

The Lord’s Supper

Defends the Reformed (Calvinistic) doctrine of the Lord’s Supper, opposing transubstantiation and Zwinglian reduction, and urging clear, positive sacramental instruction.

Henry Jackson Van Dyke, Sr. ⬩ 1887

Ordination to the Christian Ministry

Affirms a divinely-instituted, apostolic ministry and visible church government. Identifies denominational divisions—especially over baptism and ordination modes—as chief obstacles to Protestant unity.

Henry Jackson Van Dyke, Sr. ⬩ 1886

The Scripture Warrant for the Baptism of Infants

Argues for the value of creeds (Belgic Confession) and defends infant baptism from Scripture and historic church practice, rebutting Anabaptist and Tertullian objections.

Henry Jackson Van Dyke, Sr. ⬩ 1885

The Sacraments and the Children of the Church

Argues the Reformed (Westminster) view that sacraments—especially infant baptism—are covenantal seals given to worthy receivers, opposing Puritan tests that exclude children.

Henry Jackson Van Dyke, Sr. ⬩ 1884

The Lord’s Prayer

Examines the Lord's Prayer as both a form and model for private and public worship. Warns against vain repetitions, urges voluntary use, and emphasizes 'Our Father' as adoption.

Henry Jackson Van Dyke, Sr. ⬩ 1871

The Spirituality and Independence of the Church: A Speech Delivered in the Synod of New York, October 18th, 1864

Argues for the church's spiritual independence and limits of ecclesiastical authority, rejecting church meddling in civil politics. Defends noninterference on slavery and political tests.

Henry Jackson Van Dyke, Sr. ⬩ 1864

Showing 7,661–7,680 of 22,006 items

Archives

A Referendum for the Illustrations in the Garfield Edition of General Lew. Wallace’s Novel “Ben-Hur”

Rationalistic Criticism of the Life of Christ

Theism and Evolution: An Examination of Modern Speculative Theories as Related to Theistic Conceptions of the Universe

From Gloom to Gladness: Illustrations of Life from the Biography of Esther

Through the Prison to the Throne: Illustrations of Life from the Biography of Joseph

Hard Times: The Causes which Produce Them; The Lessons they Teach; The Spirit in which to Bear Them; How to Make Them Good; When will they Come no More?

Popery: The Foe of the Church, and of the Republic

Elements and Evidences of National Decay: A Lecture Delivered in the Presbyterian Church, Bloomsbury, N.J., Aug. 7, 1862

Henry Jackson Van Dyke, D.D.

The Church: Her Ministry and Sacraments

Shall Women Be Licensed to Preach?

Pastor’s Letter in Walter S. Allen, A Voice from the Pew: No Uncertain Sound

The Vicissitudes of a Palace

Necessity and Administration of the Lord’s Supper

The Lord’s Supper

Ordination to the Christian Ministry

The Scripture Warrant for the Baptism of Infants

The Sacraments and the Children of the Church

The Lord’s Prayer

The Spirituality and Independence of the Church: A Speech Delivered in the Synod of New York, October 18th, 1864

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