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 Solemn Question! Can the Protestants Conscientiously Build Up the Churches of the Pope?
⬩
A vigorous Protestant critique condemning Roman Catholicism — especially the Mass, transubstantiation, Marian devotion, and papal authority — as idolatrous and spiritually dangerous.
The Unity of the Church Based on Personal Union with Christ
⬩
Charles Hodge argues the Church’s unity rests on believers’ personal union with Christ through the Spirit, yielding one faith, shared spiritual life, and mutual love.
Christianity Without Christ
⬩
Charles Hodge argues that true Christianity centers on Christ—his person, incarnation, and saving work; without Christ Christianity reduces to mere moralism or natural religion.
Mr. Editor
⬩
Obituary and character sketch of Rev. Joseph Patterson—his piety, cheerfulness, steadfast worship, and pastoral example—followed by missionary reports from South Africa noting conversions and challenges.
Preface to Thomas Shepard’s Diary (“Meditations and Spiritual Experiences”) (1747)
⬩
Introductory essay on spiritual experience and regeneration: human depravity, Christ’s atoning mediation, the gift of the Holy Spirit, justification by faith and growth in holiness.
The Gospel the Only True Reformer (1745)
⬩
Intro to David Brainerd’s Indian missions arguing the gospel—Christ crucified—and Spirit-wrought regeneration, not external reforms, is the only true means of lasting reformation.
Memoirs of Rev. David Brainerd, Missionary to the Indians of North America
⬩
Memoir of Rev. David Brainerd, missionary to Native Americans, compiled by Jonathan Edwards. Chronicles his conversion, missionary labors, revivals, struggles, and death.
Francis Alison
⬩
Biographical sketches of early American Presbyterian ministers (e.g., Francis Alison, David Cowell), covering ministry, education, synodal disputes (Old Side–New Side), and college efforts.
A Protestation Presented to the Synod (1741)
⬩
Excerpt recounts the 1741 Old Side protestation in the American Presbyterian Church, accusing dissenters of anti‑Presbyterian practices and defending confessional authority and church order.
Obituary Address of Rev. F.J. Grimke in Honor of Wiley Lane
⬩
Obituary and memorial addresses for Professor Wiley Lane (1852–1885), recounting his rise from the antebellum South to Howard University professor, his scholarship, Christian faith, and legacy.
Earnest Words from a Colored Missionary
⬩
Editorial urging the Presbyterian Church to intensify work among freedmen at home—schools, ministers, and funding—warning of moral consequences and citing Ezekiel and Matthew.
The Pulpit in Relation to Race Elevation
⬩
Grimke urges ministers to use the pulpit’s unique influence to elevate newly freed Black people, teaching moral and religious basics. He condemns self-serving clergy who hinder progress.
Presbyterian Principles
⬩
Sermon outlining Presbyterian church government: parity of the ministry, representative rule by elders, and ecclesiastical unity. Contrasts Presbyterianism with Episcopacy and Congregationalism.
Christian Theology and Current Thought
⬩
Professor Patton defends Christian theology against scientific critiques, arguing revelation and theism are compatible with science and that evolution doesn’t invalidate Scripture.
Rationalism in the Free Church of Scotland
⬩
Examines the Free Church of Scotland’s crisis over higher criticism, Mosaic authorship, and subscription to the Confession, weighing scholarship against church discipline.
A Discourse in Memory of Archibald Alexander Hodge
⬩
Memorial discourse (1887) by Francis L. Patton honoring Archibald A. Hodge—his life, ministry, teaching at Princeton Seminary, missionary work, and character.
Showing 7,701–7,720 of 11,604 items