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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The General Assembly 1867 (Princeton Review)

Proceedings of the 1867 Presbyterian General Assembly detailing reunion terms between Old and New-school branches, elections, commissions, committees, and organizational recommendations.

Charles Hodge ⬩ 1867

Presbyterian Reunion

Examines the 1868 debate over reunion of Old- and New-School Presbyterians, contrasting strict subscription to the Westminster Confession with the New School’s doctrinal latitude and the consequences for union.

Charles Hodge ⬩ 1868

Preaching the Gospel to the Poor

Argues the church must prioritize preaching the Gospel to the poor, critiques Presbyterian systems that neglect them, and urges collective church support for ministers to reach the poor.

Charles Hodge ⬩ 1871

Retrospect of the History of the Princeton Review

Charles Hodge ⬩ 1871

Systematic Theology, Volume 2

Charles Hodge ⬩ 1872

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.

Charles Hodge ⬩ 1873

Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans (1835)

Charles Hodge ⬩ 1873

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.

Charles Hodge ⬩ 1874

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.

Charles Hodge ⬩ 1876

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.

Charles Hodge, Samuel Miller ⬩ 1832

An Affectionate Address to Mothers

Daniel Baker ⬩ 1850

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.

David Brainerd ⬩ 1847

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.

David Brainerd, Talbot Wilson Chambers ⬩ 1856

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.

David Brainerd ⬩ 1884

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.

Francis Alison, D.D. ⬩ 1857

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.

Francis Alison, D.D., John Thomson ⬩ 1855

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.

Francis James Grimké ⬩ 1885

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.

Francis James Grimké ⬩ 1887

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.