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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Causes of the Decline of Revivals

Cornelius C. Cuyler ⬩ 1834

Two sermons: a rebuke to ungrateful, backsliding believers (Luke 17) urging gratitude and faith; and a Hosea 6 exposé on causes of declining revivals—neglect, pride, and false dependence.

On the Nature of the Atonement

Cornelius C. Cuyler ⬩ 1835

Cuyler argues Jesus came to give his life as a ransom, accomplishing a real, substitutionary atonement that satisfies God's justice. He rejects views reducing Christ's death to mere moral example or mere illustration of divine displeasure.

Who Shall Dwell in Heaven?

Cornelius C. Cuyler ⬩ 1835

C.C. Cuyler: Christ came to serve and give his life as a ransom for sinners. He urges self-examination—only the justified and holy will dwell in heaven.

The Signs of the Times: A Series of Discourses Delivered in the Second Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia

Cornelius C. Cuyler ⬩ 1839

Cuyler's 1839 sermon series 'The Signs of the Time' examines Divine Providence, missions, revivals, corruption of doctrine, slavery, and the duty of ministers, urging discernment of God's hand.

The Blessing of God attending the Right Use of Wealth: A Sermon Preached at Philadelphia, 4th December, 1842

Cornelius C. Cuyler ⬩ 1843

Sermon urging Christians to honor God with their wealth and firstfruits, practicing faithful stewardship, tithes, and generous giving. God blesses those who use resources for His glory.

The Parity of the Ministry

Cornelius C. Cuyler ⬩ 1843

Argues for the parity of the ministry: elders (presbyters) and bishops are the same office, apostles had no successors, and diocesan episcopacy lacks clear scriptural warrant.

The Evidence of a Gracious State

Cornelius C. Cuyler ⬩ 1844

Guide to self-examination outlining evidences of a gracious state—love for God, love for fellow Christians, and delight in God's Word—to aid assurance and holy living.

Addresses at Laying of a Corner-Stone

Cornelius C. Cuyler ⬩ 1846

Two 1846 addresses at a church corner‑stone laying urging the erection and dedication of a house of worship, stressing preaching as the means of grace and hope for revival.

November 6, 1849 Letter to William B. Sprague [re: Selah Strong Woodhull]

Cornelius C. Cuyler ⬩ 1869

Short biographical notices of American clergymen (Woodhull, Brownlee, Gunn) detailing education, ministries, character, offices, publications and deaths.

Biographical Sketch of Dr. Cuyler

1855

Reviews a New School tract on justification and gives a biographical sketch of Dr. Cuyler, emphasizing family Bible reading, pastoral labor, revivals, and his peaceful death.

Cornelius C. Cuyler, D.D.

William Buell Sprague ⬩ 1858

Biographical sketch of Rev. Cornelius C. Cuyler (1783–1850), a Reformed Dutch/Presbyterian minister, recounting his education, revivals, pastoral labors, publications, character, and death.

An Hour’s Talk About History

Theodore Ledyard Cuyler ⬩ 1842

Argues true history must record ordinary life and small details, praising Boswell and Scott's portraiture. Begins a piece defining the religious oath and its proper use.

Stray Arrows

Theodore Ledyard Cuyler ⬩ 1851

Sermons urging earnest prayer, revival, and evangelistic zeal—preaching as 'stray arrows' that reach souls. Praises Christ's rescue mission and prayer-meetings as the church thermometer.

The City’s Wants, and the Church’s Work: A Discourse for City Missions. Delivered at the Lafayette Place Church, Sabbath evening, May 28, 1854

Theodore Ledyard Cuyler ⬩ 1854

1854 sermon urging city missions to remedy urban poverty. Meet physical needs (shelter, work, clothing) and preach the Gospel via ragged schools, houses of industry, and missions.

God’s Light on Dark Clouds

Theodore Ledyard Cuyler ⬩ 1882

Devotional reflections on suffering and God's purposes in trials, offering consolation to the bereaved. Emphasizes God's compensations and growth through affliction.

Beulah-Land: Or, Words of Cheer for Christian Pilgrims

Theodore Ledyard Cuyler ⬩ 1896

Pastoral essays encouraging elderly Christians, likening late life to Bunyan's Beulah-land. Urges faithfulness, continuing fruitfulness, and hope in God's sustaining care.

Lafayette Avenue Church: Its History and Commemorative Services, 1860–1885

Theodore Ledyard Cuyler ⬩ 1885

Commemorative history of Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church marking Rev. Theodore L. Cuyler’s 25th pastoral anniversary (1860–1885), including jubilees, addresses, and Sunday-school records.

Christian Recreations and Unchristian Amusements: A Sermon by the Rev. Theodore L. Cuyler: Delivered Sunday Evening, October 24th, 1858

Theodore Ledyard Cuyler ⬩ 1858

Sermon arguing Christians may enjoy wholesome recreation—books, music, rest—but must avoid unchristian amusements (revellings, excess, alcohol) that harm body and soul.

Two Evenings With the Late Professor Alexander

Theodore Ledyard Cuyler ⬩ 1860

Reminiscence of Dr. Addison Alexander's preaching and scholarship, an anecdote on sacrificial giving, and a defense of Old‑school vs New‑school Presbyterian theology with statistics.

The Cedar Christian