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.
The President and Congress
Two essays: Shedd defends extemporaneous preaching as vital to church history and revival; Spear criticizes President Johnson’s Reconstruction as unlawful, unsafe for freedmen, and praises Congressional policy.
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The Citizen’s Duty in the Present Crisis: A Sermon Preached in the South Presbyterian Church of Brooklyn
1866 sermon arguing that Congress, not the President alone, must direct Reconstruction. Rejects immediate readmission of rebel states, citing treason, forfeited rights, and constitutional duty.
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The Punishment of Treason: A Discourse Preached April, 23rd, 1865, in the South Presbyterian Church, of Brooklyn
1865 sermon: God's government requires justice and judgment; civil law and capital punishment are justified for treason. Magistrates are God's ministers; gospel mercy does not annul public justice.
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Our Country and Its Cause: A Discourse Preached October 2nd, 1864, in the South Presbyterian Church, of Brooklyn
1864 sermon (Romans 13) arguing civil authority is ordained by God, labeling secession as treason and defending Lincoln's use of force to preserve the Union.
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The Duty of the Hour
1863 sermon urging citizens to sustain the U.S. government and prosecute the Civil War to preserve the Union; appeals to duty (Esther 4:14) and support for civil authority.
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The Nation’s Blessing in Trial: A Sermon Preached in the South Presbyterian Church of Brooklyn, November 27th, 1862
A Nov 27, 1862 Thanksgiving sermon arguing the Civil War is a national trial under God's providence. It defends fighting to preserve the Constitution, union, and liberty, and condemns compromise with rebellion.
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Radicalism and the National Crisis: A Sermon Preached in the South Presbyterian Church of Brooklyn, October 19th, 1862
Sermon arguing that true 'radicalism'—cutting reform to the root—is necessary for moral, social, and political progress. Applies the principle to slavery and the national crisis.
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The Dying Christian’s Retrospections and Anticipations: Discourse Delivered on Occasion of the Death of John Boynton, May 4, 1862
Sermon on 2 Tim. 4:6–8 urging Christians to face death with calm assurance, review a faithful life, and trust God’s grace for the crown of righteousness.
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Two Sermons for the Times: Obedience to the Civil Authority; and Constitutional Government Against Treason
Two 1861 sermons urging Christians to obey civil authority and uphold the U.S. Constitution against treason, while affirming obedience to God over men when laws conflict.
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The Divine Incarnation
A sermon affirming the Incarnation: Jesus is fully God and fully man. The Word became flesh to reveal God and redeem humanity, grounded in Scripture and historic testimony.
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The Future of Christianity
Argues Christianity is divinely ordained to triumph globally, supported by Christ's mustard-seed parable, prophetic promises, and the Gospel's fitness to human need.
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The Law-Abiding Conscience, and the Higher Law Conscience; With Remarks on the Fugitive Slave Question: A Sermon, Preached …, Dec. 12, 1850
Sermon (1850) contrasts the 'law‑abiding' conscience with the 'higher‑law' conscience, urging respect for civil authority while affirming duty to oppose unjust laws.
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Old and New School Presbyterianism
Critical review of Old and New School Presbyterianism (1848), accusing its authors of inconsistency and exposing misrepresentation of New School Presbyterians amid the 1837 excisions.
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The Politico-Social Foundations of Our Republic: A Sermon Preached … On Thanksgiving Day, December 12, 1844
1844 Thanksgiving sermon urging preservation of republican foundations—elective franchise, equal citizenship, and opposition to slave representation and racial disfranchisement.
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The Law of Grace in the Bestowment “The Increase,” Considered in Its Application to Christians
Sermon on 1 Cor.3:6: God gives the increase, yet Christians must faithfully use means—habit, church attendance, prayer and active service—to receive spiritual growth.
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Patrick [J.] Sparrow, D.D.
Biographical sketches of 19th-century Presbyterian ministers detailing careers, ministry labors, health, deaths, and roles in education and missions.
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The Duty of the Educated Young Men of This Country: An Address Delivered … Davidson College, N.C., July 31st, 1839
1839 college address urging educated young men to pursue true, lifelong scholarship, moral duty, and public service for the good of God, country, and society.
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The Inaugural Address of the Rev. P.J. Sparrow, A.M., Pronounced at His Inauguration … in Davidson College, North Carolina, August 2, 1838
Inaugural address (1838) defending classical education and Latin/Greek study, urging rigorous grammar training and warning against cheap, superficial teaching.
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An Appeal to Old School Presbyterians of the North in Behalf of Davidson College
1836 Presbyterian critique of 'Optimism' arguing that evil is not necessary, defending God’s perfect goodness and Scripture, and criticizing Mr. Barnes and New Light revivalism.
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