William Sommerville
Late-19th-century history and biographical sketches of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in America, documenting ministers, congregations, missions, institutions, and publications.
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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.
William Sommerville
Baptismal Immersion Not of God: Arguments Pro and Con
1876 pamphlet debating baptismal immersion vs. sprinkling, weighing historical claims and Scripture in the Baptists vs. Pedobaptists controversy over mode and infant baptism.
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The Social Position of Reformed Presbyterians, or Cameronians
Defense of the Cameronians' social position: a historical and scriptural vindication of Reformed Presbyterian distinctives and covenantal refusal to compromise with church unions.
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Southern Slavery Not Founded on Scripture Warrant
1861 lecture arguing Southern slavery has no biblical warrant. Uses Scripture (Deut, Exod, Abrahamic covenant) to defend escaped slaves and condemn U.S. fugitive-slave laws.
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The Rule of Faith
Argues the Bible alone is the Rule of Faith: written Scripture—not Church tradition or the Apocrypha—binds believers. Critiques the Council of Trent and Roman claims.
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The Study of the Bible Adapted to Promote Intellectual Improvement
A lecture arguing that serious Bible study fosters intellectual improvement, versatility, and national progress. Gives logical and rhetorical examples (Romans 4; Matthew 23).
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The Exclusive Claims of David’s Psalms
Argues for the exclusive use of the inspired Psalms in public worship, opposing uninspired hymnody (e.g. Watts). Appeals to Scripture and church purity to defend Psalmody.
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A Dissertation on the Nature and Administration of the Ordinance of Baptism
Somerville's 1866 dissertation argues for sprinkling/pouring as valid baptismal mode and defends infant (paedobaptism) in covenantal church membership while critiquing antipedo positions.
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A Dissertation on the Nature and Administration of the Ordinance of Baptism
Essay examines the nature and administration of baptism, arguing the word's literal meaning doesn't decide immersion vs pouring/sprinkling. Compares Passover and the Lord's Supper to show names don't fix form.
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A Treatise on Psalmody, Addressed to the Worshippers of God
Treatise defending the exclusive use of Scripture Psalms in public worship, arguing the Psalms are inspired and proper for congregational praise; cites NT examples and church practice.
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The Psalms of David Designed for Standing Use in Church
Defends the divine inspiration and exclusive corporate use of the Book of Psalms in public worship, arguing only inspired psalms should be sung and citing apostolic authority.
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Reformed Presbyterianism in the Lower Provinces of Canada
Appeal to relieve Dr. John G. Paton's burdens by sending missionaries and funds for New Hebrides work. Includes monographs on Reformed Presbyterian history in Canada and pastoral narratives.
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Robert Miller Stewart
Discusses Black social status, arguing equality must follow gradual civic training and cultural development; includes a brief biography of Reformed missionary Robert M. Stewart.
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James Reid Lawson
A devotional urging believers to follow Christ's example in practical righteousness. Plus a missionary biography of James R. Lawson and his church-planting labors in New Brunswick.
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Alexander McLeod Stavely
Argues God's mission plan is visible from Isaiah through the Great Commission; reports Reformed Presbyterian missionary work in 19th‑century New Brunswick and Alexander M. Stavely's ministry.
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William Sommerville, A.M.
Sermon on the church's divinely endowed power and the gospel's saving efficacy; plus a monograph biography of Rev. William Sommerville, Reformed Presbyterian missionary in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.
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America’s Hour of Peril
A warning urging America to 'seek the Lord'—national prosperity without God brings judgment. Calls for repentance, temperance, and civil recognition of Christ's authority.
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So Shall We Ever Be with the Lord
Devotional reflection on John 14:2–4, affirming Christ's promise to prepare a place and the believer's sure hope of eternal home. Includes a hymn excerpt.
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Robert McGowan Sommerville
Comprehensive 1888 history of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in America, detailing ministries, congregations, missions, institutions, publications, and ministerial biographies.
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The Ideal Christian Minister
Sermon urging ministers to center preaching on Jesus Christ crucified, affirm substitutionary atonement and Christ’s roles as prophet, priest, and king. Ministry's power is faithful proclamation.
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