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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Obedience to Human Law: A Discourse Delivered on the Day of Public Thanksgiving, December 12, 1850, in the Brainerd Presbyterian Church, New York

1850 sermon: civil government is ordained by God, not a mere social contract; calls for obedience to magistrates but allows limited resistance, even revolution.

Asa Dodge Smith ⬩ 1851

Dancing as an Amusement for Christians: A Sermon, Delivered in the Brainerd Presbyterian Church, New-York, Feb. 14, 1847, and Repeated, By Request, Feb. 28

1847 sermon by Asa D. Smith applying Romans 14:23 to condemn fashionable mixed dancing as a doubtful, sinful amusement that endangers personal piety and Christian conduct.

Asa Dodge Smith ⬩ 1847

Memoir of Mrs. Louisa Adams Leavitt; Comprised in a Sermon Occasioned by Her Death, and a Supplementary Sketch

A funeral sermon urging consistent, symmetrical Christian character—adding virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity. Uses Christ's example as the model.

Asa Dodge Smith ⬩ 1843

Christ the Preacher’s Model

Presents Christ as the exemplary preacher—spiritual, simple, and inward-focused, using parables and gospel motives rather than political or ceremonial appeals. Ministers should mimic his principles, not outward forms.

Asa Dodge Smith ⬩ 1843

Letters to a Young Student, in the First Stage of a Liberal Education

A collection of letters (1832) offering Christian guidance to college students on character formation, health, intellectual and moral habits, and conduct in college life.

Asa Dodge Smith ⬩ 1832

William Sloane

1888 history of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in America: sketches of ministers, congregations, missions, institutions, and portraits; includes ministerial biographies and abolitionist activity.

William Melancthon Glasgow ⬩ 1888

National Establishment of Religion, a Divine Institution

1860 sermon arguing that civil rulers must enforce God's laws and officially support the church; national establishment of religion is divinely sanctioned and US separation invites God's wrath.

William Sloane ⬩ 1860

Argument on the Magistrate’s Power Circa-Sacra

Minutes of the 1834 Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church (Pittsburgh) debating the magistrate’s power over church affairs, opposing Erastianism and defending Presbyterian church-state distinctions.

William Sloane ⬩ 1834

Life and Work of J.R.W. Sloane, D.D.

Biography of J.R.W. Sloane, a Reformed Presbyterian minister and Covenanter. Documents his life, sermons and addresses on slavery, national reform, temperance and theology.

James Renwick Wilson Sloane ⬩ 1888

The Legitimate Province of Biblical Criticism

Van Oosterzee defends biblical criticism as the careful work of recovering the true text, distinct from hermeneutics and exegesis, and essential to reliable systematic theology.

James Renwick Wilson Sloane ⬩ 1879

The Bible a Law for Nations

Asserts the Bible is the supreme law for nations; the State is an ordinance of God and must obey divine law. Cites Deut. and Romans 13 to oppose secularism.

James Renwick Wilson Sloane ⬩ 1879

Intemperance in the United States a Hindrance to Spiritual Life

1877 Presbyterian Council report urging defense of the Sabbath and an aggressive, church-led temperance. Warns intemperance as a social and spiritual scourge undermining revival.

James Renwick Wilson Sloane ⬩ 1877

The Spirit in Which We Should Engage in the Act of Covenanting

A sermon urging solemn covenant renewal: approach God with humility, whole-hearted self-consecration and faith in Christ, seeking unity, perseverance, and the Spirit's outpouring.

James Renwick Wilson Sloane ⬩ 1872

Memorial Volume: Covenant Renovation

Report of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in North America's 1871 Synod covenant-renewal in Pittsburgh, describing the committee, services, communion, and aims for spiritual revival.

James Renwick Wilson Sloane, Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America ⬩ 1872

The Three Pillars of a Republic: An Address Before the Philo and Franklin Societies of Jefferson College, Canonsburg, Penn., … Aug. 6, 1862

1862 commencement address arguing a republic rests on religion, law, and liberty; defends the Union, condemns slavery, and urges Biblical religion to shape public life.

James Renwick Wilson Sloane ⬩ 1862

Review of the Rev. Henry J. Van Dyke’s Discourse on “The Character and Influence of Abolitionism”: A Sermon

Critical review of Rev. Van Dyke's pro-slavery sermon, arguing Scripture does not sanction slavery and condemning Old School Presbyterian defenses of the institution.

James Renwick Wilson Sloane ⬩ 1861

The Word: A Discourse, Delivered at the Opening of the Reformed Presbyterian Synod, in Allegheny, Pa., on Tuesday Evening, May 24, 1859

Sermon urging ministers to "Preach the Word": Scripture-centred, Christ-focused gospel ministry. Affirms Scripture's authority and subordinates science and philosophy to revelation.

James Renwick Wilson Sloane ⬩ 1859

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