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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Religion of the Bible, in Select Discourses

Argues for 'spiritual religion' over mere external formality, urging heartfelt communion with God — prayer, joy, and experimental piety that transforms life and conduct.

Thomas Harvey Skinner, Sr. ⬩ 1839

Aids to Preaching and Hearing

Thomas Harvey Skinner, Sr. ⬩ 1839

Thoughts on Evangelizing the World

Call for church reform and united, non‑sectarian evangelism: propagate substantial Christianity and mobilize churches and laity to evangelize the world, relying on prayer and the Spirit.

Thomas Harvey Skinner, Sr. ⬩ 1836

The Elements of Power in Public Speaking: An Address,Delivered Jan. 1, 1833, at His Inauguration … in the Theological Seminary at Andover

An 1833 Andover address on the elements of power in public speaking—especially preaching—stressing truth, personal concern, pertinence, understanding, unity, and purpose.

Thomas Harvey Skinner, Sr. ⬩ 1833

Doctrinal Preaching: An Address, Delivered Before the Porter Rhetorical Society, in the Theological Seminary, Andover, September 11, 1832

1832 Andover address urging doctrinal preaching as God’s appointed means of conversion. Advocates reasoned, instructive sermons to defend the Gospel and edify the mind.

Thomas Harvey Skinner, Sr. ⬩ 1832

The Signs of the Times

A sermon calling believers to discern the "signs of the times" in God's providence and prophecy, heed warning, and respond in repentance, thanksgiving, and active service.

Thomas Harvey Skinner, Sr. ⬩ 1832

Sermon Preached on the Occasion of the Death of Rev. James P. Wilson, Sr.

Examination of primitive Christian church government and liturgical practice through early patristic testimonies and councils. Includes a Micah 6 sermon urging obedience over ritual.

Thomas Harvey Skinner, Sr. ⬩ 1833

The Means of Repentance

Argues original sin is biblical and defends that repentance is a way requiring means: mental acts, renunciation of sin, and contemplation of God's excellency. Replies to objections about self-righteousness.

Thomas Harvey Skinner, Sr. ⬩ 1830

A Discourse on the Duties of Church Members

Sermon exhorting church members to love and know one another, honor pastors and officers, practice brotherly sympathy, and actively promote the spiritual welfare of their local church.

Thomas Harvey Skinner, Sr. ⬩ 1829

A Sermon Occasioned by the Death of the Rev. Matthias Bruen: Preached in the Bleeker-Street Church, New-York, September 20, 1829

Funeral sermon on how saints die and glorify God: their humility, faith, submission and assurance in death, and how their holy deaths witness to and comfort the living.

Thomas Harvey Skinner, Sr., Thomas Houston Acheson, D.D., Ph.D. ⬩ 1829

The Utility of Prayer

Argues that true prayer—adoration, confession, supplication, thanksgiving—forms and refines character, counters worldly influences, and moves God to bless and sustain believers.

Thomas Harvey Skinner, Sr. ⬩ 1826

The Fatherhood of God

Critiques the modern 'all‑Fatherhood' view, arguing true paternity belongs eternally to the Son while believers become God's children only by adoption, affirmed by Scripture and confessions.

Thomas Harvey Skinner, Jr. ⬩ 1890

Thomas Harvey Skinner, D.D.

Encyclopedia of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, with denominational history, doctrinal articles (e.g., sin, catechism) and biographical sketches of ministers.

Alfred Nevin ⬩ 1884

February 13, 1883 Letter to Jonathan Edwards

Thomas Harvey Skinner, Jr. ⬩ 1883

The Argument for the Resurrection of Jesus Christ

Argues the Resurrection of Jesus is the central, decisive miracle proving his divinity and vindicating Christianity, rebutting naturalistic and skeptical objections.

Thomas Harvey Skinner, Jr. ⬩ 1881

Jesus and the Resurrection

Article defends Christ's unique person and the centrality of his resurrection as the foundation of Christianity, answering naturalistic denials and urging apologetic witness.

Thomas Harvey Skinner, Jr. ⬩ 1876

The Complaint of the Rev. Thomas H. Skinner Against the Action of the Presbytery of Cincinnati

Rev. T. H. Skinner's 1876 complaint charges the Presbytery and Synod with violating his constitutional and parliamentary rights, denying due ecclesiastical process and silencing his defense.

Thomas Harvey Skinner, Jr. ⬩ 1876

Christianity and the State: A Sermon, Preached in the “College Hall,” Dec. 28, 1873

1873 sermon asserting Christianity shaped U.S. law, morals, and education; the State should protect religious freedom but not enforce Christianity by law.

Thomas Harvey Skinner, Jr. ⬩ 1873

Why Are Not More Persons Converted Under Our Ministry?

An 1873 essay asking why more are not converted under our ministry. It argues ministers' duty is faithful preaching and prayer, not numeric success, and that conversions depend on God's sovereign grace.