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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Elijah, the Favored Man: A Life and Its Lessons for To-Day

Devotional biography of Elijah drawing lessons for modern piety and ministry—prophetic courage, divine providence, critique of materialism, and the interplay of nature and miracles.

Robert Mayne Patterson ⬩ 1880

The Supply of Ministers

1880 Presbyterian Review examines ministerial supply: widespread vacancies, low salaries, and misdistribution. Argues churches under-support pastors despite an apparent urban glut.

Robert Mayne Patterson ⬩ 1880

Pre-Millenarianism

Princeton Review article explaining pre-millennialism: its doctrines, concessions, and objections to post-millennialism, citing parables (Matt.13) and Revelation 19–20.

Robert Mayne Patterson ⬩ 1879

Visions of Heaven for the Life on Earth

Patterson surveys biblical visions of heaven, linking present sanctification with future glory. Covers New Jerusalem, the Transfiguration, recognition, affliction, and heavenly rewards.

Robert Mayne Patterson ⬩ 1877

Historical Sketch of the Synod of Philadelphia

Historical sketch of the Synod of Philadelphia (1706–1875), outlining its origins, growth, divisions (Old School/New School), meetings, membership statistics and pastoral developments.

Robert Mayne Patterson ⬩ 1876

Paradise: The Place and State of Saved Souls Between Death and the Resurrection

A theological study of 'Paradise'—the place and state of saved souls between death and the resurrection. Argues from Scripture and the Westminster Confession for the soul's immediate bliss.

Robert Mayne Patterson ⬩ 1874

Presbyterianism in Philadelphia

Account of Presbyterianism in Philadelphia (1682–1872): origins, key ministers (Makemie, Andrews), civic context (William Penn), institutional growth and statistical progress to 1872.

Robert Mayne Patterson ⬩ 1873

The Character of Abraham Lincoln

A pastor's character sketch of Abraham Lincoln: his humble frontier origins, physical and moral strengths as wartime leader, and the nation's profound grief after his assassination.

Robert Mayne Patterson ⬩ 1865

Our Duty: A Fast-Day Discourse

Robert Mayne Patterson ⬩ 1864

Which Is the Apostolic Church? An Inquiry

A concise inquiry into which church government is apostolic—prelacy, independency, or presbytery. The author argues from Scripture for the importance of ecclesiastical order and favors Presbyterian polity.

Robert Mayne Patterson ⬩ 1857

Memorandum

History of Western Presbyterianism: records of early ministers and primitive seminaries in late-18th-century Western Pennsylvania (Redstone Presbytery), highlighting Joseph Smith and John M'Millan.

Joseph Patterson ⬩ 1854

The Old School Presbyterian Church on Slavery

1857 Presbyterian pamphlet condemning American slavery. It cites General Assembly acts (1794, 1818) as biblical condemnations and urges the church to abolish the practice.

James Patterson ⬩ 1857

A Letter, to the Mayor, the Councils, the Aldermen, &c. &c., the Police of Philadelphia and the Liberties

1833 letter urging Philadelphia officials to enforce Sabbath observance and curb vices (intemperance, taverns, poor housing) to prevent moral decay and cholera deaths.

James Patterson ⬩ 1833

A Sermon, on the Effects of the Hebrew Slavery as Connected with Slavery in this Country: … to Celebrate our National Independence, July 4, 1825

James Patterson ⬩ 1825

History of Rochester Presbytery from the Earliest Settlement of the Country

Survey of Rochester Presbytery origins, tracing early Western NY settlement, missionary labors, formation of the Ontario Association and subsequent presbytery unions (1795–1817).

Levi Parsons ⬩ 1889

The Uses of Political Parties

Argues political parties are essential institutions that train citizens, check and balance power, shape public opinion, and assimilate diverse peoples into the republic.

Levi Parsons ⬩ 1887

Memoir of Rev. Levi Parsons, Late Missionary to Palestine

Memoir of Rev. Levi Parsons (b.1792), recounting his youth, conversion at Middlebury College, and missionary labors in Palestine and Asia Minor; compiled by Rev. Daniel O. Morton (1824).

1824

The Dereliction and Restoration of the Jews: A Sermon, … Boston, Sabbath, Oct. 31, 1819, Just Before the Departure of the Palestine Mission

Sermon on Hosea 3:4–5 surveying Jewish desolation since AD 70, historic persecutions, and arguing for a future literal restoration and obligations of the Gentile church.

Levi Parsons ⬩ 1819

Rev. Jonathan Parsons

Short biography of Rev. Jonathan Parsons (1705–1776): his conversion during the Great Awakening, ministry in Lyme and Newburyport, association with George Whitfield, publications and family.

1899

Jonathan Parsons

Biography of Jonathan Parsons (1705–1776): his conversion, leadership among New-Light revivalists in the Great Awakening, ministry controversies, Newbury/Newburyport pastorate, and death.

William Buell Sprague ⬩ 1858

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