Francis Wayland
Biography of Francis Wayland (1796–1865), Baptist educator and reformer, tracing his early life, family piety, ministry, and influence on American religious education.
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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.
Francis Wayland
The First Charter of Princeton College: A Discovery
Reprint of Princeton College's 1746 royal charter naming trustees, powers, temporary site at Elizabethtown, and tuition of four pounds; includes obituary for Dr. Franklin C. Hill.
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William Gammell, LL.D.: A Biographical Sketch, With Selections from His Writings
Memorial sketch of William Gammell (b.1812), a devoted scholar and longtime Brown professor of rhetoric and literature, recounting his character, academic career, and public service.
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Dr. Isaac Barrow’s Sermons and Their Homiletical Uses
Examines New Testament church unity as spiritual rather than merely external; surveys art's Christian witness and Isaac Barrow's life and homiletical method.
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The Study of the Classics by Ministers
Two reviews: one examines a possible federation of evangelical Protestant churches and questions church unity; the other urges ministers to maintain classical studies to sharpen preaching and culture.
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Periodical Literature: Its Use for the Ministry
Dean J. O. Murray argues periodicals are indispensable for ministers: they keep clergy abreast of contemporary thought, save time and money, and enrich preaching and pastoral work.
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The Author of Robinson Crusoe
Two pieces: a survey of modern materialism versus spiritualism, and a biographical sketch of Daniel Defoe focusing on his Dissenting convictions, political activism, and persecution.
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The Illustrative Element in Preaching
Examines the illustrative element in preaching—its power to fix truth, engage varied audiences (children, middle class), and common abuses like hackneyed, belittling, or coarse illustrations.
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How to Form a Minister’s Library
Advocates blending missionary zeal with pastoral duty and gives practical counsel on forming a minister's library—prioritize Bible study tools, theology, history, and careful editions.
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Luther’s Table Talk
Examines preaching suited to modern times—preachers should read congregational needs, use plain, brief speech, and adapt. Reviews Luther's Table Talk and his homiletic insights.
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The Poetry of Modern Skepticism: Matthew Arnold. James Thompson
Argues beauty unites truth and goodness and critiques modern poetic skepticism (notably Matthew Arnold) as leading to despair. Urges ministers to understand and answer skeptical literature.
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Richard Baxter
Review of Richard Baxter’s life and ministry—his transformative Kidderminster pastorate, pastoral methods, prolific writings, sufferings, and role as a leading Nonconformist pastor.
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The Study of Science by Ministers
Argues ministers should pursue general scientific knowledge for richer preaching, better illustration and intellectual discipline, while avoiding overreach or misuse in the pulpit.
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The Study of Wordsworth’s Poetry
Defends careful, well-equipped apologetics in the pulpit and urges aggressive, faithful preaching. Recommends Wordsworth's poetry as devotional, natural-theology enrichment.
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The Study of John Howe
Discussion on whether apologetics belong in the pulpit, followed by an extended biographical study of John Howe: his nonconformist ministry, pastoral zeal, and writings.
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Historical Studies: Their Homiletic Value
Argues ministers should study history to enrich preaching: it clarifies human sin, reveals divine providence, and informs social questions—strengthening exposition and hope.
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The Pulpit and Fiction
Argues that pulpits should not proscribe fiction but wisely regulate its use; novels can instruct, refresh ministers, and serve as wholesome recreation when guided by pastors and parents.
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The Poetry of Browning: Its Value to Clergymen
Two essays: one warns youth against pernicious literature; the other urges clergy to study poetry—especially Browning—to enrich imagination, Scripture sense, and preaching.
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A Great Court Preacher and His Sermons: A Study of Dr. Robert South
Argues for better ministerial training—careful selection of teachers and teaching methods—and studies Dr. Robert South's sermons as models of clear, energetic homiletics.
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The Doubter
Essays urging the pulpit to confront modern skepticism with apologetic preaching. Includes a character study of Doubting Thomas (John 20) and a study of Christ's "Verily" sayings (John 3).
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