A Century Old Church
Centenary addresses for First Presbyterian Church, Nashville (1849–1914) reflecting on a century of faithful service, sacrifice, and urban mission. Uses Joshua 14:11 to urge renewed vigor.
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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.
A Century Old Church
The Message of Religion to Social Workers
Sermon urging social workers to embrace religion's contribution—faith, hope, and love—as essential to lasting social reform and personal regeneration.
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Union Seminary in Foreign Missions
Centennial address celebrating Union Theological Seminary's deep spirituality and pioneering commitment to foreign missions—training, literature, and many alumni sent worldwide.
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Tendency: The Effect of Trend and Drift in the Development of Life
An essay on 'tendency': life is always moving toward a destiny. Vance argues character is formed by trend or drift—toward Christlike maturity or decline—so direction matters more than circumstance.
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The Pastor the Key to the Situation
The pastor's chief task is to win souls and nurture spiritual growth. Making foreign missions central revitalizes, unites, and mobilizes the church for gospel outreach.
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The Dynamic That Is to Save the World
Argues the church needs a consuming love for Christ—not organizational methods, social reform, or political movements—as the sole dynamic to save the world, exemplified in Peter's restoration.
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The Sin of Strange Fire
Reflection on Nadab and Abihu's sin warns against treating holy things as common—sacraments, Sabbath, Scripture, and ministry. Calls for revived reverence and inner devotion.
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An Apostolic Fortnight
Reflection on Paul's fifteen-day visit to Peter (galatians 1), showing reconciliation of former foes, Paul's desire to know Jesus' humanity after conversion, and the gospel's unifying mission.
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The Comforter
Survey of Tennyson's religious views and a sermon on Christ's promise of the Comforter: the Holy Spirit who glorifies Christ, convicts, empowers, and comforts believers.
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The Eternal in Man
Vance contends humans bear God's image with eternal capacities and longings; Christ and the gospel awaken and fulfill this eternal life. A brief devotional-theological reflection.
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If My Country Were Heathen
A call for Presbyterian evangelism and missions: Christians are 'debtors' to preach the gospel. Warns that if America became heathen, churches, charities, schools, and hope would vanish.
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Self-Conscious Piety
Essay examines Darwinian evolution and its theological implications. Sermon warns against self-conscious piety, urging humble, service-oriented devotion. (exodus-34, matthew-25)
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John Knox
Homiletic Review (Aug 1905) profile of John Knox: his simplicity, courage and faith; champion of public education, lay rights, free conscience and missions, shaping modern Scotland.
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If Mine Were a Heathen City
Sermon urging Christians' debt to the heathen—'I am debtor' (Romans 1)—to repay by preaching the gospel. Shows how Christianity builds schools, hospitals, charity, and calls for vigorous missions.
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The Church in the Field
Examines whether modern civilization changes Sabbath duties and critiques a complacent, defensive church. Urges an aggressive, evangelistic church, revival, and readiness to suffer for Christ.
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Simplicity in Life
A pastoral call to simplicity: criticizes modern complexity and urges Christians to reclaim "the simplicity that is in Christ" by being genuine and valuing people over possessions.
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Greetings — From the Board of Domestic Missions of the Reformed Church in America
Speech at the Home Missions centennial urging vigorous domestic missionary work to make America a Christian nation. Appeals to patriotism and ecclesiastical cooperation.
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The Modern Emphasis of the Great Commission
Urgent call to missionary zeal: the Great Commission remains binding and missions are the church's primary task. Indifference to evangelism undermines Christianity.
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The College of Apostles: A Study of the Twelve
Study of the Twelve Apostles as human personalities paired 'by twos.' Portrait sketches examine their types, strengths, faults, ministry and lessons for apostolic succession.
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