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.
The History of a Corporation of Servants
18th-century tract describing the founding of a ‘corporation of servants’—fixed wages, training schools, and regulations intended to improve servants’ condition and public welfare.
⬩
Practical Discourses on the Leading Truths of the Gospel
Witherspoon’s Practical Discourses teaches humanity’s universal sinfulness and the necessity of gospel redemption through Christ. Sermons ground doctrine in Scripture and experience.
⬩
Address to the Inhabitants of Jamaica, and Other West-India Islands, In Behalf of the College of New-Jersey
An address urging West-Indian parents to send sons to the College of New Jersey. It argues American colleges are nearer and better at preserving students’ discipline and morals.
⬩
The Druid, No. 1
Introductory essay ‘The Druid’ outlines a monthly plan to explore human nature, literature, morals, and civic improvement. It argues virtue, learning, and the arts strengthen a nation even amid war.
⬩
The Druid, No. 2
Essay on the law of nations and the conduct of war: argues war must pursue justice and avoid needless cruelty, condemning use of Indians and inciting slaves; appeals to natural law and conscience.
⬩
The Druid, No. 3
Discusses distinctions between foreign wars and civil wars, their causes and greater brutality, and urges justice, mercy, and candid judgment; applies this to the Britain–America conflict.
⬩
The Dominion of Providence Over the Passions of Men
John Witherspoon’s 1776 sermon argues God’s providence rules men’s passions; even human wrath serves God’s glory. He applies this truth to the American revolt and civil war.
⬩
An Address to the Natives of Scotland Residing in America (1777)
John Witherspoon urges Scots in America to support American independence, defends colonial liberty, explains divided loyalties, and argues independence is necessary and honorable.
⬩
Essay on Money, as a Medium of Commerce
Essay on money and commerce: traces barter to money, analyzes signs and paper-currency risks and legal-tender issues, and specifies qualities of sound money: value, rarity, portability, divisibility, durability.
⬩
Christian Magnanimity
Witherspoon defends magnanimity as a Christian virtue: courageous pursuit of great ends, perseverance, and patient suffering, rightly ordered by justice, prudence, and humility. Sermon at Princeton.
⬩
Sermons by James Muir, A.M., Minister of the Presbyterian Church, Bermuda
James Muir’s 1787 sermon (on 1 Cor. 15:29) teaches that baptism, public profession, and hope of the resurrection sustain Christians amid persecution and martyrdom.
⬩
An Address to the Senior Class of Students, Who Were to Receive the Degree of Bachelor of Arts, and Leave the College, Sept. 23, 1787
Graduation address urging seniors to embrace genuine religion, diligent study, steady character, and prudent conduct. Cultivate piety, industry, and wise associations for public usefulness.
⬩
A Sermon on the Religious Education of Children
John Witherspoon’s sermon on Mark 10:13–16 argues children belong to God’s covenant, can receive regenerating grace early, and urges the importance of early religious instruction.
⬩
Preliminary Principles to the Form of the Government and Discipline of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America
Introduction to the 1789 Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (USA): affirms Scripture as the only rule, liberty of conscience, and establishes church government, officers, and discipline.
⬩
An Inducement to Come to Christ
Witherspoon urges sinners to come to Christ, insisting genuine conviction of sin is necessary for salvation. He outlines marks of true repentance and calls for self-examination.
⬩
On Man in His Natural State
John Witherspoon preaches that all humanity is by nature fallen, sinful, and ignorant of its misery, needing repentance and Christ’s atoning sacrifice for salvation.
⬩
Showing 11,201–11,220 of 11,608 items