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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Apostolic Origin or Sanction, the Ultimate Test of Canonicity

Maintains apostolic origin/sanction is the exclusive test of a book's canonicity: apostolic authorship, certified by miracles, gives Scripture inherent authority—not edifying effect or ecclesiastical vote.

William Marcellus McPheeters ⬩ 1892

Gladden’s Who Wrote the Bible

Defends a Christ‑centric theology and the Gospels' historicity against higher criticism, citing patristic testimony and experiential verification of Christian faith.

William Marcellus McPheeters ⬩ 1892

The Study of the Bible in the Original Languages at the Seminary

Argues Presbyterian seminary requirement for Hebrew and Greek aims mainly at mental discipline, scholarship, and accurate exegesis, not chiefly spiritual nourishment.

William Marcellus McPheeters ⬩ 1891

A Recently Proposed Test of Canonicity

Analyzes St. John's argument from miracles and surveys tests of canonicity—Roman church authority, Protestant apostolic/historical proof; criticizes a recent subjective test.

William Marcellus McPheeters ⬩ 1891

The Spirituality of the Church

William Marcellus McPheeters ⬩ 1887

William McPheeters, D.D.

Encyclopedic volume (1884) on the Presbyterian Church in the United States, containing historical surveys, council descriptions, and biographical sketches of ministers.

Alfred Nevin ⬩ 1884

Samuel Brown McPheeters, D.D.

Encyclopedia of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, covering Northern and Southern assemblies, historical accounts, biographies of ministers, and church records.

Alfred Nevin ⬩ 1884

In Memoriam: Joseph Charless

Eulogies and memorial records for Joseph Charless (1804–1859), St. Louis merchant and Presbyterian leader, praising his Christian character, public service, and philanthropy.

Samuel Brown McPheeters ⬩ 1868

A Correspondence Between Some of the Members of the Pine Street Presbyterian Church and Its Pastor

1862 Pine Street Presbyterian correspondence urging the pastor to declare for the Union. Debates ministerial neutrality, church-state relations, and civic duty.

Samuel Brown McPheeters ⬩ 1862

A Sermon: Occasioned by the Death of the Rev. William S. Potts, D.D.

A funeral sermon on Job's 'I would not live alway.' It argues Christians, burdened by sin and earthly imperfection, rightly long for heavenly rest and deliverance in Christ.

Samuel Brown McPheeters ⬩ 1852

Addresses at the Inauguration of the Rev. G. Wilson McPhail, D.D. as President of Lafayette College, and Professor of Mental and Moral Philosophy

George Wilson McPhail ⬩ 1858

George McNish

Biographical sketches of early American Presbyterian ministers (17th–18th c.), recounting trials over parsonages, church-state conflicts, persecutions, and the formation of presbyteries.

Richard Webster ⬩ 1857

November 15, 1718 Letter

Excerpt from Briggs' 1885 history containing early-18th-century letters urging British Presbyterians to support ministry and church growth in colonial America.

George McNish ⬩ 1885

May 1709 Letter to New Castle

Minutes of the Presbytery and Synod of Philadelphia (1706–1788), recording sessions, letters, pastoral calls, and disciplinary proceedings in colonial Presbyterian life.

George McNish ⬩ 1841

Petition to Take Dissenting Oath

Court extracts (1705–06) from Somerset County, Maryland, recording Presbyterian dissenters (Hampton, McNish) seeking to take oaths and legal qualification to preach. Highlights colonial church-state relations.

George McNish ⬩ 1838

The Monument and the Man

Memorial tribute to Dr. James M. Fulton honoring his devout piety, pastoral leadership, and philanthropic work. Inspires renewed commitment to Christlike service.

John McNaugher ⬩ 1899

The United Presbyterian Church — Its Origin and Mission

History of the United Presbyterian Church tracing its roots to Scotland’s Reformed (Covenanter) and Associate (Seceder) Churches, their persecution, migration to America, and early organization.

John McNaugher ⬩ 1899

Worship

A sermon urging worship as communion with God, praising His attributes—power, wisdom, goodness, holiness, truth, justice—and resting in Christ’s mercy amid sin and suffering.

William Harrison McMillan ⬩ 1899

“That Ye Bear Much Fruit”

A Golden Rule issue urging tender sympathy, active evangelism, open-air preaching and charity toward the hungry. Emphasizes fruitfulness in Christ and prayer meetings.

William Harrison McMillan ⬩ 1897

The Second United Presbyterian Church of Allegheny, Pa: A Historical Sermon Preached July 16th and 23rd, 1876

William Harrison McMillan ⬩ 1877

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