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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Evolution in Relation to Species

An 1880 Presbyterian Review critique of evolution presenting scientific and logical objections. Argues species are defined by reproductive unity and defends Scripture and natural theology.

Joshua Hall McIlvaine ⬩ 1880

The Miracle of Creation

Argues Genesis' creation as the primal miracle, defines miracles as acts beyond natural causation without violating natural law, and affirms God's agency compatible with scientific inquiry.

Joshua Hall McIlvaine ⬩ 1878

Organization the Fundamental Principle of Social Science

Argues organization is the fundamental principle of social science, distinguishing human society from animal gregariousness via division of labor, specialization, and interdependence.

Joshua Hall McIlvaine ⬩ 1876

Elocution: The Sources and Elements of Its Power

A textbook on elocution stressing delivery as essential to effective public speaking. Covers mental, vocal, and technical principles—phonology, articulation, gesture, and memory.

Joshua Hall McIlvaine ⬩ 1874

Rhetorical Analysis and Synthesis

Two journal pieces: one links Assyrian monuments to the Bible (citing Isaiah 19); the other examines rhetorical analysis and synthesis as foundations of discourse.

Joshua Hall McIlvaine ⬩ 1874

Malthusianism

Critiques Malthusian population theory from theological and empirical angles, arguing divine provision and empirical limits weaken Malthus's claims. Also examines Darwin and Ricardo.

Joshua Hall McIlvaine ⬩ 1867

Proposed Christian Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

Joshua Hall McIlvaine ⬩ 1864

The Relation of the Church to the Poor

Argues that Scripture and Christ's ministry establish the church's special duty to the poor, illustrated in Mosaic provision, Jesus' mission to the needy, and the early church's diaconate.

Joshua Hall McIlvaine ⬩ 1862

American Nationality

Reviews Hickok's Rational Psychology; essay argues American nationality rests on unity of race, territory, government and strength, opposing state sovereignty and the confederation model.

Joshua Hall McIlvaine ⬩ 1861

Covenant Education

Argues that Christian religion and education are inseparable and that, under the covenant, parents and schools must train children in faith. Education should form character and prepare for eternal life.

Joshua Hall McIlvaine ⬩ 1861

A Nation’s Right to Worship God [article]

Review of Hamilton's Lectures on Metaphysics and an essay defending a nation's right to worship. Discusses social progress, church–state relations, and Protestant liberty of conscience.

Joshua Hall McIlvaine ⬩ 1859

“A Nation’s Right to Worship God”: An Address Before the American Whig and Cliosophic Societies of the College of New Jersey. Delivered June 28, 1859 [tract]

An 1859 college address defending a nation's right to worship God and examining the proper relations of civil government and religion in America, tracing social progress through history.

Joshua Hall McIlvaine ⬩ 1859

The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil

Defends the biblical, symbolic account of the Fall and redemption. Argues symbols and the incarnation are necessary to convey spiritual truths and vindicate mysteries like the atonement.

Joshua Hall McIlvaine ⬩ 1847

Early Presbyterianism in Maryland

Scholarly survey of early Presbyterianism in Maryland (to 1706): traces Puritan/Presbyterian presence, sparse records, Lord Baltimore's toleration, and ministers like Francis Doughty.

James William McIlvain ⬩ 1890

Some Relics of Early Presbyterianism in Maryland

Examines relics of early Presbyterianism in colonial Maryland: a 1665 Puritan-style marriage vow, the presence of Puritans and ministers, and Rev. Nathaniel Taylor's extensive library.

James William McIlvain ⬩ 1890

James M’Chord

Biographical sketch of James M'Chord (1785–1820): his education, ministry, disciplinary controversies, writings (e.g., The Body of Christ), illness and death, from Annals of the American Pulpit.

William Buell Sprague ⬩ 1858

Sermons on Important Subjects, Selected from the Manuscripts of the Late Rev’d. James M’Chord, A.M.

Posthumous collection of Rev. James M'Chord's sermons addressing God's omnipresence, creation, human sin, providence, and the contrast between Christian revelation and pagan idolatry.

James M’Chord ⬩ 1822

A Last Appeal to the Market-Street Presbyterian Church and Congregation: … Predicated on Sketches of the Dispensations of God Toward His People

Series of sermons on the general judgment, resurrection, and millennium. Argues Christ's resurrection secures a future general resurrection and perfect divine justice.

James M’Chord ⬩ 1818

A Plea for the Hope of Israel: Delivered on an Appeal Before the General Synod of the Associate-Reformed Church

1817 appeal by James M'Chord to the Associate‑Reformed Synod defending against the Presbytery of Kentucky; addresses communion, confessional disputes, and church polity.

James M’Chord ⬩ 1817

A Voice from the Tomb

James M’Chord ⬩ 1816

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