Deaconesses
Examines chronological problems in the books of Kings and argues for the historical and biblical legitimacy of deaconesses, citing Phoebe and early-church testimony.
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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.
Deaconesses
A New Publication: “Pastoral Theology” by Thomas Murphy
Report of 1877 Synods highlighting vigorous home mission work, formation of female missionary societies, many new churches, and a strong endorsement of Thomas Murphy's Pastoral Theology.
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Patriotism, Philanthropy, and Religion: An Address Before the American Colonization Society, January 16, 1877
1877 address lauding the American Colonization Society’s steady, moderate work to resettle freed Black Americans in Liberia, promoting liberty, civilization, and Christian missions.
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The Period from the Founding of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America to the Commencement of the War of the Revolution
Centennial discourses on the founding of American Presbyterianism: early adversities, Francis McKemie and the first presbytery, providence, polity, and colonial development.
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Tenure of the Elder’s Office
Argues for the permanence, local character, and biblical qualifications of the Presbyterian ruling elder, distinguishing ruling from teaching elders and opposing fixed-term rotations.
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Address of Rev. Dr. McGill at the Semicentenary Celebration of the Presbyterian Board of Education
Proceedings of the 1869 semicentennial of the Presbyterian Board of Education. Reviews the Board's 1819 founding, its work training indigent ministers, and impact on Presbyterian education.
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American Slavery, as Viewed and Acted on by the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America
Historical review of the Presbyterian Church’s response to American slavery (1774–1807), advocating ultimate emancipation, slave education and amelioration, and employing Black missionaries.
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Mason and Dixon’s Line
Two essays: a careful inquiry whether James son of Alphaeus is identical with James, the Lord's brother, followed by a historical account of Mason & Dixon’s Line and colonial settlement of the Delaware region.
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Life By Faith: A Sermon Preached Before the Synod of New-Jersey, at the Opening of Its Sessions, at Rahway, New-Jersey, Tuesday Evening, October 21st, 1862
Preached on Habakkuk 2:4—'the just shall live by faith.' Argues faith unites believers to Christ, grounds justification and sanctification, and sustains them through ordinary and extraordinary trials.
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The Hand of God with the Black Race: A Discourse Delivered Before the Pennsylvania Colonization Society
McGill argues God's providence unites all races (Acts 17) and shapes the black race's history. He calls slavery a temporary 'school' for preparation and warns against abrupt emancipation.
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Sinful but Not Forsaken: A Sermon, Preached in the Presbyterian Church, Fifth Avenue … New York, on the Day of National Fasting, January 4, 1861
Jan 4, 1861 sermon urging national humiliation and repentance — diagnoses America's sins, warns divine judgment, and appeals to God's providence and revival as hope.
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Discourses at the Inauguration of the Rev. Alexander T. M’Gill, D.D.
Inaugural charge urging ministers to be pious, well‑educated, and devoted to preaching Christ crucified. Warns against worldly popularity, neglect of study, and doctrinal novelty.
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Faith and Sight Contrasted
Sermon contrasting faith and sight: faith trusts unseen promises, endures affliction, and steadies the Christian life, while sight (sensory feeling) is unreliable and fluctuating.
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Prophecy
Argues that fulfilled biblical prophecies—especially Jewish survival and eastern desolation—demonstrate divine inspiration, supported by travelers' reports and historical evidence.
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Introduction to Mrs. N.W. Campbell, Why Am I a Presbyterian?
A 19th-century defense of Presbyterian order, doctrine, and practical holiness, urging mothers to catechize children and explaining reasons for Presbyterian worship, polity, and piety.
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Popery the Punishment of Unbelief: A Sermon Before the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church at Baltimore, May 25th, 1848
1848 sermon arguing that Popery is the organized fulfillment of biblical apostasy/Antichrist — a judicial punishment for unbelief. It traces historical causes and warns of spiritual dereliction.
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The Presence of God, a People’s Prosperity: A Sermon Preached … April 11, 1841, … the First Sabbath After the Decease of William Henry Harrison
1841 funeral sermon on President William H. Harrison: national prosperity rests on God's special presence, which requires saving faith among citizens, public acknowledgment, and Christian politics.
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In Memoriam of the Rev. Nathaniel S. McFetridge, D.D.
Memorial of Rev. Nathaniel S. McFetridge, D.D., Macalester professor praised for scholarship, devout piety, patient endurance in suffering, and devoted service to students and college.
A Magnificent Departure
Lafayette College Journal (Dec 1883) reports campus news—exams, athletics, new gym, schedules—and covers President Cattell's farewell voyage and a reflective history of the college.
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