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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An Address, Adapted to the Monthly Concert for Prayer

Gideon Blackburn urges united monthly prayer to advance Christ's kingdom, promote domestic and foreign missions, and support new congregations (e.g., Monroe, Michigan).

Gideon Blackburn ⬩ 1829

November 30, 1830 Letter to Citizens of Danville

Gideon Blackburn ⬩ 1830

August 8, 1827 Letter to David G. Cowan and John Green

Gideon Blackburn ⬩ 1827

The Exiles of Madeira

Narrative of 19th-century Presbyterian missions in Madeira: Dr. Kalley, W.H. Hewitson, persecution of Bible-readers, their exile and endurance as fruit of gospel labors.

William Maxwell Blackburn ⬩ 1860

Thanksgiving for Victory: A Sermon Delivered, in Accordance with the Late Proclamation of the President of the United States, August 6, 1863

William Maxwell Blackburn ⬩ 1863

The Rebel Prince, or Lessons from the Career of the Young Man Absalom

A series of lectures drawing moral and pastoral lessons from Absalom's life (2 Samuel 13–19), examining family failure, rebellion, and God's providence toward David.

William Maxwell Blackburn ⬩ 1864

Judas, the Maccabee, and the Asmonean Princes

History of Judas Maccabee and the Hasmoneans, bridging Nehemiah and the Maccabees. Discusses Alexander, Jewish traditions (Mishna/Talmud), and Daniel's prophecies.

William Maxwell Blackburn ⬩ 1864

The Crime Against the Presidency: A Sermon

Sermon (Apr 16, 1865) lamenting Lincoln's assassination as a crime against the Presidency and nation; blames slavery and rebellion, urging Christian obedience, justice and national repentance.

William Maxwell Blackburn ⬩ 1865

Young Calvin in Paris, and the Little Flock That He Fed

A historical sketch of young John Calvin in Paris, portraying idolatry, arrests, and a martyr's burning; it highlights early Reformation tensions and persecution.

William Maxwell Blackburn ⬩ 1865

The College Days of Calvin

Account of John Calvin's college days in France: his studious youth, encounter with Lefevre's gospel, and the tension between emerging Protestant convictions and family/Church pressure.

William Maxwell Blackburn ⬩ 1865

The Culdee Monasteries

Examines the early Scottish (Culdee) church—Columba’s missionary cells at Iona, distinct Celtic monastic/missionary practice, and ecclesiastical independence from Roman prelaty.