The Underlying Principles of Infidelity
Report of Dr. Patton’s paper diagnosing modern unbelief and urging robust apologetics: faith as personal trust in Christ, the Bible’s authority, and responses to criticism.
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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.
The Underlying Principles of Infidelity
Retribution, in Relation to the Justice, Goodness and Purpose of God
Defends the biblical doctrine of eternal punishment, arguing God’s justice and goodness are compatible with endless retribution and answering Universalist objections.
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Pastors, Theology, and the Age
Affirms the dignity and necessity of theology and calls pastors to defend doctrine. Ministers must engage science and philosophy, uphold confessions, and resist heresies (perfectionism, Socinianism).
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The Final Philosophy
Review of Dr. Shields’ The Final Philosophy: it challenges the portrayed war between science and religion, defends the necessity of miracles for Christianity, and urges careful evidential apologetics.
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Charles Hodge
Reviews the doctrine of Scripture's inspiration and offers a biographical sketch of Charles Hodge—his life, teaching, theological method, and influence at Princeton Seminary.
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The Origin of Theism
Lyman Beecher on the nature and extent of the atonement, paired with an essay on the origin of theism surveying development, revelation, inference, intuition, and anthropological accounts.
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The Place of Philosophy in the Theological Curriculum
Argues for a formal place for philosophy in theological curricula to strengthen apologetics; defends objective argument alongside the Spirit’s witness. Calls for fair, rigorous scholarly debate.
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Notes from Lectures on Theistic Conception of the Universe
Lecture notes examining theistic conceptions (poly-, pan-, mono-theism) versus atheism and surveying origins of belief: development, revelation, inference, and intuition.
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On the Education of Ministers
A rebuttal to President Eliot arguing Protestant ministerial education need not be radically changed. Considers how press, politics, and science have affected ministers’ role and training.
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The Dogmatic Aspect of Pentateuchal Criticism
Two essays: one opposes a premillennial literal millennium while upholding a future personal Second Coming; the other surveys Pentateuchal higher criticism and its dogmatic implications for Scripture and reason.
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Contemporary English Ethics
Reviews 18th-century poetry’s reputation and surveys contemporary English ethics, outlining conflicts between evolutionists, utilitarians, and intuitionalists.
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Sermon at the Ordination and Installation of Rev. Richard D. Harlan
Order of service for the 1886 ordination and installation of Rev. Richard D. Harlan at First Presbyterian Church, NY. Sermon (Matt. 10:7) by Francis L. Patton stresses preaching as the chief duty of the minister.
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The Metaphysics of Oughtness
Two essays: one surveys New Testament church officers (deacons, elders, bishops, pastors) and their duties; the other probes the metaphysics of moral ‘ought,’ defending its a priori, intuitional basis.
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Archibald Alexander Hodge
Argues theology must be theocentric while acknowledging Christ’s centrality as God. Includes a biographical sketch and appraisal of theologian Archibald A. Hodge and his writings.
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The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church
Affirms the Lord’s Supper as the Church’s perpetual memorial. Defends the 1788 Adopting Act and Barrier Act, arguing for strict constitutional amendment procedures in the Presbyterian Church.
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Inaugural Address at Princeton College
Inauguration program and addresses for Rev. Francis L. Patton as president of Princeton (June 20, 1888). Includes college history, alumni welcome, and vision for Princeton’s growth.
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Speech of Prof. Francis L. Patton, D.D., LL.D., President-Elect of Princeton College, at the Annual Dinner of the Princeton Club of New York, March 15, 1888
Francis L. Patton, incoming Princeton president, affirms a Christian yet non‑sectarian American college: preserve faith-based identity, expand studies, strengthen finances, and enlist alumni.
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Syllabus of Prof. Patton’s Lectures on Theism
Syllabus of Prof. Patton’s lectures on theism, covering historical, constructive, and polemical treatments. Surveys theories on the origin of belief in God: development, revelation, inference, intuition.
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On Preaching: Addressed to Theological Students
Defends the doctrine of divine decrees and election. Affirms preaching as the minister’s chief duty and the pulpit as the church’s primary moral remedy.
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The Letter and the Spirit
Baccalaureate sermon urging scholars to go beyond the literal ‘letter’ to the ‘spirit’—seeking ideas and divine meaning. Advocates broad, balanced education over mere fact-collecting.
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