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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The Northern General Assembly (O.S.) of 1866

Presents practical benefits of infant baptism and critiques the 1866 Northern General Assembly for church–state entanglement, pro‑slavery decisions, and ecclesiastical overreach.

John Bailey Adger, D.D. ⬩ 1866

The General Assembly [of 1866] at Memphis

Report on the 1866–67 General Assembly at Memphis: church relations to freedmen and a major revision of the Form of Government and Book of Discipline.

John Bailey Adger, D.D. ⬩ 1867

The Future of the Freedmen

Critiques theatrical revival methods and documents the freedmen’s dire post‑emancipation plight—poverty, disease, religious decline, and the rise of untrained or political teachers.

John Bailey Adger, D.D. ⬩ 1868

The Reviewer Reviewed

1868 Southern Presbyterian review defends the centrality of Christ’s atonement, critiques Barnes on the foundation of faith and slavery, and debates right and wrong and Bible interpretation.

John Bailey Adger, D.D. ⬩ 1868

A Denial of Divine Right for Organs in Public Worship

Critiques the claim of a "divine right" for organs in public worship, examining historical and scriptural arguments and defending congregational singing and Presbyterian order.

John Bailey Adger, D.D. ⬩ 1869

Bannerman’s Church of Christ

Review of James Bannerman’s Church of Christ defending a divinely‑ordained Presbyterian polity, two orders of office‑bearers, and the church’s limits in worship and government.

John Bailey Adger, D.D. ⬩ 1869

Editorial Comments on the Preceding Article

Editorial arguing for provision for ministers’ widows and orphans and defending revision of the Book of Church Order. Discusses parity of ruling and teaching elders and ordination practice.

John Bailey Adger, D.D. ⬩ 1870

Some Thoughts and Some Facts Concerning Domestic Missions in Our Presbyteries

Defends Presbyterian government and the parity of elders, arguing presbyteries—not centralized boards or single leaders—should direct domestic missions. Recommends commissions and presbytery-appointed evangelists.

John Bailey Adger, D.D. ⬩ 1870

The First and Highest Office in the Church

Analyzes secondary causes of the Reformation and argues the preacher/teaching elder is the first and highest office, detailing duties, apostolic roots, and pastoral demands.

John Bailey Adger, D.D. ⬩ 1871

The General Assembly of 1871

Reports on the Reformation’s secondary causes and a detailed account of the 1871 General Assembly: moderator election, Book of Church Order revision, and a proposed university.

John Bailey Adger, D.D. ⬩ 1871

The General Assembly of 1872

1872 Presbyterian General Assembly debated Bible reading, expository preaching, and whether to introduce optional liturgical forms and congregational responses in public worship.

John Bailey Adger, D.D. ⬩ 1872

A Few Observations on the Foregoing Article

Debate on ministerial training and the nature of a ministerial call in Presbyterianism — ordinary means versus direct illumination by the Holy Spirit and church authentication.

John Bailey Adger, D.D. ⬩ 1873

Letter to the Editors from Rev. John B. Adger

Reports on the French Protestant Synod and Reformation memories; letters defend Dr. Thornwell’s ecclesiastical views amid debates over church boards, slavery, and secession; notes on the U.S. General Assembly.

John Bailey Adger, D.D. ⬩ 1873

Church Power

Sermon defending Presbyterian church government: doctrine is the Church’s life and discipline its nerve. Advocates representative authority (sessions, presbyteries, assemblies) over prelacy and independency.

John Bailey Adger, D.D. ⬩ 1874

Modern Scepticism

Reviews of Bacon’s Genesis of New England Churches and Barker’s Modern Scepticism, examining church history, rising doubt, ministerial conflicts, and abolitionist influences.