Calvinism and Religious Liberty
Argues Calvinism—God's sovereign predestination—grounds true liberty and advances free institutions. Claims Church and State must conform to the unchanging divine law.
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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.
Calvinism and Religious Liberty
Sermon on Isaiah 40:1
Sermon on Isaiah 40:1 highlighting God's abundant grace and enduring covenant. Surveys Christians' sorrows—conviction, sin, sympathy, affliction—and their consolation in Christ.
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Submission to the Will of God: A Fast Day Sermon, Delivered in the First Presbyterian Church, Louisville, on Friday, May 14th, 1841
An 1841 fast-day sermon urging patient submission to God's will after President Harrison's death. Uses John 18:11 and Psalms to call for national fasting, prayer, and trust in providence.
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Speech of Rev. W.L. Breckinridge, Delivered in the First Presbyterian Church, on Tuesday Evening, June 1
Exegetical notes on John 12 and 16 regarding judgment and the 'prince of this world', followed by Rev. W. L. Breckinridge's 1841 public defense addressing ministerial conduct, fellowship, and liberty of conscience.
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A Discourse on Usury, Delivered in the First Presbyterian Church, Louisville, KY., Oct. 30, 1842
1842 sermon condemning usury as immoral and contrary to Scripture. Breckinridge surveys Old and New Testament law and urges Christian charity over extortion.
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The New Test of Christian Character Tested, or, The Bible Doctrine of Temperance
Critique of the 'total abstinence' temperance movement; defends open discussion, warns against making abstinence a new test for communion, and urges biblical balance.
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Speech of Rev. Dr. William L. Breckinridge: Case of Rev. Dr. S.B. McPheeters
1864 Central Presbyterian urging churches to record members who served in the war; includes Henry M. Robinson's biography. Rev. W.L. Breckinridge defends Dr. McPheeters on loyalty and church discipline.
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A Christian College: Its Instruction and Its Government. The Inaugural Address of Rev. Dr. William L. Breckinridge, President of Centre College
Inaugural address asserting Centre College as a Christian institution devoted to religious instruction, Gospel preaching, and training ministers—integrating faith and scholarship under God's providence.
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William Lewis Breckinridge, D.D., LL.D.
Encyclopedic biographical entries on American Presbyterian ministers (e.g., Breckinridge, Breed), church institutions and history; includes a quotation from Psalm 48.
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Man Responsible for His Belief
Argues that belief is morally obligatory; faith is commanded by Scripture. Defends individual accountability for religious creeds against contemporary infidelity.
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The National Nest-Stirring: A Discourse on the Times, Delivered in the West Spruce St. Presbyterian Church, Sabbath Morning, May 5, 1861
1861 sermon likens national convulsion to an eagle's nest-stirring (Deut. 32). It interprets the Civil War as providential chastisement calling America to repentance and renewal.
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The Lights Which God Hath Shewed Us: A Thanksgiving Discourse, Delivered Nov. 28, 1861
Thanksgiving sermon (1861) by Rev. W. P. Breed reflecting on Church–State relations, the Civil War's trials, gratitude for the government's preservation, and patriotic duty.
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Sermon at the Jamaica, Long Island Presbyterian Church
Reports on the 200th‑anniversary services of America's oldest Presbyterian church, featuring sermons on Hebrews 12 urging faithfulness, mission, and the church's historical growth.
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Faith and Patience: A Sermon for the Times
Thanksgiving 1862 sermon urging Christian patriotism: faith in God and patience with the national administration during the Civil War, condemning secession and urging civic steadfastness.
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Manna-Crumbs for Hungry Souls: Consisting of Excerpts from the Letters of the Rev. Samuel Rutherford
Selections from Samuel Rutherford's letters: devotional extracts on pastoral love, suffering, assurance, sanctification, and longing for Christ — gathered and edited by W. P. Breed.
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Home-Songs for Home-Birds
19th-century collection of Christian songs and poems for children and babies, arranged by Rev. William P. Breed. Devotional family hymns for home worship and nurturing faith.
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Anthropos
A theological exploration of 'anthropos'—man's nature, self-consciousness, dignity, and destiny. Discusses biblical anthropology, the soul, mortality, and man's relation to God.
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Under the Oak
A children's Sabbath sermon under a great oak that praises nature as God's temple, encourages earnest prayer and family worship, and contrasts the cholera plague with the deeper plague of sin.
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The Theatre
A Presbyterian sermon arguing the theatre's influence is morally dangerous, historically condemned by the church, and a threat to personal salvation and national virtue.
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