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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Essays, Descriptive and Moral: On Scenes in Italy, Switzerland, and France

Travel essays on Italy and nearby countries reflecting on art, antiquities, and religious morals. Warns that admiration of pagan art and popish ritual can weaken Protestant faith.

Matthias Bruen ⬩ 1823

The Last Moments of the Rev. Matthias Bruen, A.M., of Bleecker Street Church, N.Y.

Matthias Bruen ⬩ 1829

Memoirs of the Life and Character of the Rev. Matthias Bruen, Late Pastor of the Presbyterian Church, in Bleecker-Street, New-York

Memoir of Rev. Matthias Bruen, a Presbyterian pastor: his piety, character, and reflections on death, heaven, and Christian usefulness. Includes letters and reminiscences.

Matthias Bruen ⬩ 1831

Memoir of the Life of the Rev. Matthias Bruen, of New York

Memoir of Rev. Matthias Bruen with reflections on providence, untimely death, and the believer's continued service in heaven. Consolation, duty, and hope in loss.

Matthias Bruen ⬩ 1832

Matthias Bruen

Memoir of Rev. Matthias Bruen (1793–1829), a New York Presbyterian minister noted for piety, scholarship, missionary labors, pastoral devotion, and trusting resignation in death.

Matthias Bruen ⬩ 1858

Letters of Professor R.T. Brumby, on the Importance of a Geological Survey of Alabama

Richard Trapier Brumby ⬩ 1845

An Address on the Sphere, Interest and Importance of Geology: Delivered December 8, 1849, in the Hall of the House of Representatives

Richard Trapier Brumby ⬩ 1849

Foot-Prints of the Creator

1851 review of literature and Hugh Miller's Foot-Prints of the Creator, arguing geology and natural science corroborate and illuminate biblical revelation.

Richard Trapier Brumby ⬩ 1851

Evidence of the Degradation of Animals

Examines debates on justification—rejecting Socinian and Roman positions on inherent/infused righteousness—and critiques geological "development" theories, defending the Mosaic account of creation.

Richard Trapier Brumby ⬩ 1852

The Ceaseless Activity of Matter

Argues that every particle of matter is ceaselessly in motion, using astronomy, chemistry, geology, and biology as evidence, and draws theological lessons urging diligence and faithfulness.

Richard Trapier Brumby ⬩ 1852

Relations of Science to the Bible

Argues that true science and the Bible need not conflict; cautions against mistaking scientific hypotheses (e.g., evolution) for disproof of Scripture and urges careful hermeneutics.

Richard Trapier Brumby ⬩ 1874

Gradualness Characteristic of All God’s Operations

Examines Melchizedek's priesthood and contends that gradual, progressive development characterizes all God's operations, showing harmony between Scripture and natural science.

Richard Trapier Brumby ⬩ 1874

The First Battle: A Story of the Campaign of 1896

William J. Bryan's account of the 1896 campaign: speeches, travels, and the rise of the silver (bimetallism) movement, with conventions, platforms, biographies, and election returns.

William Jennings Bryan, Sr. ⬩ 1896

The Second Battle, or, The New Declaration of Independence, 1776–1900: An Account of the Struggle of 1900

Selections from William J. Bryan and others on the 1900 Democratic contest. Covers the convention, platform, anti-imperialism, bimetallism, annexation, and election struggle.

William Jennings Bryan, Sr. ⬩ 1900

The Proposed Revision of the Standards of Westminster

Discusses the 'negro question' and heated debates over revising the Westminster Standards—subscription, confessionalism, and proposed doctrinal amendments in Presbyterianism.

William Swan Plumer Bryan ⬩ 1889

The General Presbyterian Council

Reviews Gerhart's theological principle and evaluates the Alliance of Reformed Churches (General Presbyterian Council), its advisory role, confessional basis, and tensions over unity.

William Swan Plumer Bryan ⬩ 1892

The Trial of Professor Smith

Examines how thought and language bear on the doctrine of inspiration and recounts Professor H. P. Smith's 1892 trial over biblical criticism, inerrancy, and church procedure.

William Swan Plumer Bryan, Gorham Dummer Abbott ⬩ 1893

Some Recent Contributions to the Philosophy of Religion

Links the Tower of Babel to divine judgment and reviews recent philosophy of religion—Kidd's social-evolution thesis and Balfour's critique of naturalism and belief.

William Swan Plumer Bryan ⬩ 1896

Prayer and the Healing of Disease

Argues God hears prayers for physical healing, often working through natural means; warns health isn't the highest blessing and critiques modern claims of supernatural healing.