The Immediate Choice
A sermon urging an immediate, deliberate decision to serve God rather than the world; affirms human moral agency and warns against lukewarm faith, worldliness, and delay.
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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 Immediate Choice
The Refuge of Lies
A polemical tract warning against false ‘refuges’—infidelity, universalism, moralism, and formal religion—and urging sinners to repent and trust Christ alone for salvation.
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Westminster Assembly of Divines
Review of Montagu’s edition of Bacon and a condensed history of the Westminster Assembly, tracing England’s Reformation, church-state conflicts, and Puritan struggles.
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Debate on Baptism
Review of an 1843 public debate between Alexander Campbell and N.L. Rice on baptism—mode, subjects, and purpose—and on creeds, weighing arguments for immersion and infant baptism.
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Deistical Controversy in the West
Review of 1840s frontier apologetics: praises James Smith’s extensive defence of Scripture against deists, while urging clearer, more concise apologetical works and better education.
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Introduction to Practical Observations on the New Testament (1842)
Introduction to Thomas Scott’s Practical Observations on the New Testament, urging family worship, regular Bible reading, and the Scriptures as the life-giving ‘word of life’.
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Mr. Kennedy’s Report on African Colonization
1843 report urging U.S. support for Liberia: protect American commerce, expand Liberian territory, and combat the transatlantic slave trade via lawful commerce.
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Presbyterian Church in Ireland
Review of Neander and Reid on early church planting, the Reformation, and the Presbyterian Church in Ireland—tracing Irish roots of American Presbyterianism and its missionary influence.
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Thoughts on Religious Experience [3rd ed. w/Appendix] (1841)
Pastoral reflections on religious experience: varieties of conversion, evidences of the new birth, and the need for Scripture and the Spirit. Practical guidance in self-examination.
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Biographical Sketches of the Founder, and Principal Alumni of the Log College
Biographical sketches of the Log College founders and early Presbyterian ministers. Includes accounts of 18th-century revivals, the New Brunswick Presbytery, and origins of theological education.
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Review of The Life of Isaac Milner
Life of Isaac Milner: rose from poverty to President of Queen’s College; eminent mathematician, devout evangelical, influential in Wilberforce’s conversion and college reform.
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Review of Theopnusty
Asserts that sanctified reason is necessary for interpreting Scripture—readers must discern the author’s design. Rejects both rationalism and blind fideism.
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The Scotch India Mission
Examines Puritan history and the Church of Scotland’s India mission—its seminary plan, leaders (Dr. Inglis, Rev. Duff), and missionary hardships and perseverance.
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A Brief Compend of Bible Truth
A concise compendium of systematic theology covering God’s being and attributes, Scripture, Christ’s person and work, salvation, sacraments, and eschatology.
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Housman’s Life
Reviews Hopkins’ Lectures on the evidences of Christianity and a biography of Rev. Robert Housman. Highlights evangelical conversion, preaching, and regeneration versus baptism.
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Recommendation to Colin McIver’s edition of Matthew Henry’s Exposition of the Westminster Shorter Catechism
Matthew Henry’s Scripture Catechism paired with the Westminster Shorter Catechism: a Scripture-based Q&A edition (American, 1846) for instructing learners with proof-texts.
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Rev. Dr. Alexander’s Remarks upon Dr. Baxter’s Letter
1846 reports recount Armenian persecutions, converts steadfastly embracing Protestant faith, and appeals for increased support for foreign missions. Also includes Lexington Presbytery minutes and church organization.
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Revival in Old Times
1846 report on German religious upheaval: Ronge’s secession led many to rationalism while Czerski sought a Reformation; also surveys early American Presbyterian history and controversies.
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Struther’s History of the Relief Church
Review of Struthers’ History of the Relief Church, tracing Thomas Gillespie’s founding amid patronage disputes, Seceder conflicts, Whitefield-led revivals, and Gillespie’s deposition.
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Thoughts on the Education of Pious and Indigent Candidates for the Ministry
Argues the Church must fund education for pious, indigent ministry candidates to secure ministers and missionaries. Rejects stigma of dependence and urges Boards of Education.
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