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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Pastoral and Farewell Letter to the Associate Congregation of Presbyterians, in Ballibay New Erection

Dr. Thomas Clarke's pastoral farewell defends divine decrees and election, upholds Christ's righteousness as the sole ground of hope, and warns against Ulster Synod errors and false doctrine.

Thomas Clark ⬩ 1843

Thomas Clark, M.D.

Biography of Rev. Thomas Clark, a Scottish-born minister who endured persecution, emigrated with his congregation to New York, founded Salem (NewPerth), and helped form the Associate Reformed Church.

William Buell Sprague ⬩ 1869

A Familiar Dialogue Between Calvinus and Arminius

A dialogue between Calvinus and Arminius debating election and predestination, defending divine sovereignty, decrees and foreknowledge, and their relation to human freedom and responsibility.

Thomas Cleland ⬩ 1830

The Heavenly Society: A Funeral Discourse Delivered in Green County, on the Occasion of the Death of Mrs. Jane Horton, May 15th, A.D. 1808

Thomas Cleland ⬩ 1808

The Socini-Arian Detected: A Series of Letters to Barton W. Stone, on Some Important Subjects of Theological Discussion

Thomas Leland's 1815 letter to Barton W. Stone charges his theology as Arian, Socinian, and Pelagian, defending Trinitarian doctrine, substitutionary atonement, and imputation.

Thomas Cleland ⬩ 1815

Letters to Barton W. Stone: Containing a Vindication Principally of the Doctrines of the Trinity, the Divinity and Atonement of the Saviour

Thomas Cleland's 1822 letters to Barton W. Stone vigorously defend the Trinity, the divinity of Christ, and the atonement against Stone's criticisms. A polemical defense of orthodox creeds.

Thomas Cleland ⬩ 1822

A Brief History of the Rise, Progress, and Termination of the Proceedings of the Synod of Kentucky, Relative to the Late Cumberland Presbytery

Thomas Cleland ⬩ 1823

The Destructive Influence of Sinners: A Sermon, Delivered in Harrodsburgh, K.Y., June 8th, 1823

Sermon on sin's destructive influence: from Adam's fall to historic crimes, showing how one sinner can destroy much good, corrupting families, nations, and the church.

Thomas Cleland ⬩ 1823

Evangelical Hymns for Private, Family, Social and Public Worship

Evangelical Hymns (Thomas Cleland), an early 19th-century hymnbook for private, family, social and public worship, with hymns on creation, providence, Scripture, and grace.

Thomas Cleland ⬩ 1831

The Scriptural Doctrine of the Preservation and Final Perseverance of the Saints, Plainly Stated and Defended: A Sermon

A Calvinist defense arguing that Calvinism better withstands objections than Arminianism and that Scripture teaches the eternal preservation and final perseverance of the saints.

Thomas Cleland ⬩ 1827

Christian Perfection

A 1827 pastoral letter warns of spiritual decline in Lexington presbytery, urging duty, sound doctrine, and revival. An essay critiques Wesleyan 'Christian perfection,' denying sinless perfection in life.

Thomas Cleland ⬩ 1828

Presbyterian Confession of Faith

Defends the Presbyterian Confession against Methodist/Arminian attacks, upholding Calvinist doctrine and critiquing Methodist claims on free will, the Adamic law, and antinomianism.

Thomas Cleland ⬩ 1829

A Wheel Within a Wheel: A Sermon

Sermon (1829) on Ezekiel's 'wheel within a wheel' vision, expounding cherubim and angels and affirming God's providential, ordered governance that does not author sin.

Thomas Cleland ⬩ 1829

Outward Rites and Inward Graces Not Identical and Inseparable

Argues external rites (circumcision/baptism) are symbolic, not saving; inward regeneration by the Spirit is essential. Baptism succeeds circumcision and supports infant baptism.

Thomas Cleland ⬩ 1834

Bodily Affections Produced by Religious Excitement

Review of the early 1800s Kentucky revivals: camp-meetings, 'falling' exercises and emotional convulsions, resulting disorder, lay control of worship, and ensuing schisms (New Lights, Shakers).

Thomas Cleland ⬩ 1834

The Conservation and Preservation of the Saints

Defends the doctrine that those born of the Spirit are preserved by God and will persevere to final salvation. Argues from Psalm 37:23, John 10:28 and Romans 8.

Thomas Cleland ⬩ 1836

The Trial and Acquittal of John the Baptist, the Apostles, and Evangelists, Under the Charge of Dipping and Plunging Persons Under Water

Argues immersion is the only biblical mode of Christian baptism, based on the meaning of baptizo, New Testament baptism accounts (John, Philip) and burial imagery.

Thomas Cleland ⬩ 1853

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