Dead Presbyterians Society

Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary

This podcast is built on a very simple conviction: in order to be faithful in the present, we must be rooted in the past. The old paths of Presbyterianism in the 18th and 19th century have much to teach us about the path we walk today.

In weekly 30 minute episodes, we will reflect on the lives and works of figures such as Archibald Alexander, B.M. Palmer, and Charles Hodge. We will consider enduring themes–prayer, Christian experience, and the church–matters of eternal significance for the people of God until Christ returns.

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24 episodes
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Avg 24 min
English

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S4 · E2
Tuesday · 22 min
Balm for Wounded Spirits: William Swan Plumer on Grief and Affliction
How should a Christian grieve? When God's providence takes away someone we love, where can a wounded heart find comfort? In this episode of the Dead Presbyterians Society Podcast, we explore William Swan Plumer's Balm for Wounded Spirits, a 19th-century sermon written for believers walking through loss and affliction. Plumer points sufferers to the sovereignty of God, the sufficiency of Christ, and the promises of Scripture. The letters of his grieving friend William Nevins show those truths sustaining a pastor through the death of his wife. Are you discerning a call to pastoral ministry? Talk with your elders, and schedule a call with our admissions director. Join us March 9–11, 2027 for the Confessional Conference at Greenville Seminary, The Work of the Holy Spirit: https://www.gpts.edu/events/the-work-of-the-holy-spirit Learn more about the Dead Presbyterians Society at confessional.org
S4 · E1
October 27 · 23 min
The True Progress of Society: Lyman H. Atwater's Essay on Progress
Is all change really progress? In an age obsessed with innovation and advancement, how can Christians distinguish true progress from mere change? In this episode of the Dead Presbyterians Society Podcast, we explore Lyman H. Atwater's 1852 essay, The True Progress of Society. Atwater argues that genuine progress doesn't come from abandoning the past, but from holding fast to what is true and good. Discover why steadfastness in biblical truth is essential to genuine growth—in the church, in society, and in the Christian life. Learn more about the Dead Presbyterians Society at ⁠⁠confessional.org⁠ Download your free audiobook Pastoral Theology at gpts.edu/pastoraltheology
S3 · E13
October 13 · 34 min
Princeton and Missions (with Chad Vegas)
What can the missionary vision of Old Princeton teach the church today? In this episode of the Dead Presbyterians Society Podcast, we welcome Chad Vegas to discuss the new Log College Press book Princeton and Missions, exploring the missionary convictions, theological foundations, and enduring legacy of old Princeton Seminary. Learn more about the Dead Presbyterians Society at ⁠⁠confessional.org⁠ We're giving away 10 copies of Princeton and Missions - giveaway ends on 10/27. Enter the giveaway here.
S3 · E12
September 15 · 22 min
Go Ye Into All the World: Archibald Alexander's Missionary Sermon
In this episode of the Dead Presbyterians Society Podcast, we take up Archibald Alexander’s Missionary Sermon, preached in 1814 from Mark 16:15. Alexander presses the church’s duty to feed the flocks already gathered and still carry the gospel to the nations. A searching word for any congregation tempted to grow comfortable while the world remains in darkness. Learn more about the Dead Presbyterians Society at ⁠confessional.org⁠ Join us on October 14-16 in Dallas/Forth Worth for the Missionary conference. Learn more or register for the conference at ⁠gpts.edu/events⁠
S3 · E11
September 1 · 24 min
You Must Be Born Again: John Witherspoon on Regeneration
In this episode of the Dead Presbyterians Society Podcast, Jonathan Master walks through the opening chapter of John Witherspoon’s A Practical Treatise on Regeneration. From John 3:3, Witherspoon presses the necessity of a true new birth; great, universal, inward, and the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit. A searching pastoral word for anyone tempted to rest in outward religion rather than a heart made new. Learn more about the Dead Presbyterians Society at confessional.org Join us on October 14-16 in Dallas/Forth Worth for the Missionary conference. Learn more or register for the conference at gpts.edu/events
S3 · E10
August 18 · 22 min
The Danger of Being Overwise: William B. Sprague on Christian Wisdom and Humility
In this episode of the Dead Presbyterians Society Podcast, we explore William B. Sprague’s sermon The Danger of Being Overwise. Drawing from Ecclesiastes 7:16, Sprague warns against the subtle temptation to refine, improve, or go beyond what God has revealed in His Word. True wisdom, he insists, is not found in human innovation or good intentions, but in humble submission to Scripture—believing neither too little nor too much, but exactly what God has spoken. Learn more about the Dead Presbyterians Society at confessional.org
S3 · E9
August 4 · 25 min
Thoughts on Family Worship: J.W. Alexander on the Importance of Worship in the Home
In this episode of the Dead Presbyterians Society Podcast, we turn to J. W. Alexander’s classic Thoughts on Family Worship. Writing in 1847, Alexander shows that the worship of God begins in the home—through the simple, daily gathering of a household around Scripture and prayer. Faithful family worship quietly shapes parents, forms children who love the Lord, and strengthens the church for generations. A warm, pastoral call to recover this ordinary means of grace. Join us in Dallas/Fort Worth this October for the Missionary Conference - learn more at gpts.edu.
S3 · E8
July 21 · 23 min
A Hebrew of Hebrews: Benjamin Morgan Palmer
In this episode we explore the life and ministry of Benjamin Morgan Palmer, a leading 19th-century Southern Presbyterian. Grounded in Reformed theology and the promises of Romans 11, Palmer combined unwavering commitment to Christ with sincere compassion for the Jewish people. Through his writings, pastoral care in times of epidemic, and public solidarity with suffering Jews, he modeled faithful gospel witness joined with genuine love. A compelling example of conviction and charity held together in Christian service. Watch more of the Dead Presbyterians Society Podcast at confessional.org Pastors, you're invited to a summer seminar on Apologetics and Evangelism with Carlton Wynne and Camden Bucey. August 4-5; register now at gpts.edu
S3 · E7
July 4 · 21 min
Can Christians Celebrate Independence Day? William B. Sprague on Celebrating Freedom
In this episode, we explore William B. Sprague’s 1827 sermon on the meaning of American Independence. Delivered on the Fourth of July, Sprague calls Christians to celebrate the day with gratitude, reverence, and a clear recognition of God’s providence in the founding of the nation. A timely reflection on liberty, remembrance, and faithful stewardship of freedom.
S3 · E6
June 23 · 26 min
The Dominion of Providence over the Passions of Men: John Witherspoon on the Story of American Independence
In this episode we explore John Witherspoon’s famous sermon, The Dominion of Providence Over the Passions of Men. Preached in 1776 amid the growing struggle for American independence, Witherspoon reflects on God's sovereign rule over human affairs, showing how even conflict, suffering, and the ambitions of men ultimately serve His purposes. Along the way, he calls Christians to trust God's providence, pursue personal holiness, and labor faithfully for the good of church and nation. Dead Presbyterians Society is a ministry of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. This time of year is a special year at the seminary; we say goodbye to our graduating class, and prepare to welcome new students. It is also the end of our fiscal year, and because of the growth of our student body, we have an increased need this year. Will you help us reach our goal? Consider supporting GPTS, and partnering with us in training the next generation of pastors. You can give online at ⁠gpts.edu/give⁠.
S3 · E5
June 9 · 22 min
A Missionary's Wife: Ashbel Green Fairchild on the Life of Louisa Lowrie
In this episode, we explore the life of Louisa A. Lowrie — a young missionary wife whose brief but radiant faith burned brightly for Christ. Through her own journals and letters, we see a woman of deep devotion, tender conscience, and unwavering surrender, who gave everything to the cause of the gospel even unto death. A moving testimony of holiness, missionary zeal, and wholehearted love for Christ. If you would like to learn more about Louisa A. Lowrie, consider reading Memoirs of Mrs. Louisa A. Lowrie. We would be happy to send you a copy for free! Simply send an email with your address to info@gpts.edu and request the book. Dead Presbyterians Society is a ministry of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. This time of year is a special year at the seminary; we say goodbye to our graduating class, and prepare to welcome new students. It is also the end of our fiscal year, and because of the growth of our student body, we have an increased need this year. Will you help us reach our goal? Consider supporting GPTS, and partnering with us in training the next generation of pastors. You can give online at gpts.edu/give.
S3 · E4
May 26 · 23 min
At the Table of the Lord: Jacob J. Janeway's Meditations on the Lord's Supper
In this episode of the Dead Presbyterians Society, we explore J.J. Janeway’s classic work Meditations on the Lord’s Supper. Drawing from Scripture and the Westminster Larger Catechism, Janeway guides believers in reverent self-examination, joyful communion with Christ, and renewed obedience after coming to the Table. A rich, pastoral resource for anyone seeking to approach the Lord’s Supper with greater faith and devotion.
S3 · E4
May 12 · 23 min
A Voice in the Pulpit: Francis J. Grimké's Meditations on Preaching
Francis J. Grimké believed the preacher’s task was simple: faithfully proclaim the Word of God in dependence upon the Spirit of God. In this episode of the Dead Presbyterians Society, we explore Grimké’s remarkable life and enduring reflections on preaching, pastoral faithfulness, and the power of the Holy Spirit at work through the ministry of the Word. Learn more at ⁠confessional.org Greenville Seminary invites you to the 2026 Missions Midweeker. Brooks Buser, Chad Vegas, Ian Hamilton, Michael Morales, Jonathan Master and others will join a small cohort of church leaders for intensive seminars designed to assist the church in fulfilling the Great Commission. August 11 -13 - register here.
S3 · E2
April 28 · 25 min
The First Mission Field: Thomas Smyth on Christian Parenting
In this episode, we explore The Mission of Parenting by Thomas Smyth, a powerful call for Christian parents to see the home as the first mission field. Smyth challenges families to raise children not merely in knowledge, but in a living zeal for Christ’s kingdom and the spread of the gospel. Learn more at confessional.org Pastor, Greenville Seminary invites you to the 2026 Summer Seminar: Apologetics and Evangelism for the Pastor. Carlton Wynne and Camden Bucey will join us on campus for a series of lectures on the role of apologetics and evangelism in pastoral ministry. August 4-5 - register here.
S3 · E1
April 14 · 21 min
The Heart of Christ: B.B. Warfield on the Emotional Life of Our Lord
This episode explores On the Emotional Life of Our Lord by B. B. Warfield, showing that Christ’s compassion, love, anger, joy, and sorrow were true and sinless expressions of His full humanity. As confessed in the Westminster Confession of Faith, He is fully God and fully man, “yet without sin,” and His affections were perfectly ordered in accordance with His holy nature. In this way, the emotional life of Christ belongs to His perfect obedience and reveals the moral beauty of the Savior in the work of our redemption. Learn more at confessional.org Friends in the PCA: please join us for our annual luncheon in Louisville this year! Seats are filling up quickly - register here.
S2 · E13
March 17 · 40 min
Geerhardus Vos: Life, Legacy, and Biblical Theology (with Reformed Forum)
Geerhardus Vos is often called the father of Reformed biblical theology. In this special crossover episode with Reformed Forum, Dr. Camden Bucey joins Dr. Jonathan Master on the Dead Presbyterians Society to discuss the life, work, and lasting influence of Geerhardus Vos. The conversation explores Vos’s contribution to Reformed biblical theology and reflects briefly on his place with the American Presbyterians. The Dead Presbyterians Society Podcast will return with Season 3 in April. Until then, be sure to visit this new resource from Greenville Seminary: confessional.org
S2 · E12
March 3 · 23 min
Between Two Thieves: James Henley Thornwell on Antinomianism
In this episode we revisit James Henley Thornwell’s powerful warning against Antinomianism — the ancient error that turns grace into license. Thornwell reminds us that the gospel is “always crucified between two thieves”: legalism and lawlessness.
S2 · E11
February 17 · 22 min
No Room for Boasting: Samuel Blair on Predestination
The Doctrine of Predestination explores Samuel Blair’s 1742 defense of God’s sovereign grace — a work praised by Archibald Alexander as the hand of a master. Writing during the era of the Log College and the Great Awakening, Blair answered objections to election not with speculation, but with Scripture — grounding the doctrine in Romans 9, Ephesians 1, and the justice and mercy of God. In this episode, we examine Blair’s life, his pastoral purpose, and his argument that absolute election humbles the sinner, excludes boasting, and gives all the glory to Christ alone.
S2 · E10
February 3 · 24 min
A Letter to Rome: Charles Hodge and the Protestant Response to Rome
A Letter to Rome examines Charles Hodge’s 1869 response to Pope Pius IX and the First Vatican Council, a rare moment when American Presbyterianism spoke directly to Rome. With clarity and charity, Hodge explains why the core issues of the Reformation—Scripture alone, the sufficiency of Christ, and the nature of church authority—made unity impossible. This episode revisits that letter and asks what modern Protestants can learn from Hodge’s firm convictions and pastoral tone in an age of renewed ecumenical pressure.
S2 · E9
January 20 · 26 min
The Pastor in the Closet: Thomas Murphy on the Minister's Secret Duties
Behind every faithful sermon is a hidden place. In this episode, we explore Thomas Murphy’s insistence that a pastor’s most essential work happens in the prayer closet, where private devotion shapes public ministry. Drawing on Murphy—and echoing Baxter, Miller, and Warfield—we’re reminded that the strength and character of the pulpit are formed in secret communion with God.

Showing 1–20 of 24 episodes