Scribe Well Trained, A: Archibald Alexander and the life of Piety

“A Scribe Well-Trained” acquaints us with the life and writings of Princeton Theological Seminary’s founding professor, Archibald Alexander (1772–1851). In the opening biographical sketch, James M. Garretson introduces us to the things that influenced Alexander and how he sought to cultivate godliness in himself, the men he trained, and people to whom he ministered. Garretson reinforces this through fifty-six short excerpts from across the published writings of Alexander, allowing us to experience firsthand the richness of “Old Princeton” spirituality. 

208 pages.

“Garretson has favored us with a wonderful study on biblical and Christian piety as displayed through the writings of this early American Presbyterian minister and educator. Those who are interested in an introduction on Christian piety need look no further. Here it is!” — Robert L. Reymond

Table of Contents: 

1. Religious Experience
2. True Conversion: Characteristics and Fruits
3. Life Lived in the Presence of God
4. Coming to Christ
5. Looking unto Jesus
6. A Disciple
7. A Good Tree
8. The Providence of God
9. Regeneration
10. The Gospel No Failure
11. Love of the Truth
12. The Relationship between Truth and Piety
13. How Scripture Is to be Received by the Child of God
14. The Peace of God
15. Spiritual Worship
16. The Mystery and Majesty of God’s Being
17. The First and Greatest Commandment
18. The Blessedness of Trusting in God
19. Genuine Faith Evidenced in Love
20. Aspects of Christian Love: Complacency and Benevolence
21. God to be Glorified by Those Bought with a Price
22. The Privilege of Serving the Lord
23. The Minister’s Love for Christ
24. Effective Preaching Is Discriminating and Applicatory
25. Growth in Grace: Sanctification
26. Growth in Grace: The Means of Sanctification
27. Growth in Grace: The Progress of Sanctification
28. Growth in Grace: Love for God’s Word and Gratitude for His Mercy
29. Prayer
30. Prayer a Privilege
31. Seeking Divine Direction through Incessant Prayer
32. Directions for Observance of the Sabbath Day
33. Preparation for Death
34. Heaven
35. Our Heavenly State of Glorification
36. The Dangers of Theorizing about Religious Experience
37. Piety in Children
38. Souls are Awakened in Different Ways
39. Dangers of Religious Testimony
40. The Benefits of Religious Conversation
41. The Log College
42. What the Church Looks Like in the Absence of Piety
43. How May the Aged Be Assured of Their Salvation?
44. Growth in Grace: Hindrances
45. The Various Trials of Believers
46. Dangers of Worldly Prosperity
47. Spiritual Warfare
48. Spiritual Dangers of Lawful Pursuits
49. Counsels of the Aged to the Young
50. A Word to the Young
51. The Necessity of Cultivating Genuine Piety in One’s Youth
52. A Letter Regarding the Loss of a Child
53. A Son’s Letter to His Aging Mother
54. Letter to a Missionary
55. Letters to a Relative Struggling with Despondency
56. What I Desire 

Appendix: Impressions of Dr. Archibald Alexander 

Reading Archibald Alexander