A Scribe Well-Trained: Archibald Alexander and the Life of Piety

Profiles in Reformed Spirituality

by James M. Garretson

“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.

Series Description Seeking, then, both to honor the past and yet not idolize it, we are issuing these books in the series Profiles in Reformed Spirituality. The design is to introduce the spirituality and piety of the Reformed Profiles in Reformed Spirituality tradition by presenting descriptions of the lives of notable Christians with select passages from their works. This combination of biographical sketches and collected portions from primary sources gives a taste of the subjects’ contributions to our spiritual heritage and some direction as to how the reader can find further edification through their works. It is the hope of the publishers that this series will provide riches for those areas where we are poor and light of day where we are stumbling in the deepening twilight.

Author James M. Garretson is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church in America and the author of Princeton and Preaching: Archibald Alexander and the Christian Ministry.

Endorsements “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

Genres: Biography, Theology

185 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 21, 2011

Reviews

[Dylan Rowland · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely little biography. Garretson's larger work on Alexander, Princeton and Preaching, is quite lovely as well. Alexander is worth studying!

[Todd Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an outstanding book and I would recommend it to all. The sections are short enough to read in one sitting in very short intervals and almost invariably offer great biblical and theological insight. I would read a section or two in my daily devotions, and almost always came away convicted, edified and challenged. My copy is highlighted now in numerous places. I thank our heavenly Father for the legacy of this man, and now for this short compendium of his life and written works. Lord willing, I plan to read much more of Archibald Alexander's writings. This was an outstanding introduction and the bibliographic data was quite helpful. I was able to locate some of Alexander's writings free online and some I found available as very inexpensive e-books. SDG.

[Brian Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like the other books in this series, A Scribe Well-Trained provides readers with a brief biography of its subject, bite-sized devotional readings by the subject, and a guide for additional reading. I find these books warm my heart toward God.

[Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Not only is the short description of Alexander's life relevant and interesting, but the inclusion of 50+ excerpts from his writings (all of them gems) make this collection well worth reading, and makes me want to read more of Alexander's writings on experimental religion.