Archibald Alexander (1772-1851), Presbyterian minister and educator, was a professor at Princeton Theological Seminary from 1812 until his death. Written while Alexander was in his seventies, the five letters in this booklet candidly acknowledge the trials of aging, while at the same time offering biblical encouragement and hope for the Christian facing death. Alexander considers the "autumn of life" from the perspective of its struggles, its besetting sins, its duties, its unstoppable journey toward death, and the assurance the believer in Jesus Christ can have as death approaches. Everyone, and especially those past mid-life, will profit from Alexander's wise counsel.
Born near Lexington, Virginia, he was the son of a merchant and farmer. At the age of 10, he attended the academy of Rev. William Graham at Timber Ridge meetinghouse, which later became Washington and Lee University. At 17 years of age, he became the tutor to the family of General John Posey.
He then returned to Timber Ridge. He was influenced by the "Great Revival" and began the study of divinity, being licensed to preach October 1, 1791. and ordained as a Presbyterian on June 9, 1794. He was an itinerant pastor for seven years. He was president of Hampton Sydney College (1797-1806). In 1807 he became pastor of Pine Street Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia.
He received the Doctor of Divinity in 1810 from the College of New Jersey and also assumed the presidency of the Union college in Georgia. He was the first president of Princeton Theological Seminary (1812-1851).
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