Thoughts on Religious Experience by Archibald Alexander
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book I’ve read by Archibald Alexander, the American theologian who served as Princeton Theological Seminary’s first principal. This was wonderful. It carries the scent of the American frontier’s optimism and hope, and the Puritan instinct for true, devout religion of the heart. The main thrust is that true religion must affect the heart. Think of this book as a “Reader’s Digest” version of Jonathan Edwards’ “Religious Affections.” Christianity cannot be mere intellect, but must get “into” a man. Of course, this can only be the result of the Holy Spirit’s work.
[epq-quote align=”align-right”]Those Christians, therefore, who are most diligent in attending upon the Word in public & private, will be most likely to make progress in piety. –A. Alexander[/epq-quote]Alexander ranges over the topography of the Christian life and shows how the Holy Spirit works in various ways to win souls to Christ, and thus we should be careful of laying down “schemes” for how conversion happens. It is not some formulaic recipe. God brings men to conversion in a multitude of ways, but the fruit and experience of it will always become evident.
He touches on various other ordeals the saint must face, and pastorally guides how we should approach sickness, health, wealth, poverty, and death. All in all, very helpful. You can also read it for free over at GraceGems.
Here are some pull quotes to enjoy:
Many an accurate & profound theologian has lived & died without a ray of saving light.
–A. Alexander— Ben Zornes (@benzornes) October 20, 2017
Those Christians, therefore, who are most diligent in attending upon the Word in public & private, will be most likely to make progress in piety.
–A. Alexander— Ben Zornes (@benzornes) October 20, 2017
Every victory over any particular lust weakens its power; & by a steady growth in grace, such advantage is obtained over inbred sin, that the advanced Christian maintains the mastery over it. –A. Alexander
— Ben Zornes (@benzornes) October 20, 2017
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