Thoughts on Preaching

Book Description

Few things are more helpful to preachers than the thoughts of a great preacher. In this volume we have such Thoughts on Preaching from the illustrious pen of Dr. James W. Alexander. First published posthumously in 1864, it contains sections from his private writings with their illuminating comments on the work of the ministry. Here too are his Letters to Young Ministers on such themes as Devotion to the Work of the Ministry, The Happiness of Christ’s Ministry, Extempore Preaching, as well as papers on Expository Preaching, Discipline and Study, and related themes.

In an area of Christian literature already well endowed, Alexander’s work makes a particular contribution in a number of ways. Firstly, it stimulates thought as well as informs, and thus meets an important need in the preacher’s life. Secondly, it contains a variety of material, and is therefore helpful to the novice and the experienced preacher alike. Thirdly, it instructs the mind and heart to see the preaching of the gospel as the most important and heroic task in the world, and one which demands the consecration of the whole man to God. All who have a concern and responsibility for the preaching of the word of God should find something to help and encourage them in these pages.

‘Every preacher of the gospel should earnestly strive to attain the experience of the truths which he communicates, and to have every doctrine which he utters turned into vital exercises of his heart; so that when he stands up to speak in the name of God, there may be that indescribable freshness and penetrativeness, which arise from individual and present interest in what is declared.’ — J. W. Alexander

Author

James Waddel Alexander (1804-1859) was the eldest son of Archibald and Janetta Alexander. His early education was in Philadelphia where his father was minister of the Third Presbyterian Church from 1807 until his call to be the first professor at the new Princeton Theological Seminary in 1812. James came to assurance of his salvation in 1820 and entered the Seminary in 1822. Licensed for the ministry in 1825, his first charge, the church at Charlotte Court House, Virginia (1827-29), was followed by three years in Trenton, New Jersey.

His literary work was already well-known (including his famous translation of Gerhard’s hymn, ‘O sacred Head! sore wounded’) and in 1833 he was appointed Professor of Rhetoric and Belles-Lettres in the College of New Jersey. But his chief attachment was to the pastorate and the pulpit, and from 1844 until his death in 1859 (except for three years as a professor at Princeton Seminary, 1849-51) he occupied influential pastorates in New York. His health, never strong, appears to have been finally undermined by excessive labours in the great revival of 1857.

Additional Information

Cover: Hardcover
Number of Pages: 352
Publisher: Banner of Truth Trust
Publication Date: 2026