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Thoughts on Preaching

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A collected guide to homiletics by J.W. Alexander: practical rules for sermon-writing, expository preaching, ministerial study, personal piety, and pastoral discipline.
Archive ⬩ Pastoral Theology, Preaching
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James Waddel Alexander (July 13, 1804 – July 31, 1859) was a prominent American Presbyterian minister, theologian, and author, born in Louisa County, Virginia, the eldest son of noted clergyman Archibald Alexander and grandson of the famed “Blind Preacher” James Waddel. Educated at the College of New Jersey (Princeton) and its Theological Seminary, he served pastorates in Virginia, New Jersey, and, most notably, in New York City at Duane Street and Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Churches, and also held professorships in rhetoric and ecclesiastical history. Celebrated for his biblical preaching, prolific writings—including practical religious works and hymn translations such as “O Sacred Head, Now Wounded”—and deep piety, Alexander remained influential in church life until his death at Red Sweet Springs, Virginia.

Samuel Davies Alexander (May 3, 1819 – October 26, 1894) was an American Presbyterian minister born in Princeton, New Jersey, the son of clergyman Archibald Alexander, who graduated from Princeton College and Princeton Theological Seminary before being ordained in 1847. After early pastorates in Port Richmond, Philadelphia and Freehold, New Jersey, he served for many years (1855–1893) as pastor of the Phillips Presbyterian Church (formerly Fifteenth Street Church) in New York City, and was awarded an honorary S.T.D. by Washington College in 1862. Alexander also authored historical and ecclesiastical works such as Princeton College during the Eighteenth Century(1872) and History of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.

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