These two volumes1 contain a splendid collection of 70 addresses, essays, and articles by faculty and friends of Old Princeton, the theological seminary before its reorganisation in 1929. They show that it was more than a bastion of orthodoxy; it was the cradle for evangelism, mission, and pastoral work. As James Garretson remarks, ‘The Princetonians’ high view of Scripture was accompanied by an equally high view of the calling and Responsibilities associated with the ministerial office.’ The seminary was founded as ‘a nursery of vital piety,’ and its founders and teachers saw both godliness and scholarship as essential to a faithful and effective ministry.
The teachers of Old Princeton did not teach a lifeless orthodoxy. An example of their emphasis is a heartfelt address by Alexander to candidates for the ministry on the need for eminent piety. Perhaps in a review it is not inappropriate to mention Alexander’s lecture on ‘The Use and Abuse of Books’, in which he reminds bookworms that reading is not a substitute for doing our own independent thinking on a subject. There is, then, the danger of reading too much! Samuel Miller brings out the awesome responsibilities of Gospel ministry, urging students to make good use of their years of preparation, acquiring habits of study that will go with them into ministry. Lest we think for a moment that Miller sees learning as the sole key to ministry success, he also insists that Christ is the great model of Gospel ministers. These two professors refused to separate what Scripture joins, namely study and piety, hard work and constant prayer.
The twin volumes of over 1300 pages show the balanced approach of the teachers of pre-1929 Princeton, and a thoughtful and prayerful reading of these volumes will also help us to regain and maintain our spiritual balance.
Taken with permission from New Life, Australia’s Christian Newspaper, October 1, 2014 edition.