Archibald Alexander (1772-1851) was appointed Professor in the Theological Seminary just established at Princeton in 1812. Here he remained for the rest of his life, molding, during forty years, the studies and characters of two generations of ministers.

Of American divines, the names of Jonathan Edwards and Archibald Alexander take the first place. Dr. Theodore Woolsey called him, "The Shakespeare of the Christian heart." Dr. Alexander's published writings are too numerous to recite here. We may only mention "History of the Colonization Society, " "Evidences of the Christian Religion, " "Thoughts on Religion, " "Counsels to the Aged, " "Practical Sermons, " (this very volume) all of which are works of much interest and value. He also published numerous tracts, and was a frequent contributor to the Princeton Review.