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Thoughts on Religious Experience

by Archibald Alexander

The nature of spiritual experience is probably both the most interesting and the most difficult subject in Christian literature: interesting because it concerns human life in all observable stages from childhood to death, and embraces all the emotions and behaviour possible in a man regenerated by the Holy Spirit; difficult because the adequate treatment of the subject makes immense demands upon the author. To trace sanctification and backsliding, as they appear in human consciousness, presupposes a sound biblical theology as well as a spirituality of mind and a pastoral knowledge broad enough to interpret all the varieties in type which occur. Twenty years a pastor and preacher in a revival era, then forty years a professor at Princeton Theological Seminary (commenced in 1812 when he was the sole instructor), Archibald Alexander brought to this volume the best wisdom of his life.

Photographs

A copy in the collection, so you can check your own against it.

Thoughts on Religious Experience — Interior page
Interior page
Thoughts on Religious Experience — Interior page
Interior page
Thoughts on Religious Experience — Interior page
Interior page
Thoughts on Religious Experience — Interior page
Interior page
Thoughts on Religious Experience — Interior page
Interior page

Publication

Date published
Dec 1, 1967
Print status
In print

The Physical Book

Binding
Paperback
Dust jacket
No
Total pages
338 pages
ISBN-13
9780851517575

Reference

E-book / audio
ePub, Mobi
Notes
Publication details supplied from the Open Library edition record; Banner's own listing gives none.
Publisher page
View at publisher

Contents

  • Biographical Introduction
  • Preface
  • I
  • Early religious impressions-Different results-Classes of persons least impressed-Examples of ineffectual impressions
  • II
  • Piety in children-Comparatively few renewed in infancy and childhood-Soul awakened in different ways-Legal conviction not a necessary part of true religion-Progress of conviction
  • III
  • The new birth an event of great importance-The evidences of the New birth-Diversities of experience in converts-Examples-Causes of diversity
  • IV
  • Causes of diversity in experience continued-Effect of temperament­-Melancholy-Advice to the friends of persons thus affected-Illustrative cases-Causes of melancholy and insanity
  • V
  • Effect of sympathy illustrated-Cautions in relation to this subject­-A singular case in illustration
  • VI
  • Erroneous views of regeneration-The correct view-The operation of faith-Exercises of mind, as illustrated in Jonathan Edwards's Narrative-The operations of faith still further explained
  • VII
  • Considerations on dreams, Visions, etc.-Remarkable conversion of a blind infidel from hearing the Bible read
  • VIII
  • Religious Conversation-Stress laid by some on the knowledge of the time and place of conversion-Religious experience of Halyburton
  • IX
  • Christian experience of R, C, -Narrative of Sir Richard Hill's experience
  • X
  • Imperfect sanctification-The spiritual warfare
  • XI
  • Narrative of G, A, S-, an Episcopal clergyman-Narrative of a young officer in the army
  • XII
  • The spiritual conflict-Various exhibitions of it-Evil thoughts-A case in illustration
  • XIII
  • Growth in grace-Signs of it-Practical directions how to grow in grace-Hindrances to it
  • XIV
  • Backsliding-The backslider restored
  • XV
  • The rich man and the poor-The various trials of believers
  • XVI
  • Death-bed of the believer
  • XVII
  • Death-bed exercises of Andrew Rivet
  • XVIII
  • Death-bed exercises and speeches of Thomas Halyburton
  • XIX
  • Dying Experience of John Janeway, Edward Payson, and Samuel Finley
  • XX
  • Remarks on death-bed exercises, with several illustrative examples
  • XXI
  • Death-bed exercises of Richard Baxter and Thomas Scott
  • XXII
  • Preparation for death-The state of the soul after death
  • A prayer for one who feels that he is approaching the borders of another world
  • PASTORAL LETTERS
  • Letters to the Aged
  • Counsels of the Aged to the Young
  • Counsels to Christian Mothers
  • Letter to a Mourning Afflicted Widow
  • Letter to a Bereaved Widower