Professor Howard Hendricks said that every Christian needs a Paul, a Barnabas, and a Timothy in their lives. A Paul–to serve as a mentor and role model, a Barnabas–to come alongside to offer encouragement, and a Timothy–someone in whom we can invest our lives. I thought of his comment when I reflected on the story of Archibald Alexander (1772-1851) and Charles Hodge. Archibald became the first professor at Princeton Seminary when it opened with three students in 1812. These students not only learned from their professor; they lived with him. Archibald’s home, shared with his wife and four children under nine, also functioned as the school’s classroom, library, and chapel. Charles Hodge lived in town with his mother and siblings, his father having died when Charles was an infant of yellow fever. Archibald attended the same church as Charles and took him under his wing. Archibald invited Charles to go on mission trips with him. As they rode by horseback through the New England countryside, Charles became enthralled with the vital spirituality in his professor. Charles became an earnest student at the seminary and eventually replaced his mentor professor. Charles named his son after Archibald and sat with the family when his teacher died. Charles became a leading biblical scholar in 19th-century America. It’s doubtful he would have achieved the same prominence without Archibald’s influence. When Charles visited Archibald shortly before he died, Archibald said, “I consider it one of my greatest blessings that I have been able to bring you forward.” Archibald prayed the following prayer for those approaching the brink of another world. What an instructive prayer, whether we are old or young:
Archibald Alexander
O most merciful God, cast me not away in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength declines. When I am old and grey-headed, forsake me not, but let Thy grace be sufficient for me and enable me to bring forth fruit, even in old age. May my silver head be found in the ways of righteousness! Preserve my mind from dotage and imbecility and my body from protracted disease and excruciating pain. Deliver me from despondency and discouragement in my declining years, and enable me to bear affliction with patience, fortitude, and submission to Thy will. Lift me perpetually to the light of Thy reconciled countenance, and cause me to rejoice in Thy salvation and in the hope of Thy glory. May the peace that passes understanding be constantly diffused through my soul so that my mind may remain calm through all the storms and vicissitudes of life.
Archibald Alexander, Thoughts of Religious Experiences, pp. 259-262.
Rev. Dr. Peter James served 42 years as the senior of Vienna Presbyterian Church in Vienna, VA — 21 years in the 20th century and 21 years in the 21st century. He retired in 2021 and now serves as Pastor-in-Residence at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.
Even as a pastor, prayer came slowly to Pete. Read Pete’s story.