Princeton Seminary (1812-1929): Its Leaders' Lives and Works

“The giants of Old Princeton, marked by that marvelous combination of learning and piety, have left an impact for the gospel of Christ that only eternity will be able to measure. Their story is one that deserves to be retold, and we are indebted to Gary Steward for capturing its essence and telling it so well. For anyone interested in Old Princeton, this is a must-read.”

“Many have found in Old Princeton Seminary an example of biblical faithfulness, sound theology, and missionary vision. Gary Steward has written an excellent introduction to Old Princeton, telling the story of its major teachers from Alexander to Machen and describing some of their most important writings. Read this book. You will be informed and blessed, and you will want to learn more about Old Princeton.”

“While publications on the history, theology, and model of ministerial instruction propagated at Old Princeton Seminary continue to flourish, until now readers interested in learning about the spiritual convictions and theological commitments of its leading faculty during its first century of operation have had to rely on specialized studies on these topics. Gary Stewards new work fills the publishing lacunae with an outstanding introductory study on the men and theology that shaped the institutional identity of the school from its founding in 1812 through the early decades of the twentieth century. Marked by the same interest in piety and learning that characterized the faculty of whom Steward has written, his volume is an exceptional combination of biographical, historical, and theological analysis well suited to serve as a gateway text to the rich spiritual history and literary legacy that Old Princeton Seminary has bequeathed to the church today.”

“Gary Steward is to be commended for providing an intelligent and edifying introduction to the theology and leaders of Old Princeton. ...The tone is warm and balanced, the content rich and accessible, the historical work careful and illuminating. I hope pastors, students, and anyone else interested in good theology and heartfelt piety will 'take a few classes' at Old Princeton. This book is a tremendous resource toward that end.”

“The quality and achievement of Princeton Seminary's leaders for its first hundred years was outstanding, and Steward tells their story well. Reading this book does the heart good.”

“Gary Stewards Princeton Seminary (18121929): Its Leaders Lives and Works contributes significantly to the renaissance of interest in Old Princeton. The sustained combination of scholarship and piety for over a century serves as Stewards leitmotif. What emerges is the Princetonians breadth of vision that explored not only biblical and theological studies but all of life. Whether probing Archibald Alexander as the quintessential pastor, Charles Hodges editorship of the Princeton Review as the true voice of the seminary, James Alexanders call for a Novum Organum of Christian philanthropy, or A. A. Hodges incisive wit and power of illustration, Stewards lucid portrayal will incite readers to explore more of Old Princeton.”

“An entre to the major figures of Old Princeton. It is an entre, therefore, into the greatest tradition of Reformed theology in America, one that was deep, true, vital, and rigorous. This study is a gift to the church. It is informative, careful, and engagingly written.”

“Gary Steward is a careful and trustworthy historian. He excels at retrieving wisdom from the past for the edification of God's people today. In this accessible introduction, Steward writes as an unashamed admirer of the Old Princeton theologians, commending the way in which they holistically integrated what so many tend to separate. This is a wise and winsome entry point for study of a neglected but important chapter in church history.”