25 May 1823 AD: Archibald Alexander Writes a Letter to His Dying Mother

 25 May 1823 A.D.  The Presbyterian Titan, Expositor, Theologian and “old school” Professor of Princeton Theological Seminary, the Rev. Dr. Prof. Archibald Alexander, writes his aging, debilitated and dying mother.

The letter speaks for itself.

“Princeton, May 25, 1823

My Dear Mother

When I last saw you, it was very doubtful whether you would ever rise again from the bed to which you were confined. Indeed, considering your great age, it was not to be expected that you should entirely recover your usual health.  I was much gratified to find that in the near prospect of eternity, your faith did not fail but that you could look death in the face without dismay, and felt willing, if it were the will of God, to depart from this world of sorrow and disappointment.  But it has pleased your Heavenly Father to continue you a little longer in the world.  I regret to learn that you have endured much pain from a disease of your eyes, and that you have been less comfortable than formerly. Bodily affliction, you must expect to endure as long as you can continue in the world…While your Heavenly Father continues you in the troublesome world, he will, I trust, enable you to be resigned and contented and patient under the manifold afflictions which are incident to old age.

The great secret of true comfort lies in a single word, TRUST.  Cast your burdens on the Lord, and he will sustain them.  If your evidences of being in the favour of God are obscured, if you are doubtful of your acceptance with him, still go directly to him by faith; that is, trust in his mercy and in Christ’s merits.  Rely simply on his word of promise.  Be not afraid to exercise confidence.  There can be no deception in depending entirely on the Word of God.  It is not presumption to trust in him when he has commanded us to do so.  We dishonor him by our fearfulness and want of confidence.  We thus call in question his faithfulness and his confidence.  Whether your mind is comfortable or distressed, flee for refuge to the outstretched wings of his protection and mercy.  There is all fullness in him; there is all willingness to bestow what we need.  He says, “My grace is sufficient for thee.  My strength is made perfect in weakness.  As the day is so shall thy strength be.  I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.  Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,  I will fear no evil; for thou are with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”  Be not afraid of the pangs of death.  Be not afraid that your Redeemer will then be afar off. Grace to die comfortable is not commonly given until the trial comes. Listen not to the tempter, when he endeavors to shake your faith, and destroy your comfort. Resist him, and he will flee from you…My sincere prayer is, that your sun may set in serenity; that your remaining days, by the blessing of God’s providence and grace, may be rendered tolerable and even comfortable.

It is not probable that we shall ever meet again in this world; and yet, as you have already seen one of your children go before you, you may possibly live to witness the departure of more of us…May we all be ready! And may we all meet around the throne of God, where there is not separation for ever and ever! Amen!

I remain your affectionate son,

A.A.

2 Timothy 1.3: “Night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers.”

Resources

Alexander, James. The Life of Archibald Alexander, D.D.  Harrisonburg, VA: Sprinkle, 1991.

Questions:

• You are a Rector or Pastor at the bedside of a terminally ill cancer patient.  What do you say to them? 
• You are a rank-and-file Churchman speaking with a friend.  How do you summarize the Gospel?