Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1851-11-12
NO. LII.
THE LATE DIR. ALEXANDER

The New York Observer, in an extended
sketch of The life of this eminent DIVINE
gives the following interesting particulars
Concerning the manner OF his death:
Almost forty years have passed since Dr.
Alexander came TO Princeton. In the calm
ness Of his well balanced mind, and the
beauty of character more syEmeirlcaiiy
developed than We often are ptrmi'ed 20
look on. he there spent the noon and au'
tumn of his life, in the bosom OF his family
and surrounded by the young men who re-
garded him always as their father and per-
sonal friend.
A few months ago he told US in private
conversation that he was doing the same a.
mount of labor in the Seminary, and IN his
study, that he had always done. The weight
of eighty years he bore with the harness
on, and when the Master came he was founo
$50 doing" =,
How did he die? He died as he lived.
Until about five weeks ago. he continued to
perform full duty in the Seminary and 70
maintain his usual amount of labor IN the
study. Old age had long been on him
The three score wears and ten had been
numbered, and by reason of strength they
uere even four score. but his bow abode
in strength -.
He was attacked with dysentery, which
had been prevailing to scme extent IN 'nat
region, and the fears of his many friends
were at once awakened that the blow would
be fatal. Ripe fruit falls readily, when
smitten. and he was like shock Of corn
fully ripe. He continued to sink gradually.
conscious that his days were numbered, ana
the time of his departure was at hand. One
son (the Rev. J. w. A. was upon the o.
cean. and the father earnestly desired that
he might see him ere he died. The desire
was granted, and more, for The son retuinea
lust one week before the father fell asleep.
I Calling to his bedside, the Professor Oh
whom his mantle falls, he gave him the most
minute expression of his views respecting
the interests of the Seminary, dearer to HIM
in death than in life, and having commltIeo
it to Him who is the head over all things
for the Church, he was ready to depart:
Into the scenes of domestic sorrow u Is
not our design to intrude. But it is right to
saw that the grief of those dearest to HIM
was calmed when they sat by the beasiae
of the dying saint, and saw the serenlty o.
perfect peace reposing in his eye.
He called the pastor OF the church IN
Princeton to his chamber, aud gave him hls
parting counsel, assurances OF his strong al
fection. sent messages of love to his family,
and then bade him receive his blessing
The Young man knelt by the couch, and the
patriarch laid his trembling hands upon his
head and lifted up his voice and prayed tor
the God of Abraham and Isaac and jacob
to bless him with the richest Of heavens
grace.
direction of divine Providence, the Synod
of New Jersey one year ago, adjourned to
meet in Princeton, on the third Tuesday IN
October. 1851. It came, and it was the day
before the one upon which their venerable
father expired. He was looking forward
to their meeting with great pleasure, and
few days before, with power OF memory
rare, perhaps unparalleled, in perfect health;
he repeated over the names OF one hanarea
and fifteen of the members of that body who
had been his pupils! A sweet thought to
each of them that they were thus recalled
in the dying hours and prayers Of one they
so reyered. His memory Of his pupils has
always been remarked as extraordinary
He had distinct recollection of each one
of them their location and progress, watch
ing them in all their ways like as father
watcheth the children OF his love. ,-,.
"Death never appeared to me so delight
full as now, when it is near, " ne SAID to those
around him, and often as strength allowed
he spoke of the peace that dwelti in his soul.
The records of these last hours will be pre-
cious to the Church, and they will be found
to illustrate and confirm the experience ne
has written in his letters and sermons, az
the fitting close to life of faith.
The great THEoLoGIAN who had preach
ed theology sixty years. who had taught
theology TO other pre- achers for forty years,
who was known in two hemispheres as one
of the most learned and distinguished Pro-
fessors of theology of the age, is now on his
death-bed, and he made this observation in
the hearing of his friends, and We are per-
mitted to repeat it for the first time, but it
will never be forgotten; it will be written
and rewritten, and repeated hundred
wears hence; it was casual remark, but
a transcript of the great mans mind and
heart he said: ".aH my THEOLOGY Is re-
duced 10 this narror compass, JESUS CHRIST
came into The rorld 10 saue sinners"
For three days prior to his departure, the
lamp of life was burning SO low in the SOCK
ct that he was able to converse but little,
and few besides the immediate members Of
the family were permitted to 60 into ''thc
chamber where the good man met his fate,
privileged as it was "beyond the common
walks Of life, quite in the verge of heaven"
Gradually, almost imperccptibly the silver,
cord was loosed, and at six o'clock or tlY
morning of Wednesday, October 20. 1851
the wheel at the cistern stood still. He
fell asleep in Jesus; SO peacefully that the
moment of his spirits flight was scarcely to
be detected by the anxious watchers eye.
ECONOMY IN CANDLEs.-If you are with
out rushlight, and would burn candle
all night, unless you use the following pre-