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John Alexander Mackay writes of Archibald Alexander in Hugh T. Kerr, ed., Sons of the Prophets: Leaders in Protestantism from Princeton Seminary, pp. 9-10:
The popular preacher of Pine Street [Philadelphia Presbyterian Church] was also a warm and tender pastor. In the great Pauline tradition, Archibald Alexander had a shepherd’s heart. He loved people and was the friend and counselor of all who needed help….
Nowhere does the soul of the preacher blend so perfectly and symbolically with the heart of the pastor as in the discourse Alexander was asked to deliver at a special service…, following the burning of the theater in Richmond [Virginia]. In this conflagration, seventy-five persons lost their lives, including the Governor of the state of Virginia. Speaking from the text “Weep with them that weep” (Rom. 12:15) the preacher analyzed and applied the principle of sympathy as prescribed by the Christian religion in contrast to the cold impassivity of the Stoic ethic.
In Alexander’s words (A Discourse Occasioned by the Burning of the Theatre in the City of Richmond, Virginia, on the Twenty-Sixth of December, 1811 (1812)):
One leading difference between the system of ethics prescribed by the Stoics, and that inculcated by Christianity is, that whilst the former aims at eradicating the passions, the latter endeavours to regulate them, and direct them into their proper channels. The attempt of the first is as impracticable as is undesirable; the object of the last, is, by divine aid, in a good degree attainable, and in it consists much of the dignity, perfection, and happiness of man.
The great Author of our being has implanted the principle of sympathy deeply in human nature; and has made the susceptibility of feeling the sorrows of another, as extensive as the race of man. It is common to the untutored savage, and to the man of refinement and education: and traces of it are even discovered in the animal creation; many species of which appear to be strongly excited, as often as any great evil threatens, or befals, any of their own kind.
This principle of sympathy, whilst it indicates the unity of our species, seems to form a mysterious bond of connexion between all its members….
But, however sympathy may be abused, there is a legitimate and proper exercise of it, to which we are not only prompted by nature, but directed by reason, and exhorted by religion. There are occasions, when not to "weep with them that weep," would be rebellion against every principle which ought to govern us, as well as against those which commonly do influence men. If the sufferings of an enemy may be such as to affect us — if we are excited to weep at the woes of a stranger — what must our feelings be, when we recognise, in the cry of unutterable anguish, the well known voice of an acquaintance, a friend, a brother, or a sister? Such a cry of distress, from the capital of our native state, has recently pierced our ears, and filled our hearts with grief. The sons of Virginia, resident in this place, are to-day called upon to mourn, and to mingle their sympathetic tears with those of the whole state.
Let us be mindful that to “weep with them that weep” is the mark of a tender, Christian heart. When the circumstances call for sympathy, Christians must mingle their tears with those who are aching, adding our prayers too. May the Lord deliver us from hearts of stone, and grant us tears when sympathy is called for and prayers for those in need. Alexander closes his discourse with this thought:
My last advice, therefore, is, BECOME REAL CHRISTIANS. Make religion a personal concern. Attend to it without delay. "Remember now thy in the days of thy youth." And may the God of all grace crown the exercises of this day with his blessing, for Christ's sake.
