Leighton on Scripture Study

“…let him that desires to be, not only a nominal proficient in theology, but φιλοθεος και θεοδιδακτος, a real lover of God and willing to be taught by him, resolve within himself, above all things, to make this sacred volume his constant study, mixing his reading with frequent and fervent prayer: for if this be omitted, his labor will be altogether in vain, supposing him to be ever so well versed, not only in these books, but also to have all the advantages that can be had from the knowledge of the languages, and the assistance of commentators and interpreters.

“Different men have different views in reading this book. As, in the same field, the ox looks for grass, the hound for a hare, and the stork for a lizard, some, fond of critical remarks, pick up nothing but little stones and shells; others run in pursuit of sublime mysteries, giving themselves but very little trouble about the precepts and instructions that are clear and evident, and these plunge themselves into a pit that has no bottom.

“But the genuine disciples of this true wisdom are those, who make it their daily employment to purify their hearts by the water of these fountains, and reduce their whole lives to a conformity with this heavenly doctrine. They desire not to know these things, only that they may have the reputation of knowledge or to be distinguished in the world, but that their souls may be healed and their steps directed, so that they may be led through the paths of righteousness to the glorious felicity which is set before them.” (Robert Leighton, 121-122, Theological Lectures)

Robert Leighton (1611-1684) was a Scottish scholar, Principal of the University of Edinburgh, and Archbishop of Glasgow in the Church of Scotland. His writings were held in high regard by following generations of evangelicals.

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