Sunday, May 27, 2007

More Quotes from Princeton

I am continuing to give useful quotes from David B. Calhoun's excellent history of Princeton. These are from Volume I:

I admonish you again and again, that you read the sacred Scriptures in a far different manner from which you read any other book: that you approach them with the highest reverence and the most intense application of your mind; not as the words of a man, nor an angel, but as the words of the Divine majesty, the least of which should have more weight with us, than the writings of the wisest and most learned men in the world.” Von Molsdorf

The Bible students should be possessed of sincere and ardent piety. They should be students “taught of God”, “conscious of their own insufficiency, but confident of the help of the Almighty. Those that seek to understand the Scriptures therefore ought not to lean on their own understanding, but by continual and earnest prayer should look unto the Father of Lights from Whom proceedeth every good and every perfect gift; who has promised to give wisdom to those who lack it, and ask for it.” Dr. Archibald Alexander, Princeton 1812

Religion without learning or learning without religion are equally injurious.


“Thus it was that with no buildings and but slender resources, save the Church’s faith and energy, Princeton Seminary was established” George Tybout Purves

Samuel Miller’s 7 Resolutions (greatly paraphrased)- I will endeavor to:
1- Remember more deeply than I have ever done that I am not my own
2- Model the attitude that piety is more vital than qualification
3- Conduct myself to my colleagues in respect and delicacy, try to avoid giving offense
4- To resolve disputes and suffer well the offences of others (willingness to overlook and bear with)
5- Keep separate matters of office and ministry (family and work)
6- Double guard against jesting and levity
7- Work to keep a dignified and holy example to all by the grace of God

Compliments on Princeton’s Faculty: (I pray this will be said of our faculty and school)
The professors were full of faith and the Holy Ghost.
The students were genteel, friendly, and pious
Indeed, one of the traits here that everyone possesses is "particular politeness"