In Herman Witsius’ justly famous inaugural lecture “On the Character of a True Theologian,” he charts out a beautiful and moving picture of what a true theologian should be. What characterizes and constitutes a true theologian? Witsius answers:
- The desire of heaven, contempt of the world, unfeigned gravity,
- a modesty leading him to be busy with his own affairs and to abstain from meddling with those of others,
- a humility teaching him to think soberly of himself and highly of all besides,
- a mind solicitous to preserve peace as well as truth,
- fervent zeal tempered with the blandest gentleness,
- long-suffering under injuries and reproaches,
- a prudent circumspection in regard alike to the time and manner of action,
- a precision the most unbending and accurate in exacting of himself, with a readiness to pardon many things in his brethren, and whatever else pertains to this august preparation –
these, these are the things which do not simply adorn, but which make the theologian.