by David R. Kenney Light AboveFrom I highly respect Alexander Campbell’s sentiment that all spiritual and physical light comes from above – from God and His Word.

n 1832, Alexander Campbell’s friend Louis Hobbs, who had constructed some of Bethany College’s buildings, built a Iunique study about 150 feet away from Campbell’s “Mansion.” The study was originally made as a six- sided (hexagonal) brick structure more than 15 feet in height and nearly 17 feet in diameter with a Gothic-style doorway, Gothic window designs (but no actual windows), and four interior walls lined with four sets of book- shelves more than eight feet in height and encased with sliding glass doors that kept Campbell’s main library. Originally, the only windows were the two narrow windows beside the front door, but the primary source of light for the study was a special cupola on the roof with windows to al- low in sunlight. Campbell commented about the design of the study, particu- larly about the lighting for it, by stat- ing “lux descendit e caelo,” which is Portrait of Alexander Campbell Latin for “light descends from above.” painted by James Bogle, 1857.

38 • March 2013 It is reported that he would state that all light, physical and spiritual, comes from above, so he wanted to harness this “light from above” for his study. Campbell was often referred to as “the sage of Bethany,” a title he certainly earned. He was a serious student of the Scriptures. When he was under his father’s training for ministry, Campbell followed a study regimen that he maintained throughout his life: “Arrangement for studies for winter of 1810. One hour to read Greek – from 8 to 9 in the morning. One hour to read Latin – from 11 to 12 in the morning. One half hour to [read] Hebrew – be- tween 12 and 1 P.M. Commit ten verses of the Scriptures to memory each day, and read the same in the original lan- guages, with Henry and Scott’s notes and practical observations. For this ex- ercise we shall allow two hours. These exercises, being intended for every day, will not be dispensed with. Other read- ing and studies as occasion may serve. These studies in all require four and a half hours. Church history, and divers other studies, are intended to constitute the principal part of my other literary Alexander Campbell’s study near pursuits” (Richardson 278-79). his home in Bethany, W. Va. How do our personal study habits compare? When we are that serious This addition also included a more I highly respect Alexander Camp- as students, word travels! In fact, comfortable fireplace, replacing the bell’s sentiment that all spiritual and former U.S. president James Madi- air-tight stove. physical light comes from above – son commented that Campbell was The shelves inside the study from God and His Word. I have long one of the “ablest and most original alongside the walls were protected admired this thought since I first vis- expounders of the Scriptures [he had] by sliding glass doors, which permit- ited his study as a young person with ever heard.” ted ready access to the hundreds of my parents several years ago. It is this Campbell’s discipline led to the volumes Alexander Campbell had for great maxim that has inspired the new habit of arising at 4 a.m. and leav- his research (which are now safely title for our TV program Light From ing for his special study, where he preserved in Bethany College Ar- Above and the program picture I made would research, write lessons, prepare chives.) Apparently, in the spring of from a picture I took from inside of sermons, and write for and edit the 1880, a windstorm ripped away the top Alexander Campbell’s study looking . He would head cupola. Selina had this repaired, but it up to the windows, which brought in back for breakfast and then go to is not exactly how it once was during that “light from above.” ❏ teach at Bethany College, which he Alexander’s lifetime (Campbell 56). founded. He was known not to return Alexander Campbell recognized the David R. Kenney is the minister at the home till after 10 p.m. He also pre- value of having a dedicated place for Wadsworth Church of Christ in Wad- pared for some of his major debates a rigorous regiment of study of God’s sworth, Ohio. He may be contacted by in this study. He would often stand for Word. He was devoted to the pursuit email at [email protected]. his oral preparations, but he also had a of what he called “the ancient order special writing chair that he used. of things” in his “light from above” Works Cited An addition was built in 1836, study. Winford Claiborne, director of Campbell, Selina. Home Life and which included a double-hung window The International Gospel Hour, once Reminisces of Alexander Campbell. St. so his wife, Selina, could see him remarked that Alexander Campbell Louis: John Burns, 1882. from a window in the mansion. The was among the finest of Bible scholars Richardson, Robert. Memoirs of Alex- addition was a square in design, which among . We need ander Campbell. Vol. 1. Cincinnati: made the study an octagon in shape. more sages of this caliber today. Standard, 1890.

Photos: Jerry Fuqua, used with permission from Bethany College March 2013 • Gospel advocate 39