Leighton, Alexander

Leighton, Alexander a Scottish divine, was born at Edilnburgh in 1568. He was professor of moral philosophy in that city for several years prior to 1613, when he removed to London, and obtained a lectureship. For libellous or offensive expressions against the king, queen, and thee bishops, in his book called Zion's Plea (1629), he was punished by the Star Chamber with mutilation, the pillory, and long imprisonment. He was released in 1640, and died about 1646. Archbishop Laud was no doubt responsible for the cruel and inhuman treatment of Leighton. SEE LAUD.