From his youth, Scougal spent his free hours in reading, meditation and prayer.

In 1665 Scougal entered King's College, University of Aberdeen, and, after graduation, was promoted to the office of professor of philosophy.

His most recognized work, The Life of God in the Soul of Man, was originally written to a friend to explain Christianity and give spiritual counsel.

This work was almost universally praised by the leaders of the Great Awakening, including George Whitefield, who said he never really understood what true religion was until he had digested Scougal's treatise.

[2] He is said to have left in manuscript three Latin tractates — "A Short System of Ethics," "A Preservative against the Artifices of Roman Missionaries," and the first chapter of "The Pastoral Care".