Witsius, Herman

HERMAN WITSIUS was born in Enkhuizen, West Frisia, Holland in 1636. His father was a magistrate, and later burgomaster of the town. He received classical training from his uncle Peter Gerhard until he was about sixteen years old, at which time he could speak Latin fluently, as well as read Greek and Hebrew. In 1651 he entered the University of Utrecht. In 1654 he entered the University of Groningen While at school he was privileged to study under some of Europe's most well known theological teachers, i.e., Gisbertus Voetius, Johannes Hoornbeeck, Andreas Essenius, and Samuel Maresius. In 1656 he passed examinations with honors and between 1657 and 1675 he would pastor in the cities of Westwoud, Wormeren, Goesen and Leedwarden. In 1675 he was installed as professor of theology -- first at Franeker (1675-1680), subsequently at Utrecht (1680-1698), and finally at Leyden (1698-1707). During his first professorship at Franeker he produced his most famous work, The Economy of the Divine Covenants Between God and Man. In 1685 he was appointed chaplain to the Dutch embassy for the court of James II of England and while there, he was invited to take the role of Moderator in the great Antinomian - Neonomian Controversy as he was respected by both sides. In 1698, at sixty-two years of age, he was called to the University of Leyden as professor of theology. In 1699 he was appointed regent of the State college and held that position until he retired in 1707 because of ill health. He died on October 22, 1708.

Herman Witsius has been one of the most well respected teachers and writers of Reformed Theology. For example, in 1755, John Gill, John Brine, and a group of friends, promoted the republication and helped reintroduce the writings of Witsius into England with the following recommendation, "The famous Herman Witsius, Professor of Divinity at Leyden, in Holland, and the author of a treatise entitled, The Economy of the Divine Covenants between God and Man, and various other learned and theological tracts, was a writer, not only eminent for his great talents, and particularly solid judgment, rich imagination, and elegancy of composition; but for a deep, powerful, and evangelical spirituality and savour of godliness: and we most heartily concur in the recommendation of his works to serious Christians of all denominations, and especially to ministers, and candidates for the sacred office. Signed -- John Gill, D. D., John Walker, L. L. D., Thomas Hall, John Brine, William King, and Thomas Gibbon, M. A.." The Preface, Page vi. The Economy of the Divine Covenants. (Edinburgh, John Reid, 1771).

Why should today's Christians be interested in the writings of Herman Witsius? Why are they important? We believe the two following recommendations, one from the past and one from the present, provide more than enough explanation: FIRST, a recommendation from the past -- James Hervey (1713-1758) said, "The Economy of the Divine Covenants, written by Herman Witsius, is a Body of Divinity, in its method so well digested; in its doctrines so truly evangelical; and (what is not very usual with our systematic writers) in its language so refined and elegant; in its manner so affectionate and animating; that I would recommend it to every student of Divinity, and to every Christian. I would not scruple to risk all my reputation upon the merits of this performance: and I cannot but lament it, as one of my greatest losses, that I was no sooner acquainted with this most excellent author; all whose works have such a delicacy of composition, and such a savour of holiness, that I know not any comparison more proper to represent their true character, than the golden pot which held manna; which was outwardly bright with burnished gold, inwardly rich with heavenly food." Volume 3, Page 90. Theron and Aspasio. (Edinburgh, 1769).

SECOND, a recommendation from the present -- James I. Packer (1926-) wrote, "Herman Witsius (1636-1708) has been unjustly forgotten. He was a masterful Dutch Reformed theologian, learned, wise mighty in Scriptures, practical and "experimental" (to use the Puritan label for that which furthers heart-religion). On paper he was calm, judicious, systematic, clear and free from personal oddities and animosities. He was a man whose work stands comparison for substance and thrust with that of his younger British contemporary John Owen, and this writer, for one, knows no praise higher than that! To Witsius it was given... to integrate and adjudicate explorations of covenant theology carried out by a long line of theological giants stretching back over more than a century and a half to the earliest days of the Reformation. On this major matter [the Divine covenants] Witsius' work has landmark status as summing up a whole era, which is why it is appropriate to reprint it today... This is a head-clearing, mind-forming, heart-warming treatise of very great value; we possess nothing like it today, and to have it available once more is a real boon... I commend it enthusiastically to God's people everywhere." Introduction, Page iii. Economy of the Divine Covenants. (Escondido, CA: den Dulk Foundation, 1990).