On the Character of the True Divine: An Inaugural Oration

by Herman Witsius, William Cunningham (Preface), John Donaldson (Translator)

Classic article on what a true theologian looks like.

Genres: Theology

40 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 28, 1995

About the author

Hermann Witsius (Herman Wits or in Latin Hermannus Witsius) was a Dutch theologian.

Life

He was born at Enkhuizen. He studied at the University of Groningen, Leiden, and Utrecht. He was ordained in the ministry, becoming the pastor of Westwoud in 1656 and afterwards at Wormer, Goes, and Leeuwarden. He became professor of divinity successively at the University of Franeker in 1675 and at the University of Utrecht in 1680. In 1698 he was appointed to the University of Leiden as the successor of the younger Friedrich Spanheim. He died in Leiden.

Views

While in his theology Witsius aimed at a reconciliation between the reigning orthodoxy and Covenant Theology (also known as federalism), he was first of all a Biblical theologian, his principal field being systematic theology. His chief work is entitled The Economy of the Covenants between God and Man (originally published in Latin: De oeconomia foderum Dei cum hominibus, Leeuwarden, 1677). He was induced to publish this work by his grief at the controversies between Voetians and Cocceians. Although himself a member of the federalistic school, he was in no way blind to the value of the scholastically established dogmatic system of the Church. In the end, he did not succeed in pleasing either party.

Reviews

[Zach Hollifield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Pairs well with Thielicke’s A Little Exercise.

[Rick Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very short, but invaluable book about the nature of a theologian. The lessons here, however, can just as easily be applied to Christian teachers as well. My favorite quote from the book is, “...No one teaches well unless he has first learned well; no one learns well unless he learns in order to teach. And both learning and teaching are vain and unprofitable unless accompanied by practice.”

[John Yelverton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This essay is an absolute must read for any man wishing to enter the ministry. The truth of the author's passion for God's glory is so bright, it's almost blinding.

[Chad Duke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book! A short delight that speaks of the beauty and grace that we find when studying the things of God.

[Alex]

Stirring and edifying read.

[Simon Field · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a stirring vision of what it means to be a theologian/minister/"divine". Highly recommend

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent.

[Josh Peglow · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best things I have ever read. Says in 20 pages what other books take 500 to say. It echoes of Paul in 1st and 2nd Corinthians. Everyone should read this.

[Andy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect balance of doctrinal and pastoral theology.