Classics of Reformed Spirituality Collection (8 vols.)
The Classics of Reformed Spirituality series presents writings from theologians of the Dutch Further Reformation, a movement which paralleled the historical and spiritual development of English Puritanism in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. These works support the emphasis of the Further Reformation, or Nadere Reformatie, on a life of piety, and they also contribute significant biblical and historical insights to today’s Reformed church.
This series offers fresh translations of key writings from leaders such as Gisbertus Voetius, Johannes Hoornbeeck, and Wilhelmus à Brakel, making them accessible to the twenty-first century church. These writings from the Further Reformation in the Netherlands offer a balance of doctrine and piety, a mingling of theology and life that has seldom been equaled in the history of Christianity. Each book in this series will provide invaluable insights into a vibrant part of the Christian heritage.
- Fresh translations of key writings from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries for the twenty-first-century reader
- A balance of doctrine and piety, theology and life teaching
- Historical insight into the Dutch Further Reformation
I am delighted that the Dutch Reformed Translation Society is at last making this material available in the English language. It is a landmark of our Reformed heritage, and it is rich food for the soul in this or any other age.
—J. I. Packer, author, A Quest for Godliness
Many will surely welcome this new access to the Dutch authors whose strong writings put faith and certainty into generations of their fellow countrymen. By their closeness to Scripture and their concern for heart and head (heat and light) they remain of enduring value.
—Iain H. Murray, author, Puritan Hope
I am so pleased that these Dutch classics are now available to a wide audience. The writings of the Dutch Further Reformation—almost completely inaccessible until now to the English-speaking world—are a gold mine of spiritual wisdom.
—Richard J. Mouw, president, Fuller Theological Seminary
In the fine translations made available here, one sees the ecumenical nature of Reformed spirituality and the close relationship between the church and true believers. The sources of the Further Reformation deserve greater recognition. The heritage of Reformed Protestantism contains hidden treasures for which we in our modern era should be grateful and of which we could make use with profit.
—Willem van’t Spijker, professor, Theological University of Apeldoorn
- Title: Classics of Reformed Spirituality Collection (8 vols.)
- Authors: Jacobus Koelman, Jean Taffin, Godefridus Udemans, Willem Teellinck, Guilelmus Saldenus, Wilhelmus à Brakel, Gisbertus Voetius, Johannes Hoornbeeck, Jodocus van Lodenstein, Wilhelmus Schortinghuis
- Publisher: Reformation Heritage
- Series: Classics of Reformed Spirituality
- Publication Date: 2003–2012
- Pages: 1,857
- Volumes: 8
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Resource ID: {7050D8E1-642B-455B-A089-1D302E512D3E}
Individual Titles
- The Marks of God’s Children by Jean Taffin
- The Duties of Parents by Jacobus Koelman
- Spiritual Desertion by Gisbertus Voetius and Johannes Hoornbeeck
- The Path of True Godliness by Willem Teellinck
- Essential Truths in the Heart of a Christian by Wilhelmus Schortinghuis
- A Spiritual Appeal to Christ’s Bride by Jodocus van Lodenstein
- In Remembrance of Him: Profiting from the Lord’s Supper by Guilelmus Saldenus and Wilhelmus à Brakel
- The Practice of Faith, Hope, and Love by Godefridus Udemans
First published in 1585, The Marks of God’s Children by Jean Taffin became an instant classic in Dutch and French Reformed circles. Taffin offers comfort and encouragement to those engaged in spiritual warfare. Grounded in Reformed confessional orthodoxy, this spiritual reflection provides an astute understanding of the “marks” of God’s grace and salvation, and is still relevant today. This is experiential Christianity at its best.
Jean Taffin (c. 1529–1602) has been called the father of the Second Reformation in the Netherlands. He served as chaplain to Prince William of Orange for 10 years, and his writings have been translated into at least three languages.
The Duties of Parents is the best known-known work of Dutch Further Reformation leader Jacobus Koelman. Outlining 282 guidelines for Christian parenting, Koelman emphasizes the need for loving, thoughtful discipline. He describes the need for good schools and teachers, and encourages the latter to realize their great responsibility. The Duties of Parents gives readers an important glimpse at the theological and practical concerns of the developing Protestant tradition, and it offers practical application for raising children today.
Jacobus Koelman (1632–1695) was one of the most outspoken and influential leaders of the Dutch Further Reformation. He wrote 44 books, and he translated dozens of others.
First published in 1646, Spiritual Desertion offers comfort and consolation to believers whose circumstances cause them to wonder if God has abandoned them. Further Reformation leaders Gisbertus Voetius and Johannes Hoornbeeck demonstrate that the anxiety of doubting believers is proof that God has not abandoned them; rather, it is evidence of the work of the Spirit in their hearts.
Gisbertus Voetius (1589–1676) was a Dutch Calvinist theologian. He was pastor of the Reformed Church in Heusden, and served a delegate to the Synod of Dort. He was professor of theology and oriental languages at the University of Utrecht, and he later became pastor of the school.
Johannes Hoornbeeck (1617–1666) was a Dutch Reformed theologian and professor of theology at the University of Utrecht and the University of Leiden. He wrote polemical books, including Pro Convincendis, et Convertendis Judaeis.
In nine short books, this work by Teellinck shows believers the character of true godliness and the kingdom of darkness that opposes it. This volume includes an introduction by editor Joel R. Beeke that chronicles Tellinck’s life.
This is an excellent book on the subject of sanctification, asking questions such as: How does one flee from temptation? What is the best way for believers to open their hearts to God? Packed with scriptural guidance, this book answers these questions and many more about how to live in Christ.
Willem Teellinck (1579–1629) was a pastor in the Netherlands who wielded a great deal of influence during the Further Reformation. Teellnick studied theology at the University of Leiden and was ordained in 1606. He wrote 20 books and over a hundred manuscripts. His works include The Love of the Fatherland and The True Path of Godliness.
This book clearly explains the main topics of the Reformed faith. Written in the catechetical style of question and answers, the book is noted for its succinctness and ample references to Scripture. The 40 brief chapters are characterized by careful doctrinal distinctions, and each one concludes with a question or two asking what the particular subject means for the faith and spiritual reflection of the reader. For today’s readers, it is both an ideal representation of the Dutch Further Reformation’s attention to doctrine and piety, as well as an invitation to carry on that spiritual legacy.
Wilhelmus Schortinghuis (1700–1750) was one of the final leaders of the Further Reformation in the Netherlands. He studied theology at the University of Groningen. He became a pastor in Germany, and later accepted a call to pastor a Reformed church in the Netherlands, where he served until his death. He produced several poems and hymns in his lifetime, as well as books, the most famous and controversial of which is titled Het Innige Christendom.
A Spiritual Appeal to Christ’s Bride consists of nine sermons preached by Jodocus van Lodenstein, one of the most prominent leaders of the Dutch Further Reformation. The sermons stress themes that are dear to the preacher’s heart: the need for the Holy Spirit to carry the Reformation further than the mind, the need for perpetual reformation and growth in piety, the need to cultivate holiness and self-denial, and the need to know and experience an intimate spiritual relationship with Jesus Christ the perfect Bridegroom. The book calls nominal Christians to a more profound commitment to Christ, stressing that only such a commitment can deliver the church from shallowness and unholiness. Today, more than ever, the church needs to heed this call to awaken from its spiritual slumber.
Jodocus van Lodenstein (1620–1677) was a prominent preacher and poet of the Dutch Further Reformation, which stressed the practice of biblical piety. He graduated from the University of Utrecht and then studied Eastern languages in Franeker. He became a pastor in 1644. He pastored increasingly larger congregations, culminating in his call to Domkerk (the Tower Church) in Utrech, attended by 10,500 of the city’s 20,000 inhabitants. During this time, he was also a part of the famous “Utrecht Circle” which included many Further Reformation leaders. Of his many works, Uytspanningen—a collection of hymns and poetry—was reprinted 20 times and impacted future hymnody.
In Remembrance of Him: Profiting from the Lord’s Supper
- Authors: Guilelmus Saldenus and Wilhelmus à Brakel
- Editor: James A. De Jong
- Translator: Bartel Elshout
- Publisher: Reformation Heritage
- Series: Classics of Reformed Spirituality
- Publication Date: 2012
- Pages: 144
The two seventeenth-century essays translated and offered in this book were originally designed to help people of the Dutch Further Reformation derive the greatest benefit from celebrating the Lord’s Supper. Guilelmus Saldenus’ “The Efficacy of the Lord’s Supper” concentrates on the joy received in celebrating the sacrament and the sanctified living that it generates. Wilhelmus à Brakel’s “Edifying Discourses” instructs believers in preparing their hearts for the celebration, participating in the supper responsibly, and following up the meal in a spiritually beneficial manner.
Guilelmus Saldenus (1627–1694) studied theology at the University of Utrecht under Gisbertus Voetius. He became a pastor and was one of the leading pastors during the middle years of the Dutch Further Reformation. He received an honorary doctorate from the faculty at Utrecht, a rare honor in the seventeenth century.
Wilhelmus à Brakel (1635–1711) studied theology at the universities in Franeker and Utrecht under Gisbertus Voetius. A very popular figure affectionately known as “Father à Brakel,” he became a leading pastor during the middle years of the Dutch Further Reformation. Among his works are Reasonable Christianity and The True Christian or Upright Believer.
Scripture tells us that Christians have three chief virtues necessary for living a truly virtuous and godly life before God: faith, hope, and love. In this book, Godefridus Udemans carefully explains the Apostles’ Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Ten Commandments, using them as standards and guides for cultivating faith, hope, and love in our hearts. Udemans particularly excels in demonstrating the practical relevance of these teachings, making this not only an overview of Reformed doctrine but also a handbook for living blessedly forever.
Godefridus Udemans (1581–1649) was a pastor and theologian from the Dutch province of Zeeland, and an important figure in the Dutch Further Reformation. While still in his thirties, he was appointed as a delegate to the Synod of Dort. He wrote several books in his lifetime. The Practice of Faith, Hope, and Love is the first to be translated into English.
Partially includedWith the Logos edition, you can reap the maximum benefit from each *** volume by getting easier access to the contents of this series—helping you to use these volumes more efficiently for research and sermon preparation. Every word from every book has been indexed and catalogued to help you search the entire series for a particular verse or topic, giving you instant access to cross-references. Additionally, important terms link to your other resources in your digital library, including dictionaries, encyclopedias, commentaries, theology texts, and others. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for because in Logos, your titles will automatically integrate into custom search reports, passage guides, exegetical guides, and the other advanced features of the software. You'll have the tools you need to use your entire digital library effectively and efficiently, searching for verses, finding Scripture references and citations instantly, and performing word studies. With most Logos resources, you can take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps, providing you the most efficient and comprehensive research tools in one place, so you get the most out of your study.
