The Church in the Netherlands (3)

I wrote a little concerning the agitation and unrest which prevailed in the Church of the fatherland at the beginning of the nineteenth century. It was not until the year 1834 that a split came in some places.

On a certain Sunday in April, 1833, Rev. H. De Cock of Ulrum preached a sermon on the Catechism dealing with the marks of the true and false church. The distinction was clearly set forth according to God’s Word. After the service one of the hearers (from another congregation) asked the minister whether he would baptize his child which was already three years old. It had become an impossibility for this man to give his own pastor an affirmative answer to the second question asked in the form for baptism. Rev. De Cock’s consistory was reluctant. Advice was sought and given to the effect that it should not be done — it was entirely contrary to Church Order. It was decided nevertheless to proceed with it. The child was baptized and its name entered in the baptismal records of Ulrum. In that same year sixteen children from other congregations were baptized there.

Also in those days Rev. De Cock published a small book with the intention of refuting the writings of other ministers which were diametrically opposed to the doctrine and practice of the fathers. His little book was entitled: “A Defence of Genuine Reformed Doctrine and of the Genuinely Reformed, Opposed by two so-called Reformed Ministers”; or “The Sheep-fold of Christ Attacked by Two Wolves but Defended by H. De Cock, Minister at Ulrum.” Even for some friends that little work was too severe; it is therefore no wonder that his enemies were irritated.

Through one thing and another Rev. De Cock came in conflict with the authorities of the established Reformed Church of the Netherlands. On December 20,1833 he was suspended as minister, with the privilege of retaining his salary. He was submissive because he did not wish to lose his affiliation with the Church. On the other hand he made every attempt to have his suspension nullified. He resorted to the proper ecclesiastical means for the solution of all problems.

Every attempt, however, was without result and his suspension was sustained. Reproach and scorn were the share of Rev. De Cock. In Groningen, where once he was obliged to defend himself before the provincial Council, the hatred of the population was so great that afterwards he was attacked by a mob which attempted to throw him under the hoofs of passing horses. The mob continued to throng the house where he took up his lodging, and not until evening was Rev. De Cock able to go on his way under escort of the police.

His suspension having been sustained, it was determined at the same time that he had no more right to claim his salary. “The tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.” Rev. De Cock decided to appeal to the King and personally submit a petition to his Majesty. The Reverend had hoped to obtain a hearing but that also was cut off. It was a way of severe trial for God’s ambassador. He was again summoned before the Provincial Church-council, this time to answer regarding the fact that he had written an introduction to a little work which condemned the so-called Evangelical hymns. As a result he was deposed from his ministerial office.

What that must have meant for him we can little imagine. Notwithstanding, Rev. De Cock did not separate himself, but appealed to Synod. There was still hope in his heart that this highest ecclesiastical body would do justice and restore him to honor. Synod acknowledged that complete deposition had been premature and so the verdict was modified by a decision to the effect that Rev. De Cock had made himself guilty of an act which was bound to lead to disturbance of order and unity. It granted Hendrick De Cock six months in which to show evidence of his sorrow and regret to the satisfaction of the Provincial Council. On July 31, 1834 Rev. De Cock again resorted to the Provincial Church-Council and requested that he be informed in what manner the Council would permit his reinstatement.

The result of this was that he was confronted with an impossible situation. He was expected to retract what he had said about the hymns and subject himself to all the existing Church rules and regulations. It was impossible for Rev. De Cock to deny his record of the past and to surrender his convictions. He could not violate his conscience. Oh, what a distressing moment this was for Rev. De Cock! He was willing to acknowledge his errors in regard to violations of the Church Order, but in respect to the other matters it were better to die than to deny God and truth. We must obey God rather than men.

Friends, bear this in mind: we must be like lambs when developments in life pertain to our personal honor, but when matters concern the glory of God or the truth of God we must be like lions. Then we must be steadfast, whatever the consequences may be. Oh, boys and girls, may the eternal truth of God exert its efficacy in our hearts to that end! There is so little consciousness of this left in our day! External knowledge is so little in evidence.

Oh parents, be diligent to instil into your children a deep regard for the truth. Boys and girls, be faithful in attending the church and catechism classes. Exercise yourselves in the truth, and above all, may the truth make you free.

Rev. W.C. Lamain (1904–1984) pastored the Netherlands Reformed Congregation of Leiden (1929–1932), Rotterdam-South (1932–1943), Rijssen-Wal (1943–1947), and Grand Rapids, Michigan (1947–1984).

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