Dr. Johannes Hoornbeek (1617-1666)

Johannes Hoornbeek was born at Haarlem in 1617, just prior to the commencement of the renowned Synod at Dort (1618-1619). One of the Second Reformation’s most learned divines, he began his study of Latin at the age of six! At sixteen years of age, he studied theology at Leiden under Walaeus. Subsequently, he went to study theology at Utrecht under Voetius, by whom he was greatly influenced.

Hoornbeek was ordained into the ministry at Muhlheim-on-the-Rhine in 1639. Shortly after receiving his doctoral degree of theology in 1643, he became professor of Old Testament in Utrecht, and was appointed preacher there as well in 1645.

At Utrecht (and subsequently at Leiden), Dr. Hoornbeek proved to be a hard-working theologian of many interests, renowned for his orthodox scholarship, practical theology, and love for missions. Possessing many God-given talents, he mastered thirteen languages and wrote voluminously.

Major works of his Utrecht years, all of which were well-received by the orthodox of his day, include the following: A practical and original volume on homiletics, Tractatus de ratione concionandi (1645); a volume which opposes the mysticism of Weigel, Schwenkfeld, and others, De paradoxis et heterodoxis weigelianis commentarius (1646); a practical work on how to die well, Euthanasia ofte We/sterven; waar in veel voorbeelden der stervenden en hun laatsten doodtspreuken verhaald worden (1651); an able three-volume treatise against Socin-ianism, Socinianismus confutatus (1650-64); a concise volume which became a standard textbook of Reformed polemics, opposing “unbelievers” (the heathen, Judaists, and Mohammedans), “heretics” (Roman Catholics, Anabaptists, Libertines, Socinians, and the Enthusiasts), and “schismatics” (Remonstrants, Lutherans, Brownists, and Grecians), Summa controversiarum religionis (1653); and a compiled volume of theology extracted from other writers which opposed Cocceian theology, Institutiones theologicae ex optimis auctoribus concinnatae (1653).

In 1654, Dr. Hoornbeek accepted the position of theological professor at Leiden. Here he continued to work avidly, also bearing the task of preaching regularly and undertaking some pastoral work.

Major writings of Dr. Hoornbeek’s Leiden years include: Two volumes which display his love for mission, De convincendis et con-vertendis judaeis et gentilibus libri VIII (1655) and De conversione indorum et gentilium (1669); three volumes promoting strict Sabbath-day observance in opposition to the abolition of the fourth commandment as advocated by Cocceius, Heyliginghe van Codts naem en dagh (1655), De observando a Christianis praecepto Decalogi quarto (1659); and Nader bewysinghe van des Heeren daghsheyliginghe (1659); a work against Arminianism and its influence on Socinianism, Van de oorsprongh der Arminiaensche nieuwigheden (1662); a two-volume work of systematic theology and ethics, Theologica practica (1663-66), written along Second Reformation lines that resemble closely the writings of Voetius, Bayly, and Wittewrongel; and a volume which opposed the canonicity of non-biblical writings, Miscellanea sacra (1674).

Dr. Hoornbeek’s strong body became literally worn out by 1666, when he died at the relatively young age of forty-eight. By the grace of God, his life and work represented well the Voetian school of thought which combined scriptural exegesis, scholastic theology, and godly zeal in promoting Reformed Orthodoxy. His influence was great also on his pupils. He was an able and well-rounded theologian, richly taught by the Spirit of God. In the seminary chair, from the pulpit, and by a godly walk, he proclaimed the whole counsel of God—death in Adam and life in Christ. May God grant such lights in the church in our dark, needy day.

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