A revised and updated version of
Abraham Kuyper: An Annotated Bibliography 1857-2010 by Tjitze Kuipers (2011)
You can buy a printed edition of this book on the site of the publisher.
1857
A bifolium with drop title containing twenty-four theses of conjectures about the texts of Lysias. Many of the proposed emendations and conjectures may be found in the works of C.G. Cobet (1813–1889).
Abraham Kuyper studied at the University of Leiden from July 1855 to September 1862. As a second- and third-year student, Kuyper participated in five literary disputations as a defendens. In these public disputations, which took place under the leadership of Cobet, students from every department debated what were for the most part proposed emendations and conjectured improvements to the texts of classical authors. Virtually all the theses were put forward by Cobet himself (see 1980.05 and 1981.02).
The disputations were intended above all to allow students to practice speaking Latin. In the academic year 1856/1857, eight underclassmen took part in these debates as defendens (four students in classical languages, three in theology, and one in jurisprudence). The print run of the leaflets containing the theses, which were delivered several days in advance by the defendens to the other participants, must therefore have been very small.
A bifolium with drop title containing twenty-three theses of conjectures about Livius (nineteen theses) and Demosthenes (four theses). Concerning the disputations and the authorship of these theses, see 1857.01.
In the academic year 1857/1858, eight students again took part as defendens in the debates—four students in theology and four students in classical languages. Three of the students acted as defendens on two occasions while Kuyper acted as a defendens on four occasions. Three of these students had participated in the previous year as well.
1858
A bifolium with drop title containing twenty-seven theses, including conjectures about and interpretations of Tacitus (eight theses), conjectures about Plato (nine theses), and conjectures about Homer (ten theses). Concerning the disputations and the authorship of these theses, see 1857.01.
A bifolium with drop title containing fifteen theses of conjectures about Aristophanes (three theses), Herodotus (three theses), Livius (four theses), Nonius (one thesis), Gellius (two theses), Xenophon (one thesis), and Thucydides (one thesis), as well as five additional theses with a more general historical tenor. The second thesis (In Iudaeorum rebus expondis Tacitus non praestitit se historicum [In his description of Jewish history Tacitus shows himself not to be a historian]) could be a contribution from Kuyper himself (see 1980.05 and 1981.02). Concerning the disputations and the authorship of these theses, see 1857.01.
A bifolium with drop title containing twenty theses, including ten theses of conjectures about Demosthenes (two theses), Aeschines (one thesis), Dinarchus (one thesis), Aristophanes (five theses), and Lysias (one thesis), seven theses on the field of Roman antiquities, one on the text of Tertullian’s De Baptismo (thesis 18), one on the education of theological students (thesis 19), and one on high school education (thesis 20). Concerning the disputations and the authorship of these theses, see 1857.01.
The subject matter of the final three theses suggests that Kuyper himself may have been the author (see 1980.05 and 1981.02). Thesis 18 puts forward an alternative reading of a passage in which Tertullian describes Jacob’s blessing of his grandsons in Genesis 48:14 (see 1980.05). Thesis 19 argues that it “is completely indispensable that theological students, who are after all going to be exegeting the New Testament, be taught about things from Roman antiquity that provide a better understanding of the set-up of a Roman province at the beginning of the common era.” Thesis 20 argues that one “must disagree with the very learned Burger who believes that the reading of the New Testament should be reintroduced into the gymnasia.”
Litt. Hum. Cand.: Kuyper passed his candidacy examination in classical literature, summa cum laude, on April 29, 1858.
1860
Kuyper’s first publication—as far as can be known—was this translation of a German political pamphlet that spoke in favor of Friedrich Wilhelm Otto Graf von Borries (1802–1883), minister of the interior in the Kingdom of Hanover, and against his liberal opposition. The anonymous author pretended that the German edition was not the original.
Concerning the authorship of the Dutch translation, see the letters from F.H. Hesse to Kuyper, dated Emden, November 7, 1860 and Emden, November 22, 1860 (SAG), and also a letter (most likely written on November 24, 1860) sent by Kuyper to the publisher A.W. Sijthoff (UBL, Sijt. A 1860 no. 26).
A supposed French edition (Le Comte de Borries), with which Kuyper was also involved according to the November 22 letter from F.H. Hesse, has not yet been tracked down. The French title (dated 1859) appears, however, on an old, handwritten inventory of Kuyper’s writings from 1858–1912, originating from the library of the Kuyperhuis (see 1921.06).
1862
Kuyper’s doctoral thesis, which he defended at Leiden University on September 20, 1862. This thesis offers a comparative study of the concept of the church according to Calvin (1509–1564) and A. Lasco (1499–1560). The thesis represents a reworking of the first part of his submission to an essay contest organized by the theological faculty of the University of Groningen, which had received the gold medal in 1860 (Commentatio in questionem ab Ordine Theologorum positam in Certamen Litterarium [Treatise on the question of the theological faculty drawn up for a written contest]; see 2005.01). Twenty-six theses are appended (e.g., thesis 14: Iniuria Ecclesiae ministris aditum ad conventus politicos praeclusit lex [The ministers of the church are wrongly prevented from taking part in political assemblies]).
The dissertation, which shows an apparent preference for A. Lasco’s concept of the church, was praised widely for its scholarship. With its publication—and with the subsequent publication of Joannis a Lasco Opera (see 1866.01)—Kuyper breathed new life into the scholarly study of Johannes a Lasco as a theologian. Kuyper had initially intended to write a biography of A. Lasco as his thesis.
According to the contract for 1866.01, the publishers granted Kuyper 400 printed copies of his thesis.
1863
A circular letter embossed with the stamp of the internationally well-known publisher and antiquarian dealer Frederik Muller at Leiden and addressed “A Monsieur le Bibliothécaire ou l’Archiviste à …”
In this circular letter, Kuyper informs the major European libraries and archives that he is preparing an edition of Johannes a Lasco’s works (see 1866.01) as well as a biography of A. Lasco. Kuyper therefore requests that the recipients search their libraries and archives for books or letters to/from A. Lasco that he has not yet been able to locate. He states that he eagerly looks forward to learning the results of their research.
A three-part list is attached to the letter indicating: (1) works by A. Lasco that Kuyper possesses, (2) works by A. Lasco that he has thus far sought in vain, and (3) historical works and early printed books that he has not yet been able to locate.
De Navorscher [The researcher] was published “as a means for the exchange of thoughts and literary life between all who know anything, have anything to ask, or can solve anything.” It was modeled upon Notes and Queries, an English periodical published since 1849. De Navorscher printed Kuyper’s request for printed or unprinted Lasciana hidden away in private collections on behalf of his edition of A. Lasco’s Opera (see 1866.01). Responses were to be communicated via De Navorscher. The only reply he received did not provide any useful information.
The appeal was reprinted many years later in De Standaard, no. 11399, May 17, 1909, along with a remark that it was probably Kuyper’s first publication for the press. For a similar request, see 1863.03. Kuyper also put forward a request for information in an 1881 advertisement in De Heraut (see 1882.01).
A request for information (cf. 1863.02) about manuscripts taken by the seventeenth-century author of Carrascon to the Netherlands and for sixteenth-century editions of two other authors. Kuyper did not receive any reply in De Navorscher.
1866
These two impressive volumes constitute the beginning of all modern A. Lasco research and still remain unsurpassed. A comprehensive preface (115 pp.) introduces the following three parts of this Polish reformer’s literary corpus: dogmatic and polemical works (volume 1); liturgical and symbolical works (volume 2); and letters (volume 2). To keep the size of the collection within reasonable limits, the type at the end of each volume was set solid.
A biography of A. Lasco was promised in the preface, but Kuyper never published it (see 1945.01). However, H. Dalton dedicated his biography of the reformer—Johannes a Lasco. Beitrag zur Reformationsgeschichte Polens, Deutschlands und Englands (Gotha, 1881)—to Abraham Kuyper, “dem hochverdienten Herausgeber der Gesamtwerke Laskis, in herzlicher Verehrung und Dankbarkeit” [the highly esteemed editor of the complete works of A. Lasco, in cordial reverence and thankfulness].
The editor expressed his appreciation to those who had contributed to the project by sending them printings of the relevant parts of the Opera. In a letter, dated August 14, 1866 (cf. 1957.02), to Prof. Dr. R. Fruin (1823–1899) at Leiden, Kuyper reveals that the publisher provided only fifteen author copies instead of the desired forty. Kuyper signed the contract for the project in 1862 (see 1862.01).
In the nineteenth century, A. Lasco’s works were already rare. In 1873.05 (pp. 36–39), Kuyper related how he finally gained access, as if by a miracle, to a surprisingly rich collection of Lasciana, indispensable sources for his prize-winning Commentatio (see 2005.01). Kuyper also wrote about this event, which he experienced as providential, in 1873.05 and De Heraut, no. 1968, October 10, 1915.
In 1874 the publishers cut the price of the Opera in half. According to Oude en nieuwe boekhandel van Martinus Nijhoff te ’s-Gravenhage. Fondscatalogus 1858–1897 (’s-Gravenhage, 1898), both volumes were still available at ƒ7.50. In 1980 the reprint department of the Zentralantiquariat der Deutschen Demokratischen Republik at Leipzig announced plans to reprint the Opera. The reprint was scheduled to be published in 1981/1982, but it never appeared.
1867
On July 25, 1866 the General Synod of the Dutch Reformed Church decided to put into effect Article 23 of the Revised Regulation of 1852, which gave local congregations the right to assign members of the consistory and to call pastors. Previously, only the consistory de facto had this right. Article 23 was officially put into effect on March 1, 1867 by the Nieuw Synodaal Reglement op de benoeming van ouderlingen en diakenen en de beroeping van predikanten door de manslidmaten [New synodical regulations for the nomination of elders and deacons and for the calling of pastors by male church members]. Kuyper looked upon the new synodical regulations as a product of modern individualism. In his historical analysis, however, Kuyper argued that Article 23 agreed with the principles of the Reformation and that this transitional provision could be used to overturn illegal church rule. He therefore thought that congregations should retain the right to vote.
On the effects of the carrying out of Article 23, see 1869.04.
Review of J.I. Doedes’ (1817–1897; professor at Utrecht, 1859–1888) historical and bibliographical study of the Heidelberg Catechism in the first years after its publication. The review is preceded by a remarkable four-page plea for restoring the sponsorship (“Maecenate”) of scholarly research. The English Parker Society (1840–1855) is held up as a model. The review manifests warm approval of the Heidelberg Catechism and vivid interest in its history.
These regulations arose from the synod’s decision to put Article 23 into effect (see 1867.01). The preface is signed by A. Kuyper (praes. et scriba [chairman and clerk]), who also drafted the regulations. The 187 articles that compose these regulations contain not only local regulations for the election of officers, the nomination of elders and deacons, and the calling of a minister or a candidate for the ministry, but also supplementary managerial rules for the consistory and a set of partially rewritten guidelines for the administration of diaconal funds.
After some amendments were made at the request of the church authorities, the regulations were approved by the provincial church administration of Gelderland on August 31, 1867 and went into effect on September 1, 1867. These regulations were the first of a remarkably long series of regulations and instructions that Kuyper designed for church, school, and political party over the course of many years.
The edition was published at the publisher’s expense.
The article attributes the shortage of pastors both to the apathy of modernists within the church and to the spirit of the times. However, it goes on to say that, as in the past, influential men and congregations obedient to the call of God will turn the tide. After Article 23 was put into effect (see 1867.01), congregations received the right to elect their pastors, making the shortage of orthodox pastors even more pronounced.
Kuyper’s first sermon at Utrecht, based on John 1:14a (“and the Word became flesh and lived among us”) and delivered in the Domkerk on November 10, 1867. In the sermon Kuyper contends that the church as the body of Christ is the organism in which Christ himself lives on. He subsequently emphasizes the importance of the external form of the church because it has the task of awakening humanity to the divine life within it. The church’s external form should be fixed and abiding in its polity, confession, and worship because the divine life can become manifest only in the permanent. At the sermon’s climax, Kuyper states that the Dutch Reformed Church is no longer satisfying this essential requirement. Although he cannot say whether the course of events will lead to the reformation of the Dutch Reformed Church or to the founding of a new church, Kuyper tells the congregation that, in any case, he has been called to build. The sermon was published at the request of a number of members of the congregation as well as forty Utrecht theological students.
Various brief salutations to government officials, professors, students, church officials, dignitaries, colleagues, and members of the congregation are printed after the sermon.
1868
Circular letter sent to leading members of Dutch society to inquire whether their names and influence might be used to support the work of a proposed association dedicated to tracking down and publishing sources from the earliest history of the Dutch Reformed Church. The members of the association would defray the publication costs through their contributions (see 1868.02). Kuyper and seven of his supporters in Utrecht, among whom were four members of the Historical Society of Utrecht, drew up this circular letter (NA 2.19.001 inv. no. 1).
The invoice of Van Peursem, the printer, states: “Printed 48 large 4e letters ‘Sources Church History’ 2 pa[ges] printed 2 times = ƒ5.-” (KA 303).
Draft of the bylaws of the Marnix Society (cf. 1868.11). The society planned to carry out its stated purpose of publishing the oldest documents of the Dutch Reformed tradition (art. 1) as soon as membership had reached 250, although Kuyper, who served as director of the society from its founding until 1874, actually started the publication of the series when there were only about fifty members. Membership in the society cost ƒ10.- annually (art. 2) and all members received a free copy of the works published by the society (art. 4). The eight articles are signed by Kuyper on behalf of the founders of the Marnix Society. The membership of the Marnix Society remained under 100 for almost every year of its existence.
An additional 4,000 copies of this item were printed for an advertising campaign in November and sent, along with 1868.11, to prospective members.
The Marnix Society was actually founded on March 20, 1868, but Kuyper probably used the date April 1 because of its significance in the history of the Netherlands (cf. 1872.02).
Draft of a circular letter (see 1868.11), without the names of the members of the board and the short list of recommenders, which was sent to those who had responded positively to the circular letter mentioned in 1868.01. The following line was added on page four: “Appreciation for the mission of the Marnix Society is gladly shown by ….” A short cover letter was attached (see 1868.04).
This short cover letter introduced the program of the Marnix Society. It was sent, together with 1868.03, to prominent members of Dutch society (cf. 1868.01), inviting them to show their support for the society by signing a circular letter (see 1868.11) written on its behalf.
Arguing that the Synod of the Dutch Reformed Church was not upholding its confessional standards, the Consistory of Utrecht judged the annual inspection (spring 1867) by the Classical Board of Utrecht to be deprived of its spiritual authority and therefore only answered questions relating to administrative matters. During the subsequent written visitation in 1868, the consistory refused to answer any questions.
This booklet relates, in four chapters and with many relevant references to the history of the church, what had already happened and what was currently transpiring in Utrecht.
Fifty years after its publication, a bookseller in Utrecht was offering remainders of the booklet for ƒ0.50 per copy (cf. De Heraut, no. 2102, May 5, 1918).
This memorandum, preceded by the resolution of the General Consistory of Utrecht (pp. [1]–3), justifies the consistory’s decision, after the written church inspection of 1868, to refuse the subsequently announced personal church inspection of September 30, 1868.
The resolution and the memorandum were directed to the Classical Board of Utrecht, which had decided upon this second visitation at the behest of the Provincial Church Administration. Both records are signed by A. Kuyper (praes.) and J.C. Verhoeff (scriba).
The cover letter to the memorandum, addressed to the classical board, and the resolution of the general consistory are also included in 1868.08.
Clarification and personal thoughts about the memorandum of September 21, 1868 (see 1868.06 and 1868.08, no. XI), which the General Consistory of Utrecht composed to explain its refusal to cooperate with the announced personal church visitation.
Twelve official records, partly composed of correspondence, having to do with the church visitation at Utrecht in 1868. Six of the published records are signed by A. Kuyper in his capacity as chairman. Records 2, 4, 8, and 12 were largely drafted by Kuyper and the collection was edited by R. van Meerlant, M.M. van Asch van Wijck, and A. Kuyper in accordance with a request by the General Consistory of Utrecht.
Kuyper had submitted a written request to the consistory to publish in serial form and at its own expense documents pertaining to the church inspection (HUA/NHKU 92). No subsequent volume of records was published.
A circular letter addressed to the consistories of the Dutch Reformed Churches and written in response to the synodical decision of July 17, 1868 about the formula for baptism. The synod had decided that baptism in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit was desirable—and in the given circumstances necessary—but it did not make the practice mandatory (cf. 1870.28). Moreover, the synod had decided against taking measures to prevent irregularities in baptismal practice.
Although the circular letter was signed by D. Gildemeester and H.C. Bervoets, as praeses and scriba of the General Consistory of Utrecht, it was conceived and edited by Kuyper. Kuyper was the chair of a commission set up to advise the consistory about the writing of a letter to the Reformed consistories about the baptism question. After having indicated how the General Consistory of Utrecht would guard against irregularities in its services of baptism, it solicited consistories across the Netherlands to work together to maintain and protect the interests of the church by asking them to respond to three questions.
The replies and reactions that came in response to this circular letter led to the establishment of the Federation of Consistories at a meeting held on April 28, 1869 (see 1869.10).
The heading of this printing differs from 1868.09 and is printed in larger type. The type matter of the text is identical, but has been rearranged (HUA/NHKU 92).
A corrected, modified, and stylishly printed version of the Marnix Society circular letter (see 1868.03), which was sent out to raise funds and solicit membership. After indicating the desirability of assembling the primary sources of Dutch church history, the circular letter identifies the goal of the Marnix Society: to track down documents from the earliest period of the Reformation in the Netherlands, to collect them, and to publish them in editions intended for scholarly use. The Dutch Reformed Church had lagged behind her sister churches in Germany, England, France, and Switzerland in this respect.
The Marnix Society was an imitation of the English Parker Society (1840–1855) and the French Société de l’histoire du Protestantisme français (1852–1870). The name Marnix-Vereeniging was chosen by Kuyper because the commission that Ph. Marnix van Sint Aldegonde (1540–1598) had received from the Synod of Emden (1571) was comparable to the task that the Marnix Society set for itself. The circular letter was signed by five members of the board: G. Groen van Prinsterer, honorary chairman, B. ter Haar, W.G. Brill, J.J. van Toorenenbergen, A. Kuyper, and A.W. van Beeck Calkoen, secretary. The list of supporters (see 1868.01 and 1868.03) bore the names of twelve prominent Dutchmen, of whom eight were professors.
Three supplementary documents were included with the circular letter: a flyer with the bylaws of the Marnix Society, dated March 20, 1868 (see 1868.02), a subscription form, and a registration form.
In accordance with the statutes of the Marnix Society, its publications were not sold to the public. Members of the society all received a free copy of every published volume.
The stock of the Marnix Society was sold in 1889 to Martinus Nijhoff in The Hague for ƒ1,200. An inventory carried out just prior to the sale reports 3,793 copies in stock—a remarkably high number, considering that each of the sixteen volumes published by the Marnix Society to that point had a print run of 350. The sixteen-volume series was subsequently sold for ƒ20.- per set. According to Oude en nieuwe boekhandel van Martinus Nijhof te ’s-Gravenhage. Fondscatalogus 1853–1897 (’s-Gravenhage, 1898), the set was still available and separate volumes could be ordered.
Concerning the works of the Marnix Society, see 1871.02.
A brief letter of recommendation written to accompany the program of the Marnix Society and other related documents. This item was included with the packets mentioned in 1868.11, which were sent to intermediaries across the country so that they could elicit memberships in the Marnix Society from their friends and acquaintances. The letter presented the advertising materials for this campaign.
1869
Six sermons delivered in 1868 at Utrecht:
- 1. “Nabij God te zijn” [To be near to God] (Ps. 73:28a)
- 2. “Bedestond op den Hervormingsdag” [Supplication on Reformation Day] (Dan. 9:18)
- 3. “Christus, de bron van zedelijke kracht” [Christ, the source of moral strength] (John 15:5)
- 4. “Schuldbesef” [Consciousness of guilt] (Ps. 19:13)
- 5. “De vloek der verstandsrichting” [The curse of the rationalists] (Eph. 3:14–19)
- 6. “Maria bij het kruis” [Mary at the cross] (John 19:26–27a)
According to a publisher’s advertisement, the first copies were already available toward the end of December 1868.
“Schuldbesef” was also published in De Gids, a Christian weekly printed in Grand Rapids, and subsequently issued as an offprint (see 1898.25). For “De vloek der verstandsrichting,” retitled and adapted to contemporary Dutch, see 2007.02.
The article discusses how the separation of church and state affects the status of church properties. The government had decided to allow the church free management of its possessions. The transitional General Supervisory Board, installed by the government in 1866 for a period of three years, had its own ideas and presented—although without any regulatory authority—an alternative draft resolution (October 12, 1868). The article argues that this draft injured the rights that the government intended to give to congregations.
A review of the effects of Article 23 (see 1867.01), which opposed the orthodox party’s strategy of restoring the church. Kuyper contended that Article 23 could only be considered a transitional measure because it replaced the sovereignty of Christ with popular sovereignty.
Reply to a reader who had written a letter to the editor asking the members of the Union for Christian National Primary Education (founded in 1860) why they opposed public primary schooling when public schools were teaching the great commandment. I. Esser (1818–1885) suggested reprinting this article as a tract so that it might be sent out “by the thousands” (De Heraut, no. 16, April 16, 1869).
Originally an address to a meeting on Christian schooling (Amsterdam, January 25, 1869) that was reworked for publication, this pamphlet puts forward an urgent warning against the Society for Public Welfare (founded in 1784) because of its declining Christian belief and its modernism. The society’s characteristic doctrine of achieving tolerance by neutralizing confessional differences is opposed in this pamphlet by the principle that respect for the convictions of others arises from the firmness of personal conviction.
This letter shares the results of the efforts to reach agreement with like-minded consistories with respect to the question of baptism (see 1868.09). According to the letter, 143 consistories had reported that they shared the Utrecht consistory’s perspective on the baptismal question. The letter then prints a list of sixteen localities in which the consistories had only consented with the standpoint regarding baptism and a list of localities in which the consistories also wished for broader collaboration and consultation. The letter, sent to the sixteen consistories which did not want to enter into closer discussions with Utrecht, concluded with a cordial final sentence expressing regret about that fact.
This letter is directed to the 122 consistories that had voiced their desire to work in closer consultation with one another (cf. 1869.09). The first part of the letter reproduces the list of localities printed in 1869.09. The second part contains, among other things, an invitation and agenda for a meeting in Utrecht on April 28, 1869. Among the agenda items were setting up the Federation of Consistories and establishing its statutes.
The two-page “Concept-Statuten voor den Kerkeraden-Bond” [Draft bylaws for the Federation of Consistories] (Utrecht, Kemink en Zoon) were also enclosed. These bylaws, though undated and not signed, neverthless bear the characteristic signs of Kuyper’s authorship. The Federation of Consistories was founded on April 28, 1869.
Sermon delivered on Good Friday, March 26 in the Jacobikerk at Utrecht, the day after the burial of the Rev. D. Gildemeester (1825–1869), who had been originally scheduled to preach at this service. The sermon is not based on a biblical text. The theme is “the tomb.” The homily was published for the benefit of church social welfare work on behalf of the orphans of the Reformed Church at Utrecht.
An editorial program of principles and goals for a proposed Christian national daily (cf. 1985.03).
While the annual meeting of the Union for Christian National Primary Education was being opened in Utrecht on May 19, 1869, another meeting made the decision in the same city on the same day to circulate a plan for a Christian newspaper among potential readers and financial supporters. The main issues raised in the five pages of this text are, in a nutshell, those which later received broad examination in “Ons program” (see 1879.04).
This item belonged with other pieces to a mailing that was sent to carefully selected recipients to elicit financial support for the new paper. The mailing consisted of: (1) an accompanying letter signed by J.J. Teding van Berkhout, Ja. van Eik, and W. van Oosterwijk Bruyn and dated Amsterdam, May 21, 1869; (2) a confidential, unsigned circular letter “Aan het Nederlandsche volk” [To the Dutch people] with the superscription “Christelijk nationaal dagblad ‘Nederland en Oranje’” [Christian national daily “The Netherlands and the House of Orange”] dated Utrecht, May 19, 1869; and (3) a subscription form toward the estimated ƒ5,000.- of producing a sample run.
According to De Heraut (no. 32, August 11, 1871), 16,000 flyers titled “Vrienden van Nederland en Oranje!” [Friends of the Netherlands and the House of Orange!] were distributed among the participants in the mission festival held at the estate of Houdringen near De Bilt. The flyer advertised a one-year trial subscription for a soon-to-be-published Christian Historical daily (with a Sunday edition). Although this particular initiative for a national Christian newspaper did not get off the ground, three years later these principles and plans came to fruition with the founding of De Standaard (see 1872.02).
In his study “New London on the Rijn as fata morgana: Utrecht 1867–1870,” which was published in his valedictory collection (see 2006.02), J. Vree shows (on pp. 277–280) that Kuyper was the author of this editorial program. The three aforementioned Amsterdam entrepreneurs who backed the new paper softened forceful passages here and there in the text and recast some of the concepts Kuyper used in contemporary Dutch—for example, Kuyper’s favorite term “autonomy” was consistently changed to “independence,” likely thus effacing his fingerprints from the document.
The first contribution is the fifth sketch in the Geschiedenis der Christelijke Kerk in Nederland, in tafereelen. Tweede en laatste deel [The history of the Christian church in the Netherlands, in sketches: Second and final volume], which was published collectively in two volumes and separately in forty-one parts. The sketch describes in popular fashion the beginnings of the Dutch Reformed Church in refugee congregations abroad (cf. 1871.05), narrating its rise and organization, free from government interference, in the Netherlands up to the Synod of Dordrecht (1618/1819).
Although both volumes contain illustrations (for the engravers see 1870.17) and Kuyper had sent an illustration to the publisher, his first sketch was published without illustrations. This sketch, written in Beesd, was published as a part in, or more likely before, 1867.
The second contribution (pp. [87]–113), the sixth sketch in volume two of the Geschiedenis der Christelijke Kerk in Nederland, deals with the formation of the liturgy and the composition of the prayer book of the sixteenth-century Reformed Church in the Netherlands. It starts with the refugee congregation at London, giving a vivid sketch of early Reformed religious life. Kuyper stated in a letter to the editor (see 1887.22) that he had already written this sketch in 1864. However, Kuyper’s memory of dates sometimes proved inaccurate (cf. 1879.11).
Volume two (containing thirteen parts) was published in May 1869. However, in September 1864 the publisher had announced in the twenty-eighth and final installment of the first volume that the second volume would be completed in 1865. It is rather difficult to date the publication in parts of the individual sketches in these volumes. No separate parts have been traced but very likely both sketches were composed during Kuyper’s ministry in Beesd (1863–1867).
Lecture delivered for the Amsterdam department of the Young Men’s Association for the Advancement of Christian Life. This was the final lecture in this association’s series of winter lectures for 1868/1869. The founder and chairman of the association was W. van Oosterwijk Bruyn (1829–1903). According to Kuyper, the curse of modern life consists in its striving for uniformity. True unity is discovered only in Christ. The church and the state have to be freed from false uniformity. By thinking in a confederative way, the church could accept variety in its communities. It is argued, among other things, that the state should allow the colonies to adopt their own methods of administration and that proponents of Christian schools should attack the dominance of state schooling.
Opening speech for the eighth General Meeting of the Union for Christian National Primary Education, delivered in the Domkerk at Utrecht on May 18, 1869. This address lays out a new course for the union. Kuyper appealed to the national conscience about the shortcomings of the state schools, arguing, among other things, that they could not fulfill popular expectations about religiosity, the self-governance of citizens, respect for the freedom of conscience, and the demands of national life. Kuyper argued that since people of every mindset should be free to build up Dutch society, Reformed Christians should reclaim the social influence that belongs to them legally.
The eighth general meeting was held on May 19–20, 1869, under the chairmanship of G. Groen van Prinsterer.
Personal statement on the church inspection at Utrecht in 1869 with the text of the written declaration that Kuyper delivered to the inspectors during their visit. In this article Kuyper corrects a mistaken interpretation of his decision to acquiesce to the Utrecht Consistory’s response to the personal church inspection of 1869. Kuyper says that he made the decision because he was anticipating changes in the regulations for carrying out church inspections.
Kuyper began his impressive fifty-year journalistic career with this issue of the weekly De Heraut. Eene Nederlandsche Stem voor Israëls Koning, het Hoofd der Gemeente (cf. 1871.01). Beginning with the July 9, 1869 issue, De Heraut started publishing in a larger format (56cm.). This change was made possible by the revocation of the newspaper stamp, a fiscal levy on newspapers based on physical proportions, on July 1, 1869.
The inaugural issue of De Heraut [The herald] was published on October 15, 1850. C.A.F. Schwartz (1817–1870), the founder of the paper, moved to Amsterdam in 1849 to begin work as a missionary to the Jews. The paper became a weekly in 1852 and, under the influence of Isaac da Costa (1798–1860), was given the subtitle “A Dutch Voice for Israel’s King, the Head of the Congregation.” In 1864 Schwartz left for England, a move that put the paper in jeopardy. After Schwartz’s death on August 25, 1870, the supporters of De Heraut vowed to keep the weekly paper alive. Kuyper was appointed editor ad interim starting with the October 7, 1870 issue. He no longer dated, signed, or initialled his articles and contributions after he became editor. Cf. 1871.01, 1872.02, 1874.02, and 1877.05.
Circular letter with inquiry form (no. 3), sent by the Executive Commission of the Central Committee concerning Church Properties, which was authorized by the Assembly of Deputies for the Federation of Consistories (see 1869.10) in Utrecht on July 7, 1869. After October 1, 1869, congregations could acquire the right to free and autonomous management of their properties (cf. 1869.02). The circular makes an urgent appeal to congregations to make use of this right. In 1870.27 Kuyper states that he composed this circular letter.
No. 3 (HUA/NHKU 92) was an added form (bifolium, 22cm.) with twelve questions about the local state of affairs with regard to the free management of church properties. The answers provided on this form would make an important contribution toward the establishment on October 1 of a common board for the promotion of free management.
Article dealing with press reactions to the circular letter concerning church property (see 1869.17).
The national budget of 1870 set aside ƒ7,000 for the management of ecclesiastical possessions, despite the fact that the state would be totally freed from any financial responsibility for the church properties on January 1 of that year (cf. 1869.02). The article condemns this measure as an irresponsible attempt by the minister of finance (cf. 1869.21) to favor his party in the church by preserving the centralized unity of the church. See also 1870.13.
P.P. van Bosse (1809–1879), the liberal minister of finance and minister pro tempore of the Department of Reformed Worship (the department had been abolished in 1868), had obtained official recognition from the cabinet for the General Council of Oversight, which Kuyper complained was a private council within the church. While the State Council for Administration had been abolished in principle (cf. 1869.02), a private council was now being acknowledged as an official council and being given the power of the former state council (see also 1870.13). According to Kuyper, such a maneuver was unprincipled. Kuyper also made reference in that connection to his article in the Kerkelijk Weekblad (see 1869.20).
In this open letter, printed on the front page of De Hoop des Vaderlands. Weekblad voor Christelijk-Nationaal Onderwijs [The hope of the fatherland: Weekly paper for Christian-National primary education], numerous suggestions and proposals are put forward about how to elevate the importance and activity of the local auxiliary associations of the Union for Christian National Primary Education (CNS).
Founded in 1860, the CNS was in danger of narrowing its goals to the establishment of Christian schools and losing the focus of its original purpose to advance and propagate the Christian National school. After making Christian schooling possible, many of the governing boards of the local auxiliary associations no longer had a clear vision of what they should be doing. The Central Committee of the CNS published this open letter to assist local auxiliary associations in interpreting their mission and developing more detailed organizational structures.
The correspondence (ACNS, no. 86) makes clear that Kuyper wrote the draft. Groen van Prinsterer had commissioned him to draft the letter at the general meeting of the union (cf. 1869.15). The draft was originally intended as the text of a circular letter which would be sent to the boards of the auxiliary associations of the union. After making a few changes of minor significance, the Central Committee decided to publish this letter instead under the name of its commissioners (J. de Neufville, chairman, and N.M. Feringa, secretary) in De Hoop des Vaderlands. Kuyper very likely drafted and composed many items where his name did not appear or where it simply appeared in the midst of other signatories.
An article about the dependencies still influencing the course of the Anti-Revolutionaries. According to Kuyper, however, the independence of the Anti-Revolutionary school of thought, with its five representatives in the Second Chamber, would soon be made much more manifest.
Commentary on the assertion by I.A. Lamping (1831–1905) that the proponents of Christian schooling were not supporting their conviction financially. In his response, Kuyper cites a newspaper article in which opponents of Christian schools acknowledge that proponents of special schooling have made great monetary sacrifices on behalf of their cause.
A brief, emended commentary about the costs of Christian education.
Commentary on a conflict during the inaugural meeting of the School League held in Utrecht on October 27, 1869. At the meeting Kuyper said, among other things, that the prevailing concept of the state in the Netherlands was satanisch [satanic]. This remark then elicited other forceful comments (cf. 1870.11).
A report (I), explanation (II), and response to a press commentary (III) about the inaugural meeting of the School League, held in Utrecht on October 27, 1869, at a time when more than 100,000 children in the Netherlands (population in 1869: 3,580,000) received no primary education. The meeting was intended to organize communally against this circumstance, which according to prevailing opinion was an enormous failure of the Dutch school system. The Utrecht Auxiliary Association of the Union for Christian National Primary Education had previously considered the situation internally (cf. 1869.33). These deliberations led Kuyper to submit the following amendment to the School League’s mission statement: “Total freedom of school choice shall precede the introduction of mandatory schooling.” Christian parents would otherwise be required to send their children to a public school if there was no Christian school in the surrounding area. Without a guarantee of genuinely free school choice, conscientious objectors could be jailed for their non-compliance. The amendment was rejected. Since participation in the School League was now akin to promoting the abolition of the freedom of conscience, Kuyper and his supporters walked out of the meeting (cf. 1869.33).
Article on changing the electoral law, which hindered minorities from taking part in the governance of the nation (cf. 1894.04).
Kuyper’s reviews of political newspapers, published under the headings “Staatkundige dagbladen” (no. 45), “Staatkundige pers” (nos. 48–49, 53), and “Staatkundige dagbladpers” (no. 52).
Kuyper’s reviews of Christian newspapers, published under the headings “Christelijke weekbladen” (no. 45) and “Christelijke pers” (nos. 47, 49–53). The purpose of this section was to advance the unity of the Protestant Christian press.
Series of four articles on the separation of church and state and the liberation of the church. In his Nederlandsche Gedachten (no. 13, November 27, 1869 and no. 14, December 4, 1869), Groen van Prinsterer called these articles an “excellent explanatory memorandum,” arguing that they were so “masterly” that in his view they deserved to be published separately as a pamphlet.
A short comment on the statement, printed in De Heraut, no. 46, November 12, 1869, by the Rev. Th.H. Nahuys (1836–1915) about the commotion at the meeting of the School League (see 1869.27) and why he did not leave the meeting in protest as Kuyper and others had. In an editorial note after the commentary, Kuyper asks why Nahuys did not attend the meeting of the Auxiliary Association of the Union for Christian National Primary Education, which had been held on October 26, 1869 at Utrecht. The piece concludes with a brief request to the “papers that oppose us” not to leave anything out when reprinting Nahuys’ declaration. The request reflects concern that Nahuys’ decision not to walk out of the meeting had been wrongly construed.
On Oldtown en zijne inwoners, by Harriet Beecher-Stowe, translated into Dutch by P.J. Roode, pastor at Harencarspel (Rotterdam: H. Nijgh, 1869). In this review of Roode’s translation of Oldtown Folks (1869), Kuyper judges that Stowe’s book is not useful for Dutch readers because its description of social and religious life in the American colonies during the War of Independence is too uncritical. Only personal familiarity with Oldtown and its affairs could make up for the book’s lack of conviction and character.
As an example of how necessary the liberation of the church remained, Kuyper wrote this article about what happened at Zevenhoven in the process of calling a minister. The commentary remarks on the capriciousness of the administrators of the Dutch Reformed Church, who had blocked the pastorless congregation of Zevenhoven from calling an orthodox preacher to its pulpit four times by refusing to authorize any of its calls.
On July 9, 1871, Kuyper confirmed the Rev. Th.J. Locher (1831–1882), who had been assistant pastor with H.F. Kohlbrugge (1803–1875) in Elberfeld and later also pastor in Switzerland, as pastor of the Dutch Reformed Congregation at Zevenhoven (cf. 1872.16).
Article on a pamphlet by Junius (pseudonym, very likely for L. van Woudrichem van Vliet, according to note 380 in Kuyper in de kiem—see 2006.02) containing a draft revision of the Education Act. In the article Kuyper remarks that he appreciates getting a contribution from the liberal side, but expresses the opinion that the national desire for freedom and justice has to be awakened before the new law can be amended.
In the wake of recent debates about church affairs in the Second Chamber of the States General, P.P. van Bosse, minister pro tempore of the Department of Reformed Worship (see 1869.21), had been deemed insufficiently acquainted with the history, organization, and situation of the Dutch Reformed Church. In this article Kuyper asserts that Van Bosse’s tenure in office is harming the interests of the church.
An article concerning the ban on discussing the doctrine of immortality in state schools. The minister of internal affairs, C. Fock (1828–1910), had declared that he considered it inappropriate to discuss the doctrine of immortality in public schools.
Kuyper writes about the calling of the state in this article. He disagrees both with the way the state has dealt with the thorny problems of public morality in previous centuries and with the way the modern state addresses such problems. In his view, the state should not function as any kind of moralist, but should rather foster institutions whose officials, proceedings, and measures are tempered by moral character.
1870
The School League was intended as a denominationally independent organization that aimed to counteract school absenteeism. These nine articles are reports relating to its meeting on October 27, 1869 at Utrecht. The first three articles had been published in De Heraut (see 1869.27). With the exception of a few lines on pp. 49–50 (see 1869.33), the remaining six are by authors other than Kuyper.
The meeting of the School League at Utrecht on October 27, 1869 (see 1869.27) had raised the matter of school absenteeism and compulsory school attendance. This article claims that the moral conviction of the Dutch people mandates a school-attendance law that neither forces the compliance of conscientious objectors nor imperils the indigent.
Kuyper’s reviews of Christian newspapers. Subsequent reviews in De Heraut were written by A. Brummelkamp jr. (1839–1919).
Kuyper’s reviews of political newspapers. Subsequent reviews in De Heraut were written by A. Brummelkamp jr.
A policy proposal for like-minded deputies in the classis, which suggests how their actions may be strengthened and made more effective. Kuyper provides suggestions in this article about what to do before, during, and after the meeting of the classis (cf. 1870.18).
A series of three articles on the draft higher education bill of C. Fock (1828–1910), minister of internal affairs, which tacitly put forward a theological faculty oriented toward modern theology. Among other things, the articles claim generally that the church must be freed from the state and specifically that the church requires a “free university” (cf. 1875.12).
Two articles recommending J.J. Teding van Berkhout (1814–1880) as candidate for the Second Chamber of the States General in the electoral district of Amsterdam.
Reply to a letter to the editor written by D. Chantepie de la Saussaye (1818–1874), who stated that he had not used the word misdadig [criminal] publicly (cf. 1870.11). Kuyper writes that Chantepie de la Saussaye is right; someone else had used the incriminating word. In a letter dated Rotterdam, November 13, 1869, however, Chantepie declared that he agreed with the characterization expressed by the word “criminal” at the inaugural meeting of the School League (see 1869.27).
Article on the nursery schools bill of C. Fock, minister of internal affairs. This draft was regarded as a threat to freedom, independent schooling, and the freedom of religion. Recognizing that some legislation is necessary, the article offers a framework for a new draft.
A series of nine articles (for the first article, see 1870.14) on a serious, fundamental dispute between members of the Union for Christian National Primary Education and a faction that resigned from membership. The dispute erupted over the adjectives misdadig [criminal], which Dr. D. Chantepie de la Saussaye was said to have used in public (see 1870.09) and daemonisch [demonic], which Dr. N. Beets (1814–1903) uttered at the inaugural meeting of the School League (cf. 1869.26). Both adjectives had been used to describe the position held by Kuyper, who had advised to comply with the governmental proposal by scrapping the word “Christian” in Article 23 of the Educational Law. According to Kuyper (in the meeting of the School League on October 27, 1969), the reigning concept of the state was satanisch [satanic] in any case (cf. 1869.27). See also 1992.01, appendix 3, pages 725–726.
The second article was misprinted (no. 13, April 1, 1870) and republished preceding the third article. The numbering of the articles is disordered. Article V was not numbered and this was corrected by jumping from article VI to article VIII. The final article was numbered X instead of IX.
This sheet is a call for a public meeting signed by the student E. Barger (1846–1917), secretary of Philistoria. The document includes nine theses by Kuyper on the Christian Historical movement. The theses have to do with what he considered the fundamental starting points in political theory: the Christian principle and the revolutionary principle of 1789. A copy of this notification of the meeting has been preserved.
Philistoria was a debating society at Utrecht for theology and law students involved in the Christian Historical movement (cf. 1992.01, p. 4, note 2). Kuyper was involved in the founding of Philistoria, patronized this student society, and was honorary chairman. The first meeting of the society was held on October 31, 1869.
Comment about the proposed government subsidy of ƒ7,000 for the General Supervisory Board (see 1869.02 and 1869.21). According to Kuyper, the financing of this board is not a matter for the state but for the church (cf. 1869.20).
Reply to the Nieuwe Rotterdamsche Courant (NRC), a prominent liberal daily, on a purported difference of opinion between Groen van Prinsterer and Kuyper. The NRC (no. 78, March 19, 1870) had commented on the first article from 1870.11, which dealt with the serious dispute among the members of the Union for Christian National Primary Education (CNS). The NRC indicated that Kuyper had contradicted Groen van Prinsterer with his article. Indeed, Groen had told the CNS in June 1869 that “independence has been regained, unanimity is now observed.” With a hardly concealed tone of triumph, the NRC concluded by asking, “How can the liberals be asked to present a proposal to overcome the grievances and objections of CNS?”
A favorable review of J. Wolbers, De Protestantsche Militaire Vereeniging: “Vreest God, eert den Koning” te Utrecht. Rede ter opening van het locaal dezer Vereeniging (Utrecht: Kemink en Zoon, 1870). [The Protestant Military Union: “Fear God, Honor the King” at Utrecht. A speech on the occasion of the inauguration of the union hall.] After discussing the speech by J. Wolbers at the opening of a Christian military fellowship home (on February 17, 1870 at Van Wijckskade 88, Utrecht), Kuyper issues an urgent plea that such fellowship homes be founded in other garrison towns.
Draft bylaws for the Association for the Free Management of Church Properties of the Reformed Congregations followed by a short explanation describing how the association came into existence (pp. 4–7). The draft bylaws were composed by B.J.L. baron de Geer van Jutphaas, chairmain of the Executive Commission of the Central Committee concerning Church Properties (see 1869.17). An original draft in Kuyper’s handwriting (KA 180) shows that Kuyper wrote the short explanation. The document, which was sent to all the church trustees who had attended the March 29 meeting described below, is signed by the members of the executive commission, Kuyper included, as well as by the secretary (HUA/NHKU 92). See also 1870.21.
On March 29, 1870, the executive commission convened a meeting with representatives of those church trustees who had voted for free management of church properties. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the draft bylaws that the General Supervisory Board had sent to all the trustees of the Dutch Reformed Church. After having judged these draft bylaws to conflict with the principle of congregational autonomy, the delegates at this meeting founded the Association for the Free Management of Church Properties of the Reformed Congregations. The bylaws were adopted during a meeting of delegates in Utrecht on November 25, 1870. The association was dissolved in June 1889.
The intention behind the Bijbel-album was to publish, in twenty installments and in cooperation with more than fifteen theologians, a history of divine revelation illustrated by forty steel engravings. This first part contains the introduction and two engravings. A prospectus, likely authored by Kuyper, is printed inside the cover.
In the introduction Kuyper asserted the authority of the Scriptures as the Word of God in such an unquestioning way that five contributors withdrew their commitment. Indeed, no subsequent installments of the Bijbel-album were published. Kuyper resigned as editor after consulting with the publisher and the edition was discontinued. Kuyper’s justification for his decision may be read in the preface to 1870.32.
The two steel engravings—Moses looking at the promised land and the capture of Babylon by Cyrus—were drawn by Cassel and engraved by J.F.C. Reckleben and by D.J. Sluyter respectively. The publisher H.C. A Campagne had already used prints of both engravings in a deluxe edition of the Bible intended “for all social classes” and printed in installments from 1863 to 1866. The same engravers also produced the illustrations for both volumes mentioned in connection with 1869.13.
Kuyper sought co-authors for the Bijbel-album in a circular letter dated November 11, 1869. Although no copy of the letter has been discovered, D. Chantepie de la Saussaye makes reference to it in a letter to Kuyper dated December 18, 1869 (KA 118).
Kuyper was the lone author of a similar—but much more prestigious—work, which he successfully saw to publication forty years later (see 1912.13).
Final words of advice, admonition, and instruction to equip delegates for the forthcoming meetings of the classes (cf. 1870.06).
A plea for much more openness, information, and publicity within the church for the benefit of the members of the congregations (cf. 1872.04), accompanied by a critical report on the meeting of the classis in the Domkerk at Utrecht on June 29, 1870.
A brief notice about the goings-on in Benschop, where the district court at Utrecht had judged in favor of the free management of church properties. In this article Kuyper again emphasizes that every congregation can obtain the right to manage its church properties freely.
An admonition to free church properties from the state (cf. 1869.02). This article points out that 500 out of 1,400 congregations already enjoy free (i.e., independent) management of their properties. The draft text of the regulations for the Association for Free Management of Church Properties of the Reformed Congregations, founded at Utrecht on March 29, 1870 (cf. 1870.16), is attached to the article.
A review of J. Westrik’s Konstantinopel, Smyrna, het Suez-kanaal, Jeruzalem (Amsterdam, 1870). Written in a popular and uncomplicated style for the working classes, these reflections on a journey made by a pastor and a merchant are warmly recommended as a specimen of a genre all too often neglected by contemporary authors.
I. Contains a letter from the board of the Central Committee concerning Church Properties (cf. 1869.17) to the Synod of the Dutch Reformed Church sitting in session in The Hague. The letter protests the official decision of the synod to delegate its responsibility to the General Supervisory Board, which had been installed by the government.
II. A brief commentary on several long quotations from the Nieuwe Rotterdamsche Courant, which surprisingly supported the case for the free management of church properties.
Parting words at Utrecht, based on the text of Revelation 3:11f. In the sermon Kuyper emphasizes that false and true conservatism must be sharply distinguished. False conservatism is devoted to the shell, the external, while true conservatism is devoted to the pearl, the principle, which is life with the risen Christ. The sermon also analyzes false conservatism in the contemporary church.
First sermon preached at Amsterdam, based on the text of Ephesians 3:17f. The terms “rooted” and “grounded” are applied in reference to the essence and form of the church, which can be viewed both as an organism and as an institution. The moderns deny the organic essence of the church, while the irenic do not do sufficient justice to the institutional form of the church. Both aspects belong indispensably together in a church free from state supervision and centralized church administration. Reformed theology demands that churches be self-governing and self-administrating. The preacher also asks the community to give attention to the pressing social questions of the day.
According to the preface, the parting words at Utrecht (see 1870.24) and this first sermon at Amsterdam were deliberately published simultaneously because of their interrelationship. Both deal with topics affecting the contemporary situation of the Dutch Reformed Church in the Netherlands and thus complement one another.
The customary words of acknowledgement are also included.
Two articles on the periodical Protestantsche Bijdragen. According to the first article, this periodical (which was published from 1870 to 1874) was keeping silent about G. Groen van Prinsterer’s disagreement with D. Chantepie de la Saussaye and N. Beets. Both articles comment on a piece written by O.W. Star Numan (1840–1899) that had appeared in Protestantsche Bijdragen under the title “De reorganisatie van het Bestuur der Hervormde Kerk” [The reorganization of the administration of the Reformed Church].
This letter reveals Kuyper’s authorship of the circular sent by the executive commission of the Central Committee concerning Church Properties (see 1869.17). Rev. B. Bolleman van der Veen (1818–1892) had objected to this circular and his objection had been published in De Kerkelijke Courant (October 9, 1869—cf. 1937.01, app. 3, p. 373). Kuyper’s letter deals with this objection and with a misunderstanding that had arisen between the two men.
Draft letter to the consistories of the Dutch Reformed Church. The letter (KA 179) invites the consistories to send delegates to a consultation about the baptism question. This action was prompted by the Synod of the Dutch Reformed Church’s new pronouncement about the baptismal formula. At the Synod of 1870, it had rejected by majority vote its provisional determination of 1869, according to which baptism had to be administered with the customary formula from Matthew 28:17 (cf. 1868.09). The invitation states that the meeting will take place in Amsterdam and that the specifics regarding time, date, and place will be made known in the press. Those seeking additional information are directed to A.W. Bronsveld.
Bronsveld (1839–1924) likely wrote the draft for the “Letter to the Members of Congregations Belonging to the Dutch Reformed Church” (Harderwijk: M.C. Bronsveld), which was published about a week later in response to the same synodical decision.
A group of fourteen prominent representatives of various interest groups in the Dutch Reformed Church stood behind both the invitation to the consistories and the letter to congregational members. Kuyper aligned himself with this group. While it was announced that the consultation would take place on October 31, 1870, a subsequent newspaper advertisement postponed the event. Finally, the idea of the consultation was given up completely due to disunity among its initiators. It is interesting to note that the publication of 1870.33 apparently also fell through.
I. “De nieuwe stemming” [The new mood]. This item concerns the defeat of the General Supervisory Board (cf. 1869.02) and the growing influence of the movement for the free management of church properties.
II. “Ds. Bolleman van der Veen ten derden male” [For the third time, Rev. Bolleman van der Veen]. (Cf. 1869.20 and 1870.27.) This item concerns the Open Brief aan den heer A. Kuyper, Theol. Doct. en Predikant te Utrecht van B. Bolleman van der Veen (Leeuwarden, 1870). Kuyper uses this open letter to point out again the significance of the argument over the congregational right to autonomy.
The editor in chief of De Heraut, C. Schwartz (see 1869.16), died two weeks prior to the publication of these two items, which for a long time were to be the final contributions to De Heraut that Kuyper signed and dated. Kuyper was appointed editor ad interim and his articles in De Heraut (with the exception of 1871.06) will accordingly no longer be separately listed in this bibliography.
Six sermons delivered at Amsterdam in 1870, published in six parts with continuous pagination. According to the publisher’s advertisement on the back cover, a new issue would be published every week and it was not possible to purchase individual issues separately.
The sermons were published as follows:
- 1. “De troost der eeuwige verkiezing” [The comfort of eternal election] (Isa. 41:9, 10), published September 1870 (see also 1871.09)
- 2. “Rust der ziel bij de onrust der tijden” [Rest for the soul amidst the unrest of the times] (Ps. 46), published September 1870
- 3. “Het kruis van Christus het levensideaal” [The cross of Christ, the ideal of life] (Gal. 6:14–16), published October 1870
- 4. “De Heere is onze rotssteen” [The Lord is our rock] (Deut. 32:3a, 4a), published November 1870
- 5. “Godsdienst en zedelijkheid” [Religion and morality] (Ezek. 36:25a, 26–27, 31–32), published November 1870
- 6. “Het onbewust adventsgebed” [The unknowing advent prayer] (Mal. 3:1), published December 1870
The introduction of 1870.17 is reprinted with rearranged composition. The preface relates what happened to the planned edition of the Bijbel-album (see 1870.17).
The specifications of this edition are derived from an extensive list of Kuyper’s works in the Studentenalmanak voor het jaar 1902 van het Studentencorps aan de Vrije Universiteit te Amsterdam onder de zinspreuk N.D.D.D. (Amsterdam, p. 76), as well as from the title of a series of articles in De Heraut.
Rullmann (RKB 30, pp. 105–106) refers to a series of four articles, titled De Doopskwestie [The Baptism Question], which were supposed to have been reprinted in this brochure from De Heraut 21 (1870), no. 40, October 7, 1870–no. 43, October 28, 1870. But did Rullmann actually have this edition at hand? In the following issues, Kuyper published yet another series of articles about baptism (De Heraut 21 (1870), no. 44, November 4, 1870–no. 46, November 18, 1870). The title of this second series is more elaborate and (apart from the punctuation) conforms entirely with the title of the brochure listed in the almanac.
The title also appears as De Doopskwestie on a handwritten inventory with repeatedly short titles (cf. 1860.01).
This item seems to have been printed but never sold or distributed (cf. 1879.12).
1871
In December 1870 De Heraut was purchased from the Nederlandsche Stoomdrukkerij [Dutch Steam Press] at Amsterdam by the Heraut Association, which Kuyper and several of his supporters had established expressly for that purpose. The association named Kuyper editor in chief. The first number of 1871 appeared with a new nameplate. The previous subtitle “A Dutch Voice for Israel’s King, the Head of the Congregation” (see 1869.16) was altered and brought into greater conformity with the new objectives of the weekly: “For a Free Church and a Free School in the Free Netherlands.” To the left and right of the title a twofold motto appeared: Israëls Koning, het Hoofd der Gemeente [Israel’s King, the head of the congregation] and Oranje, kerk en vaderland [The House of Orange, church, and fatherland].
The weekly became a daily June 6–12, 1871 in connection with the June 13 elections for the Second Chamber. De Heraut 23 (1872), no. 12, March 22, 1872 was provisionally the final issue. In October 1871 De Heraut had 768 subscribers (KA 185.18).
First volume of the works of the Marnix Society (see 1868.11), containing part 3 of the Registeren ofte Consistoriebouck der Nederduytsche Ghemeynte te Londen [Acts or the consistory book of the Dutch congregation in London]. The Dutch refugee church in London was of great importance in the sixteenth century for the development of Reformed Protestantism in the Netherlands (see 1871.05). It is noteworthy that while part 3 of the protocols runs from November 10, 1569 to September 2, 1571, this edition ends on May 17, 1571. Part 3 was not published in its entirety for budgetary reasons. The financial position of the society was weak due to its low membership. An abbreviated volume was less expensive to publish and could be sent before the end of the year to subscribers who had made their annual contribution. The publication was delayed, however, because four pages (pp. 49–50, 77–78) had to be replaced, reset, reprinted, and glued back in at the last moment. The volume was finally ready on January 10, 1871 and afterwards also separately available at ƒ2.50.
This first volume of the first series of the Werken der Marnix-Vereeniging is the only volume that Kuyper edited. It was transcribed by a copyist in Utrecht and includes an index of personal names. A new and more complete edition of the Kerkeraads-protocollen was edited by A.J. Jelsma and O. Boersma and published under the title Acta van het Consistorie van de Nederlandse gemeente te Londen. 1569–1585 in Rijks Geschiedkundige Publicatiën. Kleine serie 76 (’s-Gravenhage, 1993).
After having spent a month consulting archives and libraries in England (cf. 1922. 03), Kuyper returned at the beginning of August 1867 with a portfolio of original documents for publication by the Marnix Society.
For a history of the Marnix Society see J. Vree’s detailed account entitled “The Marnix-Vereeniging: Abraham Kuyper’s First National Organisation (1868–1889),” which was published in the Dutch Review of Church History, volume 84 (Leiden: 2004, pp. 388–475). J.C. Rullmann has also written about the society (see 1932.02).
The works of the Marnix Society appeared in three series containing sixteen volumes. The print run was 350 for each volume. The copies are bound in a plain grey natural paper cover.
- 1. Kerkeraadsprotocollen der Hollandsche gemeente te Londen, 1569–1571 [The protocols of the consistory of the Dutch congregation in London, 1569–1571]. Published by A. Kuyper, Utrecht: 1870.
- 2. Stukken betreffende de diaconie der vreemdelingen te Emden, 1560–1576 [Items relating to the deaconate for foreigners at Emden, 1560–1576]. Published by J.J. van Toorenenbergen, Utrecht: 1876.
- 3. Handelingen van den kerkeraad der Nederlandsche gemeente te Keulen, 1571–1591 [Acts of the consistory of the Dutch congregation at Cologne, 1571–1591]. Published by H.Q. Janssen and J.J. van Toorenenbergen, Utrecht: 1881.
- 1–2. Acten van de colloquia der Nederlandsche gemeenten in Engeland, 1575–1624. Followed by: Aanhangsel. Uittreksels uit de acten der volgende colloquia. 1627–1706 [Acts of the colloquia of the Dutch congregations in England, 1575–1624. Appendix. Extracts from the acts of the following colloquia: 1627–1706]. Published by J.J. van Toorenenbergen, Utrecht: 1872–1875 (2 parts).
- 3. Acten van classicale en synodale vergaderingen der verstrooide gemeenten in het land van Cleef, Sticht van Keulen en Aken, 1571–1589 [Acts of the classical and the synodical meetings of the dispersed congregations in the land of Cleves, Episcopacy of Cologne, and Aachen, 1571–1589]. Published by H.Q. Janssen and J.J. van Toorenenbergen, Utrecht: 1882.
- 4. Acta van de Nederlandsche synoden der zestiende eeuw [Acts of the Dutch synods of the sixteenth century]. Collected and published by F.L. Rutgers, Utrecht: 1889. Another 200 copies were published in 1889 by Martinus Nijhoff, ’s Gravenhage (reprinted, Dordrecht: 1980).
- 1. Gheschiedenissen ende handelingen die voornemelick aengaen de Nederduytsche natie ende gemeynten, wonende in Engelant ende int bysonder tot Londen, vergadert door Symeon Ruytinck, Caesar Calandrinus ende Aemilius van Culenborgh, Dienaren des Godlicken Woords [Histories and acts that relate principally to the Dutch nation and the congregation living in England and in particular at London, collected by Symeon Ruytinck, Caesar Calandrinus, and Aemilius van Culenborgh, pastors]. Published by J.J. van Toorenenbergen, Utrecht: 1873 (2 parts).
- 2. Brieven uit onderscheidene kerkelijke archieven [Letters from various church archives]. Collected and published by H.Q. Janssen and J.J. van Toorenenbergen, Utrecht: 1877–1878 (2 parts).
- 3. Bescheiden aangaande de Kerkhervorming in Vlaanderen [Documents concerning the reformation of the church in Flanders]. Published by H.Q. Janssen, Utrecht: 1877.
- 4. Brieven uit onderscheidene kerkelijke archieven [Letters from various church archives]. Collected and published by H.Q. Janssen and J.J. van Toorenenbergen, Utrecht: 1880.
- 5. Brieven uit onderscheidene kerkelijke archieven [Letters from various church archives]. Collected and published by J.J. van Toorenenbergen, Utrecht: 1882–1885. (3 parts: [.1] 1882, [.2] 1884, and [.3] 1885).
The stock of the Marnix Society was sold in 1889 to Martinus Nijhoff (see 1868.11).
New Year’s Eve sermon on Luke 18:13, delivered in the Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam. The events of the previous year—including, among others, the Franco-German war, the fall of Napoleon III, the fall of Rome, and the consequent end of the papal state and the status of the pope as a temporal authority—are depicted as parables of divine judgment. The preacher also points to the judgment of God upon the spirit of the age.
The sermon went through numerous printings, in part because it was printed from the start as a cheap edition with the possibility, after the first 1,000 copies had been sold, of a discount for those wishing to distribute the sermon freely.
The introduction to a Dutch translation of Zur Arbeiterfrage. Von einem Landpfarrer für Landpfarrer und für Alle welche es lesen wollen [On the social question: from a country parson for country parsons and for anyone who wants to read it], which was originally published in Halle (C.C.M. Pfeffer, 1870, 31 pp.). The author and translator could not be traced.
The central claim of the introduction is that, although the efforts by the Rev. O.G. Heldring and others should be respected, the church must do more than fight against isolated social evils and save individual souls. The church cannot close her eyes to the social question.
A historical sketch of the Dutch refugee congregation at London in 1570–1571, written on the basis of information drawn from the first part of the archival publications of the Marnix Society (see 1871.02). Kuyper’s account of this source was not completely free of the intention of gaining publicity for the Marnix Society and its publications among a broader public. This double issue, which describes two years of the joys and hardships of the congregation, is even introduced with a few lines advertising the benefits of membership (ƒ10.—annually) in the Marnix Society (see 1868.11).
The series Voor drie-honderd jaren [Three hundred years ago] consists of five volumes (1869–1872, 1873/1874) of short monographs about subjects and events related to the Dutch struggle for liberation against Spanish domination and to the Reformation in the Netherlands. The majority of these monographs have to do with the years 1569 to 1572.
The series for 1870–1871 was published in parts and was completed by May 1871. The publisher provided a nice cloth binding with the final installment (orange; lettered in gold and with gilt decorations on front cover and spine; blind tooling on the covers).
Kuyper, who was the editor in chief of De Heraut as well as a candidate for the Second Chamber, convened a meeting on April 18, 1871 between the editorial boards of De Bazuin, De Heraut, De Hoop des Vaderlands, Kerkelijk Weekblad, Wekstem, and De Volksbode. The purpose of the meeting was to reach agreement about a course of action to strengthen the influence of the Christian press in light of the upcoming national elections of June 13. Kuyper put forward a short and pithy three point program: (1) maintain the indepedence of the Christian Historical school of thought; (2) make free schools the rule and state schools the exception; and (3) promote a more democratic electoral system.
The program concluded with a call to readers to send to the editors of their papers the addresses of the chairmen and secretaries of the electoral associations in their electoral districts. The editors at the meeting accepted the proposed program.
According to note 25 on page 66 of 1871.10, Kuyper argued in this pamphlet that the modernists were fostering popular misunderstanding by asserting that they were the true sons of the Reformation—i.e., the true Protestants. In particular, Kuyper directed his argument against Een Protestant, no. 9, in the series Stichtelijke blaadjes [Devotional tracts] (Amsterdam: T. Kouwenaar, [1870], 4 pp., 22cm.—price ƒ0.01). These tracts were published by the Association for the Distribution of Devotional Tracts, founded on April 9, 1869, and were intended to propagate the modernist perspective in theology.
In De Heraut 21, no. 50, December 16, 1870, the publisher reports that a subscription form to Anti-moderne Blaadjes has been distributed and that twenty-four issues, each with four to eight pages, will appear yearly. For ƒ1.50 per year, subscribers would receive three copies of pamphlets with four pages and two copies of pamphlets with eight pages. A reduction in price would be extended to those who purchased greater quantities. In De Heraut, no. 20, May 17, 1871, Kuyper reports the receipt of “a half-dozen pamphlets from the series that has been appearing for some time in opposition to the pamphlets of the moderns.”
In this letter Kuyper reports to G. Groen van Prinsterer that he does not have any objection to being put forward as a candidate for the Second Chamber in the election slated for June 13, 1871, but that for many reasons he must defer any decision actually to become a member of Parliament until after he has been elected. Kuyper requests him to publish this letter in the next issue of Nederlandsche Gedachten.
This sermon followed Kuyper’s inaugural sermon at Amsterdam and was also published in two issues of a South African church newsletter.
De Gereformeerde Kerkbode was an independent periodical published on behalf of the Dutch Reformed Church in South Africa by the Rev. A. Faure (1795–1875), who also served for many years as its editor in chief. In 1880 De Gereformeerde Kerkbode was incorporated into De Christen (see 1882.08), a new independent paper, as a section for official notices.
A lecture on modernism in the church, held in several Dutch cities (Zwolle, Kampen, Amsterdam, The Hague, and Dordrecht) during the months of March and April 1871. The lecture severely criticizes theological liberalism and states that while the phenomenon of modernism is both fascinating and ineluctable, it is nevertheless unreal. It is a fata morgana that does not reflect the reality of religion, morality, theology, or the church. While modernists permit the Word of God only to shimmer in ethereal visions, Christians hold that the Word of God became flesh and lived among us. Sixty explanatory notes in small type (pp. [57]–76) were added to the lecture.
Kuyper later reflected on this lecture in De Heraut, no. 906, May 5, 1895.
This article was announced in 1871.10 (see note 23 on p. 66) and is a response to an article by Dr. A. Pierson (1831–1896) in De Gids 35 (= Series 3, vol. 9), part 2, June 1871 (pp. [453]–487), entitled “Een keerpunt in de wijsgerige ontwikkeling” [A turning point in the development of philosophy], which rejected the fashionable deterministic conception of the world. Pierson’s astonishing acknowledgment of a moral world order is the perel [pearl]. The schelp [shell] is his introductory empirical-dialectical argument, which does not accommodate the pearl and into which the pearl cannot be fitted without damage. Kuyper concludes that Dr. A. Pierson, while a modernist himself, points in a direction leading away from modernism.
A motivational talk held on September 6, 1871 in the Schotsche Zendingskerk in Amsterdam on the occasion of the eleventh anniversary of the Dutch Reformed Missions League. The address, which is based on John 20:21b, focuses on three questions. First, who has the authority to send missionaries? Second, who must be sent? Finally, what is the purpose of missions? The address argues against missions by missionary societies and for missions by Christian congregations. (On May 31, 1894 the missionary work of the league was delegated to the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands.)
In a notice to the reader, Kuyper makes clear that this publication is not a verbatim report, but stems from the detailed notes of a reporter who attended the meeting. The profits from the publication were donated to the Dutch Reformed Missions League.
1872
New Year’s Eve sermon on Matthew 4:17b, delivered in the Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam. Written against the background of the bloody Paris Commune, the wars, and the remarkable peace accords of 1871, the sermon addresses three main points: (1) false freedom, (2) the Spirit from the depths, and (3) the signs of God’s judgment.
Like 1871.03, this sermon was published in a cheap edition with the possibility of a high-volume discount for the purpose of free distribution (10 copies, ƒ0.60).
After numerous attempts by several parties—especially C. Schwartz, who founded De Heraut in 1850—to found a Protestant Christian political newspaper (see 1869.12), Kuyper succeeded on April 1, 1872 with the publication of De Standaard. In the first issue, the editor expressly took note of the fact that the new paper was commencing publication on precisely the same day that the Dutch struggle for independence had begun 300 years earlier with the capture of Den Briel by the Geuzen [Sea Beggars].
De Heraut continued to be published as an ecclesiastical weekly under the new name De Standaard. Zondagsnummer [The Standard: Sunday Edition], which likewise first appeared on April 1, 1872 and was published from April 5, 1874 to May 27, 1877 under the name Zondagsblad van De Standaard. Beginning on December 7, 1877, this Zondagsblad continued to be published as De Heraut (see 1877.05).
De Standaard can be considered a rebirth of Mr. G. Groen van Prinsterer’s daily De Nederlander (no. 1, July 1, 1850–no. 1538, June 29, 1855). Alongside the daily leading articles, article series, and other contributions, Kuyper also wrote the so-called “three stars,” or “asterisms,” which were short editorials or commentaries about contemporary events. An idea taken from the “occasional notes” in British newspapers (or from G. Groen van Prinsterer), these asterisms were printed in columns and named after the three asterisks printed next to heading of the column. Kuyper penned approximately 16,800 asterisms for De Standaard. The first asterism marked as such appeared on March 1, 1875 and the last on December 18, 1919, by which time he had already ceased making regular contributions for health reasons (cf. 1989.01). The final asterism deals respectfully with a fellow journalist, L.J. Plemp van Duiveland, chairman (1911–1920) of the Dutch Association of Journalists and editor in chief of the Nieuwe Courant, who had also had to put aside his work for health-related reasons. The first and the final of these columns were reprinted in 1922.01 and were also included among the 429 asterisms reprinted in 1932.08.
The paper began printing its title line in blackletter on April 1, 1889. This blackletter format stayed in place up to and including the final issue—De Standaard 73 (1944/1945) no. 21959, December 15, 1944. For special issues of De Standaard, see 1922.01 and 1937.05; for reprints (including a reprint of the first issue), see 1972.01. Concerning the numbering of the volumes, see 1911.07.
Apart from a few interruptions, Kuyper remained the editor in chief of De Standaard until November 9, 1920. De Standaard was not a financial success during the period of Kuyper’s ownership (1887–1916) and several infusions of capital were required to keep it afloat over the years. Several facts and figures relating to the paper are given below.
| Circulation: | |
| 1882 | 2,500 |
| 1911 | 3,700 |
| 1918 | 11,500 |
| 1937 | 24,000 |
| 1940 | 26,240 |
| 1943 | 34,091 |
| 1944 | 19,325 |
| Owner of De Standaard: | |
| 1872–1874 | The Heraut Association (in 1874 The Heraut Association retained ownership of the Zondagsblad) |
| 1874–1880 | De Nederlandsche Stoomdrukkerij (from October 1874, the Koninklijke Nederlandsche Stoomdrukkerij) |
| 1880–1887 | J.H. Kruyt |
| 1887–1916 | A. Kuyper |
| 1916–1944 | N.V. De Standaard |
| Editor in chief: | |
| April 1, 1872–November 9, 1920 | Dr. A. Kuyper |
| July 14, 1927–October 1, 1939 | Dr. H. Colijn (who subsequently served as the chief political editor from October 2, 1939—August 29, 1940 and then as the politically responsible editor in chief from August 30, 1940–February 5, 1941) |
| May 8, 1941–December 15, 1944 | T. Cnossen and then H. Burger |
| Publisher: | |
| 1872–1874 | H. de Hoogh & Co. |
| 1874–1887 | J.H. Kruyt |
| 1887–1897 | J.A. Wormser |
| 1898–1907 | (N.V.) Boekh. vh Höveker & Wormser |
| 1907–1916 | J.W. Reese en R.C. Verweijck |
| 1916–1944 | N.V. De Standaarddrukkerij |
| Printer: | |
| 1872–1874 | De Nederlandsche Stoomdrukkerij |
| 1874–1893 | Koninklijke Nederlandsche Stoomdrukkerij |
| 1894–1898 | Electrische Drukkerij voorheen J.J. Arnd & Zonen |
| 1898–1913 | Fa. De Roever Kröber & Bakels |
| 1913–1944 | N.V. De Standaarddrukkerij |
| Format: | ||
| 1872–1873 | 48cm. | |
| 1873–1903 | 54cm. | |
| 1903–1944 | 60cm. | Already reduced to a single issue per week due to wartime rationing, the final issue (vol. 73, no. 21959) appeared on December 15, 1944. On May 5, 1945, the first issue of the newspaper Trouw (previously distributed through an underground network) was printed on the presses of the suspended De Standaard. The print run of Trouw amounted to 312,650 by September 1945. An attempt to revive De Standaard after World War II as a weekly paper with the subtitle Anti-Revol. politiek-cultureel weekblad [Anti-revolutionary political-cultural weekly] (editor in chief: T. Cnossen) lasted from November 30, 1946 (73 [1946], no. 21960) to July 26, 1947 (74 [1947], no. 21992). |
| Subscription rate: | |||||||
| 1872 | quarterly | subscription | ƒ2.27 5, | postage- | paid | ƒ2.75 | (incl. Zondagsnummer) |
| 1873 | ,, | ,, | ƒ2.60, | ,, | ,, | ƒ2.95 | (incl. Zondagsnummer) |
| 1874–1918 | ,, | ,, | ƒ2.50, | ,, | ,, | ƒ2.90 | |
| 1874–1877 | ,, | ,, | incl. Zondagsblad, postage paid ƒ3.20. | ||||
| ,, | ,, | only to the Zondagsblad, postage-paid: ƒ2.- | |||||
| 1918–1919 | ,, | ,, | ƒ2.75, | postage- | paid | ƒ3.15 | |
| 1920 | ,, | ,, | ƒ3.05, | postage- | paid | ƒ3.45 |
A summary—really a verbatim report—of an address that was delivered in abbreviated form in the Zuiderkerk in Amsterdam on the occasion of 19th General Assembly of the Union of Christian School Teachers in the Netherlands. The address was delivered in abbreviated form because the meeting had threatened to overrun its schedule. In the address Kuyper contends that the “Wilhelmus” (which would be recognized as the official Dutch national anthem in 1932) could serve as a source of inspiration for both citizens and teachers in the struggle for the preservation of Christendom in the state and schools. He announces that a gathering not only of primary school teachers but also of secondary school teachers and college professors might take place soon as a consequence of this struggle. (See also “Ons Wilhelmus” in De Standaard, no. 621, April 6/7, 1874.)
This item was later repeatedly published, and once again shortened, in anthologies for Christian primary education—e.g. fifty years later in 1922 (and in the second edition of 1929) in P. de Zeeuw JGzn., Uit ’s lands historieblaân. Geschiedkundig leesboek voor de hoogste klassen der lagere school en laagste klassen der U.L.O.-scholen met den Bijbel. II. (Den Haag/Gouda) and in P. den Boer en J.C. de Koning, Leven. Leesboek voor de Scholen met den Bijbel. IX. (Rijswijk, 1922; fifth printing, 1949).
A detailed sample issue for a church newsletter for the Dutch Reformed Congregation of Amsterdam. The draft is ambitious. A devotional is printed on the front page (by A. Monod, 1802–1856). A listing of all the worship services of the sixteen Protestant churches in Amsterdam is printed on the second page along with a schedule of services of worship for children and Sunday schools, as well as the meeting times of various Christian organizations. On the third and fourth pages there are wide-ranging annoucements from Christian choir associations, confirmation classes, and consistories up to and including the higher church administration. Finally, the draft includes empty space for advertisements (GAA 376).
Kuyper had already put forward a reasoned appeal for openness and freedom of information within the church in 1870, arguing that “publication must more and more become a catchword within the church” (see 1870.19). In this case, however, the draft remained just a draft. Kuyper reported in De Heraut, no. 786, January 15, 1893 that the proposal had not succeeded because potential contributors to the newsletter were contractually obligated to the Dominees briefje [Pastors’ note]—an existing publication listing preaching engagements (published by J.H. Kruyt, Amsterdam).
The first part of a collection of six biblical-theological devotional studies, each of which sets out from a brief biblical citation. This first part deals with the “name” in Holy Scripture (Micah 6:9). Parts 1–4 are reprinted from the Bible studies first published in De Heraut after Kuyper had become its editor in chief ad interim in October 1870. (Kuyper was officially appointed to that position by the Heraut Association on December 15, 1870.)
Four parts, including one double issue, would follow. See 1873.06 regarding the origin of the reprinted articles.
These official proceedings of the Special Consistory of Amsterdam and of the higher church administration have to do with the decision of the Special Consistory on November 23, 1871 to uphold the confession of the church. The majority of the consistory believed that one of its responsibilities was guarding against doctrinal deviation on the part of those wishing to be admitted to congregational membership by confirmation (cf. 1886.01). The Special Consistory had resolved to print all the items that had been exchanged with church officials in reference to the question and to send these documents without charge to enfranchised members of the congregation. This publication and 1872.10 both relate to 1872.07.
The publication was originally included in Rullmann’s bibliography as no. 44 (see De Reformatie 2 [1921/1922], no. 48, September 1, 1922), but it was omitted from 1923.07.
On March 27, 1872, seventeen elders from the Amsterdam Consistory sent a circular letter to the members of the Reformed Congregation in Amsterdam, protesting against modernism in preaching. They declared that insofar as their office permitted they would no longer attend services of word and sacrament led by modernists. The objections that G.H. Kuiper and his 1,322 supporters (1,077 male and 245 female signatories) subsequently raised against these elders are examined and refuted with documentary evidence in this memorandum, which was conceived by Kuyper and sent to G.H. Kuiper and his followers. The names of all the protesting members of the congregation who had made themselves known and to whom this memorandum was directed were printed in three columns on pages 14–25.
Reprinted articles that had appeared in De Standaard under the titles “De martelaren van de Bartholomeusnacht 24 Augustus 1572” [The martyrs of St. Bartholomew’s Eve August 24, 1572] (De Standaard, no. 123, August 24, 1872) and “Rome en de Bartholomeusnacht, I–V” [Rome and St. Bartholomew’s Eve] (De Standaard, no. 129, August 31, 1872–no. 136 September 9, 1872).
After the appearance of the August 24 article in De Standaard, the Roman Catholic newspaper De Maasbode (no. 534, August 27, 1872) had asserted that historical evidence had acquitted Rome of any guilt for the St. Bartholomew’s Eve massacre of August 24, 1572. According to De Maasbode, “none of the opponents of the Roman Catholic Church” had dared to publish anything on the three hundredth anniversary of the massacre except for De Standaard. Moreover, De Maasbode claimed that the memorial published in De Standaard was nothing more than a string of absurdities. The five articles subsequently published in De Standaard review the historical evidence and expressly refute this opinion.
As of 1872 the situation with respect to the management of church property was still rather unclear in Amsterdam. Therefore, Kuyper intervened in September with a proposal and three questions that were accepted by the General Consistory. Kuyper was also invited to take part in the committee that would advise the consistory about the management of their church property. Within a month the consistory received a report from this committee (GAA 376/48) with a summary of eleven findings. Kuyper signed on behalf of the committee and also acted as its reporter. Upon review, the report was returned to the committee for reconsideration of its legality. This decision resulted in the issuing of a second report (see 1873.02).
Proceedings supplementing 1872.06 together with proceedings relating to a matter concerning an instructor of religion, Mrs. C. Mouris, who opposed regulations enacted by the Board of Oversight for Religious Instruction on January 4, 1871. These regulations stipulated that the biblical narratives must be related just as they appear in the Old and New Testaments and that teachers may not present materials that conflict with the Holy Scripture. Mouris did not receive the annual extension of her contract in January 1872. Internally divided over this affair, the Consistory of Amsterdam appealed to the higher church authorities.
A nine-article set of statutes for a new association of members of the General Consistory of the Dutch Reformed Congregation in Amsterdam. Beraad [Consultation] was a coalition within the Amsterdam Consistory that met in advance of consistory meetings to discuss a common line of action. Membership was open to anyone prepared to declare that he would “maintain the congregation for the gospel” in conflicts with the church authorities. The statutes imposed fines on those who missed meetings of Beraad and even upon those who arrived late. The statutes also required members to keep discussions secret when necessary. The statutes were not signed by Kuyper, but by the secretary of the eight-member commission that organized and led the association.
Eensgezindheid [Unanimity] (cf. 1873.04), a similar minority association of orthodox church officials in the General Consistory which had already existed for many years, was abolished after the founding of Beraad. While the purpose of Eensgezindheid had simply been to afford its members the opportunity to advise one another in advance about items that appeared on the agenda of the consistory, Beraad required its members to commit to common strategies and a united course of action in the meetings of the General Consistory. The question of 1872.06 functioned immediately as a test case for the association.
A practical list of over four hundred first lines of metrical psalms in chronological order, with a short introductory note by Kuyper. Originally printed but not published, it was subsequently sold publicly at the request of the printer. The description is taken from an advertisement in De Standaard, no. 216, December 11, 1872.
A Christmas meditation on Jeremiah 18:14 in the illustrated monthly De Zaaier [The Sower].
German translation of 1871.10, but shorn of its explanatory notes. In the introduction C.J. Riggenbach (1818–1890), professor of New Testament in Basel, first presents Kuyper to his Swiss readers and then clarifies several passages that pertain to internal Dutch affairs. Riggenbach was also the author of Der heutige Rationalismus, besonders in der deutschen Schweiz (Basel, 1862), of which a Dutch translation appeared in the same year.
According to the title page, the translator regarded this lecture as a counterbalance to the contemporary mood in Switzerland. The unknown translator may perhaps have been the Rev. Th.J. Locher. The translation was published in Zürich. Locher was born in Canton Zürich and was pastor in Uitikon on the Albis—three miles from Zürich—before he was installed by Kuyper as pastor in Zevenhoven, the Netherlands (see 1869.35). Locher might also have belonged to a small circle of Kohlbruggian pastors in the Zürich area whom Kuyper visited toward the end of April 1871. In any case, the correspondence (KA 206) definitely makes clear that Kuyper was in the midst of preparing 1871.10 for press (most likely in the German version) during this visit to Switzerland.
A reprint of four leading articles dealing with the close of the gospel in Matth. 28:29 and the baptism formula. The series was originally entitled De spitse der openbaring [The spearhead of revelation], and published in De Standaard. Zondagsnummer [The Standard: Sunday edition [1, (1872)], no. 11, June 9, 1872—no. 14, June 30, 1872. The articles were also reissued as the 6th series in 1873.06.
The reprint of the four articles (pp. 5–22) was published by order of Het bestuur der Inwendige Zendingsvereeniging te Middelburg [The Board of the Home Mission Association at Middelburg]. The Board exchanged the original title of the four article series for an appellant address. The reprint is dedicated (p. [2]) to the only modernist pastor in Middelburg, Rev. E.J.W. Koch (1828–1895) and to his modernist sympathizers.
At stake was a protest against the tendency of modernist pastors to baptize “to the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” or “to faith, hope and love”, instead of the classic formula which reads “in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” In 1870 the Synod of the Dutch Reformed Church decided to leave free the liturgical use of the baptismal formula.
1873
In this second edition of 1872.11, the consistory decided to omit the names of the 1,322 signatories who supported G.H. Kuiper and his fellow champions of modernism against the seventeen elders. By resetting the text and printing on cheaper stock, the publisher was able to price the second edition more cheaply than the first. Cf. 1884.06 for this publication strategy.
Report in substitution for 1872.09, signed by Kuyper, who was also the reporter. The purpose of this second report and its three appendices (GAA 376/49) was to present the General Consistory with statutes allowing for the good governance of the church properties of the Dutch Reformed Congregation of Amsterdam and for the protection of their free management. Having obtained legal counsel about the matter (app. 1), the reporting committee offers recommendations to the consistory regarding the alteration of the existing statutes (app. 2). The report also recommends eleven resolutions that the consistory should make after it accepts the conclusions of the report. In the third appendix, the old statutes and a draft of the proposed new statutes are printed in parallel columns.
The redrafted version of this report was accepted with changes during the meeting of the General Consistory of the Dutch Reformed Congregation of Amsterdam and subsequently presented to the Commission for Church Buildings.
A sermon delivered on the occasion of the installation of Ph.S. van Ronkel (1829–1890) in the Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam on Sunday, March 23. Using the text of 2Corinthians 3:17b, the sermon describes the process by which freedom comes to fruition in society, church, and ministry. According to Kuyper, who holds up the United States—that “golden land”—as a model, social freedom arises from the adherence of Christians to the spirit of Christ. Moreover, the freedom of the church demands that it be independent from both the state and the national church (again, the United States points the way forward). As for the freedom of the ministry, pastors must have the liberty to study as they see fit and to serve congregations that share their faith.
The final two pages contain four notes. Two notes make it clear that A. de Tocqueville’s (1805–1859) observations on civil religion in La démocratie en Amérique (published between 1835 and 1840) served as an inspiration for this sermon. The notes conclude with a brief personal address to Ph.S. van Ronkel, “a man of learning and a kindred spirit.”
An open letter to J.H. van der Linden, member of the General Consistory of the Dutch Reformed Congregation at Amsterdam and former leader of Eensgezindheid, concerning his disapproving remarks in the March issue of the same journal about the way in which the association Beraad was founded (see 1872.12). The epistolary form enabled Kuyper to write in a more personal and openhearted way both about the matter in question and about related matters such as his efforts toward a solution of the “church question,” his attitude toward attacks on his character in the press, and his polemical exchange with J.H. Gunning jr. over the interpretation of Scripture. Gunning reacted to the polemic in this open letter with the brochure De Heilige Schrift, Gods Woord. Antwoord aan Dr. A. Kuyper op zijn “Confidentie” [The Holy Scripture, God’s Word. Answer to Dr. A. Kuyper’s “Confidentially”] (Amsterdam: Höveker & Zoon, 1873).
The publication deadline prevented Kuyper from getting everything off his chest, so he left the letter unfinished. The second half of the letter appeared in May 1873 (see 1873.05).
The first part is an offprint of 1873.04. In the second part, Kuyper claims that the future of the church in the Netherlands is his dearest concern. He elucidates this concern, first, by describing where his love for the church came from, second, by explaining what justifies that love, and finally, by indicating where that love is leading him. The epistolary essay testifies to the author’s personal ideals and aspirations for the reformation of the Dutch Reformed Church. The letter also resembles a conversion narrative insofar as the author recounts God’s miraculous providential guidance of his life.
The cover and the title page carry the author’s name and both parts of the essay are signed “Q.N.” [Quem Novisti]. Kuyper had signed 1873.04 with his own name.
A collection of six biblical-theological studies in five parts (the fifth and sixth studies were published in one part). Subtitles were added to each of the six series of numbered articles taken from De Heraut and the Sunday edition of De Standaard.
- 1. De “Naam” in de H. Schrift [The Name in Holy Scripture], originally published in: De Heraut 21 (1870), no. 40, October 7, 1870–no. 43, October 28, 1870; no. 47, November 25, 1870–no. 50, December 10, 1870.
- 2. Heilsfeit en heilswoord [Deed of salvation and word of salvation], originally published in: De Heraut 22 (1871), no. 2, January 13, 1871–no. 13, March 31, 1871.
- 3. Heiligen [To sanctify]. In: De Heraut 22 (1871), no. 23, June 8, 1871–no. 24, June 16, 1871–no. 31, August 4, 1871; no. 33, August 18, 1871–no. 39, September 29, 1871.
- 4. Welbehagen en ontferming [Good will and compassion], originally published in: De Heraut 22 (1871), no. 46, November 17, 1871–23 (1872), no. 7, February 16, 1872.
- 5. Thabor [Mount Tabor], originally published in: De Standaard, Sunday edition, no. 1, April 1, 1872–no. 10, June 2, 1872.
- 6. De spitse der Openbaring [The spearhead of revelation], originally published in: De Standaard, Sunday edition, no. 11, June 9, 1872–no. 14, June 30, 1872.
The sixth series of these biblical-theological studies was also published in 1872.17.
A sermon on Ephesians 4:13a, delivered on the occasion of the installation of Rev. P. van Son (1838–1919) in the Nieuwe Kerk at Amsterdam on August 31, 1873. According to Kuyper, the church will not achieve full unity until the Lord of the church returns in glory. The history of the church shows that enforcing uniformity on its distinct forms cannot produce true unity. Unity can only come about when every form of the church has the freedom to develop its own essence. The biblical paradox “whosoever shall lose his life … the same shall save it” thus also applies to the quest for the unity of the church.
According to a note on the back cover, this sermon was written down from memory a week after it was delivered. In general, Kuyper objected to reading from a manuscript when he preached (cf. 1909.27); instead, he typically memorized his sermons. He was in the custom, however, of writing down sermons that he gave on special occasions.
This is the final sermon that appeared in print while Kuyper was a working pastor. Kuyper delivered his final sermon as an emeritus pastor on April 30, 1899 during the installation service for his son, Abraham Kuyper jr. (see 1979.05), at the Gereformeerde Kerk of Makkum and Cornwerd.
A sermon on Ecclesiastes 12:5, delivered in the Nieuwe Kerk on Monday, August 18, 1873 (at least according to the title page) and subsequently written down from memory (cf. 1873.07). The sermon deals with the meaning of family life at home. On October 29, 1872, his thirty-fifth birthday, Kuyper had received a house from his friends as a present. His expressions of spiritual gratitude for this gift form the content of this sermon. After the completion of renovations, he and his family took up residence in their new home in May 1873. The house had a stone plaque with the name De Safyrberg [The Mount of Sapphire]. The address of the house was at that time IJgracht U 28, Amsterdam; it later became Prins Hendrikkade 183, Amsterdam. The house was torn down during the construction of the IJ tunnel and the plaque was set in the facade of the Amsterdam Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 24–26.
Printed on heavy stock with a typeface similar to that of 1880.09, this limited, large-format edition of the sermon, which Kuyper personally signed and dated on October 24, 1873, includes a special dedication to the 190 friends who had given the house the year before. Each of these friends received a copy of this lovely presentation edition, which is also notable for its colorful cover depicting a cross in a doorway. The sermon text is printed above the cross and the words from Isaiah 54:11c, also from the Dutch Authorized Version of 1637, are printed underneath: “I shall lay thy foundations with sapphires.”
Three folio pages containing a detailed proposal in twenty-six articles for the formation of parishes in the 145,000-member Dutch Reformed Congregation of Amsterdam. The proposal, addressed to the Special Consistory of the Dutch Reformed Congregation, suggests establishing two orthodox parishes, two modern parishes, and one parish for those who preferred neither the orthodox nor the modern parishes. Church properties must be fairly distributed among the parishes and each parish must be accorded significant freedom and autonomy. The proposal also offers eleven recommendations and five resolutions.
The piece is not only about church politics; it also has clear pastoral intentions. It was read at the consistory on December 29, 1873 and then put into print for all the officers of the Dutch Reformed Congregation in Amsterdam. Cf. 1874.01.
1874
Proposal advising, in connection with 1873.10, that the General Consistory of the Dutch Reformed Congregation at Amsterdam apply to the synod for a greater degree of congregational autonomy (KA 180). Only if the synod passed such a motion would consistories have the opportunity to align their congregational organization with the specific desires of their congregants.
The synod took the question under consideration but subsequently let the matter drop. The question of congregational autonomy remained provisionally open.
In 1874 the Heraut Association transferred the ownership of De Standaard to the Nederlandsche Stoomdrukkerij [Dutch Steam Press] at Amsterdam. The Sunday edition of the paper was subsequently published under the name Zondagsblad van De Standaard (cf. 1872.02). It was possible to take out an independent subscription to this ecclesiastical paper.
Due to illness, Kuyper (then editor in chief of De Standaard) was temporarily replaced as editor of the Zondagsblad from February 13, 1876 to May 27, 1877. When he returned, he expressed his desire to make the two papers entirely independent from one another in the interest of journalistic clarity. As a result, Zondagsblad van De Standaard 6 (1877), no. 165, May 27, 1877 was the final issue of this weekly, which from December 7, 1877 on was published as De Heraut (see 1877.05).
When ownership of De Standaard was transferred to the Dutch Steam Press, J.H. Kruyt (1839–1898) became the publisher of De Standaard. Kuyper was apparently prompted by these events to change publishers himself. Whereas since 1869 he had published primarily with H. de Hoogh in Amsterdam (until April 1874 the publisher of De Standaard and its Sunday edition), from this point up until 1887 he tried to publish as many of his works as possible with J.H. Kruyt. Cf. 1886.14 and 1907.22.
After being elected by the chief electoral district of Gouda during the second round of parliamentary elections on January 20, 1874, Kuyper took the oath of office as a member of Parliament on March 20, 1874. His first speeches were delivered on April 17 and 18, 1874 when the session was in committee. These speeches, remarkable for a political novice, were first published seven years later (see 1881.06) and again in 1890.06 (I.1–2).
Kuyper delivered his first public addresses in the Second Chamber of the States General on April 29 (pp. 1347–1352), May 1 (pp. 1382–1384), May 2 (pp. 1390–1392), and May 4, 1874 (pp. 1412–1416) in response to an initiative by Minister S. van Houten concerning child labor. It had come to the attention of Parliament that seven-year-old children were working in factories for eighty-five hours or more per week. Kuyper agreed with the idea behind the proposed law against such practices but not with its execution. He contended that the issue did not have to do with employee regulations but with the protection of children. At the same time, he appealed for a code of labor. He withdrew an amendment to this bill after a reply (p. 1419). On May 5, he again withdrew an amendment to this bill (p. 1437). His final contribution to the parliamentary debate of this period took place during the December 16, 1875 session. Kuyper resigned his membership in Parliament on July 1, 1877 (see 1875.08).
The title of this address was taken from G. Groen van Prinsterer (cf. Nederlandsche Gedachten, series 2, IV, no. 26, October 22, 1873, p. 203, and no. 50, March 19, 1874, p. 399). The speaker’s point of departure is that it was not the French Revolution and its principle of popular sovereignty but the Reformation and its respect for the sovereignty of God that had brought true freedom to the masses. The historical course of the “red thread” of freedom is traced from Geneva, through the Netherlands and England, to the United States and evaluated in a reverse historical order. The lecture begins with the United States (section 1), goes back to seventeenth-century England (section 2), then to sixteenth-century France and the Huguenots (section 3), and ends with Beza and Calvin (section 4). According to Kuyper, what came to pass in the United States had already been sketched out by Beza and Calvin.
In a prefatory remark, the author expressly declares that he had delivered this lecture far prior to his electoral campaign and that therefore it should not be looked upon as a political manifesto for his activities in the Second Chamber.
Ten pages of notes are added to this edition. The second printing appeared fourteen days after the first.
Kuyper had already delivered the lecture to the students of the University of Utrecht, the city of his previous pastorate, in November 1873. He also delivered it to his alma mater, the University of Leiden, on March 4, 1874, and to the students of the Theological Seminary of Kampen on March 24. He continued to lecture before popular audiences in several cities, including Gouda, which had elected Kuyper to the Second Chamber (see 1874.03). Kuyper returned to Leiden on November 4, 1874 at the request of the Debating Society of Minerva to participate in a debate about this address. The debate concluded with a second round on November 16. The student Th. Heemskerk, subsequently prime minister (1908–1913), served as his opponent in both debates.
Apart from the correction of a few errors and new pagination, an unaltered printing of 1874.04.
An article reprinted from the Zondagsblad van De Standaard, no. 25, September 20, 1874, published at the initiative of the Dutch Association of Friends of the Truth for the Maintenance of the Doctrine and the Rights of the Reformed Church (cf. 1879.09). The article gives advice on the subject of congregational autonomy. Among other things, the author indicates eight consequences of congregational autonomy, sometimes breaking down his points with subpoints in order to be more precise.
Introduced (p. 1) by H.J. Dibbetz (president) and four other members of the administrative commission of the Friends of the Truth (HUA/NHKU 93), this item provides a more precise definition of what Kuyper understood by congregational autonomy at a time when the centralized administration of the church had come to stand in contradiction to its presbyterian origins.
The twelfth annual meeting of the Friends of the Truth on May 27, 1874, which Kuyper attended, gave its administrative commission instructions to promote the essential autonomy of its congregations in oral and written communications. At the subsequent annual meeting on April 14, 1875, the commission reported that it had sent, with Kuyper’s permission, an article reprinted from the Zondagsblad van De Standaard both to their departments and to the 1,337 consistories of the Dutch Reformed Church (cf. Verslag van de dertiende Algemeene Vergadering der Nederlandsche Vereeniging Vrienden der Waarheid, tot Handhaving van de Leer en de Rechten der Gereformeerde Kerk, Amsterdam 1875, pp. 8–9).
Draft platform for members of Parliament sympathetic to the Anti-Revolutionary movement. Kuyper first discussed this platform with the parliamentarians I.L. Cremer van den Berch van Heemstede (1811–1879), J. Messchert van Vollenhoven (1812–1881), J.W. van Loon (1816–1876), and J.Ph.J.A. van Zuylen van Nijevelt (1819–1894). The draft was adopted with only a few changes.
A printed version of the revised draft platform—along with a cover letter signed by Kuyper and the aforementioned members of Parliament—was sent to the members of the Second Chamber of the States General who were taking part in a conference about the Christian Historical movement. The cover letter invites the recipients to Kuyper’s home in The Hague for a “definite settlement” of the draft. After discussing the revised draft platform, the majority of the Christian Historical members of Parliament were disinclined to sign on, which frustrated the first step toward tightening their association and forming a political party. For the next step toward the creation of a political party, see 1878.01.
A copy of the cover letter and the two drafts of the platform have been preserved in the archives of Groen van Prinsterer (NA 2.21.006.43, inv. no. 112).
Various speeches delivered in Parliament in 1874. On November 11, 1874 Kuyper addressed the 1875 budget for the Dutch Indies and spoke about the responsibility of the Dutch state with respect to the Dutch East Indies, Islam, missionary activity, and education (pp. 127–131, 136–137). On November 28, 1874, during deliberations about Chapter IV of the national budget of 1875, he delivered a speech that addressed legislation concerning the mentally ill, the legal position of the Dutch Reformed Church, and the question of whether a codification of labor law was desirable (pp. 343–347). On December 7 and 8, 1874, during deliberations about Chapter V of the national budget (see 1875.05, part I), he gave two speeches on primary education in particular and the education question in general (pp. 488–493, 514–516). On December 15, 1874, during a debate about Chapter VII (the Treasury Department), he gave three speeches concerning the policy of the Department of Worship with respect to worship services, the granting of salaries to pastors, and the relation between church and state (pp. 624–625). A reply and a rejoinder followed on the same day (pp. 625–629). Kuyper then spoke about the legal inequality arising from the fact that one denomination received salaries, subsidies, and grants from the state while the other denominations did not. Although the Anti-Revolutionaries stood in principle for the separation of church and state, he appealed for the possibility of providing temporary subsidies to Christian Reformed churches (see 1875.01). The principle of legal equality would therefore be satisfied and, in his view, the separation of church and state would only come about more quickly (pp. 633–634). Kuyper addressed the 1875 budget for the Dutch Indies again in a speech he delivered on December 19, 1874 about the “Aceh question” and about whether the country still remained in a state of war with Aceh (pp. 733–734).
1875
A letter to the editor, with the heading “Een kort protest!” [A short protest!], in response to an article in De Bazuin, no. 51, December 18, 1874 in which the Anti-Revolutionary faction in the Second Chamber was accused of not having consulted with the leaders of the Christian Reformed Church regarding legislation that affected their church. In the interest of fairness and legal equity, I.L.C. van den Berch van Heemstede, an Anti-Revolutionary member of Parliament, had introduced an amendment to the national budget of 1875 to raise the expenditures of the Ministry of Finance by approximately ƒ100,000. This would enable the government to subsidize the salaries of pastors from the Christian Reformed Church if such subsidies were requested (cf. 1874.08).
Kuyper now writes that he requested information in a timely manner from the lecturers of the Theological Seminary of Kampen with debate about this amendment in mind. After deliberation, however, the Kampen lecturers had let it be known that they did not consider themselves competent in this matter.
A reader and the editors of the weekly De Bazuin had charged that Kuyper had deviated from the education policy set much earlier by G. Groen van Prinsterer. In this letter to the editor, Kuyper incorporated a short note from Groen van Prinsterer, which stated that the editors of De Bazuin were mistaken and that what had been said about his program enjoyed his full approval (see also 1992.01, p. 594).
A report prepared for the annual meeting of the Union for Christian National Primary Education (CNS), which was scheduled to take place on May 19–20, 1875. At the previous annual meeting (June 5, 1874), Kuyper had expressed his concern about the weak position of the CNS and the despondency of its members. In light of the proposed new educational law, he was worried about the progress of the movement for Christian education as a whole. Therefore, he proposed that a commission be charged with reporting to the next annual meeting on three questions that he had formulated. He hoped once more (see 1869.15 and 1869.22) to influence the CNS and give it new vision.
Two lists of received items (pp. [27]–30) for the agenda were included with the report. The report, however, was the main point of business.
The authorship of this item (as with 1869.22) cannot be decisively determined. However, Kuyper was its principle instigator. He put forward the questions, he served as a member of the commission, and his fingerprints can be detected everywhere in the document. The striking signature line perhaps also points to Kuyper’s authorship by listing him first and without initial: “Kuyper, G.J. Vos Az., B.J.L. de Geer van Jutphaas.”
Various speeches delivered in Parliament in 1875. On March 17, 1875, Kuyper spoke against the ratification of a provincial law for the district Heusden in North Brabant (pp. 1058–1061, 1064). On May 10, Kuyper requested permission from the Second Chamber to interpellate about intended modifications of the Lower Education Law at an appropriate time (p. 1262). On May 12, he addressed Parliament regarding the dismissal and replacement of the governor-general of the Dutch East Indies, requesting an inquiry into the affair. He also requested an inquiry into the Aceh question (pp. 1303–1305).
In his eventual interpellation about the modifications that the cabinet was expected to make to the Lower Education Law (pp. 1326–1330), Kuyper did not intend to open a debate about the school question itself. Rather, he wished to bring to light the political agreements concerning the school question that the cabinet had made in its coalition platform. The interpellation concluded with a challenge to the government. Kuyper related that during a recent visit to London he had heard Dwight L. Moody (1837–1899) speaking to an assembly of 20,000 people about manliness. Moody had claimed that only those who dared to speak their minds openly were truly manly. At the same gathering, Kuyper had also heard Ira D. Sankey sing a song of Philip P. Bliss (1838-1876): “Dare to be a straight-out man,/Dare to stand alone,/Dare to have a purpose firm,/Dare to make it known.” Kuyper recited nearly the same four-line stanza in Parliament on March 5, 1905 (see 1905.06, p. 1339). There was a definite plan of action for the new educational law, Kuyper contended, and the cabinet should have the courage to make that plan public. The following two reports (pp. 1335–1339) contain Kuyper’s answers to the reactions called forth by his interpellation.
Reprints, nearly all from De Standaard, published with an eye to the anticipated amendment of the school law (see 1875.04) and to the approaching parliamentary elections. These six uniformly published reprints appeared over the course of six weeks, as follows:
- 1. “Redevoering van Dr. A. Kuyper in de zitting der Tweede Kamer van 7 December 1874 en gedeelten uit de algemene beraadslagingen en het debat” [Address by Abraham Kuyper in the December 7, 1874 session of the Second Chamber and selections from the general deliberations and the debate], taken from 1874.08.
- 2. “Schoolwetswijziging” [Alteration of the school law], originally published in De Standaard, no. 830, December 10, 1874.
- 3. “Concurrentiestelsel bij het lager onderwijs onhoudbaar!” [Competitive system in primary education is untenable!], taken from De Standaard, no. 835, December 16, 1874.
- 4. “De opening der loopgraven” [The opening of the trenches], taken from De Standaard 4 (1875) no. 858, January 14, 1875.
- 5. “De vlieg die des apothekers zalf stinkende maakt” [The fly that makes the pharmacist’s ointment stink], taken from De Standaard, no. 831, December 11, 1874.
- 6. “Het onschuldig Lam” [The innocent lamb], taken from De Standaard, no. 832, December 12, 1874.
- 7. “Den beste bedervend!” [Spoiling the best!], taken from De Standaard, no. 833, December 14, 1874.
- 1. “Het rechtsomkeert der liberalen in de Schoolkwestie” [The liberal’s about-face in the school question], taken from De Standaard 4 (1875), no. 886, February 16, 1875.
- 2. “Faraös antwoord” [Pharaoh’s answer], taken from De Standaard 4 (1875), no. 888, February 18, 1875.
- 3. “Is het zoo erg gemeend?” [Was it meant so badly?], taken from De Standaard 4 (1875), no. 889, February 19, 1875.
- 4. “Binnens- en buitenskamers” [Within and without the Parliament], taken from De Standaard 4 (1875), no. 893, February 24, 1875.
- 5. “De balans” [The balance], taken from De Standaard 4 (1875), no. 895, February 26, 1875.
- 6. “De rijke man en het ooilam” [The rich man and the ewe lamb], taken from De Standaard 4 (1875), no. 896, February 27, 1875.
- 7. “De scherpe resolutie” [The severe resolution], taken from De Standaard 4 (1875), no. 900, March 4, 1875.
- 8. “Het decretum horribile” [The decretum horribile], taken from De Standaard 4 (1875), no. 901, March 5, 1875.
- 1. “Grieven tegen de schoolwet” [Grievances against the school law].
- 2. “Het concurrentiestelsel in zake Onderwijs” [The competitive system in education], taken from De Standaard 4 (1875), no. 855, January 11, 1875.
- 3. “Schoolinspectie” [School inspection], taken from De Standaard 4 (1875), no. 857, January 13, 1875.
- 4. “Een nog erger Cultuurstelsel” [An even worse agricultural system], taken from De Standaard 4 (1875), no. 904, March 9, 1875.
- 5. “Gedienstigheden der praktijk” [Practical accommodations], taken from De Standaard 4 (1875), no. 906, March 11, 1875.
- 6. “Het geheim verraden” [The secret betrayed].
- 7. “Misrekening” [Miscalculation], taken from De Standaard 4 (1875), no. 891, February 22, 1875.
- 8. “Doel en middel” [Goal and means], taken from De Standaard 4 (1875), no. 892, February 23, 1875.
- 9. “Hoe de openbare school tegenviel!” [How public schooling fails expectations!], taken from De Standaard 4 (1875), no. 914, March 20, 1875.
- 10. “Bekentenissen van een ijlende!” [Confessions of a delirious person!], taken from De Standaard 4 (1875), no. 915, March 22, 1875.
- 11. “Is dit de volksschool achten?” [Is this respect for public schools?], taken from De Standaard 4 (1875), no. 916, March 23, 1875.
- 12. “Hoe men zichzelf verraadt!” [How they betray themselves!], taken from De Standaard 4 (1875), no. 917, March 24, 1875.
- 13. “Is er een nevenbedoeling?” [Is there an alternative significance?], taken from De Standaard 4 (1875), no. 919, March 26, 1875.
- 1. “Hoe is de christelijke school te redden?” [How can Christian schooling be saved?], taken from De Standaard 4 (1875), no. 897, March 1, 1875.
- 2. “Regel insteê van willekeur” [Rule instead of caprice], taken from De Standaard 4 (1875), no. 898, March 2, 1875.
- 3. “Restitutie” [Restitution], taken from De Standaard 4 (1875), no. 899, March 3, 1875.
- 4. “Een nieuwe waarschuwing” [A new warning], taken from De Standaard 4 (1875), no. 903, March 8, 1875.
- 5. “De gewetens-clausule” [The conscience clause], taken from De Standaard 4 (1875), no. 905, March 10, 1875.
- 6. “Eerbied voor de begrippen van andersdenkenden” [Respect for the perspectives of those who think differently], taken from De Standaard 4 (1875), no. 907, March 12, 1875.
- 7. “Waar voor zijn geld” [Value for one’s money], taken from De Standaard 4 (1875), no. 912, March 18, 1875.
- 8. “Waar het op aankomt” [What it comes down to], taken from De Standaard 4 (1875), no. 918, March 25, 1875.
- 1. “De volksschool misbruikt tot aanvalsgeschut tegen de Kerk” [Public schools are being misused as offensive artillery against the church], taken from De Standaard 4 (1875), no. 887, February 17, 1875. (Not included in 1879.04).
- 2. “Onze schoolwet voor de vierschaar van Europa” [Our school law before the tribunal of Europe].
- (i) [Baden], taken from De Standaard 4 (1875), no. 921, March 29/30, 1875.
- (ii) [Zwitserland (Switzerland)], taken from De Standaard 4 (1975), no. 922, March 31, 1875.
- (iii) [België, Rusland (Belgium, Russia)], taken from De Standaard 4 (1875), no. 924, April 2, 1875.
- (iv) [Wurtemberg, Saksen (Saxony), Hamburg, Oostenrijk (Austria)], taken from De Standaard 4 (1875), no. 925, April 3, 1875.
- (v) [Frankrijk (France), Pruisen (Prussia)], taken from De Standaard 4 (1875), no. 926, April 5,1875.
- (vi) [Engeland (England)], taken from De Standaard 4 (1875), no. 927, April 6, 1875.
- (vii) [Amerika (America), De Kaap (The Cape), Engelsch-Indië (British India)], taken from De Standaard 4 (1875), no. 928, April 7, 1875.
- 3. “De school zonder godsdienst” [The school without religion], taken from De Standaard 4 (1875), no. 930, April 9, 1875.
- 4. “Deugdelijk onderwijs bijzaak, bestrijding van het christelijk geloof hoofddoel!” [Sound instruction is a side issue; combating Christian faith is the main goal!]. Taken from De Standaard 4 (1875), no. 932, April 12, 1875. (Not included in 1879.04.)
- 1. “Is het restitutiestelsel onuitvoerbaar?” [Is the restitution system impracticable?]
- (i) Taken from De Standaard 4 (1875), no. 938, April 19, 1875.
- (ii) Taken from De Standaard 4 (1875), no. 940, April 21, 1875.
- (iii–vii) Taken from De Standaard 4 (1875), no. 942, April 23, 1875–no. 946, April 28, 1875.
- 2. “Een restitutiestelsel in de practijk” [A restitution system at work].
- (i–iii) Taken from De Standaard 4 (1875), no. 969, May 27, 1875–no. 971, May 29, 1875.
- (Slot.) [Conclusion.] Taken from De Standaard 4 (1875), no. 972, May 31, 1875.
Equivalent (with same design and typeface) to part five of 1875.05, apart from the absence of the series title De schoolkwestie [The school question] on the cover and the removal of the first and the final articles.
A report, not a literal transcription, of the opening lecture held at the third Southern Missionary Festival at ’s Heer-Arendskerke on June 23, 1875. The subject was the revivalistic holiness movement in England. With thirty Dutch brothers Kuyper had attended the ten-day Brighton Convention, which opened on May 29, 1875 under the leadership of Robert Pearsall Smith (1827–1898). This convention made such a deep impression on Kuyper that he also spoke about it at the other two Dutch Christian National Missionary Festivals of that year (the twelfth Christian National Missionary Festival at Boekenrode near Haarlem on July 7, 1875 and the Northern Missionary Festival at Winschoten on July 14, 1875).
For Kuyper’s further reflections on Pearsall Smith and the Brighton movement, see 1875.09, 1878.07, and 1917.13.
Various speeches delivered in Parliament in 1875. On October 26, 1875, Kuyper clarified an amendment he had submitted concerning the construction of a railway (pp. 278–280). The amendment was significant for his electoral district of Gouda. On November 24, Kuyper explained his vote on a subject concerning railway companies (pp. 465–466). He spoke about the question of railway policy again on November 26 (pp. 488–490). On November 16 and 19, during discussions concerning the 1876 budget for the Dutch Indies, Kuyper delivered four speeches that dealt with education, mission, Islam, and the “opium lease,” among other things (pp. 382–442). Kuyper delivered three speeches on December 6, 7, and 13 about Chapter V (the State Department) of the national budget of 1876. These speeches dealt with, respectively, the electoral question (pp. 583–586), the relation between the Anti-Revolutionary movement and other political factions (pp. 609–612), and secondary education (pp. 699–705). On December 14, he spoke briefly twice about educational policy (p. 729 and p. 732). Kuyper’s final contribution to the parliamentary debate of this period took place during the December 16, 1875 session (pp. 767–768) and had to do with the payment of pastors’ salaries.
Due to serious overexertion, Kuyper left the country from February 3, 1876 to April 14, 1877. He resigned his membership in Parliament on July 1, 1877 (cf. 1877. 03).
While taking part in a reunion at Kuyper’s home, Dutch participants in the Brighton Convention (see 1875.07) decided to establish a monthly devoted to the revivals taking place in the Netherlands and abroad. The first issue of De Weg ter Godzaligheid [The path to godliness] appeared in October 1875. The third issue contained a letter addressed to J.H. Gunning jr., who had brought the concepts of “consecration” and “sanctification”—keywords of the Brighton Convention—into connection with a supposed “second conversion” that seemed to neglect baptism. Kuyper objected to this presentation of the matter.
Gunning’s answer appeared in the fourth issue. The publication of De Weg ter Godzaligheid was suspended after the appearance of the twelfth issue in 1877.
The publisher J.H. Kruyt acquired the remaining 305 copies of Uit het Woord. Stichtelijke bijbelstudiën from the publishers De Hoogh & Co., added the words eerste bundel [first collection] to the title page, and replaced the name of the original publisher with J.H. Kruyt.
Kruyt was Kuyper’s primary publisher from 1874 until 1887 (cf. 1874.02 and 1886.14).
A second collection of five biblical-theological studies, published in five parts. The first of the five parts appeared in June 1875, the second in September, the third in October, the fourth in November, and the fifth in December. The five parts were originally published as five series of numbered articles in the Sunday edition of De Standaard. Subtitles were added to the numbered sections in the collected edition.
- 1. Schuchterheid in het heilige [Timidity in holiness], originally published in: De Standaard, Sunday edition, no. 22, August 25, 1872–no. 33, November 10, 1872.
- 2. De sleutelen [The keys], originally published in: De Standaard, Sunday edition, no. 41, January 5, 1873–no. 53, March 30, 1873.
- 3. De sleutelmacht [The power of the keys], originally published in: De Standaard, Sunday edition, no. 57, April 27, 1873–no. 64, June 15, 1873.
- 4. De uitverkiezing [Election], originally published in: De Standaard, Sunday edition, no. 75, August 31, 1873–no. 91, December 21, 1873.
- 5. De mensch Christus Jezus [Jesus Christ as human being], originally published in: De Standaard, Sunday edition, no. 93, January 4, 1874–no. 105, March 29, 1874.
This collection concludes with a note (p. 464) that did not appear in the final article published in De Standaard, Sunday edition, conceding that the series had treated the question of Jesus’ messianic consciousness too uncritically.
Answer to a letter that J.H. Gunning jr. had written about the prospective founding of a free Christian university. Gunning had written to Kuyper in his capacity as member of the Second Chamber of the States General, asking whether it was not now the moment to hold a national convention about the desirability of a free university for “our Protestant church” (De Standaard, no. 1140, December 13, 1875). He was alluding to what Kuyper had previously written on the subject (see 1870.07). In subsequent letters to the editor, the Rev. Ph.J. Hoedemaker (1839–1910), the Rev. J.A. Gerth van Wijk (1837–1907), and the Rev. L.J. van Rhijn (1812–1887) showed their support for Gunning’s proposal.
In his answer, Kuyper responds that he is not the right person to convene such a national convention. He therefore requests that Gunning organize a two-day national conference for the purpose of founding a Christian university. He urges Gunning to summon delegates quickly because Parliament will be dealing with the Higher Education Law at the beginning of 1876. The conference did not take place, however. There was once again too much disagreement.
1876
The first part of the third collection of biblical-theological studies. For the provenance of the articles reprinted here, see 1879.01. The second part appeared more than two years later (see 1878.07).
1877
Letter to the editor of De Standaard. Just before Kuyper returned from his long period of recuperation abroad (see 1875.08), he reengaged with Anti-Revolutionary politics and with his paper. In this letter, he promises that he will soon send his ideas from Nice about the stance that “our Christian people” should take toward the school question during the national elections slated for June 1877 (see 1877.02). He then takes sides with those who had already objected to a critical statement that H.J.A.M. Schaepman had made about Groen van Prinsterer. Kuyper provides evidence that Groen van Prinsterer had absolutely not “wish[ed] to chase” his Roman Catholic countrymen “across the Moerdijk.” Schaepman’s remark constituted a shocking offense against the memory of Groen van Prinsterer (†May 19, 1876).
This promised article (see 1877.01), dated February 24, 1877, pleads against fear of politics in Christian circles. What is at stake is the confession of faith in Christ in every sphere of life, including the political sphere. According to Kuyper, the Anti-Revolutionary press must be supplemented by “the formation of our own party as well.” He argues that lack of organization had caused the Anti-Revolutionary members of Parliament to go off track. The article was signed with the letter “K” because Kuyper had not yet returned from his long period abroad and so had not yet resumed his activities as editor in chief of De Standaard.
An article entitled “Een stille partij?” [A silent party?], no longer signed by Kuyper because he obiously considered himself once more the editor in chief of De Standaard, was published as the lead article (accompanied by four asterisms) in De Standaard, no. 1549, April 12, 1877—two days before he returned home from a long period of recuperation abroad (see 1875.08). Groen van Prinsterer had passed from the scene and a new political leader was standing in the starting block.
A letter in which Kuyper resigns as a member of Parliament. Written to the chairman of the Second Chamber, the letter (p. 1227) was read aloud during the April 17, 1877 meeting of the chamber. Three days earlier, Kuyper had returned from a very lengthy absence from the Netherlands. He had gone abroad to recover from a serious case of nervous exhaustion (see 1875.08). In his letter Kuyper writes that his recovery will take longer. He cites this as the reason for his request for resignation and suggests that his resignation take effect on June 1, 1877—a favorable date for the electoral district of Gouda because the interim election would then take place simultaneously with the election cycle for the Second Chamber. Kuyper received an honorable discharge from his office on July 1, 1877.
This letter was also published in De Standaard 6 (1877), no. 1557, April 21, 1877.
De hoop van nog in uw midden te komen, moest ik, om niet roekeloos te zijn, tot mijn innig leedwezen laten varen. Vergunt mij daarom mijn broedergroet aan de vergadering te zenden. In den geest ben ik onder u. Ook mij weegt de ernst van het oogenblik op het hart en voor niemand uwer zal ik onderdoen in hartelijke blijdschap, indien blijken mag dat de besluiten uwer Vergadering het merkteeken dragen van broederzin en beginselvastheid, waardig het heilige der zaak, waarvoor we den strijd aanbonden en waarbij wij op de goedkeuring rekenen mogen van Hem, wien in nederigheid te dienen, mijn roem en de eere der broederen is. Kuyper.
Telegram to the annual general assembly of the Union for Christian National Primary Education, held in Utrecht on April 21, 1877.
Upon returning from his period of convalescence (see 1875.08), Kuyper was determined to make a clearer distinction between political and ecclesiastical reporting with respect to the Zondagsblad van De Standaard. His continued need for rest meant that the final issue (no. 165) of the Zondagsblad came out on May 27, 1877 while the inaugural issue of the new ecclesiastical and theological weekly, which he titled De Heraut, first appeared on December 7, 1877. (On the origin of De Heraut, see 1869.16 and 1872.02; on its successful launching, see 1987.06.)
The purpose of the new weekly was to reacquaint the common people of the Netherlands with the principles of the Reformed faith. According to a promotion circular from J.H. Kruyt, the editorial clerk, dated December 1, 1877, Kuyper had found twelve colleagues to work on the paper: Rev. A. Brummelkamp, I. Esser (former resident of Timor), E. Gerdes (man of letters), Rev. J.A. Gerth van Wijk, Rev. W.H. Gispen, Rev. A.H. de Hartog, Rev. Ph.J. Hoedemaker, W. van Oosterwijk Bruyn (chairman of the Federation of Young Men’s Associations), Rev. H. Pierson (pastor and director of the Mission Homes at Zetten), Rev. Ph.S. van Ronkel, Rev. F.L. Rutgers, and Dr. Th.C.L. Wijnmalen (associate librarian of the Royal Library in The Hague).
Kuyper’s weekly contributions to De Heraut fell into three categories: (1) biblical-theological articles (the so-called “primary articles”); (2) devotionals (the so-called “secondary articles”); and (3) opinion pieces and reflections on the contemporary church (the so-called “leaders”). In the first years the weekly “leaders” frequently addressed the theological and ecclesiological conflicts of the era.
A great number of Kuyper’s biblical-theological articles were subsequently published in book form as were many of his approximately 2,200 devotionals. The writing of devotionals, one of his most beloved activities, kept Kuyper busy from week to week on Sundays. During his tenure as prime minister (1901–1905) and during his trip around the Mediterranean Sea (1905–1906), Kuyper left off writing “primary articles” and “leaders,” but he continued to publish his weekly devotionals. His first devotional, titled “Als het gespeende kind” [Like a weaned child] and based on Psalm 131:2, was published in the first issue of De Heraut; the last, titled “Uw harte worde niet ontroerd” [Let not your hearts be troubled] and based on John 14:1, appeared in De Heraut, no. 2232, October 31, 1920.
On January 9, 1887, in the wake of the Doleantie, the name of the weekly became De Heraut van de Gereformeerde Kerken in Nederland.
De Heraut served as the mouthpiece of the Dutch Reformed Churches from October 1, 1888 until its union with the Christian Reformed Church (June 17, 1892). The first issue of the merged churches’ newsletter, Het Kerkblad. Officiëel orgaan van de Gereformeerde Kerken in Nederland, was published on July 1, 1892. On October 12, 1913, the name became De Heraut voor de Gereformeerde Kerken in Nederland.
H.H. Kuyper became the editor in chief after the death of his father on November 8, 1920. Due to lack of paper because of the wartime conditions, no. 3488, January 14, 1945 was the final issue.
For indexes of De Heraut from 1877 to 1944, see app. 1.03 and app. 1.08. Several facts and figures relating to the paper are given below.
| Subscribers: | |
| 1878: | 2,600 |
| 1880: | 2,430 |
| 1885: | 2,630 |
| 1887: | 3,750 |
| 1889: | 3,230 |
| 1897: | 3,400 |
| 1901: | 3,360 |
| 1905: | 3,350 |
| 1907: | 3,750 |
| 1914: | 3,750 |
| 1919: | 3,680 (AHS; KA 186). |
| Owner of De Heraut: The Heraut Association. |
| Editor in chief: | |
| 1877–1920: | A. Kuyper. |
| 1920–1945: | H.H. Kuyper. |
| Printer: | |
| See 1872.02. |
| Format: | |
| 1877–1944: | 58cm. |
| 1944–1945: | 55cm. (The final seven issues. The paper had already been reduced to a single sheet [since July 16, 1944] due to wartime rationing.) |
| Subscription rate: | |
| 1872–1882 | quarterly subscription postage paid ƒ1.90, subscribers of De Standaard ƒ0.95, single issues ƒ0.15. |
| 1882–1898 | quarterly subscription postage paid ƒ1.20, single numbers ƒ0.10. |
| 1898–1906 | quarterly subscription postage paid ƒ1.20, prepaid annual subscription for foreign countries ƒ6.-, single numbers ƒ0.10. |
| 1906–1918 | quarterly subscription postage paid ƒ1.20, prepaid annual subscription for Belgium ƒ5.30, prepaid annual subscription for other foreign countries and the Dutch East Indies ƒ6.-, single numbers ƒ0.10. |
| 1918–1920 | prepaid quarterly subscription postage paid ƒ1.50, prepaid annual subscription for foreign countries and the Dutch East Indies ƒ7.20, single numbers ƒ0.15. |
Included in the collection De weg ter Godzaligheid [The path to godliness], which contains the complete contents of the journal of the same name, excepting only the external features of the journal.
1878
A draft of the programmatic platform of the Anti-Revolutionaries with eighteen articles and a short introduction (cf. 1929.02). In the same file of the Kuyper Archives is also preserved a copy with the same date and signature, but in 24cm. format (KA 235), as well as a draft dated November 6, 1877 (see 2008.02, p. 115, a facsimile of the first page). For an earlier draft program, see 1874.07.
In view of the elections of 1877, two electoral associations had asked that an electoral program be drawn up. The Anti-Revolutionary Central Committee (see 1878.02) took the initiative. Kuyper wrote the draft (cf. 1937.08), which was subsequently presented to a wide circle of experts. It was signed on behalf of the committee by A. Kuyper, chair, J.A. Wormser, secretary, and E.W. Heyblom, treasurer. This draft was then forwarded with a letter (dated Amsterdam, January 7, 1878) to the electoral associations so that they could familiarize themselves with its contents. The electoral associations were asked to report before March 1, 1878 as to whether this political platform had their approval.
The program was also printed in De Standaard, no. 1776, January 8, 1878. It was possible by the end of January to order the draft program from J.A. Wormser by postal check (50 copies for ƒ1.-).
When Kuyper dealt with the program systematically in De Standaard (see 1879. 04), he added articles on justice, public decency, and hygiene. This programmatic platform, which had grown to twenty-one articles, was made official by the meeting of deputies (the meeting of the delegates of electoral associations across the entire country) in Utrecht on April 3, 1879. By agreeing to the programmatic platform, the electoral associations organized formally as the Federation of Anti-Revolutionary Electoral Associations. The platform remained unchanged until 1916 (see 1916.07).
Draft statutes bearing the same signatures (KA 235) as 1878.01. A provisional Anti-Revolutionary Central Committee had been formed in 1873. However, with the death of Groen van Prinsterer on May 19, 1876, the Anti-Revolutionaries, robbed of their political leader, began to feel a desire for greater unity. Kuyper thought it expedient to turn the provisional committee into a permanent political organization in order to promote a common front during the periodic election cycles. These draft regulations formed the basis of the new political organization.
The primary duties of the Central Committee of Anti-Revolutionary Electoral Associations were to call together delegates from the electoral associations for the meeting of deputies, to moderate these meetings, and to act as its executive committee. Kuyper was the chairman of the committee from April 3, 1879 to November 25, 1918 (see 1918.14), apart from the period from September 5, 1904 to October 17, 1907.
The draft statutes (with a few changes) were eventually adopted as the bylaws of the Anti-Revolutionary Party at the meeting of deputies on April 3, 1879. The Anti-Revolutionary Party was formally established with the adoption of the programmatic platform (see 1878.01) and these bylaws.
A letter to the editor in which Kuyper asks on what basis the Arnhemsche Courant had spread the rumor that he personally would come to support the candidacy of A.F. de Savornin Lohman in the electoral district of Arnhem. He asserts that the report is completely untrue.
A draft of the People’s Petition of 1878, intended for free and widespread distribution, which was sent postage-paid upon request. In small print above the draft a note reads that it “is meant to be signed by parents or guardians, and moreover by interested parties, if the Second Chamber accepts the proposed bill concerning primary education. It shall be made known later where the document shall be available for signing in your community.”
The petition asks the king to make biblical schooling possible and not to sanction the new primary education law with his signature. The address to the king was printed in De Standaard 7 (1878), no. 1905, June 10 and 11, 1878 and was subsequently reprinted in many other papers and magazines. (This publication had small changes to the text as a consequence.) The national action collected 305,596 signatures, which were delivered along with a handwritten copy of the petition to King William III on August 3, 1878.
Copies of the People’s Petition were sent without charge to local committees and correspondence societies for distribution. Orders exceeded all expectations, however, and as a result printing and mailing costs ran over budget. In a circular letter (dated Amsterdam, June 1879), N.M. Feringa, secretary of The Commission for the People’s Petition, reported that the comission would keep delivering free copies but would greatly appreciate partial or full reimbursement of the printing and mailing costs, which amounted to forty cents for every hundred copies.
Kuyper had already been closely associated with a people’s petition against forced vaccination of school children, which was presented to King William III (1817–1890) on November 2, 1872. The People’s Petition of 1878, however, marked the most spectacular moment in the long history of the struggle for Christian schooling in the Netherlands. On July 18, 1878, the Second Chamber accepted Minister Kappeyne van de Coppello’s bill for the amendment of the 1857 law regulating primary education. Detailed plans for a national signature campaign had already been put into place in case of such an eventuality (see 1928.01).
The Roman Catholics also collaborated in this campaign. They had previously collected 164,000 signatures against the bill. When the bill was nonetheless accepted by the Second Chamber, H.J.A.M. Schaepman (1844–1903) immediately published an appeal to the king requesting that he withhold royal approval of the bill.
Despite this opposition, the king signed the bill into law on August 17, 1878.
A memorandum clarifying and confirming the plea put forward in the People’s Petition (see 1878.04) for a legislative change that would make it possible for both the rich and the poor to choose biblical schooling. An appendix with seventeen articles about governmental funding for private schools is attached to the memorandum, along with Kuyper’s commentary on seven of these articles. The printed memorandum and the appendix were added to the handwritten copy of 1878.04 and offered to the king on August 3, 1878.
Both documents also appeared in De Standaard 7 (1878), no. 1956, August 9, 1878–no. 1963, August 17, 1878.
A circular letter to the local committees and correspondence societies that had made possible the People’s Petition (see 1878.04). The circular letter urges these organizations to form a federation for biblical schooling and to raise funds for Christian primary education among those who had signed the petition.
Added as appendices to the letter were draft statutes for a union to be formed from the local committees and correspondence societies of the People’s Petition under the motto “a school with the Bible” and a short list of fifteen organizational tips and suggestions. This circular letter and both appendices were also published in De Standaard 7 (1878), no. 2024, October 28, 1878.
The Union: “A School with the Bible” was founded in Utrecht on January 23, 1879—the three-hundredth anniversary of the signing of the Union of Utrecht (January 23, 1579), which had united the northern Dutch provinces in opposition to the Spanish king. A.F. de Savornin Lohman (1837–1924) was the first chairman. The national collection for Christian primary education was subsequently held annually on August 17—the day the king had signed the education bill into law (see 1878.04).
It was not until 1920 that the government passed a new primary education law that made financial support for special schools equivalent to that of public schools.
The second part of the third volume of biblical-theological studies described in 1876.01 and 1879.01. Remarkably, this second part (which was published more than two years after the first) did not appear in the announcements of 1874 and 1875 for the third volume. The plan had been to publish five series of articles from the Zondagsblad van De Standaard of 1874 and 1875. However, the second part is actually a reprint of a series from De Heraut of 1878. This represented the first major series of biblical-theological studies in De Heraut and the first major series that Kuyper wrote after fully recovering from his nervous exhaustion (see 1877.03). This eighteen-part series deals with the question of perfectionism. See 1879.01 for the provenance of the eighteen articles reprinted here.
The intended reprinting of a series of articles about the mystical body of the Lord (see Zondagsblad van De Standaard 4 (1875), no. 65, June 27, 1875ff.) did not come to fruition. The third and fourth parts (Natuurlijke Godskennis and Maranatha) were published in December 1878.
A reprint of articles about the Jewish influence upon liberals and liberalism, originally published on alternate days in De Standaard 7 (1878), no. 2010, October 11, 1878–no. 2020, October 23, 1878. An undated foreword and a postcript were added.
In the brief foreword, Kuyper asserts that these seven articles are being reprinted to correct the unfair representation that the press had given of their tenor and to allow everyone to see that they neither incite hatred of the Jews nor injure their rights as citizens. In the postscript, he offers another concrete demonstration of the influence of the Jews on the press, referring to a lead article from the Dagblad van Zuid-Holland en ’s Gravenhage.
The reprinted series was published within a week after the publication of the final article in De Standaard.
This memorial book about the People’s Petition appeared at the request of the twenty-five-member delegation that had delivered the petition (see 1878.04) together with all the signatures to the king. The book includes a short historical overview of the school struggle before 1878, an overview of the activities in 1878, and a brief chapter about the events of August 17, 1878—the day the king signed the education bill into law. The bulk of the book is given over to twenty numbered documents relating to the People’s Petition. Kuyper, mastermind and driving force behind the petition, undoubtedly composed not only the petition itself, but also several other pieces included in the book. Even document number fourteen, the address that P.J. Elout van Soeterwoude (1805–1893) delivered to the king at the presentation of the petition in Het Loo Palace, was written by Kuyper. Although Kuyper did not attend the presentation of the petition, its annexes, and the over 300,000 signatures to the king, he waited in the neighborhood close to the palace.
The editor of the collection, N.M. Feringa (1820–1886), was a teacher in Amsterdam, a member of the Consistory of the Dutch Reformed Congregation of Amsterdam, and the first secretary (1860–1886) of the Union for Christian National Primary Education.
This fervently argued but soberly composed circular letter is dated December 5, 1878—the day the Association for Higher Education on Reformed Principles was established. The founding meeting of the association took place in Utrecht. In this circular, the Reformed community in the Netherlands is called upon to work together toward the realization of a Reformed university. This piece, which may well be termed the birth certificate of the Association for Higher Education on Reformed Principles, is signed by I. Esser, Ph.J. Hoedemaker, W. Hovy, W. Kuhler Wz., A. Kuyper, Ph.S. van Ronkel, F.L. Rutgers, and T. Sanders, Jr. The letter concludes with the names of forty-three pastors and (former) elders from Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague; from the academic cities of Leiden, Utrecht, and Groningen; and from every Dutch province—all attesting to their resolution to found a Reformed university (see 1880.09).
A copy of the statutes of the association, which had been settled upon already but which would not receive royal approval for another two months (on February 12, 1879), was added. The draft of these statutes had already been made public in De Heraut, no. 50, November 24, 1878.
The circular letter was also published in De Heraut, no. 53, December 15, 1878.
Letter to A. baron Schimmelpenninck van der Oye (1839–1918) occasioned by his debate with the minister of the interior, J. Kappeyne van de Coppello (1822–1895), concerning the latter’s report to the king about the People’s Petition. According to the minister’s report, the People’s Petition was a long-planned political action coordinated by dubious parties. In the ensuing debate, the minister had appealed to a “very good source,” which put Schimmelpenninck van der Oye in the unanticipated position of having to speak up for Elout van Soeterwoude (cf. 1878.09).
Kuyper then felt compelled to disclose the true state of affairs by acknowledging in this letter that he had been the “source.” He notes that he had made his objections to the report known to the minister in September 1878 because he felt that the ministerial report had misinformed the king about the origins of the People’s Petition. He then sheds light on how reprehensibly the minister had handled written information provided by Kuyper about the true purpose and circumstances of the People’s Petition. Kuyper had also written in his letter to the minister that he had initiated the People’s Petition in May 1878 without any prior deliberation.
1879
This collection of biblical-theological studies appeared in five parts with independent pagination. The five parts correspond to five series of feature articles from the Zondagsblad van De Standaard and De Heraut. Subtitles were added to the numbered articles in each series.
- 1. Wedergeboorte en bekeering [Rebirth and conversion], originally published in: Zondagsblad van De Standaard, no. 4, April 26, 1874–no. 17, July 26, 1874 (cf. 1876.01).
- 2. Volmaakbaarheid [Perfectionism], originally published in: De Heraut, no. 15, March 17, 1878–no. 34, August 4, 1878 (cf. 1878.07).
- 3. Natuurlijke Godskennis [Natural knowledge of God], originally published in: Zondagsblad van De Standaard, no. 18, August 2, 1874–no. 33, November 15, 1874 (cf. 1878.07).
- 4. Maranatha [Maranatha], originally published in: Zondagsblad van De Standaard, no. 34, November 22, 1874–no. 38, December 20, 1874 (cf. 1878.07).
- 5. De wonderen [The miracles], originally published in: Zondagsblad van De Standaard 4 (1875), no. 41, January 10, 1875–no. 55, April 18, 1875.
The concluding five articles from the series on miracles in the Zondagsblad van De Standaard were not (however indispensable to the sense of the whole) included in the collection. Although Rullmann suggests (RKB I, p. 205) that Kuyper may have overlooked the absence of these articles due to his recent illness, the publisher’s desire to maintain the proportions and the price of this part of the collection was the more likely cause. In comparison with the previous collections, this third collection has by far the most pages and would have been too bulky had the excised articles been included. In announcements for the collection in 1876 and 1878, the publisher had expressly stated that the subscription price would not go higher than ƒ2.90.
Letter to the editor concerning an opinion piece sent in by a reader to the daily Opregte Haarlemsche Courant on December 30, 1878. That piece had summarized an anonymous letter to the editor entitled “Reformed Letters IV,” which had been printed in the December issue of Stemmen voor Waarheid en Vrede 15 (1878), vol. 2, pp. 632–642. Among the points summarized by the author was the assertion that in 1620 the professors of theology at the University of Leiden had not signed the signatory formula to the Three Forms of Unity, as prescribed by the Synod of Dordrecht (1618–1619); rather, they had signed a simplified, more straightforward, and broader declaration. The author related this point as a form of protest against the decision, made by Kuyper and his followers on October 22, 1878 in Utrecht, to establish an Association for Higher Education on Reformed Principles, which would provide theological education in agreement with the Three Forms of Unity (see 1878.10).
In his letter to the editor, Kuyper rejects the protest as unfounded. This exchange led in part to the appearance of a brochure about this matter (see 1879.05).
A letter to the editor, which appeared in the daily Opregte Haarlemsche Courant on January 14, 1879, had revealed that the author of the anonymous contribution to Stemmen voor Waarheid en Vrede (see 1879.02) was none other than Dr. J.J. van Toorenenbergen. So Kuyper hastens to write that he had not known the author’s identity and that he has great appreciation for the merits of Van Toorenenbergen’s work as a church historian. Kuyper also notes that Van Toorenenbergen had admitted that he had been in the wrong. This letter to the editor ends with the announcement that the dispute will be carried on elsewhere (see 1879.05).
“Ons program” is a large volume of articles reprinted from De Heraut and De Standaard, published by the Central Committee of Anti-Revolutionary Electoral Associations. The heart of this impressive volume of Kuyper’s earlier political writings is the collection of seventy-two of the series of seventy-three articles first printed as “Ons program” in De Standaard from April 19, 1878–February 24, 1879. These articles, which the author divided into 325 paragraphs, provide a running commentary on the program of the Anti-Revolutionary or Christian Historical school of political thought.
Every explanatory chapter on an article of “Ons program” concludes with a cluster of appendices, which contain reprints of articles by Kuyper, including an article series that had already been reprinted elsewhere (see 1875.05 and 1878.08). The twenty-three appendices, which account for almost two-thirds of the book’s size, provide more foundations and further explanations to the forementioned articles that are the core of “Ons program.” The volume also has an extensive index. The six articles from chapter 19 (“Overseas Territories of the State”) were also included in 1890.06.
For the initial impetus for the formulation of the Anti-Revolutionary program, see 1874.07 and 1878.01. In this volume Kuyper added three more articles to the program of 1878 (see 1878.01), which brought the total to twenty-one articles.
In the prospectus, the publisher J.H. Kruyt announced that the print run would not be large and that it was therefore necessary for subscriptions to be received before February 15 in order for deliveries to be guaranteed. In an account book (AHS 10) the publisher records, “for the printing G.J. Thieme 300 ex. f 1,372.51.”
The work appeared on March 31, 1879—precisely five weeks after the appearance of the last of the articles included in it from De Standaard and a few days before the official establishment of the Anti-Revolutionary Party and the institutionalization of the Central Committee of Anti-Revolutionary Electoral Associations on April 3, 1879 in Utrecht.
A list of forty-four of Kuyper’s writings is included on three unnumbered pages at the end of the book.
The final section is numbered §328, however, the section numbers 4, 15 and 16 are skipped. Because of the fact that no actual sections from the original series of articles in De Standaard are missing the number of the published sections is de facto 325.
Dr. J.J. van Toorenenbergen justified his objections to the binding of theological education to the Three Forms of Unity by appealing to an incident from the history of the Dutch church (cf. 1879.02 and 1879.03). He claimed that in 1620 the four professors of theology from Leiden did not sign the signatory formula drawn up by the Synod of Dordrecht in 1618/1619. In Kuyper’s broad and well-documented treatise, which concludes with twenty pages of supporting documentation, Van Toorenenbergen’s claim is refuted. Both the foreword and the conclusion remark on the deep-seated differences of opinion about the historical period in question that, since 1870, had divided the author from Van Toorenenbergen. Kuyper opines that a thoroughgoing refutation of Van Toorenenbergen’s thesis is particularly important, insofar as Van Toorenenbergen was a self-declared proponent of the revision of the ecclesiastical formularies.
In order to take any remaining wind out of Van Toorenenbergen’s sails, Kuyper also relates that he had advised the board of directors of the Association for Higher Education on Reformed Principles, established on December 5, 1878, not to let professors sign such a formula and never to adopt the signatory formulary of Dordt because formularies like these cannot bring about a true bond between professors and the principles of the university. (Article 2 of the statutes of the Association for Higher Education on Reformed Principles did require, however, that professors at the Vrije Universiteit had to sign the Three Forms of Unity.)
Van Toorenenbergen responded in: Hoe een deel der Dordtsche nalatenschap verzaakt werd. Een woord van tegenweer (Rotterdam: W. Wenk, 1879). See 1879.11.
Letter to the General Consistory of the Dutch Reformed Congregation of Amsterdam, in which Kuyper declines a pastoral call. On March 16, 1874, Kuyper had been given an honorable pension in connection with his election to the Second Chamber (see 1874.03). However, Kuyper had been forced to resign as a member of Parliament for reasons of health in 1877 (see 1877.03). He now writes that although he is gradually regaining his strength, he is prohibited from accepting this call by explicit doctor’s orders.
For an earlier declining of a pastoral call, see 1994.04.
In August 1879 the leadership of The Union: “A School with the Bible,” sent out a circular letter (34cm.) to all the correspondents of the local committees (cf. 1878.06) who had taken part in the People’s Petition (see 1878.04). The subject of the circular letter was the first annual collection for the union. A total of 447 local committees had taken part in the collection for in 1878. The circular letter reminded its readers about the planned collection of August 17, 1879 and provided information about how to organize it. Also included in this circular letter were four encouraging articles (three asterisms and a main article) about the collection, which had been previously printed (with minor variations) under the title De collecte van 17 Augustus [The collection of August 17] in De Standaard 8 (1879), no. 2256, August 1, 1879–no. 2261, August 7, 1879.
The collection was held on August 17 because on that day in 1878 King William III signed the challenged primary education bill into law. This first national collection yielded approximately ƒ40,000.- while the fourth collection (1882) resulted in more than ƒ100,000.- (cf. De Standaard, no. 3301, December 20, 1882).
The print run of the circular letter was probably about 1,500 copies.
The first and second part appeared in September 1879. After the third was published in October 1879, the first half of the collection was completed. This first half was actually the third edition of 1869.01. Subsequently the second half appeared in two parts as the second edition of 1870.31.
The collection was likely already printed in December but publication was probably delayed due to a problem with the author (see 1880.01).
Two critical articles written to unmask the pretensions behind a “letter of admonition” circulated by the Synod of the Dutch Reformed Church. The articles—dated Amsterdam, September 14, 1879 and September 19, 1879—were reprinted from De Heraut, no. 92, September 14, 1879–no. 93, September 21, 1879.
Like 1874.06, the articles came out as an independent publication due to the initiative of the Dutch Association of Friends of the Truth for the Maintenance of the Doctrine and the Rights of the Reformed Church. The publication was sent to the association’s departments and to the consistories of the Dutch Reformed Church.
The synod had amended Article 38 of the Regulations for the Instruction of Religion, which had to do with the admission and confirmation of members. Objections to the religious convictions of applicants were no longer grounds for refusal as long as applicants were prepared to answer the confessional questions stipulated by Article 39 of the regulations affirmatively. This amendment prompted so much protest and resistance that the synod was compelled to put out a pastoral letter on the subject, Brief van de Synode der Nederlandsche Hervormde Kerk aan de leden dier kerk (’s Gravenhage: J.M. van ’t Haaff, 1879).
A brief foreword, dated Amsterdam, October 1879, by the board of directors of the Friends of the Truth introduces the reprinted articles.
An asterism with “De brief van Prins Alexander” [The letter of Prince Alexander] as its headline, reprinted from De Standaard 8 (1879), no. 2307, September 30, 1879. In this asterism Kuyper stands up for Crown Prince Alexander (1851–1884).
A newspaper article (in Dagblad van Zuid-Holland en ’s Gravenhage) about the crown prince and the highly uncustomary letter to the editor (of Het Vaderland) that the prince had written in response had given rise to much commentary and discussion in the press. Finding this level of attention unreasonable and uncharitable, Kuyper asks in his short editorial for better understanding of the mental problems afflicting the crown prince. In the brochure De brief van Z.K.H. Prins Alexander, a partisan of the House of Orange reviews the commentaries in the press, reprinting Kuyper’s asterism from De Standaard in that context.
The prince’s letter to the editor was also published in De Standaard, no. 2302, September 24, 1879.
This brochure concerning the polemical exchange between Kuyper and Van Toorenenbergen is introduced by an open letter criticizing the latter’s brochure Hoe een deel der Dordtsche nalatenschap verzaakt werd. Een woord van tegenweer (Rotterdam, 1879), which had been written in response to 1879.05. The open letter also gives some insight both into Kuyper’s long acquaintance with Van Toorenenbergen and into his attitude toward ethical-irenical theologians in general. The letter is followed by a strictly-content related reaction to Van Toorenenbergen’s brochure.
Next is included (pp. [56]–68) the text of a lecture that Kuyper had delivered to a gathering of the Association of Dutch Reformed Pastors in 1870 (not 1869 as is mistakenly and repeatedly stated in the brochure). That lecture had itself been prompted by a lecture given in 1868, on a meeting of the pastors’ association, by Van Toorenenbergen, who had been chairman of the association since its founding in 1862. The heading of Kuyper’s lecture is “Referaat over de belijdenis” [Lecture on the confession]. According to W.F. Dankbaar in Onbekrompen en ondubbelzinnig (’s Gravenhage, 1962, p. 23 of the appendix) the subject of Kuyper’s lecture was “Wat leert ons de geschiedenis van het ontstaan en de vroegste bewaring en handhaving van eene confessie omtrent haar wettig en naar de echte kerkelijke begrippen ingericht gebruik?” [What does the history of the origin and earliest conservation and preservation of a confession teach us about its use both legally and as instituted according to church standards?].
In 1879 members of the recently established Association for Higher Education on Reformed Principles (see 1878.10) began to express renewed interest in the confessional issues raised by the polemic in Kuyper’s lecture of 1870 about being bound to the confession. This discussion led consequently to the series of fifteen articles, first printed in De Heraut under the title Revisie der formulieren van eenigheid [Revision to the forms of unity] (cf. 1891.07), that are included in this brochure after Kuyper’s 1870 lecture. Each of the first eleven articles (reprinted from De Heraut, no. 68, March 30, 1879–no. 79, June 15, 1879) has been given a subtitle. The final four articles (reprinted from De Heraut, no. 80, June 22, 1879–no. 84, July 20, 1879) contain documents related to the Synod of Dordt.
This brochure signaled the conclusion of the polemical exchange between Van Toorenenbergen and Kuyper (see 1879.02, 1879.03, and 1879.05).
Articles reprinted from De Standaard concerning the relationship of the Anti-Revolutionary school of thought to Roman Catholicism. As was likely the case with 1870.33, this brochure was printed (at least partially) but very likely never sold or distributed. In 1879.04, it is noted at the beginning of appendix F (p. [203]) that the brochure has “already been printed” and it is included in an attached list of publications by Dr. A. Kuyper (p. [1310]) that will be “appearing in the course of this year.” In the second edition as well (1880.05), it is reported in a similar list that this reprint shall appear in the course of the year. However, the publisher did not include the usual prepublication announcement and there was no announcement of its appearance in the relevant newspapers and magazines.
An overview of the returns on Kuyper’s writings published in Amsterdam by J.H. Kruyt until the end of 1880 reports the print run and the production costs (ƒ213.85) of the brochure. It also notes that not a single copy had been sold as of December 31, 1880 (KA 366). Two incomplete copies survived.
The brochure contains four series of articles (1–4) from De Standaard and two sets of replies (I–II):
- 1. Onze verhouding tegenover Rome [Our relation to Rome]. Twelve articles about the relationship with Roman Catholics in the fight against “unbelieving” radicalism, taken from De Standaard, no. 512, November 27, 1873–no. 532, December 20, 1873.
- 2. Is dwaling strafbaar? [Is deviation punishable?]. Sixteen articles about the Roman Catholic vision of the fight against religious deviation as a state affair, about John Milton’s vision of the state and free speech, and about the fact that the Dutch government considered religious deviation to be punishable, taken from De Standaard, no. 660, May 25/26, 1874–no. 680, June 18, 1874.
- 3. De strijd tegen het Ultramontanisme [The struggle against Ultramontanism]. A polemical exchange about the possibility of a Roman Catholic minister, taken from De Standaard, no. 726, August 11, 1874–no. 728, August 13, 1874.
- 4. Rome en Dordt [Rome and Dordt]. Six articles about the role of the Anti-Revolutionaries and the Roman Catholics in the school struggle, taken from De Standaard 4 (1875), no. 1001, July 3, 1875–no. 1006, July 9, 1875.
- I. “Repliek uit Den Haag” [Reply from The Hague]. A polemical exchange occasioned by the electoral campaign of June 1875 and the relation between Rome and Dordt, taken from De Standaard 4 (1875), no. 1017, July 22, 1875.
- II. “Repliek uit Rotterdam” [Reply from Rotterdam]. A polemical exchange occasioned by the series of articles about Rome and Dordt, taken from De Standaard 4 (1875), no. 1018, July 23, 1875. It is noteworthy that the Reply from Rotterdam was not fully reprinted in the (only?) two copies of these reprinted articles that have survived. Less than an eighth of the corresponding article from De Standaard—only the beginning of that article, in fact—is printed on the final page of both copies and both also lack a title page.
1880
The first six of these twelve sermons represent the third edition of 1869.01 and the second six represent the second edition of 1870.31. According to the publisher, the two prior collections had been sold out for two years. Both series from the Twaalftal leerredenen were also sold separately (ƒ0.85 each).
Kuyper made it clear in the foreword, which was apparently pasted in after the printing of the collection (or after publication, because in some copies it is lacking), that he was not happy with this edition. He disliked it not simply because the twelve sermons did not form a comprehensive whole and had been published without his foreknowledge, but above all because the sermons had been written early in his career and he could no longer take responsibility in every respect for the viewpoints expressed in them.
An open letter to A.W. Bronsveld, requesting two corrections to the recipient’s publications. First, Kuyper urges a correction of the spelling of the word Heer [Lord] in an illustrated Bible that Bronsveld had edited and supplied with explanatory notes. This Bible was published in 1879 (N.T.) and 1880 (O.T.) by A. Akkeringa, Amsterdam. In his letter Kuyper pleads for Heere and underscores his request by reprinting a letter on the subject from the Leiden professor of linguistics, M. de Vries (1820–1892). As for the second correction, Kuyper requests that Bronsveld renounce a passage from an article he had published in Stemmen voor Waarheid en Vrede (December 1879). In that passage Bronsveld had questioned whether the Association for Higher Education on Reformed Principles (see 1878.10) really had the right to found a university. With an extensive and well-documented argument, Kuyper defends the right of the association to found a university. Bronsveld responded to both requests with De “Bede” van Dr A. Kuyper afgewezen (Utrecht: C.H.E. Breyer, 1880).
A comment on a public meeting held in Amsterdam to discuss the founding of the Vrije Universiteit, taken from De Heraut, no. 130, June 6, 1880. Public meetings were held throughout the Netherlands to promote the Vrije Universiteit and to defend the right and significance of its establishment. One such meeting took place in Amsterdam on May 28, 1880. After a lengthy address by Kuyper, Rev. H. Beuker (1834–1900) raised six objections to the founding of the Vrije Universiteit. A motion to adjourn the meeting was then tendered on account of the advanced hour, preventing any further discussion of the matter. The motion to adjourn provoked the Rev. L. Lindeboom (1845–1933).
Looking back on this meeting in the untitled comment in De Heraut, Kuyper terms it a “sad incident.” After making several less than flattering remarks about Rev. Lindeboom, Kuyper reports that when Rev. Lindeboom had risen to speak he had been reminded that only the motion to adjourn could be discussed. Rev. Lindeboom reportedly reacted by exclaiming that those from the Christian Reformed party were apparently not welcome to speak at the meeting.
This report prompted Rev. Lindeboom to write an open letter to Kuyper in which he reprinted the comment from De Heraut. At the conclusion of the brochure Een zestal bezwaren tegen den grondslag der Vrije Universiteit, ingebracht en gehandhaafd op de eerste en tweede meeting te Amsterdam (Amsterdam: B.H. Blankenberg, [1880]), Rev. Beuker (Amsterdam) provided qualified support to Rev. Lindeboom’s account of the events.
These flyers, supposedly printed in “Eleutheropolis” [The City of Freedom] and popularly presented in the form of open letters, were intended to champion the legality and the importance of the Vrije Universiteit in the Netherlands. The first was written by “a man of the threefold cord,” while the second and third were written by “the man of the threefold cord.”
From an announcement in 1880.08 (p. 131) it appears that Kuyper did not produce these flyers, but that he composed their content either in part or in whole. The flyers were distributed by provincial correspondents and agents of the Vrije Universiteit.
The arguments put forward in the Vliegend blad [Flying paper] were countered by six issues of the Loopend blad [Running paper], supposedly published in “Haplotetopolis” [The City of Honesty], but actually published in Amsterdam by Weijtingh & Brave and printed in Amsterdam by A. Hoogeboom. The issues of the Loopend blad are dated from June 12 (must be July 12) through August 18, 1880.
An abridged, discounted edition of 1879.04, which was published by the Central Committee of the Federation of Anti-Revolutionary Electoral Associations. In the preface to this second edition Kuyper refers to it as a “popular edition.” The appendices of the first edition were not included in order to make this edition as inexpensive as possible. The series of articles entitled Antirevolutionair óók in uw huisgezin (see 1880.07) was included along with an appendix on pages [405]–473, between sections 324 and 325, just prior to the conclusion. Also in this edition the section numbers 4, 15 and 16 are absent (see 1879.04).
The list of writings by Dr. A. Kuyper with which the 1879 edition closed has been updated and now numbers forty-seven publications.
Two primary articles from De Standaard, reprinted in a circular letter (35cm.) dated August 17, 1880 from The Union: “A School with the Bible.” The first article, “17 Augustus 1878,” is taken from De Standaard 9 (1880), no. 2562, July 30, 1880. The second, “17 Augustus 1880,” is taken from De Standaard 9 (1880), no. 2565, August 3, 1880. The goal of this circular was to orchestrate and to promote (cf. 1879.07) the yearly Union Collection (see 1878.06) among the correspondents and the executives of the local committees of the People’s Petition (see 1878.04).
Reprinted from a series of fifteen articles originally published in De Standaard and subsequently included in 1880.05. The articles assert that the seed and the root from which the state grows is the household and that therefore Anti-Revolutionary political theory arises from family life. The articles in this series were published nearly every other day in De Standaard 9 (1880), no. 2397, January 16, 1880–no. 2427, February 20, 1880.
An article titled “De beteekenis van de lagere school voor den Staat” [The significance of primary schooling for the state], from De Standaard 9 (1880), no. 2429, February 23, 1880, is included as an appendix with the heading “De School” [The school].
In this third (after 1879.05 and 1880.02) and most extensive study, Kuyper seeks to remove objections to the Vrije Universiteit and to defuse resistance to an exclusively Reformed university.
Taking his title from a passage in A.W. Bronsveld’s reply to an earlier challenge (see 1880.02), Kuyper treats the legality of founding a university in two chapters entitled, respectively, “Strikt ‘naar recht’” [Strictly ‘according to the law’] and “Strikt ‘wetenschappelijk’” [Strictly ‘scholarly’]. Finally, in “Strikt ‘ernstig’” [Strictly ‘seriously’], Kuyper discusses the polemical exchange itself. He confesses his readiness to be corrected and offers to tone down the debate.
In the first appendix the reply of Bronsveld with respect to the question of Heer or Heere (see 1880.02) is taken up. The second appendix contains an essay by Ph.J. Hoedemaker entitled “Protest tegen de reconstructie van de wordingsgeschiedenis der Vrije Universiteit” [A protest against the reconstruction of the history of the formation of the Vrije Universiteit], which sets out the true history of the founding of the Vrije Universiteit, partly by drawing on a number of citations culled from Kuyper’s previous works. The third and final appendix contains two articles reprinted from De Heraut, no. 133, June 27, 1880–no. 134, July 4, 1880 under the title De theologische faculteit en de kerk [The theological faculty and the church].
According to a report drawn up by the publisher (KA 366), 592 copies of the print run were complimentary copies.
A speech delivered at the opening ceremony for the Vrije Universiteit in the Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam, delivered by Kuyper in his capacity as rector magnificus.
The concepts of sphere sovereignty and freedom for every sphere of life in society are used to analyze the national significance, scholarly prospects, and Reformed character of the Vrije Universiteit. Kuyper’s famous exclamation, which encapsulates the spirit of both this speech and his general theological perspective, appears on page 32: “There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is sovereign over all, does not cry: ‘Mine!’” Groen van Prinsterer had already used the concept of “sovereignty in one’s own sphere” in the struggle for Christian schooling and the idea, though not yet explicitly formulated as a slogan, was already a major motif in 1869.15.
The type face and the printing resemble the complimentary copies of 1873.08. However, the cover of this edition features red and black printing on heavy, uncut blue/gray laid paper; the text is also presented on lovely, uncut laid paper with a watermark and countermark (“U d B”).
The work appeared in print on the same day the speech was delivered and was sold out within a week. The second printing was published precisely a week after the first (October 27, 1880).
Aan den Koning! Directeuren, Curatoren, Hoogleraren en Stichters der Vrije Universiteit, bij den uitgang van het stichtingsfeest in feestdisch vereenigd, bieden hunnen Koning de betuiging hunner eerbiedige hulde en bevelen de nieuwe Stichting in zijn Koninklijke gratie aan. De Rector der Vrije Universiteit.
Telegram to King William III, sent during the dinner on October 21, 1880 (after the solemn assemblies held on October 19–21, 1880) to celebrate the opening of the Vrije Universiteit. Kuyper was the first rector magnificus of the Vrije Universiteit. The Equerry of Service sent thanks for this homage by return telegram and conveyed the best wishes of the king for the flourishing of the corporation. The telegrams were printed in a celebratory issue (12 pp.) of De Heraut, which was printed in color.
In this letter Kuyper informs the directors of the Dutch Workingmen’s Union “Patrimonium” that he gratefully accepts its offer of honorary membership. The honorary membership had been offered for his journalistic work relating to the social question and for his leadership at the Vrije Universiteit, which “must be regarded as the crown and ornament of the struggle for free Christian education.”
The Dutch Workingmen’s Union “Patrimonium” was the first Christian social organization in the Netherlands (established in 1877). It was not a labor union but a union of laborers with general social and cultural purposes. Klaas Kater (1833–1916), one of the founders, was Patrimonium’s first chairman (1877–1900).
The title of this first collection of devotionals was taken from Psalm 81:16. Seventy-five of these devotionals first appeared as weekly secondary articles in De Heraut, no. 1, December 7, 1877–no. 75, May 18, 1879. The other twenty-five were taken from De Heraut, no. 123, April 18, 1880–no. 124, April 25, 1880 and no. 127, May 16, 1880–no. 149, October 17, 1880. The second collection appeared under the same title (see 1883.08).
Of the approximately 2,200 devotionals in the Sunday edition of De Standaard, in the Zondagsblad van De Standaard, and subsequently in De Heraut, 616 were reprinted in eight different collections (ten volumes) between 1880 and 1908 (see 1880.12, 1889.15, 1891.16, 1893.08, 1899.32, 1901.04, 1902.17, and 1908.21). Devotionals were also reprinted in collections of biblical-theological articles. For additional information about Kuyper and his devotionals, see 1877.05. See also Kuyper’s article “Tweeduizendste meditatie” [Two thousandth devotional] in De Heraut, no. 2000, May 21, 1916.
1881
Preface to the Dutch translation of Les limites de la liberté chrétienne. Trois discours suivis d’un appendix relatif à la question du théatre by the Rev. G. Tophel (Lausanne: G. Bridel, 1880). A controversial appearance in Amsterdam by an English group called the Bell Ringers prompted Kuyper to write a fifteen-article series in De Standaard, no. 2680, December 15, 1880–no. 2736, February 21, 1881 about art and entertainment. Offered under the title Publiek vermaak [Public amusement] (see 1924.03), the series was critical of the theater as a source of public entertainment. In the first article of this series, Kuyper already refers favorably to the upcoming translation of Les limites de la liberté chrétienne.
In his foreword to the Dutch translation, which refers to the theater as “the bulwark of worldly-mindedness,” Kuyper recommends Tophel’s appeal because its author is a foreigner who is neither a puritan nor a Calvinist. This lends extra support, Kuyper claims, to his protest against worldly-mindedness in public entertainment.
A.J. Hoogenbirk (1848–1920), who translated Tophel’s booklet into Dutch, was an editor of De Standaard and De Heraut from 1878 to 1892.
Two primary articles reprinted from De Standaard in a circular letter (35cm.; print run 1,500) dated July 27, 1881 from The Union: “A School with the Bible” in connection with the planned collection of August 17, 1881 (cf. 1879.07). The first article, “August 17,” is taken from De Standaard 10 (1881), no. 2860, July 19, 1881. The second, “The Free School,” is taken from De Standaard 10 (1881), no. 2865, July 25, 1881.
Primary article reprinted from De Standaard 10 (1881), no. 2871, August 1, 1881 in a circular letter (35cm.; print run 1,500) dated August 7, 1881. The circular letter, which was sent out by The Union: “A School with the Bible,” also contained thirteen suggestions about how to gather the annual Union Collection (see 1879.07).
At the publisher’s request Kuyper wrote this introduction to a new edition of the first Protestant martyrology, which had been composed by Adriaan van Haemstede (1525–1562) and originally printed in the Netherlands in 1559. This new edition reprinted the improved edition of 1671.
In the introduction Kuyper cautions the readers of the work. First, he asserts that only the martyrology by Adriaan van Haemstede is a truly Reformed book of martyrs. Second, he warns that the martyrology must not lead to the veneration of the martyrs, because they endured their trials not by the power of their own blood, but by the blood of the Lamb. Third, he cautions that the book might testify on the day of judgment against readers who have lacked courage, enthusiasm, or holy intentions. Kuyper writes: “Now that Reformed life is beginning to be awakened among us again by the special grace of God may an end also come to spiritually deadening cowardice.”
Kuyper’s introduction to Van Haemstede’s martyrology was printed in two columns in a prospectus and delivered with the first installment (48 pp.). The introduction was subsequently reset, reprinted, and added to the twenty-first and final installment, which was published at the end of 1883.
A lecture delivered on October 20, 1881 on the occasion of the transferal of the rectorship of the Vrije Universiteit to F.L. Rutgers. In the lecture Kuyper elaborates programmatically on the thesis that “the biblical criticism of the present day is destructive of the best interests of the community of the living God, for the reason that it revokes her theology, robs her of the Bible, and destroys her liberty in Christ” (English translation by Rev. J.H. De Vries—see 1904.25). Addressed above all to the so-called “ethical theologians,” this lecture gave rise to polemical responses by F.E. Daubanton (1853–1920), J.J. van Oosterzee (1817–1882), and J.J. Prins (see 1882.11), among others.
The Annales Academici (pp. [45]–50) are also attached. In the first of the seventy-four notes included with this edition (pp. 53–64), Kuyper remarks that he can only give a sketch of his standpoint in this lecture. Kuyper would subsequently develop his position on the doctrine of Scripture more comprehensively in his Encyclopedia (see 1894.12) and in the Locus de Sacra Scriptura from the lectures on dogmatics that he gave from 1881 to 1888 (see 1891.22 and 1891.25).
The report of the sessions in committee on April 16, 17, 18, and 20, 1874, was published in supplement 74.1 of the Session Reports of the Second Chamber: Verslag van het behandelde in de vergadering der Tweede Kamer in comité-generaal. (Oorlog met Atjeh) [Report on the matters under discussion in closed session of the Second Chamber. (War with Aceh)]. Kuyper began his political career in the Second Chamber (cf. 1874.03) with the two speeches in this volume. On April 17 Kuyper spoke about the government’s policies on the war in Aceh and declared that he was considering submitting a motion of condemnation (pp. 19–23). When the minister of the colonies thereupon threatened to resign, Kuyper stated in his rejoinder on April 18 that he would provisionally suspend his motion (pp. 36–38).
The war in Aceh was concluded in 1879 and therefore the parliamentary speeches about the war could be made public. The minister of the colonies had been prepared to release the speeches in 1880.
In this letter to the editor, Kuyper writes that the pseudonymous A.V. (Amicus Veritatis)—actually the Rev. W. Diemer (1837–1926), editor of the Christian Reformed periodical Wekstem [Voice of awakening]—had finally gone too far. According to A.V., Kuyper had insinuated in De Heraut that there were no brothers and sisters in the Christian Reformed Church. The editors of Wekstem noted next to Kuyper’s letter that their fellow editor had read more into Kuyper’s article in De Heraut than he had actually written. In his reply to Kuyper (Wekstem, no. 139, November 24, 1881), however, A.V. held fast to his opinion, writing that it was not he but Kuyper who was making insinuations (cf. 1882.02).
1882
While sojourning in Scotland in 1881, Kuyper discovered to his amazement that Alexander Comrie (1706–1774), one of the best representatives of Reformed theology in the eighteenth century, was virtually unknown in the Scottish Presbyterian Church. Accordingly, Kuyper wrote a series of three articles for Presbyterian readers about this theologian, who was born in Perth, Scotland and who was pastor for forty years in Woubrugge, the Netherlands.
The first article is a short biography based entirely on Kuyper’s own research and composed in part on the basis of information he received in response to an advertisement (cf. 1863.02) that he had placed in De Heraut, no. 193, September 4, 1881 (and the next issue) requesting details about Comrie’s life. The advertisement was reprinted in 1929.04, on page 68.
The second article gives a short sketch of the conflict surrounding Antonius van der Os. That conflict had centered on the question whether justification precedes or follows the actual exercise of faith. Van der Os was pastor in Zwolle from 1748 until 1755, when he was removed from office.
In the third article Kuyper asserts that the church of his day is undergoing practically the same attack—only in more intensified form—as it had undergone in Comrie’s day. He complains, however, that the contemporary orthodox defense has not yet been as successful as Comrie’s. From Comrie’s example, Kuyper derives five practical tips for present-day defenders of the church.
In this 1878 private letter to the Rev. W. Diemer (cf. 1881.07), Kuyper declares that he desires with all his heart to reunite the Dutch Reformed Church with the other Reformed churches. Diemer published this private correspondence in 1882 to indicate that Kuyper was now sounding a completely different tune. Kuyper responded with 1882.03.
In this letter to the editor, Kuyper objects to the Rev. W. Diemer’s publication of a private letter that he had written to Diemer more than three years previously. In the letter that Diemer made public (see 1882.02), Kuyper had written that he greatly wished for church union among all the Reformed churches. However, Diemer thought that Kuyper had sounded a completely different tune in a recent article in De Heraut. Kuyper totally disagreed with this charge. J.H. Donner (1824–1903), the editor in chief of Wekstem, added an editorial note next to Kuyper’s letter stating that he very much disapproved of making private letters public.
Two short editorials about the confidentiality of the correspondence appeared shortly thereafter in De Standaard, no. 3042, February 17, 1882 and no. 3050, February 27, 1882.
A poem for Nicolaas Beets. In Najaarsbladen. Gemengde gedichten, 1874–1880 (Amsterdam: W.H. Kirberger, 1881), Beets included his 1874 poem “Aan dezen en genen” [To these and those]. The dismissive two-stanza poem was likely inspired by Beets’s experience with Kuyper (see 1870.11). While Beets directed his poem cautiously to “these and those,” Kuyper regarded the poem as directly addressing him and thus wrote his seven-stanza poem openly and directly aan Beets.
Kuyper could write prose very poetically but he left very few poems behind. After Kuyper’s death, however, his oldest son, H.H. Kuyper (1864–1945), wrote an article (De Heraut, no. 2235, November 21, 1920) entitled “Dr. A. Kuyper … Also a Poet.” In this article he revealed that the poem printed at the opening of a celebratory issue of De Heraut (cf. 1880.10) was authored by his father. The concluding line of this six-line poem reads, Uit deernis met uw smaad, schonk u Zijn trouw deez’ stichting [Out of pity for your defamation this institution is offered to you through his faithfulness]. (See also 1928.02, p. 116. For the poem translated into German and Hungarian, see 1924.08 and 1927.09, respectively.) In the same brief article, H.H. Kuyper printed another poem—as playful as it was serious—that his father had once written in his son’s scrapbook (see 1920.09). On the occasion of Kuyper’s hundredth birthday in 1937, A.G. Honig (1864–1940), a Kampen professor, published a poem that Kuyper had written during his student days (see 1937.09). An even earlier rhyme was published in 1921.03. Finally, it should also be mentioned that Kuyper once expressed his life’s goal in poetic form (see 1897.16 and, for an English translation, 2001.09) by reworking a poem by Isaac da Costa (cf. 1891.05).
A reprint of a five-article series from De Heraut, the first four articles of which appeared as “Prof. Doedes’ beweren dat de schepping niet het werk zou zijn van den Drieëenigen God” [Prof. Doedes’ assertion that the creation is not the work of the Triune God] in De Heraut, no. 209, December 25, 1881–no. 212, January 15, 1882. The fifth and concluding article appeared as “Naschrift inzake het verschil met Prof. Doedes” [Postscript regarding the disagreement with Prof. Doedes] in De Heraut, no. 213, January 22, 1882. An article from De Heraut, no. 171, April 3, 1881 was added as an appendix.
Kuyper entered into a polemical exchange with J.I. Doedes (cf. 1867.02) after Doedes published the first volume of his two-volume De Nederlandsche Geloofsbelijdenis en de Heidelbergsche Catechismus, als belijdenisgeschriften der Nederlandsche Hervormde Kerk in de negentiende eeuw, getoetst en beoordeeld (Utrecht: Kemink & Zoon, 1880–1881), a critical analysis of the confessions of the Dutch Reformed Church. Kuyper reviewed the first volume in four articles under the title “Welke Godgeleerdheid er te Utrecht onderwezen wordt?” [What sort of theology is being taught at Utrecht?] in De Heraut, no. 115, February 22, 1880–no. 118, March 14, 1880. In these articles he criticized Doedes’ methodology as ahistorical. After the publication of the second volume, Kuyper wrote another article in De Heraut, no. 171, April 3, 1881 seeking to demonstrate, from an analysis of his interpretation of the simplicity of God, that Doedes’ interpretation of the confessions as a whole was flawed. Doedes’ provocative rejoinder in Stemmen voor Waarheid en Vrede (December 1881, p. 532), prompted Kuyper immediately to respond with the five-article series in De Heraut reprinted here.
These articles, which sharply criticize Doedes’ presentation of the relationship between God the Father, the trinity, and the creation, were subsequently published with a few adjustments and a slightly altered introduction as a brochure. The point of this edition was to raise a scholarly protest (i.e., “among those who may have considered themselves too scholarly to read De Heraut”) against the danger that Doedes’ book posed to the confession of the triunity of God. Kuyper’s concern about potential revision to the confessional documents of the Dutch Reformed Church was an unspoken motive for the publication of the brochure.
The meditation on Isaiah 50:11, “Wandelt in de vlam van uw vuur” [Walk in the flame of your fire], was first published in De Heraut, no. 33, July 21, 1878. It was reprinted in Dutch in the South African monthly De Getuige, edited by the Rev. S.J. du Toit (1847–1911).
During a trip through Europe and the Middle East in 1880, Du Toit had visited the Netherlands and met Kuyper for the first time. Kuyper and Du Toit worked closely during the four years after their meeting, but subsequently grew apart due to conflicting interests and visions.
This is the first volume in the Bibliotheca Reformata series. The volume, which was edited with a foreword by Kuyper, contains an autobiography and bibliography of Franciscus Junius (1545–1602), as well as the following selections from his work: Tractatus de vera theologia; Theses theologicae Leydenses; Theses theologicae Heidelbergenses; De politiae Moysis observatione; and Eirenicum. Kuyper also furnished 1888.05 for the series.
On April 1, 1880 a conference for pastors favorably disposed toward Reformed principles was held at the invitation of several curators and professors at the still-to-be-opened Vrije Universiteit to discuss the curriculum of the new theological faculty. On October 21, 1880, the day after the Vrije Universiteit opened, a second conference for pastors was held, at which time a plea was made for the republication of works by the most important old Reformed theologians, whose books had become rare and difficult to find. The purpose of the theological faculty was indeed both to breathe new life into classical Reformed theology and to bring it into rapport with the spirit of the times. A Society for the Reprinting of Reformed Theological Works was subsequently established and staff members of the Vrije Universiteit produced the editions of the Bibliotheca Reformata in that framework.
The following ten volumes appeared between 1882 and 1896:
- 1. D. Francisci Junii opuscula theologica selecta, ed. A. Kuyper (1882).
- 2. Gisberti Voetii tractatus selecti de politica ecclesiastica, series prima, ed. F .L. Rutgers (1885).
- 3. Gisberti Voetii tractatus selecti de politica ecclesiastica, series secunda, ed. Ph.J. Hoedemaker (1886).
- 4. D. Gysberti Voetii selectarum disputationum fasciculus, ed. A. Kuyper (1887 [= 1888]), see 1888.05.
- 5. D. Hieron. Zanchii commentarius in Epistulam sancti Pauli ad Ephesios, pars prior, ed. A.H. de Hartog (1888).
- 6. D. Hieron. Zanchii commentarius in Epistulam sancti Pauli ad Ephesios, pars altera, ed. A.H. de Hartog (1889).
- 7–9. Hieremiam Bastingium, Verclaringe op den Catechisme der Christelijcker Religie so die inden Belgischen, oft Nederlantschen Geunieerden Provintien, ende inder Keur-vorstelicker Paltz, in kercken ende scholen gepredict, ende geleert wort, ed. F.L. Rutgers (1893).
- 10. Willem Amezes, Vijf boeken van de conscientie en haar regt of gevallen, ed. W. Geesink (1896).
The second and subsequent volumes were no longer printed on laid paper and published in vellum bindings, but were sold unbound on ordinary paper. The plan—made public in the initial advertisements for the series as well as in the foreword to the first volume—to publish an entire series of Reformed scholastics was not realized due to a lack of subscribers (ƒ5.- per year).
The meditation on Hosea 14:2 that appears in De Christen 3, no. 18 was taken from De Heraut, no. 221, March 19, 1882. The meditation on Isaiah 48:18 that appears in De Christen 3, no. 26 was taken from De Heraut, no. 168, March 13, 1881.
The untranslated meditations were included in the independent South African church newsletter De Gereformeerde Kerkbode. In 1880 this church newspaper was incorporated into De Christen, a new independent paper, as a section for official notices. In 1883 De Gereformeerde Kerkbode was no longer published as a section within an independent paper, but as a distinct publication of the synod. Its name was changed to De Kerkbode. Het Weekblad der Nederduitsche Gereformeerde Kerk van Zuid Afrika.
As is stated on the cover, this is Kuyper’s opening address to a meeting of supporters of the Vrije Universiteit, which took place in Leeuwarden on July 5, 1882. A similar meeting, held annually in different significant cities to garner national support for the Vrije Universiteit, was convened by the Association for Higher Education on Reformed Principles. The addresses that Kuyper delivered at such meetings were typically intended both to keep the audience up to date about the university and to recruit new students.
In the Leeuwarden address Kuyper discusses the job prospects of students. The university initially had no effectus civilis. Thus, diplomas conveyed by the Vrije Universiteit lacked legal standing and could not be used for professional licensing. Moreover, the Synod of the Dutch Reformed Church would not admit graduates of the Vrije Universiteit to its pulpits. Kuyper discusses these and attendant problems carefully by putting them into broader perspective. His address deals above all with the prospects of theological students because twelve of the fourteen students at the Vrije Universiteit in the academic year 1881/1882 were students of theology.
Nine notes were added to the address (pp. 37–40).
A memo addressed to the directors of the Dutch South African Association (NZAV). The NZAV was the result of cooperation between liberals and Anti-Revolutionaries. A national association established on May 12, 1881, the NZAV consolidated several local committees for the Transvaal, which had been established at the time of the outbreak of the First Boer War (1880–1881). Prof. Dr. P. Harting (1812–1885) became the chairman of the NZAV. Kuyper was co-founder of the NZAV and a member of the board.
In this lengthy letter to the board (KA 367), Kuyper objects to the idea of sending H.F. Jonkman (secretary of the NZAV) to South Africa for a year as its official representative. The idea was that Jonkman would gather local information about how the NZAV might foster the interests of the Boers. Kuyper disagreed with the board’s plans. In his view the proposed action went against the statutes of the association. He also found Jonkman lacking both in qualifications for the task and in spiritual sympathy for the Boers. Moreover, Kuyper opposed the decision because it would send Jonkman off without training and would require the expenditure of a substantial percentage of the NZAV’s treasury.
The board nevertheless decided to send Jonkman as its delegate to South Africa. Kuyper resigned his board membership on October 19, 1882. The Rev. F. Lion Cachet (1835–1899) had already resigned from the board and D.P.D. Fabius (1851–1931), professor at the Vrije Universiteit, would soon follow suit.
The memo was also published in De Standaard 11 (1882), no. 3252, October 24, 1882, but the passage about the board’s non-compliance with its statutes was left out. This abbreviated version was subsequently reprinted in the press.
A letter to J.J. Prins (1814–1898), a professor at Leiden who had sent Kuyper a gift copy of his Apologetische polemiek (Leiden: A.H. Adriani, 1882), a set of four short polemical essays. In the letter, Kuyper laments that his former preceptor has expressed himself so arrogantly about Kuyper’s lecture on biblical criticism (see 1881.05). In that lecture, Kuyper had affirmed the value and significance of the textus receptus of the New Testament, which served as the basis of the Dutch Authorized Version (1637). In an anonymous article published in November 1881 under the title “Zelfbedrog” [Self-deception], Kuyper’s views were rejected as, among other things, “nonsense.” It turned out that Prins had been the author of this criticism, which was published as the second article in the gift copy sent to Kuyper.
In a postscript, Kuyper writes that he is making this letter public because the identity of the author of the 1881 article has now been made public.
1883
Ingezonken door moe- en matheid beurde der broederen vriendelijk woord mij heerlijk op. Voor allen den groet mijner ziele. Zegene de Heere de Unie. Kuyper.
Kuyper was prevented from attending the meeting of the South Holland Local Committee of The Union: “A School with the Bible” (see 1878.06) by ill health, household cares, and the recent death of his father, Rev. J.F. Kuijper (1801–1882). At the suggestion of Mr. L.W.C. Keuchenius, a member of the national board attending the regional “Union Day,” a cordial cable (pp. 1–2) was sent to Kuyper, who responded with this cable.
In the preface Kuyper reports that his new edition of the three forms of unity had its origin in a meeting of church elders in Amsterdam on February 24, 1883. A proposal was put forward at that meeting, requesting that all the elders and the pastors of the church sign the three forms of unity as a token of their “undivided and sincere agreement with the confessional documents of our church.” For the signing ceremony an edition of J.J. van Toorenenbergen was used: De symbolische schriften der Nederlandsche Hervormde Kerk in zuiveren, kritisch bewerkten tekst haar aangeboden tot wettig gebruik door Dr. J.J. van Toorenenbergen (Utrecht: Kemink en Zoon, 1869).
Kuyper’s edition was intended to rehabilitate the classic Dutch confessions, of which the Canons of Dordt in particular had fallen from favor. It raised the Canons of Dordt to equal status with the Belgic Confession and the Heidelberg Catechism. (See Jasper Vree, “De drie formulieren van enigheid: een vondst van Abraham Kuyper,” Historisch Tijdschrift GKN 13, 2007.) Kuyper conformed the texts to contemporary spelling and grammar rules. After the forms of unity, the Church Order of Dordt is printed in accordance with the official text of the Postacta (1619) of the Synod of Dordrecht. F.L. Rutgers (1836–1917) conformed this text to contemporary spelling and grammar rules. Kuyper contended that this church order should replace the Reglementen van 1816 [General regulations of 1816], but argued that this could only happen after church members had again consciously subscribed to the basics of the Christian faith as expressed in the three forms of unity.
Kuyper envisioned a twofold use for this edition. On the one hand, he intended the book to be used in churches by consistories and pastors and also to be given to newly confirmed members. On the other hand, he envisioned that church members would read the book at home to better acquaint themselves with the confessions. He suggested that heads of households should place this edition alongside the book of martyrs (see 1883.12) “in order to bring forth from both books the word of the time-honored church to the members of his household” and in so doing to instill a grounded knowledge of the faith. The preface was also published in De Heraut, no. 275, April 1, 1883.
Copies with blank pages interleaved were available at a higher price for students, as were copies with additional pages inserted for church officers’ signatures.
Half-title, title page, and preface (KA 366). It appears from the preface that this printer’s proof was a design for the title page and preface for the three-volume series of biblical-theological studies that was ultimately published under the title Uit het Woord. Tweede serie [From the Word: Second series] (see 1884.09, 1885.04, and 1886.24; for the first series, see 1875.10, 1875.11, and 1879.01). Ultimately the second series would include approximately thirty articles more than the preface to Mabdîl announces; changes also appear to have been made to the classification of the articles and the series. Item 1883.06 would also be added to the series, being “nothing else than the consistent application of the ‘Mabdîl’ to the Church of Christ as well.”
Kuyper apparently had second thoughts about publishing these volumes with such an obscure title, which he would have had to explain in the preface. Therefore, the title was dropped along with the preface explaining it. In addition to a detailed table of contents for the projected three volumes, the dropped preface also provides a pithy analysis of the way in which pantheism blurs the boundaries set up by God. Kuyper thus also left out the background information about what had given rise to the first volume: “The awful danger [of pantheism] moved me more than three years ago now to bravely raise up the watchword once again that ‘grace is particular!’—a saying which caused everyone, however finely and imperceptibly afflicted they were, to detest me ever since; but which also led many in the nation to offer me thanks and sympathy. The effects of this phrase were actually so strong that the pressure continued unabatedly to put the series which elaborated this phrase within everyone’s reach.”
Letter from the Advisory Committee of the Central Committee of Anti-Revolutionary Electoral Associations (see 1878.02) to the Roman Catholic A.H.M. van Berckel (1847–1915) and the liberal A.E.J. Modderman (1838–1885). After the elections for the Second Chamber of the States General on June 12, 1883, a run-off election was required in the primary electoral district of Delft. The Anti-Revolutionary candidate had dropped out and this letter put three questions to the two remaining candidates, Van Berckel and Modderman. The advisory committee planned to use the candidates’ answers to recommend a candidate for the second ballot on June 26, 1883 (cf. 1886.10 and also the letter signed by Kuyper and D.P.D. Fabius in De Standaard, no. 5753, December 18, 1890, where the same policy was followed).
The committee recommended Van Berckel. Modderman, who had recently resigned as minister of justice, had answered that he did not wish to take part in a “comparative exam” in the context of the elections.
A reprint of a leading article from De Standaard 12 (1883), no. 3486, July 30, 1883 in a circular letter (34cm.) from The Union: “A School with the Bible,” which was intended to boost the annual Union Collection (see 1879.07).
The fourth centenary of Luther’s birth provided the occasion for this treatise, which offers a new plan for reformation. In the preface, Kuyper contends that Luther always remained in the public eye even in the Calvinist Netherlands. Furthermore, Luther serves as a witness that the reformation of the church may require the breaking of church relations. In a brief introduction following the preface Kuyper comments that this treatise is “only the pale silhouette of what a ‘handbook for a Reformed church order’ should be.” Four main chapters follow: (1) “Algemeene beginselen” [General principles (i.e., what constitutes the being of the church)]; (2) “Van de rechte formatie der kerken” [Concerning the right formation of the churches]; (3) “Van de deformatie der kerken” [Concerning the deformation of the churches]; and (4) “Van de reformatie der kerken” [Concerning the reformation of the churches].
The book had its origins in four lectures about the reformation of the church, which Kuyper delivered as an elder in De Broederkring [The Circle of Brothers] during the months of March, April, and May 1883. The Circle of Brothers was a group of like-minded members of the Consistory of the Dutch Reformed Congregation of Amsterdam who advocated making subscription to the three forms of unity mandatory and who regularly consulted with one another about their lines of action in the consistory. De Broederkring was the successor of Beraad (see 1872.12). This publication has rightly been called the blueprint of the Doleantie (cf. 1886.25). It is dedicated to P.J. Elout van Soeterwoude, who “from the council chamber of the land harkened rulers and people in church and state back to the Word of the Lord.”
This address about the “native question” is an apologia that Kuyper drew up in London in cooperation with the Rev. S.J. du Toit. In De Standaard 12 (1883), no. 3577, November 13, 1883, Kuyper referred to this item as an “apologia concerning the Kaffir Question [that] shall be distributed in large quantities in England and Germany.” The address was signed by S.J.P. Kruger (1825–1904), president of the South African Republic, S.J. du Toit, superintendent of education, and N.J. Smit (1837–1896), general. This three-member delegation from the Transvaal (cf. 1884.02) had come to London for talks with the English government about the revision of the Convention of Pretoria (August 3, 1881). The convention granted the Transvaal “complete self-government, subject to the suzerainty of Her Majesty.” The implication of this agreement was that the Transvaal could not carry out any independent foreign policy. The delegation tried to reword the agreement to avoid this consequence. Du Toit (see 1882.06) likely invited Kuyper to advise the delegation about formulating documents for the English government and about conducting talks with government officials. Kuyper remained in London from November 1–14, 1883.
The two societies to whom the address was delivered shared the opinion of the lord mayor of London that Transvaal Christians were falling short of their Christian duty with respect to the “Kaffirs.” The Transvaal Government had even been accused of slavery and inhumanity. Recent correspondence with the lord mayor (pp. 13–15) was also included in this apologia (BLPES, pamphlets, HT/D108, special).
The address was published, among other places, in The Times, no. 30.976, November 13, 1883. A Dutch version appeared in De Standaard 12 (1883), no. 3578, November 14, 1883. In 1930.04, Kuyper wrote that he had no knowledge of this apologia, but “had at that time submitted many letters to the editors of various English newspapers.” In all likelihood, this address was published in pamphlet form after Kuyper had already returned to the Netherlands.
For the second volume of Honig uit den rotssteen, a new selection of weekly devotions was made from De Heraut of 1879 (twenty-two devotions), 1880 (seventeen devotions), 1881 (forty-four devotions), and 1882 (seventeen devotions). A notable feature of this volume is that the devotions from 1879, 1881, and 1882 are not entirely reprinted in the chronological order of their original publication—the volume opens with two devotions from 1881. The hundred devotions composing this volume were published in De Heraut, no. 76, May 25, 1879–no. 236, July 2, 1882.
The typeface, size, and the omission of the text of the Church Order of Dordt made this edition cheaper than 1883.02 and therefore more widely accessible. Since the edition was intended primarily for use in catechism classes, as gifts for those who made public confession of faith, and for diaconal and Bible schools, the publishers also held down the price by printing the booklet in a smaller format and on lower quality paper.
The preface urges readers to acquaint themselves with the forms of unity and indicates briefly for whom this edition is intended. The meaning and significance of the Belgic Confession, the Heidelberg Catechism and the Canons of Dordt are subsequently described in a simple and pithy manner.
Only one reprint followed (1885.02) and an edition that included the “Compendium of the Christian Religion” (1884.05) subsequently became the catechism book for at least three generations of Gereformeerden in the Netherlands.
Kuyper opposed the use of pastors’ self-published catechetical booklets because of their great diversity (see De Heraut, no. 206, December 4, 1881). It is likely for this reason that he printed a cautionary piece against the use of catechetical booklets by Voetius without commentary in De Heraut, no. 272, March 11, 1883 just before the publication of 1883.02. See also the remarkable change in the preface of 1885.02, his remark in 1886.24 (p. 107), the introduction to 1892.06, and the preface of the eighth printing in 1892.08.
A twin edition of 1883.09, which also left out the text of the Church Order of Dordt. It was meant for use by church councils, families, and students, and therefore entirely conformed to the projected use of the first edition (see 1883.02). This edition was printed on high-quality paper. By paying an extra supplement, it was possible to purchase an edition with extra blank pages on which members of the consistory could sign their names.
Aan den Voorzitter der Unie. Overkomst is mij onmogelijk. Dit is mij zeer leed. Mag ik u verzoeken aan mijne geachte medebestuurders en aan de vergaderde broederen mijnen hartelijken groet te willen overbrengen. Dusver was de Unie zeldzaam gezegend. Verzelle haar ook in het jaar, dat nu komt, de goede gunste onzes Gods. Kuyper.
Cable sent to the fifth annual meeting of The Union: “A School with the Bible,” which took place on October 17, 1883 in Utrecht. A.F. de Savornin Lohman was chairman [from 1879 to 1889].
The threefold warning (see 1881.04) is printed immediately after the title page. This martyrology was a republication with contemporary spelling of De Historie der martelaren [The history of martyrs] by Adriaan van Haemstede, published in Amsterdam in 1671 by the widow of Jan Jacobsz Schipper. Kuyper called this edition, which was corrected and updated by Johannes Gysius (c. 1583–1652), pastor in Ouddorp, “our true, trustworthy, Reformed book of martyrs.” The book contains the histories of martyrs who perished on account of their faith. The stories of approximately 1,600 martyrs are recounted in this edition. Of the approximately 150 copper engravings in the edition of 1671, eighty-two were copied for this new edition and reproduced (together with the stories that they depicted) on forty-one pages. These copies do not always reliably reproduce the original illustrations and do not live up to the standards of the seventeenth-century copper engravers. The lithographed illustration facing the title page was produced for this new edition; it depicts Matthew 16:18b in heroic fashion. The edition was published in twenty-one installments.
Many Dutch Calvinist families used to keep a book of martyrs next to the Dutch Authorized Version (1637) in their homes.
1884
This special, luxury-bound edition of the forms of unity was published as a signatory book for office holders. The edition conforms to 1883.02 in all but three respects: there is a new preface, the church order has been dropped, and 128 blank pages have been inserted along with an affidavit of consent.
This information is derived from an advertisement. A copy could not be traced.
A speech held on behalf of the Dutch Workingmen’s Union “Patrimonium” (see 1880.11). The speech was delivered on March 11, 1884 at the Plancius building in Amsterdam before S.J.P. Kruger, the president of the South African Republic, the Rev. S.J. Du Toit, and General N.J. Smit—the members of the Transvaal deputation (see 1883.07). They had just signed a treaty with England concerning the South African Republic before arriving in the Netherlands. (The London Convention, February 27, 1884, was a revision of the Convention of Pretoria.) The address concluded with the presentation of a special Transvaal flag to the deputation.
In his speech Kuyper emphasizes the strong sympathy in the Netherlands for the struggle of the South African Boers against the English. He explains this sympathy by referring to common kinship and shared historical experiences, both in the past (the Sea Beggars’ struggle against Spanish mastery) and in the present (the opposition to Kuyper and his sympathizers).
The preface reports that this address was not reported accurately by the press (cf. 1884.03 and 1884.04) and therefore gave rise to misunderstanding and protest.
Kuyper wrote the address down from memory in transcript form, reporting the words by which he was introduced as well as the resounding applause that drowned out his words toward the conclusion of the speech.
The Transvaal deputation remained in the Netherlands from February 29 to July 17, 1884.
A letter that accompanied the gift copy of 1884.02 presented to Prof. Dr. P. Harting. Harting had written to a Dutchman who was living in England and acting as a correspondent of the Dutch South African Association (see 1882.10) that the Plancius address had aroused widespread astonishment and indignation and that the Calvinist faction formed no part of the civilized Dutch nation. This commentary appeared in the English press, where it reinforced the negative impression of the Plancius address given by a reporter from the Times.
Kuyper concludes his request for rectification by announcing that he will publish this letter because Harting’s commentary had also been made public.
Letter in response to Prof. Harting’s extensive response (in De Standaard, no. 3698, April 5, 1884) to 1884.03. Kuyper clarifies the complaint that he had expressed in his previous letter. Harting’s argument in his reply had actually passed over the salient point by giving a lengthy description of the difference between the Christian and the humanist worldview. That was not what the debate was about. Kuyper promises to take up the difference between the Christian and the humanist worldview after Easter in De Heraut (see 1884.07) and focuses instead on the present point of contention—namely, that by arousing widespread astonishment and indignation the Plancius address had also endangered the friendly relations between the Netherlands and England.
As a result of this letter, Harting withdrew a few more of his assertions (De Standaard, no. 3705, April 14, 1884). Kuyper reported that his correspondent, who had meanwhile also received 1884.02, had sent a letter to the editors of several English papers in which he admitted, among other things, that “what was said by Dr. Kuyper did not contain anything hostile or insulting to the English nation but to the contrary showed much sympathy for the English people” (De Standaard, no. 3709, April 19, 1884).
This printing of the forms of unity is probably identical with 1883.09. At the request of the Board of Oversight for Religious Instruction (cf. 1872.09), however, the Kort begrip der Christelijke religie voor hen die zich willen begeven tot des Heeren Heilig Avondmaal [Compendium of the Christian religion for those desiring to be admitted to the Lord’s Holy Supper] was added with a separate pagination. The Compendium (1608), a simple adaptation of the Heidelberg Catechism intended primarily to prepare young people for the public profession of faith, was revised by Amsterdam pastors C.A. Renier (1844–1899) and B. van Schelven (1847–1928), who transformed the seventeenth-century text into contemporary Dutch.
The publication date has been discerned from advertisements in De Heraut. An advertisement in no. 330, April 20, 1884 states that the work will be published “this Monday,” while an advertisement in no. 331, April 27, 1884 states that it “has been published.”
This edition became a very frequently used catechetical booklet in Reformed circles. In 1887 the publisher J.A. Wormser brought out the fifth printing of five thousand, which indicates that the publisher J.H. Kruyt printed approximately 20,000 copies of the forms of unity in four years time. The forty-second and final printing appeared in 1972 (see 1972.05). In the course of the years, improvements (see 1885.02 and 1897.19), a few small changes (see 1887.26), and some additions (see 1895.27) were made.
An unaltered reprint published on ordinary paper. The title page looks different because of the use of a simpler typeface and the addition of the word volksuitgave [popular edition]. The preliminary matter was reduced from twenty-two pages to sixteen pages through a more economical use of space.
This edition represented the first time that the author and the publisher tried to reach a wider audience of readers by printing a popular edition of this sort. Kuyper’s publishers came to use this strategy frequently to achieve widespread distribution of his writings. This printing—and to some extent 1873.01 and 1880.05—anticipated the new publication strategy.
On the morning of Holy Saturday 1884, Kuyper wrote the promised letter to Professor Harting (see 1884.04) contrasting the rationalistic, liberal worldview and the Christian vision of life. This very extensive letter—at once both critical and respectful of Prof. Harting—expresses Kuyper’s personal vision of what is essential to the Christian worldview.
This article, reprinted from De Standaard 13 (1884), no. 3784, July 18, 1884, warmly commends the sixth annual Union Collection scheduled to take place on August 17. The circular letter (34cm.) that reprinted this article was addressed to the local committees for the People’s Petition (cf. 1879.07), of which there were now 675 actively soliciting for the Union Collection across the country.
The first volume of a second series of biblical-theological studies, each chapter of which sets out from a brief biblical citation on the subject of particular grace. The series of articles in this volume began appearing in De Heraut about four months after the establishment of The Association for Higher Education on Reformed Principles (see 1878.10) and came to a conclusion about four months before the opening of the Vrije Universiteit (cf. 1880.09). In the final article (pp. 447ff.) Kuyper lets it be known that he has written this series on particular grace not only to promote the restoration of the Reformed character of the Dutch Reformed Church but also to encourage the supporters of a free university. For additional background concerning the publication of this collection, see 1883.03. For the continuation of this theological line of argument, see 1902.13.
This first volume of the second series was published in four parts. The first appeared in May, the second and third in August, and the fourth in October 1884. The four parts were originally published in De Heraut as five separately titled series of numbered articles. The title of this volume was derived from the original title of the first series of biblical studies as it appeared in De Heraut. The titles of the original first two series were replaced with new titles. The title of the fifth series from De Heraut was also left off so that the articles included under that title could be consolidated with the articles from the fourth series. Subtitles were added to all the numbered sections in this collected edition.
| Part 1. | Geen Christus pro omnibus [No “Christ for all”], taken from De Heraut, no. 71, April 20, 1879–no. 76, May 25, 1879; no. 78, June 8, 1879–no. 79, June 15, 1879; and no. 88, August 17, 1879–no. 89, August 24, 1879. |
| Part 2. | Getoetst aan de uitkomsten [Tested against the results], taken from De Heraut, no. 90, August 31, 1879–no. 98, October 26, 1879. |
| Part 3. | De ondoorgrondelijke barmhartigheden [The unfathomable mercies], taken from De Heraut, no. 99, November 2, 1879–no. 100, November 9, 1879; no. 106, December 21, 1879; and no. 109, January 11, 1880–no. 113, February 8, 1880. |
| Part 4. | Schijnbare strijd [An apparent conflict], taken from De Heraut, no. 114, February 15, 1880–no. 118, March 14, 1880; no. 122, April 11, 1880–no. 124, April 25, 1880; no. 126, May 9, 1880; and no. 128, May 23, 1880–no. 131, June 13, 1880. |
Eleven theses defended by Kuyper at a meeting of the eight professors who taught at the Vrije Universiteit (listed according to seniority: A. Kuyper, F.L. Rutgers, Ph.J. Hoedemaker, D.P.D. Fabius, F.W.J. Dilloo, J. Woltjer, A.H. de Hartog, and A.F. de Savornin Lohman). Nine theses deal with various facets of the unity of the church, such as the church as corpus Christi and the church as human organism. The author argues that, considered purely as a human organism, the church is not adequate to the parousia. In the ninth thesis this contention is used to point to the possible necessity of reforming the church. As far as possible, all churches should strive for reform simultaneously, but if need be each congregation should shoulder that responsibility on its own and be prepared to break its denominational ties. The final two theses have to do with the ordination examination required for admission to the ministry of the Word. Among other things, they assert that any local church that issues a call has the right to administer the examination itself.
The theses were intended for use within the closed circle of professors at the Vrije Universiteit. Each page was printed with a single column so that annotations could easily be made in the blank space.
Two asterisms (columns) published as Appendix XI en XII in a brochure on compulsory vaccination, written by J.C. Fabius, Anti-Revolutionary member of parliament (1881–1890).
The asterism Het fine conto was originally published in De Standaard 12 (1883), no. 3603, December 12, 1883 and deals with the statistics concerning the tragic side effects caused by the vaccination of children. Inenting was taken from De Standaard 12 (1883), no. 3605, December 14, 1883 and includes five serious grievances and objections concerning vaccination. However, vaccination is neither advised nor advised against. The main issue is that the state has to leave the responsabiblity wether to vaccinate or not to parents.
1885
A brief, untitled commentary reprinted from De Heraut, no. 372, February 8, 1885. The editor of De Heraut repeatedly received questions about whether or not it was appropriate to sing hymns during worship. Kuyper judged, however, that a suitable opportunity had not yet arisen to deal with this question theologically, historically, and from the perspective of church polity. Furthermore, he thought that the question could not easily be debated without sowing greater division. In this comment, therefore, he deals with the question in five points without making additional arguments, hoping to bring a provisional end to the matter: (1) The polity of the church makes the use of hymns illegal; (2) the custom of singing hymns has an Arminian origin; (3) the resistance of the Afgescheidenen [Secessionists] of 1834 to the singing of hymns seems to have been a matter of duty; (4) it is the best and most customary use of Christian freedom not to sing hymns; and (5) the practice is too inconsequential to dampen spirits or to divide the church now that the singing of hymns is no longer being forced upon the church.
The Rev. L. Schouten Hzn. (1828–1905), whom Kuyper called “the great advocate of hymns in the Netherlands,” protested against these theses with an open letter, which was reprinted two times in a single month. He subsequently published yet another public challenge to Kuyper concerning the same question at the end of March, titled Hebben de gezangen regt van bestaan in onze Kerk? (Utrecht: Kemink & Zoon, 1885).
The foreword is almost identical to the foreword of November 15, 1883 (in 1883.09). It is interesting to note that the wording in the phrase “this catechism is also … the only official and solely approved catechism for all our churches” was changed to “this catechism is also … the only official and solely approved workbook [vragenboekje] for all our churches.”
The typeface of this printing is identical to that of 1883.09. However, corrections, amendments, and additions were made to the biblical references in the 1883.09 edition of the Heidelberg Catechism.
The preface, the printing of the forms, and the typesetting are identical to the corrected printing of 1885.02. The “Compendium of the Christian Religion” was added as an appendix (32 pp.).
The second collection of the second series of biblical-theological studies, each chapter of which sets out from a brief biblical citation on the doctrine of the covenant. Kuyper held that the doctrine of the covenant had been neglected both in the Dutch Reformed Church and at the theological academies. He wrote this series to expound upon this unjustly neglected doctrine and to complement his previous series on particular grace.
The second volume of the second series was published in five installments between January and the beginning of March 1885. Subtitles were added to all the numbered sections in this collected edition.
| Part 1. | Het verbond des Heeren [The covenant of the Lord], taken from De Heraut, no. 142, August 29, 1880–no. 147, October 3, 1880. |
| Part 2. | De leer van het verbond [The doctrine of the covenant], taken from De Heraut, no. 152, November 12, 1880–no. 156, December 19, 1880. |
| Part 3. | Het verbond der werken [The covenant of works], taken from De Heraut, no. 161, January 23, 1881–no. 172, April 10, 1881; and no. 176, May 8, 1881. |
| Part 4. | Het verbond der genade [The covenant of grace], taken from De Heraut, no. 177, May 15, 1881–no. 179, May 29, 1881; and no. 181, June 12, 1881–no. 184, July 3, 1881. |
| Part 5. | De genooten van het verbond [The partners of the covenant], taken from De Heraut, no. 193, September 4, 1881–no. 200, October 23, 1881 (see also 1904.03). |
The title of the fifth installment in De Heraut—Bekeerden en onbekeerden [The converted and the unconverted] (see also 1904.03)—was changed to De genooten van het verbond [The partners of the covenant] in this collection. Finally, an appendix entitled “Een zegel des verbonds” [A seal of the covenant] was added to the fifth installment. The appendix contains a set of four previously unpublished articles about the baptismal formula of Matthew 28:1: “De letterlijke bewoording” [The literal wording]; “Pelagius of Augustinus” [Pelagius or Augustine]; “De volheid der Openbaring” [The fullness of revelation]; and “Het ingaan in het verbond” [The entrance into the covenant].
A commentary, reprinted from De Heraut, no. 375, March 1, 1885, concerning the first edition of the above-referenced brochure by the Rev. A. Littooy (1834–1909). Littooy challenged the assertion that the Afgescheidenen [Secessionists] of 1834 should have stayed in the Reformed Church. The background of this brochure, which was composed on the eve of the Doleantie, was the discussion about whether or not Kuyper and his followers should remain in the Dutch Reformed Church. This discussion began in De Heraut, no. 353, September 28, 1884 when Kuyper responded to voices from the Christian Reformed Church, the church of the Secessionists, calling for his followers to come over to them. A discussion subsequently developed in De Heraut with D.K. Wielenga (1842–1902), lecturer at the Theological Seminary at Kampen. Two more exchanges followed with the Rev. Littooy, the second of which was reprinted at the end of the second printing of his brochure.
The immediate stimulus for the brochure by the Rev. Littooy was a flysheet printed by the same printer in Middelburg and distributed at almost every doorstep in the city. The author of that flysheet contended that “our separated brothers should also have stayed [in the Dutch Reformed Church].” In his rebuttal of this claim, the Rev. Littooy argued against Kuyper, whom he associated with this standpoint.
In this editorial, reprinted by De Hope from De Heraut, no. 362, November 30, 1884, Kuyper claims that the idea of forming societies for youth associations is a misguided and risky imitation of secular practices. The idea had been proposed by W. van Oosterwijk Bruyn, founder and chairman of the Dutch Young Men’s Federation.
De Hope was a Christian Reformed, Dutch-language weekly for the “Christian family,” which was edited, printed, and published by Hope College (Holland, MI) from 1865–1933.
The article, “Zij zullen hem niet hebben!” [They shall not have him!] was reprinted by De Hope (see 1885.06) from De Standaard 14 (1885), no. 4028, May 4, 1885. The article protests against the superficial and undignified way in which Isaac da Costa (1798–1860) had been memorialized as a poet on April 28, 1885—the twenty-fifth anniversary of his death. The literati who took part in the memorial had no sympathy with Da Costa’s religious beliefs and simply passed over his witness to the gospel. Kuyper laments that Da Costa had been “annexed … for the glory of human greatness” but adds defiantly, “They shall not have him, the children of our age!”
An address held on the evening of June 30, 1885 at the start of the fifth annual prayer meeting for the Vrije Universiteit. This prayer meeting preceded the annual meeting of the Association for Higher Education on Reformed Principles (see 1878.10). In his address Kuyper applies a line from Daniel 2:43, “just as iron does not mix with clay,” to the situation in the Dutch Reformed Church, in which belief and unbelief have become mingled. He identifies four deadly influences that have fostered this intermingling and assures his audience that the Vrije Universiteit is trying to render these influences innocuous.
The speech opens with a remarkable historical analogy. In 1617, when the Arminians had the upper hand in The Hague, the consistory denied the request of the Reformed to hold a prayer service in the Kloosterkerk. Almost three hundred years later, the Reformed Consistory of The Hague was again refusing to allow Reformed Christians to hold a prayer service in the Kloosterkerk. Then as now, the reasons for the refusal of the Consistory of The Hague were fear of schism, objection to the presumed revolutionary intentions of the participants, and the desire to inhibit what they considered ungodly work.
A printed copy of this address has also been preserved in larger format with the same typeface and broader margins. This copy has 27 ([1]–27) single-sided, printed, and numbered pages and lacks a title page (cf. 1909.27).
A response to the brochure, “De heelen en de halven.” Een woord aan de gemeente te ’s Gravenhage, ook naar aanleiding der weigering van de Kloosterkerk, by J.H. Gunning jr. (’s Gravenhage, 1885). Gunning was professor in Amsterdam from 1882 to 1889 and in Leiden from 1889 to 1899. From Kuyper’s use of 1John 2:19 in a lead article in De Standaard (no. 4064, June 17, 1885) Gunning had inferred that Kuyper believed antichrists were present in the Dutch Reformed Church.
In this response Kuyper writes that he neither intended nor said this. He had used the scriptural citation in his article to describe a general trend. By “the halves” Kuyper simply meant those members of the congregation who go along with the confession of the Lord, but do so only halfway because they do not want to follow the implications of their confession into politics, law, and the sciences. Kuyper explains his intentions in the controverted article (reprinted in this brochure), referring extensively to 1885.08. Gunning had originally thought that the Kloosterkerk should have hosted the prayer service for the Vrije Universiteit (see 1885.08) with certain stipulations. But after reading the article in De Standaard, he had experienced a radical change of heart and now contended that the Consistory of The Hague had been absolutely right. Kuyper discusses the issue in some detail and then briefly lists five serious points of disagreement that had divided him from Gunning for some time. Finally, Kuyper proposes to Gunning that from now on each should go his own way. That would be better for them as brothers. Gunning should put his energy into promoting the heritage of Chantepie de la Saussaye while Kuyper would in like manner secure the legacy of Groen van Prinsterer.
Kuyper wrote the brochure while regaining his strength in the Swiss Alps.
An article reprinted from De Standaard 14 (1885), no. 4105, August 4, 1885. Kuyper sought to mobilize the seventh annual collection on behalf of The Union: “A School with the Bible.” His article was reprinted along with two promotional pieces from other papers, a poem, and a dialogue about the August collection. The circular letter from the union was sent, as usual, to the correspondents and the boards of directors of the local committees in order to raise awareness about the Union Collection of August 17 (see 1879.07).
The People’s Petition (see 1878.04), reproduced on a flysheet for the purpose of soliciting new members for The Union: “A School with the Bible.” The mayor and aldermen of Buiksloot (now a northern suburb of Amsterdam) had not given permission for the annual Union Collection to be held in the village. Rather than making another request to the mayor and aldermen, these flyers were delivered to every house. Then representatives were sent to visit all one hundred fifty households in Buiksloot to request that they join the local committee of The Union: “A School with the Bible” (De Standaard, no. 4121, August 22, 1885).
On April 12, 1887 a “school with the Bible” was opened in Buiksloot with an enrollment of twelve students. This school was then referred to as the “protest school” because it had come into existence against the wishes of the local authorities. The Buiksloot school was particularly dependent on national financial support during its early years; contributions were even received from the United States and the Dutch East Indies (cf. Toen wij nog in tenten woonden [Goes: Oosterbaan & Le Cointre, (1934), pp. 238–239]).
May the Lord of Righteousness grant right to the oppressed portion of the English people. Our heart is with you.
This short telegram was included in an article on an anti-vaccination demonstration in Leicester. Printed under the heading “Anti-Vaccination Demonstration At Leicester”. The telegram was sent to organization of the demonstration and was one of the many messages of sympathy they had received.
1886
In sixteen sections, Kuyper chronicles the events leading up to the refusal of certain elders in the Amsterdam congregation to attend confirmations conducted by modernist pastors. He summarizes the objections of these elders to the consistory’s practice of simply issuing certifications without investigating the doctrinal understanding and moral conduct of the confirmands (cf. 1872.06). These sections are followed by sixteen ecclesiastical documents dealing with the issue, which are numbered I–XVI and which date from 1885.
Confirmation had become the responsibility of pastors in 1879. An elder simply had to be present. The consistory was also required to furnish a certificate, if requested, attesting to the moral character of the candidate for confirmation. This publication was produced by a commission charged with investigating the process of certifying the soundness of the belief and conduct of confirmands in the Consistory of Amsterdam, which constituted the commission on March 5, 1885. The commission was expanded at the December 3, 1885 meeting of the consistory to include an additional two pastors and four elders, among them Kuyper. The commission received a wide-ranging mandate to counsel the congregation about the state of affairs and to take measures such as contacting other Dutch Reformed congregations in the Netherlands if they deemed such a step necessary. The charge to the commission also included advising the consistory about the decision of the General Synodical Commission (records 10 and 11) to furnish the certifications of moral conduct requested by the modernists within six weeks. Record 16 is the report of the authorized commission (dated Amsterdam, December 29, 1885).
A second (unaltered) printing was published less than two weeks after the first. Two small parts of section 7 and section 15 appeared separately as an offprint (see 1886.26).
First part of a three-part series continued in 1886.03 and 1886.04. On January 4, 1886, the Board of the Classis of Amsterdam provisionally suspended eighty of the 148 members of the General Consistory of the Dutch Reformed Congregation of Amsterdam. As grounds for the suspension, the board cited the Consistory of Amsterdam’s alteration of the Algemeen reglement en instructie voor de commissie tot het bestuur over kerkgebouwen, goederen, fondsen en inkomsten der Nederduitsche Hervormde Gemeente te Amsterdam [General regulations and instructions for the commission for the administration of church buildings, properties, funds, and revenues of the Dutch Reformed Congregation of Amsterdam] at its meeting on December 14, 1885 (cf. 1886.03). This alteration had given the board the impression that the Consistory of Amsterdam intended to hold onto its church properties even as it plotted founding a new, smaller congregation using the three forms of unity as the framework for joining together with similar such congregations across the country to bring about a separate Reformed Church of the Netherlands.
In chapters 1–6 of this first part of the series, Het conflict gekomen, Kuyper critically discusses the role of the Rev. H.V. Hogerzeil (1839–1907; Dutch Reformed pastor at Amsterdam, 1878–1902) and also refutes the commonly voiced accusation that those who were suspended had already been plotting since the founding of the Circle of Brothers (see 1883.06) to bring about a revolution in the church. In chapters 7–16, Kuyper answers the charges that the Rev. Hogerzeil had raised in his three-part series of brochures, De kerkelijke strijd te Amsterdam toegelicht en beoordeeld [The church struggle in Amsterdam elucidated and evaluated] (Amsterdam: F.W. Egeling, 1885/1886). The first part of this series, De stand der kerkelijke kwestie [The state of the church question], was published in December 1885; the second and the third parts, De revolutie gereglementeerd [The revolution regulated] and De voorlopige schorsing [The provisional suspension], were published in January 1886.
In the first of the sixteen chapters of this brochure, Kuyper pronounces the Rev. Hogerzeil’s (see 1886.02) insinuation that the suspended members of the consistory intended to take the church’s cashbox a grave insult requiring immediate rectification. His defense subsequently focuses on the question of the free management of church properties. During the December 14, 1885 meeting of the Consistory of Amsterdam, the general regulations for the administrative commission had been changed at the proposal of the commission itself (cf. 1886.02). Rev. Hogerzeil’s second brochure had been directed against those changes. In this reply, Kuyper defends the competence of the consistory to manage its own finances and sets out the historical precedents and developments that accord the consistory this capacity. At the heart of the argument is Kuyper’s conviction that the right to self-administration is inimical to synodical hierarchy and that by pursuing the question of church administration the lordship of Jesus can become a reality again in Dutch churches.
The third brochure by the Rev. Hogerzeil (see 1886.02) had addressed the provisional suspension as well as two incidents that had taken place immediately afterwards. Kuyper responds to both topics in this essay. In the course of thirteen chapters, he deals with both the suspension and the forced entry by suspended officers of the consistory into the annex of the Nieuwe Kerk (cf. 1898.01) in their capacity as members of the administrative commission (cf. 1886.03). Sometimes he gives an hour-by-hour chronology of the events. The brochure culminates with the charge that the irenic party in the Board of the Classis of Amsterdam—the so-called “peace-loving” party—had revealed the true face of ecclesiastical hierarchy. At the expense of the prospect of peace among brothers, they had painfully shown how hierarchy in the church effectively ends by elevating the authority of church leaders above the authority of Christ.
On page 39 Kuyper mentions that he would still very much like to publish his encyclopedia, his dogmatics, and finally a biblical commentary.
As was the case with the three-part series De kerkelijke strijd te Amsterdam toegelicht en beoordeeld (see 1886.02), the three brochures composing Het conflict gekomen were also published together in a single volume with continuous pagination. De facto, only 1886.05 was a fifth printing. No print run was found.
This counter-memorandum was the first of the seven appendices that accompanied Aan de Algemeene Synode. Openbaar schrijven van de geschorste kerkeraadsleden te Amsterdam, onder dagteekening van de 27sten februari 1886 [To the General Synod. An open letter by the suspended members of the Consistory of Amsterdam, dated February 27, 1886]. The other appendices were 1873.05, 1886.01, 1886.08, and two defenses written or co-authored by A.F. de Savornin Lohman in early 1886.
The counter-memorandum was composed in opposition to the Memorie van noodige inlichtingen in zake het Amsterdamsche conflict, door het Classicaal Bestuur van Amsterdam in zijne vergadering van den 1sten Februari 1886 opgemaakt [Memorandum of necessary information about the conflict in Amsterdam, prepared by the Board of the Classis of Amsterdam in its February 1, 1886 meeting]. The Board of the Classis of Amsterdam published this memorandum, with a few editorial changes and additions, under the title: Waarom tachtig kerkeraadsleden te Amsterdam voorloopig geschorst? Noodige inlichtingen, door het Classicaal Bestuur van Amsterdam gegeven en openbaar gemaakt [Why have eighty members of the Consistory of Amsterdam been provisionally suspended? Necessary information furnished and made public by the Board of the Classis] (Amsterdam: D.B. Centen, 1886). The counter-memorandum critically comments on the main arguments in the board’s memorandum. It was rushed to print just after the board published its memorandum.
Those interested in acquiring copies were given only a few days to place orders, after which the publisher printed the counter-memorandum in a limited edition.
Letter written in the name of the Central Committee of Anti-Revolutionary Electoral Associations (see 1878.02) to two liberal candidates running for office in the primary electoral district of Assen. The Anti-Revolutionary candidate, M.A. de Savornin Lohman (1832–1899), had dropped out of the race for the Second Chamber during the interim between the first and second ballots. The run-off election was thus contested by two liberal candidates. As it had done in 1883.04, the committee put several written questions to the candidates, this time having to do with suffrage and education. On the basis of the responses, the committee expressed its preference for one of the candidates, who was subsequently elected on March 30, 1886.
The author and date of this letter were derived from one of the two letters (published in De Standaard, no. 4301, March 24, 1886) that the Central Committee received in response to its inquiry.
Report of an introductory lecture held during the seventh annual meeting of The Union: “A School with the Bible” on October 22, 1885 at Utrecht. The purpose of the lecture was to generate discussion about the solution that the Rev. L. Tinholt (1825–1886) had proposed to the school question. In the final issue of his journal, Nederlandsche Gedachten, no. 7, April 20, 1876, Groen van Prinsterer had proposed that the state schools be split into elective schools. Tinholt was continuing that line of thought when he argued in 1885 that the “school with the Bible” should be made into a state school, that is, into a Christian school administered by the state if sufficient private funds were not available. Kuyper declared himself absolutely opposed to the idea because he contended that the state has only political authority. God did not give the civil authorities sovereignty in the realm of the church, family, education, or the sciences.
This less expensive edition of 1886.09 was published within a month of the initial publication. In this edition short titles—with formulations that are often more colorful than the table of contents of the first edition—have been placed above the twenty-eight paragraphs. The text of the open letter to the General Synod, to which the counter-memorandum was the most significant appendix, is included in the back (pp. 113–131).
At the publisher’s request, Kuyper allowed this church order (cf. 1883.02) to be reprinted, with a few editorial changes, as an independent volume. The passages in the Church Order of Dordt that no longer applied due to changes in the relation between church and state in the Netherlands were removed from the main text and placed in footnotes.
There was a growing awareness that De reglementen en besluiten voor de Nederlandsche Hervormde Kerk [The regulations and decisions of the Dutch Reformed Church] could no longer provide proper guidance for the church. As a result, there were calls for a new edition of the Church Order of Dordt, which had been in effect until 1816. The publisher C.F. Callenbach at Nijkerk had already put out a compactly printed edition of the church order in February 1886, but it did not feature modernized spelling as did the version included by Kuyper and Rutgers in their 1883 edition of the Forms of Unity. A subsequent edition of the church order, edited by the Rev. W. van den Bergh (1850–1890) and the Rev. G.H. van Kasteel (1850–1931), was also published by Callenbach in 1887. That edition was also printed in compact format, but it used the more readable, modernized text of Kuyper and Rutgers.
A sermon held ten days after the Provincial Church Administration of North Holland removed seventy-five officials of the Dutch Reformed Congregation of Amsterdam from office. Kuyper begins the sermon by addressing this event and then undertakes an exposition of Matthew 20:25–28, from which the sermon’s title is derived. After establishing that the church cannot be ruled by human power, he asks how such treasonous power can be driven out once it has crept into the church.
Since the provisional suspension of January 4, 1886 (see 1886.02), the suspended pastors and their supporters in the Amsterdam congregation had been meeting in various locations (lokalen) across the city—not for worship services, but for “Bible readings.” Kuyper gave the first “Bible reading” on January 10, 1886 in Locaal Plancius (on Hebrews 11; see De Standaard, no. 4240, January 12, 1886). Ten such Bible readings took place in seven different locations on Sunday, July 11, 1886. Sermons from these Bible readings were gathered together into a sermon series titled Uit de diepte [Out of the depths]. “It will not be so among you” was the first sermon included in this series.
According to the publisher’s prospectus, the purpose of this series was twofold: first, to bring people to faith through the messages of the sermons; and second, to raise proceeds for supporting both the expenses of renting space for the Sunday gatherings and the expenses of pursuing the rights of the suspended pastors in ecclesiastical proceedings. A sermon of about sixteen pages (compactly printed and with continuous pagination) was published every Thursday (at a price of f 0.07 5). The first series, Uit de diepte, ran from July 11, 1886 to June 30, 1887. The annual subscription price was ƒ3.90. Full cloth bindings were available for a small surcharge. In total, four series/volumes were published (1886/1887–1889/1890). For additional sermons by Kuyper in this series, see 1887.08 and 1887.31.
With this edition a new publisher emerged as the successor to Kuyper’s publisher J.H. Kruyt (1839–1898). In April 1886, H. Höveker (†1889) retired as a partner of the book dealer and publishing company, Höveker & Zoon (the son in question was his son-in-law, J.A. Wormser) under the condition that nothing be published by the firm without his explicit approval. Höveker wanted to prevent his firm from publishing the leading men of the Doleantie. J.A. Wormser (1845–1916), who stood on Kuyper’s side in the church conflict, was forced by this move to found a publishing house under his own name on May 1, 1886 (cf. 1907.22). On January 15, 1887 Wormser purchased the unsold stock of all the works by Kuyper from J.H. Kruyt for ƒ3,200.- and then began buying up other publishers’ editions and printings of his works. In a letter (dated March 21, 1887) about the future of De Standaard written to potential financial supporters, Kuyper gave the following explanation for the transferal of the fund: “… as a consequence of the church conflict … [we] no longer had the old sympathy [of Kruyt]” (KA 125/microfiche 598). Kruyt had not joined with the Doleantie, but had remained a member of the Dutch Reformed Church. He resigned as director of De Standaard on December 31, 1886. After the sale of his Kuyper stock to Wormser, Kruyt then sold his interest in De Standaard to Kuyper. Wormser was appointed director and publisher of the paper on July 1, 1887.
In De Standaard 16 (1887), no. 4686, June 25 1887, Kuyper gave a short overview of the fifteen-year history of De Standaard. He recalled that Kruyt had saved the paper from financial ruin in 1874 by his energetic management and his exceptional fiscal administration, stating for the record that “in administrative matters our movement owes a debt of gratitude to this man for the possession of its own newspaper.” Ten years later, on the occasion of the twenty-fifth anniversary celebration of De Standaard, Kruyt wrote to his friend Kuyper that he considered the first fifteen years of De Standaard “as the happiest of [his] life” (KA 129/microfiche 790).
For information on Kuyper’s publishers, see also 1874.02 and 1907.22.
Kuyper was summoned to appear before the General Synod for questioning on September 16, 1886. This item contains the objections that he had wanted to make prior to his hearing. After the synod decided that he could state his objections to the proceedings only after his hearing and not before, Kuyper got up and left. The synod had set aside four days to hear the appeals of the seventy-five members of the Amsterdam Consistory who had been suspended in January 1886 (see 1886.02) and who were now appealing the subsequent sentence (passed by the Provincial Church Administration of North Holland on July 1, 1886) that had removed them from office. However, the defendants argued that their cases should have been heard by the classis and that the synod could not correct this oversight simply by hearing their cases. After the synod had denied him permission to raise his procedural objections (cf. 1886.16), Kuyper, who was representing the seventy-five defendants, publicized his objections by way of this printed paper. The date and signature were added by hand.
The item was reprinted in De Heraut, no. 456, September 19, 1886 and also as appendix 3 (= 2) in 1886.17 under the heading, “Memorie van Dr. Kuyper” [Memorandum of Dr. Kuyper]. Both are dated Amsterdam, September 17, 1886.
This letter to the editor addresses a newspaper report concerning the events described in 1886.15. According to the newspaper report, Kuyper left the synod hearing because he refused to answer the questions the synod wanted to ask before making known his procedural objections. In this letter, Kuyper lets it be known that he had wanted to have his procedural questions addressed first because he was challenging the synod’s competence to hold a hearing and to question defendants at this stage in the proceedings. The press report had given the impression that Kuyper had made the hearing impossible while precisely the opposite had been the case. It would have been an absurdity, Kuyper concludes, to have explained why the synod had no right to question him after he’d already been questioned.
The same letter with the same date was sent to De Amsterdammer, Dagblad voor Nederland and published in no. 1320, September 19/20, 1886. The letter was also published—with the date September 18, 1886—in De Banier 13 (1886), no. 76, September 22, 1886 (n.v.), from which it was reprinted in De Bazuin 34 (1886), no. 39, September 23, 1886. The letter is also reprinted as appendix 3 in 1886.17.
According to the preface, Kuyper intended this brochure to clarify an apparent contradiction: on the one hand, the suspended members of the Amsterdam Consistory had complained that no administrative board had been willing to hear their cases but, on the other hand, the suspended members had refused to be heard by the General Synod. After a brief explanation of the course of events, Kuyper offers a ten-page sketch about how the eleven-member synodus contracta received him as the representative of the suspended members on September 16, 1886 in the Willemskerk in The Hague; he also describes the circumstances and the atmosphere of that hearing. On September 24, 1886, this synodus contracta confirmed the sentences of dismissal put forward by the Provincial Church Administration of North Holland on July 1, 1886 (cf. 1886.14, 1886.15, and 1886.25).
Three appendices are attached to the main text: (1) “Antwoord der geschorsten” [Answer of the suspended], in which the summoned members of the consistory state the reasons why they did not wish to be heard by the synod (cf. 1886. 15); (2) (mistakenly numbered 3) “Memorie van Dr. Kuyper” [Memorandum of Dr. Kuyper] (see 1886.15); and (3) “Synodaal bericht” [Synodical report], which contains the letter to the editor of September 17, 1886 (see 1886.16).
Apart from a number of editorial changes and a few additions, this draft letter is identical to 1886.21. This is probably the item that according to 1886.21 (p. 24) was read to and accepted by a meeting of suspended members of the Amsterdam Consistory held on November 3, 1886 (UBVU CB 10810). After some minor alterations and a change of title, the letter was subsequently published (see 1886.21).
This item contains, with some alterations, the text of section 3 (pp. 3–16) of the handwritten report (32 pp., preserved in Kuyper’s own handwriting [KA 182 inv. no. 36]) “Aan de leden van den Amsterdamschen Kerkeraad, die op 24 September j.l. door de Synodus Contracta gevonnisd zijn en thans in revisie wenschen te gaan” [To the members of the Amsterdam Consistory, who were sentenced last September 24 by the Synodus Contracta and now wish to lodge appeals]. The report of a commission appointed during a meeting on October 10, 1886 of the seventy-five suspended members of the Amsterdam Consistory gives advice about how to begin preparing for the anticipated final decision of the synod. The commission was composed of two pastors and four elders, Kuyper among them. The commission was also asked to compose a declaration by which office holders could give an account of their actions suitable for publication in case of expulsion by the synod.
This untitled part of a report includes the wished-for declaration. It deals with the significance of the consistory members’ removal from office and states that a sentence of dismissal from an unfaithful synod cannot signify that the office holders have been removed from their office and dismissed from their official duties by Jesus, the king of the church. The office holders should therefore not accept the anticipated verdict of the synod. The paragraph was dated Amsterdam, December 8, 1886, and its declaration was published, with some amendments, as the third and final item in 1886.25.
Letter to the attorney Th. Heemskerk (1852–1932) who, along with his colleague, W. Heineken, offered legal aid to the Commission for the Administration of Church Buildings, Properties, Funds, and Revenues of the Dutch Reformed Congregation of Amsterdam. Kuyper was a member of this administrative commission. The two church parties in the Reformed Congregation of Amsterdam could not settle on a provisional agreement while the legal procedure was pending. The administration of the congregation was thus frozen, meaning that income could not be received and expenses could not be paid. In this letter, Kuyper summarizes in ten points the opinion of the administrative committee with respect to a proposal put forward by the opposing party. He requests that Heemskerk bring this letter to the attention of Heineken, also giving him permission to give a copy to the attorney of the opposing party.
For a second published letter to Heemskerk on the same subject, see 1886.22.
This letter was sent to the Synod of the Dutch Reformed Church on November 15, 1886, along with the “Memorie van rechten in cas van revisie aan de Algemeene Synode van de Nederl. Herv. Kerk aangeboden door de vijf en zeventig bezwaarde Amsterdamsche kerkeraadsleden” [Statement of rights in the revision case offered to the General Synod of the Dutch Reformed Church by the seventy-five accused members of the Amsterdam Consistory] and the brochure Dr. Kuyper voor de Synode [Dr. Kuyper before the synod] (see 1886.17).
The statement gives an exposition of the grounds for the request sent to the full synod, which asked for revision of the synodical verdict of September 24, 1886. In De Heraut, no. 466, November 28, 1886, Kuyper contended that this letter was not a pamphlet but an act because it was read, changed here and there, and finally ratified by the suspended office holders (cf. 1886.18) before being officially sent to the synod. The case, which had already lasted nine months, had played itself out within the limits of the formal and procedural structures of the church. This “final word” marks a last-ditch effort to bring the case back into proper, that is, spiritual, perspective. The accused were prepared to reach a settlement with respect to administrative matters (cf. 1886.03) if the spiritual motives for the conflict could openly be broached.
Letter to Th. Heemskerk, who in his capacity as attorney for the administrative commission had conversed with the attorney for the opposing party (see 1886.20). In this letter Kuyper certifies that an attempt to reach a provisional administrative agreement has again been blocked by the Classis of Amsterdam. Kuyper notes that the failure to reach an agreement disadvantages third parties because it renders the administrative commission unable to process charitable bequests.
This edition, published for the purpose of mass distribution, has a smaller format and typeface. Kuyper appended an article from De Heraut, no. 467, December 5, 1886 (pp. [24]–28) to make it clear that he did not intend to remain “fixated” on the question of attestations (cf. 1886.01) and administrative matters (see also 1936.04, pp. 139–144). This article was published in De Heraut after the General Synod of the Dutch Reformed Church had confirmed the sentence of dismissal (cf. 1886.25).
The second printing of this cheap edition appeared approximately one week after the first. At least 7,000 copies of the cheap edition were printed.
This is the third and final collection of the second series of biblical-theological studies, each chapter of which sets out from a brief biblical citation on the subject of the practice of godliness. This volume offers the practical application of the matters discussed in the previous two volumes. In this collection several issues in the biblical studies, especially those from 1881 and 1882, surely touched and moved readers who were caught up in the church struggle of 1886 and recognized their actual circumstances and needs in what was written.
Subtitles were added to all the numbered sections in this collected edition.
| Part 1. | Practijk in de bediening [Practice in service], taken from De Heraut, no. 202, November 6, 1881–no. 208, December 18, 1881 and no. 211, January 8, 1882–no. 215, February 5, 1882. |
| Part 2. | Practijk in de strijd [Practice in struggle], taken from De Heraut, no. 216, February 12, 1882–no. 223, April 2, 1882; no. 225, April 16, 1882–no. 230, May 21, 1882; and no. 232, June 4, 1882– no. 237, July 9, 1882. |
| Part 3. | Practijk in het lijden [Practice in suffering], taken from De Heraut, no. 1, December 7, 1877–no. 2, December 14, 1877 and no. 5, January 4, 1878–no. 9, February 3, 1878. |
| Part 4. | Practijk in de oefening [Practice in exercise], taken from Zondagsblad van De Standaard 4 (1875), no. 85, November 14, 1875–no. 89, December 12, 1875 and no. 93, January 9, 1876–no. 94, January, 16, 1876. |
On December 1, 1886, the General Synod of the Dutch Reformed Church confirmed the sentence of dismissal passed by the Provincial Church Administration of North Holland. After this decision by the General Synod, Kuyper published three papers for the benefit of the consistory and the congregation at Amsterdam. These documents were joined together and published as a single unit.
I. “Nederduitsche Gereformeerde Kerk (doleerende)” [Dutch Reformed Church (doleerende)], dated Amsterdam, December 16, 1886 and signed by P. van Son, chairman, and H.W. van Loon, clerk. This document announces that the Consistory of Amsterdam is throwing off the yoke of synodical hierarchy, bringing back the church order of Dordt, and adopting the previous form of the name of the Dutch Reformed Church, the Nederduitsche Gereformeerde Kerk. (See for doleren a.o. De Heraut, no. 528, February 5, 1888; also included in Maandblad van de Evangelisten der Ned. Ver. van Vrienden der Waarheid, enz. 11 [1887/1888], no. 6, March 1888). The brochure also announces that church services will be held again beginning Sunday, December 19, 1886 (cf. 1886.14) and that it will soon be possible to make voluntary pledges to the church. The paper also advises its readers to read the next two documents.
II. “Bericht van reformatie” [Notice of reformation], dated Amsterdam, December 16, 1886 and signed by P. van Son, chairman, and H.W. van Loon, clerk. This report sets out in six points the causes and the consequences of the present situation in the Amsterdam congregation and concludes with an appeal to break ties with the synodical hierarchy and cease all financial contributions to the state church.
III. “Verklaring van de ‘ontzette’ kerkeraadsleden” [Declaration of the “expelled” consistory members], dated Amsterdam, December 8, 1886 and signed by P. van Son (cf. 1873.07), J. Bechthold, and W.F. Buré. In nine paragraphs this document clarifies and justifies the position of the seventy-five members of the Consistory of Amsterdam who had been removed from office. The paper expresses the suspended members’ conviction that Jesus, the king of the church, has not removed them from their offices and that they therefore have not been released from carrying out their official duties. The text of this account is identical to 1886.19 apart from minor changes such as the division of the document into nine paragraphs and a new dating.
Reprint of two small parts of section 7 and section 15 from 1886.01. The pamphlet provides background and counsel, in catechetical form, about the conflict over attestations and confirmation. The first part (from 1886.01, section 7, pp. 19–20) is entitled “Wat kan een ouderling bij de aanneming doen?” [What can an elder do at the confirmation?]. The second part (from 1886.01, section 15, pp. 44–46) is entitled “Wie had gelijk in de zaak der attesten?” [Who was right in the attestation affair?].
1887
Program of the Reformed Church Congress. The national congress was convened by the Consistory of the Dutch Reformed Church (doleerende) of Amsterdam and held at the Frascati in Amsterdam from January 11 to January 14, 1887. Its goal was to inform, advise, and encourage office holders and church members who considered it their duty to throw off the yoke of the synodical hierarchy. About 1,500 participants attended the congress.
The program prints the agenda for the four days and then lists the locations in the Frascati where each of the twelve regional sections (analogous to the twelve Dutch Reformed classes) and each of the twelve pragmatic divisions were to meet (for the results see 1887.10). Finally, the program prints fourteen suggestions about how to promote good order during the congress. The piece is signed by Dr. A. Kuyper, chairman, the Rev. P. van Son, vice chairman, Dr. J. Woltjer, secretary, W. Hovy, treasurer, and the eight other members of the organizing committee.
Het Gereformeerd Kerkelijk Congres, door zijnen voorzitter herinnerd aan het roerend schrift, waarmeê Elout van Soeterwoude lucht gaf aan de verontwaardiging, door het synodale vonnis in zijne ziel verwekt, spreekt zijn dank aan den Heere uit, dat Hij den eerbiedwaardigen grijsaard nog spaarde, om deze deelneming van een haast voorbijgaand geslacht in het lijden van wie thans den strijd voeren uit te spreken, alzoo den band der eenheid tusschen deze twee generatiën van Christi strijders doende uitkomen, en aan de vervolgden de zekerheid biedende, dat zij wel waarlijk ingingen tot denzelfden strijd, dien Elout zelf eens in schooner dagen met Groen van Prinsterer en zijne medestanders voor de kerken onzer vaderen heeft gevoerd. Zij bidden hun beminden broeder, neen, hun vader in Christus toe, dat zijne stem die uitging nog voor velen de banden slake, en dat hem, als eens de laatste banden zullen geslaakt zijn, ruste na zooveel zielsarbeid wachte bij zijn Heer. Namens het bureau: Kuyper.
A respectful telegram to P.J. Elout van Soeterwoude (1805–1893; cf. 1883.06) sent, with the consent of the Reformed Church Congress (see 1887.01), after the opening of the congress.
Like Groen van Prinsterer, Elout had once led the opposition to the state’s repression of the secessionists of 1834. The eighty-one-year-old judge and advocate for Christian politics and Christian schooling had recently written a passionate and forceful open letter titled “Verklaring aan de Hervormde Gemeenten in Nederland” [Declaration to the Reformed Congregations in the Netherlands], dated December 9, 1886 and published in De Heraut, no. 469, December 19, 1886. In his letter, Elout stated that, though not directly affected by the church struggle and though he had not consulted with its leaders, he considered his words and deeds to have also fallen under the synod’s verdict. After having earnestly sought God’s countenance, he had decided to renounce communion with the denominational authorities. His declaration ended with the prayer “that before long all congregations and individual believers who have cherished the time-honored confession of the churches of this nation and wished to bring them into practice, might reunite in a single mighty community, visible to the world and opposed to the unbelief and half-belief of these days, under the leadership and discipline of the Holy Spirit and in the demonstration of the power of the kingship of the Lord Jesus Christ.”
The third of three resolutions proposed by F.L. Rutgers, A.F. de Savornin Lohman, and A. Kuyper, respectively, on the first day of the Reformed Church Congress held at Amsterdam from January 11 to January 14, 1887 (see 1887.01). This concluding resolution makes the point that trying to abolish the hierarchy in the Dutch Reformed Church by efforts from within the church has to be given up because it is ineffective and improper. Instead, Kuyper encourages church members to imitate the Reformers by throwing off the yoke of this “second hierarchy” (see 1887.04) by renouncing their pledges to the denomination and its congregations. He did not want his supporters to withdraw into private circles, but to work actively to bring about a broad-based movement to liberate local congregations from denominational hierarchy.
The three resolutions were printed and made available on the first day of the congress. Approximately 1,500 participants and seventy churches took part in the congress, which aimed at liberating churches throughout the Netherlands from the synodical hierarchy. Kuyper was the chairman of the congress.
After the opening (see 1887.08) of the four-day Congress of the Reformed Church (see 1887.01), three lectures were held to elaborate upon each of the three proposed resolutions (see 1887.03). The three resolutions were adopted by the congress almost without discussion and the collection of lectures was published on January 12, 1887—just one day after they had been presented and adopted.
In his lecture, Kuyper puts forward, elucidates, and elaborates upon the concluding resolution. He also identifies and assesses possible objections. He argues that the whole church should throw off the yoke of the “second hierarchy,” following the example of the sixteenth-century Reformers, who threw off the “first hierarchy” of the Roman Catholic Church. Kuyper anticipates that by humbling themselves and looking expectantly to the Lord, the participants in the congress will become the catalyst for the liberation of the church across the nation. The third resolution was supplemented by an amendment submitted by W. van den Bergh.
This edition lacks the preface and the table of contents of the previous edition (1886.13). The typesetting is nearly identical to 1886.13, although the headings have another typeface and the layout has been changed. The editon is printed on higher-quality paper than 1887.06.
This text of the church order was also printed in the Amsterdamsche Kerkbode, no. 6, March 13, 1887–no. 9, April 3, 1887; the Zeeuwsche Kerkbode, no. 9, April 15, 1887–no. 37, October 29, 1887; and the Utrechtsche Kerkbode, no. 26, August 27, 1887–no. 32, October 8, 1887. The Zeeuwsche Kerkbode printed the text of the church order with headings taken from De wettige kerkorde van 1618–1619. Rapport uitgebracht aan de classikale vergadering van Middelburg, gehouden den 25 juni 1884 [The lawful church order of 1618–1619. Report published by the classical assembly of Middelburg, held on June 25, 1884] by N.A. de Gaay Fortman (Middelburg: F.P. d’Huij, 1885).
Same type matter as 1886.13, but without the preface and the table of contents. Printed on lower-quality paper.
This sheet, signed by Dr. A. Kuyper, chairman, and Rev. C.A. Renier, secretary, contains the seven articles that stipulate the status and task of the corporations of the dolerende church of Amsterdam.
The financial situation of the dolerende church had also appeared on the agenda for the meeting of the consistories on December 16, 1886. A corporation was formed in each of the eight districts of the dolerende church of Amsterdam. Members of these corporations were given the task of going in pairs to visit the members of the church community to establish contacts between them and the consistory, to extend the reformation of the church, to sign them up for freewil contributions, and to collect such contributions. These corporations received their initial form in the Provisioneele regeling voor de beschrijving en inning der vrijwillige bijdragen voor de kerkelijke kas [Provisional regulations for describing and collecting freewill contributions to the church treasury]. The status and the task of the corporations became more carefully defined in this Instructie voor de corporatiën.
The first campaign for freewill contributions took place from January 4 to February 3, 1887. After adjustments were made to the Provisional Regulations and the Directives for the Corporations, the Association “The Church Treasury” was recognized by royal decree. Kuyper was among the first members of the board of governors of this local association.
This item was also published in the Amsterdamsche Kerkbode 1 (1887), no. 3, February 20, 1887.
These reflections constitute Kuyper’s introduction to the Reformed Church Congress in Amsterdam (see 1887.01). The homily was the first of four delivered during the morning prayers that were held daily during the four days of congressional meetings. All four sermons were reprinted in this double issue of the sermon series Uit de diepte (see 1886.14).
The reflections begin with a reading of Psalm 42 and end with the words of Psalm 130. Kuyper stresses that though liberation from the yoke of the synod cannot be a cause for jubilation because only nine churches had so far entered into Doleantie, it is appropriate to give thanks for the little cloud of churches, no bigger than a person’s hand, that comprise the current movement. The participants in the congress are called upon humbly to acknowledge that Reformed Christians past and present have fallen short of fulfilling their responsibility to God and the church. The congress may be judged a success, Kuyper contends, only when the congress seeks reconciliation after so much unfaithfulness and guilt, hoping for divine redemption.
For additional sermons by Kuyper in this series, see 1886.14 and 1887.31.
An untitled series of twelve devotional sketches about the patriarchs. Kuyper began the series in the first issue of the Amsterdamsche Kerkbode. Beginning with the second sketch the installments are numbered; a biblical phrase characteristic of the patriarch is printed above every sketch. Kuyper uses his descriptions of the lives of Ruben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naftali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulon, Joseph, and Benjamin to give much practical advice to the congregation about how to deal with its present circumstances. See also 1889.02.
The Amsterdamsche Kerkbode was the first church newletter of the Dutch Reformed Church (doleerende). Kuyper had tried in 1872 to get a church newsletter started in Amsterdam (see 1872.04), but that project had resulted in just a single sample issue (in which no contribution by Kuyper can be identified). Now, however, circumstances compelled the establishment of a paper for the nascent church. Commenting on an article reprinted from the Utrechtsche Kerkbode in De Heraut, no. 520, December 11, 1887, Kuyper asserts that the purpose of a church newsletter is more to inform believers about the church of Jesus Christ than to disseminate devotional literature.
Among the meetings that took place during the Reformed Church Congress (see 1887.01) were the meetings of the twelve pragmatic sections. Participants in the congress turned in questions for discussion during these sections via coupons attached to their entry cards. This brochure publishes the questions addressed in the pragmatic meetings, along with print versions of the responses to these questions. Kuyper was chairman of sections 3, 4, 10, 11, and 12. Section 3 focused on the subject of church members throwing off the yoke of hierarchy. Section 4 addressed the question: What is our relationship to believers who have already and in different ways thrown off the yoke of hierarchy—for example, the Christian Reformed and the Ledeboerians (followers of the Rev. L.G.C. Ledeboer, 1808–1863)? Section 10 dealt with the spiritual and material issues affecting the organization of worship services once the synodical yoke was thrown off. Section 11 addressed the topic of the upcoming synodical convocation. Section 12 took “propaganda for the principle” as its subject.
Only those who had signed a printed declaration—also attached to the entry card—attesting that “he likewise considers it the duty of everyone who wants to honor the kingship of Jesus in his church to throw off the yoke of the synodical hierarchy” (cf. 1985.02, illustration on p. 744) could take part in the congress. The point of the congress was to bring reformed and dolerende officers and members of the Dutch Reformed Church together to reflect on the experiences, problems, and consequences of having rejected the synodical hierarchy and consequently to arrive at concrete solutions and plans of action.
Access to the recommendations of the pragmatic sessions was given by moderators, correspondents, or consultants (see 1887.11) only to those who had signed a declaration akin to the one above.
This brochure contains three sets of instructions.
Instructions for moderators. A moderator was appointed in each classis to organize the delegations of the churches in the classis, to motivate consistories to free themselves from the synodical hierarchy, and (in churches where the consistory did not wish to free itself from the synod) to find agents to unite church members who were inclined toward reformation and to begin to collect lists of such members.
Instructions for consultants. The task of a consultant was to serve as pastor and to administer the sacraments to vacant congregations that wanted to free themselves from the synod.
Instructions for agents. An agent was a local co-worker of a moderator charged with ensuring that members of the church in his place of residence who wanted to break with the synod signed the collection list.
Moderators, consultants, and agents regularly reported to the Committee of the Congress. It was their responsibility to advance the reformation of the church in part by preparing church officers and congregants to participate in the upcoming Classical Convention and Synodical Convention. Each of these three sets of instructions is signed in the name of the Committee of the Congress by Dr. A. Kuyper, chairman, P. van Son, vice chairman, Dr. J. Woltjer, secretary, and W. Hovy, treasurer. The instructions were not published publicly and could only be consulted under the conditions referred to in 1887.10 (see, however, 1887.19).
Ten sample letters and statements (labeled A to J) intended to assist consistories, pastors, church trustees, and congregations to efficiently, formally, and correctly throw off the yoke of synodical hierarchy. The Reformed Church Congress (see 1887.01) passed a resolution that such sample documents should be formulated and made available by the Committee of the Congress. These draft documents were likely composed with the assistance of F.L. Rutgers, although the names of those who drafted the documents are not stated.
Eight sample letters and statements (labeled G to N) composed for use by minorities in consistories or congregations who wished to throw off the yoke of synodical hierarchy despite the fact that the majority did not. Some practical advice is also given. The samples G–J in this document are identical to the samples G–J in 1887.12. On the authorship see 1887.12.
Information about the election of church officers (elders and deacons), which had now taken place according to Article 2 of the Church Order of Dordt. The consistory had itself elected these church officers due to the exigencies of time and the disorder and confusion caused by the church conflict. An announcement followed about the upcoming celebration of the Lord’s Supper and about the baptismal services on Thursday evening. The Thursday baptismal service was very popular because a hired carriage made it possible for mothers to attend the baptism of their children without violating the Sabbath rest.
This article deals with the localities (see 1886.14) to which congregants had to shift their services of worship after the use of their former church buildings and meeting rooms had been denied to them with the help of the police. The author then turns his attention to the soon-to-be-established Association “The Church Treasury” (see 1887.07), which, if fund-raising for the association proved successful, would arrange and finance loans for the construction of churches and schools. A final section argues that riding carriages on Sunday is not conducive to the Sabbath rest, even when mothers want to attend the baptism of their children.
Kuyper notes that a comparison of the proceeds from the diaconal collections of the Dutch Reformed and the dolerenden show that the meetings of the dolerende church have raised well more than twice as much money as the eleven Amsterdam churches. He also notes that the annual proceeds from the diaconal collection of the dolerende church in Rotterdam greatly exceed the annual proceeds of the Amsterdam meetings. But if sacrifices should truly be made, he argues, “then the Spirit who liberates from every bond shall perform miracles here as well.” Finally, Kuyper reports that the planned celebration of the Lord’s Supper has been postponed because the consistory does not have membership records at its disposal and must now find another way to determine who has and who has not received admission to the Lord’s Supper.
Written in reference to the postponement of the celebration of the Lord’s Supper (see 1887.16), this article describes the criteria for admission or non-admission to the Lord’s Supper. This description is followed by three notices. First, the number of people signing the duplicate membership books was rising continually. Second, financial pledges to the church treasury (see 1887.07) amounted to ƒ40.000.- for 1887. Third, members who receive ballots for the cancelled election of the classical board should treat these ballots as waste paper.
Kuyper argues that among the advantages of the new church situation is that pews need no longer be rented and that consequently the business of renting pews may now disappear from church services. He promises that the inequality caused by the system of renting pews will not reappear when new church buildings are finished. He also reports that church members should receive certificates of membership in mid-April, by which time the names of all those visited by the members of the corporations (see 1887.07) will have been inscribed in the duplicate membership books.
This history of the church conflict, written from the standpoint of those who remained loyal to the Synod of the Dutch Reformed Church, reprints the following writings and publications by Kuyper:
- 1. “Aan den bijzonderen kerkeraad heeft ondergeteekende de eer aan te bieden het volgende voorstel …” [To the special consistory those signed below have the honor of offering the following proposal …], pp. 12–14 (see 1873.10).
- 2. “Ook de ‘smalle Synode’ heeft den euvelen moed gehad …” [The “reduced Synod” (i.e., the synodus contracta) also had the nerve …], pp. 164–165. An article from De Heraut, no. 458, October 3, 1886 containing Kuyper’s reaction to the sentence passed by the Synodus Contracta concerning the removal of the seventy-five members of the Consistory of Amsterdam from office.
- 3. “De liberalisten hadden zich verbeeld …” [The liberals had misled themselves …], pp. 205–206. An asterism with the heading “Ons onverzettelijk ‘non possumus’” [Our unbending “non possumus”], from De Standaard 15 (1886), no. 4361, June 3, 1886, about the elections for the Second Chamber.
- 4. “Instructie voor moderatoren. Instructiën voor agenten. Instructie voor de consulenten” [Instructions for moderators. Instructions for agents. Instructions for consultants], pp. 395–398, with changes made to the order of the instructions (see 1887.11).
Announcement of the decision by the consistory to call a pastor and information about the proper procedures. Since 2,500 men had already signed the duplicate membership book (cf. 1887.18), it was decided that the congregation would hold eight smaller neighborhood meetings at convenient times to vote on the two proposed pastors. These eight meetings would be considerably less expensive than a single congregational meeting.
The preface to a debate about a thesis composed by F.L. Rutgers, which was presented at the sixth annual meeting of the Association for Higher Education on Reformed Principles held at Leiden on June 23 and 24, 1886. Since Rutgers had fallen ill, Kuyper, an alumnus of the University of Leiden, defended this provocative thesis. He asserted that it was directed in particular against three targets: first, against the irenicals, who believed that pastors could be trained at the public faculties of theology; second, against the Higher Education Law, which stated that the formation of students for social callings belonged to the Ministry of Higher Education; and third, against this common practice since everyone who studied theology, including the theology students in Leiden, did so to become a pastor. No one made use of the opportunity to enter into debate with the presenter.
A letter to the editor concerning an editorial from the Nieuwe Sprokkelaar that the Kerkelijke Courant reprinted. The article charged that what Kuyper had written in 1869 (see 1869.13) about the rhymed setting of the psalms by P. Dathenus (1531/1532–1588) contradicted what Kuyper later wrote about the setting. This contradiction could only be explained if Kuyper had written the first article prior to his conversion to orthodoxy.
In his letter to the editor, which was also published in De Heraut, no. 495, June 19, 1887 (cf. RKB 6), Kuyper refutes this allegation at length. The editor of the non-official section of the Kerkelijke Courant was the Leiden professor M.A. Gooszen (1837–1916). This piece provides at once some autobiographical details about Kuyper and some information about the publication date of the second contribution in 1869.13.
The Nieuwe Sprokkelaar was an Anti-Revolutionary weekly that opposed both the Doleantie and Kuyper. The editor published fragments of Kuyper’s letter in an editorial titled “Als altijd gelijk” [As always right]. The editorial appeared in the issue of June 17, 1887 (volume 1).
An address delivered during a prayer meeting in Middelburg on June 15, 1887, held on the day prior to the seventh annual meeting of the Association for Higher Education on Reformed Principles.
Kuyper found inspiration for this address in Hebrews 11:7–16. “By faith” we are children both of an earthly fatherland and of a heavenly fatherland. Both have been given by God, but since Adam’s fall these two fatherlands have often collided and come into conflict. The Vrije Universiteit owes its existence to this collision. The conflict between the two fatherlands is extensively analyzed. Kuyper also assesses possible reactions to the conflict. He notes that some choose for the earthly fatherland to the point of secularization, subordinating church to state by upholding a national church and public schooling. Others (e.g., the Anabaptists) seek to avoid the world so as to reside purely in the higher fatherland. Kuyper holds that the proper course of action in this conflict should be determined by Calvinist, Reformed—or better yet, prophetic—isolation. Charitable institutions, dolerende churches, the Anti-Revolutionary Party, the Christian press, the “school with the Bible” movement, and the Vrije Universiteit all had been inspired by the heavenly fatherland to serve as a blessing to the earthly fatherland.
The Eighth Annual Report of the Association for Higher Education on Reformed Principles (Amsterdam, 1888) mentions that the address lasted for three hours and sustained the attention of the audience despite the nearly tropical heat. The address was published on the day it was delivered.
Agenda for the Synodical Convention of June 28 to July 1, 1887 (cf. 1887.32). The Church of Amsterdam had decided during the Reformed Church Congress in January 1887 (see 1887.01) to hold this convention and the Church of Rotterdam agreed to act as host. Delegates were called to Rotterdam to consult about the formation of a provisional church association and to explore potential practical forms of collaboration. Delegates from seventy-one churches and thirty classes attended the convention.
The agenda, which addressed questions and concerns that had been submitted by interested parties across the nation, was drawn up by a commission composed of delegates from the Amsterdam Church, including Kuyper (who served as chairman of the commission) and F.L. Rutgers, and from the Rotterdam Church, including the Rev. F. Lion Cachet (1835–1899) and Rev. W. Geesink (1854–1929). The agenda numbered 50 items, however number 42 was unintentionally used twice. The corrected agenda provided with the delegates (see 1887.25) counted 51 items. On the authorship, see 1887.32.
After dealing with the constitution of the meeting (part I), the articles in the agenda are treated under nine themes (parts II–X). The agenda mistakenly printed the article following article IV and the article following article VI under the same number as the preceding article. The numbering is printed correctly in 1887.25. The nine themes are as follows:
- II. Concerning the ordering of church relations
- III. Concerning churches that have not yet broken or have only partially broken ties with the synod
- IV. Concerning relations to believers who have previously thrown off the yoke of synodical hierarchy and have since formed independent associations
- IV. Concerning relations to Reformed churches beyond our borders, particularly those with Dutch backgrounds
- V. Concerning the establishment of Reformed churches among the heathen and the mission to the Jews
- VI. Concerning the ministry of Word and sacraments
- VI. Concerning the ministry of charity and instruction of school children
- VII. Concerning external affairs [finances]
- VIII. Concerning relations to the churches or parts of the churches that remain under the hierarchy
The agenda for the Synodical Convention (see 1887.24) is reprinted in a guide for the delegates. This small guidebook provides a map of the building, information about public transportation, suggestions for the maintenance of good order during the meeting, the agenda itself, a list of the names of the 193 delegates, and the addresses of each delegate’s accommodations during the meeting. The guidebook also included the personalized entry card that had to be signed both by the delegate and by the secretary of the convention (see 1887.10).
The subtitle voor gemeentelijk gebruik [for congregational use] has been changed to voor kerkelijk gebruik [for church use]. The title page states that 25,000 copies of the forms of unity edited by Kuyper have been printed since 1883.
An occasional sermon held while dolerende churches were being constituted in many cities and towns across the country. The biblical text for the sermon is Isaiah 1:27a, “Zion shall be redeemed by justice.” The divine justice is the justice of the Creator and Sustainer who grants to us the law and the rule of life so that we may reach our destination. God’s justice will not be hindered, no matter who resists it. After putting forward this thesis, the preacher makes three points—showing, first, that Zion has been saved by justice, second, that Zion is saved by justice, and third, that Zion will be once and for all saved by justice. The closing sentences assert that whoever stakes his claim on the justice of God will come through his trials, whatever befall him, for to the justice of God belongs the glory of victory.
According to an advertisement in the Utrechtsche Kerkbode no. 22, July 30, 1887, this occasional sermon was delivered on Sunday, June 19, 1887 in Tivoli, one of the lokalen [meeting places] (see 1886.14) of the Dutch Reformed Church (doleerende) in Utrecht.
A draft letter composed at the request of the Synodical Convention (cf. 1887.32, art. 33) for the Dutch Reformed Church (doleerende) seeking to make contact with the Christian Reformed Church in their locality and to broach the topic of a possible merger between the denominations. The letter reports on the resolutions passed by the Synodical Convention (cf. 1887.24) that called for an end to the divisions between Reformed Protestants. (These resolutions were aimed in particular at the Christian Reformed Church.) The letter also conveys the heartfelt conviction of the delegates that the distinctions between their churches do not amount to a real difference between denominations, but to different administrations of what is in essence the same church. The letter points to what the two churches share in past, present, belief, and confession. It also indicates that the two churches should not and cannot join together in a hasty fashion. A spirit of open-mindedness is called and prayed for.
A brief accompanying letter to the consistories of the Dutch Reformed Church (doleerende) was added. It expresses the hope that the draft letter will prove of service to the consistories. The draft letter and the accompanying letter were also printed in De Heraut, no. 506, September 4, 1887.
The first installment of a new Dutch edition of Calvin’s Institutes containing Kuyper’s introduction (pp. 3–14) as well as three contributions by Beza: the life of Calvin; Calvin’s vocation; and Roman Catholic testimony about Calvin (pp. [XV]–XLVII). Explanations of the seventeenth-century Dutch used by the translator Willem Corsman are printed in footnotes below the corresponding column on each page.
In his extensive introduction Kuyper states that there have been ten previous Dutch editions of the Institutes. Shortly after the publication of this first installment, several readers called attention to the existence of editions that he had not included in his list. Kuyper put a notice in De Heraut, no. 509, September 25, 1887 requesting bibliographic information from anyone who possessed an old Dutch translation of the Institutes not included in his list. The result of this appeal was a new list of eighteen Dutch editions of the Institutes, which Kuyper published in 1889.12 as an afterword.
The cover of this installment mistakenly states that Kuyper had composed an index of biblical passages. After the completion of the work, this statement was left off the title page. The second installment appeared in November 1887. The entire work was completed in twenty installments by 1889.
In this article Kuyper writes about the terminations announced at the eight diaconal schools in Amsterdam. After the Doleantie the Consistory of the Dutch Reformed Congregation of Amsterdam retained control of the eight diaconal schools in Amsterdam. The consistory decided to terminate all personnel who had gone over to the Dutch Reformed Church (doleerende), effective December 31, 1887. Kuyper reports that as of January 1, 1888 the fired personnel would continue their work at five new schools, for which locations had already been found. He also notes that the formation of these new schools would again require financial sacrifices from the congregation (cf. 1888.07).
A circular letter, dated Amsterdam, October 1887, invited parents to move their children to the new schools. The circular letter was signed by the board of the School Commission: A. Kuyper, chairman, W. Hovy, treasurer, and J.A. Wormser, secretary.
This sermon deals with a phrase from Moses’ farewell address, “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the revealed things belong to us and to our children” (Deuteronomy 29:29). After the introduction, the sermon unfolds in three points, explicating what this admonition signifies about our knowledge of God, God’s will, and God’s decree. The sermon cautions against the inclination to intrude into the divine world, the spiritual world of angels and the deceased, and the secrets of a fellow human’s heart. Kuyper also cautions against asking questions about the relation between divine providence and human responsibility and he warns his listeners not to neglect the revealed knowledge of God.
Kuyper uses figurative language to communicate his points, comparing, for example, his congregants to sailors rowing with their backs to their destination, which only the helmsman can see. While defending the hiddenness of the divine decree, he condemns as morbid, unscriptural, and non-confessional those sermons that incite curiosity about the mystery of divine election.
The sermon was delivered on September 4, 1887 at the Maison Stroucken in Amsterdam and was included, like 1886.14, in a double issue of the series Uit de diepte (volume 2, which ran from July 1, 1887 to June 30, 1888). For additional sermons by Kuyper in this series, see also 1886.14 and 1887.08.
The first report of the Synodical Convention was turned in by Kuyper, who had been appointed chairman of the Agenda Commission (see 1887.24) by the Reformed Church Congress (see 1887.01). The report, which accompanied the agenda that the commission submitted, contains additional prescriptions for the maintenance of good order during the sessions, a list of nominees for the position of moderator, an introduction to the advisors for the convention, and a proposal that a commission be appointed for the preparation of press releases (since the proceedings of the convention were officially closed to the public). Kuyper and the Rev. F. Lion Cachet were named to this commission. Seven dispatches, prepared by the Commission of Advisors and covering the full agenda of the convention, were also included in the proceedings (Acta). Four of these dispatches were reported in the synod by Kuyper. Among the issues on the agenda was reunion with the Christian Reformed Church (p. 32). Kuyper was also appointed chairman of the fifteen-member Commission of Advisors.
The prominent role that Kuyper played in the preparation and the proceedings of the Synodical Convention suggests that he had the primary role in conceiving the agenda and formulating the list of recommended decisions [praeadviezen], upon which he reported and to which he signed his name.
The majority of the decisions taken by the Synodical Convention agreed with the list of recommended decisions. The only exception had to do with the name of the denomination. The list of recommended decisions reported on by Kuyper had suggested that the denomination be referred to as the Voorlopig Kerkverband van Gereformeerde Kerken (doleerende) [Provisional Denomination of Reformed Churches (doleerende)]. The convention voted to include the word Nederduitsche [Dutch] in the title as well.
The proceedings were to be published as quickly as possible and sent to the approximately three hundred delegates, advisors, and guests of the Synodical Convention. Gift copies were also sent out.
The word “patriarch” was added to the subtitles. Faulty biblical references at the beginning of the meditations were left uncorrected.
In this study of the incarnation, Kuyper devotes a great deal of attention to the ideas of the Rev. H.F. Kohlbrugge (1803–1875) and the neo-Kohlbruggians, Prof. E. Böhl (1836–1903) and the Rev. J. Fr. Bula (1828–1893). The latter was a Swiss pastor who in 1855 had been an assistant pastor with Kohlbrugge in Elberfeld and who had written a book titled Die Versöhnung des Menschen durch Christum oder die Genugthuung [The reconciliation of humanity through Christ or The satisfaction] (Basel: Felix Schneider’s Buchhandlung, 1874).
The extensive introduction was largely composed of three articles from De Heraut, no. 491, May 22, 1887 [partially reprinted]–no. 493, June 5, 1887. Kuyper included these articles in the introduction to provide his readers with a broader understanding of his disagreement with Bula and Böhl, which flared up over Böhl’s assertion in his newly published Dogmatik (Amsterdam/Leipzig/Basel: Scheffer & Co., 1887) that Adam’s guilt was imputed not only to us but to Christ as well. Kuyper contended that our redemption is left unsettled if Christ suffered for his own guilt. The key to our reconciliation with God lies in the inequality between Christ and us at just this point.
Böhl responded to the critique with Zur Abwehr. Etliche Bemerkungen gegen Professor Dr. A. Kuyper’s Einleitung zu seiner Schrift: “Die Incarnation des Wortes.” (“De vleeschwording des Woords.”) (Amsterdam, 1888). A Dutch translation of Böhl’s response appeared in the same year.
The twenty-three chapters of Kuyper’s work correspond to the twenty-three articles published under the title De vleeschwording van het Woord in De Heraut, no. 263, January 7, 1883–no. 273, March 18, 1883; no. 275, April 1, 1883–no. 279, April 29, 1883; and no. 282, May 20, 1883–no. 288, July 1, 1883. Subtitles were added to the collected articles. Chapters 12–18 deal with the question that the introduction had already treated at length. Kuyper’s original intention was to have these biblical-theological studies reprinted in Het werk van de Heilige Geest [The work of the Holy Spirit] (see 1888.09). He later decided that the broad scope of this article series about the incarnation would disturb the harmony of that work and that it would be better to publish this series independently (cf. De Heraut, no. 515, November 6, 1887).
Three of twelve talking points composed for a dialogue between six deputies selected by the Synodical Convention (see 1887.24) and the lecturers of the Theological Seminary at Kampen. A number of theses intended to stimulate discussion accompanied every talking point (quaestio). The conference at Kampen marked another step (cf. 1887.28) toward merger between the Dutch Reformed Churches (doleerende) and the Christian Reformed Church.
The three talking points submitted by Kuyper concern the relation between the one invisible church and the various phenomenal forms of the visible church (quaestio II), the question whether there is enough room for an additional Reformed consistory in places where Reformed consistories already exist (quaestio VII), and the reasons why collegialism and congregationalism are impossible frameworks for Reformed church order (quaestio XI). Kuyper’s talking points are accompanied by twenty-eight theses,
After a preparatory conversation among three deputies and three lecturers in Utrecht on October 20, 1887, the dialogues where held in Kampen on November 17 and 18, 1887. Lecturer S. van Velzen, the senior participant, was chairman. The conversations required six sessions over two days. For the results see 1888.01.
The talking points, along with the accompanying theses and the names of their authors, were printed and made available to the participants in the form of a thirty-page booklet. Lecturer D.K. Wielenga submitted an additional thirteen theses to supplement the ten theses he had attached to quaestio IV. Wielenga’s additional theses were printed as a four-page flyer and included along with the booklet.
The first part of a four-part series of biblical-theological articles and meditations (so-called “primary” and “secondary” articles) from De Heraut and De Standaard, written on the occasion of the festivals and memorials of the church year: I. Christmas, II. Passover and Good Friday, III. Easter and Ascension Day, and IV. New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. For the complement to these collections, see 1889.15.
The twenty-two unnumbered biblical-theological articles and meditations in the first volume of Dagen van goede boodschap [Days of good tidings] (cf. 2Kings 7:9) are reprinted from the following weekly papers: (1) De Heraut, no. 157, December 26, 1880; (2) De Standaard, Sunday edition, no. 92, December 28, 1873; (3–4) De Heraut, no. 54, December 22, 1878; (5) De Heraut no. 418, December 27, 1885; (6) De Heraut no. 365, December 21, 1884; (7–8) De Heraut no. 261, December 24, 1882; (9) De Heraut no. 3, December 21, 1877; (10) Zondagsblad van De Standaard 4 (1875), no. 91 December 26, 1875; (11) De Heraut, no. 365, December 21, 1884; (12) De Heraut no. 470, December 26, 1886; (13) De Heraut no. 157, December 26, 1880; (14) De Standaard, Sunday edition, no. 39, December 22, 1872; (15) De Heraut, no. 209, December 25, 1881; (16) De Heraut no. 313, December 23, 1883; (17) De Heraut no. 470, December 26, 1886; (18) De Heraut no. 313, December 23, 1883; (19) De Heraut no. 418, December 27, 1885; (20) De Heraut no. 209, December 25, 1881; (21) De Heraut 21 (1870), no. 51, December 23, 1870; and (22) Zondagsblad van De Standaard, no. 39, December 27, 1874.
The collection reprinted the articles rather faithfully, although some articles were shortened and the spelling of some words was changed.
This edition, printed on high-quality paper, uses the title page of 1887.26 while changing voor kerkelijk en huiselijk gebruik [for church and home use] to voor kerkelijk gebruik [for church use]. The prefaces of 1883.10 have been replaced by the preface of 1887.26. In all other aspects, apart from the blind tooling on the back cover, it is identical to 1883.10. Copies intended for use by consistory members (i.e., to indicate their agreement with the forms of unity) have an additional thirty-two blank signature pages.
1888
Thirty-one propositions outlining the results of the Kampen conference of November 17–18, 1887 (see 1887.35). The document (UBVU, XW 05157), which was supposed to point the way forward to reunion, was originally intended to be discussed at a public conference with office holders of the Christian Reformed Church and the Dutch Reformed Churches (doleerende). A commission—made up of H. Bavinck, W. van den Bergh, A. Kuyper, M. Noordtzij, F.L. Rutgers, and S. van Velzen—was appointed during the Kampen conference to record its proceedings and formulate its proposals. The names of the first five commission members are printed below the thirty-one propositions. At a continued conference of deputies and lecturers in Amsterdam on February 17, 1888, however, it was decided that a different and more practical interpretation should be given to the upcoming “public conference” for office holders from both sides. A conference took place for the officers of the Christian Reformed Church on April 10, 1888 and for the officers of the dolerende churches on April 12, 1888. The thirty-one propositions were judged to be no longer suitable for pointing out the next steps and were accordingly put aside.
The propositions constitute a striking example of an item that cannot be directly attributed to Kuyper, even though it clearly bears his hallmark. It was his idea to have a commission formulate and record the results of the Kampen Conference. It was also his proposal to make this item the subject of a conference of office holders. He may even have been the editor of this item, as well as its contributor.
In De Heraut, no. 532, March 4, 1888, Kuyper printed these propositions in full. In a brief foreword, he called them a “historic” document and simply printed his name under the theses. The propositions were also included in the Friesche Kerkbode, no. 19, March 10, 1888 and in De Hope 22 (1887/1888), no. 20 (whole number 1112), March 28, 1888 (see 1888.03).
A letter to the editor in which Kuyper denies intending to propose the attorney W. Heineken for the lucrative position of clerk of the Amsterdam Consistory while he was still a member of the consistory. Heineken agreed with Kuyper’s views on the ownership of church properties (cf. 1886.20), which is why it was suspected that Kuyper had proposed him for this office. The sitting clerk did not join the Doleantie.
The editor in chief of the De Wageninger and the author of the incriminating passage in the leading article of February 8, 1888 (no. 11) was the Rev. S.H. Buytendijk (1822–1910). Buytendijk was a member of the Central Committee of Anti-Revolutionary Electoral Federations from 1879 to 1884. However, he became a party dissident due to his strong opposition to the Doleantie. Together with the Rev. A.W. Bronsveld, he founded the National Party in 1888, which vainly attempted to prevent the right-wing coalition of Roman Catholics and Anti-Revolutionaries after their first electoral victory in 1888. In 1905, Buytendijk declared himself once more a supporter of the Anti-Revolutionary Party in his brochure Rechts of links? Een politiek advies (Utrecht, 1905).
The letter to the editor was also published in De Standaard, no. 4896, February 27, 1888.
In 1888 De Hope reprinted three meditations from De Heraut. The meditation on Psalm 143:6 in vol. 22, no. 18 was reprinted from De Heraut, no. 518, November 27, 1887; the meditation on Nahum 2:7 in no. 40 was reprinted from De Heraut, no. 552, July 22, 1888; and the meditation on John 4:14 in vol. 23, no. 2 was reprinted from De Heraut, no. 558, September 2, 1888.
In De Hope, vol. 22, no. 20, the “Propositions for the Public Conference on the Matter of the Reunification of the Reformed” were reprinted from De Heraut, no. 532, March 4, 1888 (see 1888.01).
In vol. 22, no. 41, “De martelaren van den Bartholomeusnacht. (24 Augustus 1572)” [The martyrs of St. Bartholomew’s Eve. (August 24, 1572)] was reprinted from De Standaard, no. 123, August 24, 1872 (see 1872.08).
In vol. 22, no. 43, “Naijver of samenwerking” [Envy or collaboration] was reprinted from a leading article in De Standaard 17 (1888), no. 5037, August 13, 1888. The editors of De Hope subtitled the article “Clannishness or Generosity—Where and How the Line Should Be Drawn.” After making extensive reference both to practices in his own circles and to national and international customs, Kuyper concludes the article by expressing his hope that this line will become better delineated in church circles. Although De Hope dropped some material that was of regional interest only, it reprinted the majority of the piece, which deals largely with matters of general concern.
Concerning De Hope, see 1885.06.
In the brief preface to the second volume of Dagen van goede boodschap, Kuyper asserts that Good Friday can only be understood in the light of Easter and therefore that the Lord’s Supper should not be celebrated on Good Friday.
The twenty-nine unnumbered biblical-theological articles and devotions in this volume were reprinted from the following weekly papers: (1, 23) De Heraut, no. 435, April 25, 1886; (2, 21) De Heraut, no. 329, April 13, 1884; (3) Zondagsblad van De Standaard 4 (1875), no. 52, March 28, 1875; (4) De Heraut, no. 328, April 6, 1884; (5) De Heraut, no. 434, April 18, 1886; (6) De Heraut, no. 433, April 11, 1886; (7) De Heraut, no. 172, April 10, 1881; (8) De Heraut, no. 18, April 7, 1878; (9) De Heraut, no. 223, April 2, 1882; (10, 20) De Heraut, no. 380, April 5, 1885; (11) De Standaard, Sunday edition, no. 54, April 6, 1873; (12, 29) De Heraut, no. 485, April 10, 1887; (13) De Heraut, no. 273, March 18, 1883; (14, 28) De Heraut, no. 274, March 25, 1883; (15) De Heraut 22 (1871), no. 14, April 7, 1871; (16, 25) De Heraut, no. 173, April 17, 1881; (17, 18) De Heraut, no. 224, April 9, 1882; (19) De Heraut, no. 70, April 13, 1879; (22) De Standaard, Sunday edition, no. 55, April 13, 1873; (24) Zondagsblad van De Standaard 4 (1875), no. 53, April 4, 1875; (26) De Heraut, no. 69, April 6, 1879; and (27) De Heraut, no. 275, April 1, 1883.
The first thirteen devotions deal with Good Friday and the next sixteen deal with Easter.
This fourth volume from the series Bibliotheca Reformata (see 1882.07) contains a sheaf (fasciculus) of twelve disputations from the Selectarum Disputationum Theologicarum Partes I–V (1648–1669) of Gisbertus Voetius (1589–1676). Six disputations were reprinted from volume 1 of the original work: De ratione humana in rebus fidei; Quousque sese extendat S. Scripturae auctoritas; De jure et justitia Dei; De necessitate et utilitate dogmatis S.S. Trinitatis; An Christus qua mediator sit adorandus (with appendix); and De propagatione peccati originalis. Four disputations were reprinted from volume 2: Problemata de merito Christi; De persona Christi mediatoris; De statu electorum ante conversionem; and De regeneratione. A single disputation, De sabbatto et festis, was reprinted from volume 3 and another, De lege et euangelio, from volume 4.
The three-page foreword, which like the rest of the book is written in Latin, offers a few remarks about Voetius and his significance for theology (section 1), a brief rationale for the selection of the twelve disputations and for the correction of the printing errors in the original edition (section 2), and finally bibliographic information about the original five volumes (section 3). An index of all the disputations in the original edition—nearly three hundred treatises and approximately four hundred summarily written theses—was included for interested scholars (section 4, pp. VII–XXIII).
The index was compiled by Rev. Chr. Hunningher (1864–1928). See 1922.03, p. 73 of Herinneringen van de oude garde.
In the foreword to the third volume of Dagen van goede Boodschap, the author asserts that God’s church was a national church in the strict sense of the word until Pentecost. As a consequence of the ascension, the church became a worldwide and catholic (in the biblical sense) church at Pentecost, as it had been in the days of Noah and Abraham and as it will be in paradise.
The twenty-six unnumbered biblical-theological articles and devotions in this volume were all reprinted from De Heraut, as follows: (1) no. 230, May 21, 1882; (2) no. 491, May 22, 1887; (3) no. 335, May 25, 1884; (4) no. 280, May 6, 1883; (5) no. 75, May 18, 1879; (6, 8) no. 441, June 6, 1886; (7) no. 386, May 17, 1885; (9) no. 493, June 5, 1887; (10) no. 27, June 9, 1878; (11) no. 387, May 24, 1885; (12, 13) no. 77, June 1, 1879; (14) no. 127, May 16, 1880; (15) no. 281, May 13, 1883; (16) no. 181, June 12, 1881; (17) no. 443, June 20, 1886; (18) no. 336, June 1, 1884; (19, 22) no. 231, May 28, 1882; (20, 24) no. 442, June 13, 1886; (21, 23) no. 180, June 5, 1881; and (25, 26) no. 492, May 29, 1887.
The first eight devotions deal with the ascension and the next eighteen with Pentecost.
This article announces the dissolution of the commission that the Consistory of the Dutch Reformed Church (doleerende) of Amsterdam had established to oversee the schools (cf. 1887.30). The commission would turn over its duties and its materials to the soon-to-be-established school board. Two members of the consistory had already been selected to serve on the board. They would be joined by two deacons, and the parents of school children would elect two members for the board from the financial contributors to the schools. Furthermore, after the annual meeting of the Association “The Church Treasury” (see 1887.07) and the installation of a new school board, the previous commission’s provisional regulations for the five schools would be replaced by a more definitive set of regulations.
At the time of this article’s publication, there were already 1,600 children enrolled at five schools. The new schools had experienced some financial difficulties. A shortfall of ƒ4,000 had been reported by January and a circular letter (dated Amsterdam, June 1, 1888) with a subscription card had been sent out to resolve this debt.
Introductory remarks delivered during the annual meeting of the Association for Higher Education on Reformed Principles, held at Zwolle on June 21, 1888. The ecclesiastical events of 1886 raised the question whether the association should seek a formal connection with the Dutch Reformed Churches (doleerende). Kuyper begins his reply by arguing that higher education does not arise from the church, but from the government or free citizens. The theological faculty should, however, have some connection to the church in principle and practice. This had not been possible when the Vrije Universiteit was founded in 1880, but it has become a possibility due to the conflict in the church.
Kuyper goes on to state that, while the Theologische School at Kampen belongs entirely under synodical oversight because its purpose is to fight heresy and train pastors, a theological faculty at a university has a different character. Such a faculty must be engaged not only with the arts and sciences, but also with the churches, since its professors are also ministers of the Word. The connection between the faculty and the church, however, should not be restricted only to the dolerende churches; rather, it should extend to all Reformed churches. An official connection with all the Reformed churches will have to wait until a combined synod of the Reformed churches takes place. If such a synod does not take place, then separate deliberations with every denomination can be pursued. Kuyper concludes that such deliberations presently would be premature. See also 1890.07.
Het werk van den Heiligen Geest appeared in three volumes. The text of the three volumes is reprinted from biblical-theological studies published in De Heraut from September 2, 1883 to July 4, 1886. These studies appeared weekly, except when superseded by biblical-theological articles or meditations published on the occasion of church holidays and during summer vacations.
In section 1 of the foreword, Kuyper notes that few individual studies of the work of the Holy Spirit have been written. In sections 1–4, he provides a detailed examination of the works of the Puritan John Owen (1616–1683), who wrote three books about the Holy Spirit. Kuyper also includes a seventy-four-item bibliography of Owen’s works and gives an overview in sections 5–7 of other works about the Holy Spirit that have been published since the Reformation. The foreword concludes with a reply to E. Böhl (see 1887.34).
Volume 1 contains thirty-nine articles from the series of Het werk van den Heiligen Geest in De Heraut, no. 297, September 2, 1883–no. 340, June 29, 1884. Subtitles were added to all thirty-nine reprinted articles. In De Heraut the articles are separately numbered within each series. In book form, the articles are numbered sequentially, with the sequences starting afresh at the beginning of each volume.
Kuyper acted as advisor and consultant at the first of the four provisional synods of the Dutch Reformed Churches (doleerende) that preceded the union with the Christian Reformed Church. The first part of the synod was held from June 25–29, 1888 and the second part from January 16–23, 1889. At the June 25 session, Kuyper and F.L. Rutgers turned in a report in the name of the Preliminary Advisory Commission that charted a course for entering into union negotiations with the Christian Reformed Church. The course of action indicated by the report was unanimously adopted by the synod.
At the June 27 session, the commission that the Synodical Convention had appointed to negotiate with the editors of De Heraut (see 1887.32) presented their report. The report consisted of the agreement reached at Amsterdam on September 16, 1887 between the commission and Kuyper. De Heraut became the official organ for the Dutch Reformed Churches (doleerende) on October 1, 1888. The rights and the duties of the editors were laid out in ten points and the synod confirmed the agreement. During the same session the synod decided to drop the word doleerende from the name of the church.
Address at the transferal of the rectorship of the Vrije Universiteit to F.L. Rutgers. Kuyper, also professor in aesthetics, chose the subject “Calvinism and art” to overturn the prejudice that these two are mutually exclusive. The first section of the address recounts the formal principle of Calvin that art is a gift of God and discusses the consequences of this principle for the evaluation of art. In the second section, Kuyper investigates the effects of seven characteristics of Calvinism on the development of the plastic arts. In the third and final section, he deals with the relation between Calvinism and poetry.
The Annales Academiae for the academic year 1887–1888 are also included (pp. [41]–51) in this edition of the address. The endnotes (pp. [53]–87), which are compactly printed, are more extensive than the address itself.
Section 254 belongs to the elucidation of Article 18 of the platform of the Anti-Revolutionary Party (ARP), which treats the colonial question. Taken from 1879.04, this section was reprinted in a series of ten articles about the colonial politics of the ARP, which were originally published in the Bataviaasch Nieuwsblad under the title “What Is in Store for Us?” (The section was included in the fourth article of Bataviaasch Nieuwsblad 3 (1887/1889), no. 11, April 11, 1888). Many colonists in the Dutch Indies had largely lost their trust in the liberals and had high hopes for the Mackay cabinet (1888–1891), the first Christian coalition cabinet. L.W.C. Keuchenius (1822–1893) was the minister of the colonies.
The article series clarified the colonial program of the ARP. When the government had to determine the budget for the Dutch Indies in connection with the royal budget for 1889, Th. Ch.L. Wijnmalen (1841–1895) provided a separate edition concern- ing these ten articles, to which he added an introduction and notes, for the Dutch public.
A short notice including practical advice to those who had made reservations for the opening service of the Keizersgrachtkerk on November 4, 1888, when Rev. H.W. van Loon took the pulpit and preached on Ephesians 2:19–22. The Keizersgrachtkerk (about 1,700 seats and two galleries) is called “the cradle of the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands” (cf. 1892.18).
Between 1888 and 1892 the young congregation built another four churches, nearly as large as the Keizersgrachtkerk. Only this church building survived and is still in use.
While the first volume deals with the work of the Holy Spirit in the church, the second and third volumes provide a systematic treatment of the work of the Holy Spirit in individuals. The second volume devotes seven chapters to the work of the Holy Spirit in humanity, particularly as this work relates to human sinfulness, preparatory grace, regeneration, calling and conversion, justification, and belief.
Volume 2 contains forty-one articles from the series Het werk van den Heiligen Geest in De Heraut, no. 349, August 31, 1884–no. 393, July 5, 1885. Subtitles were added to all forty-one articles.
The foreword of Dagen van goede boodschap IV briefly explains why a volume about New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day has been added to the volumes of devotions about Christmas, Easter morning, and Pentecost. Kuyper argues that the conflicting thoughts that arise within us at the time of the New Year, when God’s voice frequently pierces our consciences, also require direction and interpretation.
The twenty-five unnumbered biblical-theological articles and devotions in this volume were reprinted from: (1) De Heraut, no. 108, January 4, 1880; (2, 24) De Heraut, no. 523, January 1, 1888; (3, 22) De Heraut, no. 419, January 3, 1886; (4, 18) De Heraut, no. 158, January 2, 1881; (5, 17) De Heraut, no. 210, January 1, 1882; (6, 19) De Heraut, no. 55, December 29, 1878; (7) Zondagsblad van De Standaard 4 (1875), no. 40, January 3, 1875; (8) Zondagsblad van De Standaard 5 (1876), no. 92, January 2, 1876; (9, 21) De Heraut, no. 4, December 28, 1877; (10, 16) De Heraut, no. 366, December 28, 1884; (11, 25) De Heraut, no. 262, December 31, 1882; (12, 15) De Heraut, no. 314, December 30, 1883; (13) De Standaard, Sunday edition, no. 40, December 29, 1872; (14, 23) De Heraut, no. 471, January 2, 1887; and (20) De Heraut, no. 5, January 4, 1878. The reprinted articles occasionally leave out a date or line from the original.
The first fifteen articles and devotions deal with New Year’s Eve and the next ten deal with New year’s Day.
1889
Report, drawn up at the request of the provisional synod (see 1888.10), about the meaning and sense of Article 8 of the church order of Dordt. This article dealt with the question of the admission to ministerial office of those who had no theological training, but who still wished to become pastors. After giving a brief historical sketch of the background to the article in question, the report concludes with seven resolutions about its implementation. Among other things, the report posits that admission to ministerial office is a responsibility of all the churches and can only take place after suitable inquiry or examination. The report provides three criteria for evaluating candidates. Furthermore, the author contends that two classes must be involved in any such examination. The report is signed by Kuyper (HUA 55/205).
The synod’s discussion of this item is recorded in 1889.04.
A second untitled series (cf. 1887.09) of twelve “biblical character studies,” as Kuyper called these devotional sketches, which were published in the Amsterdamsche Kerkbode. These studies present profiles of Adam, Abel, Seth, Enoch, Noah, Shem, Japheth, Abraham, Lot, Melchizedek, Isaac, and Jacob.
Three brief reports in the proceedings of the continued Synod of the Christian Reformed Church in the Netherlands, which was held in the Burgwalkerk in Kampen January 15–18, 1889. The first report (pp. 6–7) has to do with what Kuyper said on November 22, 1888 when he submitted the printed copy of the Concept-Acte van ineensmelting der Kerken, te Utrecht en te Assen dit jaar synodaal samengekomen [Draft act for fusing the churches meeting in synod this year at Utrecht and Assen]. Kuyper submitted this report on behalf of the delegates from the dolerende churches who had been asked to negotiate with their counterparts in the Christian Reformed Church and, if possible, to design an act of fusion between the churches. Kuyper later admitted in retrospect that the report had been submitted somewhat prematurely (see 1889.04).
The second report (p. 8) relates to a presentation to the synod about the meeting of the reciprocal delegates at Utrecht on December 13, 1888. After the amendments to the draft act submitted by the delegates from the Christian Reformed Church had been incorporated (with a few small changes), both sides accepted the draft act.
The third report (pp. 56–58) concerns Kuyper’s address to the Synod of the Christian Reformed Church in the Burgwalkerk in Kampen on January 18, 1889. Kuyper and Dr. W. van den Bergh both tried in vain to move the synod to accept the draft act by clarifying the apparent points of contention.
F.L. Rutgers turned in the draft act of fusion (see 1889.03) at the meeting of the extended synod held in Utrecht on January 16–23, 1889. Kuyper subsequently stated (see the conclusion of Article 123 [p. 89] in the Acta) that the deputies had gone beyond their mandate and exceeded their authority when they submitted this draft act and that it therefore lacked any official status. See also Articles 124 and 128 (pp. 90, 91) of the Acta. Article 169 (pp. 108–114) contains the Synod’s amended version of the report that Kuyper had drawn up with the assistance of Rutgers concerning the admission of those with singular gifts to the preaching office (see 1889.01).
Letter to the editor prompted by a commentary in the Nieuwe Rotterdamsche Courant, no. 76, March 17, 1889. The commentary had remarked on the fact that a recent meeting of the Anti-Revolutionary Electoral Association (held in Dordrecht on March 15 and attended by 800 persons) had been closed. The paper asked why this meeting had not been open to the public as other meetings of the Anti-Revolutionary Party typically were. In this letter Kuyper replies that meetings of the Anti-Revolutionary Party at all levels are generally closed. He notes, however, that the electoral associations frequently hold public meetings during electoral contests, a practice that would certainly take place again in Dordrecht.
Seven numbered articles reprinted from De Standaard that appeared under the title Handenarbeid. These articles address the social question and focus in particular on the disproportionately bad situation of manual laborers. Kuyper argues that a code of labor law (cf. 1874.03 and 1879.04) should be drawn up that would regulate salaries, work hours, worker safety, health costs, retirement insurance, agreements about the right to strike, etc. The ideas and proposals of the Anti-Revolutionary Party are contrasted again and again with the policy proposals of the social democratic and the liberal schools of thought. Article IV provides a historical excursus about the system of guilds, from which Kuyper concludes that that system cannot provide any perspective on the present situation. Article V addresses the question whether it is desirable to have so-called chambers (or councils) of labor.
The inside of the back cover lists the seven articles and the dates of their publication in De Standaard. The primary articles on manual labor (I–VII) were published in alternating issues of De Standaard 18 (1889), no. 5188, February 8, 1889–no. 5200, February 22, 1889. Subtitles were added to the articles in their reprinted form. The brochure was very inexpensively priced and a substantial discount was made available to those who planned to distribute it freely as a tract.
An address delivered in Utrecht on May 3, 1889 at the opening of the tenth, extraordinary, Meeting of Deputies of the Anti-Revolutionary Electoral Associations (i.e., party convention). The ordinary meeting of deputies had been linked to periodic elections for the Second Chamber. At the meeting of deputies in 1888, however, it was agreed that henceforth interim, that is, extraordinary, meetings of deputies could also be convened.
The theme of the address, “not the liberty tree but the cross,” was furnished by the centenary of the French Revolution. The theme is a variant on Groen van Prinsterer’s adage, “the gospel against the Revolution.” Kuyper contrasts the destructive spirit of the French Revolution with the broad line running from Bilderdijk, Da Costa, and Groen van Prinsterer to the school struggle of his day. The importance of Christian schooling, he notes, led to the political struggle that gave rise to the Anti-Revolutionary Party, which recognizes that Calvinism also has political implications. The address concludes with an overview of the current political program of the Anti-Revolutionaries.
This was the tenth meeting of deputies and the first address to the deputies that appeared in print. Reports of the nine preceding addresses (originally published in De Standaard) are included in 1951.01. The edition was made available on the same day the address was delivered.
Sire! De deputatenvergadering, afgevaardigd door 250 antirevolutionaire kiesvereenigingen, acht zich gelukkig, dat zij de eerste grootere volksvergadering is, die na het heuglijk weeroptreden van Uwe Majesteit, om in eigen persoon het koninklijk gezag weer uit te oefenen, uit alle provinciën van Nederland saamkwam. Met geestdrift begroette zij de verrassend goede tijding, die aller hart met vreugde vervuld heeft. Zij dankt God den Heere, die Uwe Majesteit uit zoo zware ziekte weer oprichtte, en zij bidt het af, dat het aan Uwe Majesteit moge gegeven zijn, nog een reeks van jaren te regeeren over het Nederlandsche volk, dat zoo innig aan Uwe Majesteit en het huis van Oranje-Nassau verknocht is; en voor welks recht en vrijheden, op het voetspoor van den grooten Zwijger, nooit door iemand krachtiger is opgekomen, dan door de dynastie van Oranje. In het eeuwjaar der Fransche revolutie is het haar een voorrecht de betuiging van haar eerbied voor het koninklijk gezag en van haar onveranderlijke trouw aan Uw Huis voor Uwer Majesteits troon neder te leggen. De Heere onze God steune en sterke Uwe Majesteit; Hij zegene onze geëerbiedigde Koningin; en onze geliefde Prinses van Oranje blijve tot in lengte van dagen de hope van ons Vaderland. Het moderamen van de Deputatenvergadering voornoemd: A. Kuyper, voorzitter, A.F. de Savornin Lohman, assessor, B.J.L. de Geer van Jutphaas, assessor, T.A.J. van Asch van Wijck, secretaris, en H. Waller, penningmeester.
Telegram sent in the name of the meeting of deputies (see 1889.07) to King William III. The king had been so seriously ill during the past months that the Council of State had had to take over the official duties of the sovereign. The improvement to which the telegram alludes lasted only for a short duration. Queen Emma became regent on November 14, 1889. On May 12, 1889, however, the king (†1890) celebrated his fortieth royal jubilee. On the occasion of the jubilee, Kuyper also received a royal honor (Knight in the Order of the Dutch Lion).
The text of this telegram has been altered in accordance with a correction printed in De Standaard, no. 5261, May 6, 1889.
The opening words at the eighth general meeting of the Association for Higher Education on Reformed Principles (Dordrecht, June 26–27, 1889). Kuyper uses Revelation 14:12 as a consoling backdrop to his overview of the effects that the recent church struggle have had upon the Vrije Universiteit. In general, the effects were hard and bitter. The Vrije Universiteit lost valued trustees, professors, administrators, and supporters as a consequence of the Doleantie.
Kuyper’s response, in the form of an open letter, to an article that W.H. de Beaufort (1845–1918) had published in De Gids 53 (= series 4, vol. 7), part 2, June 1889 (pp. [552]–560). De Beaufort had poked fun at Kuyper’s address to the Meeting of Deputies of the Anti-Revolutionary Electoral Associations (see 1889.07). In this response Kuyper contends that the article’s ironic treatment of the delegates, its tirades, its faulty presentation of many items, and its insinuations—including the insinuation that Kuyper was only out to gain power—could not be left without rebuttal. Honor is tender. A bold and well-documented reply was necessary according to Kuyper (p. 6) since “I do, in fact, like the ‘pepper and salt tray’ on the political table.”
De Beaufort answered him with Tegen Dr. A. Kuyper. Een woord van zelfverdediging en nadere toelichting (Amsterdam: P.N. van Kampen & Zoon, 1889). Kuyper then continued the polemical exchange (see 1889.13).
While the first volume treats the work of the Holy Spirit for the church, the second and the third volumes offer a systematic treatment of the work of the Holy Spirit for the individual. The third volume deals in three chapters with the action of the Holy Spirit in sanctification, love, and prayer. It contains forty-three articles from De Heraut, no. 402, September 6, 1885–no. 445, July 4, 1886 and no. 578, January 20, 1889–no. 582, February 17, 1889.
For the final five articles (on the topic of prayer), Kuyper interrupted a series on the Heidelberg Catechism that he had already begun in De Heraut (see 1893.03). Subtitles were added to all forty-three reprinted articles. A keyword index (pp. 315–335) and an index of biblical texts (pp. 338–343) were added to this final volume. The three volumes of Het werk van den Heiligen Geest were not available separately (but see SA.01).
Dutch edition of Calvin’s Institutes based on the seventeenth-century translation by Willem Corsman (1590–1644). For information on the preface and postscript, see 1887.29. The changes and corrections that Kuyper made to Corsman’s translation were intended to provide contemporary Dutch readers with a reliable and readable edition of Calvin’s masterwork. Kuyper did not try to modernize the language, however. He wanted as much as possible to preserve the powerful rhetoric of the seventeenth-century Dutch.
This edition features a portrait of Calvin facing the title page. The portrait is an engraving by F. Knolle (1807–1877), which was modeled after the painting Ad Archetypum Genevense by Theophil Schuler (1821–1878). Curiously, Kuyper did not choose the portrait in the Corsman edition of 1650—a copperplate engraving by Claes Jansz. Visscher (1586–1652) that depicted Calvin standing in his study, leafing through a copy of his Institutio. Instead, he opted for the stern depiction of Calvin’s upper-body profile by Schuller/Knolle, which was probably taken from Corpus Reformatorum. Volumen XXIX, Ioannis Calvini Opera quae supersunt omni. Ediderunt Guilielmus Baum, Eduardus Cunitz, Eduardus Reuss, Volumen I (Brunsvigae, 1863).
In an unusual move and with Kuyper’s agreement, the publisher reduced the sale price of this edition three months after the final (twentieth) installment was published. To compete with an announced smaller and far less expensive edition, the price dropped by almost half to ƒ4.50 for an unbound copy and ƒ6.50 for a bound copy. An advertisement that announced this sudden and drastic drop in price directed those who had purchased the edition at the original price to Matthew 20:1–16.
Open letter to Het Vaderland. This liberal newspaper from The Hague had asserted that Kuyper did not know how to respond to the reply of W.H. de Beaufort (see 1889.10) and therefore remained silent. The paper underscored De Beaufort’s assertion that Kuyper had made many inaccurate remarks and added that he was therefore untrustworthy and also shallow. Although Kuyper had been rather satisfied with De Beaufort’s answer and willing to give his opponent the last word, this commentary forced him to return to the debate.
In this heavily documented reply Kuyper parries point after point (concerning, among other things, his ideas on public schools, higher education, the role of government, the goal of Anti-Revolutionary Party politics, and Groen van Prinsterer) with such force that the charge of inaccuracy is turned back against De Beaufort.
Kuyper opened the 1889–1890 academic year at the Vrije Universiteit with this lecture on September 18. Since 1880 124 students had been registered in the album discipulorum. Among the three faculties the theological faculty was by far the largest.
This lecture deals with the essence and the art of true study, looking at the students’ university years from the perspective of their future occupations and positions. The decisive point of the lecture is that study, as much as any activity after graduation, takes place to honor God. Kuyper explains that he has chosen “Scolastica” as his title because it stands for the res publica litterarum, that is, for the sovereign sphere of scholarship in society that exists both within and without the university. Those whom God has by his grace formed into scholars have an inviolable position within society arising from the divine call to scholarship.
The edition has a classical aura because of the bordered pages and because the title was printed in red gothic lettering on a heavy-stock gray paper cover.
A collection of seven devotions about the Sabbath (never before published) and fifty-two devotions for the Sabbath. The title is taken from Exodus 16:16–24. In the foreword, the author relates that the publication of these devotions for the Sabbath is intended to complement the four collections of devotions for Christian holidays in Dagen van Goede Boodschap [Days of good tidings] (see 1887.36). He also promises that a special study about the Sabbath shall be published soon (see 1890.04).
The first seven devotions treat the Sabbath (1) van God gegeven [as given by God], (2) door God verordend [as ordained by God], (3) door God geheiligd [as sanctified by God], (4) door God gezegend [as blessed by God], (5) door God gekeurd [as judged by God], (6) door God verzoend [as reconciled by God], and (7), van God vereeuwigd [as made eternal by God].
The fifty-two devotions, one for each Sunday of the year, are numbered in the collection. The devotions were originally published in De Heraut, no. 497, July 3, 1887–no. 597, June 2, 1889.
The planned introduction to this volume became too bulky and was accordingly published separately as the first part of a treatise on the Sabbath (see 1890.04).
1890
Editorial on an influenza epidemic, taken from De Heraut, no. 632, February 2, 1890. For information concerning De Hope, see 1885.06.
The Tractaat van den Sabbath is a more scholarly counterpart to 1889.15. Kuyper notes that practically all political parties champion the cause of giving Sundays off, but he contends that taking a day off from work is totally different from sanctifying the Sabbath. In this treatise, he defends that thesis. The first part (nine chapters, pp. [7]–75) deals with the history of the Sabbath. The second part (twelve chapters, pp. [79]–163) inquires into the meaning of the Sabbath. The final chapter puts forward fifty-six theses that, taken together, provide a succinct overview of the content and upshot of the monograph. Finally, a translation of a portion of Calvin’s commentary on Genesis 2:3 is provided.
It was originally Kuyper’s plan to include this treatise as the introduction to 1889.15. The treatise grew too large, however, forcing him to rework it for separate publication (cf. De Heraut, no. 621, November 17, 1889). In part of the print run, the numbers for pages 39 and 41 were reversed. This mistake was corrected in the rest of the print run.
Kuyper was the first of six speakers at the 1890 Mission Congress of the Dutch Reformed Churches. Here he sets out in twenty-seven theses (pp. 2–10) the primary lines along which he thinks missionary work should be developed. At the heart of these theses is a new principle, namely, that the work of mission should no longer be turned over to missionary societies but should be carried out by the church, that is, by every local church (cf. 1871.14 and 1893.02).
The twenty-seven theses are arranged in four series: (1) “dogmatic theses” (theses I–VIII); (2) “mission in the strict sense, i.e., among the still unbaptized” (theses IX–XVII); (3) “methodological theses” (theses XVIII–XXII); and (4) “on the missionary office” (theses XXIII–XXVII). At the conference Kuyper and F.L. Rutgers gave a brief extemporaneous explanation of each thesis and opened the floor to discussion after each series of theses. A report on these oral remarks and interchanges is included in this publication.
Kuyper characterized his contribution as a lecture in dogmatics/church order (cf. De Heraut, no. 633, February 9, 1890). The republication of this item exactly fifty years later (see 1940.01), with a foreword by J.H. Bavinck (1895–1964), attests to the fundamental and enduring significance of this principled articulation of the work of missions. The theses were also printed in De Heraut, no. 632, February 2, 1890, and in De Heidenbode, New Series, no. 8, March 1890, pp. 90–91.
The Mission Congress took place at the request of the (first) provisional synod (cf. 1888.10, art. 86) and was called to order by the Delegates for Mission and the Mission Congress. Kuyper was one of four advisors to the members of the congress. The synod praised the printed Acta of the Mission Congress as “a highly valuable manual.” The Advisory Committee on Mission had 3,000 bound copies of the Acta printed (cf. 1890.14, art. 34) so that the price could be kept at only ƒ0.50 per copy. Copies were sold not only directly by the publisher (508 copies; HUA 92, no. 73), but also by the deputies, who sold copies to church members via a circular letter (HUA 743, no. 111).
This collection of parliamentary addresses was published in order to correct the historical record, which the press and even contemporary members of the Second Chamber had distorted, about what Kuyper had said during his first period as a member of Parliament. It reprints nearly all his parliamentary speeches from the parliamentary sessions 1873–1874, 1874–1875, and 1875–1876, as well as several interpellations.
The twenty-nine chapters of the book, which treat many issues of principle, are divided into six rubrics:
- 1. The colonial question (chapters 1–10, which include Kuyper’s speeches from 1881.06 and also section 254 on the colonial question from “Our program” [see 1879.04 and 1888.14])
- 2. The social question (chapters 11–18)
- 3. The electoral question (chapter 19)
- 4. The education question (chapters 20–25)
- 5. The church question (chapters 26–28)
- 6. The relations between parties (chapter 29)
The collection also includes the date on which the speeches were originally given and page references to the volumes of the Report of the Acts of the Second Chamber of the States-General, from which the speeches were reprinted. For the reprinted material see 1874.03, 1874.08, 1875.04, 1875.08, and 1881.06.
Report of a brief introduction to the matter of finding proper church relations for the faculty of theology. This introduction was delivered at the ninth annual meeting of the Association for Higher Education on Reformed Principles at Dordrecht on June 29, 1889.
The introduction begins by proposing a resolution. Kuyper proposes that, given the nature of a faculty of theology and also the developments among church groups that are returning to the old confession and the old church order, the time has come to request cooperation between the synods of the Christian Reformed Church and of the Dutch Reformed Churches. He asks whether the synods: (1) would like to provide counsel about the appointments, suspensions, and dismissals of professors in the faculty of theology; (2) would be willing to provide sound advice about theological education, if requested; and (3) would like to make known their observations about the instruction being provided, if they saw reason to do so.
In his commentary Kuyper contends that the theological faculty has to teach in accordance with the confession and that it therefore must have a relationship with the church that embraces that confession. For it is through the mediation of the Holy Spirit working in the church that the confession has come into being. The relationship in question must be sought with all Reformed churches because the Holy Spirit does not work exclusively in any particular group. The resolution was approved. See for earlier deliberation 1888.08.
A lecture held in Amsterdam on June 19, 1890 on the occasion of the tenth annual meeting of the Association for Higher Education on Reformed Principles. Kuyper intended to make clear his perspective on the much-discussed question whether theological faculties should exist at public universities.
After giving an exposition of the issues involved, Kuyper contends that for reasons of history, systematics, and principle there should not be theological faculties at public universities. Science is sovereign in its sphere and does not tolerate intrusion from the state any more than the church does. The events that followed the passing of the Higher Education Law of 1876 had made this point clear. The government has the responsibility to provide higher education with its material needs, but must respect the fact that God remains sovereign over the encyclopedia of the sciences. Only the Vrije Universiteit can be said to be organized in a pure and irreproachable way from the standpoint of its constitution, history, and scholarship. It is a sign of this purity that no one would raise the question whether the Vrije Universiteit should have a theological faculty.
An official letter from the Second Provisional Synod of the Dutch Reformed Churches to the Christian Reformed Advisory Committee on Union (GAA 743). The letter expresses the synod’s regret both that the Christian Reformed Church has not considered the proposed unification of the churches sufficient cause to call a synod and that no news has been received from the advisory committee. The letter proposes that the three forms of unity and the 1619 Church Order of Dordt should be substituted for the draft act of fusion (see 1889.03, 1889.04, and 1891.09) as the basis for future merger discussions between the churches. The letter closes by urging both churches to move forward quickly with the merger. A postscript politely requests that the Advisory Committee on Union send the enclosed 400 copies of the letter to the consistories of the Christian Reformed churches.
Kuyper wrote this letter at the request of the synod (cf. 1890.14, art. 40). The letter was submitted and approved the day after the synod requested it. The synod then decided to send the letter to every consistory in both churches (cf. 1890.14, art. 55).
The first installment of the annotated Bible in more understandable Dutch, prepared by Kuyper along with H. Bavinck and F.L. Rutgers. The basis for this edition of the Bible was the revised edition of the Dutch Authorized Version, published in Amsterdam in 1657 by the widow of Paulus Aertsz van Ravesteyn. Although the original plan had been to publish one installment per month, this schedule proved too rigorous. Three installments were published in 1890. The thirty-fourth and final installment appeared in August 1895. Subscribers were offered the choice between the illustrated and the unillustrated edition.
The introduction begins by relating the origins and purpose of this practical interpretation of the Belgic Confession. An annotated and ostensibly exhaustive list of all previous interpretations of the Belgic Confession follows, showing that the number of such works is considerably smaller than is the case with the Heidelberg Catechism. Kuyper opines that a historical-dogmatic interpretation of the Belgic Confession should also be written. Finally, he sets out the difference between a catechism and a confession and also between the Bible and a confession.
The introductory remarks were written at the request of the publisher. The language and the spelling of the original edition from 1755 (vol. 1) and 1758 (vol. 2) have been left unchanged. The two volumes of the original edition have been combined in this edition. On page [1], a second title page has been included with the original title printed on it: Zions roem en sterkte, ofte verklaaring van de zeevenendertig artikelen der Nederlandsche Geloofsbelydenis. Vooraf gaat een historisch-berigt, nopens de belydenis en geloofshervorming in de Nederlanden door Arnoldus Rotterdam [Zion’s glory and strength, or the explanation of the thirty-seven articles of the Dutch Confession of Faith. Preceded by a historical report concerning the confession and the reformation of the faith in the Netherlands by Arnoldus Rotterdam]. Hence the added half-title Zions roem en sterkte [Zion’s glory and strength].
A new series (cf. 1887.09 and 1889.02) of “biblical character studies,” as Kuyper described these devotional sketches, which were published in the Amsterdamsche Kerkbode. During 1890, the following sketches appeared: the mother of us all (Eve); Adah and Zillah; Sarah; Hagar; Keturah; Rebecca; Deborah the nurse; Leah; Rachel; and Judith and Basemath.
The series Vrouwen uit de Heilige Schrift would eventually number fifty sketches of women from the Old Testament (first series) and thirty sketches of women from the New Testament (second series).
Kuyper was frequently asked to assess the ramifications of the Doleantie for church polity and governance from the perspective of the canonical principles formulated during from heyday of Calvinism. He wrote this study in response to such requests. He also included the Secession of 1834 in his inquiry because he wanted to stimulate the merger talks between the Dutch Reformed Churches and the Christian Reformed Church.
Kuyper deals with the subject in four main chapters. The first chapter deals with the origin, existence, and reformation of the institutional church. The second chapter treats the theme of reformation with respect to the institutional church. The third chapter discusses the consequences of both reformations (of 1834 and 1886) for canon law, civil law, and constitutional law. The fourth chapter addresses the unification of these churches. The final conclusion drawn from the inquiry affects both churches equally. Both churches are duty-bound to constitute common classical and synodical meetings.
Kuyper relates at the beginning of this monograph that he wrote it during a few free days before he had to start lecturing again at the Vrije Universiteit.
A report on the concluding remarks at the Second Provisional Synod of the Dutch Reformed Churches, which took place in Leeuwarden on June 24–27, 1890. As the chairman of the synod Kuyper concluded the four sessions with a word of thanks and a warning that the Doleantie should steer clear, on the one hand, of separatism and, on the other, of the absolute, “Romanist” concept of the church. Kuyper ended his talk by calling upon the delegates to put their trust in God, since they had been driven into this ecclesiastical conflict not by calculations of risk, but by the Holy Spirit (art. 94, p. 95).
1891
The continuation of a series of devotions about women in the Bible. During 1891 the following sketches appeared in sequence: Dinah, Tamar, Asenath, Shiphra and Puah, Jochebed, the daughter of Pharaoh, Miriam, Zipporah, Rahab, Deborah, Jael, Jephthah’s daughter, Delilah, Naomi, Orpah, Ruth, Hannah, Ichabod’s mother, Manoah’s wife, Abigail, Michal, Bathsheba, the woman of Tekoah, the medium at Endor, the country woman of Bahurim, the real mother of the illegitimate child, Rizpah, Job’s wife, the queen of Sheba, Jeroboam’s wife, the widow of Zarephath, Jezebel, the Shunammite, a Jewish housemaid abroad, Athaliah, Jehosheba, Huldah, Noadiah, and Vashti.
The meditation on Daniel 9:4a in De Hope vol. 25, no. 15 was reprinted from De Heraut, no. 683, January 25, 1891. The meditation on Revelation 1:19 in De Hope vol. 25, no. 33, was reprinted from De Heraut, no. 650, June 8, 1890.
For information concerning De Hope, see 1885.06.
This brochure contains the provisional draft of the political platform of the Anti-Revolutionary Party, dated Amsterdam, March 23, 1891. The draft (see also 1940.03, pp. 20–21), which is signed by T.A.J. van Asch van Wijck, sets out the party line in nine points, which were to be followed in the campaign for the Second Chamber elections on June 9, 1891. It also charts the political course of the Anti-Revolutionary Party for the coming years. The final text would be settled upon at the meeting of delegates in Utrecht on May 12, 1891 (see 1891.05).
The brochure also reprints the nine explanatory lead articles (in ten chapters) that had recently been published in De Standaard as Onze gedragslijn I–IX. Subtitles have been added to these articles and the eighth article has been split into two parts. Originally published every other day, the articles relate to the following issues: “De grondwetsherziening” [Revision of the constitution] (De Standaard 20, no. 5844, March 30, 1891); “Voortgezette strijd tegen liberalistische tyrannie” [The continued struggle against liberal tyranny] (no. 5845, April 1, 1891); “Kiesrecht” [The franchise] (no. 5847, April 3, 1891); “Godsdienstvrede” [Religious peace] (no. 5849, April 6, 1891); “Onderwijs” [Education] (no. 5851, April 8, 1891); “Kamers van landbouw en arbeid” [The chambers of agriculture and labor] (no. 5853, April 10, 1891); “De schatkist” [The treasury] (no. 5855, April 13, 1891); “Tegen het militairisme” [Against militarism] and “Rechtspraak” [Jurisprudence] (no. 5857, April 15, 1891); and “Our colonies” [Our colonies] (no. 5859, April 17, 1891).
A review of the brochure De beoefening der rechtswetenschap aan Staatsacademie of Vrije Universiteit [The study of law at a state academy or at the Free University] (Amsterdam: A. Fernhout, 1891), reprinted from De Heraut, no. 684, February 1, 1891. The brochure made a plea for a Christian approach to scholarship, above all in jurisprudence. Kuyper wrote very favorably about this publication because of its author’s support for the Vrije Universiteit. His review does not mention that the anonymous author (Tiemen de Vries, 1865–1935, a student at the Vrije Universiteit from 1884 to 1892 who received his law degree in 1899 [cf. 1892.02, 1896.23, and 1911.04]) objected to the fact that students from the Vrije Universiteit had to take their examinations and defend their dissertations at other universities in order to receive legal recognition of their degrees (cf. 1892.22 and 1892.23). This state of affairs changed when the Vrije Universiteit received the effectus civilis, i.e., the legal standing to grant university degrees (see 1905.04).
De Vries’ second brochure, which reprinted this commentary along with a number of other reviews, emphasized even more strongly his objections to the requirement that exams be taken at state and municipal universities (“the places of temptation”). Kuyper showed much less enthusiasm for the second brochure (cf. De Heraut, no. 695, April 19, 1891).
The opening speech at the Meeting of Deputies of the Anti-Revolutionary Electoral Associations on May 12, 1891. The speech was delivered with an eye toward the upcoming elections (see 1891.03). In it Kuyper sets the stage by reading from Revelation 19. He then calls upon the deputies to act with conviction in the spirit of Christian democracy. The anticipation of the Lord’s second coming—Maranatha—provides the horizon for thinking about short-term political possibilities. On the one hand, this perspective unmasks the anti-Christian character of the electoral platforms of other political groups. On the other, it unites Christians across all confessional lines in the spirit of democratic action. The shift, characteristic of the present age, away from the ideals and intellectual achievements of individuals and toward the needs of social life is advantageous to the struggle for Christian democracy. For, as Kuyper notes, “if anything is social then it is the Christian religion.” The speech ends with a poem by Isaac da Costa (see 1897.16).
Kuyper’s speech was particularly well received by the approximately seven hundred deputies at the meeting. The published edition of the speech was already available on the day following its delivery.
A printed copy of this address has also been preserved in oversized format (35cm.), with twenty-four numbered pages, printed on one side only (cf. 1909.27).
The cheap edition used lower-quality paper. The pagination is identical to 1891.05. The edition was intended for bulk purchase by the local electoral associations on behalf of their members and for free distribution.
Kuyper wrote this article for The Presbyterian and Reformed Review at the invitation of its editor, B.B. Warfield (1851–1921). He chose to speak about a contemporary controversy brewing over a Reformed church in the classis of Brunswick, New Jersey that had proposed revising the Westminster Confession (1648). The article puts forward a Calvinist perspective on confessional revision (cf. the preface to 1891.10).
In order to make clear the “specific tendency” of Calvinism, Kuyper frames his article by posing and answering four questions about the preconditions for responsible revision of confessional standards. The fourth of these questions asks, “To what conditions is the revision of these symbols, in the case of a progressive development of Calvinism, to be bound?” Referring to 1879.11 in his answer to this question, Kuyper identifies four preconditions that any proposed revision must satisfy—preconditions that, in his opinion, provide sufficient reason to provisionally suspend discussions about making any such revisions. First, any revision must not be a reaction against the principles of Calvinism, but a richer unfolding of those principles. Second, this unfolding must have made such universal progress in the churches that the revision does not mean that the one half obtrudes its opinion on the other half. Third, Calvinist theology must have made sufficient progress to serve the churches in formulating such development. Fourth and finally, in foreign churches of Reformed confession similar convictions must have led to similar results.
The article was translated by Professor Geerhardus Vos (1862–1949), born in Heerenveen, the Netherlands and professor of systematic and exegetical theology (1888–1893) at the Theological School at Grand Rapids, subsequently professor of Biblical theology (1893–1932) at Princeton Theological Seminary. Vos also contributed to the translation of 1898.15.
In De Heraut, no. 714, August 30, 1891, Kuyper gave an evaluation of the report of the commission that had conceived the changes and expansions to the Westminster Confession. In both of the next two issues of De Heraut, he further explored the details of the matter.
The first installment of the republication of the catechesis of Gisbertus Voetius (1589–1676) as recorded and published by the Rev. Cornelius van Poudroyen (†1662). In his introduction (pp. [5]–22), Kuyper discusses the significance of Voetius, upon whose work Poudroyen based his edition, and also gives several tips for the proper use of the catechesis. He also emphatically seeks to counteract the negative image that many people have formed in reference to this book.
Kuyper had a twofold goal in mind when publishing this edition: to chase away the fog obscuring the confessions in numerous Reformed circles and to advance basic knowledge of the faith. He hoped that the church would again stand as a pillar and bulwark of the truth.
A facsimile of the title page of the 1662 edition is included after the introduction. The inclusion of the title page makes it clear that Kuyper gave (again, see 1890.11) a different title to this new edition. On the back side of the facsimile, two of Voetius’ brief ‘notices to the reader’ are printed, belonging to the first (1659) and the fourth (1662) edition, respectively. In his remarks about the fourth edition, Voetius requests that any future reprints follow this edition. The fourth edition was printed by the Dordrecht printer, Jacob Braat, on behalf of Abraham Andriessz, book dealer at Dordrecht (1662: [16], 800, [7] pp.).
According to the publisher’s announcement, the complete work would be published in sixteen installments and a new installment would be published every week.
Two appendices out of five attached to the report of the commission charged with consultation and recommendation on the merger proposal on behalf of the Dutch Reformed Churches and the Christian Reformed Church. Appendix A contains a request to the Christian Reformed deputies for additional information about several points in the proposal from their synod. The Synod of the Christian Reformed Church had put aside the draft act of fusion (see 1889.04 and 1890.09) and proposed to carry forth deliberations on the basis of the confessional standards and the Church Order of Dordt. A copy of the request is written in the hand of F.L. Rutgers and signed “A. Kuyper” (HUA 55/230).
Appendix C contains the elated response to the reply received from the Christian Reformed deputies. The response seeks greater detail and specificity by posing three follow-up questions to the deputies’ reply. The item concludes by giving assurances that the commission would do its utmost “to further the matter of the union as earnestly as possible” in its report to the synod. A copy of this response is written in the hand of Kuyper and signed “Kuyper” (HUA 55/230).
Both items are signed by Kuyper, who was not only the chairman of the third provisional synod (The Hague, 1891), but also a member of the aforementioned commission. The consultations between the commission and the deputies for the Christian Reformed Synod were carried out in writing. After the synod had approved the commission’s report and received it together with an accompanying letter (dated September 15, 1891) and several appendices, the report was sent to all the consistories.
Subsequently appendices A and C were published in several church newsletters—for example, in De Geldersche Kerkbode 4 (1891/1892), no. 137, September 19, 1891 (app. A) and no. 138, September 26, 1891 (app. C).
In the preface Kuyper writes that he has decided to publish the article in its original Dutch version because the question of confessional revision will increasingly be regarded as a subject of critical importance for “our churches.”
Kuyper delivered four speeches as chairman of the Third Provisional Synod of the Dutch Reformed Churches: (1) A heartfelt and historically framed word of welcome to the Rev. Theod. J. Meyer, delegate of the Presbyterian Church of England (pp. 11–12); (2) an address to the delegation from the Synod of the Christian Reformed Church, which was in attendance to answer questions about its merger proposal (pp. [23]–26); (3) a second address to that delegation concerning the momentous fact that the Provisional Synod had accepted the merger proposal (pp. 93–95); and (4) a concluding speech cautioning delegates with the words “thankful, but not yet satisfied.” The final speech advises the delegates not to become complacent until every living member of the body of Christ—whether in their circle or under the synodical hierarchy of the Dutch Reformed Church or under the Roman Catholic hierarchy—coexists in a unified church and celebrates the Lord’s Supper together (pp. 132–133).
The appendices of 1891.09 are included in the proceedings (together with the report of the commission charged with consultation and recommendation on the merger proposal put forward by the Synod of the Christian Reformed Church) on pages 84–87 and 89–90.
An address given on November 9, 1891 at the opening of the Social Congress (Amsterdam, November 9–12, 1891). The speech was delivered in De Werkende stand. The congress itself took place in Frascati. (The so-called “Bible readings” also took place in both buildings—see 1886.14). At the request of the Dutch Workingmen’s Union “Patrimonium” (see 1880.11), the congress had been called together by the Central Committee of the Anti-Revolutionary Electoral Associations.
The central question at stake in the address was how confessors of Christ should respond to the social needs of the era. Kuyper made it clear that there is an indissoluble connection between the social question and the Christian faith. The purpose of this speech was to clarify the complex set of issues that make up the social question. He called upon laborers to become conscious of the issues and to take appropriate action since labor relations would be undergoing significant shifts in the future. An extensive series of notes comprises the second half of this edition (pp. [47]–77). The notes, which make numerous references to contemporary literature, were clearly intended to promote additional study of the social question.
The origins of the congress lay in Patrimonium’s acceptance of Kuyper’s proposal at their meeting on November 10, 1890 to call together a Christian social congress with the purpose of creating a framework for addressing the social question nationally—and especially among union members. Kuyper was an honorary member of Patrimonium, chairman of the organizing committee for the congress, and also chairman of the Social Congress itself.
On May 15, 1891 the papal encyclical Rerum Novarum, which dealt with the condition of the working classes, was published and became the basis for Roman Catholic social action.
An edition with smaller typeface and shorn of notes. Free copies of this edition were provided to members of the Dutch Workingmen’s Union “Patrimonium,” who also received free admission to the congress. Although this edition was not originally intended for sale, the remaining copies of this print run were (according to an advertisement in De Standaard) subsequently put on the market in May 1892 by Amsterdam book merchant J.C. Westering, who offered a volume discount, as follows: twenty-five copies for ƒ1; fifty copies for ƒ1.75; and one hundred copies for ƒ3.25.
A collection of forty-four devotions about the sacraments (ten devotions), baptism (ten devotions), public confession (twelve devotions), and the Lord’s Supper (twelve devotions). The title is taken from Isaiah 55:13: “Instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle.”
The four series of devotions were reprinted from De Heraut, as follows: (1) Van het heilig sacrament [About the holy sacrament], from no. 661, August 24, 1890–no. 670, October 26, 1890; (2) Van den heiligen Doop [About holy baptism], from no. 671, November 2, 1890–no. 680, January 4, 1891; (3) Van de openbare belijdenis [About public confession], from no. 681, January 11, 1891–no. 692, March 29, 1891; and (4) Van het heilig Avondmaal [About the Lord’s Supper], from no. 693, April 5, 1891–no. 696, April 26, 1891 and no. 698, May 10, 1891–no. 705, June 28, 1891. Subtitles were added to all the devotions.
Although Kuyper wrote in the foreword that he hoped that the third series in the collection would be read not after but before confirmands made their public confession, this book was for many years the traditional gift given by consistories, families, and friends to celebrate public confession. The book was reprinted more than eight times in a variety of lovely editions and cheap editions (last printing, see 1938.01).
In May 1891, J.A. Wormser announced that the second edition of “Ons program” had sold out. It was decided to publish the next printing in twelve installments of thirty-six to forty-eight pages each at the price of ƒ0.30 per installment. The publisher stated in the initial advertisements and prospectus that this printing would be completed by the end of 1891. An advertisement in March 1892 announced the publication of the fourth installment. An advertisement in October of the same year announced the tenth installment. Was the project held up to collect additional subscribers? Kuyper emphasized in De Standaard, no. 6355, November 25, 1892, “that it [i.e., section 3 in the first installment] had already been printed a year ago.” In any event, for reasons as yet unclear, the complete third printing was ready a year later than announced. Perhaps the delay was a side effect of the electoral defeat of June 1891, when the Anti-Revolutionary Party lost eight of its twenty-eight seats in Parliament.
Student notes from the dogmatic lectures that Kuyper gave at the Vrije Universiteit in 1883/1884 on the doctrine of creation. The lectures are printed in italics. The phrase college-dictaat van onderscheidene studenten (dogmatiek) [lecture notes from several students (dogmatics)] is printed at the top of every numbered page. The edition likely became available to students in February or March 1891. In 1899/1900, Kuyper gave an entirely new treatment of this locus (see 1900.32).
When taking their examinations students were expected to have studied all the lectures delivered up to that moment. New students therefore found it necessary to borrow or copy the lecture notes of students from previous years. The quality of these notes, however, was not always high. In order to solve this problem Kuyper asked the directors of the Association for Higher Education on Reformed Principles to have his lectures on dogmatics printed at their expense. The lectures would then be made available (at close to cost) exclusively to theology students at the Vrije Universiteit.
Among other things, Kuyper also stipulated (KA 286, 1) the following:
- – Six lectures on dogmatics from the period 1880–1883 would not be printed.
- – The first set of lectures printed would be the Locus de creatione.
- – The lectures would be printed in italics.
- – It would be indicated above every page whether the notes were from one or several students.
- – The format would be equivalent to the editions of the Bibliotheca Reformata (see 1882.07).
- – The print run would be 300 copies.
- – The cost of this edition would amount to approximately ƒ25.- per 16 printed pages.
- – The purchaser would not be permitted to sell his copies.
After reaching this agreement with the publisher, Kuyper always appointed a note-taker for every lecture series. The notes would be published as soon as possible after the conclusion of his lectures on each locus. Students were given stipends for inspecting the galley proofs.
A disclaimer on the front cover as well as above every page of the printed lecture notes indicated that this was a publication of student notes. Kuyper did not authorize these printed notes of his lectures. All printed sets of lecture notes were numbered and delivered with the name of the owner filled in. Among those who took the lecture notes that became the basis of the printed loci were H.H. Kuyper (KA 286.45), who had enrolled as a theology student in 1883 and who defended his doctorate in theology in 1891, and J. de Jong (see 1893.10), who defended his doctorate in theology in 1911. The galley proofs for 1891.18–1891.23 were corrected (KA 286.3) by the students A.G. Honig (1864–1940; enrolled, 1884), who defended his doctorate in theology in 1892, J.J. Miedema (1869–1936; enrolled, 1887), and J. Koning (1866–1906; enrolled, 1887).
Information about the publishers, printers, proofreaders, and date of publication has been reconstructed with the use of the account book for 1890–1902 of the Association for Higher Education on Reformed Principles (AVU).
By January 1891, six lecture series had been printed (1891.18–1891.23). The price of the printed lectures nearly doubled due to Kuyper’s overzealousness and his underestimating of the printing costs. The printing schedule was also slowed until a less expensive printer could be found (see 1891.24). The first six publications of the loci were likely made available to students in February or March 1891.
In 1907 a summary was published of the contents of the twenty-one parts in which the loci had been printed (Inhoudsopgaven der Loci [Amsterdam: H.A. van Bottenburg 1907, 89, [2] pp.]; see app. 1.05). This table of contents was not put on the market, but it was available (for ƒ3.-) from the student H. Hasper Jr. (1886–1974). Cf. De Heraut, no. 1554, October 13, 1907.
Student notes from dogmatic lectures on angelology, delivered at the Vrije Universiteit in 1883/1884. The lectures deal with the names, existence, and nature of the angels. They further discuss the relations between angels and human beings, the relations between angels and Christ, and the ministry by and to the angels. The nine sections each begin with a paragraph in Latin.
The lectures are printed in italics (see 1891.18). The phrase college-dictaat van onderscheidene studenten (dogmatiek) [lecture notes from several students (dogmatics)] is printed at the top of every numbered page. The edition likely became available to students in February or March 1891.
Student notes from dogmatic lectures given at the Vrije Universiteit in 1883/1884 on the material world. This is the second part of the Locus de creaturis (dealing with heaven and earth, stars and planets, and the animal and plant kingdoms). The three sections each begin with a paragraph in Latin.
The notes are printed in italics (see 1891.18). The phrase college-dictaat van onderscheidene studenten (dogmatiek) [lecture notes from several students (dogmatics)] is printed at the top of every numbered page. The edition likely became available to students in February or March 1891.
Student notes from dogmatic lectures given at the Vrije Universiteit in 1884/1885 on humanity in light of God’s will and purpose. Only the first and the fourteenth section begin with a paragraph in Latin.
The notes are printed in italics (see 1891.18). The phrase college-dictaat van onderscheidene studenten (dogmatiek) [lecture notes from several students (dogmatics)] is printed at the top of every numbered page. The edition likely became available to students in February or March 1891.
First part of the student notes from dogmatic lectures given at the Vrije Universiteit from 1881 to 1888 on the doctrine of the Scriptures. This part contains the lecture material up to the second half of the first semester of the 1885/1886 academic year and deals with the existence (essentia), the necessity (necessitas), and the authority (auctoritas) of Scripture.
Only chapters 1 (De Sacrae Scripturae essentia) and 2 (De necessitate Sacrae Scripturae) begin with a paragraph in Latin. The dating of the lectures in parts 1 and 2 was derived from a preserved set of lecture notes by P.J. Wijmenga (1858–1913; enrolled, 1882).
The notes are printed in italics (see 1891.18). The phrase college-dictaat van een der studenten (dogmatiek) [lecture notes from one of the students (dogmatics)] is printed at the top of every numbered page. The edition likely became available to students in February or March 1891.
First part of the student notes from the dogmatic lectures given at the Vrije Universiteit from 1885 to 1888 on the subject of Christology. This part contains the material dealt with during the academic year 1885/1886. After the introduction there are two main chapters about the names of the redeemer (chapter II) and the person of the mediator (chapter III).
The notes are printed in italics (see 1891.18). The phrase college-dictaat van een [sic] der studenten (dogmatiek) [lecture notes from one of the students (dogmatics)] is printed at the top of every numbered page. The edition likely became available to students in February or March 1891.
Second part of the student notes from the dogmatic lectures given at the Vrije Universiteit from 1885 to 1888 on the subject of Christology. This part contains the material dealt with during the academic year 1886/1887 and treats Christ’s human nature (de natura humana) and the states of the mediator (de statibus mediatoris).
The notes are printed in italics up to page 48. On pages 49 and following, only the first page of each quire (sixteen pages) is printed in italics. The phrase college-dictaat van een [sic] der studenten (dogmatiek) [lecture notes from one of the students (dogmatics)] is printed at the top of every numbered page. The edition likely became available to students in June 1891.
The directors of the Association for Higher Education on Reformed Principles decided during the typesetting of this item to find a less expensive printer for the lecture notes. The printer A. Fernhout offered to deliver the lecture notes for less than half of the price that Wormser charged. The stipulation that the lecture notes had to be printed in italics (see 1891.18) was dropped. From now on (to 1893.10) only the first page of each printed sheet (= sixteen pages) would be printed in italics. Fernhout’s print work began on page 49 of these lecture notes.
Second part of the student notes from the dogmatic lectures given at the Vrije Universiteit from 1881 to 1888 on the doctrine of Scripture. The lecture material from 1885–1887 (beginning with the second half of the first semester of the academic year 1885/1886) was published in this second portion. Kuyper finished lecturing on this locus on May 16, 1888. This volume deals with the inspiration (inspiratio), perspicuity (perspicuitas), and sufficiency (sufficientia) of Scripture.
A. Fernhout’s print work begins on page 33. In the portions printed by Fernhout, only the first page of each quire (sixteen pages) is printed in italics (see 1891.24). The phrase college-dictaat van onderscheidene studenten (dogmatiek) [lecture notes from several students (dogmatics)] is printed at the top of every numbered page. This edition likely became available to students in June 1891.
Student notes from the dogmatic lectures given at the Vrije Universiteit during the academic year 1885/1886 on the doctrine of sin. After dealing with the etymology of the word “sin,” Kuyper treats the question of sin in the angelic realm and in paradise. The lectures conclude with a section on the problem of free will.
The phrase college-dictaat van een [sic] der studenten (dogmatiek) [lecture notes from one of the students (dogmatics)] is printed at the top of every numbered page. Only the first page of each printed sheet (generally a quire of sixteen pages) is printed in italics. For information about the typesetting, see 1891.18 and 1891.24. The edition likely became available to students in August 1891.
Third part of the student notes from the dogmatic lectures given at the Vrije Universiteit from 1885 to 1888 on the subject of Christology. This third part contains the lecture material from the academic year 1887/1888 and deals with the offices of the mediator (de mediatoris officiis).
The phrase college-dictaat van een [sic] der studenten (dogmatiek) [lecture notes from one of the students (dogmatics)] is printed at the top of every numbered page. Only the first page of each quire (sixteen pages) is printed in italics, excepting the first quire. For information about the typesetting, see 1891.18 and 1891.24. The edition likely became available to students in August 1891.
Student notes from the dogmatic lectures given at the Vrije Universiteit during the academic year 1888/1889 on the doctrine of salvation (salus). After an excursus on Ritschl and an introduction to the locus, Kuyper deals with the topics of grace, justification, regeneration, calling, conversion, and faith.
The phrase college-dictaat van onderscheidene studenten (dogmatiek) [lecture notes from several students (dogmatics)] is printed at the top of every numbered page. Only the first page of each quire (sixteen pages) is printed in italics, excepting the first quire. For information about the typesetting, see 1891.18 and 1891.24. The edition likely became available to students in September/October 1891.
Student notes from the dogmatic lectures given at the Vrije Universiteit during the academic year 1889/1890 on the sacraments. In these lectures, Kuyper first treats the sacraments in general and then deals with the sacrament of baptism, the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, and the history of sacramental dogma.
The phrase college-dictaat van van een der studenten (dogmatiek) [lecture notes from one of the students (dogmatics)] is printed at the top of every numbered page. Only the first page of each quire (sixteen pages) is printed in italics, excepting the first quire. For information about the typesetting, see 1891.18 and 1891.24. The printed notes likely became available to students in September/October 1891.
1892
The fiftieth and final sketch (on Esther) from the series on women of the Old Testament.
A confidential letter to the senate of the student body of the Vrije Universiteit. The letter was written in response to a critical article in the new student paper, Vox Corporis. Orgaan van het Studentencorps der Vrije Universiteit [Vox corporis. Mouthpiece of the student body of the Vrije Universiteit] 1 (1891), no. 1, December 1891, which was poorly received by the administration. Kuyper considered it his duty as rector to look out for the general interest of the Vrije Universiteit. In this letter he requests that the student senate propose to the student body that publication of Vox Corporis be discontinued. The article in question had contained a critical analysis of the address given by Prof. D.P.D. Fabius at the opening of classes. Fabius had spoken, among other things, about radicals looking “to bolt forward.” This comment was taken as being critical of students who opposed on principle having to take their examinations at state universities (cf. 1891.04). The writer of the article was Tiemen de Vries, editor of Vox Corporis and rector of the student body of the Vrije Universiteit. The publication of the paper was suspended at Kuyper’s request.
In July 1897 the students at the Vrije Universiteit would begin publishing a new paper: Gereformeerd Studentenblad. Orgaan van den Gereformeerden Studentenbond aan de Vrije Universiteit te Amsterdam [Reformed student paper. Mouthpiece of the Reformed Student Union at the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam]. In the second issue of this paper, ten theses were published by the senate of the Vrije Universiteit concerning the question whether students at the Vrije Universiteit could take classes at other universities, particularly when they thought that such classes would positively influence the outcomes of their examinations, which they would have to take at those universities to receive official recognition of their degrees.
The first article gives a comparison of the annual finances of the Christian Reformed Church and the Dutch Reformed Church of Amsterdam and yields a set of “instructive figures.” The upcoming merger with the local Christian Reformed Congregation in Amsterdam made it necessary to become acquainted with all aspects of its congregational life, including its finances. In his second article, Kuyper considers how finances will affect the relations between the churches. He estimates that the congregation will have to raise about ƒ90.000 more annually to reach the financial level of the Christian Reformed Church.
An article about the failings of the system of house visitations. The primary causes of these failings are the greater value ascribed to visits by pastors in comparison to elders and the growing number of congregational members requiring visitations. Kuyper estimates that each of the six pastors in Amsterdam has about seventy days available per year for house visitations. The elders promise to visit the members of the congregation annually when taking their oath of office; for the forty elders to do so meant making three visitations weekly. The elders should make regular reports about the visits that they have made so that the pastors will be able easily to determine which households they should visit. Above all, the system of household visitation must be well supervised.
The article was also included in De Geldersche Kerkbode 5 (1892), no. 163, March 19, 1892.
The translator, Rev. J.H. De Vries (1859–1939), was born in Amsterdam, graduated from Rutgers College and New Brunswick Theological Seminary, and held pastorates in American Presbyterian and Protestant Episcopal churches. He became Kuyper’s authorized translator. This translation was read by the Rev. De Vries on November 10, 1891 before the American Institute of Christian Philosophy in Hamilton Hall, Columbia College, New York after De Vries had been elected to honorary membership in the institute (cf. De Heraut, no. 727, November 29, 1891). The notes have been left out of this publication.
The language and the spelling of the 1662 edition have been reprinted without change. Kuyper added notes here and there to explain or clarify terms. The edition was published in installments. For the introduction see 1891.08. The epilogue offers a few supplementary facts about the publication of Voetius’ individual lists of catechetical questions and makes reference to Voetius’ warning against using catechetical workbooks to teach biblical history (cf. 1883.09).
The publisher’s far-too-simple division of the book into two parts (the division between the two parts comes right in the middle of a chapter) caused Kuyper to remark that the publisher had acted as if he were cutting up cheese or peat.
The bound edition was made with two gray-green full cloth bindings with blind tooling on the front cover and the title printed in gold oblique. Kuyper expressed misgivings about the bindings in De Heraut, no. 742, March 13, 1892. He referred to the cloth bindings as “fantasy bindings, imitations of the bindings of light-hearted novels,” noting that the title had been printed askew, “as if it were a sort of Baedeker guide.” According to Kuyper, “the book demanded a binding that was serious in character, sober in style, with a classical appearance.” Shortly after he made these criticisms, the edition was offered in two volumes with leather bindings that were substantially identical to the leather binding of 1890.11.
A circular letter sent to Christian employers in the Netherlands with the purpose of recruiting membership in an employers’ association. During its third general session on April 10, 1891, the Social Congress (see 1891.14) accepted the conclusion of section 2, which called for the creation of an association of employers. The nearly three hundred employers who gathered during the congress at its invitation decided after that session to establish precisely such an association. This decision was put into effect on January 18, 1892 when, under Kuyper’s leadership, the Association of Dutch Employers was established. Rather soon the association’s name was enlarged by the addition “Boaz.” The association’s structure was changed in 1918 (see 1918.06).
The circular letter was not sent until the official minutes of the congress were ready to be published (see 1892.10). This allowed those receiving the recruitment letter to learn more about the origin of the association by reading the report of its proposed establishment in the minutes. The circular letter was signed by all the members of the (provisional) board of the association, but it was composed by Kuyper (see 1916.13).
The statutes of the association (pp. [11]–15) were also included as were the eleven basic principles formulated by the Social Congress. A separately printed enrollment form for membership in the Association of Dutch Employers (14cm.) was also included.
In the new preface Kuyper lets it be known that, counting all the various printings, 40,000 copies of this book have already been distributed. As one benefit of this large-scale distribution he cites the fact that use of the Heidelberg Catechism itself is displacing use of catechetical workbooks. He also notes that Christian households can now more easily afford the Belgic Confession and the Five Articles against the Remonstrants. He recommends that families renew the practice of reading from the confessions on Sundays. Against the catechetical workbooks put together by individual pastors, he contends that such booklets undermine the students’ sense of the church, amplify pastors’ idiosyncrasies, and are far poorer than the Heidelberg Catechism in their phrasing and formulation. He also cites Voetius’ remarks about the problems afflicting such workbooks (cf. 1892.06).
First printing with continuous pagination.
For the opening address (pp. 38–69) of the Social Congress, see 1891.14. Kuyper was chairman of the congress, which convened in November 1891. These minutes also contain a report of his concluding address (pp. 129–133) in addition to his numerous procedural and administrative contributions. The sincere words of thanks offered to the chairman by H. Pierson (1834–1923), who praised the congress’s spirit of unity and solidarity, elicited the following heartfelt confession from Kuyper: “Nothing, nothing is more dreadful in the struggle for Christ’s honor than to have to hear that my person stands in the way of unity among brothers. No one but God alone knows how frequently I have contemplated in my soul whether it was not perhaps necessary that I should withdraw myself in order to promote unity.” Kuyper then said that he had enjoyed the fraternal encounters with attendees who in other respects were following different paths. These encounters encouraged him to continue his work (pp. 135–136).
It appears from the list of 570 participants that Kuyper’s spouse, Mrs. J.H. Kuyper-Schaay, one of his daughters, his daughter-in-law, and two of his sons also took part in the congress (p. 572).
As chairman of the Association for Primary Education on Reformed Principles in Amsterdam, Kuyper gave an address in the Keizersgrachtkerk on April 20, 1892 about the troubling financial situation of the association’s schools. If the financial health of the association was not quickly improved at least one of the schools would have to be closed. The gist of this appeal was printed and distributed from house to house throughout the community. The appeal clarified, analyzed, and gave concrete suggestions for improving the association’s financial situation.
Three appendices were printed after the appeal (two financial overviews and a report presenting data from the five schools). A subscription form (21cm.) for semiannual contributions on behalf of the schools of the association was printed separately and included with the appeal.
The Keizersgrachtkerk was the first church building constructed by the dolerenden in Amsterdam (see 1888.13); it still serves as a house of worship today. The first service was held on November 4, 1888. A school established by the association in February 1888 was located behind the church. Its entrance faced the Kerkstraat.
Kuyper wrote the first two articles in the first issue of the first volume of Boaz: The Monthly of the Association of Employers (cf. Anti Revolutionaire Staatkunde 6, 1930 p. 504). The brief opening article, “Boaz: The Name of our Monthly,” concludes with the following observation: “This wealthy man is depicted to us in the story of Ruth precisely as he relates to subordinates … Boaz is therefore the brief, the connotative, the scriptural title by which our monthly will become known to the public.”
“Boaz” was consequently put forward as the name of the employers’ association by Klaas Kater (1833–1916), who was the first chairman (1876–1899) of the Dutch Workingmen’s Union “Patrimonium.”
In this second article (cf. 1892.12), Kuyper gives an etymology of the words “patron” and “patronage,” concluding from his study that “merely the name patron … condemns all hardness, all lack of love, and all indifference toward the fate of those who serve you.”
In the second series of Women from the Holy Scriptures, Kuyper offers thirty character studies based on female figures from the New Testament. In 1892 the first sixteen of those studies appeared, as follows: Elizabeth; Mary in her humility; Mary, the mother of the Lord; Mary in her faith; Anna; Peter’s mother-in-law; Salome; the woman suffering from hemorrhages; Mary Magdalene; Mary, the mother of the Apostle; Mary of Bethany; Mary of Jerusalem; Mary of Rome; Martha; the Samaritan woman; and the Canaanite woman. The next sketches in this series were printed in the subsequent (i.e., the seventh) volume of the Amsterdamsche Kerkbode.
Report on the introduction to a debate held at the annual general meeting of the Association for Higher Education on Reformed Principles in Rotterdam on June 25, 1891. At issue in the debate was the advisability of appointing a professor in psychiatry while the Vrije Universiteit did not yet have a faculty of medicine. The need for trained Christian doctors and psychiatrists at the Veldwijk Psychiatric Institute in Ermelo prompted the debate.
The introduction begins with an excursus about the various theories of medical behavior, the orientation toward materialism in contemporary medical scholarship, and the responsibility that the Christian view of humanity imposes upon Christian medical scholarship. Kuyper then states that he will support the appointment of a professor in psychiatry provided that the scholar will both teach according to the spirit of Christianity and satisfy a few strict preconditions. He expresses doubt that a faculty of medicine can be established any time soon.
In 1907 the Vrije Universiteit received both a psychiatric clinic and a professorial chair in psychiatry and neurology—the beginning of its faculty of medicine—due to the efforts of the Association for Christian Treatment of the Mentally Ill in the Netherlands, of which the asylum Veldwijk in Ermelo (presently GGZ Centraal Veldwijk) was the first member (1886).
Letter from the General Synod of the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands together with a partial English translation on a bifolium (KA 180). On June 16, 1892, the Christian Reformed Church and the Dutch Reformed Churches united to form the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands. The Dutch version of this letter announces the formation in Amsterdam on June 17, 1892 of the Synod of the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands (see 1892.18), describing it as the “lawful successor to the universally recognized synod which assembled in Dordrecht in 1619.”
Subsequently, both versions relate that there are now seven hundred churches, comprising nearly one-tenth of the Dutch population, again living under the church order of 1619. The letter states that these Dutch churches wish henceforth to enter into correspondence with like-minded churches in Europe and beyond.
The letter concludes with the date and a signature line reading: “By order of the General Synod of the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands. The Deputati ad hoc …” The English translation, however, is undated and adds the names of W.H. Gispen and Dr. A. Kuyper (respectively, the first and the second chairman of the synod) beneath the signature line.
E voto Dordraceno (i.e., in agreement with the wish expressed at the Synod of Dordt) is the title of a four-part commentary on the Heidelberg Catechism (1563). In the preface Kuyper writes that he has derived the title from the foreign delegates’ heartfelt prayer at the Synod of Dordrecht (1618/1619) that Dutch pastors and theologians might persevere in their good confession, pass it on unhindered to subsequent generations, and preserve it from falsity until the return of Christ. The Dutch delegates solemnly pledged to do so. Kuyper thus also translated this title as “the pledge of Dordt” (cf. De Heraut, no. 702, June 7, 1891).
The commentary first appeared as a multi-year (1886–1894) series of articles in De Heraut. The articles in the first volume were reprinted from De Heraut, no. 457, September 26, 1886–no. 546, June 10, 1888. As with other such series, the weekly article series was interrupted only by biblical-theological essays during church holidays and by devotions during summer vacations.
From June to the middle of December 1891 readers of De Heraut could sign up for the four-volume set at half its normal price (the discount applied for a maximum of two copies) as a subscription premium. The first volumes of the sets received through this offer were identified by the addition of the phrase premie-exemplaar [premium copy] in the upper right-hand corner of the title page. Those who signed up for the offer were asked to add an additional ƒ0.75 to the quarterly subscription price of De Heraut for four years, in exchange for which they would receive a new volume of the commentary each July. Many were able to afford the set because of its comparatively low price and the payment plan. A note in De Heraut, no. 1003, March 14, 1897, indicates that there were 1,500 subscribers as of March 1897.
Kuyper was the owner of the edition. For the trade edition Wormser purchased its inventory from Kuyper for ƒ12 per set.
This first volume treats the first seventeen Lord’s Days of the Heidelberg Catechism. The text of the relevant section from the catechism is reprinted along with Kuyper’s commentary.
Along with several brief reports of presidential contributions toward the good order of the sessions of the fourth Provisional Synod of the Dutch Reformed Churches the Acta also contain a historic and ecumenically minded address (pp. [151]–153) that Kuyper delivered in English to the Rev. H.D. Matthews, delegate of the Presbyterian Church of England and secretary of the Alliance of Reformed Churches holding the Presbyterian System. The Rev. Matthews also visited the Synod of the Christian Reformed Church, which was meeting simultaneously in Amsterdam.
The Acta also contain a report of the closing remarks (p. 178) of this decisive synod, which saw the Dutch Reformed Churches and the Christian Reformed Church join together as the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands at its final session on June 16, 1892. The Acta of the General Synod of the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands were printed after the Acta of the Provisional Synod of the Dutch Reformed Churches with a separate title page but continuous pagination.
A report of Kuyper’s address (pp. 198–200) as the second chair is included in these Acta after a report of an address by the Rev. W.H. Gispen, the first chair. In his address (see also 1892.19, 1988.01, and Het Kerkblad. Officiëel orgaan van de Gereformeerde Kerken in Nederland 1 [1892/1893], no. 1, July 1, 1892, pp. 5–6), Kuyper takes the opportunity to correct a misleading analogy he once provided for the association of both churches. In his concluding words, Kuyper expresses his conviction that the Netherlands has received a calling from God “to save Calvinism from death,” a conviction that brings him to a visionary peroration.
The synod convened in the Keizersgrachtkerk in Amsterdam (cf. 1888.13).
Two appendices recording the deliberations between the Dutch Reformed and the Christian Reformed delegates regarding the unification of their churches (see 1891. 09). The proceedings of the General Synod of the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands are printed after those of the Synod of the Christian Reformed Church but with separate pagination (32 pp.). The report of Kuyper’s address on June 17, 1892 is printed on pages 9–11. Its text is identical to the text 1892.18, pages [198]–200.
Aan de leden der Patroonsvereeniging, die hem gisteren aan den maaltijd een blijk van hooggewaardeerde sympathie gaven, biedt de gewezen voorzitter van het Sociaal Congres zijn hartelijken dank; met de bede dat onze God en de God van onze broederen, die hun brood in het zweet huns aanschijns eten, patroons en werklieden steeds inniger in de vreeze zijns naams saamverbinde en zijn Goddelijken zegen schenken blijve aan wat in zwakheid, maar met geestdrift des geloofs, èn door het Sociaal Congres èn door de Patroonsvereeniging werd ondernomen. Kuyper.
On the first day of the two-day annual meeting of the Association of Dutch Employers “Boaz” (see 1892.07), which was held in Amsterdam on September 29 and 30, 1892, its directors and members sent a telegram to Kuyper attesting to their solidarity with him and wishing him well. The next day the meeting received this word of thanks by telegram in reply.
A lecture held at the transferal of the rectorship of the Vrije Universiteit to Prof. A.F. de Savornin Lohman. In the lecture Kuyper contends that the boundaries that God has fixed between the species in creation are being blurred. He then deals with the consequences for scientific practice of the blurring of these boundaries. The argument is developed in three sections. In the first part, Kuyper demonstrates that the blurring of the boundaries is a reality caused above all by pantheism, which has given birth to the theory of evolution. In the second part, he points to the dangers posed by the blurring of the boundaries in creation. In the third part, he indicates how these looming dangers may effectively be warded off. As a counterpoint to evolutionary thinking, Kuyper introduces the concept of palingenesis, which would come to play an important role in his Encyclopedia (1894).
The Annales Academiae follows the address. A note in the annals mentions that with the addition of twenty-two first-year students the total number of students had risen to ninety-seven. Finally, 184 notes (pp. 65–99) have been added to the lecture. The first thirteen notes deal with Friedrich W. Nietzsche (1844–1900). The lecture was published only a few days after it was delivered.
An open letter to A.F. de Savornin Lohman. The letter was published in response to a long letter to the editor written by De Savornin Lohman and printed in De Heraut, no. 772, October 9, 1892–no. 773, October 16, 1892. De Savornin Lohman had written his letter as a reply to four editorials published in De Heraut—which themselves had been written in response to a lecture that De Savornin Lohman had delivered at the twelfth annual meeting of the Association for Higher Education on Reformed Principles (Groningen, June 30, 1892).
Kuyper did not want to hide behind his editorial office and thus responded directly to the letter in De Heraut. De Savornin Lohman’s lecture had raised the question whether one should object to the practice of students at the Vrije Universiteit visiting “unbelieving” universities (see 1891.04). De Savornin Lohman did not oppose the practice but Kuyper did.
A second open letter, written in reply to De Savornin Lohman’s rejoinder in De Heraut, no. 775, October 30, 1892. With respect to the discussion about taking courses at “unbelieving” universities (which students at the Vrije Universiteit were doing because they would ultimately have to take their qualifying examinations at these institutions), Kuyper believed that significant pedagogical issues were at stake. By contrast, De Savornin Lohman was addressing the question from a methodological perspective. In this letter Kuyper states his opinion that “it is better to leave this matter for further consideration among the professors.”
An informative tract about cholera that emphasizes the importance of hygiene and also makes reference to several biblical notions. The tract states that the cholera epidemic in Hamburg, which claimed thousands of lives, was the consequence of the political failure of the civil authorities there. Cholera had returned to the Netherlands in 1892 after a nearly twenty-five year absence. De Standaard reported on the cholera epidemic nearly every day for months starting in July 1892.
The text of this tract was reprinted, with the addition of clarifying comments about the words “predisposition” and “quarantine,” from De Heraut, no. 770, September 25, 1892. According to the report of the sixteenth General Meeting of the Reformed Tract Society “Filippus” (est. 1878), there was also a second printing of this tract. Although the tracts of the Filippus Society were frequently reprinted and distributed for many years, this tract no longer appeared on its publication list after 1893. The eradication of the cholera epidemic might be the reason.
For the Reformed Tract Society “Filippus,” cf. 1904.21 and 1979.03.
The editors of De Hope (see 1885.06) relished the opportunity to republish an editorial on Freemasonry from De Heraut, no. 775, October 30, 1892. In a concluding note the editors of De Hope express full agreement with Kuyper’s point of view and offer their opinion on the subject of how the church should deal with members who also become members of Masonic lodges.
This printing represents a revision of the abridged edition of “Ons program” (see 1880.05), which was published in installments. Added to this printing were the “program of action” for the elections of 1888, an equivalent program for the 1891 elections, and a new section (section 3, “Program of Action”). The old section 3 was printed as section 4. Since the second edition had mistakenly skipped from section 3 to section 5, the addition of this new section would not have disrupted the division of the 328 sections were it not for the fact that a similar mistake was made in this edition, which skipped over section 18. The number of the paragraphs lined up again in both editions after section 325, which was mistakenly used twice in this printing.
The unpaged publisher’s list of writings by Dr. A. Kuyper, which was included at the end of the third edition, is updated in this edition and now numbers eighty-nine publications.
Student notes from the dogmatic lectures delivered at the Vrije Universiteit in 1890/ 1891 on eschatology—or, as Kuyper preferred to call the locus, “the consummation of the ages.” In these lectures he deals with, among other things, the condition of the dead before the return of Christ, the signs of the time, the second coming, the last judgment, the consummation of the ages, and heaven and hell.
The phrase college-dictaat van een der studenten (dogmatiek) [lecture notes from one of the students (dogmatics)] is printed at the top of every numbered page. Only the first page of each quire (sixteen pages) is printed in italics. For information about the typesetting, see 1891.18 and 1891.24.
The correction of the printer’s proofs was probably carried out by two students of theology, H.C. van den Brink (1866–1947) and J. Koning (1866–1906), who were both enrolled at the Vrije Universiteit in 1887. The printed lecture notes were probably made available to students in April/May 1892.
Student notes from dogmatic lectures on ecclesiology delivered at the Vrije Universiteit during the academic year 1891/1892. After treating the etymology and the concept of “church,” Kuyper deals in twelve sections with aspects of ecclesiology and the essence of the church. In the final paragraph, he addresses the “authority and the governance” of the church (de ecclesia regimine).
The phrase college-dictaat van een der studenten (dogmatiek) [lecture notes from one of the students (dogmatics)] is printed at the top of every numbered page. Only the first page of each quire (sixteen pages) is printed in italics. For information about the typesetting, see 1891.18 and 1891.24.
The correction of the printer’s proofs was probably carried out by two students of theology, J.J. Miedema (see 1891.18) and P.A.E. Sillevis Smit (1867–1918, registered in 1888). The printed lecture notes were probably made available to students in August/September 1892.
1893
The continuation and conclusion of the second series of Vrouwen uit de H. Schrift. These final sketches concern: Pilate’s wife, Herodias, the repentant sinner, Caiaphas’ servant-girl, Sapphira, Rhoda, Dorcas or Tabitha, Lois, Eunice, Jezebel, Lydia, Prisca, Drusilla, Euodia, and Syntyche.
Report on the prefatory remarks to a debate held at the annual general meeting (June 30, 1892 in Groningen) of the Association for Higher Education on Reformed Principles. The debate focused on the question whether scholarly formation for missionaries to the Jews, Muslims, and heathen should be considered as part of mandate of the Vrije Universiteit and, if so, what the university’s faculties might contribute to missionary training.
In the prefatory remarks a brief account is given of missions in the nineteenth century, which generally tended to be conducted according to pietistic principles. If this remains the case, then university study can do nothing for missions. Kuyper argues, however, that the manner according to which missions have been conducted up to now must be rejected in principle. Insofar as missions should be directed not by missionary societies but by the church, they also should have an ecclesiastical character (see 1890.05). On that basis, the faculty of letters could give courses on, for example, Islam and Hinduism, the faculty of law could provide lectures on Islamic law, and the faculty of theology could offer better and broader treatments of the subject de plantatione ecclessia [on the establishment of the church] in its courses on church order.
The articles in the second volume of Kuyper’s commentary on the Heidelberg Catechism were reprinted from De Heraut, no. 547, June 17, 1888–no. 651, June 15, 1890 (with the interruption mentioned in 1889.11). This volume deals with Lord’s Day 18 to 26 of the Heidelberg Catechism
Occasional mistakes both in the numbering of the sections of the Heidelberg Catechism and in the articles from De Heraut have been corrected in this edition. A postscript (pp. 290–291) has also been added to Kuyper’s commentary on Sunday 27, in which he answers questions posed by readers of De Heraut responding to his opinion that Christians do not have any right to consider every heathen irrevocably lost. In his response to these questions, Kuyper draws upon a remark by Johannes à Lasco that Christians ought not put up any barrier to a heathen on the path toward God’s mercy.
A brief contribution with some ideas and proposals about how best to develop young men’s associations. It was written as a retrospective concerning Federation Day, the annual national meeting of the Dutch Federation of Young Men’s Associations on Reformed Principles (established in 1888), which was held that year in Amsterdam on Ascension Day, May 11, 1893.
Kuyper’s contribution in this pamphlet, published as a memorial to the Amsterdam Federation Day, was reprinted from an article in De Heraut, no. 804, May 21, 1893 and was printed on the back side of the title page. The article had already been reprinted, with Kuyper’s consent, in the Gereformeerd Jongelingsblad 4 (1892/1893), no. 17, June 1, 1893.
In this letter to the editor, printed under the heading “De zaak niet juist voorgesteld” [The affair not properly presented], Kuyper refutes an allegation put forward in De Roeper, no. 46, November 16, 1893. According to that paper, De Heraut’s critique of the reporting on the Synod of Dordrecht (see 1894.02) by De Bazuin set the tone for the Zuid-Hollandsche Kerkbode’s subsequent critique. In his reply, Kuyper shows that the Zuid-Hollandsche Kerkbode had appeared with its critical commentary a day previous to the relevant issue of De Heraut and that De Heraut therefore could not have been responsible for setting its critical tone.
Kuyper’s letter was also published in De Heraut, no. 831, November 26, 1893.
Fifty devotions about sickness and death. In the preface Kuyper takes note of the lack of reading material for Calvinists who want to meditate on such themes. He then lets his readers know (p. VI) that this series had been carried to completion “from experience of my own soul” after the death of his nearly ten-year-old son, Levinus Willem Christiaan (†July 27, 1892, named after L.W.C. Keuchenius [see 1893.09]). The meditation on Psalm 77:4, entitled “Sleepless Nights” (for German translation, see 1897.09), was published in De Heraut, no. 762, July 31, 1892, only a few days after the death of his youngest son. Two weeks later the meditation on Psalm 103:15, entitled “Like a Flower of the Field” (see 1940.03, pp. 60–63), was published in De Heraut, no. 764, August 14, 1892.
The preface refers to the title as In de vallei der schaduwe des doods [In the valley of the shadow of death]. The fifty devotions are reprinted from De Heraut, but are not arranged in the chronological order of their appearance. All but six of the devotions were originally published in 1892. The earliest devotion (number XXVIII in this volume) is reprinted from De Heraut, no. 198, October 9, 1881 and the most recent (number XIII) from De Heraut, no. 788, January 29, 1893.
An address delivered at the funeral of Levinus Wilhelmus Christiaan Keuchenius (October 21, 1822–December 17, 1893) at The Hague on December 21, 1893. Kuyper describes the deceased as his “faithful comrade in arms … not of the nobility, but still of great nobility. For, in the line which began with Bilderdijk and continued in Da Costa, Keuchenius was, after Groen van Prinsterer, the lawful heir of a holy tradition as only we in Holland know it …. This threefold cord shone in Keuchenius in almost legendary fashion.” Keuchenius was eulogized, with thanks and honor to God, as a man of character and integrity and as a confessor of and witness to the faith who had led a stirring life.
Several days after the interment the address was also published in De Standaard 22 (1893), no. 6687, December 22, 1893.
Lecture notes dictated by Kuyper during his 1892/1893 dogmatic lectures at the Vrije Universiteit on the subject of secular authority. The lectures begin by placing this locus within the framework of dogmatics as a whole and then proceed to address such topics as the connection between secular authority and common grace, the empirical sciences, the concept of sovereign authority, the kingdom of Christ, the forms of government, the concept of secular authorities as “servants of God,” and the relationship between church and state.
The phrase college-dictaat van een der studenten (dogmatiek) [lecture notes from one of the students (dogmatics)] is printed at the top of every numbered page. In this edition the first page of each printed sheet (quire) is no longer printed in italics. Only the sections with a section mark (§) are printed in italics.
The student in question was J. de Jong (registered in 1890), who indicated in his notes (numbering 1,089 pages) that the final lecture on this locus was given on June 24, 1893 and that his notes were printed between December 3, 1892 and November 28, 1893. In a letter to the editor published in De Heraut (no. 2102, May 5, 1918) De Jong remarks, among other things, that “I am still in possession of my old lecture notebooks and of my written copy according to which Dr. Kuyper’s Locus de magistratu was printed.” De Jong’s notebooks of these lectures may be found in the Kuyper Collection of Princeton Theological Seminary.
The printed copies were probably made available to students by December 1893.
1894
The introductory volume of Kuyper’s three-volume Encyclopedia of Theology. This volume maps out the history of theology as a scholarly discipline. The first section treats, in three chapters, the name, the idea, and the concept of ‘encyclopedia’ in general. In the second section, which also has three chapters, there follows a description of the concept of the theological encyclopedia, a discussion of its general and particular divisions, and a summary of its history.
The introductory volume became rather sizeable because it sought to overcome the contemporary lack of any relatively complete encyclopedia of theology. The historical chapter is divided into three major sections: to the Renaissance (section I); from the Renaissance to contemporary philosophy (section II); and contemporary philosophy (section III).
Kuyper had been giving lectures at the Vrije Universiteit on the encyclopaedia theologiae Reformatae since 1880. The publication of this three-volume Encyclopædie der heilige godgeleerdheid fulfilled one of his aspirations as an author (see 1886.04). In a part of the print run, the foreword to the first volume has been adorned with his signature.
The Synod of Dordrecht (August 29–September 15, 1893), which was the second synod of the unified Reformed Churches in the Netherlands (see 1892.18), had to deal with numerous practical issues that arose from the unification of the Dutch Reformed and the Christian Reformed churches. Kuyper was involved both as an advisor and as a deputy to the synod in establishing policies for, among other things, pastoral training (both at the Theologische School in Kampen and at the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam), missionary activity, the publication of the joint church newsletter, and relations with those who had not joined in the unification.
Kuyper’s contributions are as follows:
| Art. 48: | Address (in English) to the Rev. Morton, delegate of the Reformed Churches in Scotland (pp. 71–72). |
| Art. 76: | Clarification regarding the proviso put forward in response to the discussion of the draft regulations for pastoral training submitted by a committee of which Kuyper was a member (p. 94). |
| Art. 109: | Proposal to give the mission deputies the mandate to accept definitively and without additional stipulations the mission field in Java, where the Dutch Reformed Missions League had been working since 1861. The proposal was accepted with a few amendments (p. 125). |
| Art. 132: | Statement in which Kuyper declares himself in agreement with a new proposal regarding pastoral training, indicating that he now considers the draft submitted by his committee of deputies not yet to be in the best interest of the churches (p. 151). |
| Art. 223: | Draft guidelines submitted at the request of the synod for use by the deputies who had been charged both with bringing back those who had withdrawn themselves from communion because of opposition to the unification of 1892 and with preventing additional division. The guidelines were enacted with a few amendments (p. 212). |
This cheap edition (volksuitgave [popular edition]) was sold with bulk discounts to consistories that planned to distribute copies to confirmands on the occasion of their public confessions. It was originally available only unbound. The preliminary matter is printed on wood-free paper. The edition (smaller type size, set solid, on paper of lesser quality) stood as a model for practically all the cheap editions of Kuyper’s devotional works that Wormser and Kok would publish.
The phrase tweede druk [second printing] was printed on the title page of every cheap edition of other collections that followed, but no copy of Voor een distel een mirt has been located with tweede druk printed on the title page.
Two years later, in De Heraut, no. 957, April 26, 1896, the publisher announced that Voor een distel een mirt would be the first volume of a series of cheap editions (see 1896.07), adding that the “second edition—cheap edition … was just published.” However, apart from the quality of the paper in the preliminary matter, this “edition” is identical to 1894.03 and is very likely the remainder of the large print run of that cheap edition in a new binding.
Report of the opening address to the twelfth, extraordinary, meeting of the delegates of the Anti-Revolutionary Electoral Associations, which was held in Utrecht on March 30, 1894. Against the background of a foundering electoral law and with elections for the Second Chamber on the horizon, disunity arose within the Anti-Revolutionary Party. This ultimately led to division. The question of the expansion of the franchise (cf. 1894.05) was causing increasing disagreement between Anti-Revolutionary members of Parliament and the Central Committee of the Anti-Revolutionary Party.
After contending that the Anti-Revolutionary Party is not deviating from the path set out by Groen van Prinsterer, Kuyper squarely addresses the conflict. He states that Groen van Prinsterer had repeatedly called an opinion piece that Kuyper had written about the expansion of the franchise twenty-five years earlier (see 1869.28) “an excellent article” and had recommended it to “our fellow members of Parliament” for reading and study. Kuyper goes on to claim that another of his articles, entitled “Het volk achter de kiezers” [The people behind the voters] and published in De Standaard, no. 362, June 5, 1873, had been partially responsible for prompting Groen van Prinsterer to propose him as a candidate for the Second Chamber. While Kuyper had in the past been willing to go along with those who thought differently about the expansion of the franchise, he contends that to do so now would constitute a dereliction of his duty. He now must stand firm and act with steadfast faith in the question of the expansion of the franchise—first, in order that the moral right of those social classes still excluded from the franchise might be acknowledged, and second, in order that the religious and historical power of Calvinism might again bind the conscience of the populace to God.
In this open letter to A.F. de Savornin Lohman, Kuyper explains why he had called upon De Savornin Lohman at the meeting of delegates (see 1894.04) to hand his candidacy for the Second Chamber in the electoral district of Goes over to him. Kuyper and De Savornin Lohman were both supporters of the “final extension” of the franchise. De Savornin Lohman, however, was of the opinion that this extension conflicted with the constitution and therefore required a constitutional amendment. Kuyper completely disagreed. He argued that the chance to broaden the franchise must be seized upon without delay.
A letter from De Savornin Lohman appeared immediately above Kuyper’s letter in this issue of De Standaard. In his letter, De Savornin Lohman rejects Kuyper’s offer to take over his candidacy in the electoral district of Goes. De Savornin Lohman had requested that this letter be made public, which caused Kuyper to make his response public as well.
A letter to the editor in which Kuyper sought to rectify what he considered false and libelous reporting in the newspaper De Tijd. In reference to the meeting of Anti-Revolutionary delegates on March 30, 1894 (see 1894.04), the paper had reported, among other things, that Kuyper had ensured that the electoral associations would select delegates who shared his vision for the extension of the franchise by sending a circular letter to church consistories. This letter was also published in De Standaard 23 (1894), no. 6771, April 4, 1894.
A letter to the editor with a short but strongly worded denial of a contemporary rumor. Several papers, including the Algemeen Handelsblad, had reported that Kuyper had recommended H. Waller as a candidate in the electoral district of Hilversum for the parliamentary elections on April 10, 1894. Kuyper denied these assertions. The letter was also published in De Standaard 23 (1894), no. 6771, April 4, 1894.
In his capacity as chairman of the Central Committee of Anti-Revolutionary Electoral Associations, Kuyper wrote a letter to the editor of De Standaard in response to an allegation by A.F. de Savornin Lohman. In his open letter Aan Dr. A. Kuyper. Een valsche leuze (’s Gravenhage, 1894), De Savornin Lohman charged that Kuyper had imperiously and unjustifiably left him off the official list of candidates. In this letter Kuyper dismisses the allegation, noting that the Central Committee had not endorsed an official list of candidates because of internal disagreements about the extension of the franchise. He opines that De Savornin Lohman had likely mistaken a “completely private list” published in De Standaard for an official list.
An open letter of thanks, written in response to a letter of support from the Rotterdam electoral association Nederland en Oranje [The Netherlands and the House of Orange]. In its letter the association had communicated its disapproval of the fact that A.F. de Savornin Lohman had become editor in chief of the newspaper De Nederlander (cf. 1895.03). The letter had also expressed the association’s sincere and grateful loyalty to Kuyper as leader of the Anti-Revolutionary Party. In this response Kuyper expresses his hope that the opposition between him and De Savornin Lohman will be replaced by fraternal cooperation. He acknowledges that he values such expressions of sympathy in these “days which are so difficult for me.”
Shortly after writing this letter, Kuyper cut short his summer vacation because of serious illness (see 1894.14). Kuyper recuperated in Brussels, where he was cared for by the Van Deth family. Kuyper had provided advice and assistance to A.G. van Deth (1828–1905), who went on to found the Reformed Church in Brussels on December 23, 1894. In the middle of October, Kuyper traveled to the south of France. He finally returned to Amsterdam on New Year’s Eve of 1894, after having been away for six months (cf. 1895.01).
The second, “general,” volume of Kuyper’s three-volume Encyclopedia of Theology. In this volume, Kuyper treats theology as an organic part of science in general. In the first section he deals with the organization of science and with theology’s place within that organizational structure. In the second section, he writes about the concept of theology, the foundation of theology (principium theologiae), the theological method, and the organization and history of theology.
At 220 pages, the chapter on the foundation of theology, which deals with the starting point for the science of the knowledge of God, is disproportionately long. In the foreword, Kuyper explains that this section had grown long because he had not yet written a dogmatics and so could not simply refer his readers elsewhere for his ideas about foundational theology. Although his lectures on dogmatics were printed (see 1891.18), the volumes were meant only for students. He had not authorized them and would not allow them to be publicly sold.
The second volume of the Encyclopedia had treated theology as an organic part of science in general. This third, “particular,” volume deals with the various subdisciplines that make up the organism of theology.
Kuyper offers a detailed examination of four clusters of theological subdisciplines: the bibliographic, the ecclesiological, the dogmatic, and the diaconical. According to Kuyper, whatever subject provides access to the object of scientific knowledge constitutes the starting point of any science. In the case of theology that subject is Scripture. Therefore, the so-called “bibliographic” subdisciplines form the first cluster of theological subdisciplines that he discusses. Moreover, the clusters of theological subdisciplines are organically connected—the first cluster leads organically to the second and so on. In an appendix he also treats six non-theological disciplines that either have a close relation or serve as supporting disciplines to the organism of theology.
This volume also includes a list of errata from the first volume and a concertina fold-out sheet (49cm. x 45cm.) with an overview of the four clusters of theological subdisciplines and their connection to the six non-theological disciplines.
The third volume of Kuyper’s four-volume commentary on the Heidelberg Catechism. The commentary first appeared as a multi-year (1886–1894) series of articles in De Heraut. The articles in the third volume, which deals with Lord’s Day 27 to 37 of the Heidelberg Catechism, were reprinted from De Heraut, no. 652, June 22, 1890–no. 759, July 10, 1892.
Uit de ziekenkamer een woord van hartelijken dank voor uwe vriendelijke vertroosting. Stelle de Heere onze God “Boaz” in toenemende mate tot zegen voor onze patroons en hunne werklieden. Kuyper.
An expression of gratitude sent by telegram from Brussels (see 1894.10) in reply to a telegram received from the third annual meeting of the Association of Dutch Employers “Boaz,” held in Leiden on September 25–26, 1894. Kuyper had developed a serious case of pleurisy as a result of a cold that he caught at the beginning of his summer vacation.
In a letter published in De Heraut, no. 880, November 4, 1894, Kuyper gives thanks for the heartwarming tokens of sympathy he has received on the occasion of his fifty-seventh birthday. He states that he hopes to resume making contributions to De Heraut from Pau, France (where he was recuperating from his illness; see 1895.01). He notes that to be “struck with powerlessness for weeks and thus to be doomed to idleness [is] a difficult ordeal.”
In De Heraut, no. 881, November 11, 1894, a meditation on Psalm 105:8, dated Pau, November 4, 1894, was published under Kuyper’s name. Kuyper also resumed publication of his series of articles Van de engelen [On the angels] (see 1902.07) in De Heraut, no. 882, November 18, 1894 and he subsequently sent the editors a letter from Pau with his review of the rectorial address delivered by Dr. F.L. Rutgers on October 20, 1894. The review was published in De Heraut, no. 885, December 9, 1894 (see 1918.13). De Heraut was published in “vacation format” (2 pp.) from no. 864, July 15, 1894 to no. 881, November 11, 1894.
1895
Two parliamentary speeches delivered during Kuyper’s second period as a member of Parliament (for his first period in office see 1874.03). On January 23, 1895, as his first action after resuming his place as a member of Parliament, Kuyper argued on behalf of the autonomy of local civil municipalities (pp. 737–741). The minister of the interior had submitted a bill designed to straighten out the administration of two local municipalities in the province of Friesland. Kuyper declared himself against this form of national interference because it violated the principle of local municipal autonomy. In his reply on January 24, 1895, he maintained his standpoint (pp. 770–773).
Kuyper was elected member of the Second Chamber during the second round of parliamentary elections on April 24, 1894 by the chief electoral district of Sliedrecht. After taking the oath of office on May 17, 1894, he did not attend any other sessions of the Second Chamber in 1894. A long-lasting and serious illness (see 1894.10) kept him once again (see 1875.08) out of the country (cf. his information dated Amsterdam, January 19, 1895 in De Standaard, no. 7016, January 21, 1895; see also 1940.03, pp. 93–97). After having been away for six months, Kuyper returned home—still not completely recovered—on December 31, 1894 (cf. De Heraut, no. 889, January 6, 1895).
Reply from the Central Committee of Anti-Revolutionary Electoral Associations (see 1878.02) to an invitation from the Federation of Young Men’s Associations on Reformed Principles to attend the federation’s upcoming annual meeting. Writing on behalf of the committee, Kuyper informs the federation that it only takes part in activities related to elections. He concludes by expressing his appreciation for the zeal with which the federation is working on behalf of the principles of Calvinism: “A cause is not lost which finds such faithful and zealous advocates among our energetic youth.”
Prompted by the split within the Anti-Revolutionary Party (see 1894.04 and 1894.05), De Nederlander, which had been under the editorial leadership of A.F. de Savornin Lohman since May 14, 1894 (cf. 1894.10), published an article critical of Kuyper’s political leadership. Entitled “Een ongeval op zee” [An accident at sea], the article served as the introduction to a four-part series that was published under the title De scheiding [The separation].
Kuyper’s letter to the editor was published in De Standaard on the same day the fourth article in the series appeared in De Nederlander. In his letter Kuyper contends that he will no longer respond to criticisms published in De Nederlander and that he will make internal party affairs known to the public in due course (cf. 1896.16 and 1896.20). Kuyper further promises that if the accusations leveled at him in De Nederlander turn out to be warranted he will resign both his membership in and his chairmanship of the Central Committee at the next meeting of delegates.
The beginning of a series of eighteen articles reprinted from De Heraut. Written to provide a clear understanding of what does and does not constitute the service of the Word, the articles in the series address such themes as the gifts, calling, preparation, ordination, task, and position of a minister of the Word. Kuyper also deals with topics such as the importance for pastors of scholarship in general and, in particular, of a knowledge of church history (see 1896.02, no. XIV). These first six articles are reprinted from De Heraut, no. 679, December 28, 1890–no. 686, February 15, 1891. In De Heraut the articles were originally preceded by 1896.17.
Gereformeerde Stemmen uit vroeger en later tijd [Reformed voices from earlier and later times] was edited and published by the Gereformeerde mannenvereniging “Voetius” [Reformed men’s society “Voetius”], which was founded on September 13, 1894 in Rotterdam. The monthly installments—with continuous pagination—were made available by subscription only. The original plan was to publish Gereformeerde Stemmen in twelve installments, but because subscribers requested that all the articles in the series “Service of the Word” be published together, the installments were increased to seventeen. The printer, A. ter Weeme in Rotterdam, also provided a title page and table of contents for the series.
The fourth and final volume of Kuyper’s commentary on the Heidelberg Catechism. The commentary was first published over the course of several years (1886–1894) as an article series in De Heraut. The articles in the fourth volume, which deals with the Lord’s Day 38 to 52 of the Heidelberg Catechism, were reprinted from De Heraut, no. 767, September 4, 1892–no. 857, May 27, 1894.
An index entitled Register op E voto Dordraceno of toelichting op den Heidelbergschen Catechismus [An index for E voto Dordraceno or commentary on the Heidelberg Catechism] was published independently in November 1897 (Amsterdam: J.A. Wormser, 83 pp.). The index contains two parts: an index of subjects and names and an index of biblical citations (see app. 1.02). A list of errata in volumes 1–4 was printed on pp. [77]–83 of the index.
Translated by Rev. J. Hendrik De Vries (see 1892.05). Several sections of 1874.04 have been left out. The first installment contains the second part of the introduction and section I and II of the original work. The second installment gives the translation of section III and IV, with the exception of the final two lines from the concluding summary. The sections III and IV are wrongly numbered IV and V. The notes have been omitted, apart from a single reference by which the translator likely wanted to indicate that he had translated a citation using a source different from the one Kuyper had used.
The publisher provided the translator offprints of his translation:
Calvinism: The origin and safeguard of our constitutional liberties.
[Oberlin, Ohio 1895], 24cm.
Two offprints (run-on), respectively paginated: [385]–410 and [645]–
674 (sic) pp.
On the covers respectively: [Reprint from the Bibliotheca Sacra, July, 1895] and [Reprint from the Bibliotheca Sacra, October, 1895].
A double issue of the series, Mannen en vrouwen van beteekenis in onze dagen [Men and women of significance in our times], containing a biography of L.W.C. Keuchenius, one of the fathers of the Anti-Revolutionary Party and an important supporter of the struggle for Christian schooling (see 1895.09). According to Kuyper, Keuchenius was a man who had acted with remarkable piety and integrity in his political activities. In his biographical sketch Kuyper also states that he had failed to appreciate Keuchenius’s greatness in politics because he had far too often given heed to A.F. de Savornin Lohman rather than to Keuchenius. 1893.09 is appended to the conclusion of the sketch.
This issue produced a commotion after its publication because in it Kuyper cited several passages from Keuchenius’s correspondence that made his rather strained relationship with De Savornin Lohman apparent (see 1895.17).
Devotion based on James 5:9, reprinted from De Heraut, no. 225, April 16, 1882. For details about Gereformeerde Stemmen, see 1895.04.
The purpose of this edition of the Bible was to produce a readable revision of the Dutch Authorized Version (1637) by updating the antiquated language of the seventeenth-century edition with modernized spelling and diction. The revision was also intended to be a scholarly edition based on the original text of the translation, the integrity of which had been lost due to arbitrary editorial changes throughout the centuries. The text that Kuyper chose as the basis of the revision was the Dutch Authorized Version published in 1657 by the Widow of Paulus Aertsz van Ravesteyn in Amsterdam—which was generally considered to be the most reliable edition of the Dutch Authorized Version. F.L. Rutgers completely revised the so-called kanttekeningen [annotations] to make them more accessible to contemporary readers. The annotations were also made more readable by moving them out of the margins and printing them as footnotes at the base of every column. The alphabetical index was dropped as incomplete, unnecessary, and too time-consuming to revise. Kuyper introduced this new edition of the Bible in De Heraut, no. 924, September 8, 1895 (see also 1929.04, pp. 302–307).
The illustrated copies contain reproductions of prints (copper engravings) by Romeyn de Hooghe (1646–1708). These reproductions were made from the engravings in Alle de voornaamste historiën des Ouden en Nieuwen Testaments. Verbeeld in uytstekende konst-platen door den wyd-beroemden Heer en Mr. Romeyn de Hooge [All the principal histories of the Old and New Testament. Illustrated with excellent artistic plates by the world-renowned master and gentleman, Romeyn de Hooghe], which was published by Jacob Lindenberg (Amsterdam, 1703). The initial at the beginning of each biblical book is incorporated into a small tableau inspired by that book. There are two pages of depictions of biblical antiquities and four pages of maps, all drawn by Prof. J. Woltjer. The firm J. Wolters, Groningen, used chromolithography to print the maps and lithography to print the biblical antiquities. The edition also includes a genealogical register for names and dates (births, baptisms, marriages, and deaths). The locations of the illustrations and the genealogical register differ from copy to copy.
The oversized and annotated edition was intended for use in the family room, in studies, and in the pulpit. This new, revised edition became known as the Flakkeesche Bijbel. Smaller, more manageable editions were also soon published (see 1896.11 and 1898.10). After finishing this project, Kuyper judged it possible that the Synod of the Reformed Churches would appoint deputies to look over the revision and recommend it for official use (cf. De Heraut, no. 924, September 8, 1895). He was, however, disappointed in this hope.
Devotion on Romans 15:1, reprinted from De Heraut, no. 519, December 4, 1887. For details about Gereformeerde Stemmen, see 1895.04.
Reprint of two series of articles from De Standaard. These articles arose from Kuyper’s engagement with the question of expanding the franchise (see 1894.04) and his commitment to a more democratically composed parliament. A long period of illness lay between the writing of the two series of articles (see 1894.10).
The first series, Christus en de sociale nooden (ten articles), looks at what Christ had to say about social relationships. It was reprinted from De Standaard 23 (1894), no. 6833, June 18, 1894–no. 6851, July 9, 1894, where it was published in alternating issues and with the serial title Christus en de sociale nooden (please note the difference between the original title and the title in this reprint). The second series, Democratische klippen I–IX, identifies six reefs (e.g., popular sovereignty and class warfare) that can derail a democratically elected parliament. It was originally published in De Standaard 24 (1895), no. 7024, January 30, 1895 and then in alternating issues from no. 7028, February 4, 1895–no. 7042, February 20, 1895.
According to the foreword, Kuyper was urged to reprint these articles in pamphlet form so that the more affluent, who ordinarily disdained to read articles in De Standaard, might perhaps be persuaded to read them. In the eight-page foreword, Kuyper also responds at length to an anonymous series of articles published in De Nederlander (October/November 1894). The series, entitled Een heele of een halve Christus [A whole or a half Christ], criticized his series Christus en de sociale nooden.
The article series from De Nederlander was also published as an inexpensive pamphlet (Rotterdam: A. ter Weeme, 1895) almost simultaneously with Kuyper’s publication. The author was revealed to be H. Pierson (1834–1923). All members of Patrimonium received a free copy of Pierson’s pamphlet. The reprint of Kuyper’s series of articles, which was intended for broad distribution, was offered to the members of Patrimonium at a substantially reduced price. The remarkable and emphatic addition of the definite article in the new title of the reprint – De Christus en de sociale nooden – might be a critical correction to the title of the reviewing articles in De Nederlander.
A brief commentary, originally without any heading, reprinted from De Heraut, no. 673, November 16, 1890. In this piece Kuyper concedes that there are justifiable objections to the use of such terms as “Calvinism” and “Calvinist,” insofar as a “Calvinist” is always disinclined to refer to his theological position by the name of a human being. In the political and social realms, however, the name cannot be avoided because it succinctly indicates the spiritual perspective at work. The term “Calvinist” also applies more broadly than “Reformed,” which simply refers to the church.
For details about Gereformeerde Stemmen, see 1895.04.
A brief untitled commentary, reprinted from De Heraut, no. 264, January 14, 1883, dealing with the question, “What is orthodoxy?” Kuyper states, among other things, that “orthodoxy” has never meant anything other than the agreement between one’s personal confession and the confession of one’s church. A single sentence was omitted in the Gereformeerde Stemmen reprint: “The attempt to call everyone who is anti-modern and not a member of the Groningen School ‘orthodox’ does not hold water.” For details about Gereformeerde Stemmen, see 1895.04.
A letter to the editor of De Standaard in which Kuyper once more (cf. 1895.03) defends himself against an attack in De Nederlander. This daily had asserted that in his biography of Keuchenius (see 1895.07) Kuyper had improperly published passages of correspondence relating to living persons. In this letter to the editor, which at four and a half columns covered nearly the entire front page, Kuyper justifies his decision to publish the passages. See also 1895.17 and 1895.18.
A letter to the editor of De Standaard concerning four grievances against Kuyper that A.F. de Savornin Lohman had published in De Nederlander. Kuyper considered the so-called “letters question” finished. He thus discusses the four charges that De Savornin Lohman had leveled against him. This self-vindication ends with the confession that while he generally agreed with De Savornin Lohman about tactical questions, he had always stood with Keuchenius on questions of principle.
A letter to the editor of De Standaard, published in response to a letter that H. Pierson had written to the editor of De Nederlander. In 1895.16 Kuyper had defended the practice of publishing passages in personal correspondence that deal with personal relations. In that defense he had appealed to the precedent of Groen van Prinsterer’s two-volume publication Brieven van J.A. Wormser [Letters of J.A. Wormser sr.] (Amsterdam: Höveker & Zoon, 1874–1876), which contained passages relating to the personal affairs of the Rev. O.G. Heldring (1804–1876).
This letter to the editor (along with Pierson’s letter and the passages from 1895.16 that had given rise to the dispute) was published for a second time in De Standaard 24 (1895), no. 7250, October 24, 1895.
A letter to Charles Boissevain (1842–1927), editor in chief of the Algemeen Handelsblad, about forgiveness in general and about the forgiveness of the offenses of political opponents in particular. Kuyper draws upon the Lord’s Prayer, the teachings of Jesus and Paul, and the doctrine of the church to make his case.
This letter to the editor was occasioned by a commentary on 1895.13 that Boissevain had written in his column From Day to Day. Kuyper had opened his series of articles De Christus en de sociale nooden (see 1895.13) by declaring that he wished to forgive anyone who had injured him in political struggles and that “among us Christians it is always easy to forgive.” (In 1887.04, he had said that “forgiveness comes easily for him who has been forgiven much by his God.”) Boissevain characterized this announced forgiveness as simply a matter of words and as a slap in the face of Kuyper’s opponents. He contested the position that forgiveness always comes easily among Christians.
Devotion based on Malachi 4:1, reprinted from De Heraut, no. 467, December 5, 1886. For details about Gereformeerde Stemmen, see 1895.04.
A letter to the editor about the maintenance of discipline in the administration of baptism, written in response to a letter that had appeared in De Bazuin, no. 45, November 8, 1895. The author of that letter had pointed out that Kuyper had written in 1886.24 (p. 65) that baptism should almost never be refused and that those who entered the house of baptism ought straightaway to be baptized, whereas he had opposed such ideas in a recent article in De Heraut (no. 931, October 27, 1895). While Kuyper nuanced his stance somewhat by pointing to his more recent studies of baptism, he nevertheless admitted his inconsistency and promised to alter the relevant passages in the next edition of 1886.24, which was already being planned (see 1899.13). He did not, however, carry through on this pledge.
This publication by the Senate of the Vrije Universiteit, which was introduced with a brief word to the reader signed by J. Woltjer, who was rector at that time, and A. Kuyper, then secretary, put forward eighteen theses concerning the Reformed principles upon which the Vrije Universiteit was founded. These theses were intended to stimulate additional reflection among the professors and to serve as guidelines for the application of the university’s basic principles in their teaching. The theses aimed above all to point the way toward the discovery of Reformed principles that could form the foundation of scientific inquiry in its various branches. The idea of articulating these theses arose in response to growing concern within the Association for Higher Education on Reformed Principles that professors at the Vrije Universiteit were not teaching in full conformity with Article 2 of the association’s statutes (see 1878.10). Article 2 stipulated that all instruction was “to rest entirely and exclusively on the foundation of Reformed principles.” The pivotal thesis affirms that the “Reformed principles” referred to in this article are, in fact, the principles of Calvinism.
A senate commission, for which Kuyper was the reporter, submitted these eighteen theses for consideration. Kuyper was most likely the principal author of the theses (cf. a printed report to the senate [KA 278.7], signed by Kuyper, Fabius, and Woltjer). The senate adopted all the theses with only a few editorial changes. Only A.F. de Savornin Lohman (professor since 1884) and his eldest son, W.H. de Savornin Lohman (1864–1932, professor since 1890) voted against their acceptance.
A hectographic version of the theses (6 pp., 33cm.) preceded the printed edition. The theses were subsequently published because A.F. de Savornin Lohman had quoted some of them in his apologia De aanval op Seinpost en mijn antwoord [The attack at Seinpost and my answer] (Utrecht, 1895). Seinpost was the building where the annual meeting of the Association for Higher Education on Reformed Principles had taken place on June 27, 1895 and where thirty-four members of the association had submitted a request that the university look into their greviences against the instruction of A.F. de Savornin Lohman. The theses were also published (with a brief afterword by Kuyper) in De Heraut, no. 941, January 5, 1896, under the apposite heading “Een baken op de kust” [A beacon on the coast].
These nineteen articles reprinted from De Standaard provide an experimental design for a pension system that would operate on the basis of mandatory insurance for workers against sickness, disability, and unemployment. The system would also provide support for the widowed, orphaned, and elderly.
The articles have been reprinted from De Standaard 24 (1895), no. 7082, April 8, 1895; no. 7086, April 12, 1895; no. 7088, April 15, 1895–no. 7089, April 17, 1895; in alternative numbers starting with no. 7091, April 19, 1895–no. 7097, April 26, 1895; no. 7101, May 1, 1895–no. 7119, May 22, 1895; and no. 7120, May 23, 1895 (summary in 24 theses; see also 1940.03, pp. 101–104). Also included are two additional articles, taken from De Standaard 24 (1895), no. 7122, May 27 and no. 7124, May 29, 1895, about care for those with either no income or an income too low to afford the pension premiums.
In the foreword, Kuyper relates that he had originally been opposed to publishing these articles together in pamphlet form. He saw all the more reason to refrain from their publication after a state commission had been set up (on July 31, 1895) to examine if laws ought to be established to govern the equitable distribution of social aid to those who could not take care of themselves as a result of old age or disability. However, when the members of the Dutch Workingmen’s Union “Patrimonium” (see 1880.11) asked to publish these articles so that its members could become more familiar with the issues, he felt that it would be unkind not to consent.
In this article, reprinted from De Heraut, no. 198, April 9, 1893, Kuyper answers the question whether it is true that one can never say with certainty that anyone, even a close acquaintance, numbers among the elect.
For details about Gereformeerde Stemmen, see 1895.04.
On December 9, during hearings on the national budget of 1896, Kuyper spoke about terminology in the printed budgetary materials that had been repeatedly misused and also about extravagant items in the school budget. Then he addressed the situation in Sliedrecht (cf. 1895.01), where the municipal administration was not balancing its books and where a high-ranking civil servant had been given an honorable discharge (pp. 491–493). Finally, he gave a rejoinder to the responses of a minister involved in the situation, whose answers he considered unsatisfactory and evasive (p. 502).
During the parliamentary session on December 11, Kuyper criticized an item in the budget funding a professorial chair for archaeology and ancient history, a combination that he disliked (pp. 535–536, 538). During the session on December 12, Kuyper attacked the line item in the budget that provided subsidies to the Teachers College of Leiden (pp. 572–574). Finally, during the session on December 13, Kuyper spoke again about subsidizing the Teachers College of Leiden, which had not received any state subsidy since 1889 and which was nevertheless in good financial condition (pp. 583–584).
Both prefaces are identical to 1895.27. The purpose and the content (as well as the quality of the paper) are identical to 1883.10 and 1887.37. For the revised title, see 1895.27.
The phrase in the original title in haar laatstgehouden Nationale Synode [in its last National Synod] has been changed to op de Nationale Synode van Dordrecht [at the National Synod of Dordrecht]. The modification reflects both the formation of the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands (cf. 1892.16) and the stance that these churches and their synods were the lawful successors of the seventeenth-century Synod of Dordrecht.
The Nicene Creed and the Athanasian Creed have been added (pp. 135–137). The “Compendium of the Christian Religion” and the two ecumenical creeds are included as appendices 1, 2, and 3.
1896
Devotion based on Isaiah 48:4, reprinted from De Heraut, no. 235, June 25, 1882.
For details about Gereformeerde Stemmen, see 1895.04.
Continuation of the article series about the service of the Word, reprinted from De Heraut, no. 687, February 22, 1891; no. 689, March 8, 1891; no. 691, March 22, 1891; no. 695, April 19, 1891; and no. 698, May 10, 1891–no. 705, June 28, 1891.
For details about Gereformeerde Stemmen, see 1895.04.
Reply, originally without any title, to a question about the distinction between voorwerpelijke and onderwerpelijke preaching. Kuyper dislikes these words and detests the distinction they purportedly make. He calls the words “ugly” because they are not correct Dutch at all, and a “monkish translation” because they merely mimic the terms objectief and subjectief. Moreover, and most important, he contends that both “objective” and “subjective” qualities should be present in the proclamation of the Word because they complement each other. He goes on to discuss questions about assurance of faith and introspection into the ground of faith. The reply was reprinted from De Heraut, no. 666, September 28, 1890.
For details about Gereformeerde Stemmen, see 1895.04.
A letter to the editor written in response to an objection that L. Lindeboom had raised in reference to Kuyper’s Encyclopedia of Sacred Theology (see 1894.01), where theology is classified among the sciences. In De Bazuin, no. 5, January 31, 1896, Lindeboom had contended that this classification would have negative implications for the training of pastors. Kuyper here replies that he has already dealt with this false inference in his Encyclopedia. The letter was also printed in De Heraut, no. 947, February 16, 1896.
Two articles—the first (no. 9) on the confirmation of church members, reprinted from De Heraut, no. 803, May 14, 1893, and the second (no. 11) on the relation between church and state, reprinted from De Heraut, no. 590, April 14, 1889. Controversy had arisen within the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands about whether it was proper to continue to speak about the “confirmation” of new members. In the first article Kuyper points to uses of the word “confirmation” within the Roman Catholic Church, the Baptist Church, and the Dutch Reformed Church and argues that, on the basis of the church order of the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands, the word should no longer be used. The practice in the Reformed Churches does not have to do with the confirmation of new members, but with the public confession of those who are already members of the institutional church because of their baptism. This reprint omits the first line of the original article, which had explained that the article was being written in response to a controversy that had arisen within the church about the terminology of confirmation.
In the second article Kuyper offers a brief historical overview of the relation between church and state. According to Kuyper, the complete intertwinement of the two must finally give way to a development in which church and state are distinguished into separate spheres. Those who contend that the church should remain financially dependent on the state simply revive the ideal of the Middle Ages. The church should not remain dependent on the state for its livelihood, but should instead receive its income from voluntary offerings.
For details about Gereformeerde Stemmen, see 1895.04.
Various parliamentary speeches delivered by Kuyper in the Second Chamber during the second half of the parliamentary year 1895/1896. His first address took place on March 4, 1896 in response to a bill proposing a change in the city limits of Amsterdam. Kuyper asserted, among other things, that this bill threatened the autonomy of the neighboring municipalities. Kuyper spoke during most of the parliamentary sessions from May 13 to June 5, when there was considerable debate about Van Houten’s proposed electoral bill (S. van Houten was the Minister of the Interior). The draft bill proposed regulations governing suffrage and the election of representatives for the Second Chamber. Van Houten had a vision of a flexible form of suffrage that would extend to males age twenty-five and older who either had achieved a certain level of wealth or had passed certain qualifying examinations. He proposed that the electoral law would be more equitable if suffrage were based on both “census” and “capacity.” By contrast (and in opposition to De Savornin Lohmann), Kuyper proposed to get rid of all forms of property qualifications and to extend suffrage to the heads of household, that is, to allot one vote to each household (pp. 1133–1134; see also 1929.08, pp. 137–139, and cf. 1894.04). His proposal, however, found very little support. Van Houten’s bill was passed by the Second Chamber on June 19, 1896.
The first volume in the first series of popular editions of Kuyper’s devotional works in new typesetting and solid matter. The volumes were also made available for individual purchase. When the final volume of the series was published (in December 1896), the price for the whole series was ƒ5.60 (unbound) and ƒ7.30 (bound).
The announcements for a cheap-edition series of collections of Kuyper’s devotional work appeared in De Standaard, no. 7342, February 12, 1896 and in De Heraut, no. 947, February 16, 1896. The following titles were supposed to begin being published in installments in popular editions: Honig uit den rotssteen, Deel I [Honey from the rock, volume I]; Uit het Woord, Serie I, Deel I en II [From the Word, series I, volumes I and II]; and Voor een distel een mirt [For a brier a myrtle]. These sets were advertised as “the first series of popular editions of Dr. A. Kuyper’s works.” Some time later, the advertisements stated that Voor een distel een mirt was going to be the first of these four volumes published. An advertisement in April 1896 announced that Voor een distel een mirt had been published. It is suspected that this printing advertised as “published” in April 1896 was actually a binding edition of the remainder of the print run (10,000) of 1894.03.
In 1896 De Hope (see 1885.06) reprinted five meditations from De Heraut. The meditation on Psalm 71:18 in vol. 30, no. 22 was taken from De Heraut, no. 945, February 2, 1896. The meditation on Matthew 3:11 in no. 31 was taken from De Heraut, no. 961, May 24, 1896. The meditation on Proverbs 2:7 in no. 33 was taken from De Heraut, no. 963, June 7, 1896. The meditation on Jeremiah 17:11 in no. 43 was taken from De Heraut, no. 969, July 19, 1896. And the meditation on Leviticus 14:21 in vol. 31, no. 6 was taken from De Heraut, no. 985, November 8, 1896.
Voor uw vriendelijk woord mijn hartelijken dank. Wie zou vertwijfelen aan de toekomst zoolang zoo kloeke dappere geest onze Calvinistische jongelingschap door Gods genade, blijft bezielen. Leve uw Bond! Kuyper.
A word of thanks sent by telegram to the participants in the eighth annual meeting of the Dutch Federation of Young Men’s Associations on Reformed Principles, which took place in Zwolle on May 14, 1896. The federation had communicated by telegram its feeling that there was a connection between Kuyper’s work in political and social fields and his nomination to receive an honorary doctor of law degree from Princeton University. The federation had also expressed its joy about his honorary doctorate, which was awarded on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of Princeton University.
Report on the opening address at the fifteenth general meeting of the Association for Higher Education on Reformed Principles, held at the Seinpost in Scheveningen on June 27, 1895. According to the report, after reading Psalm 130 Kuyper used the de profundis imagery of the psalmist to describe the state of affairs at the Vrije Universiteit. During the service of prayer on the previous evening, the Rev. W.H. Gispen had described the university as a “college under the cross,” but opponents had joked that it was more like a “night school.” Kuyper also referred to the tension that had arisen at the university because of disputes about the principles undergirding the teaching of the professors (see 1895.22). He drew upon the concept of forgiveness as described by the psalmist and upon the principle of soli Deo gloria as adhered to by Calvinists to voice a hopeful prophecy about the future of the Vrije Universiteit. He then built up to a peroration that likened the present situation at the university to that described in Habakkuk 3:17.
This edition in 8º format is the smallest of the three editions (see 1895.11 and 1898.10). It was intended for use in churches, homes, and schools. The edition leaves out the annotations (see 1895.11) as well as the prints of biblical scenes and the figurative images that encompassed the first capital letter of each book in the 1895.11 edition. This edition does retain the intratextual biblical references and the sporadic notes that clarify the editors’ selection of textual variants.
At the back of the Bible, together with a lithography depicting biblical antiquities, are four maps (identical to 1895.11) drawn by Prof. Dr. J. Woltjer and chromo-lithographically printed by the Kamper Boek- en Steendrukkerij Ph. Zalsman. The maps could not be delivered on time because the printer had received the assignment “to print 5x10,000 maps” only at the beginning of May (cf. De Standaard, no. 7449, June 19, 1896). An edition lacking the maps was published in June 1896. However, most who purchased this edition of the Bible waited until a version with maps had been printed, especially since there was little price difference between the two versions. The inclusion of maps in this edition, moreover, did not raise the theological objections that the first edition, with its printed images, had provoked. The assigned number of chromolithographic maps gives an indication of the print run for the edition.
The revised edition of the prayer book (see 1897.18) could be included for a supplemental fee.
An introduction to the prayer meeting held on the eve of the Synod of Middelburg (August 11–September 4, 1896). In his exegesis of Psalm 133, Kuyper speaks about the blessing that the Lord has promised to his church on the condition that her members dwell together in harmony. The address contains many rather lengthy excurses on incidents from church history and on the branches of Calvinism throughout the world. The edition was available for purchase on the day after the prayer meeting.
This report (KA 184) applies Reformed principles to missionary work. The report contains three main chapters: (1) the principles of missionary work (pp. [1]–12); (2) the regulations for missionary work (pp. [1]–5); and (3) a concrete proposal for the future of Reformed missionary work (pp. [1]–2).
The Synod of Middelburg named a commission of pre-advisers, to which Kuyper was nominated, and requested that this commission submit a sketch of principles and an outline of Reformed missionary work while the synod was still in session (see 1897.01). In a few days time the Rapport inzake de Zending was composed, printed, and submitted. During the sessions of September 1 and 3, 1896, with Kuyper serving as secretary, the report was discussed and accepted. Kuyper had once again laid out the lines for missionary activity in the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands (cf. 1890.05).
For Kuyper’s manner of operating and his authorship, see 1897.04.
A confidential letter (KA 237.13) addressed to the Central Committee of the Anti-Revolutionary Electoral Associations containing a defense with confidential information, communications, and declarations in connection with a reproach A.F. de Savornin Lohman (cf. 1895.03) had uttered publicly against Kuyper. De Savornin Lohman had contended that the way in which Kuyper conducted business as chair of the Central Committee made it impossible to work with him. Kuyper wrote this letter to the committee since it had to decide whether this accusation had any basis. He also composed it with an eye toward the plan for the Anti-Revolutionary program of action (see 1897.04) and the thirteenth meeting of deputies (see 1897.05). In the letter Kuyper recounts the facts and provides information about the problems, such as lack of collegiality and congeniality, that have troubled his interactions as chair of the Central Committee with De Savornin Lohman as member of the Anti-Revolutionary Party. He also delves into his feelings about the matter and outlines his vision for the future.
The break with De Savornin Lohman and his supporters became final as a consequence of the establishment of the Free Anti-Revolutionary Party in 1898. In 1903 the Free Anti-Revolutionary Party merged with the Christian Historical Electoral Federation. In 1908 it joined with the Frisian Christian Historical Federation and the name of the party was changed to the Christian-Historical Union.
Two articles, reprinted from De Heraut, no. 675, November 30, 1890 and no. 677, December 14, 1890, published at the end of the series “Service of the Word” (see 1895.04 and 1896.02). Added because of their intrinsic importance and for the sake of completeness, these articles indicate and deal with the differences between devotional talks and sermons as well as differences between devotional leaders and pastors.
For details about Gereformeerde Stemmen, see 1895.04.
Kuyper’s first speech during the new parliamentary session took place on November 17, 1896 as part of the general deliberations on the 1897 budget for the Dutch East Indies. He addressed the government’s handling of the rebellion in Aceh. During the sessions that ran November 20–24, he requested that full attention be given to missionary activity alongside the care being taken to meet the material needs of the Dutch East Indies (pp. 209–213, 215–220, and 226–227). During general deliberations about the 1897 national budget on December 1, Kuyper put forward three grievances: first, concerning the weakening of ministerial responsibility; second, concerning the threatened homogeneity of the cabinet; and third, concerning the influence that the government was attempting to exercise over the elections (pp. 304–306 and 315–317). Finally, during the discussion of the national budget on December 8, Kuyper complained that the government’s selection of candidates to fill vacant university professorships was one-sided. He noted, for instance, that there were only allopathic medical professors and no professors of homeopathic medicine in the Netherlands. Just as one-sided was the provision of government subsidies to public institutions of higher learning and the complete neglect of private high schools and universities. This charge (pp. 378–380) was also followed by a response (pp. 382–384).
An article from De Heraut reprinted as an appendix to a collection of three letters published by the curators of the Vrije Universiteit regarding the removal of A.F. de Savornin Lohman from his professorial chair. In his brochure De correspondentie over mijn ontslag als Hoogleeraar aan de Vrije Universiteit [The correspondence about my dismissal as professor at the Vrije Universiteit] (Utrecht: Kemink & Zoon, 1896), De Savornin Lohman had stated that he had been requested not to publish one of the items of correspondence. However, this request—which involved a letter sent by the curators—had not been made by the curators themselves. Since De Savornin Lohman had published the rest of their correspondence about the dismissal, the curators thought it prudent to make this letter public as well.
The letter in question was actually a memorandum, dated September 28, 1896, in which the curators laid out their standpoint and course of action for the directors of the Association for Higher Education on Reformed Principles. A copy of this memorandum had been sent to De Savornin Lohman. Kuyper’s article concerning the Reformed principles of constitutional law was added to this publication to make clear once again the fundamental disagreement that had led to De Savornin Lohman’s dismissal. The article was reprinted from De Heraut, no. 897, November 22, 1896 and was also included in De Standaard 25 (1896), no. 7585, November 25, 1896.
As with 1896.07, the quality of the paper of the preliminary matter (see 1894.03) no longer differs from that of the rest of the book. The publication date of this printing could not be determined. The title was repeatedly advertised without any indication about the edition or the printing. On the basis of the imprint, it seems to have been published between November 1896 and spring 1904. Unfortunately, the relevant contract between the author and the publisher is not dated (KA 315).
Edition with new title page and typesetting, printed on paper of lesser quality.
Same typesetting as 1891.04, but with new cover and title page. This edition is obviously the remainder of 1892.09, which was given a new cover and title page.
Tiemen de Vries (see 1891.04) was editor in chief of the Anti-Revolutionary paper De Volkscourant van Appingedam from 1893–1899. He also compiled a bibliography on G. Groen van Prinsterer (Utrecht, 1908). De Vries emigrated to the United States (Chicago) in 1910 (see 1911.04).
Dictation of the lectures that Kuyper gave on the doctrine of God at the Vrije Universiteit during the 1893/1894 and 1894/1895 academic years. After introducing this locus, the author divides his subject into three chapters: (1) the possibility of gaining knowledge of God (de cognitione Dei); (2) the essence of God (de essentia Dei); and (3) the divine attributes (de virtutibus Dei).
The phrase college-dictaat van een der studenten (dogmatiek) [lecture notes from one of the students (dogmatics)] is printed at the top of every numbered page. Only the sections with a section mark (§) are printed in italics. For information about the typesetting see 1891.18, 1891.24, and 1893.10. The proofs of these lectures notes were corrected by C. Oranje (1870–1907, enrolled in 1891), who may also have recorded the lectures. The edition was most likely made available to students at the beginning of September 1896.
1897
The Synod of Middelburg in 1896 has been justly called the “Mission Synod” because missions and the missionary task of the congregation was given much attention on the agenda. Kuyper attended the synod as an advisory member and also as a member of the pre-advisory commission that reviewed the ninety-nine-page Rapport van de Deputaten tot de Zending [Report of the deputies about mission]. On behalf of the pre-advisory commission, Kuyper was the reporter to the synod with a review on the deputies’ report.
The commission’s report (pp. 27–34 in the Acta) is highly critical of the underlying principles of the deputies’ report. It also criticizes the deputies’ report for its lack of clarity with respect to a method for missions. After receiving these criticisms, the synod appointed another pre-advisory commission, to which Kuyper was also nominated, for the purpose of drawing up a sketch of the principles and guidelines for the regulation of missionary activity. This report (see 1896.14) was delivered ten days later (pp. 65–79 in the Acta). Kuyper was once again the reporter. The synod received the report and then asked the commission to draft recommendations for the transitional provisions that would be necessary until the new regulations were ready to be introduced. The commission again delivered what the synod had requested (pp. 92–95). Finally, the commission was asked to formulate revised and thorough proposed regulations for the churches’ entire missions program in time for the next synod (see 1899.10). On Kuyper and missions, see also 1890.05.
In the name of the synod, Kuyper also responded to the address by the delegate of the Reformed Church of North America (pp. 36–37). With four other members of the synod Kuyper submitted yet another resolution (p. 89), which gave witness to the synod’s solidarity with the persecuted Armenian Christians (cf. 1899.23).
For Kuyper’s method of working and his authorship, see 1897.04
On February 18 and 19, 1897, in reference to draft legislation to change the Provincial Code, Kuyper addressed the Second Chamber on the subject of elections (pp. 710, 715–717). On February 23 Kuyper opened the debate about draft legislation for the establishment of chambers of labor with an exploratory address that also offered much factual information drawn from international literature and recent European history (pp. 749–753). In the course of the debate, which lasted until March 11, 1897, when the draft legislation was approved (p. 948), the majority of Kuyper’s amendments were rejected. The chambers of labor established by this law did not go nearly far enough to protect the interests of employers and employees.
Response to a letter to the editor of the Algemeen Handelsblad, in which Kuyper had been charged with neglecting his duty by giving over his responsibility for governing to the ministers Mackay and Keuchenius (Mackay cabinet, 1888–1891). The accusation is refuted in this letter. To become a minister one must be asked by the leader who is forming the cabinet. Kuyper writes that he was never formally or informally asked to serve as a minister. This letter was also reprinted in De Standaard, no. 7651, February 13, 1897.
A draft program presented to the meeting of deputies (see 1897.05) by the Central Committee of Anti-Revolutionary Electoral Associations. The program was subsequently approved without amendment by the meeting on April 29, 1897. In addition to the invitation to the executive committees of the electoral associations to attend the meeting of deputies (pp. [3]–10), the publication also contains seven appendices. The first appendix contains a step-by-step outline of the political platform with which the Anti-Revolutionary Party was waging the electoral campaign of 1897 (pp. [11]–13). The third appendix offers commentary on the platform (pp. [16]–58). The draft was available to anyone immediately after publication and was distributed so broadly that there must have been at least 10,000 copies printed.
The attribution of authorship is subject to the same reservations as, for example, synodical reports for which Kuyper was the reporter. There was necessarily collaboration among the members of the Central Committee—just as there surely was among, for instance, the synodical deputies. But Kuyper’s dynamic way of working, his ready pen, and his commitment repeatedly made his contributions more than simply an equal share of a publication. For this reason, this publication was twice included in an extensive and regularly updated list of his publications: “Werken van Dr. Abraham Kuyper” [Works of Dr. Abraham Kuyper] in Studenten-Almanak voor het jaar 1901 van het Corps van Studenten aan de Vrije Universiteit te Amsterdam onder de zinspreuk N.D.D.D. en van het Studentencorps F.Q.I. te Kampen and in Studenten-Almanak voor het jaar 1902 van het Studentencorps aan de Vrije Universiteit te Amsterdam onder de zinspreuk N.D.D.D. (Amsterdam: H.A. van Bottenburg). In subsequent editions, however, this title was dropped from the list.
The Program van Actie, without commentary and with only a single appendix, is also included in Politieke en Sociale Programma’s. Bijeenverzameld door N. Oosterbaan, (Utrecht, 1897).
An untitled address delivered at the opening of the thirteenth Meeting of Deputies of the Anti-Revolutionary Electoral Associations, held in Utrecht on April 29, 1897. The address was not intended as a speech, but as an introduction to the agenda of the meeting.
Delivered against the background of the new electoral law (see 1896.06) and with an eye toward the upcoming elections on June 15, 1897, Kuyper’s address draws attention first and foremost to the “social question,” which he mentions in connection with the first point and its ten specifications in the draft for the Program of Action, and in connection with the first appendix to the draft (see 1897.04). He then makes several remarks about the situation of the party with respect to the “distancing brothers” (see 1894.04 and 1896.16). Finally, he gives a brief sketch of the relation between the Anti-Revolutionary Party and other Dutch political parties. Right at the beginning of his concluding paragraph, Kuyper says that he wants to keep silent about the one “who is poaching game with the ecclesiastical carbine”—a remark directed against the Rev. A.W. Bronsveld, one of the leading figures of the Christian Historical Electoral Federation (est. 1896), which was also participating in the elections.
The meeting was attended by a record-setting 1,306 deputies. The address was printed with a simple design and made available the day it was delivered. It was not, however, sold publicly. The text was also published in De Standaard, no. 7715, April 30, 1897.
Speech delivered at the ninth annual meeting of the Dutch Federation of Young Men’s Associations on Reformed Principles, held in Utrecht on May 27, 1897. Kuyper addresses the youth as future “heads of Calvinist action.” He impresses upon them the importance of maintaining the pedagogical character of their association by studying history, the Bible, church order, and “what Groen van Prinsterer has sowed and planted.” He then expresses his hope that geest, geestdrift en geestkracht [spirit, enthusiasm, and fortitude] will prevail among them. Offering these words as a motto, he gives an exegesis of each in turn. This slogan later became the title of the address (see 1916.01).
At the request of the chairman of the federation, Rev. A.G. Honig (1864–1934), chairman of the Utrecht department of the federation, asked Kuyper to give an address on Federation Day 1897. He did so because Kuyper kept in touch with the Dutch Federation of Young Men’s Associations on Reformed Principles (cf. Gereformeerd Jongelingsblad, no. 38, May 25, 1938, p. 616). Moreover, as a student Honig wrote his dissertation on A. Comrie under Kuyper’s supervision. After the speech, Kuyper was offered honorary membership in the federation.
A campaign pamphlet (KA 240) printed during the elections of June 1897. In seven points Kuyper defended himself against accusations and fearmongering about the spiritual and material damage that the Dutch Reformed Church would experience, should the Anti-Revolutionary Party be victorious in the upcoming elections. By this stage of the campaign it had apparently become evident that the Christian Historical Electoral Federation could no longer be passed over in silence (cf. 1897.05), since Kuyper was now actively parrying accusations from that camp.
At Kuyper’s request the statement was printed in De Standaard, no. 7747, June 9, 1897, just before the elections. In a postscript Kuyper requested that other Anti-Revolutionary papers also print this statement. After the elections the piece was published in De Heraut, no. 1018, June 27, 1897, and once again (along with a refutation of the criticisms it had elicited) in De Heraut, no. 1031, September 26, 1897.
A speech that Kuyper planned to deliver if there was sufficient time at the sixteenth general meeting of the Association for Higher Education on Reformed Principles, held at Leeuwarden on July 2, 1896. The “reserve address” had to be dropped due to the busy meeting schedule, but it was subsequently published in the proceedings of the meeting.
“De wacht bij het beginsel” plays on a line from the nineteenth-century German song “Wacht am Rhein: Lieb Vaterland kannst ruhig sein, fest steht und treu die Wacht am Rhein.” In the address Kuyper aims to correct what A.F. de Savornin Lohman had said about maintaining the principles of the Vrije Universiteit during the meeting at Seinpost (see 1895.22). Kuyper now expresses his opinion that each member from his own standpoint can take up watch over the principles of the Vrije Universiteit. This never-delivered speech was also published in De Heraut, no. 968, July 12, 1896. See also 1899.18.
The meditation was originally published in De Heraut, no. 762, July 31, 1892, only a few days after the death of Kuyper’s youngest son, Willy (†July 27, 1892).
The translator, the Rev. W. Kolfhaus (1870–1954), was pastor at Radevormwald (later at Elberfeld and then at Vlotho, Germany). He was also a gifted journalist and was, among other things, editor of Der Pilger and the Reformierte Kirchenzeitung. Kolfhaus published studies on Calvin, Kuyper, and Barth. He not only translated Kuyper into German but also wrote a German-language biography of Kuyper. In 1924 Kolfhaus received an honorary doctorate from the University of Münster for his work Dr. Abraham Kuyper 1837–1920: Ein Lebensbericht (Elberfeld, 1924). Mrs. A. Czeglédy published a Hungarian translation of Kolfhaus’s biography (see 1927.09). Kuyper wrote about Kolfhaus in, among other places, De Heraut, no. 1103, February 12, 1899.
Foreword to the historical-doctrinal dissertation that G. Kramer (1870–1897) wrote under Kuyper’s supervision. Kramer died before the final printing proofs of his dissertation could be corrected. Since the introduction had not yet been written, Kuyper wrote introductory comments to remedy this gap. Kuyper’s personal sense of loss over this highly promising doctoral candidate is clearly evident as he sketches the design of Kramer’s dissertation. The study dealt with the Reformers’ writings on infant baptism in contrast with the Roman Catholic view of infant baptism and the ideas about infant baptism held by Dutch Reformed divines from the Reformation to the first half of the nineteenth century.
The introduction was also printed in De Heraut, no. 1019, July 4, 1897.
Letter to Charles Boissevain, editor in chief of the Algemeen Handelsblad. For information about Kuyper’s conflict with Boissevain, see 1898.01.
In this brief letter to the editor, Kuyper writes to Charles Boissevain that the vacation of a hardworking man should be respected and that he will thus gladly suspend his public correspondence (see 1897.11) until after his vacation. Kuyper goes on to note, however, that Boissevain has rejected his pertinent request. In a brief editorial commentary the Algemeen Handelsblad noted, in reference to this last remark, that Boissevain had refused to sign a record that Kuyper had composed and presented to him as a kind of charge. Neither this letter to the editor nor the editorial commentary was reprinted in 1898.01.
During the parliamentary elections of June 15, 1897, Kuyper was elected once again to the Second Chamber by the chief electoral district of Sliedrecht (cf. 1895.01). His first action of the parliamentary year 1897–1898 took place on September 28, 1897. From September 28 (p. 54) to November 11 (pp. 91–94), Kuyper spoke exclusively about an investigation being carried out by the Second Chamber into irregularities that may have influenced the outcome of the second ballot (June 25, 1897) in, among other places, the chief electoral district of Sneek. In this district the Anti-Revolutionary candidate, Th. Heemskerk (1852–1932)—who also lost the second ballot in Amsterdam—was defeated by only a single vote. From November 16 (pp. 120–123; war in Aceh) to November 19 (pp. 185–187; criticism of an allocation of governmental funds for a pagan sacrificial festival on Lombok), Kuyper became involved in the general debate about the national budget of 1898. In addition, he spoke about higher and lower education (pp. 435–437, 441, 445, and 474) and the completion of a cruiser then under construction (pp. 525 and 528); he asked for clarification of a passage from the royal address to Parliament relating to tariff rates for import duties (p. 536); and he made brief practical remarks about the weight of the mailbags carried by postmen (p. 685).
Letter to Charles Boissevain, editor in chief of the Algemeen Handelsblad (see 1898. 01).
A speech with an autobiographical slant delivered to 5,000 guests on the occasion of the twenty-fifth anniversary of De Standaard, celebrated on April 1, 1897 in the Paleis voor Volksvlijt in Amsterdam. In his speech Kuyper states, among other things, that “my Standaard has never been anything other than a steed that I rode in order to reach the final post of the trail more quickly—and the goal of my life lay in that final post.” He then declares that the goal of his life is “to make all my folk and fatherland blessed again by enticing them back to the only trustworthy path of life, which lies mapped out in the ordinances of God” (p. 67). By this he expresses his conviction that Scripture is not only a word for the soul; rather, the ordinances established by God in both the Bible and nature apply to all of human life (p. 72).
Finally, Kuyper gives poetic expression to the essence of his life’s goal in his own free rendering of the final couplet of Da Costa’s song, “Vrijheid” [Liberty]. (Cf. Da Costa’s kompleete dichtwerken, [Haarlem: A.C. Kruseman, 1863, vol. I, p. 369]. The original version of the couplet is included in 1891.05.) As was typical for Kuyper’s efforts, the poem was reprinted many times and was even set to music (by P. Anders, see app. 3.02). At the conclusion of the Gedenkboek [Memorial volume] there is a brief word of thanks (p. [286]), reprinted from De Standaard 26 (1897), no. 7694, April 5, 1897.
The speech was also reprinted in the Kuyper issue of De Standaard, no. 20101, October 29, 1937. The poem was likewise included in In Dr. Kuyper’s lijn (Amsterdam, 1932, p. 38), which collects the speeches and provides a report of the gala held to celebrate the sixtieth anniversary of De Standaard in the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam.
For Kuyper’s poems, see 1882.04.
Vrouwen uit de Heilige Schrift was previously published as two series in the Amsterdamsche Kerkbode (see 1890.12). In comparison to the publication in the Amsterdamsche Kerkbode, a few captions have been changed in this edition and the order of the devotional sketches is somewhat altered. The edition was already sold out in September 1898.
This edition was meant to become the prayer book of the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands. A revised edition of the rhymed Psalms, the three forms of unity, and the liturgical formularies belonged alongside the revised edition of the States’ Bible (see 1895.11) because the prayer book had also not been transmitted without error through its print history. F.L. Rutgers took charge of revising the rhymed psalms by correcting any misleading punctuation and faults that had crept in. All of the psalm couplets were printed with musical notes. The language of three forms of unity was also modernized and checked over in textual detail by Rutgers (see 1897.19). Following the method that C.A. Renier and B. van Schelven had used in their revision of the Kort Begrip der Christelijke Religie (see 1884.05), precise references were made with alphabetical notes to the loca probantia. The liturgical formularies were also checked and improved. Rutgers directed the revisions in collaboration with Bavinck, Kuyper, and—although he was not mentioned either on the title page or in the foreword—above all with the assistance of H.H. Kuyper (cf. De Heraut, no. 1040, November 28, 1897 and no. 1068, June 12, 1898).
After the table of contents, a small list of print errors in the rhymed psalms and another small list of print errors in the formularies are printed as errata. This revised edition of the prayer book could be bound with 1896.11 for a supplemental fee. Kuyper had signed a contract (KA 316) with the publisher for this edition and was contractually obligated to provide revised texts of the Dutch Confession of Faith, the Heidelberg Catechism, the Canons of Dordt, the liturgical formulas, and an accurate version of the rhymed Psalms.
New typesetting and an entirely revised edition with a partly rewritten version of the foreword from December 10, 1884, of which the last paragraph is devoted to changes in this third edition. The text is identical to the somewhat modernized spelling of the text in 1897.18. The Bible quotations have been adapted (after two and a half centuries) to the Dutch Authorized Version. The combination of the new text and a new typesetting improved its readability.
Among the changes, the following are especially notable:
- – The Apostles’ Creed has been added.
- – The two ecumenical symbols are no longer printed at the end in an appendix (cf. 1895.27), but following the Apostles’ Creed, right after the Three forms of unity.
- – The heading has been changed from De vijf artikelen tegen de Remonstranten [The five articles against the Remonstrants] to De Dordtsche Leerregelen [The Canons of Dordt].
- – Remarkably, the Besluit, which as the postscript to the Synod of Dordt (1618/ 1619) had been printed in all previous editions of the Canons of Dordt, has been left out. The Besluit, which dealt with misunderstandings and misrepresentations about the doctrine of election, had also rejected the idea that reprobation and election caused disbelief and belief in the same manner (eodem modo).
- – The former addition on the cover Benevens het Kort Begrip der Christelijke religie, uitgegeven door de predikanten C.A. Renier en B. van Schelven henceforth is rendered as Met het “Kort Begrip” als aanhangsel (also on the title page). The appendix is preceded by some brief historical facts concerning the “Compendium.”
In this brief note Kuyper comments on a ten-couplet poem by the Amsterdam pastor D.J. Karssen. The poem expresses thanksgiving for the unification of the local Reformed Church of Amsterdam and the Christian Reformed Church of Amsterdam on September 8, 1897. The poem (dated September 20, 1897) was reprinted from De Heraut, no. 1032, October 3, 1897. Kuyper had reprinted the poem in De Heraut from the Amsterdamsche Kerkbode (no. 556, September 26, 1897) and provided a brief note, the last line of which states, “May this song of hope find resonance inside and outside our churches.”
For information concerning De Hope, see 1885.06
A date book printed with pages for every day of the year, at the top of which are citations from Kuyper’s works together with brief bibliographic references. The title of the source publication is printed in parentheses below each citation, and beneath this the date is printed in boldface. In practice, the date book was not just used for anniversaries, but also for taking note of wedding days, death days, and other memorial days. Every page is framed by an ornamental border, within which there is a dotted line with rounded corners. The book is composed of twenty-three sheets of sixteen pages; there is no pagination. The texts for this album were assembled by H.S.S. Kuyper, who would do the same (using different citations) for 1902.15.
This kind of date book, with pithy proverbs, aphorisms, and brief citations from the works of a well-known contemporary, was not uncommon in the Netherlands of the nineteenth century.
The first volume of the second series of cheap editions of Kuyper’s devotional works. The first installment was published in September 1897. The publisher announced the second series simply as “Dr. A. Kuyper, devotional works: Second series.” Honig uit den rotssteen, Deel II; Uit het Woord, serie I, deel III; and Uit het Woord, serie II, deel I all appeared in this series. After the publication of the final volume (see 1898.05), it also became possible to purchase volumes individually.
The address was published as the first appendix in the premium booklet, which was offered for a low price alongside the seventh annual yearbook of the federation, for the benefit of the work and study of the Dutch Federation of Young Men’s Associations on Reformed Principles.
First of two letters to De Telegraaf on the conflict between the parliament (the People's Council) in Transvaal, officially the South African Republic, and the Transvaal Supreme Court. Printed under the heading “Staatspresident en Hooggerechtshof” [State President and Supreme Court].
Kuyper reacted in this letter to an article published in De Telegraaf of March 29 (Kuyper reacted this late because he just celebrated the 25th anniversary of De Standaard). According to him De Telegraaf had not written fairly on the actions of Paul Kruger, president of the Transvaal Republic. De Telegraaf had reported that Kruger had quickly passed a law through parliament without giving time to the Supreme Court to validate the law. The law gave the president the power to replace judges of the Supreme Court. According to Kuyper parliament in Transvaal, representing the people, stood above the Supreme Court and was therefore allowed to pass the law; the law itself did not conflict with the Transvaal constitution.
Second of two letters to De Telegraaf on the conflict between the Transvaal parliament and the Transvaal Supreme Court. Printed under the heading “Volksraad en Hooggerechtshof” [People’s Council and Supreme Court].
In this letter Kuyper reacted to I.A. Levy (1836-1920), who had, in De Telegraaf of April 16, attacked Kuyper’s last letter. According to Levy Kuyper’s argumentation was confusing. It was in Transvaal not the people but the state that had interfered in the juridical sphere. According to Levy one could speak of abuse of power by the Transvaal government. Kuyper argued in his reaction to Levy that the idea that the judges of the Supreme Court were deemed unimpeachable was based on the Transvaal constitution of 1858. However, this constitution had according to Kuyper not the power of a real constitution because it was not clear how it could be changed. Levy reacted April 24, stating that Kuyper was wrong about the constitution. Kuyper did not react again.
1898
In the lead-up to the June 1897 elections, Charles Boissevain, editor in chief of the Algemeen Handelsblad once more accused Kuyper of having illegally procured access in January 1886 to the annexes of the Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam (see 1886.04). Deciding that he could no longer ignore such accusations, Kuyper sent a letter to the editor (see 1897.11) requesting, among other things, that Boissevain sign and return a statement on which he had listed all the charges that Boissevain had leveled against him. Kuyper would then take that list to a judge. Boissevain was not, however, prepared to sign the statement (see 1897.12). A public exchange of letters followed in which the authors set out their conflicting accounts of the background to and narrative of the forced entry into the Nieuwe Kerk. Kuyper still wanted to present the affair to a court of honor. Boissevain considered that proposal misguided as well. He finally proposed publishing their correspondence in a brochure and letting public opinion act as the jury in their dispute. He also allowed Kuyper to have the final word. Kuyper was pessimistic whether that forum would really bring the affair before the public, but he agreed to the proposal in a third and final letter, which was no less polemical than the first two.
The incomplete fifth series De wonderen [The miracles] (see 1879.01) was omitted.
In 1898 De Hope (see 1885.06) reprinted five meditations from De Heraut. The meditation on Psalm 22:31 in vol. 32, no. 35 was taken from De Heraut, no. 1063, May 8, 1898. The meditation on Esther 10:8 in no. 37 was taken from De Heraut, no. 1051, February 13, 1898. The meditation on Jeremiah 48:11 in no. 38 was taken from De Heraut, no. 987, November 22, 1896. The meditation on Luke 2:1 in no. 39 was taken from De Heraut, no. 991, December 20, 1896. And the meditation on Jeremiah 15:19 in no. 44 was taken from De Heraut, no. 1060, April 17, 1898.
De Hope (vol. 32, no. 29) also reprinted an asterism about Curacao from De Standaard 27 (1898), no. 8013, April 19, 1898. In the asterism, Kuyper expresses concern about the extremely vulnerable defenses on and around the island of Curacao. The weakness of these defenses might threaten the status of the Dutch as a neutral power in the event of a Spanish-American war.
Drawing from De Standaard 27 (1898), no. 8110, August 12, 1898, De Hope (vol. 32, no. 43) also reprinted Kuyper’s parting words as he left for the United States. In this piece (dated August 10, 1898), Kuyper explains to his readers why he will not be present during the investiture of Queen Wilhelmina. He had already had to postpone his reception of an honorary doctorate of law from Princeton University two years in a row and had accepted the third request before the date of the investiture had been announced. He states that he hopes to return to the Netherlands by November and that he plans to resume his contributions to De Standaard and De Heraut from the United States during September and October. See, however, 1898.07 and 1903.13.
Finally, De Hope (vol. 32, no. 48) reprinted the text of a telegram Kuyper sent to the queen (along with a Dutch translation) from De Standaard 27 (1898), no. 8137, September 13, 1898 (see 1898.13).
Report of an “informal talk,” as Kuyper called it, on the question whether the Vrije Universiteit should establish a chair in homeopathy. The address, delivered in Rotterdam on July 8, 1898 at the seventeenth annual meeting of the Association for Higher Education on Reformed Principles, makes an appeal for homeopathic medicine and for the establishment of such a chair at the Vrije Universiteit. After citing his own positive experiences with homeopathy, Kuyper names thirty well-known doctors and professors of medicine who take homeopathy completely seriously. He points to America, with its eighteen faculties and ninety professors of homeopathic medicine, as a shining example. After noting that setting up chairs in allopathic and homeopathic medicine is beyond the financial means of the Vrije Universiteit, he argues that establishing a chair in homeopathic medicine should take precedence because it is the less expensive of the two and because there is presently no such chair in the Netherlands (cf. 1896.18).
This volume on particular grace is the third and final part of the second series of cheap editions of Kuyper’s devotional works (see 1894.03). (For the dating see the Amsterdamsche Kerkbode, no. 593, June 12, 1898, which notes that “the thirteenth installment, which completes the reprinting of Uit het Woord, 2nd series, volume I, is being published this week.”)
After the first and second series, no third series of cheap editions was offered to subscribers. The publisher simply published the subsequent cheap editions of the devotional works as individual volumes.
An introduction to the Anti-Revolutionary Party. Early in the introduction several misunderstandings about the party are addressed and rectified. Facts are then provided about its principled point of departure, its history, and the Anti-Revolutionary press. The author also introduces a few concrete political goals.
This contribution was included in a stylishly printed handbook that had been specially composed by the authority of the Dutch Association of Journalists for the approximately 160 delegates of the international press who planned to attend the inauguration of Queen Wilhelmina on September 6, 1898. The 600-page book was divided into two parts—the first providing information about Dutch society and the second about the colonies. The handsome bound book was printed but not published and offered as free copies.
On October 5, 1897, Kuyper was named the chairman of the committee that would prepare for the reception of the foreign press on behalf of the Dutch Association of Journalists (cf. 1898.08). For more information about the committee and its handbook, see the chapter “The Reception of the Press” in Officieel gedenkboek … (1898.09, pages [442]–447).
On June 15, 1898, Kuyper spoke in the Second Chamber in response to a draft bill to raise the national budget of 1898 for the purpose of constructing a new type of armored vessel (pp. 1052–1054). Kuyper did not speak in Parliament again in 1898 due to his trip to America, which began in August. He remained in the United States from August 27 to December 10, 1898 and returned to the Netherlands on December 30, 1898.
A letter written during Kuyper’s trip to the United States and addressed, À messieurs les délégués de la presse étrangère. In this letter, Kuyper explains why he—the chairman of the committee for the reception of foreign journalists who were planning to come to the Netherlands for the coronation—is currently out of the country. He had given timely notice to the office of the Dutch Association of Journalists that he would only be available until the middle of August 1898; nevertheless, he was nominated to chair the reception committee. The reason for his long absence was a series of lectures. He had already accepted an invitation from Princeton Theological Seminary two years previously (cf. 1896.09) to deliver the so-called “Stone Lectures” (see 1898.15). After a few cordial remarks he ends the letter by apologizing for any possible inadequacies in the reception of foreign journalists by the Dutch press, which was preparing for the event with all its heart.
The letter is printed, with a facsimile of Kuyper’s handwriting, on five numbered sheets of stationery from the Hotel Cecil of London.
Contribution to the official memorial volume for the solemn oath of office and inauguration of Queen Wilhelmina in the Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam on September 6, 1898. The piece was published in the second part of the memorial volume. In the context of the history of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Kuyper unfolds the purpose of the phrase “by the grace of God,” as traditionally used before the title “queen” in official documents. (Consider, for example, the opening words of the first proclamation of Queen Wilhelmina, in which she informed the Dutch people that she had accepted the government: “We Wilhelmina, by the grace of God, Queen of the Netherlands …”).
In this contribution Kuyper also points to the many spheres of human life that have their own sovereignty and independent existence, not simply by nature but by the grace of God. The queen also bore her crown bij de gratie Gods and the mercy of God ought to be the foundation for respect for that authority.
The second part of the Officieel Gedenkboek (published in four parts) was published a few days prior to the inauguration.
In its format this Bible fits between the editions of 1895.11 and 1896.11; its content—apart from new typesetting and brief prefatory summaries in each chapter—is completely identical to 1896.11. Apart from the date the foreword is also identical to 1896.11, as was the target audience for this Bible. Zalsman again supplied the four chromolithographic maps and the plate with biblical antiquities, using the same format but a broader margin. The colors differ from the maps in 1896.11, however, and the name of the printer is printed in a somewhat more rigid lettering.
Advertisements dating from 1904 indicate a plan to offer subscription and installment plans for the Bible to stimulate sales (see 1904.29)—apparently without success. Kuyper’s intention was also to publish this Bible as a pocket Bible for churchgoers and students and as a pulpit Bible in folio (cf. De Heraut, no. 1040, November 28, 1897). However, these plans were never realized.
This publication emerged from the project to provide the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands with a reliable and understandable Bible (see 1895.11) and an equally sound prayer book (see 1897.18). When compared to 1897.18, this edition of the prayer book features a new typesetting and a more liberal format. The printing errors in 1897.18, which were listed on an errata sheet (p. [124]), have been corrected; otherwise, this edition is identical to 1897.18. The foreword is also the same, apart from a new date. The format is identical to that of 1898.10 (so that the prayer book could be bound together with it) and was well-designed for service in the pulpit.
In contrast to the Bible edition (see 1895.11), the General Synod of the Reformed Church did make a pronouncement about this prayer book. In 1902, the Synod of Arnhem expressed the desire that this edition “might be commonly put into use in our churches” (Acta, art. 27).
This translation of portions of the Encyclopaedie der heilige godgeleerdheid was published shortly after Kuyper’s arrival in the United States (see 1898.07). The edition includes fifty-four pages (sections 1–35) from the first volume (see 1894.01)—which deal with the name, the idea, and the concept of “encyclopedia,”—and also the second volume (see 1894.11) in its entirety. The paragraphs are numbered differently because of the juxtaposition of material from the first and second volumes. The translation omits the lengthy historical sections in the first volume and the entire third volume, which deals with the various theological subdisciplines that make up the organism of theology, along with their non-theological supporting disciplines.
In an autobiographical foreword Kuyper explains what moved him to give in “this extensive theological encyclopedia … a concentric exposition of the nature of theology.” The translator, Rev. J.H. De Vries, suggested that Kuyper write a new preface. He also wrote him to let him know that the publisher was prepared to publish the edition only if it received a $900 subvention for setting the type (KA 129). In addition to a translator’s note (p. [V]), the translator also added an index of proper names (pp. [681]–683).
According to a letter from the publisher to Rev. De Vries, dated September 9, 1898, the Encyclopedia of Sacred Theology was published on September 10, 1898 (Letterbook Charles Scribner I, FLPU, Dept. of Rare Books and Special Collections). Publisher files in the same archives show that copies (about 150) were still available in 1909. According to Rev. Henry Beets in his preface to 1931.06, the Encyclopedia of Sacred Theology did not find a large readership and “has been a drug [sic] on the market.” Since 1954, however, the book has been republished at least nine times for the American market.
The work was originally (in 1889) set to be translated by Geerhardus Vos. However, progress in the translation work was interrupted no less than three times owing to appointments as a professor of three ssuccessive translators: Vos, Abel H. Huizinga (1859–1905), and Jacob Poppen (1858–1920). Supported by B.B. Warfield, ultimately J. Hendrik De Vries, the fourth translator, completed the rendering into English. Background information concerning the remarkable tribulations the translation endured is provided by Prof. George Harinck in section V of his interesting and elucidating essay that as a Foreword—and a gift—opens this bibliography.
To Her Majesty the Queen of the Netherlands. On the day of Her Majesty’s enthronement I beg most respectfully to tender to My Most Gracious Queen my allegiance as a loyal subject and my entire concurrence with the forthcoming swearing in of the States General. May Her Majesty’s reign be long and prosperous, and may God bless it to Her Majesty’s happiness, to the welfare of the Netherland commonwealth, and to the glory of His name. Dr. A. Kuyper, Member of the States General.
A telegram that Kuyper sent from New York to Queen Wilhelmina on August 31, 1898—the day that she came of age. The queen’s inauguration would take place on September 6, 1898. The queen replied to the telegram, which Kuyper wrote in English, with a telegram written in French by her aide de camp. Both cables and their Dutch translations were also printed in De Hope, no. 48, October 5, 1898.
An article series, reprinted from De Heraut, that sets out the origin, place, function, and meaning of the three offices of the church. The explanation is colored by the consolidation and development of the dolerende churches and by a polemic against the Dutch Reformed Church. This edition, published ten years after the original appearance of the series in De Heraut, offers a new division of the articles into eleven chapters and an introduction. Captions are also placed above each of the chapters, briefly summarizing its content.
The original eighteen articles (numbered I–XVIII) were published, with some interruptions, in De Heraut, no. 505, August 28, 1887–no. 528, February 5, 1888.
For details about Gereformeerde Stemmen, see 1895.04.
Six lectures delivered in Miller Chapel at Princeton Theological Seminary (PTS) in Princeton, New Jersey on October 10–11, 14, and 19–21, 1898. The Stone Lectures were held under the auspices of the Stone Foundation, which was created in 1871 by Levi P. Stone, a director (1869–1884) and trustee (1875–1884) of PTS. On October 22, 1898, the day after the final lecture, Kuyper received an honorary doctorate in law from Princeton University (see 1899.29).
In these six lectures Kuyper describes Calvinism as the “manifestation of the Christian principle”—an all-embracing principle, an all-embracing worldview, and “the only decisive, lawful, and consistent defense for Protestant nations against encroaching and overwhelming modernism.” Kuyper unfolds a Christian worldview that is relevant to every sphere of life. This is evident in the titles given to the lectures: (1) “Calvinism in History” (37 pp.); (2) “Calvinism and Religion” (43 pp.); (3) “Calvinism and Politics” (38 pp.); (4) “Calvinism and Science” (38 pp.); (5) “Calvinism and Art” (35 pp.); and (6) “Calvinism and the Future” (34 pp.). The lectures aimed at gaining worldwide recognition for Calvinism and encouraging study of how Calvinism might be applied in every sphere of life.
According to a note written by Prof. B.B. Warfield (1851–1921) on a fly leaf in the copy in the special collections at PTS, the first and fifth lectures were translated by Rev. J.H. De Vries (see 1892.05), the second lecture by Dr. A.H. Huizinga (see 1898.12), the third lecture by Dr. Henry E. Dosker, the fourth lecture by Dr. N.M. Steffens (see 1903.16), and the sixth lecture by Dr. G. Vos (see 1891.07). In the same note Warfield remarks that “the translated text was … set on type at Princeton and the printed sheets provided to Dr. Kuyper for use in the rostrum. Only a dozen copies were taken off the types.” Apparently at Kuyper’s request (cf. 1909.27), the lectures were separately paginated and the pages were printed on one side only with ample space between the lines and wide margins. A full syllabus of the lectures (eight pages) had been printed and was made available to those who attended the lectures and to other interested parties.
Warfield’s undated note seems to suggest that the translation and printing of these six lectures were realized within ten days. However, a letter (dated June 30, 1898 [KA 129]) sent to Kuyper by Prof. N.M. Steffens reveals that the translation of these lectures very likely started in the first half of 1898 with an American version of the five translators mentioned in Warfield’s note. The letter opens with the words: “Please find enclosed the translation of your fourth lecture, which was entrusted to me.”
The next step in the genesis of the English edition is revealed in a memorial contribution in 1922.03 (pp. 173–178) written by Ethel Ashton, a resident governess who in 1898 gave English conversation lessons to Kuyper’s daughters. Not satisfied with the translations of the lectures he had received from the United States, Kuyper reworked them into a second version with the assistance of Miss Ashton.
The third stage was accomplished during his holiday in the Adirondack Mountains (September 10–28, 1898: see letter 6 in 2004.03 [p. 34] and 2009.01 [p. 41]). During his stay in the Adirondacks he reduced each of his lectures to thirty-four pages; he also added some new information that he had gained by reading in the library of the RMS Lucania while crossing the Atlantic and later in the New York Public Library. According to Warfield’s note Kuyper’s revisions were received “ten days before the lectures were to begin” and sent to the five original translators for incorporation into the translations of their assigned lectures. Kuyper’s holiday efforts led to a printed translation, which he used during his six presentations in Miller Chapel on October 10, 11, 14, 19, 20, and 21.
In turn, both the first trade edition (see 1899.19) and the Dutch version (see 1899.25) were different from the “Princeton text” as printed for private use (the “dozen copies” of Warfield’s note). Over the course of nearly a year, Kuyper had been occupied with shaping his lectures on Calvinism—a striking phenomenon for a man whose usual policy was (like a journalist already occupied with his next assignment) to write and make public after having reflected on an issue, without spending any time polishing and changing the text for a subsequent printing.
Kuyper visited Grand Rapids from October 25–27, 1898 (for Kuyper’s stay in the United States, see 1898.07). On October 26 Kuyper gave a speech in Dutch to a gathering of some two thousand Dutch Americans. An English synopsis of his address was published in the Grand Rapids Herald, no. 5055, October 29, 1898 and also reprinted in 2001.10 (pp. 469–473). From the newspaper reports of this informal talk, which Kuyper gave in the auditorium of Lockerby Hall in Grand Rapids, it appeared that he was claimed by both Republicans and Democrats as a supporter of their party.
In this letter to the editor, therefore, Kuyper pointed out the nuances in what he had said about both parties during his talk. On being asked, he also said that he completely understood why Dutchmen had chosen the side of the Republicans (cf. 1900.34), although he then expressed regret that the Republican platform of 1896 did not openly endorse the Calvinistic principles of Alexander Hamilton (1757–1804) in the same way their opponents publicly defended the principles of Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826). In the Netherlands Hamilton was regarded as Christian-Democrat (which should not be confused with the Democratic Party in America).
A Dutch translation of this letter to the editor was published in De Grondwet (KA 318, 26; whole issue, HMA). The letter was printed under the heading, “Dr. Kuyper en Onze Politieke Partijen” [Dr. Kuyper and our political parties]. One of the most influential Dutch-American newspapers, De Grondwet (1860–1938) “as leader of the political sentiments of our Dutch American people” agitated for standing up more strongly for Calvinistic principles in the political sphere.
Dutch translation of a lecture delivered on December 6, 1898 before the Presbyterian Historical Society in Philadelphia. The lecture was also delivered on November 12, 1898 at the Congregational Seminary of Chicago and on November 28, 1898 at New Brunswick Theological Seminary.
In the lecture Kuyper discusses the antithesis between symbolism and revelation. According to Kuyper, symbolism threatens Calvinist church life. The principle of symbolism—namely, that a symbolic relation with God may be attained through the sensory perception of symbols and rituals—stands in direct opposition to revelation, which demands faith in the unveiling of the relation between God and humanity and thereby makes a demand by the power of the Holy Spirit precisely on our rationality and our understanding. Symbolism must inevitably lead Protestants to the Roman Catholic Church, which glosses over the opposition between symbolism and revelation. In Kuyper’s view there is an unbridgeable gulf between symbolism and Calvinism.
This political article deals with different concepts of sovereignty. According to Kuyper, constitutional governments in countries such as the Netherlands, England, and the United States derive all political authority from God’s all-embracing sovereignty. The sovereignty of God is the source of a threefold deduction of sovereignty in the state, in society, and in the church. In opposition to this concept, two different theories “are trying to gain the day.” Kuyper points to the atheistic idea of popular sovereignty, which the encyclopedists developed and which came to expression in the French Revolution. He next points to the pantheistic concept of sovereignty, prevalent among the historical-materialist school in Germany. For the benefit of his American readers, he briefly analyzes both competing concepts of sovereignty and judges each to be false.
According to a letter to the editor of The Independent, dated November 25, 1898 (KA 318, 40), Kuyper had submitted a religious article (see 1899.17) and a political article for publication. The publisher reported that he would happily publish both articles and that he was “glad to pay [Kuyper] $25 for them.”
Reply to a telegram from the tenth annual meeting of the Dutch Federation of Young Men’s Associations on Reformed Principles. Kuyper had received a telegram expressing the federation’s warm affection “now that you are so ignobly assailed by another part of the Dutch youth.” The allusion was to W. van Oosterwijk Bruyn, chairman and then honorary chairman of the Dutch Federation of Young Men’s Associations. In the federation’s yearbook of 1898, titled “Christophilus,” Van Oosterwijk Bruyn had given expression to his organization’s rivalry with the Dutch Federation of Young Men’s Associations on Reformed Principles. Chairman J.E. Vonkenberg (1869–1934) cited Van Oosterwijk Bruyn’s contribution as demonstrating that his young men’s associations “find their point of unity in this dogma: ‘Against the Calvinists and above all against Dr. Kuyper.’”
Kuyper’s spouse had already telegrammed her thanks for the friendly telegram from the annual meeting with a report that the “professor is in Brussels.” Upon returning home Kuyper himself wrote another letter of thanks. The telegram and the letter were both printed in the Jaarboekje voor 1899. His written expression of thanks had already been printed in Het Gereformeerd Jongelingsblad, no. 33, June 10, 1898.
This is a revised printing of the shortened edition (see 1880.05) of “Ons program.” The foreword to the voluminous edition of 1879.04 and to the abridged edition hav been reset and the Het program van actie bij de stembus van 1897 (pp. [XXV]–XXVI; see 1897.04) has been added. Otherwise, pages 12–497 are identical to 1892.26: There has been no change to the typesetting and the same mistakes in the division of paragraphs appear. The text of pages 1–10 from 1892.26 are now printed on pages [XV]–XXII. As a result, the Arabic numbering begins with page [11]. The unpaged list of Kuyper’s writings, with which the third edition likewise closed, has been updated very partially—some editions are replaced by their cheap editions, of which the most recent is 1898.05.
The publication date cannot be precisely determined. The contract for this printing is dated July 5, 1897 (KA 315), which has to be a datum post quem. The date March 22, 1900, written by hand under a dedication in a copy of this printing, might serve as a datum ante quem. Contributing to the uncertainty of the publication date of this “fourth by the author revised printing” is the fact that the publisher continued to advertise it as the “third printing” (as it was indeed—the third printing of 1880.05) and that the printing was not mentioned in Dutch bibliographies.
In an undated preface (pp. [III]–IV) added by Kolfhaus (see 1897.09), the translator briefly sketches Kuyper’s ambition and work. In the closing sentence, he dedicates this German translation to nachdenkenden Lesern, explaining that, just as with their Dutch neighbors, the spiritual life of the German people could only preserve its freshness if the boundaries provided by God are recognized and respected in all areas of life.
Offprint from De Gids. This Dutch newsweekly, which was published in Grand Rapids and served the Protestant churches there, was “dedicated to the interests of families, the church, and the state.” The paper likely published this sermon from 1869.01—and then made it available as an offprint—in connection with Kuyper’s visit to Grand Rapids (see 1898.18).
The date of this offprint is derived from H. Edelman, The Dutch Language Press in America: Two Centuries of Printing, Publishing, and Bookselling (Bibliotheca Bibliographica Neerlandica, vol. 21 [Nieuwkoop: De Graaf, 1986]). The issue(s) of De Gids in which the sermon was printed have not yet been tracked down.
Dictation of the lectures that Kuyper gave on the doctrine of God at the Vrije Universiteit during the 1895/1896 academic year. The lectures deal with the dogma of the triune God.
The phrase college-dictaat van een der studenten (dogmatiek) [lecture notes by one of the students (dogmatics)] is printed at the top of every numbered page. There are no pages printed in italics. For information about the typesetting, see 1891.18, 1891.24, and 1893.10. A comparison of the typesettings points to the likelihood that A. Fernhout (see 1891.25) was the printer. The edition was probably made available to students in 1898.
Concerning the second volume of the Locus de Deo and the next volumes of the loci, it is apparently not always possible to track down the printer and the publication date by using the archives of the Vrije Universiteit (AVU; cf. 1891.18). Thus the publication year and the names of the printer and the student-corrector of this volume could not be determined with certainty.
First line of this public statement: Voor ik naar New-York scheep ga, een kort woord van opheldering en verweer. [Before I embark for New York, a short word of clarification and of defense. A clarification concerning his departure to the USA while Princess Wilhelmina was just about to be crowned Queen of The Netherlands (Amsterdam, September 6, 1898); see also 1898.08.
The defence deals with slander inflicted to Kuyper and his son Guillaume (see 1973.01). His son ought to have failed to pass an NCO exam, but owing to Kuyper’s intervention he passed the exam evertheless. As a provoked father Kuyper fiercely opposed this defamation and also included a piece of evidence.
The statement and the attached defence arrived on August 11 at the editorial office, and were also published in Rotterdamsch Dagblad 4 (1898), no. 1051, August 13, 1898.
1899
The meditation on Psalm 119:27 in De Hope (see 1885.06) of January 4 was reprinted from De Heraut, no. 1023, August 1, 1897. The meditation on 2Corinthians 5:1 in De Hope of January 18 was reprinted from De Heraut, no. 979, September 27, 1896.
The article in De Hope of February 8, Kolonisatie in Maryland [Settlement in Maryland], was reprinted from De Standaard 28 (1899), no. 8244, January 17, 1899. During his travels in America Kuyper visited a Dutch colony in Maryland and spoke with the local authorities, who told him that good farmland had been abandoned after the abolition of slavery. After he returned to the Netherlands he was repeatedly asked for more information about this farmland. Kuyper, a proponent of emigration, provided a careful and nuanced opinion about the prospects for agricultural emigration to Maryland. He supported the plan, but only under certain conditions. Finally, Kuyper requested that members of the press who wanted to reprint his advice reprint his whole article in order to avoid any misconceptions.
From the correspondence preserved in Scribner’s archives (FLPU, special collections), it is clear that in any case an edition of 100 copies of 1898.12 were sent to Hodder and Stoughton (Charles Scribner to J.H. de Vries, November 30, 1898).
The meditation on Psalm 89:15 in vol. 70, no. 1 was translated from De Heraut, no. 1091, November 20, 1898. The meditation on Jeremiah 51:26 in no. 5 was translated from De Heraut, no. 1093, December 4, 1898.
In the 1898 Christmas issue of The Christian Intelligencer, the editors announced that in the new year “Dr. A. Kuyper, whose presence and addresses in this country have awakened so much interest, will furnish a frequent, if not a regular contribution.” His contributions to the The Christian Intelligencer, translated by Rev. J.H. De Vries (see 1892.05), ran until December 1908 (see 1908.06).
During the parliamentary sessions on February 28 and March 1, 1899, Kuyper became involved in discussions on draft legislation to change the policy of the government of the Dutch Indies toward the Japanese (pp. 795–814). Kuyper served as the chairman of a commission of reporters from the departments of the Second Chamber investigating a draft labor bill, “Wettelijke verzekering van werklieden tegen geldelijke gevolgen van ongevallen in bepaalde bedrijven” [Statutory assurance for laborers against the financial consequences of accidents in certain occupations]. On March 9 and May 5 Kuyper spoke repeatedly about this proposed disability law (pp. 868–871, 1010–1011). His efforts for social justice also led him to submit a written amendment to the disability law on June 15, 1899 (see Bijlagen van het verslag der handelingen van de Tweede Kamer der Staten-Generaal 1898–1899, 16.17, pp. 121–129; cf. also 1899.28). On April 25 Kuyper asked permission to request information about the first Peace Conference (p. 935), which was scheduled to open in The Hague on May 18, 1899. This interpellation took place on May 2 (pp. 950–956; see 1899.11 and 1899.37). On May 4 Kuyper responded to a motion submitted by P.J. Troelstra (1860–1930) with respect to general suffrage (pp. 989–990). For his apologies concerning his absence from the First Chamber on June 22 (p. 1204), see 1899.10.
Meditation on Matthew 16:18, translated from De Heraut, no. 1100, January 22, 1899.
Concerning Kuyper’s contributions to The Christian Intelligencer, see 1899.04.
Meditation on 2Corinthians 5:1, translated from De Heraut, no. 979, September 27, 1896.
Concerning Kuyper’s contributions to The Christian Intelligencer, see 1899.04.
This proposal (KA 276) arose from deliberations within a subcommittee of the Committee for Revising the School Law. In his proposal Kuyper finally says that by virtue of his membership in the committee he has tried to agree as much as possible with the principal ideas of the Union Report. The Committee for Revising the School Law was established by The Union: “A School with the Bible” in 1894 and had submitted the so-called “Union Report” in 1895.
The Union Report was intended as a programmatic guide toward achieving legal equivalence between private and public education. The report was issued without Kuyper’s prior consultation or knowledge. Kuyper objected (cf. the lead articles in De Standaard of October/November 1896) that, among other things, the report emphasized the principle of legal equality at the expense of spiritual principles and thus threatened to decrease the love for and commitment to Christian education. In 1898 three additional members were added to the Committee for Revising the School Law from among the fourteen prominent signatories to the letter protesting against the Union Report: H. Bavinck, Kuyper, and J. Woltjer. The committee then charged the above-mentioned subcommittee, of which Kuyper, Æ. Mackay, A.F. de Savornin Lohman, and J. Woltjer were members, with revising the Union Report in order that it might still meet with general agreement.
The conclusions of the revised Union Report were accepted, with a few amendments, by general acclamation at the annual meeting of the union on April 17, 1900.
Meditation on Psalm 104:30, translated from De Heraut, no. 956, April 19, 1896.
Concerning Kuyper’s contributions to The Christian Intelligencer, see 1899.04.
Draft text of a complete set of regulations for the ministry of missions. The text was commissioned by the Synod of Middelburg (see 1897.01) and written as a report for the Synod of Groningen (August 15–30, 1899). A letter titled “Aan de Generale Synode der Gereformeerde Kerken in Nederland, te houden te Groningen in Augustus 1899” [To the General Synod of the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands, to be held in Groningen in August 1899] accompanied the draft.
Kuyper reprinted the draft in its entirety in De Heraut, no. 1116, May 14, 1899. At the request of the Synod of Middelburg, it was also reprinted in: De Bazuin 47 (1899), no. 18, May 5, 1899–no. 20, May 19, 1899; Het Mosterdzaad 18 (1899), no. 5, May 1899–no. 6, June 1899; and De Heidenbode 4th series, no. 51, June 1899. Less than a month after its publication, the Rev. H. Dijkstra (1851–1922) published De Concept-zendingsorde besproken en geamendeerd [The draft missionary order reviewed and amended] (Leiden, 1899), a critical commentary offering a number of alternative regulations. Kuyper immediately printed an extensive response in De Heraut, no. 1123, July 2, 1899.
There are also other indications that suggest that Kuyper was the author of these draft regulations. He himself placed an advertisement in De Heraut, no. 1116, May 14, 1899, announcing that the draft was available in print. On June 22, 1899, he apologized for his absence from the Second Chamber explaining that he had been medically advised to undergo a cure and was then expected at the Synod of the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands (see 1899.05, p. 1204) “for the purpose of defending the reports which I have prepared for the meeting.”
During his vacation in Switzerland, however, his spouse, Mrs. J.H. Kuyper-Schaay (*March 8, 1842), became ill and died in Meiringen on August 25, 1899 (cf. 1902.17). Kuyper was thus unable to attend the meeting of the synod. The Synod of Groningen did not consider the draft order for mission and put it to the side.
Answer to an open letter, published in Nieuwe Rotterdamsche Courant 56 (1899), no. 112, May 11, 1899, by the Dutch ambassador to St. Petersburg, E.W.F. Wttewaall van Stoetwegen (1840–1908). On May 2, 1899, Kuyper had interpellated in the Second Chamber about the fact that the Transvaal and the Orange Free State had not been invited to the Peace Conference (see 1899.05, pp. 950–956). This first Peace Conference (held May 18–June 30, 1899 at The Hague) was an ini- tiative of the emperor of Russia. In response the minister of foreign affairs stated that the diplomatic efforts of the ambassador in St. Petersburg had failed to affect any change in the invitation policy.
This prompted Kuyper to make the passing remark in his reply (see 1899.05, pp. 955–956) that the envoy in St. Petersburg had just been granted a high royal honor, but that it would have been better if this distinction had been granted after his negotiations had succeeded rather than after they had failed. After learning of this remark, Van Stoetwegen (in his capacity as ambassador) published a letter to Kuyper (in his capacity as member of Parliament). The letter was written in such a way as to compel a sharp response.
Two weeks after this public exchange of letters, the envoy was withdrawn at his own request by royal decree and was then, without cost to the treasury, made available for another function. Both letters were also published in De Standaard 28 (1899), no. 8343, May 15, 1899.
Book review of Jean Calvin. Les hommes et les choses de son temps. Tome premier. La jeunesse de Calvin by E. Doumergue (Lausanne: George Bridel & Cie Editeurs, 1899). Kuyper’s review was translated from De Heraut, no. 1115, May 7, 1899 by Rev. G.H. Hospers (1864–1949). Its heading in De Heraut was “Monument der eere voor Calvijn” [Memorial of honor to Calvin].
Concerning Kuyper’s contributions to The Christian Intelligencer, see 1899.04.
Meditation on Genesis 1:1, translated from De Heraut, no. 1017, June 20, 1897.
Concerning Kuyper’s contributions to The Christian Intelligencer, see 1899.04.
A report arranged thematically in five chapters describing Kuyper’s experiences, impressions, and insights during his months-long stay in the United States (see 1898.07). The text was published first, partially, as a continuing series of articles in De Standaard and De Heraut and then, in a different sequence, as a book.
The first chapter is composed of ten articles about social life in the United States under the heading “Ons vooruit” [Ahead of us]. These articles had originally been published on alternate days as lead articles in De Standaard 28 (1899), no. 8259, February 3, 1899–no. 8277, February 24, 1899. This chapter is followed by twelve articles titled “Onze stamgenooten in Amerika” [Our kindred in America], which were also published as lead articles on alternate days in De Standaard 28 (1899), no. 8279, February 27–no. 8301, March 24, 1899 and partially included in 1907.23. The third chapter, “Uit het kerkelijk leven” [From church life], offers seven sketches about religious life in the United States, originally published under the title “Het rijke leven” [The abundant life] in De Heraut, no. 1099, January 15, 1899–no. 1105, February 26, 1899. Kuyper, who just before the New York gubernatorial elections had stayed in the same hotel where Theodore Roosevelt (1858–1919) was conducting his campaign, writes in the fourth chapter about the boss-systeem [boss system]—that is, the American way of fundraising for an election campaign and its effects on the political system. These opinions were originally published as three articles in De Standaard 28 (1899), no. 8253, January 27–no. 8257, February 1, 1899. The concluding chapter, “Expansion,” deals with the dilemma of distinguishing between intervention as motivated by humanitarian reasons and intervention as motivated by expansionist politics. It was published in De Standaard 28 (1899), no. 8251, January 25, 1899 and thus originally preceded the aforementioned series of travel impressions.
Varia Americana was offered in 1908 as a premium with 1907.13 and 1908.25. For insight into the private and personal side of Kuyper’s trip to America, see 2004.03, which is also included in 2009.01 together with p. [77]–187 from 1899.15.
Report of a speech delivered at the annual general meeting of the Association for Higher Education on Reformed Principles, held in Zwolle on July 7, 1899. In this speech Kuyper addresses the concern about filling vacant professorships at the Vrije Universiteit in the future. In his opinion it is not sufficient merely to wait in pious expectation. Funds should be established to enable gifted and promising students to study for an additional four or five years. After concluding their studies, they ought to enter pastoral practice while continuing to publish on the side. This group would provide a pool from which new professors could be selected in the event of open positions.
A brief article about the difference between election and selection. Although the two words are nearly identical in sound and spelling, Kuyper notes an enormous conceptual difference between them. Each word represents a concept that provides an answer to the “fundamental question: Whence are the differences?” But whereas “election” stands for the answer of Calvinism, in which the sovereign Creator elects, “selection” stands for the answer of Darwinism (which is not named), with its concept of the survival of the fittest (see 1899.29). Kuyper admired the penetrating conceptual power of the theory of natural selection, which he considered to exist on the same level of profundity as the Calvinist answer.
On the publication of this article, see 1898.21.
Speech delivered at the annual meeting of the members of the Association for Higher Education on Reformed Principles. The issue at stake was the foundation of the Vrije Universiteit. The speech was in fact a follow-up to 1897.08, with a broader and more scholarly composition.
In the beginning of the speech, Kuyper stipulates that the “word of God” is intentionally not spelled with a capital “W” because there is a word of God in the created order and with the created order. In his opinion the controversy about foundations does not have to do with the authority of Scripture, but with respect for God and how God has revealed himself to us (in the Scripture) and how he continues to reveal himself to us (in nature).
After having answered the question of how our whole life may be bound to God’s word, he deals with the dilemma that he also treated in, among other places, 1895.22—namely, the question of the foundation of the Vrije Universiteit. Is the Bible (the “general Scriptural formula”) a reliable basis or are the Reformed principles such as they were laid down in 1619 by the Synod of Dordt in the three forms of unity the right foundation? Kuyper expressly champions the latter (in agreement with Article 2 of the association’s statutes).
The speech brought A.F. de Savornin Lohman once again into written discussion with Kuyper. The meeting was attended by the Rev. W. Kolfhaus from Radevormwald, Germany and the Rev. J.H. De Vries from Princeton, New Jersey—both authorized translators of Kuyper’s writings (see 1892.05 and 1897.09). The printed form of the speech was available the next day.
Rev. Conrad R. Veenstra (1898–1969) translated this speech into English. Dordt College (Sioux Center, Iowa) owns an undated typescript copy of this translation, titled “Bound to the Word: The answer to the question, How is a university bound by the Word of God? Delivered at the meeting held at Middelburg June 28, 1899” (dropdown title with the name of the translator, 15 pp., typescript on one side only, 28cm.). Most likely the translation has never been printed. Veenstra was a Christian Reformed pastor in Wisconsin, Michigan, California, and Iowa, respectively. He died in Sioux City, Iowa.
Trade edition of 1898.15 with a revised text once again. The alterations, omissions, and additions immediately come to light in the renaming of the first lecture and then again on the first page. In a note B.B. Warfield (cf. 1898.15) comments with regret that “the text was much altered by Dr. Kuyper himself with a view of bettering the English, but with the effect of waning it sadly.” This revision intended to address more than linguistic matters: besides the editorial alterations and deletions, eighteen footnotes were added.
The Dutch-Anglo-American alliance of publishers who published these six lectures on Calvinism were able to provide for the simultaneous release and sale of the book in the Netherlands, South Africa, England, Scotland, and the United States. For the significance and content of the lectures, see 1898.15.
Kuyper had asked Scribner’s to publish an American edition of the lectures, but according to a letter dated October 17, 1898 (KA 318) Scribner’s was unsure about the sales and wanted to postpone its decision until it received the sales results of 1898.12. After an English edition was published, Scribner’s declared itself prepared to purchase a supply for America. The publishers agreed upon the solution of Revell publishing an English edition (but see 1899.38) that Scribner’s would then purchase on consignment and distribute in the United States (letter dated December 9, 1898; KA 318, 46).
The lectures on Calvinism have since been published in ten different languages: English (1899.19), Dutch (1899.25), German (1904.25), Hungarian (1914.20), Japanese (1932.14), Korean (1971.01), Russian (2002.03), Portuguese (2002.05), Chinese (2006.05), Spanish (2010.06).
For this lecture, see 1898.20. A copy has also been preserved (HDC) with twenty-eight numbered pages printed on one side only and enlarged interlinear spacing, without a cover and title page, measuring 23cm. and with a different typeface. This must be a copy such as Kuyper liked to use when delivering a lecture (see 1909.27).
Letter to Prof. H. Bavinck about the one-sidedness of his compromise proposal for ministerial training. In the unification of 1892 (see 1892.16 and 1892.18) the two churches had each brought an educational institution for pastors to the merger. This created a sensitive situation with respect to the question of unifying pastoral education. With an eye toward the upcoming general synod in August, Bavinck (Theologische School, Kampen) published a compromise proposal—Theologische School en Vrije Universiteit. Een voorstel tot vereeniging (Kampen: J.H. Bos, 1899)—at the beginning of February 1899. After Bavinck published a second brochure on the question in May 1899, Kuyper abruptly suspended his series Ineengroeing [Growing together], ending the series occasioned by Bavinck’s first brochure prematurely with the thirteenth article. The primary reason for this reaction was that Bavinck had failed from the beginning to consult with the Vrije Universiteit about his compromise proposal, which resulted in the production of a one-sided document.
After Bavinck sought to correct Kuyper’s perception of his proposal in De Bazuin, both F.L. Rutgers and Kuyper sent letters to the editor to refresh Bavinck’s memory. Both letters were also reprinted in De Heraut, no. 1125, July 16, 1899. In the same issue of De Heraut, Kuyper provided an extensive explanation of the fact that he suddenly suspended his discussion of the question in De Heraut shortly before the Synod of Groningen (see 1899.10).
Introductory and concluding remarks by Kuyper on the occasion of a lecture held by the Armenian exile Minas Tchéraz in Amsterdam on July 7, 1899. Kuyper’s remarks amounted to an unvarnished protest against the authorities in The Hague. On May 30, 1899, the police in The Hague had prevented Minas Tchéraz from delivering a speech about the unimaginable history of suffering that Armenian Christians had experienced under Turkish authorities. Tchéraz, who had come to the Netherlands in order to submit a request in the name of Armenian exiles to the Peace Conference in The Hague (see 1899.05), had been invited to give a lecture by the Christian Young Men’s Association in The Hague. The request was declared inadmissible by the Peace Conference and now his right to speak in the Netherlands was also refused (see 1899.30, pp. 567–572).
After the lecture, which was organized by Kuyper acting in association with two other members of the Second Chamber in order to salvage their national honor, Kuyper declared in his passionate closing remarks that he—together with those present and the whole of Dutch society—stood in solidarity with the afflicted and tortured Armenian people.
A Dutch translation of his introductory and concluding remarks was printed in De Standaard 28 (1899), no. 8390, July 10, 1899.
Meditation on Isaiah 28:26, translated from De Heraut, no. 1064, May 15, 1898.
Concerning Kuyper’s contributions to The Christian Intelligencer, see 1899.04.
The six Stone Lectures on Calvinism in Dutch. In comparison with the English edition (see 1899.19), the footnotes have been adapted to the Dutch situation and expanded to sixty in total. The first part (1,000 copies) of the print run was printed on high-quality paper. The second part (4,000 copies) was released on its heels in November 1899. Very likely both parts were printed in one run. However, the publisher announced the second part as the “second printing”—even though this designation is missing from that second part. The second part differed from the first part of the edition only insofar as, first, it was printed on paper of lesser quality and, second, it did not include a half-leather binding as an option.
By contract (KA 315) the author and the publisher agreed to publish 5,000 copies—of which 1,000 copies were to be printed on paper of good quality and 4,000 copies on paper of lesser quality. The designation volksuitgave (cheap edition) does not occur in the contract.
Only a few translations are based on this edition. Most translators have made use of an English edition.
The English paper Daily Chronicle published a series of critical commentaries on the South African crisis written by prominent persons. Included in the series was this letter. In it Kuyper offers ten concisely worded points that summarize his opinion about the stipulations of the London Convention (1884) and about England’s misjudgment of the racial sentiments of South African colonists of Dutch origin (cf. 1883.07). According to Kuyper, the Boers, like their American cousins, were still rooted in their Calvinist convictions. He warns that this Dutch Calvinist element cannot be counteracted except at a great military cost involving a sizeable occupation force. Peaceful consultation and negotiations in his view would be more just, less costly, and more effective. The Second Boer War broke out on October 11, 1899.
The letter was also included in De Standaard 28 (1899), no. 8438, September 4, 1899.
Meditation on Job 38:6, translated from De Heraut, no. 524, January 8, 1888.
Concerning Kuyper’s contributions to The Christian Intelligencer, see 1899.04.
This brochure contains the text of the draft legislation “Wettelijke verzekering van werklieden tegen geldelijke gevolgen van ongevallen in bepaalde bedrijven” [Lawful assurance of laborers against the financial consequences of accidents in certain occupations], which also includes the amendments approved by the Second Chamber prior to June 6 (pp. [5]–35). Printed next (pp. [37]–78) is the “Toelichting op het amendement voorgesteld onder 16.17 der zitting 1898–1899” [Account of the amendment presented under 16.17 of the 1898–1899 session] (see Bijlagen van het verslag der handelingen van de Tweede Kamer der Staten-Generaal 1898–1899, 6.1), in which Kuyper deals with the objections he received in response to the amendment he submitted on June 15, 1899 (see 1899.05). The third and final item (pp. [79]–102) is the so-called “Kuyper amendment” or “big amendment.” The altered form of this amendment (see Bijlagen, 1899–1900, 6.2, pp. 17–24) replaced 16.17 from the Bijlagen, 1898–1899 (pp. 121–129).
Kuyper’s principal objections against the draft legislation as submitted were directed against the complicated and costly bureaucratic centralization to which the scheme would have led. The draft bill would also have imposed unreasonably high financial burdens on employers and ended all private initiatives in affected spheres. Kuyper wanted a decentralized plan that would enable employers either to bear financial liabilities themselves or to transfer them to private organizations. A part of the implementation of the law would thus have to be handed over to yet-to-be-established industrial insurance boards. From a procedural perspective, this amendment was treated by the Second Chamber almost in the same way as was the draft legislation. See also 1899.30.
On the authorship and on an analysis of the procedures concerning the Kuyper amendment, see the dissertation of W. de Vries Wzn. (1970.03).
“Our nineteenth century is dying away under the hypnotic effect of the dogma of evolution.” This sentence opens an extensive and critical sketch of the theory of evolution. In the course of the sketch, Kuyper notes weak points in the theory and identifies the effects that belief in evolution can have on human beings. Finally, he judges the spiritual content of the theory by way of three criteria—aesthetic, ethical, and religious (cf. 1899.17). This was the fourth and final address (after 1881.05, 1888.11, and 1892.21) that Kuyper delivered at the transferal of the rectorship. It too was followed by the Annales Academicae.
In a brief prefatory note Kuyper states that the usual scholarly notes are absent from this address. The death of his spouse (see 1899.10) had held him longer abroad than he anticipated and had forced him to compose the address away from his reference books. J.C. Rullmann (1876–1936) regarded 1900.32 as good compensation for the lacking notes (see 1928.02, p. 174). Rullmann, who registered as a student at the Vrije Universiteit in 1896, pointed in his bibliography to the fact that “L.L.D., doctor of laws” was added to Kuyper’s name on the title page and cover. He also recalled that Kuyper was adorned with his Princeton doctoral cap and gown when he delivered the address.
From October 25 to November 1, 1899 Kuyper took active part (pp. 101–203) in the discussions of the design of the accident law (cf. 1899.05), once again in his capacity as chairman of the committee of reporters (pp. 210–406). The extensive Kuyper amendment (see 1899.28) was ultimately rejected. On November 22 Kuyper spoke during deliberations on the budget for the East Indies about, among other things, whether it was desirable to open a shipping lane between Java, China, and Japan (pp. 413–415). In the session on December 1 (pp. 567–572, 588), he drew attention to the Minas Tchéraz affair (see 1899.23). On December 5 and 6 Kuyper spoke again (see 1899.05, pp. 950–956) about the fact that the South African Republics had not been invited to the Peace Conference in The Hague and he submitted a motion observing that the government had not done all that it could have done to arrange invitations (pp. 609–621).
Answer to questions posed by the editors of La Foi et la Vie in an enquète sur l’état du protestantisme évangélique. In Kuyper’s view the questions did not really suit the specific developments in Dutch Protestantism and therefore he gave a brief sketch of those developments in the nineteenth century. The sketch identifies three schools of thought that manifested themselves in the Netherlands at the end of the century: the Calvinist school in the Reformed Churches; the revivalist or methodist school, which became active in the fields of evangelization, missions, and philanthropy; and the ethical school, which was best represented in the state universities and among pastors in the state church (the Dutch Reformed Church). In Kuyper’s analysis, the last two schools of thought had abandoned their responsibility, leaving only Calvinism as a viable life-system and worldview.
In Kuyper’s view Dutch Protestantism was facing a dilemma: it could either abdicate its responsibilities or it could assure itself of a future by giving an answer to the problems afflicting a troubled and nearly despondent new generation. The flexibility of the principles of Calvinism made it possible to bring it in accordance with the time—élevé à la hauteur de notre temps. Calvinism had the potential to provide a new philosophy, a profound theology, a solid morality, and answers consistent with the principles of faith that could be applied to every field of life. As Kuyper puts it, the Calvinists are “well equipped, well armed, and filled with an enthusiasm that guarantees us the final victory.”
A volume of fifty-eight meditations, selected from six years of De Heraut and devoted to the theme of family life. The title is borrowed from Deuteronomy 6:7 (see the second meditation). The edition was intended as a gift for newlyweds. The foreword points briefly to the esteem in which Jews and Christians hold family life and then focuses in particular on the significance of family life among Calvinists in Switzerland, Scotland, the Netherlands, and America.
Some of the headings of the devotions were slightly changed for this volume. All the meditations were also given a suitable catchword in brackets. The original sequence was also changed and the numbering adapted. The meditations were reprinted from De Heraut, no. 719, October 4, 1891 (LVII)–no. 981, October 11, 1896 (IX), where they had generally been published individually but also occasionally in short consecutive series.
A report, published at Kuyper’s request, in which he provisionally distances himself from a position of unconditional support for emigration to the state of Maryland. In the Anti-Revolutionary newspaper De Zeeuw (October 28, 1899 and November 4, 1899) “and other papers,” an advertisement had been run by the State Bureau of Immigration in Baltimore. The advertisement extolled the benefits of emigrating to Maryland. (The same advertisement was also printed in De Standaard, no. 8486, October 30, 1899, in no. 8491, November 4, 1899, and once again in no. 8543, January 8, 1900.)
According to the The Christian Intelligencer (December 28, 1898), Kuyper, who had made “a personal investigation of the Holland settlements and of lands in the old state of Maryland” during his stay in the United States (see also the article in 1899.01), considered the undertaking poorly prepared and felt that a committee of experts from Maryland should first have traveled to the Netherlands to report on conditions in the state. Kuyper also thought that “our friend,” the Rev. R.H. Joldersma (1854–1913) from Chicago, who had become a missionary to the Dutch in Maryland and was serving as the spiritual supervisor of the immigration project, should also have come to the Netherlands to provide additional information. In Kuyper’s view if such efforts had been taken originally, then perhaps the undertaking would now be worthy of recommendation.
This submitted report was also reprinted in De Zeeuw 14 (1899/1900), no. 19, November 14, 1899 (ZA).
Meditation on Psalm 103:2, translated (with the omission of the biblical text) from De Heraut, no. 1137, October 8, 1899.
Concerning Kuyper’s contributions to The Christian Intelligencer, see 1899.04.
Answer to a letter to the editor. The author of the letter to the editor notes that Kuyper had supposed (in 1899.23) that the authorities had stood in the way of the Armenian exiles, but that he had subsequently asked in the Second Chamber (cf. 1899.30, pp. 567–572) if the Ministry of Internal Affairs had given the police orders to do so. To assert first and to ask later, in the author’s opinion, is neither sensible nor honest. In his brief answer, Kuyper denies any discrepancy by pointing to the difference between authority as a general concept that applies both to the police and to justice officials and the higher authority exercised by ministers.
Based on the fact that Kuyper’s reply was printed at the same time as the letter he was answering, one surmises that Kuyper was invited by the editor to write it.
Biblical-theological study on Isaiah 9:6, published in the Christmas number and translated from De Heraut, no. 991, December 12, 1896.
Concerning Kuyper’s contributions to The Christian Intelligencer, see 1899.04.
Interpellation in the Second Chamber on May 2, 1899, occasioned by the fact that the Orange Free State and the South African Republic had not been invited to the Peace Conference in The Hague (see 1899.05, pp. 950–956), which was held from May 18 to July 29, 1899. The interpellation provides a well-documented explanation of each of the four questions that Kuyper posed to the minister of foreign affairs. The questions asked what the minister had done to get the Orange Free State and the South African Republic placed on the list of invited parties and whether the minister remained willing (cf. 1899.11) to introduce efforts that might still lead to both states being invited. The situation remained as it was and the Second Boer War (1899–1902) began on October 11, 1899.
This edition is hard to find. The story has it that the ship transporting the print run of this address was sunk on its way to the South African branch office of the publishing house Höveker & Wormser.
In a preserved fragment of a letter dated December 9, 1898 (KA 318, 46), Revell reported that it would gladly receive “250 or 500 copies prepared if you please with our imprint on the title page” on consignment. In fact, however, Revell had to take care of both the imprint and the binding.
1900
In this letter to the temporary chairman of the Dutch Association of Journalists, P.J. Appel (editor of Het Nieuws van den Dag), Kuyper sends thanks for the telegram that the members of the association had sent to Meiringen to express their sympathy at his wife’s death (see 1899.10).
Meditation on Psalm 110:3, translated from De Heraut, no. 568, November 11, 1888.
Concerning Kuyper’s contributions to The Christian Intelligencer, see 1899.04.
A well-documented article providing information about the crisis in the relations between England and the South African republics after the outbreak of the Second Boer War on October 11, 1899. After a brief and passionate introduction, Kuyper provides a historical sketch in twelve paragraphs, analyzing the roots of the crisis, the nature and character of the Boers, the political mistakes of the English, and the background motives that recurrently influence behavior of both sides. Kuyper admits that it is impossible to predict how the crisis will turn out, but he is certain that “if England does not come to repentance, then the struggle will be stubborn, bloody, and lengthy.” The article was published in a renowned journal that had agencies around the entire Western world. It was subsequently published as a brochure in six different languages. F. Brunetière, director of the Revue des deux mondes, and editor Charles Benoist had invited Kuyper to write an article for their journal about “les affaires du Transvaal que vous connaissez si bien” (letter to Kuyper, dated October 16, 1899 [KA 130]).
A summary of the article was published in South Africa in De keizer en de Zuid-Afrikaansche oorlog: naar het Duitsch [door F. Peinlich] en De Zuid-Afrikaansche crisis [door A. Kuyper] (naar het Fransch): Een précis (Kaapstad: Ritchie, [1900]).
Devotion on Isaiah 63:16, translated from De Heraut, no. 211, January 8, 1882.
Concerning Kuyper’s contributions to The Christian Intelligencer, see 1899.04.
In a letter to Kuyper, dated Paris, January 19, 1900 (KA 130), Charles Benoist, editor of the Revue des deux Mondes, promised that a hundred exemplaires tirés à part would be reserved for Kuyper.
In the period March 2–23, 1900, Kuyper addressed the Second Chamber on the subject of statutory regulation of compulsory education (pp. 1073–1329) as well as about several amendments to proposed legislation (pp. 1202–1204). On April 3 Kuyper supported a motion to delay discussion of a treaty intended to settle international disagreements because belligerent England was among its signatories (pp. 1368–1369). Six sessions later he offered a few practical tips about how better to counteract deception in the butter trade (pp. 1483–1484). During the session from May 15 to May 18, Kuyper spoke several times about the draft legislation on paternal power (Kuyper preferred to speak about “paternal authority”) and custody (pp. 1496–1560). In the reports on pages 1638–1745, the topics have primarily to do with several educational matters. On June 21 Kuyper spoke about a motion arising from the rejected petition for pardon for P.J. Troelstra, a member of Parliament. Kuyper opposed the motion on formal grounds (pp. 1783–1784). The discussions on pages 1817–1818 and 1843–1850 have to do with amendments. On June 26 Kuyper spoke about the Second Chamber’s proposed inquiry into the newly drafted disability law (pp. 1843–1844), which was submitted after the previous draft bill was rejected by the First Chamber. Page 1831 conveys what Kuyper said on the next day about the proposed schedule for that inquiry.
The translator, C.K. Elout (1870–1947), was a member of the board of governors of the Nederlandsche Journalistenkring and an editor of the Algemeen Handelsblad. The fact that he translated Kuyper’s plea (see 1900.03) shows how much weight it carried. Elout wrote a profile of Kuyper on the occasion of his seventieth birthday in his series “Haagsche Heeren,” which was published in the Algemeen Handelsblad. This openhearted sketch was also reprinted as the first contribution by the “liberal press” in 1908.11.
Remarkably, this edition bears the uncommon phrase eerste druk [first printing] on the cover and title page. It was probably deemed advisable for commercial and promotional reasons to have part of the print run appear as the eerste druk and the rest as the tweede druk [second printing] (cf. 1906.10).
In the first letter (dated Amsterdam, March 28, 1900) Kuyper responds to the proposal of Yves Guyot (1843–1928), editor in chief of Le Siècle. On March 21, 1900 Guyot started a series of articles directed against 1900.03. The eighteenth and final article was published on April 14, 1900. In a letter to Kuyper dated March 15, 1900, Guyot offered to publish 1900.03 together with his critical commentary as pro and contra in a single brochure. Kuyper found none of Guyot’s conditions acceptable, however. Indeed, in his letter Kuyper judges it very questionable whether the single, poorly documented article in Le Siècle, no. 23381 that he has received from Guyot merits a detailed reply. He also points out that the Revue des deux Mondes retains the authorial rights.
The second letter (dated Grand Hotel, 12 Boulevard des Capucines, April 12, 1900) is a reply to Guyot’s repeated inquiry (in a letter dated April 6, 1900) whether Kuyper would agree to the publication of 1900.03 in a brochure in which it would be preceded by Guyot’s reply, consisting of the eighteen articles from Le Siècle. Kuyper writes that since Guyot has apparently taken no notice at all of his first letter, he has no other choice now but to refer him to the publisher of Revue des deux Mondes (which possessed the copyright to his article).
In a brief letter (dated January 13, 1900) to W.J. Leyds (1859–1940), who assisted him with the documentation for 1900.03, Kuyper writes, “I hope that my article will drive Yves Guyot, with his feeble opposition, from the field” (cf. 1930.05, letter no. 317). This obviously did not occur.
Kuyper’s first letter was also printed along with Guyot’s in De Standaard, no. 8616, April 3, 1900. In De Standaard, no. 8670, June 27, 1900, reference is made to another author who had publicly replied to Guyot and conclusively dealt with his critique.
Meditation on Revelation 19:8, translated from De Heraut, no. 1154, February 4, 1900.
Concerning Kuyper’s contributions to The Christian Intelligencer, see 1899.04.
In a letter dated May 6, 1900 (see 1931.03, letter no. 63), Kuyper asked W.J. Leyds, envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary to the courts of Germany, Russia, Holland, Belgium, and Portugal, and to the government of France on behalf of the Transvaal (but actually working on behalf of both Boer Republics), whether the translation of 1900.03 into German had already been undertaken. If not, Kuyper stated that he would be willing to find a translator and to pay the translation costs of ƒ150.-.
Meditation on 1Corinthians 15:6, translated from De Heraut, no. 1165, April 22, 1900.
Concerning Kuyper’s contributions to The Christian Intelligencer, see 1899.04.
On April 27, 1900, the board of directors of the Dutch Association of Journalists was given an audience by Queen Wilhelmina. On that occasion she expressed her desire that the article on the South African crisis in Revue des deux Mondes (1900.03) be widely circulated abroad. After Kuyper reported that an English and German translation would soon be published, the queen added that she considered it particularly important for the article to be distributed in the United States (cf. Algemeen Handelsblad, no. 22608, April 27, 1900).
According to a report published in De Standaard, no. 8646, May 29, 1900 about the annual meeting of the Dutch South African Association (established in 1881), 10,000 copies of the first printing of this English edition were sent to the United States and 5,000 to England. The Utrecht section of the Dutch South African Association controlled the authorial rights to this English edition, which was printed in the Netherlands (cf. De Standaard, no. 8675, July 3, 1900). The Utrecht section also took charge of distributing the edition in England and the United States. The printings remained unchanged as far as has been determined. In the intro- duction the translator presents Kuyper to the reader with a brief sketch of his responsibilities and talents. The translator, A.E. Fletcher (1841–1915), also shares that he has undertaken the translation at Kuyper’s request.
Two letters addressed to Yves Guyot (see 1900.08), printed in the epilogue to Guyot’s La politique Boer.
Swedish translation of 1900.03, published as no. 21 in the series Ur det moderna samhällslifvet. The title has been expanded, the twelve numbered paragraphs have been provided with captions, and a table of contents has been added.
In this edition, which was printed with enlarged interlinear spacing, every paragraph begins on a new page. Opposite the title page, a brief list of four translations of 1900.03 is included (1900.12, 1900.07, 1900.10, 1900.14).
Meditation on Acts 2:13, translated from De Heraut, no. 443, June 20, 1886.
Concerning Kuyper’s contributions to The Christian Intelligencer, see 1899.04.
Each of the four unnumbered installments bears the annotation next to the title: “Lecture by Prof. Dr. Kuyper in the ‘Historical Presbyterian Society’ in Philadelphia.”
Meditation on Revelation 2:7, translated from De Heraut, no. 1167, May 13, 1900.
Concerning Kuyper’s contributions to The Christian Intelligencer, see 1899.04.
In a “postscript for American readers,” Kuyper briefly explains that his polemic against Methodism is definitely not intended as a criticism of Methodist churches, but of the over-accentuation of the subjective standpoint in Dutch Protestant churches. In Kuyper’s view this kind of subjectivism leads to a low form of ecclesiology, from which no sustainable Protestant Christian worldview can be constructed.
The translator, Henri De Vries (1847–1932), describes the origin of the book in his explanatory note, where he also provides a sketch of the author’s life and work. De Vries worked with a free hand in his translation, commenting toward the conclusion of his explanatory notes that he had adapted some material to “local conditions” and “current theological discussions” since Kuyper had been “overwhelmed with work” and had declared himself “fully satisfied with the translation so far as he had seen it.” Like his brother J. Hendrik De Vries (also an authorized Kuyper translator—see 1892.05), Henri De Vries, a pastor of the Reformed Church in Peekskill, New York, was born in the Netherlands. The process of his translation can be followed in eight letters written to Kuyper between 1894 and 1900 (KA 127–130). A royalty statement from November 1, 1900, attached to a letter to Kuyper dated December 4, 1900, indicates that 575 copies had been sold since June.
His translation is preceded by a substantial introductory note by B.B. Warfield. After giving a brief overview of other writings by Kuyper that have been translated into English, Warfield expresses his hope that this translation will constitute the next step in the process that “will gradually make all his message ours.” He then provides an outline of theological studies on the Holy Spirit and places Kuyper’s comprehensive book in relation to this field of study. The note concludes by sketching the development of the doctrine of the Holy Spirit—a development that he finally traces back as a gift from Calvin to the church.
A concise, chronologically ordered list of approximately one hundred of Kuyper’s writings (with English translations in parentheses) follows. This list was never updated in subsequent editions and was finally omitted from 1995.01 and later editions.
Meditation on Revelation 3:12, translated from De Heraut, no. 1176, July 15, 1900.
Concerning Kuyper’s contributions to The Christian Intelligencer, see 1899.04.
For the introductory remark to the new edition, see 1890.11. In this second edition with new typesetting, Kuyper adds a brief reflection (in the note to the second edition) on confession, which he calls “the key to knowledge” against any falsely pious form of sectarianism (pp. [XV]–XVI). According to Kuyper, the confessions seal the bond between real piety and the truth. He therefore considers it a hopeful sign that a second edition of Rotterdam’s commentary on the Belgic Confession is being published.
The reports on pages 63–151 concern the public discussion of the new draft legislation, “Statutory assurance for laborers against the financial consequences of accidents in certain companies.” The First Chamber had rejected the former draft bill (see 1899.05, 1899.28, and 1899.30) and public debate in the Second Chamber began on October 10, 1900. Kuyper spoke about the matter twice that day (pp. 63–64 and 77–78). The next day the discussion concerned amendments to the bill (pp. 83 and 85–86). Kuyper’s final contribution to this discussion had to do with a matter of detail (p. 151). On November 22 Kuyper spoke during the debate about the 1901 budget for the Dutch Indies (pp. 393–396). He then also took part in the discussions about the national budget of 1901 (pp. 508–734). On December 4 he delivered a 2 3/4-hour address on the contemporary political situation and what was required for a good governmental policy (pp. 508–515). His views unleashed so many reactions that it was feared his reply on December 5 might demand so much time as to threaten the minister’s and members of Parliament’s traditional Sinterklaas celebration. As an ardent advocate by his own account of the virtues of family life, Kuyper requested permission to deliver his response on the following day (pp. 559–565). The speaker of the house did not judge this a legitimate reason to delay, but nevertheless adjourned the session. On December 6 Kuyper requested once again to have more openness and information about the work of Dutch diplomats (p. 574). The report of December 11 (pp. 630–631) records the questions and suggestions Kuyper made about the subsidization of the Central Department for Social Recommendations. His final parliamentary question in 1900 (p. 734) concerned the proposed salary increases for high officials; he asked whether such increases might not be demoralizing for lower governmental officials.
Lecture at the Vrije Universiteit, delivered at the opening of the academic year on September 18, 1900. The number of registered students had grown by then to 229. On a previous occasion (in 1889.14), Kuyper had spoken about the secret of genuine study; now his subject was the goal of genuine study. According to Kuyper, the purpose is not to seek, but to find. Moreover, if scholarship is about finding then it follows, first, that it does not seek after the unseekable, second, that it does not seek after what has already been found, and third, that it does not seek after what God has already revealed. These stipulations uphold the principled standpoint for study and scholarship at the Vrije Universiteit. The practice of scholarship entails a threefold task: (1) of ascertaining the wealth of truth that serves as the point of departure; (2) of deriving from these established truths the implicit consequences for life today; and (3) of systematizing the first and second tasks.
In this speech Kuyper again champions (cf. 1895.22, 1897.08, and 1899.18), but this time on the students’ behalf, the legitimacy of the path that the Vrije Universiteit has followed on principle since its founding. He seeks to confirm once more the basic principles of the Vrije Universiteit.
In a brief preface (pp. [III]–IV), the translator describes the impact that the dogma of evolution has had upon the sciences. Kuyper is introduced in this connection as someone who has been competently trained in many sciences and thus as someone qualified to oppose the increasingly influential theory of evolution.
The publication date must be 1900 rather than 1901 since a review was published in Reformirte Kirchen-Zeitung 23 (1900), no. 45, November 11, 1900. A copy provides additional evidence by way of a handwritten dedication from the translator to his wife, dated October 12, 1900.
Devotion on Revelation 3:12, translated from De Heraut, no. 1177, July 22, 1900.
Concerning Kuyper’s contributions to The Christian Intelligencer, see 1899.04.
Devotion on 1Corinthians 13:12, translated from De Heraut, no. 1183, September 2, 1900.
Concerning Kuyper’s contributions to The Christian Intelligencer, see 1899.04.
Notes from Kuyper’s lectures on the doctrine of the covenant, delivered at the Vrije Universiteit during the 1898/1899 academic year. In these lectures Kuyper first deals with “covenant” as a concept, a biblical theme, and a religious idea. He next examines the covenant of which Christ is the mediator, the covenant organically given along with the Creation, and the covenant as related to common and particular grace.
The phrase college-dictaat van een der studenten (dogmatiek) [lecture notes by one of the students (dogmatics)] is printed at the top of every numbered page. For information about the typesetting, see 1891.18, 1891.24, 1893.10, and 1898.26. According to the archives of the bookkeeping department of the Association for Higher Education on Reformed Principles (AVU), the publisher W. Kirchner (1866–1921) in Amsterdam printed this and also the next three volumes.
The proofs were corrected by the theology student J.C. Rullmann (1876–1936, enrolled in 1896), who later became Kuyper’s bibliographer and biographer. Rullmann was also assigned the task of recording the lecture notes (cf. 1891.18) for this locus (cf. 1928.02, p. 174). The printed notes were probably made available to students starting in February/March 1900.
Notes from Kuyper’s lectures on the doctrine of God, delivered at the Vrije Universiteit during the 1896/1897 academic year. The lectures deal with divine action and providence, including the doctrine of election and reprobation.
The phrase college-dictaat van een der studenten (dogmatiek) [lecture notes by one of the students (dogmatics)] is printed at the top of every numbered page. For information about the typesetting see 1891.18, 1891.24, 1893.10, and 1898.26. Concerning the printer, see 1900.29. The proofs were probably corrected by the student H.D. Takken (enrolled in 1895) and the printed notes were likely made available to students starting in June/July 1900.
Notes from Kuyper’s lectures on the doctrine of providence, delivered at the Vrije Universiteit during the 1897/1898 academic year. After introducing the topic, Kuyper treats providence in relation to the Creation, sin, prayer, miracles, and the natural means that humans have at their disposal. The two concluding paragraphs are concerned, first, with general and special providence, and second, with the connection between providence, grace, and wrath.
The phrase college-dictaat van een der studenten (dogmatiek) [lecture notes by one of the students (dogmatics)] is printed at the top of every numbered page. For information about the typesetting, see 1891.18, 1891.24, 1893.10, and 1898.26. Concerning the printer, see 1900.29. The proofs were probably corrected by the theology student H.D. Takken and the printed notes were likely made available to students starting in June/July 1900.
Notes from Kuyper’s lectures on the doctrine of Creation, delivered at the Vrije Universiteit during the 1899/1900 academic year. In comparison with 1891.18 the organization and treatment of the doctrine is new. Particularly noteworthy is the attention that the theory of evolution now receives in the sixth and final paragraph, which deals with extrabiblical ideas about the origin of things.
The phrase college-dictaat van een der studenten (dogmatiek) [lecture notes by one of the students (dogmatics)] is printed at the top of every numbered page. For information about the typesetting, see 1891.18, 1891.24, 1893.10, and 1898.26. Concerning the printer, see 1900.29. The proofs were corrected by J.C. Rullmann (cf. 1928.02, p. 174), who was also the appointed note-taker for these lectures (cf. 1900.29). The printed notes were likely made available to students starting in September 1900.
This locus was the last one printed in the series of student notes on Kuyper’s dogmatic lectures. The series contains thirteen loci, which were originally printed in twenty-one unbound parts. In 1907 a summary of the contents of the twenty-one parts was published (see 1891.18). The set, bound uniformly in full cloth (red), numbers ten volumes.
In this short editorial, entitled “Tegen McKinley” [Against McKinley], Kuyper urges Americans of Dutch origin in Michigan, Iowa, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania to vote against President William McKinley. Referring to his visit to the White House in 1898, Kuyper bases his advice on McKinley’s refusal to intervene in the Boer War. He also remarks in passing that he would have joined the Republican party (cf. 1898.18) if he had emigrated to America.
The asterism is taken from De Standaard 29 (1900), no. 8738, September 14, 1900. The pamphlet in which it was republished contains articles reprinted in part or in full by various pro-Boer partisans. The collection was probably published in the final quarter of 1900 during the lead-up to the presidential elections in November. McKinley was reelected; however, he was assassinated less than a year later.
In this letter to De Amsterdammer. Weekblad voor Nederland Kuyper commented on an article the paper had published on September 23. There De Amsterdammer had reacted to an article of De Standaard on the measures against a possible coming plague epidemic. De Standaard had argued that while being draconian, the measures the government had proposed were right. De Amsterdammer had reacted with contentment, while also noting that it was strange that De Standaard still needed to say these things to its rank and file in the year 1900. De Amsterdammer hoped that De Standaard would now also recommend vaccination against smallpox.
In his letter to the editor Kuyper argued that he had not changed his stance. For smallpox he had always recommended hygiene and isolation. He had never supported forced vaccination and would not to that now. As long as many experts would advise against vaccination Kuyper would do the same. In its commentary on Kuyper’s letter De Amsterdammer noted that Kuyper had made a new step in his thinking: he apparently did not warn against vaccination on a principal basis but on the basis of expert opinion.
1901
In the parliamentary debate about the upcoming marriage of Queen Wilhelmina on January 3, 1901, Kuyper voiced his opposition to using the word “approve” in one of the bills (pp. 917–918). He considered this word improper, impolite, and not in accordance with the constitution. He preferred the phrase “consent to.” Bills dealing with the organization of the army are discussed on pages 1035–1189, 1358–1359, and 1459–1535. Kuyper also spoke about a bill concerning government supervision of national health care (pp. 1194–1201) and proposed legislation to improve public housing (pp. 1248–1298). After commenting briefly on pension regulation (p. 1361) and clarifying his vote with respect to a planned modification of the Nuisance Act (pp. 1570–1574), Kuyper made his last speeches on May 2 and 7 about a bill affecting primary education (pp. 1611–1677). These final two speeches addressed Kuyper’s concern that the Compulsory Education Act, which had been passed in 1900, would financially penalize private schools. While the minister who introduced the bill had promised that this would not be the case and had introduced a subsidy bill as a remedy, its positive effect was cancelled out by the imposition of higher minimum salaries for instructors. Kuyper opposed the subsidy bill and submitted an amendment to make the state responsible for minimum wages as well as wage increases in both public and private schools (see also 1905.04, pp. 505–525).
Meditation on Ephesians 1:18, translated from De Heraut, no. 1197, December 9, 1900.
Concerning Kuyper’s contributions to The Christian Intelligencer, see 1899.04.
Six devotional sketches about women of the Old Testament: Eve (the “mother of us all”), Adah and Zillah, Sarah, Hagar, Rebecca, and Deborah the nurse. When publishing these devotional sketches, either the translator or the editors chose not to maintain the order of the Dutch edition. Eventually, forty-one of the eighty meditations from 1897.18 were translated for The Christian Intelligencer (see 1899.04).
A collection of fifty meditations on the passion, gathered from all the previous volumes of De Heraut (with the exception of 1877, 1882, 1885, and 1891). The title of the collection is taken from Luke 9:31, which also forms the subject of the first meditation. In the foreword Kuyper argues for “holy sentiment” at the cross instead of dry, fragmented, and unimaginative reflections on isolated texts from the passion narrative.
The meditations were reprinted from De Heraut, no. 18, April 7, 1878 (meditation no. XL) through no. 1164, April 15, 1900 (meditation no. XXXV). Interlaced with the words of Psalm 22, the meditations were not reprinted in the original order of publication.
This article, reprinted from De Heraut, no. 1207, February 17, 1901, served as a provisional response to criticism from Th.F. Bensdorp (1860–1917). In De Katholiek 119 (1901), February/March 1901 (pp. [205]–253), Father Bensdorp had contended that Kuyper’s ideas about the unity and the pluriformity of the institutional church were incoherent. In his reply Kuyper limits himself to explaining what he understands by “pluriformity,” correcting what he regards as a recurring misinterpretation in Bensdorp’s article. Bensdorp later published Kuyper’s correction in his response in De Katholiek 119 (1901), April 1901 (pp. [365]–366).
Kuyper opens this speech to the delegates of the Anti-Revolutionary Electoral Associations with a short review of the 1897 election cycle. The extension of suffrage had not brought the anticipated results. Yielding forty-four of one hundred parliamentary seats, the elections had not given the Christians in the Netherlands an absolute majority. Kuyper then asks one question to which he subordinates all others: Will the Christians in the Netherlands obtain the parliamentary majority in the June 14, 1901 election or will victory go to fellow countrymen who always break away from Christ in political matters? Kuyper urges the representatives of the 550 electoral associations to remain loyal to the ideals of Calvinist politics, which start with autonomous, local action. Kuyper nevertheless states his willingness to cooperate with the other Christian parties on a federal level.
Meditation on Psalm 104:14–15, translated from De Heraut, no. 1217, April 28, 1901.
Concerning Kuyper’s contributions to The Christian Intelligencer, see 1899.04.
Voor uw betuiging van sympathie, die mijn hart verkwikt, zeg ik u dank. Velen zeggen, nu ik oud word, dat, als ik sterf, ook mijn werk uit zal zijn en daartegen is het, dat uw beginseltrouw en nobele geestdrift mij waarborg biedt; een waarborg, waar ik God voor dank. Kuyper.
Words of gratitude for a telegram from the annual meeting of the Dutch Federation of Young Men’s Associations on Reformed Principles, held in Arnhem on May 16, 1901. The meeting had thanked Kuyper for his series of articles entitled De Gemeene Gratie in De Heraut and for agreeing to publish it as an independent work (see 1902.13). They had also expressed their wish that he receive God’s help in this decisive year.
At the opening of the twentieth century, Kuyper describes three spiritual threats still lingering from the nineteenth century: intellectualism (intellectualisme), mysticism (mysticisme), and pragmatism (practicisme). In his view these threats arise from overemphasizing the three essential characteristics of humanity: thinking, feeling, and willing (head, heart, and hand).
Originally appearing as three series of articles written in 1900, the text was reprinted from De Heraut, no. 1159, March 11, 1900–no. 1199, December 23, 1900. Even before Kuyper concluded the third series, the Rev. H. Dijkstra (1851–1922) published De Zendingszaak. Een verzoek om eenige revisie. Open brief aan Prof. Dr. A. Kuyper, hoogleeraar aan de Vrije Universiteit te Amsterdam (Amsterdam/Pretoria, [1901]). Dijkstra objected to Kuyper’s charges (in the series on pragmatism) of “secularism,” “superficiality,” and “sterility” in the practice of missions. Dijkstra’s brochure got Kuyper’s attention. In the preface to this reprint, Kuyper notes that he has toned down statements that were too strong. Kuyper very rarely made these kinds of alterations to his reprints. The preface is dated on the day of the second round of parliamentary elections—the day on which Kuyper and his coalition partners won the elections.
Drie kleine vossen (cf. Song of Solomon 2:15) has been numbered among Kuyper’s best works. Prof. H. Bavinck had suggested to the publisher J.H. Kok that he should ask Kuyper for permission to publish these articles as a book because of their excellent quality. This booklet became the first of many works that Kuyper published with Kok in Kampen (see 1907.22). In 1902 Kok also published a title index to De Heraut (see app. 1.03).
Buiten mijn weten en stellig tegen mijn wil. Kuyper.
Telegram sent to Sliedrecht, the district that had once more (cf. 1895.01 and 1897.13) elected Kuyper to the Second Chamber of the States General. B.H. Heldt (1841–1914), Liberal Democrat, founder of the General Dutch Laborers’ Union (1871), and member of the Second Chamber (1885–1901), had started a slanderous rumor during a political speech delivered in Sliedrecht: Kuyper had supposedly had civil servants work on Sunday so that he could go on holiday directly after the formation of the new government. The chairman of the central electoral association in the district of Sliedrecht had seen this coming and had already asked Kuyper about the allegation in a telegram. In that meeting, he confronted Heldt with this cable from Kuyper.
The telegram was sent from the health resort Bad Gastein, where Kuyper was spending his holidays.
Letter to a correspondent (Alexander Cohen [?], 1864–1961) of Le Figaro. The correspondent had asked Kuyper for a clarification after another correspondent (from The Hague) had reported that Kuyper would oppose the use of the French language in the Netherlands after his appointment as a minister. From his holiday address, Kuyper replies that the report is confusing different issues and is misrepresenting a discussion that took place in De Standaard with Prof. A.G. van Hamel (1842–1907). According to the foreign press, Van Hamel had said in Gent (Belgium) that le français est la langue maternelle et une des deux langues nationales and in so doing had involved himself in Belgium’s linguistic conflict. Kuyper had protested the statement and had defended the Flemish movement in De Standaard, no. 8893, March 18, 1901; no. 8901, March 27, 1901; and no. 8912, April 10, 1901.
The June elections for the Second Chamber (see 1901.07) resulted in a parliamentary majority for the Christian political parties (fifty-eight of one hundred seats). Kuyper was charged with forming the new government. He presented the new cabinet on July 30, 1901 and was appointed as a minister on July 31, 1901. His first act as minister of the interior in the Second Chamber took place on September 24, 1901, when he spoke during the debate (pp. 54–64) about the draft reply of the Second Chamber to the queen’s address from the throne at the opening of Parliament on September 17, 1901. (The queen’s address contained striking references to the Netherlands as a “Christian power” and a “Christian nation.”) Kuyper then addressed a number of changes to the national budget for 1901 (pp. 132–134). The Second Chamber discussed the national budget for 1902 until the Christmas recess; Kuyper’s contribution is noted in passing on pages 320–590. Kuyper made a distinct impression from the outset. Among his comments are the following: “I do not stand here as a theologian, but as a statesman. … From the history of Cromwell I have gained a frightful fear of a Barebone’s Parliament. … The great truth is that all politics are ruled either by faith or by unbelief” (pp. 320–325, with footnotes). Kuyper also spoke about the budget and education (pp. 485–551). Among other things, the matter of coeducation was briefly mentioned (p. 513).
Shortly after entering office, Kuyper became the first prime minister of the Netherlands on October 23, 1901. He had a hand in changing the code of order for the cabinet that made this possible. Rather than having a rotating chair in the cabinet, the minister who had been given the task of forming the new government became the settled chairman. This change was not incorporated into the constitution until 1983.
In this letter Kuyper reports that he can no longer retain membership and sit on the board of the Dutch Association of Journalists due to his appointment as minister of the interior. He expresses his regrets at having to leave and thanks the association for its sympathy, trust, and friendly support.
1902
Highest credit for imaginative faculty Brussels correspondent, but please tell readers I have not been in Ostend, did hold no conference with Boer delegates, and could not induce or persuade them draw up terms peace, knowing their credentials did not allow.
In a brief note about this telegram, The Times stated that it “presumably refers to a Reuter telegram from Brussels which appeared in The Times of January 18, though the latter only mentioned Ostend incidentally as the port by which Dr. Kuyper proceeded to London after his alleged conference with the Boer delegates in Brussels.”
Het Volk (January 22, 1902) printed a Dutch translation of the telegram with this commentary: “Which does not mean to say of course that Dr. Kuyper did not apply underhand attempts in the interests of peace.” See 1902.02 and 1905.25.
On January 29 and 31, 1902, Kuyper appeared in the First Chamber during the general debate on the national budget for 1902 to explain and defend the budget of the Interior Ministry (pp. 148–194). He was first confronted, however, by a question posed by a member of the First Chamber about an aide-mémoire that the Dutch government had allegedly sent to the English government (p. 141). As it was not customary to make such an aide-mémoire known before its recipient had made it public, Kuyper could not announce that the government had offered to assist the English in mediating an end to the Second Boer War. Shortly afterwards, the aide-mémoire (see also 1905.25, 1934.03, and 1957.03) was published together with the English government’s reply in, among others places, De Standaard, no. 9166, February 6, 1902. In De Standaard, no. 11379, April 23, 1909, Kuyper wrote a lead article about the origin, rationale, and significance of this aide-mémoire. On April 30 (pp. 254–255) and June 5 (p. 294), Kuyper discussed a number of smaller bills in the First Chamber.
Devotional sketches about three Old Testament women: Leah, Asnath, and Miriam.
Concerning Kuyper’s contributions to The Christian Intelligencer, see 1899.04.
On March 19, 1902, Kuyper spoke in the Second Chamber about, among other things, the need to increase the national budget to address a looming shortfall of colonial civil servants (pp. 1117–1119). (The minister for colonies was absent from Parliament due to illness.) A number of local bills were subsequently discussed in April and May (pp. 1133–1348), including a bill intended to regulate certain changes to municipal boundaries. On June 3 and 4, Kuyper made brief remarks about the report of 1900/1901 on the state of higher, secondary, and primary education (p. 1520) and about a faulty job application procedure at a public school (p. 1555). On September 3 Kuyper announced the death of the oldest member of the Second Chamber, J.F.W. Conrad (1825–1902). The parliamentary session 1901–1902 ended with lengthy debates about the implementation of the Industrial Injuries Act (pp. 1690–1725). Kuyper’s final contribution in the Second Chamber during this parliamentary session came with his announcement on September 9, 1902 that the minister for colonies, T.A.J. van Asch van Wijck (1849–1902), had died.
Aan den Bond mijn hartelijken dank. Met de bede dat Hij in Wiens Naam de Bond optrekt, hem in klimmende mate een kern en brandpunt doe zijn van gezonde Christelijke actie ten zegen van volk en vaderland en tot eere van Gods heiligen Naam. Kuyper.
An expression of gratitude cabled in response to a telegraph sent by the annual meeting of the Dutch Federation of Reformed Young Men’s Associations on Reformed Principles. The federation, which assembled in Amsterdam on May 8, 1902, had expressed its respect and support for Kuyper. Kuyper’s expression of gratitude was also published in De Standaard, no. 9245, May 12, 1902.
De bond van A.R.P.C. bood mij door zijn telegram een bemoediging die ik hoogelijk waardeer. Voor zooveel sympathie betuig ik oprechten dank, en bid den bond toe, dat hij in de kracht Gods een instrument zij, om de beginselen die ons heilig zijn, onder alle rangen en standen onzes volks steeds krachtiger ingang te doen vinden. Kuyper.
A cable expressing Kuyper’s gratitude. On May 19, 1902, the Federation of Anti-Revolutionary Propaganda Clubs (ARPC) was founded in Utrecht. The first general meeting of the federation had sent Kuyper a telegram expressing its gratitude for his explanation of Anti-Revolutionary principles and its prayer that God would allow him to continue to be a blessing to the country for many years to come. The forming of propaganda clubs was soon imitated by other political parties.
A lengthy study about angels calling for Calvinists to give angels a more concrete place in religious life and to take a more balanced attitude towards the veneration of angels in the Roman Catholic tradition. This study reprinted the article series Van de engelen [About the angels] from De Heraut, no. 858, June 3, 1894–no. 915, July 7, 1895. Kuyper fell seriously ill in Brussels in July 1894 while writing this series (see 1894.10). During his convalescence in Pau, at the foot of the French Pyrenees, he resumed the thread of these “preliminary articles” (see 1894.15) and continued the series in De Heraut, no. 882, November 18, 1894. As was typical of such series, Van de engelen was interrupted only by biblical-theological studies for the major church holidays and meditations during the summer holidays. All thirty-six numbered articles were given brief, relevant headings for this edition. Strikingly, Kuyper did not prepare a foreword for this volume.
A three-page list of his forty-four titles in print was included at the back of the volume under the heading “Werken van Dr. Kuyper” [Works by Dr. A. Kuyper].
Meditation on 1Peter 5:5, translated from De Heraut, no. 923, September 1, 1895.
Concerning Kuyper’s contributions to The Christian Intelligencer, see 1899.04.
Meditation on John 12:24, translated from De Heraut, no. 1000, February 21, 1897.
Concerning Kuyper’s contributions to The Christian Intelligencer, see 1899.04.
Tegelijk met het doodsbericht van den Minister van Koloniën ontving ik uw vriendelijk telegram. Ontvang er mijn hartelijken dank voor. De Heere onze God stelle “Boäz” tot een zegen voor het vaderland. De Minister van Binnenlandsche Zaken, Kuyper.
Cable expressing gratitude to the annual meeting of the Association of Dutch Employers “Boaz” (see 1892.07), which took place on September 9, 1902 in Amsterdam. The association had sent a telegram expressing its gratitude, among other things, for Kuyper’s importance to Boaz. The minister for colonial affairs was T.A.J. van Asch van Wijck.
On September 23, 1902, Kuyper spoke in his capacity as minister of the interior about the draft reply to the queen’s throne address in the Second Chamber (pp. 46–51). On October 1, he commented on a bill giving women employed in herring processing plants limited rights to work at night (pp. 91–101; see 1905.12). Deliberations on the national budget for 1903 determined his speeches and necessitated shorter contributions during the remainder of the calendar year (pp. 400–666). On December 6, in a long memorandum in reply, Kuyper discussed all kinds of budgetary matters, giving account of his policies and reflecting on their connection to Christian political principles (pp. 400–408). In this memorandum he also discussed the 1900 annual report of The Union: “A School with the Bible,” which offered a proposed solution to the “school question.” During the period December 9–17, he discussed a range of budget items and other matters in speeches and shorter comments (pp. 525–666). He announced the death of Vice Admiral G. Kruys (1838–1902), minister of the navy, to the Second Chamber on December 12, giving a brief eulogy. Kuyper went on to discuss homeopathy (pp. 542 and 556), psychiatric care (pp. 546–556), the problems of alcohol (pp. 552–554), educational matters (pp. 572–635), and labor issues, banking, and the insurance business (pp. 644–662). He concluded the final month of the 1902 session of Parliament by making a few very brief remarks about various bills (pp. 663–666) that were of little consequence because they only addressed a few local affairs (pp. 889–893).
Kuyper appeared in the First Chamber on October 17, 1902 to speak about a change in the boundaries between two municipalities. The issue required a rapid settlement in law. He then spoke about a bill regulating night work (pp. 35–39; cf. 1902.11, pp. 91–101). During the session of December 5, he addressed the implementation of an article in the Industrial Injuries Act of 1901 (pp. 69–72). On December 29, he attended a session of the First Chamber to express his and his colleagues’ appreciation of the words that the chairman of the First Chamber had delivered after the death of the minister of the navy, Vice Admiral G. Kruys. The next day Kuyper spoke in the First Chamber about several bills of only local relevance.
In his preface Kuyper announces that he is treating the “third touchstone” of grace. After his studies on particular grace (the white and very personal stone of Revelation 2:17), published in 1884.09, and on the doctrine of the convenant, published in 1885.04, he now turns his attention to the third touchstone of grace. This touchstone, however, differs from the preceeding manifestatations of grace insofar as it is definitely not soul-saving. Never before had the theme of common grace on Calvinist lines been systematically set forth in its details and broad connections. Kuyper relates the gift of these three touchstones to the work, respectively, of the Holy Spirit, of Jesus Christ, and of God the creator. He emphasizes the fact that Calvinists have a calling to preserve creation provisionally like salt, and to restore the significance of Christian values in all the domains of the Christian and non-Christian worlds.
This three-volume study (historical, dogmatic, and practical) on common grace furthered the line of thought begun in 1884.09 (about the personal nature of grace) and continued in 1885.04 (about the unifying nature of grace as expressed in the doctrine of the covenant). The chapters in the three volumes were originally published in four series of articles under the heading Van de gemeene gratie [About common grace] in De Heraut, no. 923, September 1, 1895–no. 1228, July 14, 1901.
The historical part—the first of three volumes—discusses the origins and effects of common grace in sixty-seven chapters, taken from De Heraut, no. 923, September 1, 1895–no. 1004, March 21, 1897. Headings have been added to all the chapters. The series of weekly publications in De Heraut was interrupted only by biblical-theological meditations on church holidays and meditations during the summer holidays.
In an editorial entitled “‘Gratie’ of ‘genade’” [“Grace” or “mercy”] in De Heraut, no. 1205, February 3, 1901, Kuyper answered an inquiry about why he had chosen “gratie” and not “genade” as the key term for his exposition (see also the preface to the first volume and 2013.04, pp. [239]–241)..
The first part of the print run was meant for readers of De Heraut, who could sign up for a maximum of two sets. By signing up and paying a temporary surcharge on the subscription to De Heraut (ƒ0.75 per quarter), they received the work as a premie-exemplaar [premium copy] for half price (cf. 1892.17). The number of subscribers totaled 1,915 according to a financial document (KA 186). The remainder subsequently appeared as a trade edition without the phrase premie-exemplaar on the title page. This trade edition (a title edition) was brought into circulation by Wormser according to contract (KA 315). An advertisement for this trade edition in De Heraut, no. 1311, February 15, 1903, announced that it “was published today.”
The second and third volumes were published with the imprint of the Wormser publishing house, as had been settled by contract at a later stage. The three-volume publication of De gemeene gratie was not auctioned with the stock of the Wormser publishing house in 1907 (see 1907.22). Kuyper was the owner of the print run and transferred the remaining sets to the publisher J.H. Kok, Kampen.
A complete English translation of Common Grace will be published within a few years. For that the Acton Institute and Kuyper College (Grand Rapids MI, USA) became partners in a two-year translation project. This major Abraham Kuyper translation project started in 2011. The first volume was published in 2013. Nelson D. Kloosterman is serving as the general translator of the three volume work. Common Grace will be published by Christian’s Library Press, the newly acquired publishing imprint of the Acton institute.
Meditation on 2Corinthians 3:6, translated from De Heraut, no. 983, October 25, 1896.
Concerning Kuyper’s contributions to The Christian Intelligencer, see 1899.04.
A bound tear-off calendar for 1903. Underneath the times of sunrise and sunset, the position of the moon, the day, and the date, the pages of the calendar give mottos—spiritual epigrams as it were—from Kuyper’s works. At the time this item was hailed as a novelty among tear-off calendars. As the publisher announced in an advertisement, the mottos had been selected under the supervision of Henriette S.S. Kuyper (cf. 1897.21). Kuyper’s eldest daughter, who was gifted both as an editor and as a manager, supported her father greatly by assisting with his work and housekeeping.
The calendar block was available in unbound and bound issues. The unbound calendar block came in an unusual casing that did not, as was customary, depict a scene, but featured—“in new-fashioned style,” as one critic wrote—harmoniously arranged arabesques in gold, bronze, and green against a soft green background.
For the publisher, the Flakkeesche Boekdrukkerij (see 1895.11), this large quarto edition was not a commercial success. The remainder of the edition was transferred to the publisher and bookseller D. Bolle, who also owned a “bazaar of cheap books.” This publisher furnished the Bible with a new title page depicting his oval publisher’s device—a man with a spade across his shoulder walking in a mountainous environment, with the inscription “digging uphill” on the upper edge and the interlaced initials D.B. on the lower edge. The preface was also reprinted, leaving off the date. The edition was put on sale for a far lower price than that of the 1895 edition.
This collection of fifty-two meditations repeatedly places the darkness of dying and the hopelessness of loss in a biblical light and perspective. In the preface, which is dated on his sixty-fifth birthday, Kuyper writes that his own mourning resounds through all these meditations. Indeed, the first meditation (on 2Cor. 5:4) in the original series from De Heraut had been published in same issue that had printed the obituary for his wife, Mrs. J.H. Kuyper-Schaay (see 1899.10). This meditation became the third in the collection (see also 1998.03 and 1998.09). The first meditation in the collection was the last in the series from De Heraut.
The meditations were taken from De Heraut, no. 1132, September 3, 1899–no. 1198, December 16, 1900. Typically the series was interrupted only by biblical-theological studies during major church holidays and for meditations during the summer holidays. A reviewer in De Heraut (January 18, 1903) regarded this collection as a counterpart to 1893.08, noting that “In the Shadow of Death … brings a ray of sunshine of God’s comforting love into the sick room and the house of mourning; this book describes the hope and comfort that crosses the grave.”
The agreement to publish this cheap edition along with 1902.17 had been stipulated in a contract (KA 315) signed by the author and his publisher on May 3, 1902.
Of the cheap edition, four title editions have been found with the same imprint. The dates of publication, however, could not be ascertained. All four title editions were given the imprint that Wormser used from the autumn of 1896 to the autumn of 1905. They were likely printed in the same print run but given a new title page each time, indicating, respectively, “third printing” through “sixth printing.” Title editions were frequently published for commercial reasons. By issuing title editions, publishers frequently gave the appearance of having high sales figures and were able to provide the public with “new editions” of their backlist. This fairly common practice was perhaps also induced by large print runs such as those for 1894.03, 1900.07, and 1906.10. The publisher only advertised 1902.17 through the summer of 1907. After five years the stock was still quite extensive.
1903
The records of the session of the First Chamber of January 9, 1903 include a memorandum in reply submitted by Kuyper. The memorandum concerned the settlement of chapter 5 of the national budget for 1903—i.e., the section for which Kuyper’s ministry was responsible (pp. 151–153). Kuyper’s subsequent parliamentary contributions dealt with numerous budgetary matters as well (pp. 181–219). Debates took place about issues such as municipal autonomy (p. 195) and education (p. 219). During the session of April 11, Kuyper spoke out against the “revolutionary action” of the railroad strikes (pp. 267–268). Kuyper gave a brief report about the measures taken to counteract the strike and expressed appreciation for the soldiers who maintained law and order during the strike. He also thanked the First Chamber for its confidence in the government’s handling of the matter. On June 26 Kuyper spoke about a bill regulating public health inspections.
Seven devotional sketches about women of the Old Testament: Zipporah, Deborah, Jephthah’s daughter, Naomi, Orpah, Ruth, and the mother of Ichabod.
Concerning Kuyper’s contributions to The Christian Intelligencer, see 1899.04.
Quis non fleret.
The words of the cable are from the Stabat Mater. After the death of H.J.A.M. Schaepman in Rome on January 21, 1903, Kuyper sent one of the first telegrams of condolence. Schaepman, D.D, D.Phil., D.Litt. (1844–1903), was a poet, theologian, professor, journalist, editor of various periodicals, and a member of the Second Chamber since 1880. He was also an emancipator of the Dutch Roman Catholics, the founder of the Roman Catholic State Party, an orator, a social activist and campaigner against liberalism, a supporter of the Anti-Revolutionaries, and a man with an exceptional capacity for work.
On January 31, 1903, there was a one-day railroad strike. The strike and its aftermath had a profound impact upon Dutch social and political order. On February 25 Kuyper made a government policy statement (p. 926) in the Second Chamber, speaking about the three bills submitted as a consequence of the strike. These bills legislated the foundation of a railroad brigade, the installation of an investigative committee to examine the legal status and conditions of employment of the railway workers, and penalties for dereliction of duty. “In the well-understood interest of all parties,” Kuyper stated, “lawful authority must be maintained unrelentingly.” On March 10 and 11 Kuyper answered interpellations by P.R. Mees (Liberal Democrat) and P.J. Troelstra (Social Democrat) about the strike and the three antistrike bills (pp. 948–975). In a speech on April 4 (pp. 1088–1092), Kuyper again entered the debate about the antistrike bills. The three bills were passed into law by the Second Chamber on April 9, 1903. On June 16, 1903 (pp. 1234–1237), Kuyper discussed the investigative committee (cf. p. 926) and advocated using the military to maintain law and order. Subsequently, Kuyper spoke about labor conditions in brick works (pp. 1241–1260). The aftermath of the strikes also influenced the debate over two bills dealing with the military courts (pp. 1354–1383). Finally, on July 1 Kuyper took part in discussions about changes to the national budget of 1903 (pp. 1389–1391), about three bills concerning inland waterway shipping in Friesland, and about the conclusions of a parliamentary committee regarding an 1899 report about poverty relief.
In this letter to the board of the Synod of Arnhem, Kuyper states that he can not accept the invitation to attend the synod as an advisory member. He writes that it is difficult not only for him, but also apparently for others to make a distinction between his political office and the other positions he holds. He does offer advice about an item on the synod’s agenda—namely, how to unify the Theologische School in Kampen and the theological faculty at the Vrije Universiteit.
The question of the two seminaries continued to raise much debate within the united churches. According to Kuyper, their presence still prevented complete unification. Kuyper was opposed to the discontinuation of either institution and saw a possibility arising from the 1892 agreement to form a single school overseen partly by the churches and partly by the university. He regarded the draft act for fusing the churches (see 1889.03) as a step in the right direction. Looking at the situation from the perspective of his current office, Kuyper felt that a most auspicious opportunity had now appeared for Calvinists in the Netherlands, which, if not seized upon, would probably not recur.
Uw telegram deed goed en gaf hoop. Vriendelijk dank er voor. Een kring als “Timotheus” werkt als bederfwerend zout. Kuyper.
Expression of gratitude for a telegram sent by the Christian Young Men’s Association “Timotheus” in Rotterdam on its thirty-sixth anniversary. In the telegram the young men had wished Kuyper God’s blessing in maintaining law and order and expressed their conviction that “the Dutch Calvinist youth felt united more than ever with the advocate of the holy principles to which they also adhered.”
Aan de vergadering van Christelijke werklieden de dank der regeering voor den hoogen moed, den eerbied voor recht en orde en de trouw aan plicht en roeping, waarvan de belijders van den Christus in hun kring zoo schitterend blijk gaven. Waar de regeering op u kon rekenen, hoopt de regeering te toonen, dat de werkmansstand in Nederland kan rekenen op haar. De Minister van Binnenlandsche Zaken. Kuyper.
Cable expressing Kuyper’s gratitude. The Combined Federations Meeting of the Christian Labor Unions, which convened in Amsterdam on Easter Monday, April 13, 1903, had sent a telegram to the prime minister complimenting the government’s enforcement of law and order during the past week of strikes. After the railway strike of January 31, 1903, a new railway strike had broken out on April 6 (the so-called “April movement”). The Second Chamber passed the antistrike laws (see 1903.04) during this second strike, which lasted a week.
The government policy statement from 1903.04 (p. 926) is included in a brochure summarizing the events surrounding the strikes of January and April 1903 from the Anti-Revolutionary perspective. P. Brouwer (1868–1926) was a teacher, journalist, and editor in chief of the Friesch Dagblad from 1911–1926.
Aan den Bond van A.R.P.C. in Nederland mijn warmen dank voor gelukwensch en heilbede. Hoe ouder ik word, hoe hartelijker ik mij verheug over de klimmende geestdrift van het jonge Nederland voor de zaak onzes Heeren. De storm, die losbrak, heeft getoond, wat belofte voor de toekomst in uw clubs geborgen ligt. Blijft groeien, breidt uw invloed in steeds breeder kring uit, en bovenal blijke uw saamvergadering op Pinksteren symbool, dat gij in den Pinksterzegen uw kracht zocht. Kuyper.
Expression of gratitude cabled to the first annual meeting of the Federation of Anti-Revolutionary Propaganda Clubs (ARPC) in the Netherlands (see 1902.06), which met in Utrecht on Pentecost Monday, June 1, 1903. In an earlier telegram the federation had wished Kuyper God’s strength and blessing “particularly after the storms of the last few months” (railroad strikes, counter-measures, and political debates).
Short letter to the Dutch Young Men’s Federation, which had celebrated its fiftieth anniversary in the Paleis voor Volksvlijt in Amsterdam on May 20–21, 1903. Kuyper was honorary chairman of this two-day celebration. Due to a stay abroad, however, he was unable to attend the festivities. On arriving home, his post included a telegram dated May 20, 1903, which thanked him for accepting the honorary chairmanship during the two-day celebration. In this short letter, Kuyper explained his absence, expressed gratitude for the telegram, and complimented the federation on its Christian character. J.C. de Marez Oyens (1845–1911), minister of transport and communications, had attended the celebration and also served as honorary chairman.
The Social Democrats republished Kuyper’s reply to their leader P.J. Troelstra (1860–1930) in a political pamphlet. During a parliamentary debate about extending the period of service for soldiers in the ground forces, Troelstra discussed the railway strikes (see 1903.07) extensively on June 30 and July 1, 1903. Kuyper’s reply (see 1903.04, pp. 1356–1357) is printed between two sections of Troelstra’s speeches.
Policy statement taken from 1903.04 (p. 926) and included in a history that describes the connection between the three antistrike laws and the events of both railway strikes (see 1903.07). This book was written to correct misunderstandings in international public opinion that stood in the way of a fair assessment of the strikes and the government’s countermeasures.
The second volume of the three-volume work De gemeene gratie contains ninety-one chapters devoted to a theological and doctrinal analysis of common grace. The chapters were first published as an article series in De Heraut, no. 1005, March 28, 1897–no. 1139, October 22, 1899. Titles have been added to each article. As usual, the original series of weekly articles had been interrupted only by biblical-theological studies on major church holidays and meditations during the summer holidays.
When Kuyper visited the United States in the autumn of 1898 (see 1898.07), he continued writing the series during his stay. An article written during this period (appearing in De Heraut, no. 1090, November 13, 1898) has a long quote in English dated Grand Rapids, October 26, 1898. In De Heraut the fifth article was mistakenly numbered as VI. This edition corrects the error, with the consequence that article numbers from De Heraut do not correspond to chapter numbers in this volume.
In the session of the Second Chamber on September 22, 1903, members deliberated on their response to the queen’s throne address (pp. 46–61). After making a few comments about bills stipulating a number of changes to municipal boundaries (pp. 92–96; the same issue, see pp. 393–395), Kuyper entered into a long debate on October 13, 1903 (with two brief interruptions) about proposed changes to the Local Government Act (pp. 92–158). The 1904 national budget came up for discussion on December 4, 1903 (pp. 650–1011). As usual, the general debate on the national budget started by explicitly bringing up the government’s policies and politics for discussion (pp. 650–706). The planned subsidization of an association that would care for the welfare of country girls who moved to cities in order to work as housemaids (cf. 1904.11) also came up for discussion (pp. 862–863). Kuyper also spoke to educational issues (pp. 963–986). His last verbal contribution to the parliamentary session of 1903 came on December 17 with a short reflection about workers’ wages and plans for reorganizing the State Printing Office.
Voor belangstellend telegram mijn dank. Onze partijdagen wekken belangstelling, bezielen met nieuwen moed en vuren aan tot verhoogd krachtsbetoon. Zij dit ook van uw partijdag de afgebeden vrucht. Kuyper.
Telegram addressed to the Anti-Revolutionary Party rally for the electoral district of Ridderkerk, held on September 30, 1903 at the Dutch Reformed Church in Oud-Beijerland. According to 1903.19, the telegram was addressed to the chairman of the party rally, the Rev. M.H.A. van der Valk (1866–1954). Afterwards the Central Anti-Revolutionary Electoral Association for the Ridderkerk district declared this party rally to be unlawful (cf. 1903.19).
In an additional preface, the translator Nicholas M. Steffens (1839–1912) writes that neo-Kohlbruggianism (then known as the deutsche Lehre) had brought commotion to Reformed and Presbyterian churches and that its effects could still be felt. He thinks it good that the voice of “a great man” can be heard in this controversy. Steffens also refers to Kuyper’s edifying works with much appreciation. He believes that they ought to be translated into German and English, indicating that he might be prepared to set about this task himself.
Born in Emden (Germany), Steffens studied theology at the Theologische School in Kampen (Holland), became a minister of the Reformed Churches in Bentheim and East Friesland (Germany) and emigrated to the United States in 1872. There, after serving a few congregations, Steffens twice served as professor—at Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan and at the Presbyterian Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa. Steffens was known for his knowledge of and proficiency in foreign languages. It is striking that in the preface to his translation he wrote frankly about two English translations of Kuyper’s work (1898.12 and 1900.19), complaining they were translated in a verstümmelte weise [clumsy way]. Steffens also worked on the translation of Kuyper’s Stone Lectures (see 1898.15).
The first volume of this two-volume book commemorating the strikes of 1903 (see 1903.07) contains three pieces by Kuyper. First, on pages 205–207 the work includes the government policy statement concerning the strikes of 1903, which Kuyper delivered in the Second Chamber (see 1903.04, p. 926). Second, on pages 348–364 it contains Kuyper’s reply (nearly verbatim) to the interpellations of P.R. Mees (Liberal Democrat) and P.J. Troelstra (Social Democrat) concerning the strike of January 31, 1903 (see 1903.04, pp. 948– 953). Third, on pages 367–372 the volume offers a conjunction of two (largely complete) sections from Kuyper’s reply to the rejoinder by Mees and Troelstra (see 1903.04, pp. 972–974).
The composition of this memorial book is attributed to H. de Wilde (1853–1929), Kuyper’s personal assistant (cf. 1908.20). De Wilde also wrote political commentary for De Standaard, served as an Anti-Revolutionary city councilor and alderman in The Hague, and authored a handbook titled De Antirevolutionaire partij en haar Program van Beginselen (’s Gravenhage, 1905), which was reprinted four times.
Three parliamentary documents published for political purposes. The first document (pp. [5]–13), which deals with the politics of the cabinet (see also 1909.29, pp. 506–520), was excerpted from a memorandum in reply published in Bijlagen van het verslag der handelingen van de Tweede Kamer der Staten-Generaal 1903–1904. Bijlage A. Staatsbegroting voor 1904. The next two documents provide the text of speeches that Kuyper delivered to the Second Chamber on December 4 and 5, 1903 (see 1903.14, pp. 650–664 and 703–706). In these speeches, Kuyper discusses issues related to the national budget, governmental policy, Christian principles, the strikes (see 1903.07), and the Social Democrats.
This brochure was the first in a new series devoted to current Christian politics. In addition to the trade edition, which was printed on high-quality paper, an edition printed on less expensive paper was published for wide distribution. For specifications concerning the successive printings, see 1904.01.
On December 30, 1903, Kuyper, in his capacity as minister of the interior, took part in debates concerning a number of bills that pertained to raising the national budget of 1903 in favor of the National Insurance Institute and the State Printing Office (pp. 100–101). Subsequently a number of local taxes were discussed.
1904
The publisher’s advertising for the twentieth and final printing announced that about 23,000 copies of the brochure had already been printed. According to De Standaard, no. 9782, February 9, 1904, the twentieth printing was to go to print on February 15, 1904. Copies printed for wide distribution (see 1903.18) undoubtedly formed the greater part of the total print run, but the trade edition was also reprinted (e.g., a thirteenth printing parallel to the thirteenth printing of the copies for distribution).
On January 26 and 30, 1904, after the First Chamber had finished with the committee reports on the 1904 national budget, Kuyper appeared in the First Chamber during the general debate about the budget (pp. 206–279). During the general debate a member of Parliament made Kuyper’s contacts with the foreign press a topic of discussion (pp. 207 and 215). On January 30 Kuyper took part in the debates regarding changes to the Local Government Act (pp. 284–287). Having concerned himself with a few minor matters on July 12 (pp. 435–436), Kuyper was the penultimate speaker during the debate on July 14 about changes and additions to the Regulation of Higher Education Bill (pp. 482–491; cf. 1904.06). Later on the same day the First Chamber rejected the bill by a vote of twenty-seven to twenty-two. As a consequence, the queen signed a royal decree for the dissolution of the First Chamber (Staatsblad van het Koninkrijk der Nederlanden 1904, no. 194) on July 19. For more information about the dissolution of the First Chamber and the higher education bill, see 1905.04.
A pamphlet containing the last two biblical-theological articles in the series Bekeerden en onbekeerden, first published in De Heraut, no. 199, October 16, 1881–no. 200, October 23, 1881. The articles had already been reprinted with a changed title in 1885.04 (pp. 358–375). A short preface—signed “the distributor” and dated Leiden, January 1904—notes that both articles are being reprinted by permission of the author. The pamphlet was intended to clarify the doctrine of “presumed regeneration.”
On September 6, 1905, the General Synod of the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands unanimously approved the conclusions of a report about doctrinal disputes. The fourth and final point in the report dealt with presumed regeneration.
Eight devotional sketches about women of the Old Testament: the woman of Tekoah, the witch of Endor, the Queen of Sheba, Rizpah, the wife of Job, the Shunammite, and Jeroboam’s wife Jezebel.
Concerning Kuyper’s contributions to The Christian Intelligencer, see 1899.04.
Kuyper was the first Dutch politician who, following the example of British and French politicians, offered to serve as a mediator in a serious social conflict. Specifically, he offered to conciliate a serious and protracted conflict between the Amsterdam Jeweler’s Association and the General Dutch Diamond Workers Union. The mediation did not get further than telegrams, however. In the first of five telegrams to appear in print, Kuyper offered his services on February 15, 1904. In a telegram of March 17, he repeated the offer and stipulated March 26 as the deadline. After receiving declarations of willingness from both parties, Kuyper sent a third telegram on March 18, agreeing to move the deadline to March 29 if necessary. Kuyper subsequently sent a fourth telegram on March 23 outlining the procedure and the conditions for the mediation. The telegram also stated that if agreement had not been reached by April 1, Kuyper would decide the issue on his own and return a verdict before April 4 at the latest. Due to the possibility that Kuyper might render an arbitrary decision, the Amsterdam Jeweler’s Association withdrew and the mediation attempt failed (see 1904.10).
In eleven sessions of the Second Chamber occurring between February 24 and March 15, 1904, Kuyper participated in a general debate about the higher education bill and a proposed amendment to it (pp. 1356–1653). On March 24 the Second Chamber voted in favor of the revised bill by a vote of fifty-six to forty-one (see, however, 1904.02). In the debate about amending the Licensing Act, which took place from April 26 to June 14, Kuyper frequently took the floor in the Second Chamber (pp. 1688–2232). During the session of June 17, Kuyper spoke about a number of bills of minor importance. The amended Licensing Act was approved on July 1, with fifty-two votes in favor and forty-two votes against.
Letter to the editor of Het Vaderland. On February 26, during debate in the Second Chamber about article 85 of the higher education bill (see 1904.06), Prof. W. van der Vlugt had mentioned his colleague from Leiden, Prof. J. Oppenheim. Subsequently, in a letter to the editor of Het Vaderland, Prof. P.A. Tichelaar had objected to Kuyper’s handling of this reference during the parliamentary session on March 3. Kuyper wrote a short “Contraprotest” (dated March 8, 1904), promising that a lengthier reply would follow in due course. When the Second Chamber had finished debating the higher education bill, the promised reply was published in Het Vaderland (no. 74, March 27/28, 1904). Kuyper ascribed the entire incident to Prof. Van der Vlugt, declaring himself innocent. Both letters to the editor were also published in De Standaard, no. 9808, March 10, 1904 and no. 9824, March 29, 1904.
A collection of thirty-six meditations and biblical-theological articles about Christmas (9), Easter (9), Ascension Day (3), Pentecost (6), and New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day (9). The title was taken from Nahum 1:15. In the preface Kuyper briefly discusses the meaning of the celebration of major church holidays.
A similar publication had been published in four volumes in 1887/1888 (see 1887.36). This new single-volume edition comprised meditations and bible studies published in De Heraut between 1887 (no. 522, December 25, 1887) and 1900 (no. 1170, June 3, 1900).
Hiermede heb ik de eer te Uwer kennis te brengen, dat mijn voorstel, voor zoover den vorm der interventie aangaat, door de andere partij is afgewezen, zoodat tot mijn leedwezen de interventie niet kan doorgaan. Beleefd verzoek ik u, dit namens mij ter kennis van de vier besturen der werkliedenvereenigingen te willen brengen. De Minister van Binnenlandsche Zaken, Kuyper.
Final cable concerning the mediation attempt (see 1904.05), addressed to Henri Polak (1868–1943), chairman of the General Dutch Diamond Workers’ Union.
As minister of internal affairs, Kuyper sought to provide legal protection against employment agencies and unscrupulous individuals who used false promises of employment to mislead young women arriving from the countryside into prostitution (cf. 1903.14, pp. 862–863). After consulting with the queen’s commissioners in the northeast and the southwest of the country, as well as with the mayors of the four largest cities in the western part of the country, Kuyper drew up three measures to prevent deception and fraud. While working on this issue, Kuyper asked the Dutch Women’s Federation for the Advancement of Moral Awareness for its opinion. The letter was subsequently printed in the federation’s monthly magazine.
A similar letter was also sent to the Dutch Society for the Protection of the Interests of Young Girls and the Roman Catholic Society for the Protection of Girls.
Voor uw hartelijk telegram mijn niet minder hartelijken dank. Winne uw Bond steeds meer in innerlijke kracht en groeie hij onder Gods gratie tot steeds rijkere beteekenis voor de toekomstige ontwikkeling van ons volk. Kuyper.
Reply to a telegram sent by the sixteenth annual meeting of the Dutch Federation of Young Men’s Associations on Reformed Principles, which took place in Zwolle on May 12, 1904.
Mr. Sybrandi! Wil aan den Bond mijnen oprechten dank betuigen voor zijn sympathiek telegram. Het is mij bij het klimmen van mijne jaren de verhooring van mijn gebed, nu het opkomend geslacht den strijd der ouderen uit Groen van Prinsterer’s dagen kloek en onverdroten gaat voortzetten. Bloeie Uw Bond en krone de God onzer Vaderen Uw heilig enthousiasme, Christus en ons Vaderland tot heil. Kuyper.
Expression of gratitude sent by telegram in reply to a telegram from the second annual meeting of the Federation of Anti-Revolutionary Propaganda Clubs in the Netherlands (ARPC; see 1902.06), which took place in Utrecht on Pentecost Monday, May 23, 1904. P. Sybrandi, an attorney, was the chairman of the federation.
The second volume of the commemorative book about the labor strikes of 1903 reprints the speech (pp. 514–531) that Kuyper delivered in the Second Chamber on April 4, 1903, during debate about the antistrike laws. The speech was drawn from 1903.04 (pp. 1088–1092). The speech with which Kuyper concluded discussion of the antistrike laws on April 11, 1904—just prior to their passage—is reprinted in a freely abbreviated version on pp. 659–662 (see 1903.01, pp. 267–268).
Letter to the chairman of the twenty-third annual meeting of the Association for Higher Education on Reformed Principles, which was held at Dordt on July 2, 1903. In the letter Kuyper expresses his regret that, because the Second Chamber requires his presence to defend three bills, he will not be able to attend the annual meeting.
Theologische School Kampen. De vergadering aanvaarde mijn warmen dank voor haar hoogelijk gewaardeerd telegram. De opgekomen verhindering deed mij te meer leed, nu de Jachtwet de Kamer heel den dag ophield en ik, ware dit te voorzien geweest, het voorrecht had kunnen hebben tegenwoordig te zijn. Wat ik dan mondeling u had willen brengen, moge ik thans per telegraaf u doen toekomen, mijn betuiging van hooge belangstelling in uwe jubileums-feestviering, en niet het minst mijn blijdschap dat de school door mij als Minister mag worden geluk gewenscht, die opkwam uit een actie die, in 1834 door de regeering niet begrepen en daarom miskend, thans geëerd wordt als een der factoren waaraan Nederland den tol zijner erkentelijkheid niet onthouden mag. De Minister van Binnenlandsche Zaken, Kuyper.
Kuyper’s reply to a telegram sent on behalf of the 1,400 guests (among whom 450 were pastors), who assembled on June 15, 1904, to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the Theologische School in the Burgwalkerk in Kampen. In their telegram the attendees had expressed disappointment that Kuyper had not honored them with his presence and had wished him, with the warmest regards, safekeeping in God so that he could be a blessing to the country for a long time to come.
On May 24, 1904, Kuyper gave the anniversary speech at the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the Association of Christian School Teachers in the Netherlands and the Overseas Territories. He delivered the speech as honorary chairman of the anniversary meeting, which took place in the presence of 1,400 school teachers and invited guests in the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. In his speech Kuyper provides a historical perspective on contemporary events, concluding with the much-quoted peroration: “You, with the schoolchild in your arms, have taken up the guard at the cross; never let that child go, and never let go of that cross! And that God, who is the God of our baptism, he will let you succeed!” The speech was also published in De Standaard, no. 9916, July 18, 1904.
Vanzelf herleeft door uw jubileum bij mij de verheffende indruk, dien uw grootsche stichting een vorig jaar op mij maakte; daarom stel ik er prijs op heden U mijne gelukwenschen aan te bieden. Ik eer in Rolduc een der oudste scholen waardoor de christelijke grondslagen in ons volksleven gelegd en bevestigd zijn. Blijve uw machtige stichting aan de bevestiging daarvan haar beste krachten wijden en zij ze door dien bezielenden arbeid het vaderland ten zegen. De Minister van Binnenlandsche Zaken, Kuyper.
Telegram sent on July 12, 1904, on the occasion of the 800th anniversary of Rolduc, a former abbey dating back to the early twelfth century. The abbey housed several Roman Catholic educational institutions as well as a boarding school. Rolduc’s minor seminary had celebrated its sixtieth anniversary on August 11, 1903. The text of this telegram is nearly identical to that of 1905.03. It is notable, however, that a rather different version of the same telegram was published in De Maasbode, 36, no. 8377, July 14, 1904.
The main points of a speech Kuyper delivered in the Second Chamber on April 28, 1904, about the revision of the Licensing Act of 1881 (see 1904.06, pp. 1739–1746). This abridgment omits remarks about the perspicuity, procedure, and significance of the new act. This version retains what Kuyper calls in the speech “the case itself,” namely, the need to curb alcoholism by enacting legal measures against alcohol.
The abbreviated speech was published in the paper of the Reformed Temperance Association. Founded in 1900 by W.H. Gispen Jr. (1871–1934), the association had about 1,100 members in 1904. In his series of articles De drooglegging van Amerika (Groningen, 1926, p. 29), the Rev. H. Enserink, who was active in this association, incorporated part of a short editorial by Kuyper, entitled “Drankverbod” [Prohibition]. Originally published in De Standaard, 48 (1919/1920), no. 14571, October 15, 1919, this editorial argues for a temporary affiliation with the teetotalers. The same excerpt was also included in Enserink’s Dr. A. Kuyper Sr. als drankbestrijder (Groningen, [1927]).
Earlier in his career, in reference to comments made when wine was served at the inaugural dinner of the Vrije Universiteit, Kuyper had written: “From the chocolate kettle and the milk and water bottle one does not cultivate a race of bold Calvinists” (De Heraut, December 5, 1880 no. 154).
A short tract adapted from a meditation on Ephesians 5:21, originally published in De Heraut, no. 1318, April 5, 1903. The text was left unchanged apart from the addition of a few details and the switch from present to past tense in passages dealing with the railroad strikes of 1903 (see 1903.04).
The Reformed Tract Society “Filippus” (founded in 1878) published this tract in the category “socialism.” The tract was only reprinted once, probably because the subject was topical for a brief period (as was the case with, for example, 1892.24). Filippus twice republished articles by Kuyper as tracts.
Samuel Jaeger (1864–1927) became the first rector (1905–1927) of the Theologische Schule in Bethel, Germany. In a letter to Kuyper dated July 25, 1903 (KA 131), Jaeger related that he and his younger brother had completed the translation and requested that Kuyper write a short foreword. In a subsequent letter dated October 16, 1903 (KA 131), Jaeger proposed that the translation be titled Der Calvinismus im Kampfe mit dem Modernismus [Calvinism in the struggle with modernism]. However, the volume was not published under this proposed title (but see 2001.04).
During the session of September 21, 1904, Kuyper replied to an interpellation about the so-called “Overijssel affair” (pp. 11–12), which had arisen on August 3 when the eleven Provincial States councils were supposed to elect representatives for the First Chamber. The Provincial States of Overijssel was unable to do so. S. van Houten received a reply about the same matter (pp. 17–18 and 20). On September 23 Kuyper replied (pp. 31–37) to Van Houten about the dissolution of the First Chamber (see 1904.02). Subsequently, Kuyper also replied to remarks made about his attitude towards the liberals when they still had a majority in the First Chamber (pp. 39–40). On October 11 Kuyper discussed matters that had arisen during debates about the bill revising the Licensing Act (pp. 76–84). This bill was subsequently passed by the First Chamber. Finally, on December 29 Kuyper discussed some amendments to the national budget of 1903, which also had a bearing on the State Printing Office (pp. 149–150).
On September 28, 1904, Kuyper spoke in the Second Chamber about the dissolution of the First Chamber (see 1904.02) and also about colonial politics (pp. 63–79) in the context of the draft reply to the queen’s throne address. From December 10 to December 21, he spoke about matters concerning the approval of the national budget for 1905 (pp. 535–935). On December 10 Kuyper delivered a speech in which he clarified, among other matters, the government’s policy regarding appointments, his cabinet’s working methods and agenda, and the different characteristics of the Christian and the modern worldviews. This speech concluded with a provisional assessment about the political cooperation between the government and the chamber. The reply was published on pp. 604–610. In discussions about budgetary matters, Kuyper also discussed higher education (pp. 901–902), secondary and vocational schooling (pp. 907–911), and primary education. Finally, on December 21 he commented on the following: labor issues (pp. 929–930), including the Industrial Accidents Act (p. 930; cf. archives, p. 931); subsidies for the restoration of certain monumental buildings (pp. 933 and 935); and the policies and management of two national museums (p. 934).
This edition features new typesetting and corrections of printing errors found in the first edition (although some errors have gone unnoticed). Contrary to the publication announcement and to indications on the title pages, volumes three and four were not published in 1905 but in 1906 and 1907, respectively. According to the contract between author and publisher (KA 315), the print run should have numbered 1,500 copies. On December 18, 1907, however—shortly after the auction in which Wormser’s Kuyper fund was acquired by J.H. Kok in Kampen (see 1907.21)—Wormser wrote to Kuyper stating that with the approval of the commissioners of his limited company, he had had “a few hundred” extra copies printed (KA 317). The print run was thus considerably higher than the contractually agreed-upon figure.
Wil aan de kiesvereeniging mijn hartelijke dank overbrengen. Op mijn eenzamen post heb ik de trouw en liefde der broederen zoo dubbel noodig. Kuyper.
Kuyper’s answer to a telegram sent by the Central Anti-Revolutionary Electoral Association in the electoral district of Emmen, which held a meeting on October 26, 1904 in Nieuw Amsterdam. In its telegram the electoral association had thanked Kuyper for his achievements as prime minister and had wished him the Lord’s strength to “carry on building legislation according to the principles of our national life.”
Kuyper’s response gave the socialist and caricaturist Albert Hahn (1877–1918) the idea for a caricature showing Kuyper as a sentry dressed in a top hat and equipped with rifle and bayonet, guarding the capital (depicted as a safe within a small temple) alone on a fortified, darkened height. See also 1909.07, page [17], and plate 11 in Prenten van Albert Hahn Sr. (cf. 1928.10).
A letter to Amsterdam’s Federation of Administrators, a committee consisting of the administrators of Amsterdam’s various socialist trade unions. The federation had written to Kuyper about the application of Article 10 subsection 2 of the Appeal Law, which in practice often worked out badly for the appointment of workers as members of boards of appeal. A board of appeal consisted of employers and employees. Kuyper writes that the spirit of the Appeal Law permits the flexible interpretation of this subsection and notes that he has always asked mayors (who were initially responsible for its interpretation) to apply it generously.
No further installments seem to have been released, perhaps because subscribers were too few.
A brochure reprinting selections from 1904.24 (pp. 535–543) and nearly all of one of Kuyper’s replies (pp. 606–610).
Van het Binnenhof was a new series that served to disseminate propaganda for the Anti-Revolutionary Party. It was published by the Federation of Anti-Revolutionary Propaganda Clubs in the Netherlands (see 1902.06). This brochure was the first in a new series of publications about contemporary Christian politics. For contributions by Kuyper to this series, see also 1905.05.
The following discounts were available for bulk purchases intended for widespread distribution: ten copies at ƒ0.09; twenty-five copies at ƒ0.07; and fifty copies or more at ƒ0.05.
1905
Van Vliet, Voorzitter “Patrimonium.” Wil aan “Patrimonium” mijn dank overbrengen voor zijn moedgevend telegram. Waar wantrouwen insluipt, gaat de beste verwachting te loor. Waar, gelijk hier, manlijk vertrouwen, ook bij aanvankelijke teleurstelling zoo koninklijk stand hield, mag van de toekomst het schoonste verwacht worden. Ook in dit Uw telegram handhaafde “Patrimonium” zijn nobel karakter. Bloeie het onder Gods zegen. Kuyper.
Answer to a telegram sent by the twenty-fourth annual General Meeting of the Dutch Workingmen’s Union “Patrimonium.” The annual meeting, which took place in Amsterdam on January 11, 1905, after the Christian Social Conference of January 9–10, had sent Kuyper by telegraph the text of a motion that the meeting had unanimously adopted. The motion expressed gratitude for the government’s broad efforts, through legislation, to strengthen society in both a material and a spiritual sense. The motion subsequently expressed the wish to continue on the current route, as this would bring about the accomplishment of the association’s program—namely, a confirmation of the Christian basis of Dutch society and the promotion of the welfare of its people. P. van Vliet jr. was since 1900 chairman of Patrimonium.
Five devotional sketches about women in the Old Testament: Athaliah, Jehosheba, Huldah, Noadiah, and Vashti.
Concerning Kuyper’s contributions to The Christian Intelligencer, see 1899.04.
A political brochure against Kuyper included this cable as an example of Kuyper’s inconsistent attitude toward Roman Catholics. At the beginning of the 1905 election year, three printings of the brochure were published, numbering 15,000 copies in total. D. Hans (1882–1946) was a journalist and worked in that capacity as a parliamentary editor. He was also chairman of the Dutch Association of Journalists from 1920 to 1937.
From February 1–7, 1905, Kuyper took part in the debates in the First Chamber about the 1905 national budget (pp. 262–345). On February 1 Kuyper entered into the general political debate (pp. 262–271). The reply followed on February 2 (pp. 285–291). On May 19 and 20 Kuyper spoke about the bill to amend the Higher Education Act (pp. 446–470); the bill was subsequently passed (cf. 1904.02). This bill, among other things, put the Polytechnische School in Delft on equal legal footing with the Dutch universities and accorded the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam the effectus civilis (i.e., formal governmental acknowledgement of the university’s examinations and its right to bestow the doctoral degree and associated privileges). On May 20 Kuyper addressed the caisson bill (p. 471), which was subsequently passed (see 1905.12). The speeches on pages 505–525 concerned amendments to certain sections of the Primary Education Act. The amendments were subsequently adopted (see 1905.15) and as a result, (minimum) wages for both public and now private schools became the responsibility of the state. A pension plan for teachers was also completed. Kuyper’s final speech to the First Chamber in his capacity as minister of the interior was delivered on June 14, 1904. It dealt with amendments to the provincial bill (pp. 554–556), which was also passed.
Two speeches delivered in the First Chamber on February 1–2, 1905, published in Van het Binnenhof. III. (Het Binnenhof is the seat of the Dutch Government.) On February 1, in the context of debate in the First Chamber about the 1905 national budget, Kuyper addressed numerous issues, among them the following: the cabinet and the economic struggle, the activities of the government, retirement and disability insurance, the Overijssel affair (see 1904.23), the dissolution of the First Chamber (see 1904.02), the antithesis between the modern and the anti-modern attitude to life, equalization of public and private education in the Higher Education Act and the Primary Education Act, and national unity (pp. 1–21; cf. 1905.04, pp. 262–271). The reply followed on February 2 (pp. 21–32; cf. 1905.04, pp. 285–291).
The publication of a brochure containing both speeches was announced in De Standaard, no. 10090, February 7, 1905, in an advertisement by the publisher Kirchner as no. IV in the series Christelijke Politiek (see 1903.18). However, eight days later, a nearly identical advertisement appeared in the same paper but now for the publication of Van het Binnenhof. III.—with Nederbragt as the printer, with the Federation of Anti-Revolutionary Propaganda Clubs (see 1902.06) as the publisher, and with a lower price and slightly higher bulk discounts (ƒ0.20; ten copies at ƒ0.09; twenty-five copies at ƒ0.07; and fifty copies or more at ƒ0.05).
Kuyper’s frequent contributions during the second half of the 1904/1905 parliamentary year dealt particularly with the bill to amend the Higher Education Act (February 21–24, 1905; pp. 1075–1126), and with the regulation of primary education and the civil pensions law (March 3–5; pp. 1220–1933). The impressive series of speeches about primary education was interrupted only by a bill concerning inland navigation in Friesland (p. 1323), answers to an interpellation (pp. 1521–1529), and the Caisson Act (pp. 1768–1769). The emancipation of Christian education lay at the heart of the speeches reviewing the Primary Education Act and the civil pensions law. The concern of the opposition lay not so much in the idea of increasing state funding for private education per se, as in the lack of guarantees with respect to the quality of private education. For the Anti-Revolutionaries the spirit of education came first, whereas for the liberals it was quality that mattered most. After recommending an amendment to the budget allowing the Polytechnische School to change its name to Technische Hoogeschool Delft (pp. 1933–1934), Kuyper went on to discuss changes to the provincial bill (pp. 2011–2052). Finally, Kuyper rounded off his work as a minister in the Second Chamber by voicing his support, on May 5, for an amendment to a bill concerning the manufacture of medicines.
De Standaard (June 14, 1905) quoted a journalist who, based on an interview with Kuyper, calculated that Kuyper’s speeches in the Handelingen of February to June 1905 amounted to a total of 400 columns and would form a book numbering 650 pages.
After the results of the parliamentary elections held on June 16 and 28, 1905, the Kuyper cabinet tendered its resignation. The majority who supported the Christian political ideal in 1901 had become a minority set against a liberal/socialist coalition—and also, given the nature of the heated moments in the election campaign, against the anti-Kuyperians.
Report of a speech delivered in the Reformed Oosterkerk in Utrecht to about 2,000 persons on the evening of April 7, 1904, during celebrations of the twenty-fifth anniversary of The Union: “A School with the Bible” (see 1878.06). Kuyper stated that he spoke not as a cofounder of The Union, nor as its ally, but as a “servant of the crown.” The government had reached a turning point in its attitude towards “free education” and, to show this publicly, the cabinet had suggested to the queen that she decorate R. Derksen (1839–1918), who had been secretary of The Union since 1879. After a brief historical overview of The Union and school struggle, Kuyper discussed the government’s policy on Christian education—a policy nearly identical to the vision of The Union. The speech concluded with a warmhearted blessing for The Union and for its relationship with subsequent cabinets. The speech was also published in De Standaard 33 (1904), no. 9833, April 9, 1904.
In sixty-one plus ten chapters, the third and final volume of De gemeene gratie offers a practical elaboration of the effects of common grace on the government, church and state, family, marriage, upbringing, society, science, and the arts. The chapters (including 1905.21) were originally published as articles in a series in De Heraut, no. 1140, October 29, 1899–no. 1228, July 14, 1901. This series of weekly issues was, as usual, interrupted only for biblical-theological reflections on major church holidays and for meditations during the summer holidays. In this edition, chapters 1–12 were each given a heading while the other chapters bore both headings and the numbers (up to LXI) of the articles in De Heraut. The words premie-exemplaar were omitted on the title page of the premium copies of this third volume.
The De Heraut articles treating the effect of common grace on the sciences and the arts were accidentally omitted (something similar happened to 1911.03) and were published separately nine months later (see 1905.21). They were then added to this volume after the indices. These ten chapters were paginated separately ([4], 87 pp.) and were not included in the indices. The publication of this third volume was delayed (cf. De Heraut, January 1, 1905) due to the compilation and printing of the additional indices (a subject index, an index of biblical texts, and an index of personal names).
Aan de Deputatenvergadering mijn dank voor haar sympathiek telegram. Zij het ook in andere positie en op ander terrein, ook nu ken ik, evenals toen ik in uw midden was, geen ander streven, dan om het beste mijner krachten aan Koningin en Vaderland te wijden onder de banier van het Kruis. Kuyper.
Answer to a telegram sent by the fifteenth Meeting of Deputies of the Anti-Revolutionary Electoral Associations, which met in Utrecht on April 13, 1905. Four thousand cards were requested, twice as many as for the previous meeting in 1901. Five hundred of these cards went to enfranchised delegates of the Anti-Revolutionary Electoral Associations.
As chairman of the Central Committee of the Anti-Revolutionary Electoral Associations, Kuyper had chaired all the previous meetings of deputies. He had resigned his position as chairman, however, on September 5, 1904. He considered the chairmanship of the meeting to be incompatible with his current position (see 1910.07, pp. 37–40). The leadership passed to H. Bavinck, vice-chairman, who delivered the speech Christelijke en neutrale staatkunde (Hilversum, [1905]), and was then elected as chairman of the Central Committee of Anti-Revolutionary Electoral Associations.
In this letter to the chairman of the Dutch Association of Journalists, Kuyper states that he no longer wants to retain the position of honorary chairman, which had been granted to him in 1901. A “highly esteemed and influential member” of the association (C.K. Elout, see 1900.07) had publicly accused him of misrepresenting his office. According to the Verslag der Handelingen van de Tweede Kamer, Kuyper had protested while responding to an interpellation in the Second Chamber (cf. 1905.06, p. 1528) that he was not responsible for what journalists reported about the elections. Boissevain, editor in chief of Het Handelsblad, likewise commented that he found Kuyper’s remark inappropriate given his honorary chairmanship of the Dutch Association of Journalists. There was, however, disagreement in the press about what exactly Kuyper had said. A few weeks later, Kuyper sent a second letter to the chairman (see 1905.13). Both letters were also published in De Standaard, no. 10152, April 20, 1905 and no. 10158, April 28, 1905.
Wil aan de vergadering mijn oprechten dank overbrengen voor haar sympathieke gevoelens. Moge de omstandigheid dat gij in Zierikzee vergadert voor dit pas gewonnen district een heuglijk voorteken zijn.
An expression of gratitude in response to a supportive telegram sent by the Anti-Revolutionary Electoral Associations’ meeting in Zierikzee in the province of Zeeland on the day of their party rally on April 25, 1904.
The harvest of the Kuyper cabinet’s (1901–1905) social policy. These volumes contain more than 1,600 pages of bills and accompanying documents regarding social reforms. The bills were supposed to have resulted in a labor statute book (cf. 1874.03). As it happened, however, only two from this great number of bills made it through Parliament: the Skewer Law, which regulated night shifts for women working in herring smokehouses (see 1902.11, pp. 91–101), and the Caisson Act, which regulated working hours and safety measures for building projects carried out in zones under higher than atmospheric pressure (see 1905.04, p. 471).
The publisher was presented with ƒ1,000.- for the publication, which was compiled by an unnamed individual (H. de Wilde (?), cf. 1903.17 and 1908.20). This edition was not a commercial success because the electoral defeat of June 1905 made it impossible for the Anti-Revolutionaries to set the legislative agenda in the short term. In July 1906, 102 sets and a number of individual volumes had been sold and 105 sets had been sent to reviewers. The publisher then wrote to Kuyper: “We will gladly keep the remaining stock at your disposal and will be happy to pass it on against the purchase price of ± ƒ3.- per copy” (KA 317).
In this letter to the chairman of the Dutch Association of Journalists, Kuyper lodges a complaint against what he perceives as a slur in the commentary that had been published, along with his last letter (see 1905.10), in no. 63 of the Mededeelingen van den Nederlandschen Journalistenkring. The commentary suggested that Kuyper had had the official record of his parliamentary speech changed after it was delivered on March 30, 1905 (cf. 1905.06, p. 1528). Kuyper offered to prove, by way of the original stenographic record for the publication of the Handelingen van de Tweede Kamer der Staten-Generaal and by deposition of the high-level civil servant who edited the proceedings, that the Handelingen accurately recorded what he had said.
The letter was published the day after it was sent in De Standaard, 34 (1905), no. 10158, April 28, 1905. At Kuyper’s request, it was also published in the next issue of Mededeelingen van den Nederlandschen Journalistenkring.
After the uprising of 1830, the Southern Netherlands asserted its independence from the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Kuyper wrote this article on the seventy-fifth anniversary of Belgium’s founding as a sovereign nation. To celebrate the occasion a large exhibition displaying Belgium’s prosperity in all sectors was held in Liege. In his article Kuyper apologizes for the fact that, due to the lingering pain of the break of 1830, the Dutch government did not sent an official representative to the opening of the exhibition. Kuyper expects that all such sensitivity will have disappeared by 1930. After making a few historical remarks concerning Belgium and the Netherlands, Kuyper writes that there is every reason to rejoice at the successful development of Belgium’s prosperity.
After the Belgian ambassador in The Hague suggested translating the article from De Standaard, no. 10164, May 5, 1905, this French version was published in a Belgian paper (see 1968.02).
Ipema, Gebouw Irene, Utrecht. Hartelijk dank. Gisteren besloot ik mijn rede met de woorden: Bis her hat Gott geholfen, Gott hilft, Gott wird weiter helfen. Zij het ook zoo met uw bloeiende Vereeniging. De Minister van Binnenlandsche Zaken, Kuyper.
An expression of gratitude addressed to G. Ipema (1862–1923), chairman of the Union of Christian School Teachers in the Netherlands, in reply to a telegram sent by the ninth annual meeting of the union. In that telegram the union thanked the government for bringing the amended primary education bill to a vote on the previous day. At the end of the debates about the bill, Kuyper concluded his speech in the First Chamber on May 31 with the German phrases mentioned in his cable (cf. 1905.04, pp. 505–514). The bill was voted into law during the session.
Aan uwen Bond mijn dank voor zijn uiting van sympathie. Ik begroet in u een der krachtigste organen voor de verzekering van onze toekomst. Zoolang uw Bond onveranderlijk aan den Christus Gods vasthoudt, blijft ze een steun voor het Christelijk Nederland. De Heere doe U bloeien en wassen en Hij schenke u Zijnen zegen. De Minister van Binnenlandsche Zaken, Kuyper.
Answer to a telegram from the seventeenth annual meeting of the Dutch Federation of Young Men’s Associations on Reformed Principles, held at Utrecht on June 1, 1905. The federation had congratulated Kuyper by telegraph on the passage of the higher and primary education bills, wishing him, Deo volente, a long ministry. Kuyper’s telegram was also published in De Standaard, no. 10189, June 5, 1905.
A letter expressing gratitude for a motion of appreciation and support for Kuyper after the electoral defeat of June 28, 1905. A combined meeting of two electoral associations in Apeldoorn, whose cooperation Kuyper applauded in his response, approved and sent the motion.
Met heel mijn hart ben ik in het midden der feestvierenden. Zegene de Heere de Vrije Universiteit. Kuyper.
A cable sent in response to a respectful telegram, drafted in French, that summed up Kuyper’s contributions to the Vrije Universiteit. The telegram was sent on behalf of the more than 1,500 attendees at the twenty-fifth anniversary celebration of the Vrije Universiteit held in the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam on October 19, 1905.
Kuyper did not attend the anniversary celebrations. Given a send-off by almost his entire outgoing cabinet, he had left by train for Bad Kissingen on August 5, 1905, thence to travel on to eastern Europe (see 1905.20) and subsequently to make a trip around the Mediterranean (see 1907.13).
De Standaard (no. 10320, November 6, 1905) published a lead article about the minister of war’s plans to enlarge the army and to turn it into a national army. In that article a comparison was made between the Dutch army and the Romanian army. Kuyper, having been on his eastern European journey for three months (see 1905.19), sent a detailed analysis of the Romanian army as a supplement to that article. He obtained up-to-date information with the help of the Romanian general staff in Bucharest. Kuyper’s supplement was published as a lead article in De Standaard.
A separate edition of the final ten articles of the series Van de Gemeene Gratie. Reprinted from De Heraut, no. 1218, May 5, 1901–no. 1228, July 14, 1901, these ten chapters deal with common grace in science (eerste gedeelte, I–V) and in the arts (tweede gedeelte, I–V). These sections had been accidentally left out of the third volume of De Gemeene Gratie (see 1905.08).
This eleven-point memorandum was written to advance peace negotiations between the two contending parties in the Second Boer War (1899–1902). Drafted by the Dutch government and written in French, the Dutch envoy in London sent this official document to the British Foreign Office as an expression of its willingness to assist in reaching a settlement.
Kuyper was responsible for the composition and final editing of the document (in Dutch), which was then translated into French. The Dutch minister for foreign affairs, R. Melvil van Lynden (1843–1910), had declared himself opposed to any offer of assistance to England concerning the Second Boer War. After being confronted with Kuyper’s foreign diplomacy à titre personel, however, he agreed to the idea of sending this aide-mémoire. Four days after receiving it, the English government rejected the memorandum.
1906
Four meditations on women from the Old and New Testaments: Esther, Elisabeth, Anna, Judith, and Basemath.
Concerning Kuyper’s contributions to The Christian Intelligencer, see 1899.04.
This reprint of the introductory circular letter of the Association for Higher Education on Reformed Principles—the so-called “birth certificate” of the association—was published as a historical document in the lustrum Almanac of the Student Union of the Vrije Universiteit: Nil Desperandum Deo Duce.
In addition to almanac entries, the lustrum almanac published reports about the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Vrije Universiteit, a number of scholarly articles, and a portrait of each of the four professors associated with the university since its foundation. The portraits were drawn by Frans Deutmann. The almanac, which had a print run of 700 copies, cost ƒ2.- and was sold out within fourteen days. It found a ready market because no memorial book had been published celebrating the silver anniversary of the Vrije Universiteit. The binding and layout (see the colophon, p. 350) were designed by Jac. Ph. Wormser (see 1898.16). The almanac was bound in style by F.L. van der Bom, Amsterdam.
Kuyper wrote this essay at the request of the editorial staff for a special issue of The Presbyterian commemorating the bicentennial anniversary of the founding of the supreme judicatory of the Presbyterian Church. The article opens with a eulogy for the Presbyterian churches in the United States, “the only land of absolute church independence.” In a short analysis of its historical and contemporary context, Kuyper discusses the meaning of the word “Presbyterian” in five points.
Kuyper wrote the article during a short break from his travels through and around the Balkans, southern Russia, and the Mediterranean. The journey took place from August 5, 1905 to the middle of June 1906 (see 1907.13)—though, due to the illness of one of his daughters, Kuyper temporarily interrupted his travels in 1906 and returned to The Hague for a few weeks.
Domela Nieuwenhuis’s book contains two articles reprinted from De Standaard 17 (1888), no. 5081, October 3, 1888, and no. 5083, October 5, 1888. In three articles from 1888, Kuyper depicted the life of a member of Parliament, whom he described as confronted with ever higher mountains of paper and ever broader streams of speeches. He related the complexities, demands, exigencies (with respect both to his own party and to the electorate), and thrills of serving as a member of the Dutch Parliament.
The revolutionary socialist Domela Nieuwenhuis (1846–1918), who began his career as a pastor and ended it as a socialist theorist and crusader, considered the articles clear and to the point and thus reprinted them in his book about the Dutch Parliament. He left out a few paragraphs from the first two articles, the final part of the second article, and the entire third article because he disagreed with Kuyper’s claim that a member of Parliament had an obligation not to act according to his own views, but to resign himself to the party and to tow the party line.
In this letter to the editor, Kuyper explains that he did indeed visit an ailing Dutch journalist in Athens whose past was not above reproach, just as the Athens correspondent of the paper had reported. The letter was also published in De Standaard 35 (1906), no. 10511, June 23, 1906.
In this letter to the editor of the Nieuwe Courant (L.J. Plemp van Duiveland [cf. 1872. 02]), Kuyper responds to the false claim in various press reports that the president of the French Republic had received him in Paris on Sunday June 10, 1906. The press wondered why this meeting had taken place on Sunday—a violation of the Sabbath. Attempts to rectify the matter in, among other places, De Standaard (no. 10512, June 25, 1906) had failed and the report was subsequently published in a Belgian paper. Kuyper wanted to invalidate the story now that the international press had begun to give it attention. In writing to the editor of the Nieuwe Courant—a paper that had “never taken part in such dishonorable press actions”—he states his objections to the Dutch press’s mishandling of the affair. As a supplement to the letter, Kuyper had the original introducteur des diplomates printed, upon which the date and time of his visit were recorded precisely: Samedi à 4 heures de l’áprès midi.
The letter to the editor was also published in De Standaard, no. 10536, July 23, 1906.
On the 300th anniversary of the painter, engraver, and draftsman Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn (1606–1669), festive commemorations were also organized to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the lawyer, poet, and writer Willem Bilderdijk (1756–1831). Kuyper was named one of the eight honorary members of the committee charged with organizing the commemoration in the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam on October 1–2, 1906. During the celebration on October 1, Kuyper delivered the Bilderdijk speech in a program that featured organ recitals, choral music, and hymn singing. In consideration of the national audience, Kuyper did not discuss Bilderdijk in reference to Da Costa, Groen van Prinsterer, Elout van Soeterwoude, and Keuchenius; instead, he emphasized Bilderdijk’s national significance.
The speech was published with more than a hundred notes (pp. [49]–85; cf. 1907. 03). As agreed by contract (KA 315), the first edition and the “second printing” (tweede druk on the cover and title page) were printed simultaneously in a single print run of 1,000 copies each (cf. 1900.07).
In this expression of gratitude for the attempt by pacifists to organize a peace exhibition at the opening of the Vredespaleis in 1913, Kuyper comments on the pacifists’ program. His primary objection relates to their failure to reckon with “the terrible fact of sin in its national concentration.” The secretariat of the peace exhibition had asked boards, institutions, and public figures to express their opinion about the proposed exhibition. Kuyper’s answer was the first published in the Orgaan.
Reprint of a series of nine articles about compulsory insurance from De Standaard 35 (1906), no. 10612, October 19, 1906–no. 10620, October 29, 1906. In these articles, Kuyper discusses several aspects of a frequently recurring question—namely, on what legal basis is the government able to make health, disability, and retirement insurance compulsory? The author’s hand is revealed by his preference for using many analogies and illustrative examples to make his case. The final article ends by complaining that since 1903 the Anti-Revolutionary daily De Rotterdammer had turned against the Kuyper cabinet’s perspective on the task (see also 1908.01).
The new imprint includes the following changes: Potchefstroom has been added to the places of publication; Boekhandel Höveker & Wormser has been changed to Boekhandel voorheen Höveker & Wormser (see 1907.22); and the date of publication has been placed after the edition statement.
Kuyper wrote to the Nieuwe Rotterdamse Courant after they had reacted to Kuypers speech at the Bilderdijk commemoration. At the speech Kuyper had stated that the poets Albert Verwey (1865-1937) and Willem Kloos (1859-1938) did not qualify Bilderdijk as a real poet. According to the Nieuwe Rotterdamse Courant Kloos just published collection of Bilderdijks verses. There Kloos had stated that it would be wrong not to call Bilderdijk a poet. This statement contradicted with what Kuyper had said in his speech.
In his letter to the editor of the Nieuwe Rotterdamse Courant Kuyper provided evidence for the claim in his speech, citing works of Verwey and Kloos, and also stated that he was aware of Kloos’ publication of Bilderdijk’s work. .
1907
Three devotional sketches of women of the New Testament: Salome, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the Less.
Concerning Kuyper’s contributions to The Christian Intelligencer, see 1899.04.
Reply to a letter to the editor written by P. Tideman (see 1909.19) and published in De Standaard, no. 10700, February 2, 1907. Tideman was running as a candidate for the Free Liberal Party. Some Anti-Revolutionaries had reproached Tideman with a lack of character and Tideman had inquired whether Kuyper—as leader of the Anti-Revolutionary Party—took responsibility for this accusation. In his reply Kuyper disavows the accusation as too personal. He opines that the reproach should be leveled not against Tideman, but against the Free Liberal Party. As Kuyper saw it, that party drifted between two river banks because it supported, on one side, the leftist S. van Houten, who was an avowed atheist, and, on the other side, the right-wing P. Tideman, who respected gospel principles.
Kuyper wrote this article to clear up a misunderstanding that had arisen from his criticism of pantheism in the arts. In a footnote on pages 76–77 of 1906.10 about a purportedly pantheistic movement in Dutch letters (the Eighties Movement), Kuyper had contended that “adherents of theism can actually still be found who do their utmost to be annexed by this pantheistic school.” The editorial staff of the Christian literary periodical, Ons Tijdschrift, had taken this remark as a slur on its entire literary circle. After consulting with Kuyper, the editorial staff chose to publish Kuyper’s article rather than its planned defense.
One of the phrases from Kuyper’s article would resound for a long time to come: “One thing is necessary above all others: that the tablecloth between our younger school and the Eighties Movement be cut through once and for all.”
M. de Heer, Antirevolutionaire Partijdag, Schiedam. Dank aan de vergadering voor haar bezield en daardoor bezielend woord. Ouder wordend blijf ik jong, zoolang ik door uwe gebeden en hartelijke sympathie gedragen blijf. Zegene de Heere uw samenzijn voor de handhaving van Zijn eer in ons land. Kuyper.
A telegram to the third Anti-Revolutionary Party rally in the district of Schiedam, which met on February 20, 1907. The rally had offered its prayer that Kuyper would continue to be a blessing to the country and its people for a long time and had expressed its appreciation for his dedication to Christian political principles.
An open letter (written in French) to the Rev. E. Lacheret (1851–1920), pastor of the Eglise Réformée in Paris and chairman of the Permanent Commission of the National Union of Evangelical Reformed Churches in France. In the letter Kuyper advances a challenge to the Eglise Réformée in France that he had first put forward in an asterism (see 1907.14). According to Kuyper, the Eglise Réformée had shown a lack of principle when negotiating the legislation of December 9, 1905, which separated church and state in France. Lacheret had indicated that he would answer Kuyper’s charges but since his letter had not yet materialized, Kuyper took the initiative to continue what he considered an important dispute.
With documentary evidence Kuyper showed that the Eglise Réformée had always understood itself to be a divine institution. As he saw it this confession was incompatible with its acquiescence to become a private society—a so-called “association of worshipers”—regulated by the state. Since the state had threatened to confiscate all church property and to cut off all ministerial subsidies, the Eglise Réformée had felt compelled to accept the government’s compensation scheme. Kuyper argued that this decision was “characterless” and amounted to a “selling of its right as firstborn” (see 1907.14). On his way home from his lengthy travels around the Mediterranean, Kuyper also discussed this settlement with the French prime minister and his vision made the pages of the Osservatore Romano, albeit in distorted form (cf. 1908.25, pp. [502]–503).
This letter was also included in De Standaard, no. 10725, March 4, 1907. Kuyper described the course of the argument in De Standaard, no. 10744, March 26, 1907.
The imprint on the front cover of the unbound copies was used by Wormser between the fall of 1905 and the spring of 1907. The presumed publication date of this title edition is based only on the publisher’s advertisement in De Heraut, no. 1522, March 3, 1907.
After Rev. Lacheret responded to 1907.06 (in his letter dated Paris, March 4, 1907, and published in the Journal des débats on March 20), Kuyper replied (in French) with this letter to the editor of the Journal des débats. In the letter Kuyper admits that he has made two mistakes in the discussion. First, he wrongly assumed that Lacheret adhered to the ecclesiology of the Reformed Confessio Gallicana, and second, he mistakenly believed that the change from church to “association of worshipers” (see 1907.06) would be gradual—while in fact the change had already been implemented. According to Kuyper, these factors made further discussion impossible, but did not change the fact that the original Eglise Réformée would have condemned this “metamorphosis” proposed by the government.
Denial of a newspaper report indicating that Kuyper would be charged with the formation of the new cabinet. On February 9, 1907, the First Chamber voted down the minister of war’s budget, after which the De Meester cabinet (1905–1908) tendered its resignation to the queen. After a lengthy period of debate, the queen decided to maintain the cabinet in office. During this crisis an article was published in the press suggesting that Kuyper would be charged with the formation of a new cabinet. Challenged by De Standaard, the Zeeuwsche Courant reported in its April 4 issue that it had had indirect contact with a knowledgeable source. Kuyper subsequently sent the paper a short but sharp denial: “Not a word of it was true.”
The issue of the Zeeuwsche Courant in question could not be tracked down. The paper was probably published by a regional advertiser, Boluijt & Co. in Goes (cf. De Zeeuw, no. 160, April 9, 1907). The letter to the editor was also included in De Standaard, no. 10753, April 8, 1907, together with the piece in question from the Zeeuwsche Courant.
This essay proposed to answer the question whether this was a period of religious decline or revival. The editorial staff of the Mercure de France had posed the question to leading European public figures and Kuyper’s answer was included in this issue as the second of thirty-three responses, which were published in full without editorial commentary. A short caption next to his name described Kuyper as a “former prime minister of the Dutch cabinet.”
In five short paragraphs Kuyper describes religion as a relationship between God and humans, which thus always functions from two sides—i.e., on one side from God to human beings and on the other from human beings to God. Though the effect of God’s action depends to a great extent on one’s state of mind, God can nevertheless overcome an individual’s lack of sensibility. History has taught us that low points are followed by high points. The present era of weakness would be followed by a new period of renewed religious sensitivity, which would surpass the religious sensibilities of the past in its intensity.
A Dutch version of the response was published in De Heraut, no. 1532, May 12, 1907.
Aan H.M. de Koningin, Het Loo. De Vereeniging voor Hooger Onderwijs op Gereformeerden Grondslag veroorlooft zich met den meesten eerbied aan Hare Majesteit de betuiging te hernieuwen, van hare hulde en verkleefdheid en zich bij voortduring in de hooge bescherming van Uwe Majesteit aan te bevelen. De Voorzitter, Kuyper.
Telegram sent on behalf of the twenty-seventh annual meeting of the Association for Higher Education on Reformed Principles, which convened in Utrecht for the last time under Kuyper’s chairmanship on July 4, 1907. The telegram was also published in De Heraut, no. 1541, July 14, 1907.
This is the first volume of a two-volume work documenting Kuyper’s travels, from August of 1905 through mid-June of 1906, through and around the Balkans, southern Russia, and the Mediterranean Sea. According to the prefaces to both volumes, the chapters were written without scholarly or literary pretensions and were not intended as a travelogue. Rather, the book aims to provide “condensed knowledge” of a world about which many were interested but otherwise “ill informed.” As such, the work is more a report of local research and inquiries than it is a personal travel account.
The volumes not only describe the religious, political, economic, and social life of the countries that Kuyper visited, but also address broader issues such as the Gypsies, the Jewish question, and the enigma of Islam. Kuyper dated every chapter since he was aware that contemporary description can suddenly become obsolete due to unforeseen events. For example, in the preface to the second volume the journalist in Kuyper could not resist adding some comments about the revolt of the Young Turks as a supplement to his study of Turkey and the Balkans in the first volume.
The lavish prospectus for this title included a full-page photograph of Kuyper and nearly the full preface to the first volume—omitting only the first and final paragraphs (in which Kuyper downplays the significance of the book and indicates that he is not altogether happy with the illustrations that the publisher has proposed to include). The size, binding, paper quality, and broad margins of the book make a striking impression. It was published fourteen days before Kuyper’s seventieth birthday (see 1908.11).
An asterism reprinted from De Standaard, 35 (1906), no. 10660, December 14, 1906. Reflecting on the French churches’ responses to the Loi de la Séparation (see 1907.06), Kuyper observes that the Roman Catholic Church “takes a higher point of view” by not agreeing to its transformation into an “association of worshippers” while the Eglise Réformée simply resigns itself to everything. “This seems practical and peaceable,” notes Kuyper, “but it shows lack of character.” His remark did not go unchallenged, prompting the exchange of views found, in French, in 1907.06 and 1907.08 and, in Dutch translation, in 1907.09 and 1907.15.
Meditation on Psalm 36:9, translated from De Heraut, no. 1529, April 21, 1907.
Concerning Kuyper’s contributions to The Christian Intelligencer, see 1899.04.
Report of a speech (pp. [89]–94) and a reply (pp. 96–97) delivered by Kuyper at the first congress for the abolition of night work in the baker’s trade. At the time there were no legal protections in place to guarantee a night’s rest for bakers. Kuyper was one of the thirty-two honorary members of this congress. In his speech, Kuyper argues that abolishing the night shift for bakers and their staff is a matter of conscience. He contends that the rhythmic periods of day and night, low and high tides, are ordinances of God—a general revelation intended to order the rhythms of work and repose, waking and sleeping. However, he states that bakers who run their own family bakeries must remain outside the law at present because the fundamental right to an autonomous home life ought not to be violated by the state. Kuyper did not support the bakers’ draft law, which the Anti-Revolutionary A.S. Talma (1864–1916), minister of agriculture, trade, and industry, had submitted. The draft was rejected in 1912.
This first congress against night work for bakers was an initiative of the secretariat of the Roman Catholic Employer’s Organization for Bakers and Confectioners. Kuyper based a meditation in De Heraut (no. 1553, October 6, 1907) on a faulty exegesis of the second half of Hosea 7:6 (“their baker sleeps the whole night”), a fact that did not pass unnoticed by his readers.
Letter written to the Rev. J.E. Vonkenberg, chairman of the Dutch Federation of Young Men’s Associations on Reformed Principles. In the letter Kuyper thanks Vonkenberg for the speech he had delivered on Kuyper’s seventieth birthday. He also expresses gratitude for the federation’s birthday gift—an album with a calligraphic calfskin cover containing (in an elegant hand) the names of the administrators of the federation and its provincial branches, the number of the federation’s associations, and the total number of its members. The album was made by J.J. van Blitterswijk Jr., artist and member of the Young Men’s Association “Nathanaël” in Haarlem.
A bronze birthday medal was sent along with the letter. The medal (55mm.; medalist, J. van Goor; bronze, C.J. Begeer, Utrecht) bears Kuyper’s effigy on the front side and, on the reverse side, his name and the dates 1837 and 1907 emblazoned between an oak and a laurel leaf; see front cover of the bibliography.
Boekenoogen—Leeuwarden. Aan de Meeting mijn hartelijke dank voor haar sympathiek telegram. Alleen in de Calvinistische lijn ligt vastheid: voor wie met Groen van Prinsterer er in roemt: “Issu de Calvin” te zijn. Kuyper.
Expression of gratitude for a telegram sent by the annual Meeting of Young Calvinist Friesland, which met in Leeuwarden on November 14, 1907. In addition to congratulating Kuyper on his seventieth birthday, the meeting had expressed the wish that Friesland would soon see his return to the Second Chamber as leader. The Rev. G. Boekenoogen (1858–1937) chaired the meeting.
Aan den Voorzitter van de Centrale Antirevolutionaire Kiesvereeniging te Sneek. Uit de bladen zie ik, dat de Centrale mij candidaat heeft gesteld voor de Tweede kamer. Gelijk ik u bij uw bezoek op 3 november verklaarde, kon ik eene candidatuur voor Sneek zelfs niet in overweeging nemen, tenzij de drie partijen van Antirevolutionairen, Christelijk-Historischen en Rooms-Katholieken mij gezamenlijk candideeren wilden. Dit bleek niet het geval te zijn. Althans de bladen melden, dat de Christelijk-Historische partij hiertoe niet bereid was. Onder deze omstandigheden acht ik het, ter vermijding van een doelloze stemming, mijn plicht, u te verzoeken aan de Centrale te berichten, dat ik geenerlei verantwoordelijkheid voor mijn candidatuur aanvaarden kan, en haar dringend verzoek, een anderen candidaat in mijn plaats te stellen. Kuyper.
After the death of its representative, H. Okma (1868–1907), the electoral district of Sneek had to elect another representative for the Second Chamber. The Central Anti-Revolutionary Electoral Association in Sneek sought to propose Kuyper as a candidate, likely referring back to Okma’s offer of his Second Chamber seat to Kuyper after the electoral defeat of June 1905 (cf. 1909.11). In his telegram Kuyper explains why he cannot consider becoming a candidate for the electoral district.
Preface to the translation of G. Frederick Wright’s Scientific Confirmations of Old Testament History (Oberlin, Ohio, 1906). In 1904 Wright delivered the Stone Lectures at Princeton Theological Seminary. These lectures were not immediately published; the author delayed publication in order to verify his findings during a long journey throughout the Middle East. He subsequently published this broadly elaborated version of the original lectures.
In the preface Kuyper explains why he did not see the good of apologetics in his younger days, when he considered the clarification and strengthening of the church’s confessional character to be far more significant. He concedes, however, that it may subsequently be necessary to engage in apologetics. According to Kuyper, Wright demonstrates what apologetics can entail above and beyond the interpretation of the church’s confession.
The book was published in ten installments between August and November 1907. Kuyper’s preface appeared in the final installment. Kuyper had asked Rev. C. Oranje (1870–1907; editor of Haagsche Stemmen. Christelijk weekblad voor Nederland), who had been accorded emeritus status at the early age of thirty-five for health reasons, to translate Wright’s book. Oranje finished the work but died on October 26, 1907—a few weeks before his translation appeared in print.
This edition was newly composed but retained the pagination of the previous printings as much as possible. The mispagination of the previous printings was rectified. On the title page the image of the Maid of Holland was omitted. The political platform for the electoral campaign of 1897 was left out. In the autumn of 1913, the edition was on sale for ƒ2.49 (unbd. ƒ2.-) as one of the premiums for the 1914 yearbook of the Dutch Federation of Young Men’s Associations on Reformed Principles.
Previous editions had included a list of Kuyper’s works on unnumbered pages at the end of the book. In this edition, however, the titles are numbered and rather than containing all of Kuyper’s books and brochures, the list includes only those titles which Wormser either published or acquired from other publishers’ lists. These total ninety-six titles. The list is like a balance sheet marking the end of the devotion and dedication that Wormser had shown for the dissemination of Kuyper’s “paper children.”
J.A. Wormser was a son-in-law of H. Höveker. The firms of Höveker & Zoon (est. 1870), J.A. Wormser (est. 1886; see 1886.14) and Höveker’s Boekhandel (est. 1831) were incorporated as the Naamloze Vennootschap Boekhandel: Höveker & Wormser to increase capital on July 1, 1896. However, the substantial financial injections of W. Hovy, who also stood surety for the firm, did not avail in the end. In 1907 the company came to grief. The decline was due in part to the South African branches in Pretoria and Potchefstroom, which suffered from the commercial disorder during and after the Second Boer War (1899–1902). On September 1, 1906, an employee, Wichert ten Have, took over the Boekhandel voorheen Höveker & Wormser and moved it to Kalverstraat 154 in Amsterdam. Wormser and his publishing house moved to Hilversum in early February 1907. In June 1907, J.W. Reese and R.C. Verweijck (employees of De Standaard) took over the publication of De Heraut and De Standaard. On June 4, 1907, the publishing house N.V. Höveker & Wormser, was founded in Hilversum. It lasted only a little more than a month before declaring bankruptcy on July 8, 1907.
After consulting with the author and in cooperation (see the letter from Kok to Kuyper dated November 27, 1907; GAK/AK) with the publisher S. Warendorf (†1918), the publisher J.H. Kok (1871–1940) bought nearly all the remaining works by Kuyper put up at the fund auction of December 12, 1907. Kuyper retained the copyright. Throughout its years as Kuyper’s publisher, J.H. Kok bought the remaindered copies of his works from other Dutch publishing houses whenever possible, just as Kruyt and Wormser had previously done. For information about Kuyper’s publishers, see also 1874.02 and 1886.14.
A reprint (with the omission of the first three paragraphs) drawn from 1899.15 (pp. 66–71), included here in a school reader on history. The piece was originally published in De Standaard 28 (1899), no. 8283, March 3, 1899. For Christian schools throughout the twentieth century, many of Kuyper’s complete texts as well as fragments from his work were incorporated into classroom readers. In this bibliography, fragments in such a reader are only mentioned in an entry when an integral text is also included, although an exception has been made for 1948.02.
1908
In this letter to the editor of De Standaard, Kuyper seeks to clear up a misunderstanding on the part of D.P.D. Fabius. Fabius (1851–1931) was a professor on the law faculty of the Vrije Universiteit, who also wrote for the Anti-Revolutionary daily paper De Rotterdammer. According to Fabius, Kuyper opposed compulsory insurance. In this response Kuyper states that he has been in favor of compulsory insurance since 1891 (see 1891.14), but that he disagrees with state-imposed insurance, preferring a process in which employers and employees mutually arrange insurance. The plight of workers had made Kuyper willing for political reasons to consider imposing insurance from above, but he still does not consider this the right method. For compulsory insurance and De Rotterdammer, see also 1906.12.
The remarkable phenomenon of the editor of a newspaper writing a letter to its editor (as Kuyper had done several times before) inspired a caricature by Albert Hahn, which was published in the political-satirical weekly De Notenkraker, 2 (1908), no. 4, January 26, 1908. The caricature showed Kuyper entering the office of the editorial staff, where he handed a letter to the editor in chief, Kuyper, who was seated at his desk. The caption read: “Could you perhaps publish this piece in De Standaard, Mr. Kuyper?” “I will read it, Mr. Kuyper, and send you my decision.” (cf. 1909.07, p. [42]).
This fourth volume incorporates the Register op E Voto Dordraceno, of toelichting op den Heidelbergschen Catechismus; door A. Kuyper (see app. 1.02). The index (see 1895.05) was paginated separately ([4], 76 pp.). This final volume of E Voto was delivered to subscribers by the curators of the Höveker & Wormser bankruptcy (see 1907.22).
Meditation on Hebrews 13:15, reprinted from 1880.12, pp. [131]–134 in a literary reader for the Reformed Young Men’s Associations. The anthology was meant to acquaint young people with Christian literature by encouraging them to read it aloud and to recite works at Young Men’s Association meetings. This reader contains twenty-seven prose pieces and eleven poems. Fragments from 1887.33 and 1907.13 are also included.
In the preface the publisher states that this collection of five articles from De Standaard is being published at his initiative, with Kuyper’s permission. The publisher was hoping to foster the creation of social organizations on principled grounds.
The first three articles, “Vakorganisatie onder eigen beheer” [Unions under our own management] had been published in alternating issues of De Standaard 36 (1907), no. 10939, November 13, 1907–no. 10943, November 18, 1907. These articles argue for creating independent professional associations in every field, organized both locally and nationally. Reprinted from De Standaard, 36 (1907), no. 10945, November 20, 1907, the fourth article, “Patroons-Organisatie” [Employer’s Association], discusses the organization of Christian employer’s associations. The final article, “Groepsvertegenwoordiging” [Group representation], reprinted from De Standaard, 36 (1907), no. 10965, December 13, 1907, contains a plea for what would later become work councils. Cf. 1956.01.
In his first letter to the editor (see 1908.01), Kuyper had only raised a single issue with Fabius because Fabius had explicitly referred to Kuyper’s ideas on that issue. In this second letter, Kuyper offers critical remarks about Fabius’s attitude regarding other political issues. As a member of the Central Committee of Anti-Revolutionary Electoral Associations, Fabius had helped to draw up a common program of action. Kuyper complains that it is unacceptable for Fabius to subsequently propagate other ideas and point out alternative lines of action without consulting with the Central Committee and the Meeting of Deputies of Anti-Revolutionary Electoral Associations. Kuyper asserts that Fabius is threatening party discipline and that the unity of the party must not be neglected.
Devotional sketches about five New Testament women: Mary of Bethany (see also 1908.09), Martha, the Samaritan woman (see also 1908.09), the woman of Canaan (see also 1908.09), and Pilate’s wife (see also 1909.02). This is the final series from 1897.17 published in the Christian Intelligencer. After ten years, the editorial staff had delivered on the promise it made in 1899 (see 1899.04).
Kuyper sent this letter to the board of the Association of Christian School Teachers in the Netherlands and the Overseas Territories as an expression of his gratitude for the gifts he had received during a celebration for his seventieth birthday. The celebration was held on October 29, 1907 in the Gebouw voor Kunsten en Wetenschappen in The Hague. To honor Kuyper 2,800 Christian school teachers had raised funds for a portrait of him, painted by H.J. Haverman (1857–1928), and for a memorial album designed by F. Müllens, with four full-page illustrations and a list of all the donors arranged according to place name. Pictures of both gifts can be found in 1908.11 and 1908.13. Along with the letter Kuyper also sent a medallion (see 1907.18), which he had minted for his birthday celebration.
Adapted from the first part of chapter 13 (pp. 485–489) of 1900.19, this fragment was included in Homiletic Review as the first item in a section entitled “sermonic literature.” The text is prefaced by a short, appreciative analysis of Kuyper’s style and method of treating Scripture. The editors do not cite the source of this item. A portrait of Kuyper was printed on the cover with the caption, “A preacher-statesman—Dr. A. Kuyper of Holland.”
The American edition of the Homiletic Review (55 [1908], no. 4, April 1908) printed an abbreviated version of this fragment, which reduced it to approximately one-third its length (pp. 487–488). The American edition printed the same portrait and heading as the British edition.
Three devotional sketches about women in the New Testament: Mary of Bethany, the Samaritan woman, and the woman of Canaan (see 1908.06).
Report on the words of gratitude Kuyper delivered at the end of his seventieth birthday celebration, which took place in the Gebouw voor Kunsten en Wetenschappen in The Hague. The book contains forty-five pages with reports on the festivities, fifteen pages of “poetic tributes,” and four hundred pages of articles from national and international newspapers and magazines about Kuyper.
The commemorative book was available unbound, cloth bound, and in half-leather binding. A special gift copy was published in a half-leather binding with beveled edges and heavy white endpapers; it was printed on heavy paper with untrimmed fore and bottom edges.
English translation of Kuyper’s introduction to the Dutch edition of G. Frederick Wright’s Scientific Confirmations of Old Testament History (Oberlin, Ohio, 1906).
The letter from 1908.07 was reprinted in a small brochure of nine pages (including six full-page illustrations). The commission that organized a “tribute to Dr. A. Kuyper” on his seventieth birthday printed this brochure to document its gift of a portrait by H.J. Haverman. The full-page illustrations include a photograph of the portrait as well as five images of the calligraphic album of donors designed by F. Müllens (see 1908.07). All the teachers who contributed received a copy of this brochure.
A small number of complimentary copies of the brochure were wrapped with two gray, heavy-stock pieces of paper bound with a red cord. The phrase aan Dr. Kuyper. 29–10–’07 [to Dr. Kuyper. 10–29–07] is handwritten on the front cover along with the initials of the designer/calligrapher, F.M. (F. Müllens). Five original photographs that were reproduced in the brochure were pasted inside the gray covers.
This brochure reprints three closely connected series of articles from De Standaard dealing with tensions in the Anti-Revolutionary Party (ARP). The first series, Ons instinctieve leven [Our instinctive life], was originally published in alternating issues of De Standaard, 37 (1908), no. 11044, March 18, 1908–no. 11050, March 25, 1908. In this series of four articles, Kuyper warns against overemphasizing study and intellectualism within the party. According to Kuyper, the ARP is essentially a party of kleyne luyden [little people], whose instinctive life Kuyper has cultivated, fed, and strengthened through his publications and public actions. If the ARP loses sight of the people’s instinctive life, he cautions, the party will gradually become paralyzed.
The second series, Binnen de grenzen [Within the boundaries], was first published in De Standaard 37 (1908), no. 11054, March 30, 1908 and no. 11056, April 1, 1908. In these two articles Kuyper contends that the instinctive life and the reflective life should respect one another by becoming aware of their respective boundaries.
The third series, Partij-organisatie [Party organization], was originally published in alternating issues (with one exception) of De Standaard 37 (1908), no. 11064, April 10, 1908–no. 11074, April 24, 1908. In these five articles Kuyper describes how the opposition between instinct and reflection is also beginning to dominate the organization of the ARP. He notes, however, that from the outset the organizers and policy-makers of the ARP paid particular attention to promoting unity of purpose within the party. For Kuyper’s other contributions to this series, see 1903.18 and 1909.01.
Report of the opening speech delivered at the twenty-seventh annual meeting of the Association for Higher Education on Reformed Principles, held in Utrecht on July 4, 1907. According to the report, Kuyper began his speech by sharing his personal memories of the Vrije Universiteit and by reviewing its official history. He then gave a disquisition about the significance of the Vrije Universiteit, recalling not only its struggle against materialism, criticism, and intellectualism, but also the resistance the institution had encountered. Kuyper concluded his speech by looking to the future, prophesying that though the achievement of the university’s ideal would take some time, it would nevertheless come about. As far as finances were concerned, Kuyper noted that the Vrije Universiteit continued to rely on donations from the 80,000 Dutch Reformed families. In a way that captured the expectant mood of his audience, Kuyper then uttered the traditional wish for the growth and prosperity of “our university.”
This was the final meeting of the association to be chaired by Kuyper. Since he had turned seventy and was no longer an active professor, he was granted emeritus status at his own request, effective January 1, 1908.
Two letters to the editor reprinted as a supplement to a brochure in which Fabius discussed those letters at length (130 pp.).
Voor uw vriendelijk telegram mijn hartelijke dank. Het is mij leed, dat ik niet in uw midden kon zijn. Uz Heit daarboven schonk ons de Vrije Universiteit. Zij Zijn genade haar tot in lengte van dagen gegund en blijve vooral in Friesland de toewijding en de liefde van het Calvinistisch volk haar schragen. Kuyper.
In this cable Kuyper expresses his gratitude for a telegram sent by the twenty-eighth annual meeting of the Association for Higher Education on Reformed Principles, which met on July 2, 1908 in Leeuwarden, the capital of Friesland. The association’s telegram had referred to Kuyper as “Uz Heit [Frisian for “our father”] of our higher education.” The cable was also printed in De Heraut, no. 1593, July 12, 1908.
Kuyper opened the inaugural meeting of the Federation of Anti-Revolutionary Municipal Councilmen in the Netherlands by delivering this speech in Utrecht on July 1, 1908. After a short historical narrative, he addresses several practical matters and provides concrete advice and perspectives for Anti-Revolutionary municipal politicians. He returns once more to the concept of vrijmaking [liberation], which he now interprets as liberation from the spirit of centralization. In Kuyper’s view centralization was undermining the historical privileges of town and village governments by illegitimately imposing uniform regulations. In his speech Kuyper also states his opinion that mayors should be publicly elected (Dutch mayors are appointed by the Crown). Finally, he calls on the new federation to assist in creating a new municipal law, which would foster the independence of municipalities from the central government.
Report of the closing speech of the twentieth annual meeting of the Dutch Federation of Young Men’s Associations on Reformed Principles, which took place in Zutphen on May 28, 1908. Speaking extemporaneously, Kuyper describes the experience of previous generations who, from need and necessity, entered into action and struggle. He shares his perspective as a member of the generation that had built on the foundations and followed the guidance of Groen van Prinsterer. Kuyper warns his 3,000 young listeners that history shows that the ideals, élan, and self-sacrificial spirit of previous generations tend to wane among successors who have not participated in their struggles. However, he compliments the Young Men’s Associations as a link between generations and therefore as a powerful means to continue the movement in the right direction.
Kuyper’s speeches from his first period as a member of Parliament (1874–1877) had already been published in 1890 (see 1890.06). This first volume of a four-volume edition contains the speeches he delivered during his second period as a member of Parliament (1894–1901). The other three volumes contain his contributions as minister of the interior (1901–1905) in the First and Second Chambers of the States General.
The speeches in this volume were reprinted from 1895.01, 1895.25, 1896.06, 1896.18, 1897.02, 1897.13, 1898.07, 1899.05, 1899.30, 1900.06, 1900.22, and 1901.01. These entries make it clear that not everything Kuyper said in Parliament is reproduced in this volume. His shorter contributions are frequently omitted and the selection of passages is sometimes rather arbitrary. According to the contract (KA 316), these volumes were prepared by H. de Wilde (see 1903.17 and 1905.12). The four volumes were published without introduction or preface. Cross-references and explanatory notes are also lacking. The chronology of the speeches is repeatedly disregarded. Finally, there are no indices. According to De Standaard, no. 18528, September 12, 1932, the publication was a fiasco. Compared to the unpretentious (unbound) edition of 1890.06, the monumental binding used for this publication raised expectations, but the work failed to live up to its promise.
In 1917 the bureau of the Dutch Federation of Young Men’s Associations on Reformed Principles published a subject index for the four volumes (see app. 1.06).
Kuyper published nearly all these devotions (I–CX) in De Heraut during his term as prime minister (1901–1905) and during his long journey abroad (1905–1906). When Kuyper became minister of the interior and permanent chairman of the cabinet in 1901, he turned over his assignments for De Standaard and De Heraut to others; however, he continued to publish weekly devotions in De Heraut as the fruit of his Sunday rest. In his preface Kuyper seeks to clarify the title by offering some brief reflections on the Scylla and Charybdis of mysticism and intellectualism.
The first devotion—from which both volumes take their title—is based on Psalm 73:28. It was reprinted from De Heraut, no. 1447, September 24, 1905 (see also 1940.03, pp. 316–320).
The rest of the devotions from the first volume were reprinted from De Heraut, as follows: no. 1240, October 6, 1901 (II); no. 1284, August 10, 1902 (III); no. 1289, September 14, 1902 (IV); no. 1294, October 19, 1902 (V); no. 1237, September 15, 1901 (VI); no. 1297, November 9, 1902 (VII); no. 1299, November 23, 1902–no. 1302, December 14, 1902 (VIII–XI); and no. 1305, January 4, 1903–no. 1354, December 13, 1903 (XII–LVI).
The meditations in the second volume, which were numbered continuously with the first volume, were reprinted from De Heraut, as follows: no. 1303, December 21, 1902 (CVIII); no. 1449, October 8, 1905–no. 1450, October 15, 1905 (LVII–LVIII); no. 1355, December 20, 1903–no. 1360, January 24, 1904 (LIX–LXIII); no. 1373, April 24, 1904–no. 1374, May 1, 1904 (LXIV–LXV); no. 1385, July 17, 1904 (LXVI); no. 1388, August 7, 1904 (LXVII); no. 1390, August 21, 1904 (LXVIII); no. 1415, February 12, 1905–no. 1417, February 26, 1905 (LXIX–LXX; LXXIII); no. 1422, April 2, 1905 (LXXIV); no. 1427, May 7, 1905–no. 1429, May 21, 1905 (LXXV–LXXVII); no. 1431, June 4, 1905 (LXXII); no. 1433, June 18, 1905 (LXXVIII); no. 1434, June 25, 1905 (LXXI); no. 1435, July, 2, 1905 (LXXIX); no. 1448, October 1, 1905 (LXXX); no. 1451, October 22, 1905 (LXXXI); no. 1454, November 12, 1905–no. 1459, December 17, 1905 (LXXXII–LXXXVII); no. 1462, January 7, 1906–no. 1471, March 11, 1906 (LXXXVIII–XCVII); no. 1475, April 8, 1906 (XCVIII); no. 1477, April 22, 1906–no. 1481, May 20, 1906 (XCIX–CIII); and no. 1484, June 10, 1906–no. 1489, July 15, 1906 (CIV–CVII, CIX–CX).
The publisher Höveker & Wormser had already given instructions to print these devotions in 1906, but publication was delayed, probably due to the firm’s increasingly precarious financial situation. As a result, J.H. Kok, Kampen, became the publisher in the end (cf. 1907.22).
Letter to the board of the Central Anti-Revolutionary Electoral Association in the electoral district of Sneek. This association had once again (see 1907.20) nominated Kuyper as their member of Parliament. Kuyper sent a letter declining his candidacy, partly because the local Christian Historical Party officials did not support him. He asked the board to convey his gratitude to the Roman Catholic Central Electoral Association, which did support his candidacy. Kuyper also wrote that he had not yet decided whether he would run as a candidate in the district of Ommen (see 1908.24).
In the preface to this second edition, Kuyper thanks his son, H.H. Kuyper (1864–1945), who had revised this edition when the first sold out. Kuyper’s work as a minister prevented him from revising the edition himself. As a professor at the Vrije Universiteit, H.H. Kuyper had given lectures on the encyclopedia of theology since 1901. The history of the encyclopedia was updated in the first volume, as was the third and final section. For other publications of his father’s works edited by H.H. Kuyper, see 1925.03, 1929.06, and 1936.01.
Letter to the chairman of the Central Anti-Revolutionary Electoral Association in the electoral district of Ommen, which had selected Kuyper as its representative in the Second Chamber on October 15, 1908. A special election was held in Ommen after the death of J. van Alphen (1829–1907), an Anti-Revolutionary member of the Second Chamber. In addition to representing the constituency of Ommen, Van Alphen had served as the assessor of the Central Committee of the Anti-Revolutionary Electoral Associations. Kuyper’s electoral victory was achieved due to the support of the three right-wing parties and the personal support of A.F. de Savornin Lohman, who strongly defended Kuyper’s candidacy in the Ommen electoral district.
Three weeks after his victory, Kuyper wrote that his initial objections to become a candidate had been removed by “the memorandum in reply that was recently published.” The Heemskerk cabinet (1908–1913) had originally given the impression that it wanted to take a legislative approach different from that of the Kuyper cabinet (1901–1905), but then corrected that impression with this memorandum, which stated that it was in total agreement with the previous Anti-Revolutionary cabinet. (Kuyper had actually seen a draft of the memorandum and had made many changes to its text: see A. Bornebroek, Een heer in een volkspartij. Theodoor Heemskerk (1852–1932), minister-president en minister van Justitie [Amsterdam, 2006, pp. 167–168]). Kuyper was sworn into the Second Chamber on November 13, 1908.
This second volume adds a colored fold-out map to show the course of Kuyper’s journey. The dotted line indicates where the journey was resumed (cf. 1906.05). However, as mentioned in the description to 1907.13, these volumes are not a travelogue, but a series of essays on the nations and peoples Kuyper encountered. In broad outline Kuyper describes the confrontations between the Semitic (with its Judeo-Christian and Islamic division) and the Aryan peoples. He concludes by typifying the division within the Semitic race as a confrontation between “the cross” and “the crescent,” contending that its resolution “cannot come but from the shores of the Mediterranean.” He also briefly describes his journey home, which took him through Paris, in his concluding entry of October 28, 1908 (see 1907.06).
In his Levensbericht van Dr. A. Kuyper (Leiden, 1923), Kuyper’s successor in politics H. Colijn (1869–1944) points out that Kuyper’s vision of the universal scope of Calvinist principles was repeatedly borne out in Om de oude Wereldzee: “Thus, as a natural concluding development of his basic principles, the journey to the East brought the ascending line of Kuyper’s career to a close in a dignified way.”
Purchasers of Om de oude Wereldzee I–II were offered a discounted copy of Varia Americana for ƒ0.75 (see 1899.15).
1909
Four articles reprinted from De Standaard 37 (1908), no. 11194, September 14, 1908; no. 11200, September 21, 1908; no. 11202, September 23, 1908; and no. 11272, December 14, 1908. Kuyper wrote these articles for political reasons in view of the forthcoming June 12 general elections for the Second Chamber. They were published as the eighth part of the series Christelijke politiek [Christian politics], along with three other essays by members of the cabinet in office, Heemskerk and De Savornin Lohman.
Kuyper led the initiative to develop a platform for the Anti-Revolutionary Party and establish rules and regulations for the Central Committee of Anti-Revolutionary Electoral Associations (see 1878.01 and 1878.02). He was the architect of a party organization unique to the Netherlands of that period. As chairman of the party’s central committee—with an interlude from 1904–1906—and therefore as leader of the party from 1879–1918, he acted as guide on the path to accomplishing the goals set out in the platform (see 1879.04 and 1897.04 respectively). However, he had begun to encounter resistance to his leadership both from within the Anti-Revolutionary Party and from the broader coalition. Kuyper wrote these articles to promote unity and to contribute to an electoral victory for the Heemskerk cabinet. The articles contained not only analyses, but also a strong plea for maintaining unity in Christ.
A devotional sketch about Pilate’s wife.
Den Heer Bramer, Nijverdal. Veel dank voor uw sympathiek telegram. Nog altoos hoop ik in staat te zijn, zoo mijn bezigheden mij dit veroorloven, in het district op te treden. Kuyper.
Answer to a telegram sent by a supporter after a debate between Anti-Revolutionaries and Socialists in Nijverdal (in the electoral district of Ommen). The debate had focused on the railway strikes of 1903 (see 1903.04), and in his telegram the supporter had thanked Kuyper for his efforts on behalf of his people and his fatherland during the strikes.
Circular letter to raise money for the “war fund” of the Central Committee of Anti-Revolutionary Electoral Associations (KA 238). The administrative costs of the committee were paid from this fund, but the fund also subsidized the activities of the electoral districts, when necessary. Thus, the long letter stated that for the elections of 1905 the committee had “paid out more than ƒ1,000 to Enkhuizen just to enable the fishermen of Urk to come to the ballot box.” (Urk was still an island at that time.) In light of the upcoming elections, the depleted funds had to be replenished. As interim treasurer Kuyper signed the letter himself (see also 1911.09). The post of treasurer, vacant due to the departure of Prime Minister Heemskerk, would be filled at the next meeting of deputies (see 1909.08).
Telegram te laat in handen gekomen om nog bij tijds te antwoorden. Toch behoefte mijn hartelijken dank voor te betuigen. Winne ons streven ook in de provincie Utrecht steeds in kracht. Utrecht was van ouds een bolwerk voor de zaak onzes Heeren. Blijke het ook ditmaal te zijn bij de stembusworsteling, die op til is. Kuyper.
Kuyper belatedly sent this telegram to J.H. de Waal Malefijt (1852–1931) expressing his gratitude for a telegram from the provincial Anti-Revolutionary Party rally in Utrecht. The meeting had expressed the wish that Kuyper might lead the nation for years to come and take the lead in promoting the recognition of Christ’s monarchy.
For the third time in his political career, Kuyper had become a member of the Second Chamber (see 1908.24). His first parliamentary speech in this third period took place on March 24, 1909, when, in response to an interpellation, Kuyper spoke about the simplification of Dutch spelling rules (pp. 1877–1879). On May 18, 1909, Kuyper supported a motion submitted by A.F. de Savornin Lohman to postpone the inquiry into the organization of the departments of the general government until the new parliamentary year (pp. 2354–2355).
In this letter Kuyper grants the publisher permission to publish an anthology of the political cartoons with which he has been “harassed for nearly forty years.” Kuyper also offers a few remarks in passing on the nature of political cartoons. The letter was printed as a preface to the anthology ([56] pp., 30cm.). He dated his letter April 1—April Fool’s Day. Kuyper’s mannerisms and appearance made him a popular butt of political cartoonists. This edition reprinted 140 cartoons. Cartoons of a more offensive nature were not included. The collection was published on April 22, 1909—the day of the meeting of deputies (cf. 1909.08).
In the Nieuwsblad voor den Boekhandel (no. 36, May 4, 1909), the publisher announced that “the enormous print run of this album is completely sold out. The album will be reprinted. The new printing will be ready at the beginning of next week.”
The seventeenth Meeting of Deputies of Anti-Revolutionary Electoral Associations was held in Utrecht and was convened to prepare for the general elections for the Second Chamber, which were slated for June 12, 1909. In front of more than 1,600 party officials, Kuyper summarized the Anti-Revolutionary Party’s experience in the years since the Kuyper cabinet had taken office in 1901. Concerns expressed in 1909.01 also surfaced in his speech. The identity of the party, the importance of the coalition, the meaning of the antithesis, and the fourth centennial celebration of Calvin’s birth were also given special attention. The speech was published on the day Kuyper delivered it.
Aan Hare Majesteit de Koningin. ’s Gravenhage. De Deputatenvergadering der Antirevolutionaire partij veroorlooft zich, zeer eerbiediglijk aan Uwe Majesteit, met de betuiging van haar hulde, de verzekering van haar onwankelbare trouw aan te bieden, en den zegen onzes Gods in te roepen over wat op dit ogenblik heel de natie in spanning houdt, en straks een hooge toon des gejuichs en der dankzegging uit heel het land moge doen opgaan. Kuyper. Tivoli—Utrecht.
Telegram sent on behalf of the Meeting of Deputies of the Anti-Revolutionary Party (see 1909.08). The “high note of cheering and thanksgiving” is a reference to the forthcoming birth of a royal child, Princess Juliana (April 30, 1909–March, 20, 2004).
Zijne Excellentie Minister Heemskerk, Den Haag. De Deputatenvergadering der Antirevolutionaire partij, betuigt U als President-Minister haar hartelijke sympathie en bidt U toe, dat God de Heere U voor land en volk ten zegen stelle. Kuyper.
In an asterism entitled “Te onpas” [Ill-timed] (De Standaard, no. 11382, April 27, 1909), Kuyper stated that it was formally against the rules to send Prime Minister Heemskerk a telegram, as one of the deputies at the meeting (see 1909.08) had proposed. Since a refusal by the chairman (Kuyper) to honor the proposal might have given rise to speculation, Kuyper sent the telegram in any case.
In this letter to a committee seeking funds for a monument in memory of H. Okma (see 1907.20), Kuyper recalls Okma’s virtues, pointing out that Okma was the first graduate of the Vrije Universiteit to become a member of Parliament. Kuyper also remarks on the exceptional gesture by which Okma offered him his parliamentary seat after the elections of 1905. The memorial, which was designed by Tjeerd Kuipers (1857–1942), one of the foremost architects of Doleantie churches, was presented to the family on May 13, 1909 in the public cemetery in Sneek.
Kuyper delivered this speech in Dordt as the Anti-Revolutionary candidate for the Second Chamber in the electoral district of Dordt. By “great turning point,” Kuyper was referring to the changing attitude toward liberalism that had taken place in Dutch politics. Offering a historical sketch in his address, Kuyper points to two other major turning points: the emergence of the Anti-Revolutionary press (see 1872.02) and the national petition (see 1878.04). Kuyper concludes the speech by expressing his hope that the electoral district of Dordt, which had once supported the Anti-Revolutionaries but had voted for the liberals in recent years, would experience the great turning point for itself during the next general election. His candidacy was supported by the Roman Catholic and Christian Historical Electoral Associations in Dordt.
The short introduction to the reprint of this speech in 1937.05 stated that the printed speech was not offered for sale. See, however, 1909.23.
This edition (without a cover and printed on cheap paper) was handed out free of charge to support Kuyper’s campaign in the electoral district of Dordt (see 1909.12).
Seven articles reprinting a series entitled And Now the Ballot Box (I–VII) from De Standaard 38 (1909), no. 11411, June 2, 1909–no. 11418, June 10, 1909 (with one interruption). The articles were published together as a brochure under the new title Voor den slag even before the final article in the newspaper series had appeared. Headings were supplied for every article in the brochure. This brochure, which discusses important electoral issues, represented a final contribution to the Anti-Revolutionary political campaign in the period just prior to the contest that would determine the outcome of the general elections for the Second Chamber on June 12, 1909. It was published as part of a series of political pamphlets entitled Om het roer van Staat. During the six months prior to the election, eight issues in the series were published.
The asterism “Om ’t roer van Staat” [For the helm of the state] from De Standaard (no. 11333, February 26, 1909), which recommended this series, was published on the back of the front cover. During the election campaign the Anti-Revolutionaries aimed to maintain the Heemkerk cabinet “for the helm of the state.”
There is no reference to the Series politieke vlugschriften (see 1909.15) on the cover or title page of this edition. The edition is otherwise the same as 1909.15, except for its use of higher-quality paper, its use of colored paper for the cover, and its omission of the asterism from the back of the front cover.
A devotion on Proverbs 29:20, reprinted from 1899.32 (pp. 161–165) in a reader for the Reformed Young Men’s Associations (see 1908.03). In this second collection a fragment from 1888.13 (pp. 5–10) is also reprinted on pages 173–178.
Some corrections and improvements were also made during the revision of the second volume (cf. 1908.23).
In the report of an interview (by Eduard Polak, see 1910.03) with the Free Liberal and Bloemendaal lawyer P. Tideman (see 1907.02), the Social Democratic newspaper Het Volk (first editor in chief, P.J. Troelstra) also published this thank-you letter sent by Kuyper to Miss. M. Westmeijer. Dated The Hague, June 18, 1904 and composed on a postcard bearing the letterhead of the States General, the note was intended to serve as evidence for a charge that Tideman had leveled at an election meeting in Ommen on June 11, 1909, in the lead-up to the elections for the Second Chamber.
Tideman accused Kuyper during his term as prime minister of accepting money for the Anti-Revolutionary election fund in exchange for arranging a royal honor (see 1909.20). The affair received much attention in the press. The report of the interview and the accompanying documents (including the thank-you note) were also immediately published in Het Handelsblad (June 27, 1909). The so-called lintjeskwestie [decorations affair] was born.
In twelve points Kuyper responds, in this letter to the editor of De Standaard, to an interview critical of his conduct in office (see 1909.19). Kuyper corrects misimpressions concerning the bestowal of a royal honor in the Order of Orange Nassau by giving a short summary of the facts at issue. In his eleventh point Kuyper charges that Tideman is making use of privileged information. In his twelfth and final point, Kuyper argues against the opinion expressed in De Nieuwe Courant that an acting minister ought to steer clear of electoral activities and therefore should not be allowed to accept money for election funds. To support his position he points to political practices in England and the United States. See also 1909.22.
Speech delivered during the twenty-first annual meeting of the Dutch Federation of Young Men’s Associations on Reformed Principles, held in the Kurhaus in Scheveningen. Also known as the “Dibbetz speech,” the address has a distinctly autobiographical tone. Kuyper calls H.I. Dibbetz (1817–1874) his “spiritual father” and notes that Dibbetz had not only been his friend, leader, and supporter (cf. 1910.01), but had also predicted that the Dutch youth would listen to Kuyper’s call of duty. Kuyper also gave the members of the federation—his “spiritual children”—a treasured portrait of Dibbetz. The portrait was published along with Kuyper’s speech in the collection of addresses and lectures from the meeting.
Kuyper had wanted to attend this meeting once again (cf. 1908.19) because it was being held in his place of residence. During the meeting he was given a beautiful document in calligraphy attesting to his status as an honorary member of the federation (see 1897.06) and naming him “His Excellency Dr. A. Kuyper, Minister of State.” Three government ministers (including Kuyper) delivered speeches during this meeting.
In this short letter to the editor, Kuyper writes that he would like to let his voice be heard again (see 1909.20) before his holiday, but that he cannot react since supposed pieces of evidence are still being leaked out, bit by bit, as proof against him. Notes Kuyper: “I cannot take the floor again as long as I do not know whether I have all the documents before me.”
In this asterism reprinted from De Standaard 37 (1908), no. 11091, May 14, 1908, Kuyper writes with compassion and empathy about his political opponent P.J. Troelstra, who was ailing and had to undergo surgery. Kuyper’s consideration and respect for his opponent was cited by H. de Wilde as an example for the left-wing press, which was treating Kuyper ruthlessly in the “decorations affair” (see 1909.19).
On November 18, 1909, Kuyper spoke in the Second Chamber about the interim report on the “decorations affair” (see 1909.19). After criticizing the accusations, correcting misunderstandings, and explaining his actions, he concluded with the admission that he had not acted carefully enough. “The hair shirt is not unbecoming to the man,” he admitted. Finally, he summed up his case with several theses, contending that a conclusive argument proving the charges against him had yet to be put forward (pp. 330–332). See also 1909.27 and 1910.07. In the session of November 22, during the general debate on the national budget of 1910, Kuyper spoke about the significance of the elections results of June 1909, the role of Christian principles in directing government policy, the proposed general revision of the constitution, monetary policy, and the relationship between the Anti-Revolutionary Party and the cabinet (pp. 364–369). Kuyper also spoke about government policy regarding higher education on December 16 (pp. 1069–1070) and about vocational training on December 18 (pp. 1138–1141).
The preface has dropped a paragraph that no longer applies because of revisions made in the second edition. The pagination matches the first edition apart from the printing of the table of contents at the end.
The title indicates that this explanation is a continuation of 1909.20. The additional explanation was given in the Second Chamber on November 18, 1909 (see 1909.25, pp. 330–332). P.J. Troelstra, who first brought the “decorations affair” to light in his newspaper (see 1909.19), was just finishing a speech in which he suggested the possibility of conducting a parliamentary inquiry into the case when Kuyper unexpectedly appeared in the chamber. He was immediately given the floor to speak about the matter.
Kuyper had brought the printed speech with him. A possible explanation of why he printed these copies for personal use—of which several have survived (cf. 1885.08, 1891.05, 1893.09, 1898.15, 1899.20 [HDC], and 1917.12)—may be found in his comment in the preface that “a [hand-]written statement is so difficult for me to read.”
The publisher who had delivered the printed copy for Kuyper’s personal use begged his permission to publish it. Kuyper agreed, asking him also to include the statements given by the spokesmen of the three coalition parties on November 19, 22, and 23 (pp. [13]–23).
A series of devotions reprinted from 1893.08 (I–XVI) and from De Heraut, no. 1456, November 26, 1905 (XXXIX). J.H. Kuyper edited this series of (nearly always) four-page leaflets containing devotions and poems (1–2 pp.) by various authors, meant to serve as a source of comfort to the sick. She also printed a few devotions and several poems composed by her eldest sister, H.S.S. Kuyper, and reprinted fifteen devotions from her own translation of Sterrelicht (Amsterdam, [1908]) by G. Steinberger (1865–1904).
Every leaflet has as the drop title Woorden van Troost. Bijeengezocht door J.H. Kuyper. The bottom of the back page bears the imprint Boek- en Kunstdrukkerij: J. Bootsma, te ’s Gravenhage. Copies were available at a sliding scale of ƒ1.- per 100 copies, ƒ2.- per 250 copies, ƒ3.- per 500 copies, and ƒ6.- per 1000 copies. A set (I–L) was available in paper binding.
J.H. Kuyper was a nurse active both nationally and internationally. In 1912/1913, she traveled to Constantinople with a Dutch ambulance team and worked with a similar team in Hungary during the First World War. She was also the co-author of De levensavond van Dr. A. Kuyper (see 1921.01).
The second volume of Parliamentary Speeches starts the series of Kuyper’s ministerial speeches in the Second Chamber of the States General. The series continues in volumes 3 and 4. Included in this volume are the greater part of the sections from 1901.13, 1902.04, 1902.11, 1903.04, and 1903.14. A rough subject index is also included. The two selections included from the Memorie van Antwoord [memorandum in reply] (pp. 16–39, 506–520) go beyond the context of parliamentary speeches because memoranda in reply were not delivered to the members of the Second Chamber as speeches, but as printed documents. These two selections deal with the policy of the cabinet and the printed interim reports summarizing the inquiries and debates of the five departments of the Second Chamber on the first chapter of the proposed national budget for 1904. These selections were included without acknowledgement of their source. For the source of the memorandum in reply, see 1903.18.
According to the prospectus (RKB 178, pp. 336–341), the shorter speeches dealing with “individual articles and amendments” were mostly omitted in order to keep within the size limits of the publication. Instead, “a number of ministerial memoranda written by Dr. Kuyper, which dealt with matters of principle, were added.” For the concept of this four-volume publication of Kuyper’s speeches (September 24, 1901–June 14, 1905) in the First and the Second Chambers of the States General, see 1908.20.
The stereotypes of the 1897 edition, which belonged to Kuyper, were made available to the publisher J.H. Kok, who used them to produce printings and title editions to the dertigste vijfduizend [thirtieth five thousand] (see 1922.14).
1910
Kuyper wrote this letter of condolence to Mrs. C.M. Dibbetz-van Laar on the day after the death of her husband, H.I. Dibbetz (see 1909.21). Signed “your friend Kuyper,” the letter was published in a biography of H.I. Dibbetz by J. Bressen (pseudonym of Johanna Maria Sielof, 1849–1930). This biography was offered as a bonus (cf. 1897.23) for the buyers of the 1910 yearbook of the Dutch Federation of Young Men’s Associations on Reformed Principles. The biography and the yearbook each appeared in editions of 2,500 copies.
In a pamphlet about the so-called “decorations affair,” there are the following documents: four postcards to Miss M. Westmeijer (pp. 11–12, pp. 17–18, and p. 48 [see 1909.19]); a letter to P. Tideman (pp. 43–44); two letters to the editor (pp. 13–15 and p. 21 [see 1909.20 and1909.22]); and a personal statement (see 1909.25, pp. 330–332).
Eduard Polak (1880–1962), editor of the Social Democratic newspaper Het Volk since 1902, edited the pamphlet. Polak first unleashed the “decorations affair” in his interview with P. Tideman (see 1909.19). See also 1910.21 and 2005.02.
The first installment of a collection of artistic depictions of biblical scenes with explanatory commentary by Kuyper. This installment contains a half title and a title page (bifolium), an introduction (two bifoliums), three pages of text, and reproductions (photogravures in mezzotint) of three paintings by the Spanish painter José Villegas (1848–1922). The format of the work is impressive in every respect.
In the preface Kuyper—who was an emeritus professor of aesthetics—reflects on the interaction between the sacred text and the artistic imagination. After briefly assessing the historical schools of biblical illumination, he discusses three great Dutch biblical illustrators of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries: Romeyn de Hooghe, Jan Luyken, and Pieter de Hondt. He closes by explaining the order of the reproductions, which do not appear in the chronological order of the biblical stories (see 1912.21).
The collection was published in twenty-four monthly installments. Eight installments were published in 1910, the next ten were published in 1911, and the final six were published by the middle of 1912. For the complete collection, see 1912.13.
The Christian Intelligencer reported in its January 1, 1908 issue that French, English, and German translations were being made of Around the Mediterranean Sea. However—although the Dutch edition had been a commercial success—only a French translation was completed, and this not altogether successfully. The publication of the second volume required partial advance financing (see 1911.19).
A note in the preface to the second volume mentions that this first volume (apart from the chapter about the Holy Land) had been translated by Léon Hebbelynck, an attorney at the Court of Appeal in Ghent, Belgium. The chapter on the Holy Land was translated by Jules Kleyntjens, professor at the Koninklijke Atheneum in Leuven. Msgr. Ad. Hebbelynck, rector of Leuven University, suggested the two translators to Kuyper (see KA 132, letter dated January 7, 1907). Léon Hebbelynck was the rector’s nephew. Kuyper paid for the translation as well as for the editorial work.
From the contract for the second volume with publisher Albert Dewit (KA 316), it appears that the volumes were to have been published in Paris as well as Brussels. However, a Paris edition has not yet been located. In a section that identifies works by professors at the Vrije Universiteit, the 1911 Almanac of the Student Union (see 1911.01) includes the following reference (p. [192]): “Autour de l’ancien mer du monde, dl. I. Parijs. Plan Nourritel & Co. 1910.” The spelling of the title (ancien instead of ancienne) and the place of publication (“Parijs” instead of “Paris”) suggest that this information may have been based on supposition or hearsay rather than physical inspection.
At an auction in December 1907 the publisher J.H. Kok bought nearly all the unsold copies of Wormser’s Kuyper list (cf. 1907.22). This edition was the first volume in a six-volume series of cheap editions originally published by Wormser in two different series. In this new series two of the volumes were given new titles, the subtitles of three volumes were made into titles, and the sixth volume (1910.16) retained its original title. The publisher gave these title editions new title pages as well as uniform bindings. The series consists of five volumes from the series Uit het Woord. Stichtelijke Bijbelstudiën [From the Word: Devotional Bible studies], together with the second volume of Honig uit den rotssteen. Tweede bundel [Honey from the rock: Second volume]. The six volumes were subsequently sold by subscription for a low price. By doing so, the publisher was actually combining two incomplete series. The first volume from the series Uit het Woord (see 1896.15) is missing as is the first volume from Honig uit den rotssteen (see 1896.12).
A plausible explanation for this remarkable offer may be that, in comparison with other volumes in their respective series, fewer copies of 1896.12 and 1896.15 had been auctioned. Remainders of those two volumes were also eventually made available for those who wanted to complete their collection (see 1910.18 and 1910.25). The latter volumes were published separately but with bindings matching this set.
This memorandum was printed as a confidential document for the members of the assessment committee charged with investigating Kuyper’s behavior in the decorations affair (see 1909.19). The memorandum includes letters, postcards, and press statements, as well as background information and Kuyper’s remarks about the affair. The memorandum also discusses his testimony in the Second Chamber (see 1909.25, pp. 330–332), the parliamentary reaction to his testimony, and the two speeches delivered by P.J. Troelstra. The memorandum numbers fifteen paragraphs, including information about other issues such as the Tideman interview (see 1909.19), with an additional paragraph of summary. A list of forty-one enclosures is also included (pp. 58–59).
On May 25, 1910, the Second Chamber rejected P.J. Troelstra’s proposal to carry out a parliamentary investigation into Kuyper’s behavior in the decorations affair. Immediately afterwards, Kuyper gave a copy of this memorandum to J.H.F.K. van Swinderen (vice president of the Council of State), H.J. Kist (a member of the First Chamber), and A.P.C. van Karnebeek (a member of the Second Chamber), all of whom had been appointed to the assessment committee by the chairman of the First Chamber.
The subtitle of this volume was made into the title (see 1910.06).
In this letter to the editor, Kuyper seeks to correct the record about a report published in Land en Volk (a liberal democratic daily). According to the report, Kuyper had agreed to support the reappointment of J.D.C. van Heeckeren van Kell (1854–1931) to the First Chamber under certain conditions. Van Heeckeren had been accused of leaking state secrets. In the letter Kuyper refers to an asterism entitled “Advies” [Counsel] from De Standaard, no. 11748, July 6, 1910. In that asterism, he had described his letter to “a friend” working for Van Heeckeren’s reappointment. Kuyper had advised this friend (W. Hovy) on the subject of how to increase Van Heeckeren’s chances. Hovy sent this letter without Kuyper’s permission to Van Heeckeren for his perusal. Since Kuyper was residing abroad during this affair, he was probably unaware of reports circulating in the Dutch press attesting to a photographic copy of the letter in question. The editor published this letter to the editor under the heading “De gefotografeerde brief.”
Van Heeckeren van Kell had made reference in the First Chamber to a state secret dating from 1904 (see A.S. de Leeuw, Nederland in de wereldpolitiek van 1900 tot heden, Zeist: De Torentrans, 1936, pp. [91]–114). While the socialist press was writing against Kuyper’s involvement in the decorations affair, the liberal press was seeking to implicate him in van Heeckeren’s leak of state secrets.
A devotion based on Matthew 27:29, reprinted from 1901.04 (pp. [95]–100) and included in the third volume of a history of Dutch literature with exemplary passages from every period described. The compiler, Dr. J. van der Valk (1865–1925), was a lecturer at the Theologische School in Kampen who subsequently became the principal of the Marnix Gymnasium in Rotterdam. A selection from 1889.14 (pp. 21–25) was reprinted (pp. 166–168) preceding the devotion.
The volume was published under a new title (see 1910.06).
The Reformirte-Kirchenzeitung printed several translations of Kuyper’s devotions. The devotion on Proverbs 31:10 (XIV) was printed in vol. 33 (1910), no. 32 (pp. [249]–250); the devotion on Isaiah 49:15 (XVIII) was printed in no. 33 (pp. [257]–258); the devotion on Psalm 127:3 (XIX) was printed in no. 34 (pp. [265]–266); the devotion on Romans 12:13b (XXVII) was printed in no. 35 (pp. [273]–274); the devotion on Luke 1:61 (XXVIII) was printed in no. 36 (pp. [281]–283); and the devotion on 1Timothy 6:6 (XL) was printed in no. 37 (pp. [287]–291).
The subtitle of this volume was made into the title (see 1910.06).
The volume was published under a new title (see 1910.06).
This third volume comprises the second part of Kuyper’s ministerial speeches. It includes most of the sections from 1904.06 (speeches delivered in the Second Chamber during the first six months of 1904) as well as a general list of subjects. For the concept behind this four-volume edition of Kuyper’s speeches in the First and Second Chambers of the States General, see 1908.20 and 1909.29.
Uw trouw, uw bezieling, uw liefde, is mij een kostelijke bloem, die ik, oud geworden, op mijn levensweg plukken mag. Blijve die bezieling U van uw God geschonken, ook als ik ze niet meer zal mogen genieten. Kuyper.
Answer to a telegram from the annual meeting of the Groningen Provincial Federation of Young Men’s Associations on Reformed Principles, which met in Groningen on November 4, 1910. The meeting had telegraphed that it was grateful for the goodness God had given in Kuyper, expressing its hope that they might persevere in the struggle Kuyper had led for nearly half a century.
This volume was published under a new title and independently from the set described in 1910.06.
The devotion on Luke 2:1 (V) was printed in the Reformirte Kirchen-Zeitung 33 (1910), no. 50 (pp. [393]–395); the devotion on Luke 1:79 (VI) was printed in no. 51 (pp. [401]–402); and the devotion on Luke 2:14 (IX) was printed in no. 52 (pp. [409]–410).
At the beginning of 1910, Kuyper sent written notice to the Second Chamber that he was temporarily discontinuing his work in Parliament. Kuyper did not speak again in Parliament until November 22, 1910, when he gave an address about the political landscape and spoke positively about the strength of the coalition and the cabinet (pp. 455–457). On November 24 he followed with a long political speech about the principles of the Anti-Revolutionary Party, concluding with a number of remarks about the government’s defense expenditure and the state’s financial position (pp. 485–491). On November 30 Kuyper discussed responses to his previous two speeches (pp. 645–648). On December 2 he gave an account of why he had kept silent in the face of accusations in the press, indicating that his position as a former minister prevented him from responding to the content of such slander (cf. 1910.09). He then discussed criticisms of Dutch colonial policy in the foreign press and gave his opinion as to how the government could counter them. Finally, Kuyper pointed to the importance of Dutch international schools in foreign countries for the children of expatriate Dutch parents. He linked this discussion to a debate on the issue of providing government subsidies for Christian education in international schools (pp. 731–733). On December 19 Kuyper called the government to account for disruptions and confusion caused by the lack of unified oversight and administration of higher education (pp. 1197–1199). There was as yet no department of education.
Kuyper’s letters, statements, and asterisms about the decorations affair are reprinted in a book reviewing the history of the affair (cf. 2005.02) through the verdict of the assessment committee (see 1910.07). The book reprints the letters and statements listed in 1910.03 (with the exception of Tideman’s letter), as well as two asterisms from De Standaard. In the first asterism, “Vroede mannen” [Wise men], Kuyper questions whether he should allow a court of honor to examine his involvement in the affair. The first asterism was reprinted from De Standaard 38 (1909), no. 11568, December 2, 1909. For the second asterism, see 1909.24.
M.A. Keller (1864–1924) was a member of the Anti-Revolutionary Party who wrote, among other things, an essay for 1922.03 (pp. 80–81).
This five-volume publication of lecture notes on dogmatics improved the previous edition (see1891.18) in its editing, typography, paper quality, and binding. The previous edition had been produced as cheaply as possible by three different publishers over a period of ten years. After the first edition had been sold out for quite some time, K. Dijk (1885–1968; professor at the Theologische Hoogeschool in Kampen, 1937–1955), a theology student at the Vrije Universiteit, petitioned the directors of the Vrije Universiteit (on behalf of the Theology Faculty Association) to republish Kuyper’s lecture notes on dogmatics. The notes had originally been published at the expense of the Association for Higher Education on Reformed Principles. Kuyper had no objections to publishing a new edition. Although the directors decided against the proposal, J.H. Kok declared itself prepared to publish a new edition. Kok asked K. Dijk to edit and revise the proofs (cf. De Reformatie 18, no. 5, October 29, 1937).
This second edition was also not publicly sold. The prospectus (dated November 25, 1909) was sent to a selected group of potential buyers with the imprint “personal.” However, the target group was wider for the second edition than for the first. Pastors and theology students at universities other than the Vrije Universiteit could also now register for the volumes. This new edition was reprinted with almost no changes. The pagination of the first edition was maintained, to the detriment of the layout. Kok also bought the rights to the Inhoudsopgave der Loci (see 1891.18), very likely compiled by H. Hasper (app. 1.05), and added the corresponding parts of this table of contents to each volume. Kuyper wrote a short foreword, indicating once again (see 1886.04) that he intended to publish his dogmatic theology. K. Dijk wrote a short statement explaining the second edition, signing it as de corrector [the proofreader].
According to the prospectus, Kok aimed to publish a complete edition of all five volumes in approximately three years. Its production journal (GAK/AK), which establishes the publication year of the first and also the last volume, shows that Kok accomplished this goal.
J.B. Hulst Booksellers was acquired by W.B. Eerdmans in April 1911. The firms B.S. Sevensma and W.B. Eerdmans merged in August 1911 to become the Eerdmans-Sevensma Company—renamed the William B. Eerdmans company in 1915.
1911
A short biographical sketch of F.L. Rutgers (1836–1917). Rutgers was a co-founder of the Vrije Universiteit. He taught church polity and Old Testament exegesis as well as church history (including Dutch church history). Rutgers had also been a faithful supporter of Kuyper during the Doleantie. They had developed a very close friendship during their almost thirty-five years of collaboration (see also 1918.01). Rutgers was accorded emeritus status on September 21, 1910 and a photograph of him was included in the Almanac of the Student Union of the Vrije Universiteit to mark the occasion. At the almanac commission’s request, Kuyper penned a short biographical sketch. His sketch accompanied the portrait. This biographical sketch was also included in the Zondagsblad Stichtsche Courant 11 (1911), no. 2304, January 28, 1911.
The almanac was not sold in stores, but those who wanted a copy could purchase one at the almanac commission’s administrative office for ƒ2.25.
A devotion about Deborah, Rebecca’s nurse, based on Genesis 35:8. This devotion was included in a reader for use in secondary schools. The devotion (pp. [350]–353) was reprinted from 1897.17 (pp. [60]–62). A selection from 1887.33 (pp. [31]–34) was included on pages 353–355. This reader of primarily literary texts was compiled by L. Bückmann (1887–1949), a journalist and man of letters.
At the beginning and end of this three-volume study, Kuyper points out the honor and respect that Muslims bestow upon Allah’s prophet, Mohammed. Noting that this obeisance affects all aspects of daily Muslim life, he contends that Christians have narrowed their honor for Christ—moving from a recognition of his kingship over all spheres of life to a more limited recognition of Christ in his role as savior and redeemer. In other words, Christ was no longer king, but only high priest. Pro Rege was thus a necessary continuation of De Gemeene Gratie (see 1902.13).
In the first volume Kuyper discusses Het Koningschap van Christus in zijn hoogheid [The kingship of Christ in his majesty], which he divides into three parts: “De verdonkering van Christus’ Koningschap” [The darkening of Christ’s kingship]; “De ondermijning van Christus’ Koningschap” [The undermining of Christ’s kingship]; and “Het Koningschap van Christus naar de Schrift” [The kingship of Christ according to the Scriptures]. In the second and third volumes Kuyper discusses Het Koningschap van Christus in zijn werking [The kingship of Christ in its effects]. The last volume also includes a subject index and an index of Bible references.
The chapters of the three volumes were initially published as articles in De Heraut, no. 1514, January 6, 1907–no. 1723, January 8, 1911. The three series of articles from De Heraut were rearranged into seven series. The original number of articles was maintained, but each chapter was now given a relevant heading. The series was published weekly in De Heraut and was only interrupted, as usual, by biblical-theological meditations on major church holidays and by devotions during the summer holidays.
The first volume reprints the articles from De Heraut, no. 1514, January 6, 1907–no. 1572, February 16, 1908; and no. 1580, April 12, 1908. Eight articles (pp. 488–570) were mistakenly not reprinted (cf. 1905.21) and were delivered a few weeks later (see 1911.08). However, they were not included by the publisher in the first portion of the print run (the premium copies) of the first volume. Some owners of a pemium copy ordered a private binding before 1911.08 was published, and when the publisher’s bindings were available (cf. 1912.01) some probably forgot to provide their binder with the supplement. This is why there are bound premium copies from 1911.03 without 1911.08.
The first portion of the print run was intended for readers of De Heraut, who could sign up for one or two sets at half price (cf. 1892.17). The trade edition was then published without the words premie-exemplaar on the title page. Kuyper paid all the printing costs and thus owned the entire print run (KA 315).
A letter of recommendation for T. de Vries (see 1896.23), which Kuyper wrote at the request of a member of the Holland Society of Chicago who was soliciting such letters from prominent persons. The Chicago branch of the General Dutch League was then engaged in an effort to convince the University of Chicago to establish a professorship in Dutch history, art, and literature. T. de Vries was their candidate for this professorship.
No copy of the relevant issue of Onze Toekomst [Our future] seems to have been preserved. The existence of this letter of recommendation is known, however, thanks to The Chicago Foreign Language Press Survey (Chicago: Chicago Public Library Omnibus Project, 1942). This major collection includes translations from twenty-two foreign-language newspapers published in Chicago (Harold Washington Library Center, SPECL9/Z6953.5A1C47). According to this source, the following letter appeared in Onze Toekomst, a Dutch-language paper, on March 24, 1911:
Dear Sir: Glad to see your handwriting, and I venture to state that Mr. De Vries is a very clever man, of keen understanding, thoroughly acquainted with Dutch history and with the Dutch language. I do not see how you could find a better teacher, and I shall be very glad if you succeed in giving him a chair in Chicago. Yours very truly, Dr. A. Kuyper.
In 1911, De Vries was appointed lecturer on Dutch institutions at the University of Chicago. He received a two-year contract (1911–1913). The Holland Society of Chicago, which had agreed to sponsor the chair for two years, had expected that the university would pick up the costs thereafter. The university was not prepared to do so, however, and the chair was abolished after two years.
De Vries had found himself in tension when pursuing his scholarly and political career in the Netherlands. He forfeited his chance for a professorship at the Vrije Universiteit and also lost several elections for a seat in the Second Chamber. He immigrated to the United States in 1910, primarily to advance his career. De Vries had already written Kuyper, his former professor, for a letter of recommendation before leaving for the United States and then again after arriving (see KA 132, microfiche 938 and KA 132, microfiche 944/945).
The preface (see 1881.04) was published in the seventieth and final installment of a new edition of Van Haemstede’s martyrology. This new edition was of lower quality in every respect than the previous edition. The reproductions of the engravings were no longer printed on separate sheets of high-quality paper, but were rather incorporated into the text, just as with the edition of 1671 (see 1883.12). As a result, the number of pages increased (XIX, 1115 pp.). The luxurious illustrated cover of the first installment is noteworthy, however. Printed on heavy colored paper, it is a lithograph with two colored illustrations, the short title, and the publisher’s imprint. The first installment was published in October 1909. The fancy cover was obviously intended to attract attention and solicit subscribers for the new edition.
The spelling was modernized in this edition by the Rev. J.H. Landwehr (1864–1930), Reformed pastor at Rotterdam from 1894 to 1925. The “threefold warning” remained unchanged.
A biblical-theological article on Acts 2:24 (VI) was reprinted in the Reformirte Kirchen-Zeitung 34 (1911), no. 16 (pp. [121]–123); a devotion on John 20:28 (VII) was reprinted in no. 17 (pp. [129]–130); and a devotion on John 20:29 (VIII) was reprinted in no. 18 (pp. [137]–138).
Voor Uw woord uit het hart mijn innigen dank. Zoolang de Heere nog mijn afgaande krachten schraagt, zal het steeds mijn eer zijn die aan den bloei van ons Christelijk volk te wijden. Sliedrecht wankelde nooit. Moge ook Gorinchem thans het wankelen voor immer verleerd hebben en blijven beide districten aan Uw uitnemende afgevaardigden Van der Molen en Pollema trouw. Kuyper.
Kuyper sent these words of gratitude after receiving a telegram from the Anti-Revolutionary Party rally in the electoral district of Gorinchem, which took place in Gorinchem on May 17, 1911. Kuyper had sent a letter to say that he was unable to attend the convention. The meeting subsequently sent a telegram in reply stating that it had very much hoped to see him, that it felt a bond with the leader of the Anti-Revolutionary Party, and that it wished him God’s particular favor and grace as he grew older.
The volumes of De Standaard had coincided with the calendar year since 1875, when on January 1 the issue number appeared for the first time in the masthead of De Standaard. However, the fortieth volume (1911) ran from January 2, 1911–March 30, 1912. The forty-first volume then wrongly ran from April 1, 1912–December 31, 1913. This was set right by shortening the forty-second volume from January 2, 1914–March 31, 1914. As a result, the forty-third volume ran from April 1, 1914–March 31, 1915. After April 1, 1914, every new volume started on April 1—the date on which the first issue of De Standaard had been published (see 1872.02).
An independent edition containing the final eight chapters of the first volume. These were reprinted and supplied with relevant chapter headings from De Heraut, no. 1573, February 23, 1908–no. 1580, April 12, 1908. To facilitate the binding, part of the preceding article from De Heraut, no. 1572, February 16, 1908 was included. The eight final chapters of this supplement had mistakenly not been included with the premium copies of 1911.03.
“An army that does not recruit becomes extinct and a cash box where funds are spent and not received eventually runs empty.” Thus opens another letter (see 1909.04) soliciting contributors old and new to donate to the fund of the Central Committee of the Anti-Revolutionary Electoral Associations. The letter is signed with the names (printed) of the members of the board of the Central Committee (KA 238). Beneath this is a form for contributors to indicate a fixed annual contribution (p. [3]).
A hectographed copy has also been preserved which is marked “confidential.” These copies were personally signed by Kuyper (chairman) and Duymaer van Twist (treasurer). They did not include a tear-off subscription form. The letter is dated The Hague, 1912.
Uw Bond maakt mij dezen dag tot een goeden dag door Uw veelzeggend telegram. Nog rijker zal mij deze dag een volgend jaar zijn indien het mij mogelijk zal worden dan in uw midden te zijn. Kuyper.
Expression of gratitude for a telegram sent by the twenty-third annual meeting of the Dutch Federation of Young Men’s Associations on Reformed Principles, which met in Nijmegen on May 25, 1911. In its telegram, the meeting had expressed regret that Kuyper had been unable to attend (cf. 1911.16). After wishing Kuyper a speedy recovery, the members expressed the hope that he could attend the next annual meeting (see 1912.08). Finally, they assured Kuyper that they courageously faced a future “in which your work will bear fruit.”
Kuyper’s ailment persisted. On July 3, 1911, he left for Dr. Lahmann’s sanatorium in Weisser Hirsch near Dresden for six weeks of treatment.
Kuyper wrote this note of congratulation, which was printed in his handwriting, for an album (cover title, Gedenkboek) presented to the Rev. H. Pierson (1834–1923). The album was given to Pierson as a result of the so-called “decency law,” which had been submitted by the minister of justice, E.R.H. Regout and entered into law on May 20, 1911. The congratulation reads:
Gutta cavat lapidem. Zoo heeft ook Pierson door het druppelen van zijn woord het muurvast ingeroeste kwaad uitgehold. En God gaf hem, wat zoo zeldzaam is, nog bij zijn leven te triomfeeren. Heil dir im Siegeskranz! Kuyper. [Gutta cavat lapidem. So too has Pierson hollowed out the deeply ingrained evil through the dripping of his words. And God allowed him—and this is so rare—to triumph in his own lifetime. Heil dir im Siegeskranz!]
Pierson had fought against state-regulated prostitution since 1878. The memorial album, which contained 150 signed contributions from prominent politicians, pastors, and social activists, honored Pierson for his persistent struggle against prostitution and congratulated him on the recent passage of the decency law. J.L. Heldring (1852–1923) presented the album to Pierson during the sixty-fourth annual meeting of the Asyl Steenbeek. Pierson was the president director of this foundation for the care of women and girl prostitutes.
As one among many contributions in this memorial book, Kuyper’s short sketch provides an overview of the origins and significance of Sunday school. In the sketch Kuyper contends that incompetent and inexperienced staff members constitute a stumbling block for the proper functioning of a Sunday school. He also expresses his belief that such schools would prosper by forging closer ties with churches and offering teacher training courses.
The Daily Telegraph published translations of selections from articles that had originally appeared in De Standaard 40 (1911/1912), no. 12040, June 17, 1911 (“Twee-Kamerstelsel I”) [Double chamber system I] and no. 12042, June 20, 1911 (“Twee-Kamerstelsel II”) [Double chamber system II]. Translated rather loosely, the selections appeared in a column titled “Parliament Bill. As Others See Us. Foreign Statesmen on the Constitutional Crisis.” The translations reproduce Kuyper’s analysis of the conflict that arose in the UK between the House of Lords and the House of Commons when the House of Lords used its constitutional power to oppose the legislative work of the liberal cabinet and the House of Commons. Kuyper concluded by pointing to a way out of the conflict, namely, that “each house shall be representative of the whole nation, and not only of the portion of the whole.”
These two lead articles from De Standaard were elaborations on a previous editorial titled “Hooger Huis” [House of Lords] in De Standaard (no. 12005, May 5, 1911). For the volume numbers of De Standaard, see 1911.06.
In this volume Kuyper opens his discussion of the practical consequences of Christ’s kingship in relation to his subjects. This discussion comprises seven series of articles, published in two volumes. The first three series are offered in this volume: Christus’ Koningschap en de onderdanen [Christ’s kingship and his subjects]; Christus’ Koningschap in Zijn Kerk [Christ’s kingship in his church]; and Christus’ Koningschap in het gezin [Christ’s kingship in the family].
These series were originally published in De Heraut, no. 1582, April 26, 1908–no. 1645, July 11, 1909. As usual, the weekly articles were interrupted only by biblical-theological contributions for major church holidays and for devotions during the summer holidays. It appears that a few changes were made to the text at the beginning of the first chapter of this volume. Each chapter was also supplied with a title.
In the spring of 1911, Kuyper attended the sessions of the Second Chamber but did not speak. He reported sick for the session of May 16, 1911, and left for a sanatorium near Dresden for a six-week treatment on July 3. Kuyper, who was always susceptible to the cold, had contracted a persistent throat disorder (cf. De Standaard, no. 12124, September 23, 1911, and see 1911.16). Kuyper made his first speech in the Second Chamber on October 18, discussing a bill to regulate the finances of the armed forces (pp. 108–111). During this discussion he also submitted a table comparing the per capita military expenditures of ten other European countries. On November 15 Kuyper clarified his vote against Troelstra’s proposal to request the queen to press for constitutional amendments relating to the franchise (pp. 672–674 and 715–716). On December 6 he discussed a wide range of issues within the context of the general debate about the national budget of 1912. In light of the upcoming elections of 1913, he gave a generally positive assessment of the cabinet, but he did not hesitate to make some critical comments (pp. 1036–1041). Two days later Kuyper requested permission to speak on a personal matter (pp. 1117–1118) because Prime Minister Heemskerk had accused him of offending the minister for colonial affairs, J.H. de Waal Malefijt. Kuyper’s comments about colonial education policy had caused consternation (p. 1041). Kuyper answered the prime minister again on the same day and the matter was settled (see 1911.17 and 1912.07). On December 13, in the context of debate concerning the national budget for 1912, Kuyper spoke about the Ministry of the Interior, the desirability of founding a ministry of education, and the distribution of faculties among the three state universities (pp. 1261–1263). The general debate continued on December 18, when Kuyper spoke about the problem of juvenile delinquency, education, and inequalities in the financial compensation for public and private schools (pp. 1413–1416). Finally, on December 22 Kuyper offered a motion to finance a new armored ship (p. 1645), but he withdrew the motion on the same day (p. 1646).
The general section (chapters 1–81) describes many aspects of the service of worship. These aspects range from discussions of various liturgical rites to practical affairs such as official robes, organ music, and church buildings. The nine chapters about church buildings quickly left their mark, influencing the design of the Wilhelminakerk in Dordrecht (built in 1898/1899 by architect Tj. Kuipers). In the particular section on church ceremonies (chapters 82–130), Kuyper describes the baptismal ceremony and the celebration of the Lord’s Supper, church discipline, the confirmation of office holders, and marriage services.
Eighty chapters were reprinted from De Heraut, no. 1015, June 6, 1897–no. 1242, October 20, 1901. These articles had been published on the inside page of De Heraut over a four-year period, frequently at lengthy intervals. These intervals did not simply occur because of the summer holidays, but also because Kuyper frequently introduced articles and shorter series on topical matters. From article 60 (no. 1187, September 30, 1900) on, the numbering of the articles in De Heraut diverges from that of the chapters in the book. In addition to correcting erroneous numbering in De Heraut, the book also rearranges several articles. Beginning with the sixtieth article, the title of the series in De Heraut was changed from Onze Eeredienst to Eeredienst. Kuyper’s period as prime minister caused him to halt the series in the fall of 1901.
Kuyper used his period of illness and convalescence during the spring and summer of 1911—he was suffering from a serious throat ailment according to the foreword (see also 1911.10 and 1911.15)—to complete Onze Eeredienst. He added two chapters—“Slot van de dienst” [Conclusion of the service] and “Van de collecten” [About the collection]—to the general section and then finished the particular section. Only the first article of the latter section had previously been published—ten years earlier, in De Heraut, no. 1242, October 20, 1901. Each chapter was furnished with a relevant heading. Small changes were sometimes made to the text. In 1912.07 Kuyper referred to Onze Eeredienst as a causerie (an informal talk).
In this open letter to J.H. de Waal Malefijt, minister for colonial affairs, Kuyper returned to his criticism of colonial education policy and the stir that his criticism had caused in the Second Chamber. He wrote in response to J.Th. de Visser (1851–1932), member of Parliament for the Christian Historical Union, who had expressed concern on December 6, 1911, about passages from Kuyper’s apology to De Waal Malefijt (see 1911.15, pp. 1117–1118). Kuyper would have liked to take back his words, but the contested passage formed an essential link in his reconciliation with De Waal Malefijt. In this letter Kuyper can do little more than announce that he will discuss the entire matter before the parliamentary winter recess in a pamphlet with the provisional title Afschuwelijk misverstand [Terrible misunderstanding] (see 1912.07). Kuyper comments that he owes the title to De Waal Malefijt himself. For the numbering of this volume of De Standaard, see 1911.06.
“Propaganda” was the first contribution in the miscellany section of the 1912 almanac of the student union of the Vrije Universiteit. The item was dated October 20—the date of the founding of the Vrije Universiteit. In this piece Kuyper discusses the calling of all the university’s departments both to propagate the principles on which the university was based and to promote the university itself. He wrote with students specifically in mind, reminding them of their “propagandistic mission” to serve the institution and its sacred idea even when becoming graduate students.
Since the first volume was so costly to publish and sales fell short of expectations, the publisher asked Kuyper for a loan to enable him to publish the second volume. They agreed that sales figures would determine how much of the loan (2,000 BEF) would be paid back to Kuyper (KA 316).
According to a footnote to the preface, Jules Kleyntjens (see 1910.05) was the translator of this second volume.
Only the second version of the locus about creation (see 1900.32) was included.
Two devotions that were included in a reader for teacher-training colleges and secondary schools. They were originally reprinted from very early issues of De Heraut—the first, on Matthew 10:34 (pp. [87]–89), from no. 56, January 5, 1879, and the second, on Luke 9:58 (pp. 176–178), from no. 2, December 14, 1877. On pages [107]–109 of the same reader, a section from 1906.10 (pp. 17–20 with the accompanying note on p. 64) is also included. This piece ends by comparing Bilderdijk to a Spanish fighting bull. On pages [354]–361, the second volume of the reader (Sneek: J.F. van Druten, 1912) offers a section from 1908.25 (pp. 440–447), in which Kuyper describes a bullfight that he, after overcoming his reluctance, had seen in Madrid.
1912
In this last volume of Pro Rege, Kuyper continues to work out the practical consequences of Christ’s kingship in four major series (cf. 1911.14): Christus’ Koningschap in de maatschappij [Christ’s kingship in society]; Christus’ Koningschap in de Staat [Christ’s kingship in the state]; Het Koningschap van Christus en de wetenschap [The kingship of Christ and science]; and Het Konigschap van Christus en de kunst [The kingship of Christ and the arts]. These series had previously been published in De Heraut, no. 1655, September 19, 1909–no. 1723, January 8, 1911. The chapters of this volume were also provided with suitable headings.
The volume contains a subject index (pp. [595]–617) and an index of Bible references (pp. [618]–623) for the entire three-volume work.
On February 27, 1912, Kuyper spoke about a bill to reform the management of social services to the indigent (pp. 1674–1679). On May 3 he spoke about the proposed budget increase to finance the expansion of the fleet (pp. 2196–2197). On May 24 he addressed the regulation of industrial health insurance (pp. 2479–2484). On July 5 he introduced an amendment to the Second Chamber’s code of order. The amendment was subsequently passed with some modifications. Kuyper’s contributions to the debates in the Second Chamber concluded with the passage of this amendment.
Kuyper resigned his membership in the Second Chamber on September 18, 1912, due to his increasing hardness of hearing. In September 1913 he became a member of the First Chamber (see 1914.01).
Voor uw zeer gewaardeerde betuiging van trouw en gehechtheid mijn innigen dank. Onze verwachting staat in de Heere God. Kuyper.
Kuyper sent this telegram to express his gratitude for a telegram he had received from an Anti-Revolutionary Party rally. The rally, which was organized by the Central Electoral Association for the Bodegraven constituency, took place in Bodegraven on March 14, 1912. The meeting had sent a telegram expressing high regard for everything Kuyper had accomplished and voicing its hope that he might be blessed in his autumn years by beholding the continuing effects of the Anti-Revolutionary principles.
For the numbering of this volume of De Standaard, see 1911.07.
The Dutch government had appointed a committee to advise it about how to proceed with the revision of Dutch spelling rules if conflicting views about the matter were to arise. Kuyper was appointed as the chairman of this committee. Four memoranda were attached to the committee’s report. The fourth memorandum, which was drafted by Kuyper, argued against state intervention in crafting rules for pronunciation and spelling.
According to De Standaard (no. 12292, April 12, 1912), the press extolled the virtues of the report, calling it a fascinating and compelling piece of work. Many commentators recognized Kuyper’s hand throughout the report, which ran to forty pages. De Standaard also alluded to the significance of his contribution. Upon receiving the committee’s proposal, the minister of the interior made the report available to the general public (195 pp., 34cm.).
The title of this speech was taken from the preamble to the Ten Commandments: “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage” (Exodus 20:2). The speech focuses on the themes of liberation and commitment. In the speech Kuyper notes that, while the Anti-Revolutionaries have at long last been liberated from liberal oppression, new dangers loom on the horizon. Like dark clouds, threats come from four directions and Kuyper considers it “a burden imposed on him” to name these dangers and to elaborate on his warnings (cf. 1912.14). At the end of his speech, Kuyper briefly speaks about himself, expressing his willingness to remain of assistance, his gratitude at what he has been fortunate enough to reap (including slander and abuse), and his thankfulness toward those who have remained loyal to him.
Kuyper delivered this speech in Leeuwarden on March 25, 1912, in Groningen on March 26, and in Rotterdam on April 12. (The fortieth anniversary celebration for De Standaard took place between the second and third delivery of the speech.) The audience on each occasion was made up only of members of the Anti-Revolutionary Electoral Associations; the press was not admitted. Kuyper made a short summary of his speech available to the press. The speech itself came out in print a day after Kuyper had delivered it for the third and final time. The back cover contains a price list for thirty-nine of Kuyper’s brochures. The second printing (see 1912.06) was printed within ten days.
Some copies have the printer’s device on the cover and on the title page instead of the words tweede druk. This printing features a new cover layout but drops the publisher’s list from the back cover. The printing uses the same type matter as 1912.05 but adds more space between the lines.
The writing was published with a title different than previously announced (see 1911.17). According to the preface, Kuyper felt compelled to publish this piece in response to accusations brought against him by J.Th. de Visser (1857–1932), a fellow member of Parliament (see 1911.17). De Visser had accused him of backhandedly insulting the intelligence of J.H. de Waal Malefijt, minister for colonial affairs. Kuyper protested that he would have preferred not to discuss the incident. But he felt compelled to do so, especially since the issues involved—including a Christian policy for the colonies—were so important.
Kuyper opens the work by discussing De Visser’s attack. In the second chapter, he comments on his remarks about De Waal Malefijt. He then comments on the attitude of the cabinet toward Anti-Revolutionary principles and Anti-Revolutionary members of Parliament. In three final sections (“Uit het verkeerde loket” [From the wrong counter], “Het gele gevaar” [The yellow danger], and “Wat in Azië broeit” [What is brewing in Asia]), he takes aim specifically at the Christian government’s colonial policy. Seven appendices are also included (pp. [87]–111). Several sections of this writing were taken from the official reports of parliamentary proceedings and from De Standaard.
Voor uw telegram, dat mij verkwikte, de betuiging van mijn warmen dank. Uw aanbod om de feestrede op uw zilveren jubileum in 1913 te houden, wordt Deo volente door mij aanvaard. Kuyper.
An expression of gratitude for a telegram sent by the twenty-fourth annual meeting of the Dutch Federation of Young Men’s Associations on Reformed Principles, which met in Groningen on May 16, 1912. In its telegram the federation expressed regret that Kuyper had not been able to attend its annual meeting. The telegram also articulated the hope that he would be present at the celebration of the federation’s silver anniversary the following year (see 1913.08). The telegram ended with the wish that through Kuyper’s loyalty to Calvinist principles and his “heroic power, … ever-increasing rows of our people will find their life’s destiny in the pro rege.” For the numbering of this volume of De Standaard, see 1911.07.
The telegram was also included in De Groninger Bondsdag 1912. Redevoeringen en referaten [The Groningen Federation Rally 1912: Speeches and lectures] (Zwijndrecht: Bondsbureau, [1912], p. 61).
The memorandum was added to the report of the governmental committee charged with studying the constitutional amendments necessary to permanently settle the suffrage question. The committee comprised all the chairmen of parliamentary parties in the Second Chamber, including Kuyper. He included this memorandum with the report because his view differed from the majority in several respects. Kuyper’s vision was guided by the conviction that the Second Chamber—as a representative body of the people—should reflect the whole nation. However, he regarded the concept of universal suffrage as individualistic, insofar as an individual voter can only represent the individual voter. A nation is not merely the sum total of individuals but an organism brought about by divine ordinance. Suffrage must likewise be introduced in organic fashion. Since national life manifests itself in households and society, Kuyper took the view that suffrage should be accorded to the heads of household and to the self-employed who participate in public life through their profession or station.
The memorandum was addressed to Her Majesty the Queen as head of the government and was included at the end of the report as the first of the final four memoranda. The pagination of the report was not continuous; all the memoranda were paginated separately.
These two volumes were the first cheap editions of Kuyper’s devotional works printed and published by J.H. Kok. Initially they were not available separately. Kok published them simultaneously with 1912.11 and 1912.12 and gave all the volumes a uniform binding.
Kok purchased the two other volumes in this series (along with nearly all the remaining copies of Wormser’s Kuyper list) during the auction of December 12, 1907. Kok inserted its imprint into these two volumes using paper of a quality higher than the paper used within the book itself.
The publisher presented Kuyper with a hundred reproductions of paintings depicting biblical scenes from which he had to choose seventy-two. He then wrote short, expressive commentaries about the artist and the subject matter of each painting. A numbered folio inserted next to each reproduction displayed his observations on the artist’s work as well as his reflections on the underlying biblical passage. These sheets were printed on one side only and double columned with initials in red and black. At the top of each sheet, information is provided about the painter; at the bottom, the relevant biblical passage is reproduced. The collection includes works by twenty-five contemporary European artists. There are a total of forty-eight scenes from the Old Testament and twenty-four scenes from the New Testament (i.e., seventy-two reproductions in mezzotint [38cm.x51cm.] and seventy-two numbered pages of commentary).
For the preface see 1910.04.
The seventy-two reproductions selected by Kuyper had originally appeared together with twenty-eight other reproductions as illustrations in a luxurious three-volume edition (53cm.) of the Dutch Authorized Version published by Holkema & Warendorf in 1900. Initiators for that project had included some notable Dutch publishers (among them, very likely, Elsevier) and a number of art lovers. The illustrations had been engraved and printed in Paris by Lemercier and Co. (copyright, Lucien Layus, 1899), based on drawings expecially made by the selected artists (who were touted as “the most famous contemporary European masters”). However, the line with the names of the concerned artist, the engraver and printer, and the copyright owner is dropped from the bottom edges of the seventy-two reproductions that Elsevier put on the market with this edition de luxe.
On May 17, 1910, a copy of the precious Bible published by Holkema & Warendorf in 1900 was offered, in special leather bindings, as a birth present to Princess Juliana (*1909) from the Association of Christian Teachers in the Netherlands and the Overseas Territories. Then in 1912 a limited (binding) edition (250 copies) of the Bible was put on the market by the publisher as the Juliana-Bijbel (3 vols., half leather, ƒ250.-). Printed in gold in the center of the front cover, the title Juliana-Bijbel was surrounded by elaborate illustrations and decorations designed by C. André Vlaanderen (cf. 1907.13). Almost simultaneously with the release of the Juliana-Bijbel the Tafereelen uit de Heilige Schrift was completed and published.
In “Abraham Kuyper, de artiest” [Abraham Kuyper, the artist] (Bouw- en Interieurkunst, no. 64, April 1, 1932, the architectural supplement of De Standaard), the architect A. Ingwersen (1882–1959) wrote that “upon deeper reflection it appears that Kuyper was an artist, and in part from that state of mind, brought forth the things that still fill us with a sense of wonder.” In response to this observation, H.S.S. Kuyper wrote of Ingwersen: “You are the first to establish publicly that my father is more than ‘theologian,’ ‘politician,’ ‘journalist’ only, but in all these things an artist.” (Bouw- en Interieurkunst, no. 69, May 6, 1932).
According to the contract with the publisher (KA 316), Kuyper compiled this stately and expensive edition for a fee of ƒ2,500.
In a year that saw the fortieth anniversary of De Standaard, the Association for Higher Education on Reformed Principles invited its founder and former chairman to preside over its annual meeting. In his opening speech Kuyper outlined the history of the Vrije Universiteit, beginning with its founding and focusing, as with 1912.05, on the process of building and preserving. Founding the university had not been a gamble but an act of faith; caring for it now was essentially an article of faith. In a note at the end of the speech, he defines this article of faith as “the whole range of actions that continue up to the present in the preservation of this university.” Kuyper confessed that he looked with some concern toward the future because he detected a slackening of enthusiasm for the Vrije Universiteit, even at the annual meetings.
Kuyper left for Dresden to receive medical treatment for his persistant health problems on July 6, 1912, two days after the meeting. The speech was already available in print on July 4. Like 1912.05, the speech was published in large octavo with wide margins. In a part of the print run, the publisher pasted an additional sheet of paper (10cm. x 13.5cm.) inside of the back cover listing five corrections.
De Vereeniging voor Hooger onderwijs op Gereformeerden grondslag veroorlooft zich, met den meesten eerbied aan Uwe Majesteit de betuiging te hernieuwen van haar hulde en verkleefdheid en zich bij voortduring in de hooge bescherming van Uwe Majesteit aan te bevelen. Kuyper, Voorzitter.
A telegram sent to Queen Wilhelmina on behalf of the thirty-second annual meeting of the Association for Higher Education on Reformed Principles, which met in Haarlem on July 4, 1912.
For the numbering of this volume of De Standaard, see 1911.07.
De Vereeniging voor Hooger onderwijs op Gereformeerden grondslag, hoezeer nog steeds gevoelende wat zij in U als Curator verloor, betuigt U te meer haar blijdschap dat de zorge ook voor het Hooger onderwijs U mocht toevertrouuwd blijven, en beveelt ook haar Universitaire stichting bij voortduring in Uw goede gunste en in Uw vriendschappelijke herinnering aan. Kuyper, Voorzitter.
This telegram was sent to Prime Minister Heemskerk on behalf of the thirty-second annual meeting of the Association for Higher Education on Reformed Principles, which met in Haarlem on July 4, 1912 (see 1912.14). For the numbering of this volume of De Standaard, see 1911.07.
A letter sent to the chairman of the Central Anti-Revolutionary Electoral Association in the electoral district of Ommen (cf. 1908.24). In this letter Kuyper states that he has handed in his resignation as a member of the Second Chamber. He gives as his reason his increasing hardness of hearing, which has made it impossible for him to hear the parliamentary debates correctly. He concludes the letter by thanking the electoral associations and the voters in the constituency for the trust they had placed in him. He enclosed two medical reports with the letter. The first report had been written by the doctor attending him in Dresden. The second, lengthier report was by the chef de clinique of Dr. Lahmann’s sanatorium Weisser Hirsch, near Dresden. This second report advised him to resign his membership in Parliament on medical grounds, also pointing out the profound deafness that had afflicted his father, the Rev. J.F. Kuijper (1801–1882).
The Anti-Revolutionary Party lost the parliamentary seat in the Ommen constituency to the Christian Historical Union during the special election held as a result of the vacancy.
For the numbering of the volume of De Standaard, see 1911.07.
Uw sympathiek woord was mij een verkwikking en zij ’t al buiten het Parlement, toch hoop ik verjongd in kracht met U in het gelid voor de U en mij heilige zaak te blijven strijden. Kuyper.
Words of gratitude for a telegram received from the tenth annual meeting of the Anti-Revolutionary Propaganda Clubs (see 1902.06), which met in Amsterdam on September 25, 1912. In its telegram the meeting had expressed disappointment at Kuyper’s retirement from Parliament and voiced its hope that he would be able to continue to make substantial contributions to the nation, its people, and the party.
For the numbering of this volume of De Standaard, see 1911.07.
This fourth and final volume (which also includes a general list of subjects) contains sections from 1904.24 and 1905.06 (on pp. [1]–639) from the proceedings of the Second Chamber of the States General as well as sections from 1902.02, 1902.12, 1903.01, 1903.20, 1904.02, 1904.23, and 1905.04 (on pp. [640]–1005) from the proceedings of the First Chamber.
For the concept of this four-volume publication of Kuyper’s speeches, see 1908.20 and 1909.29.
Vriendelijk dank voor sympathie, bereidt U ten strijde, donkere dagen zijn komende. Aan onze jongelingschap hangt de toekomst van het vaderland. Kuyper.
Words of gratitude for a telegram that Kuyper had received from the annual meeting of the Provincial Federation of Young Men’s Associations, which met in Groningen on November 1, 1912. The meeting had sent a message attesting to their thanks to God for Kuyper’s deeds. They also prayed that God would bring forth increasing numbers of dedicated men from among the younger generation.
For the numbering of this volume of De Standaard, see 1911.07.
In the English edition Kuyper’s preface was replaced by a short introduction by Winnington-Ingram (1858–1946). The introduction is printed on both sides of a double-columned, unnumbered sheet. Winnington-Ingram states (silently borrowing from the original preface by Kuyper, whose name is nowhere mentioned) that the scenes are arranged in order of their importance for the reader. To each portfolio a bifolium was added with a title page and the contents of the portfolio. Two irregularities in the pagination of the Dutch edition were corrected. The use of laid paper, the appearance of the type matter, and the layout suggest that this edition may also have been printed by Elsevier, Amsterdam.
First of the four letters part of a polemical exchange between Kuyper and ds. F. van Gheel Gildemeester (1855-1929). Printed under the heading “Benoeming-Dr. Noordtzij” [Appointment -Dr. Noordtzij].
Van Gheel Gildemeester opposed the appointment of the reformed theologian A. Noordtzij as professor to the theological faculty of Utrecht. Some figures of the Nederlandse Hervormde Kerk, such as Van Gheel Gildemeester, were worried about the reformed background of Noordtzij, fearing that he would undermine the unity of the church. Van Gheel Gildemeester supported his fears by referring to words the reformed leader Kuyper had written in the past. According to Van Gheel Gildemeester, writing to De Nederlander, Kuyper had literally cursed the Nederlandse Hervormde Kerk in one of his writings in De Heraut, for which he could face criminal charges. Van Gheel Gildemeester stated that Kuyper had said that the Nederlandse Hervormde Kerk “driewerf en nog eens driewerf van den Heere der heirscharen is vervloekt!” [thrice and again trice has been cursed by the Lord of hosts].
In this first letter to De Nederlander Kuyper asked Van Gheel Gildemeester to state where he had found these words and why he himself could be persecuted for it.
Second of the four letters part of a polemical exchange between Kuyper and Van Gheel Gildemeester. Printed under the heading “Benoeming-Dr. Noordtzij” [Appointment -Dr. Noordtzij].
In reaction to Kuyper Van Gheel Gildemeester had asked whether Kuyper would deny that he had cursed the Nederlandse Hervormde Kerk. In this letter Kuyper stated that he did not deny it.
Third of the four letters part of a polemical exchange between Kuyper and Van Gheel Gildemeester. Printed under the heading “Kuyper-Van Gheel Gildemeester”.
In a lengthier letter than the previous two Kuyper reacted to Van Gheel Gildemeester, stating that Van Gheel Gildemeester had still not answered the questions Kuyper sent in June. Kuyper also explained that he did not oppose the Nederlandse Hervormde Kerk but only its synod.
Last of the four letters part of a polemical exchange between Kuyper and Van Gheel Gildemeester. Printed under the heading “Kuyper-Van Gheel Gildemeester”.
Reacting to Kuypers letter of September 11 Van Gheel Gildemeester had shown that the words he had attributed to Kuyper were not correct. The actual words Kuyper had used in 1887 were less harsh and not directed to the Nederlandse Hervormde Kerk but to its synod. In this letter Kuyper acknowledged these facts and concluded that the discussion could now be closed.
1913
Kuyper had this short thank-you letter printed in response to a telegram he had received from the first Anti-Revolutionary Party rally in the Haarlemmermeer constituency, which met in Hoofddorp on February 14, 1913. The meeting had pledged its loyalty to Kuyper and expressed its hope that he continue “to be the eminent leader of our party” for many years to come. “Such refreshing telegrams are the flowers on my path of life,” writes Kuyper toward the end of the letter, “which is usually not lacking in thorns and thistles.”
For the numbering of this volume of De Standaard, see 1911.07.
This article, reprinted from De Standaard 41 (1912/1913), no. 12528, February 11, 1913, concerns the proposed review of two articles of the constitution—Article 80, which dealt with the extension of suffrage, and Article 192, which concerned the liberation of primary education. The piece was the first supplement to the usual letter from the Central Committee of Anti-Revolutionary Electoral Associations calling the boards of the electoral associations to the meeting of deputies. The letter itself contains the date for the upcoming meeting (see 1913.07) and directions for the electoral associations about how to prepare for it.
Five hundred extra copies of the Locus de Magistratu were printed. Forty years later, the printed sheets of these additional copies were bound and put on sale (see 1953.01).
Zijne Excellentie Minister Heemskerk, Den Haag. De Anti-revol. partij, te Utrecht in Deputaten-vergadering samengekomen, biedt u, en met u geheel het Kabinet, haar dank voor wat in de aan de orde gestelde Grondwetsrevisie de vervulling belooft van een harer vurigste wenschen, en bidt u toe, dat het u gegeven worde, straks uw contraseign onder de wet te mogen plaatsen, die wat nu nog slechts voorstel is, zal omzetten in grondwettig voorschrift. Kuyper.
A telegram sent to the prime minister on behalf of the eighteenth meeting of deputies, which met in Utrecht on April 24, 1913 (see 1913.07). For the constitutional review in question, see 1912.09 and 1913.02.
For the numbering of this volume of De Standaard, see 1911.07.
Aan Hare Majesteit de Koningin, Paleis Noordeinde, ’s Gravenhage. De Deputatenvergadering van de Antirevolutionaire partij biedt Uwe Majesteit de betuiging van haar eerbiedige hulde. Kuyper, Voorzitter.
A telegram that was sent to the queen on behalf of the eighteenth meeting of deputies, which was held in Utrecht on April 24, 1913 (see 1913.07).
For the numbering of this volume of De Standaard, see 1911.07.
Opening speech delivered to the eighteenth Meeting of Deputies of the Anti- Revolutionary Party, which met in Utrecht on April 24, 1913. The meeting was convened on account of the general elections of June 1913; it was therefore an ordinary meeting of deputies (see 1889.07). On February 5, 1913, the Second Chamber was supplied with a document containing twelve points for debate by way of a Koninklijke Boodschap (a supplementary text to the constitutional review). Among these twelve points, three reflected specifically Anti-Revolutionary concerns: first, a proposal to add the words “by the grace of God” after the word “queen” in the preamble to the promulgation of new laws and royal decrees; second, a defense of householder franchise; and third, a claim that free schooling should be established nationwide.
In his speech Kuyper concentrates his attention on the significance of passing the constitutional amendment for free schooling. He contends that the truss for free schooling has been put in place and that the highest point of the structure has been achieved—thus the title “Maypole on the Roof.” The entire building must now be placed under a (constitutional) roof. Kuyper asserts that this is the main objective during the upcoming elections.
The right-wing coalition (the Christian parties that formed the government) lost to the concentration (the left-wing parties that had formed a united front) in the June 1913 election. This was the third time a Christian cabinet had fallen (after 1891 and 1905). The number of Anti-Revolutionary members of the Second Chamber was cut in half. In the end the left gained a majority of ten seats, which meant that the discussion of the much-desired constitutional review was over for the time being. The right still retained the majority in the First Chamber.
The official speech that was delivered during the twenty-fifth anniversary celebrations of the Dutch Federation of Young Men’s Associations on Reformed Principles, which took place April 30–May 2, 1913. The speech was not delivered on April 30 as the title indicates, but on May 1 (Ascension Day, the day on which annual meetings were traditionally held).
After giving a short outline of the history leading up to the formation of the federation, Kuyper turns his attention to the title of his speech, taken from Proverbs 20:29: “The glory of young men is their strength, but the beauty of the aged is their gray hair.” According to Kuyper, this “genuinely sober word of nature” finds its deepest expression in the faith, moral strength, and dedication to mission evident in the revived, muscular Calvinism of the federation. Kuyper expected the members of the federation to continue propagating their form of Calvinism across all the spheres of their communal life. He not only derived great joy and glory from the members of the federation in his old age, but also foresaw a happy and fortunate future both for the federation and for Calvinism itself.
Speech delivered to the Federation of Anti-Revolutionary Electoral Associations in Amsterdam, of which Kuyper had been the chairman from 1897 to 1901 (see 1951.03). He delivered the speech in the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. With an eye toward the upcoming elections of June 17, 1913, Kuyper began by making a few critical remarks about the system of electoral districts (there were eighteen in all). He then offered an assessment of the Heemskerk cabinet—which assessment ended with a declaration of his support. Working from the perspective of Bilderdijk’s enthusiastic ode on Jeremiah 33:25, “Orde”—the first lines of which Kuyper had printed on the title page—the speech drew connections between God’s ordinances and three issues at stake in the election: the Tariff Act, suffrage, and the education question.
According to Kuyper, God’s holy order has divided mankind into peoples with distinct national interests. To preserve these national interests the dogma of free trade ought to be rejected. Furthermore, God’s holy order brings forth the life of a nation organically from the family. General suffrage does not correspond to this order, but householder franchise does (see 1912.09). Finally, with respect to parental rights, God’s holy order provides the anchor for freedom of education; therefore, the state may not control education, which should be left to free schools. In sum, the speech constitutes a defense of Anti-Revolutionary political ideas against classical liberalism.
Article written on the occasion of the twenty-fifth jubilee of the German Emperor Wilhelm II (1859–1941). The Magdeburgische Zeitung had invited prominent European politicians, scholars, experts, and aristocrats to send in contributions of a thousand words for a special edition devoted to the kaiser. In his contribution Kuyper describes Wilhelm II as by far the best of all the monarchs and presidents in power. He praises his strong personality, his many talents, his achievement in building a powerful fleet, etc. The only shortcoming he notes is the kaiser’s difficulty choosing the right ministers and diplomats. He admits, however, that it does not lie in Dutch nature to always find their mighty neighbor to the east likeable. For example, the sympathy of the Dutch had cooled when the emperor, after having involved himself in the Transvaal crisis, quickly distanced himself from it again. Finally, acting as the spokesman for der ernsthafte Teil unseres volkes, Kuyper summarizes once again all his praises and expresses his wish that the emperor von seinem und unserem Gotte be granted a long reign and an undisturbed peace.
This special issue of the Magdeburgische Zeitung, which contained more than thirty-seven pages of text and forty-four pages of richly illustrated advertisements, came enclosed in either a printed cardboard casing or a printed cardboard slipcase.
An essay about the role of the press in the advancement of peace between nations. Kuyper points out the ambiguous character of the international press. On the one hand, the press corps applauds peace. On the other hand, with every threat of war the press stokes national sentiment and, once war has broken out, members of the press widely report acts of war in an often sensationalized manner. Kuyper identifies three conditions, by satisfying which the European press can offer leadership in the service of peace. He concludes by mentioning the presses of smaller nations, opining that the Dutch press compares quite favorably to its peers.
The essay was published as the second article in the first yearbook of Grotius. With an eye to ever-increasing international traffic, this series (1913–1944) aimed to provide articles in the field of international relations and international law. The annuals were named after Hugo de Groot (1583–1645), a Dutch lawyer who became particularly well known through his development of the idea of a universal community of law based on a set of legal principles acceptable to all nations.
In the preface Kuyper distances himself somewhat from this collection of sermons dating from the early days of his public career. His religious convictions had “gradually become more fixed and precise” since those days. For this reason he stipulated that the title page had to specifically state that the sermons dated from 1867–1873, when he was still a minister in the Dutch Reformed Church.
These sermons were republished at the request of the publisher because there was still a demand for them. The collection contains all of Kuyper’s sermons that had appeared in print in the aforementioned period: two collections of sermons and nine sermons delivered on special occasions (see 1869.01, 1870.31, 1867.06, 1869.11, 1870.24, 1870.25, 1871.03, 1872.01, 1873.03, 1873.07, and 1873.09). The valedictory sermon that Kuyper delivered in Beesd on November 3, 1867, which had never before appeared in print (RKB 7), was also added. According to the preface, this sermon was included because of its biographical significance (pp. [229]–252).
The information about this edition (probably a title edition since the pagination is the same as 1899.19) is from The United States Catalog Supplement: Books Published 1912–1917 (New York: H.W. Wilson, 1918) and from advertisements in The Banner vol. XLIII, no. 884, September 25, 1913 and no. 896, December 18, 1913. This edition seems to be rare, which could be explained by a rather small number of remainders (from 1899.38?) acquired by the publisher.
1914
The Provincial States of South Holland elected Kuyper member of the First Chamber to fill the vacancy left by H. Waller (†April 25, 1913). He took the oath of office on September 16, 1913. Kuyper delivered his maiden speech as a member of the First Chamber on January 7, 1914. During deliberations about the 1914 budget for the Dutch East Indies, Kuyper asked that telegrams sent by the minister for colonial affairs to A.W.F. Idenburg, governor of the Dutch East Indies be published (pp. 123–132). The proceedings for February 10 include a letter from Kuyper to the chairman of the First Chamber notifying him of his intended absence (p. 187). He had to travel to Lausanne due to the illness of his daughter, C.M.E. Kuyper (cf. 1985.01, p. 443). In this short note Kuyper also stated that he was completely satisfied with the answers that the minister for colonial affairs had given to the questions he had posed about his telegrams to the governor of the Dutch East Indies.
After the death of the chairman of the First Chamber, J.E.N. Baron Schimmelpenninck van der Oye (†April 11, 1914), Kuyper was made the chairman of the First Chamber until the next session started a month later.
Veel dank voor Uw van zoo hartelijke sympathie getuigenden feestgroet. Blijve en worde steeds meer de bezielende en levende kracht, om de eer van onze heilige beginselen hoog te houden. Kuyper.
An expression of gratitude for a telegram that was sent during the Anti-Revolutionary Propaganda rally, convened in Hoofddorp on February 27 by the Anti-Revolutionary Propaganda Club in the Haarlemmermeer (see 1902.06). In that telegram, the meeting had thanked Kuyper for all he had accomplished for the Dutch people and had wished him God’s blessing as he advanced in years.
For the numbering of this volume of De Standaard, see 1911.07.
Kuyper wrote this article to celebrate the upcoming visit (May 22–25, 1914) of the Danish royal couple, Christian X (1870–1947) and Alexandrina Duchess of Mecklenburg, to Queen Wilhelmina. In it he identifies the family connections between the two royal houses. He also discusses the significance of the arbitration treaty signed by the Netherlands and Denmark on February 12, 1904. Kuyper regarded this treaty as a token of the good relations between the two countries and an important step on the road to lasting peace between them. This treaty represented the first complete arbitration agreement conforming to the ideas set out by the First International Peace Conference at the Hague (1899). The Dutch envoy to the Danish court, J.D.C. van Heeckeren van Kell (see 1910.09), made a substantial contribution toward the ratification of the treaty. Kuyper concludes the article by expressing the wish that John Morley’s (1838–1923) adage “the smaller states are the salt of the earth” might prove true for Denmark and the Netherlands in the future.
Kuyper’s article, reprinted along with two other articles from the same issue of the paper listed under 1914.05. Placing Kuyper’s piece first, this publication offers the three articles in an arrangement different from their initial printing. The board of directors of the Algemeene Nederlandsche Bond “Vrede door Recht” published this item to express its good wishes for the Danish royal couple (see 1914.05). The Danish envoy presented the royal visitors with two beautifully bound copies and a French translation of this edition.
Voor Uw trouw en liefde de dank van mijn hart; blijft in Uw Bond de hope van het Calvinistisch Nederland. Zoo ge van Uw beginselen niet afwijkt, maakt ge een stuk Vaderlandsche Historie; zoo ge uw beginselen loslaat zijt ge weg. Binde de Heere zelf er U aan met een band, die geen wisseling van tijd verbreekt. Kuyper.
Kuyper wrote these words of gratitude in response to a telegram he received from the rally of the Dutch Federation of Young Men’s Associations on Reformed Principles, which met on May 21, 1914, in the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. The Rev. J.E. Vonkenberg (1869–1934), the federation’s chairman from 1888–1924, had sent Kuyper a telegram to let him know that the federation kept alive with gratitude and respect the memory of its debt to Kuyper and were praying that he might continue to receive the unceasing power of the Holy Spirit.
This item was also included in Gereformeerd Jongelingsblad 25 (1913/1914), no. 38, May 29, 1914.
For the numbering of the volume of De Standaard, see 1911.07.
Reeds de behaalde overwinningen waren zoo verrassend, nieuwe overwinningen zijn komende. De Heere is wonderbaar ook onder U en voor U geweest. Dank, dat gij ook mijner daarbij gedenken wildet. De kroon van mijn leven zou ’t zijn, indien ik een volkomen triomf nog beleven mocht. Kuyper.
Kuyper sent these words of gratitude in response to a telegram he received from the Association of Christian Teachers in the Netherlands and the Overseas Territories (see 1904.18), which met for its sixtieth annual meeting in Amsterdam on June 2–3, 1914. The association sent a telegram to Kuyper during its anniversary celebration to express its gratitude and loyalty to him for all he had done to promote the cause of Christian education. The telegram also gave voice to the hope that he might yet witness the final victory of that struggle during his autumn years. The meeting decided to send the same telegram to A.F. de Savornin Lohman. De Savornin Lohman did not receive the telegram, however, due to a mistake made by the sender of the duplicate telegrams.
Kuyper wrote the preface to this collection of posthumously published letters that the Rev. R.J.W. Rudolph (1862–1914) had written to the members of his former congregation in Leiden during his final seven months while suffering from cancer. These letters had been previously published in the church newsletter of the Reformed Church of Leiden. In the autumn of 1912, Rudolph had bidden farewell to this congregation and had become chaplain-director of an association for neglected children and tramps in Achterveld (known as the Rudolphstichting since 1927). Kuyper found these letters so moving and such a comforting testimony of faith that he nearly subordinated his friend’s achievements in life—Rudolph was very active in politics, society, and journalism (including De Standaard)—to his death. The preface begins with the words “Rudolph’s significance for the country lies in his death.”
The memorial book reprinted many items by Kuyper in several formats. “Gereformeerde Jongelingsvereenigingen” [Reformed young men’s associations] was reprinted (p. 53; pp. 96–97) from De Heraut, no. 804, May 21, 1893 (see 1893.06); “De kerk ’t eerst” [The church first] was reprinted (pp. 106–109) from no. 1047, January 16, 1898; and “Te vaag” [Too vague] (pp. 112–113) was reprinted from De Heraut, no. 1072, July 10, 1898. In the articles from 1898 Kuyper intended to clarify and settle a disagreement about basic principles between the Dutch Young Men’s Federation and the Dutch Federation of Young Men’s Associations on Reformed Principles.
A telegram (1896.09) was also reprinted (p. 87), as was a letter Kuyper sent to the Rev. J.E. Vonkenberg, thanking the chairman of the federation for the beautifully bound and inscribed book presented to him on his seventieth birthday (p. 164). The speech delivered at the federation’s ninth annual meeting (see 1897.06) was included (pp. 102–104); and in a section offering “contributions of persons interested in the task of the federation,” the work also included Kuyper’s opening line: Der Jongelingen sieraad is hun kracht [The glory of young men is their strength]. The final item (pp. 386–396) was the official speech delivered during the federation’s twenty-fifth anniversary celebration, which took the aforementioned line as its title (see 1913.08).
The memorial book was published in both a deluxe and a cheap edition (without beveled edges). The cover and the content of both editions are identical—only the quality of the full-cloth binding and the paper differs.
Der vergadering mijn diepgevoelde dank. Kome de Universiteit eerlang glansrijk de gevaren die haar bedreigen te boven, en ontsluite de Heere zelf haar den weg tot nog hoogere glorie in den dienst voor de eere van Zijn naam. Kuyper.
Message sent in reply to a telegram that Kuyper had received from the annual meeting of the Association for Higher Education on Reformed Principles, which met in Utrecht on July 1–2, 1914. Recalling with gratitude that Kuyper had founded and built up the Vrije Universiteit, the meeting had wished him God’s blessing. For information about the “dangers” to which Kuyper alludes, see 1912.14.
This book consists of eight leading articles from De Standaard discussing the position of women in society. It constituted an indictment of what Kuyper called the “spirit of the times.” In the work Kuyper discusses contemporary feminism, but his main focus is on the question of who should have the right to vote for representatives in the States General, Provincial States, and city councils. Kuyper argues for organic householder franchise, carving out an exception for widows acting as the head of household. Kuyper considered this a “comparative” study since he also reflected on how the question of women’s suffrage had been handled elsewhere in the world. While not a biblical study per se, Kuyper’s analysis is nevertheless suffused with biblical concepts.
These articles were reprinted from De Standaard 43 (1914/1915), no. 12909, May 12, 1914–no. 12924, May 30, 1914. The articles—numbered I–VIII—had been published almost every other day under the title De eerepositie der vrouw.
During the debate over the First Chamber’s reply to the queen’s annual throne address on September 17, 1914, Kuyper submitted a number of amendments, dealing in part with matters of content and in part with editorial matters. He addressed the chamber seven times during the debate. His next contribution in the First Chamber would take place on June 16, 1915 (see 1915.07).
Kuyper sparked a controversy in his own circles when he published his ideas about missions in De Heraut and De Standaard. The controversy prompted Dr. B.J. Esser to publish a brochure entitled De Goddelijke leiding in de zending (Rotterdam, [August] 1914). After the military and administrative efforts of J.B. van Heutsz (1851–1924) and H. Colijn (1869–1944), the so-called “Buitenbezittingen” in the Dutch East Indies were finally pacified. (All the islands of the archipelago of the Dutch East Indies that did not belong to Java and Madura were called the Buitenbezittingen.) Kuyper believed the churches should now conduct missions in those territories, especially before Islam took over the field. Esser criticized him for purportedly favoring these new territories over established missionary posts on the island of Java. In this letter to the editor, Kuyper argued that he had intended no such thing and did not consider the weakening of missions on Java to be a necessary consequence of his proposal.
In an asterism in De Standaard, no. 13013, September 12, 1914 (reprinted in De Bazuin, no. 39, September 25, 1914), Kuyper had already made a short, clear statement about his proposal. He rounded off this discussion with a short commentary in De Heraut (no. 1919, November 1, 1914), by which he intended to mitigate the controversy. On November 5, 1914, Kuyper submitted the ideas he had voiced in this letter to the Synod of The Hague.
The letter to the editor was included under the heading “Midden-Java en de Buitenbezittingen” (see 1914.14). The editor, Rev. H. Dijkstra, stated that Kuyper had sent this letter to De Macedoniër for publication. Dijkstra added a number of editorial comments (pp. 346–347).
A devotion from 1897.17 (pp. [132]–134), reprinted in a reader for Christian schools (pp. 6–11). The collection of literary texts was compiled by D. Wouters (1876–1955) and F. André. The first section of a devotion on Isaiah 1:18 from De Heraut (no. 1208, February, 24, 1901) is also included in the reader.
This new edition features a rearranged title page adapted from the first edition of 1755, new type, and “contemporary spelling.” The distinctive style of the Rev. A. Rotterdam (1718–1781) is maintained, however. The explanatory remarks in the second edition, which contain an excursus on passion for piety and pious passion (cf. 1900.21), have been dropped. This item had a print run of 2,750 copies.
Pages [218]–221 of this printing add a fragment from 1899.15 (pp. 44–48).
The Hungarian Reformed pastors J. Csürös and S. Czeglédi translated the Stone Lectures of 1898 under the title A Kálvinizmus Lényege. The translation was published as volume 14 of the series Editions of the Calvin League. The copies were warehoused by the bookdealer Lajos Kókai. Sebestyén Jenö wrote a brief sketch of Kuyper’s life and work (pp. [I]–XI). This sketch (dated Budapest, March 25, 1914) also includes an abbreviated list of Kuyper’s most important publications.
The translation was corrected by J. Sebestyén (1884–1950), who was a professor of dogmatics at the Theological Academy in Budapest and a dedicated disseminator of Neo-Calvinism in Hungary. Sebestyén received an honorary doctorate in theology from the Vrije Universiteit in 1930, during the celebration of the university’s fiftieth anniversary.
This item and 1914.22, together with 1902.16, represent the final title editions of the Dutch Authorized Version as edited by Kuyper, Rutgers, and Bavinck. After the transferal of the rights and the stock of 1914.21 and 1914.22, Jongbloed published only the common Dutch Authorized Version Bibles under the imprint Leeuwarden, Uitgeversgenootschap “Biblia.”
1915
An article dedicated to the memory of Willem Hovy (1840–1915), who died in Zeist on February 27, 1915. He had supported Kuyper for almost fifty years and was the key financial backer of the Vrije Universiteit. Kuyper, his oldest friend, was the only person asked by the family to speak at his grave. In the article Kuyper describes Hovy’s significance as a practically minded Christian. He examines his life and activities against the background of the religious and social climate of the second half of the nineteenth century and highlights in particular Hovy’s sympathy for the Moravian Brethren.
Among his many accomplishments Hovy had run a brewery, assisted in the founding of Patrimonium and Boaz, championed the cause of Christian schooling, supported the Vrije Universiteit, and acted as an advocate for the church, its mission, and Christian politics. He had also served as a member of the Municipal Council of Amsterdam (1881–1899), the Provincial States (1892–1901) and, finally, the First Chamber (1901–1915).
On November 5, 1914, at the General Synod of the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands, Kuyper submitted the ideas that he had voiced in 1914.14. Subsequently he requested permission to explain his view and considerations in more detail at the meeting of the deputies for mission so that they would be equipped with sound arguments and advice during next synod (see 1918.03).
Six of the seven asterisms written in response to Gij, Calvinisten …. Open brief aan de Antirevolutionaire Partij over de oorlogs-beschouwing van “De Standaard” by the Rev. H. Koffyberg (Amsterdam, [beginning of March] 1915). Koffyberg (1874–1925) took issue with De Standaard’s reporting on the Great War, raising questions about Anti-Revolutionary and scriptural principles regarding war and peace. He specifically questioned why De Standaard had been so sparing in its evaluation of the German war effort and yet so critical of the role that England played in the hostilities.
In his brochure “Opruiing?” [Sedition?], Koffyberg responded to the criticism put forward in Kuyper’s asterisms. He reprinted six of them from De Standaard 43 (1914/1915), no. 13169, March 17, 1915–no. 13178, March 27, 1915, commenting on each in turn. Kuyper had ended his series of editorials with the suggestion that Koffyberg was not interested in polemics, but in politics. In his view Gij, Calvinisten was “an officer’s call to his men to condemn the commander unanimously.” Kuyper had used the word opruiing to describe this attitude, complaining that Koffyberg’s brochure was not directed against the editors of De Standaard, but against him personally and against his leadership of the Anti-Revolutionary Party. See also 1915.14.
Almost immediately after the publication of Koffyberg’s reply, Kuyper started a new series of asterisms in De Standaard (see 1915.12), directed this time against Th. Heemskerk, former prime minister and then member of the Council of State.
A short plea to continue opposing the war, which Kuyper calls a “curse.” He contends that such opposition represents an expression of conscience, which may never be silenced. He holds that if the Dutch are forced into the war, they should fight bravely without letting go of the ideal of peace. He also urges his readers to keep in mind the fact that humanity cannot guarantee the lasting peace of nations.
On June 16, 1915, Kuyper spoke about the proposed statutory regulation of legal oaths. Kuyper regarded the regulation as “unbaked bread” and a “triumph of anticlericalism” (pp. 374–378). In the session of June 17, Kuyper stated that the war required national unity and that therefore it was not advisable to debate their difference of opinion on such fundamental questions as legal oath-taking (pp. 394–395); he thus considered himself obliged not to take part in the debate. The bill was eventually defeated. On June 18, during the debate about increasing the national budget to combat foot-and-mouth disease and to accommodate a redundancy payment scheme, Kuyper expressed his regret over the lack of a comparative study showing how other countries dealt with similar livestock crises. Kuyper asked the government to show understanding and sympathy for the farmers involved (pp. 411–413). He also voiced his support for the government’s effort—conducted in part through contacts in the Vatican—to speed up the peace process (pp. 413–414).
The first installment of a two-volume exposition of the political platform of the Anti-Revolutionary Party (see 1878.01 and 1879.04). Kuyper also intended to make reference, if possible, to the changes introduced in the platform of 1916 (see 1916.07). Approximately three weeks after the first volume had been published, Kuyper wrote an asterism in De Standaard (no. 13348, October 16, 1915) noting that many people considered Nadere toelichting too modest a title. Kuyper, however, liked this simple title. When some later pointed out that the title fit the second volume, De toepassing [The practice], but not the first and more substantial volume, De beginselen [The principles], Kuyper gave in and chose the new title Antirevolutionaire staatkunde [Anti-Revolutionary political theory]. A new title page and a partially rewritten preface were delivered together with the tenth and final installment of the first volume in June 1916. This explains why the signature marks throughout the first volume still read toelichting [explanation].
The preface to the first installment was approximately one and a half pages shorter and contains fewer autobiographical notes than the revised version provided after the first volume had been completed. For an introduction to this edition, see the short editorial in De Standaard, no. 13338, October 5, 1915. The work was eventually published in twenty-one installments rather than the fifteen or sixteen originally planned. The print run consisted of 2,300 copies, although 500 additional copies of the first installment were printed.
An introduction to a study by Johanna Breevoort (pseudonym of M.G. Bakhoven-Michels, 1869–1942) about Jacob Cats (1577–1660) and his poetry about women. The preface offers a short description of father Cats’s major work, Het Houwelyck (1625), which became a “second family Bible” in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, but subsequently passed into oblivion and disrepute. Kuyper believed that Cats’s poetical observations and comments on the divine institution of marriage and the family remained of significance for thinking about the position of women, the church, and society in the twentieth century. In the preface, Kuyper refers to 1888.11 (pp. 31–39), where he had already brought Cats to the attention of his readers in a firm but subtle manner.
In a series of personal encounters with young Christian authors (after 1907.03), Kuyper had suggested to Johanna Breevoort that she research Cats. The work had a print run of 2,650 copies.
In this official speech Kuyper emphasizes the importance of Christianity to the care of the sick. He makes particular note of the care that, since 1886, had been expressed by the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands through the institution of the diaconate. Kuyper argues that contemporary medical science and especially nursing, though standing on what had already been achieved in the medical field in ancient times and subsequently under the influence of Islam, is much indebted to Christianity. When he praises the idea of assigning the most capable doctors rather than just picking Reformed doctors (who may have weaker medical or technical capabilities), Kuyper does underscore the significance of common grace in medical science. However, he also offers practical examples that indicate how the particular grace expressed through Christian medicine enhances the merciful attention, nursing, and care given to the patient as a whole person. At the end of his speech, he makes reference to a clinic near Dresden (see 1912.17) where he had “found rejuvenation and renewal of life.” He argues that hospitals should have many flowers and also, again making reference to his experience at a German clinic, female doctors.
The hospital Eudokia, a foundation of the Reformed diaconate in Rotterdam, began as a nursing home for the chronically ill in 1890 in a villa specifically purchased for that purpose named Welbehagen [Well-being = eudokia in Greek]. Kuyper had inaugurated the new Academic Hospital in Groningen with a speech he gave as minister of the interior on May 30, 1903.
An article written to celebrate the two thousandth issue of the weekly paper De Amsterdammer. After offering some thoughts about journalism, Kuyper compliments the paper on its polemical style, thanking the editorial staff for only entering into polemical exchanges occasionally and always in a professional manner that avoids personal injury.
A revised edition of fifty-two asterisms (not fifty-three as Kuyper indicated) reprinted from De Standaard 44 (1915/1916), no. 13201, April 26, 1915–no. 13259, July 5, 1915. The series begins with number 8 and subsequently the numbering is incorrect throughout the volume. Kuyper was troubled by what he perceived as a breakdown and slackening of party discipline as well as by division among the leadership of the Anti-Revolutionary Party (ARP). In response, he offered this review of the ups and downs experienced by the party since its establishment. In the final short editorial (asterism), Kuyper again suggests (cf. the final short editorial included in 1915.04 and the preface to this publication) that he would be willing to step down from the chairmanship of the Central Committee of Anti-Revolutionary Electoral Associations (see 1878.02) and thereby to give up leadership of the ARP.
The revised edition of his collection was published in response to Th. Heemskerk’s Een woord over de genummerde driestarren van Dr. A. Kuyper (Rotterdam, [September] 1915). Kuyper called it an editio castigata (a purified edition) because, after reading Heemskerk’s brochure, Kuyper withdrew his claim that Heemskerk had purposely caused the De Meester cabinet to fall in 1907 out of personal ambition, without consulting the party or its leadership.
This edition also includes several new items: an untitled article from De Standaard, no. 13315, September 8, 1915, providing Kuyper’s first public reaction to Heemskerk’s brochure; three short editorials containing additional reflections on the matter from De Standaard, no. 13324, September 18, 1915; an asterism from De Standaard, no. 13336, October 2, 1915; a previously unpublished comment (on p. 97) about a collision with the Senate of the Vrije Universiteit about a dispute arising from one of his numbered series of asterisms (cf. De Standaard, no. 13338, October 5, 1915); and finally, two passages from 1913.07 purporting to demonstrate Kuyper’s loyalty to the Heemskerk cabinet (1907–1913).
Kuyper believed that in addition to serving as a response to Heemskerk’s brochure this publication would serve as a valid historical record and as a testimony to his desire to promote peace and harmony among the members of the Anti-Revolutionary Party.
The publication formed a rare exception to Kuyper’s practice of not introducing essential changes to his writings. According to the contract with the publisher (KA 315), Kuyper did not receive any payment for this publication, which was also most unusual.
Uw gewaardeerde gelukwensch met mijn 78e jaar wordt dankbaar door mij aanvaard, en ten zeerste verblijdt het mij, dat mijn werk getiteld “Nadere toelichting” u toelacht. Uw clubs zijn voor onze partij van zoo hooge beteekenis. Die clubs door mijn geschrift van dienst te zijn is mij een ware zelfvoldoening. De Heere stelle u voor land en volk tot steeds rijker zegen. Kuyper.
Kuyper sent this telegram to express his gratitude for a telegram he had received from the twelfth annual meeting of the Federation of Anti-Revolutionary Propaganda Clubs in the Netherlands (see 1902.06), which met in Utrecht on October 27, 1915. On the eve of Kuyper’s seventy-eighth birthday, the meeting sent a message stating its great appreciation for 1915.08 and thanking God that Kuyper still had the strength at such an advanced age to accomplish this work, which was so significant for the Anti-Revolutionary propaganda clubs. The meeting also expressed the hope that he might be given renewed strength so that he might continue to serve as a rich blessing for the nation and its people in the coming years.
In this short editorial, Kuyper thanks the Rev. Koffyberg for paying careful attention in his brochure “Opruiing?” (see 1915.04) to Kuyper’s criticisms of Gij, Calvinisten. Kuyper judged a rejoinder unnecessary because—adopting an attitude of “all’s well that ends well”—he considered the case closed. The authors of the brochure known as the vijf heren brochure [brochure of the five gentlemen (see 1916.17 and 1916.18)] cited this short asterism as an example of Kuyper’s unpleasant treatment of his opponents. The asterism was taken from De Standaard 44 (1915/1916), no. 13202, April 27, 1915.
Te veel mag ik op Uw van trouw getuigend telegram niet zeggen. Toch dit ééne. Het was een druppel balsem op de wonde. Laat mij U en de andere broederen daarvoor dankzeggen. Kuyper.
Kuyper telegraphed this expression of gratitude to J.J. Croles (1869–1936), a judge in Leeuwarden. Croles, the chairman of the Provincial Committee of Anti- Revolutionary Electoral Associations in the Province of Friesland, had sent a telegram on behalf of the board to express unshaken trust in Kuyper as leader iure suo of the Anti-Revolutionary Party. The board also expressed the wish that party leadership remain completely in Kuyper’s hands. The members thanked God that they could still go forward under his leadership (cf. 1916.18). “The wound” probably refers to the events discussed in 1915.04, 1915.12, and 1915.14.
In this essay Kuyper discusses the formal, material, and institutional character of the Lord’s Day. At the beginning of the essay, he indicates that the Sabbath rest is based not only on the fourth commandment, but also on consciousness of the rhythmic weekly cycle, which was originally ordained by God in his work of Creation and was once again made known to human beings after the fall through common grace. As in 1907.17, Kuyper asserts that a divine ordinance is at stake, concluding that “the observance of the Lord’s day becomes a problem not exclusively concerning the Church, but a world problem of universal importance.”
Kuyper originally intended to deliver this essay as a lecture at the World’s Bible Congress (see also 1915.18), which took place in San Francisco on August 1–4, 1915, during the Panama-Pacific International Exposition. The exposition was celebrating the opening of the Panama Canal (August 15, 1914). He had to abandon his plans to attend the congress, however, due to the threat posed to transatlantic traffic by mines and submarines—and perhaps also because he did not want to interrupt his long-standing annual visit during July/August to a clinic near Dresden.
Kuyper also wrote this paper as a lecture he expected to deliver at the World’s Bible Congress in San Francisco (see 1915.17). As with 1915.17, he had been invited to speak on a topic of broad European significance. In this piece Kuyper discusses the development of the use of the Bible in Europe. He provides a schematic historical outline, detailing the work of various Bible societies, to show how European Calvinists have used the Bible. For European Calvinists, he claims, the Bible is “the visible fountain of the invisible, life-giving waters of the almighty God.”
The letter has been published with the headline: Ministerpräsident a.D. Dr. Kuijper über die Haltung Hollands [Former prime minister dr. Kuijper on Holland’s position]. In a short introduction the editor also mentioned that Kuyper stayed in Weisser Hirsch near Dresden to take a cure. Kuyper was introduced by the editor as former Prime Minister of the Netherlands and leader of the Anti-Revolutionary Party.
The editor had asked Kuyper about a question concerning the neutrality of The Netherlands and about the defence of its colonies. Kuyper replied in his letter to the editor that he came to Germany for health reasons, so he limited his comments on both questions to a few brief lines meanwhile wishing the press would not pay any more attention to his presence. Without any further comments, he enclosed three newspaper clippings with opinions and outlooks (from the Dutch minister of Foreign Affairs, a former Dutch minister of Internal Affairs, and a French Journal) on the aforementioned issues.
1916
On April 11, 1916, Kuyper and eight of his supporters submitted a motion in the First Chamber. The government had held a meeting with the Second Chamber in committee and now Kuyper and his followers wanted to compel the government to reveal to the First Chamber what it had discussed (p. 377). On the same day Kuyper clarified the proposed motion (pp. 378–379), which was subsequently accepted. As a result, the First Chamber had a session in committee with the minister of internal affairs, P.W.A. Cort van der Linden (1846–1935), to discuss a preventive measure (namely, the retraction of military leave) that the government had taken based on intelligence pointing to an increasing threat of war for the Netherlands, a neutral country.
Voor uwen zoo vriendelijken politieken groet zij het mij vergund u mijn hartelijken dank te betuigen. Een wederopvlamming van onze voormalige geestdrift in de provincie, waaraan ik van mijn jeugd af zoo innig gehecht was, zou mij een verkwikking op mijn ouden dag zijn. Worde onze inzinking van 1913 door een schitterend succes in 1916 en 1917 goedgemaakt. Kuyper.
Kuyper telegraphed this expression of gratitude in reply to a telegram he had received from the Anti-Revolutionary Party rally in Vlissingen, which was organized by the Provincial Committee of Zeeland. In its telegram, the meeting paid tribute to Kuyper for his well-tested leadership. The members stated that the Anti-Revolutionary Party in Zeeland was bravely doing its best for the upcoming Provincial States election (June 1916). The telegram concluded by expressing the hope that Kuyper would live to join them in celebrating a total victory.
In his reply Kuyper alludes to his childhood in Middelburg (1841–1849), to the lost elections of 1913 (see 1913.07), and to the general elections scheduled for June 1917.
Vooral in de zoo spannende dagen die we doorworstelen was Uw zoo warm telegram mij een zielsverkwikking. Het heette dat bij het wegsterven van het oudere geslacht de geestdrift onder ons was uitgebluscht, maar zoo ’t aan U hangt, zult gij het enthousiasme, dat in Groen’s dagen de ouderen bezielde nog door Uw warme toewijding overtreffen. Gode alleen de eere! Kuyper.
Kuyper telegraphed this expression of gratitude in response to a telegram he had received from the annual meeting of the Dutch Federation of Young Men’s Associations on Reformed Principles, which met in Arnhem on June 1, 1916. In its telegram the meeting assured Kuyper that though much might change, “the loyalty of his young guard would never.”
The first and larger volume of a two-volume work about the basic principles (volume 1) and aims (volume 2) of the Anti-Revolutionary Party. Taken together, these two volumes represented an additional clarification of the principles and practice of the party’s program (see 1878.01 and 1879.04). The work was intended above all for party leaders and administrators who had not received a formal education.
In this first volume Kuyper articulates the biblical, theological, historical, and legal basis for Anti-Revolutionary political theory within a broad thematic framework. He does not simply offer dry analysis but provides numerous illustrative excursuses to make the work both more readable and more accessible to party leaders unaccustomed to academic tomes.
For the altered title and preface, see 1915.08.
The nineteenth Meeting of Deputies of Anti-Revolutionary Electoral Associations, which took place in Utrecht on November 2, 1916, was not occasioned by the upcoming electoral campaign, but by proposed revisions to the Anti-Revolutionary Party program (see 1878.01) and its statutes (see 1878.02). Revision and reorganization were deemed necessary because the party, having grown so much since its founding forty years earlier, was now facing unanticipated and broader challenges. A committee had already been appointed in 1907 to explore this process. The committee’s proposed changes had been submitted for approval to the electoral associations, which added numerous comments to the proposals slated for discussion at this meeting. Kuyper was assured that these revisions would be passed so he did not discuss them in detail in his speech. Rather, he examined the situation of the Anti-Revolutionary Party in light of the prophecy found in Isaiah 53:2.
In the address Kuyper draws on several historical examples to show how a movement’s growth declines and withers like a plant in dry ground when the light of its ideals pale. He contends, however, that there is hope for revival among the Anti-Revolutionaries since Christ is at the root of the party. At the conclusion of the speech, Kuyper expresses his hope that those who have left for another Christian party will soon reunite with the Anti-Revolutionary Party. He predicts that reunification will come about sooner or later, but he confesses: “I feel that it will happen more quickly when my disappearance from the scene will have shifted away one more bolt from the dividing door.”
Zij het aan de Deputatenvergadering der Antirev. Partij geoorloofd, Uwe Majesteit de eerbiedige betuiging van haar hulde aan te bieden, en dank te brengen voor de aan land en volk zoo krachtiglijk beschermende wijze, waarop in de internationale verhoudingen, de eere en veiligheid van Nederland gehandhaafd zijn. Kuyper, voorzitter.
A telegram sent to Queen Wilhelmina on behalf of the (extraordinary) meeting of deputies (see 1916.07).
In this letter to Mrs. M. Talma-van Schaardenburg, Kuyper expresses his sympathy at the death of her husband, the Rev. A.S. Talma. As chairman of the Meeting of Deputies of the Anti-Revolutionary Party, Kuyper gave eulogies for A.S. Talma and Klaas Kater at the meeting (see 1916.07). The meeting subsequently decided that he should write letters of condolence to both widows in his capacity as chairman.
The Rev. Talma (†July 12, 1916) was a member of the Second Chamber from 1901–1907 and minister of agriculture, trade, and industry from 1907–1913. He had been particularly active in the social struggle. For the letter to Klaas Kater’s widow, see 1916.10.
Kuyper wrote this letter of condolence (see 1916.09) to Mrs. B. Kater-Pauws, the widow of Klaas Kater (†October 26, 1916). Kater was a working-class man once employed at W. Hovy’s brewery (see 1915.02). He served as the chairman of the Dutch Workingmen’s Union “Patrimonium” from its founding in 1877 until 1900. Kater was a pioneer in Christian social and cultural action; he worked tirelessly for more than forty years to benefit workers through activism and journalism. Kuyper and Kater were friends and co-workers for more than forty years.
In his history of the Doleantie, Rullmann reprinted an article and two editorials in full from De Heraut, along with many other citations of varying length. “Over het breken van beloften” [About breaking vows] (pp. 231–234), which dealt with the public confession and the installation of officers in Reformed churches, was reprinted from De Heraut, no. 508, September 18, 1887. An editorial about a dissenting widow in Hijlaard whose rented house had been confiscated by the Reformed congregation (pp. 247–248; see also 1970.02) was reprinted from De Heraut, no. 627, December 29, 1889. Finally, an editorial about the significant financial sacrifices involved with siding with the Doleantie (pp. 269–270) was reprinted from De Heraut, no. 570, November 25, 1888.
In this brief editorial Kuyper addresses the question of how to handle conscientious objectors. The editorial had originally appeared as an asterism in De Standaard 45 (1916/1917), no. 13495, April 7, 1916. The asterism was published under the heading “Het vrijlaten van de dienstweigeraars” [Releasing the conscientious objectors]. Kuyper stated his opposition in principle to forcing people to act against their conscience and expressed his discomfort with imprisoning or forcing conscientious objectors to take part in military exercises. He did not believe, however, that total freedom of conscience could be maintained in the present circumstances, despite his sympathy with the peace movement. “The English habit of half-conceding in conflicts such as these,” writes Kuyper, “still seems to us to be the only valid method.”
The asterism was originally occasioned by J.A. van Sijn, the youngest partner of the publishing firm D. van Sijn & Zonen (among other things, the printer of The Union: “A School with the Bible” and also of the daily De Nederlander). On returning from a short leave from active service, Van Sijn sent a letter to the editor of De Standaard, stating his objections to compulsory military service and arguing for a peacekeeping force, a peace corps, and a national peace council. Kuyper did not enter into these matters in De Standaard, however. He invited Van Sijn to a personal conversation about the principles at stake when Christians refused military service. Van Sijn was apparently disappointed with the outcome of that dialogue, which took place on November 12, 1916.
Kuyper also published asterisms about conscientious objection in De Standaard, no. 13955, October 9, 1917 and no. 13986, November 14, 1917. He published a lead article on the issue in no. 13987, November 15, 1917.
The open letter of 1892 was reprinted in a special issue of Boaz’s monthly paper celebrating its twenty-fifth anniversary. (The Association of Dutch Employers “Boaz” was founded in November 1891.) In the issue Kuyper was named as the author of this letter.
Kuyper wrote this article at the invitation of the editorial staff of the German weekly paper, Die Woche. The editors had invited prominent foreigners to write about their countries’ experiences as neutral states during the Great War. The first article was contributed by a Norwegian; Kuyper’s contribution was the second in the series.
In the article Kuyper discusses the Netherlands’ position by reflecting on two questions—the first relating to the genealogical, geographical, and historical factors that had led the Dutch to take a neutral position, and the second relating to the future of the conflict (i.e., which conclusion to the war did the people of the Netherlands fear most?). Kuyper also refers to a brief editorial, “Pro Duitsch” [Pro German], that had appeared in De Standaard, no. 13959, October 13, 1917.
Kuyper received a bouquet from the German emperor Wilhelm II in 1917 for his eightieth birthday.
A contribution written for the album of congratulations (SAD, no. 24966, 75 pp.) published for the fiftieth anniversary celebration of the Reformed Young Men’s Association “Samuel,” which took place in Dordrecht on October 21, 1916. Kuyper writes that the social changes wrought by the war will also bring changes to “Samuel.” He typifies these changes with the words “bite” (daily meals had become meager) and “prayer” (relating to a deeper level of the soul). He concludes by expressing his hope that men like Samuel—who valued a personal relationship with the Lord above all—will continue to be honored by the association.
In March 1916 “Samuel” invited Kuyper to deliver the official speech at its October meeting. The organizer cited the speech he had delivered for the Reformed Young Men’s Association in Kralingen on November 24, 1915 (cf. 1940.03, pp. 421–426). On October 16 Kuyper responded that he could agree only to provide a written contribution. The correspondence about the invitation, which includes three postcards from Kuyper, is maintained in SAD.
In this document (KA 272), Kuyper deals with the dispute between him and the so-called vijf heren [five gentlemen] (Anema, Bavinck, Diepenhorst, De Vries, and Heemskerk) who had published Leider en leiding in de Anti-Revolutionaire Partij [Leader and leadership in the Anti-Revolutionary Party] (see 1915.14). In the nine points of the statement, Kuyper limits himself exclusively to criticizing the actions and behavior of Th. Heemskerk. He charges that Heemskerk had ignored Kuyper, the leader of the Anti-Revolutionary Party, when charged with forming the new government in 1907 and that he had continued to ignore Kuyper’s counsel after becoming prime minister. For the cover letter to this document, see 1916.18.
After the publication Leider en leiding in de Anti-Revolutionaire Partij, Kuyper received the five authors at his home on February 26, 1916. A decision was made at that meeting to submit the two brochures at issue (1915.12 and 1915.14) to an arbitration committee (see also 1916.18).
This document reprints a private letter from Kuyper as well as several of his asterisms from De Standaard. The words strikt geheim [top secret] are printed in the top margin on the first page. The document was compiled by the so-called vijf heren [five gentlemen] who published Leider en leiding in de Anti-Revolutionaire Partij (see 1915.14) and was submitted to Kuyper in connection with the arbitration attempt (see 1916.17). The five gentlemen wrote that they considered arbitration impossible both because Kuyper wanted to submit matters to the arbitration committee that their brochure did not raise and because his complaints were directed at only one of the authors.
Three asterisms were reprinted from De Standaard as warrant for their standpoint: “Repliek” [Reply] (p. 13) from De Standaard 44 (1915/1916), no. 13386, November 30, 1916 (Kuyper’s first public reaction to Leider en leiding in de Anti-Revolutionaire partij); “Critiek” [Criticism] (pp. 14–15) from no. 13399, December 17, 1916; and “Gejubeld” [Cheered] (p. 18) from no. 13567, July 5, 1916. Kuyper’s cover letter to 1916.17 (pp. 21–22)—addressed to A. Anema and his colleagues and signed The Hague, June 30, 1916—was also included. In this letter, Kuyper announced that H. de Wilde, an alderman from The Hague, and J.J. Croles (see 1918.15), a judge in Leeuwarden, had agreed to his request to serve as arbitrators.
1917
Gode onzen dank, dat de strijd dusver gewonnen werd; maar nooit steken we het zwaard in dezen heiligen strijd op, zoolang Groen van Prinsterers leuze (de Vrije School regel, de Staatsschool aanvulling) geen wet in het land is geworden. Kuyper.
Kuyper’s answer to a telegram sent by the eighteenth rally of the Westland Union, which met in Monster on January 10, 1917. The Westland Union was a regional annual meeting of The Union: “A School with the Bible” (see 1878.06).
Mijn vader draagt mij op u te verzoeken aan de afzenders van het zoo hartelijk telegram zijn diepgevoelde erkentelijkheid te betuigen. J. Kuyper.
J.H. Kuyper (cf. 1920.08) replied on behalf of her ailing father to the telegram sent by the participants in the provincial Anti-Revolutionary Party rally, which met in Groningen on February 7, 1917. The meeting prayed that Kuyper might continue to lead the party on towards greater strength and prosperity and wished him a speedy recovery. Kuyper remained ill from January until June 1917 (see 1917.08). The operation his doctors advised him to undergo toward the end of February turned out not to be necessary, however.
Kuyper had received requests from various quarters for a Dutch translation of 1916.14. As a result, Henriëtte S.S. Kuyper translated it for her father (cf. 1898.20). In a footnote on p. [3], she added something about the article’s origins and about the accuracy of the translation, which Kuyper had not been able to review in detail due to his illness. She omitted a note added by the editors of Die Woche explaining Kuyper’s term “pangermanism.” The translation had already been published three weeks earlier in De Standaard 45 (1916/1917), no. 13735, January 20, 1917–no. 13737, January 23, 1917.
In this second and final volume, Kuyper discusses the practical applications of Anti-Revolutionary principles in the Netherlands and its colonies. In the book’s twenty-two chapters, he treats all departments of government at the national, regional, and local levels, providing a historical retrospective in nearly all cases. Kuyper devotes the latter half of his preface to a fervent plea for the unification of the three Christian parties that had emerged since 1894.
Rather than the promised revisions to the platform of the Anti-Revolutionary Party and the amended statutes (see the preface), Kuyper included four appendices providing statistics about tuberculosis and venereal diseases in Dutch prisons and in the various branches of the military.
An article published in a series of portraits with biographical sketches of Dutch journalists. The article was printed along with a portrait of Charles Boissevain, editor in chief (since 1885), then director (1896–1916), and finally commissioner (until 1922) of Het Handelsblad. Kuyper wrote an amicable sketch about this liberal journalist. He could scarcely conceal his sense of kinship with Boissevain, despite their previous polemical exchanges (see 1895.19 and 1898.01). The article was published in the weekly De Amsterdammer as the second portrait in a series entitled Uit het diensthuis van de koningin der aarde [From the slave quarters of the queen of the earth (i.e., the press)].
Teleurgesteld, dat mijn krankheid, die reeds vier maanden aanhield, nog niet genoegzaam in hare gevolgen week om mij het opgaan naar uwe jaarvergadering mogelijk te maken, kan ik niet genoeg U zeggen, hoe uw zoo vriendelijke begroeting mij verkwikt heeft. Zij was mij een hart onder den riem en gaf mij op den altoos zo rijken Hemelvaartsdag opnieuw een zoo dankbare oorzaak tot verblijding. Zij het jaar, dat uw Bond thans weer ingaat, een voor uw jongelingschap rijk gezegend jaar. Van zelf leeft ook de jonge man in deze dagen van ontzetting zooveel sterker, zij ’t ook voor U een nader leven bij uw God. Kuyper.
Kuyper telegraphed this expression of gratitude in reply to a telegram he had received from the twenty-ninth annual meeting of the Dutch Federation of Young Men’s Associations on Reformed Principles, which met in The Hague on May 17, 1917. The federation had sent thanks to its honorary member for all he had done for Dutch Calvinist youth and had also expressed its lasting love and loyalty.
An article written at the request of the editor of De Amsterdammer. The essential idea expressed in this article is that the spiritual freedom gained during the Reformation did not come to full fruition because the Reformers’ followers neglected to give it social expression. According to Kuyper, the development of the individual ought to proceed hand-in-hand with the growth of organic life. Kuyper uses this principle to analyze the development and degeneration of Protestantism up to the Great War. He ends the analysis by calling for the liberation of Protestants from church and state, for solidarity among Protestants, and for the renewal of Protestantism abroad.
On the occasion of Kuyper’s forthcoming eightieth birthday J.A. van Hamel, the editor in chief of De Amsterdammer, in reference to Kuyper thinking of Cromwell, introduced the article with a contribution entitled “De Lord Protector” (see RKB III, pp. 442–445). The introduction is illustrated by a portrait of Kuyper as a grand old man, designed by George van Raemsdonck.
A year after 1916.07 an extraordinary Meeting of Deputies of the Anti-Revolutionary Party was again convened in Utrecht. In 1917 the new franchise law was reconciled with the revised constitution, and the new electoral system made it necessary once again to make changes to the Anti-Revolutionary Party’s statutes. Kuyper opened the meeting of delegates convened for this purpose with this speech, entitled “De kleyne luyden” in reference to his cherished religious and political supporters. The term was derived from William of Nassau, the prince of Orange (1533–1584), who had initially hoped to receive support from the aristocracy and the nobility, but who had received his support in the end from common folk and the lower middle classes. In the address Kuyper expresses his concerns about the temptations that might come along with the new electoral system. He proposes that voters have no choice but to persevere—just as the “little people” had done in their struggle against Spain.
A photograph of Kuyper, taken at the publisher’s request and at his expense, was printed on the page opposite the title page. The speech was published on the day of the meeting. A larger format copy has also been preserved (28cm.), with pages printed on one side only (24 pp.) and with enlarged interlinear spacing (cf. 1909.27). H.S.S. Kuyper, his eldest daughter, made a note on the title page stating that her father had delivered his speech from this copy and that he had added the punctuation marks and corrections in his own hand. In the peroration—“Remain fellow brothers, the little people, but remain, so that you can be it, always great in your God”—Kuyper had penned the words “of Orange” next to the words “the little people.”
The Student Union of the Vrije Universiteit, together with the university’s alumni association, presented Kuyper with a commemorative stained-glass window on his eightieth birthday. They subsequently asked him to write a personal word to encourage the current students. Delightfully surprised by the request, Kuyper penned this contribution, which contains interesting points of autobiographical detail among the florid expressions of gratitude and thankfulness. Kuyper expresses his surprise, wonder, and joy that his bond with the Vrije Universiteit still exists sixteen years after his final lecture.
Published by the student union for the students and alumni of the Vrije Universiteit, the special publication that contains Kuyper’s contribution also includes the portrait of 1917.12, as well as a portrait dating from the period of Kuyper’s professorship. Preceeding Kuyper’s contribution to this beautifully produced publication is a sketch of Kuyper as an academic professor written by the Rev. T. Ferwerda. The publication is dedicated to Zijne Execellentie Dr. A. Kuyper oud-hoogleraar aan de Vrije Universiteit, eerelid van het Studentencorps “N.D.D.D.” [His Excellency Dr. A. Kuyper, former professor of the Vrije Universiteit, honorary member of the Student Association “N.D.D.D.” (Nil Desperandum Deo Duce)].
The remaining copies were sold for ƒ1.- by a student who had been specially elected for this task.
A short press release from Kuyper. A note of thanks for the honour which was confered upon him on the occasion of his eightieth birthday (October 29, 1917) and an expression of his regret, to all who had shown any interest, for being unable to bring a return visit or to answer by letter because of the consequences caused by an accident that happened to him recently.
1918
A memorial for F.L. Rutgers, emeritus professor at the Vrije Universiteit (†March 19, 1917 in Amsterdam). Kuyper wrote this memorial at the request of the Student Union of the Vrije Universiteit. Kuyper also published a memorial for Rutgers under the title “Het afsterven van mijn trouwen vriend Rutgers” [The death of my faithful friend Rutgers] in De Heraut (no. 2044, March 25, 1917, signed and dated The Hague, March 20, 1917). For the relationship between Kuyper and Rutgers, see 1911.01.
Ihnen, Herr Vorsitzender und der Synode, mein tiefgefuehlter Dank fuer die mein Herz erquickende Depesche die ich empfangen mocht. Ruhe auf ihre Zusammenkunft der Segen unsres Herrn und sei tief von uns allen gefuehlt wie schmerzlich es zu bedauern ist, dasz in diesen bangen Kriegszeiten das—Internationale—Character unsres Kirchenverbandes noch so weit von dem durch unsere Vaeter vor drei Jahrhunderten gestellten Ziel entfernt ist. Dr. A. Kuyper.
Kuyper sent these words of gratitude (pp. 51–52) in reply to a telegram from the General Synod of the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands. During a brief commemoration of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the unification of the Christian Reformed Church and the Dutch Reformed Churches (see 1892.16), the synod sent a message of appreciation to Kuyper for the part he had played in promoting unification. (The anniversary date, June 16, had already passed by the time of the synodical commemoration.)
The Acta also includes Kuyper’s written response (p. 125) to the report about the expansion of missions in the Buitenbezittingen (see 1914.14). He argued that the report did not correctly reflect what he had said during the meeting of the deputies for mission, indicating, moreover, that the deputies did not share his views. However, he did acknowledge his respect for their opinions about the Javanese mission. Kuyper resigned himself to the situation, leaving the policy to the synod and the king of the church.
A speech delivered to the twenty-first Meeting of Deputies of the Federation of Anti-Revolutionary Electoral Associations, which took place in the lead-up to the general elections of June 1918. The title draws attention to a basic question: With the long struggle for freedom of schooling about to end in legislative victory, what should the central policy aim of the Anti-Revolutionary Party become? In the speech Kuyper touches on issues such as women’s suffrage, anarchy in Russia, the Great War and its aftermath (both abroad and in the Netherlands), and divisions within Anti-Revolutionary circles. He concludes that the party must now focus on finding a solution to the social problem. In a certain sense, this speech constituted Kuyper’s political testament.
Due to a throat ailment, Kuyper could neither chair the meeting (he had this responsibility as chairman of the Central Committee of Anti-Revolutionary Electoral Associations) nor deliver this opening speech. As a result, A.W.F. Idenburg (1861–1935), elected during this meeting as the second chairman of the Central Committee, read the speech on his behalf. The speech was available in print on the day it was delivered.
Mijn warmen dank voor uw ten zeerste gewaardeerd telegram. Het deed mij zoo goed aan het hart dat ik, al bleef ik weg, toch niet vergeten werd. Moge Hoogere zegen op uw zoo gewichtige vergadering rusten. Ik behoef wel niet te zeggen hoe ik, tot het einde toe, in mijn gedachten bij u ben. Kuyper.
Kuyper sent these words of thanks for a telegram he had received from the meeting of deputies (see 1918.04). In the telegram, the meeting expressed regret at the absence of its “gray leader,” thanked him for everything he had done for the honor of God’s name to benefit the nation, and wished him a speedy recovery.
An article solicited by P.A. Diepenhorst (1879–1953), editor in chief of the Christian Federation of Farmers and Market Gardeners, for the first issue of its official periodical. Kuyper emphasized the need for the new association and its periodical in light of the uniqueness of Dutch agriculture and horticulture, which had provided critical provisions for the nation during the war. The origins of this federation lay with H. Colijn (the son of a farmer), who was chairman of the Association of Dutch Employers “Boaz” (see 1892.07) and Kuyper’s soon-to-be political successor. At Colijn’s initiative an old proposal to separate “Boaz” was passed in 1918, dividing the association into a federation of three separate unions: the Union of Protestant-Christian Employers in the Netherlands, the Christian Retailer’s Union in the Netherlands, and the Christian Federation of Farmers and Market Gardeners.
Een genot voor mijn hart, nog niet door U vergeten te zijn. Vooral in onze dagen is het zoo heerlijk als het hart der jeugdige Christenmannen nog aan zijn God blijft kleven. Blijf mijner in liefde gedenken, ik doe het U. Kuyper.
Kuyper telegraphed these words of thanks in reply to a telegram he had received from the Dutch Federation of Young Men’s Associations on Reformed Principles, which met for its annual meeting in Leeuwarden on May 19, 1918. The meeting sent warmhearted good wishes for the autumn of his life and pledged its loyalty to Kuyper and the Calvinist principles he had articulated.
Kan tot mijn leedwezen vergadering niet bijwonen. Kuyper.
A notice of absence sent to the Anti-Revolutionary Party rally, which met on May 23, 1918, in Dordrecht. The meeting sent Kuyper a telegram that read: “Under your sound leadership the Anti-Revolutionaries who assembled for the party rally in Dordrecht will go through fire and water for Idenburg as one man.” A.W.F. Idenburg headed the list of candidates for the upcoming elections; he was also one of the speakers at the rally and became the second chairman of the Central Committee of Anti-Revolutionary Electoral Associations (see 1918.04).
In this short sketch written for the four hundredth anniversary of the Reformation, Kuyper pays homage as a Calvinist to Luther. He argues that the commemoration of the Reformation should not be tied to the publication of the ninety-five theses in 1517, but to Luther’s trial at the Diet of Worms on April 18, 1521, when he uttered the legendary words: “Here I stand. I can do no other. God help me!” At the beginning of his essay, Kuyper refers obliquely to an unspecified article he had written in March. He must have meant the lead article “Wittenberg or Worms” from De Standaard, no. 13801, April 10, 1917, which dealt with the same topic. An article published in De Heraut, no. 2050, May 6, 1917 also reflected this theme.
This pamphlet was published more than six months after the commemoration of 1917. It is rather odd in several respects. There is no preface and the purpose of the publication is not clearly stated. Judging from the only announcement in De Standaard (no. 14128, May 4, 1918), the editor seems to have undertaken this project at his own initiative. The editor solicited two authors, Kuyper and De Savornin Lohman—both leaders of a Protestant political party and both listed with their ministerial titles—without linking their contributions together.
This edition (same typesetting as the complete edition) contains the translation of meditations 1–53 from the first volume of 1908.21 (which contains fifty-six meditations in total). The publisher referred to this booklet in advertisements as “the soldiers’ edition.” A particular sales incentive was connected with the edition. Whenever the address of a solider was submitted along with a payment of $0.50, the publisher would make sure that that soldier received a copy wherever he was on duty. A review of the book in De Wachter (no. 37, October 2, 1918) remarked in passing that these meditations were among the most beautiful that Kuyper had written, concluding that they were “thus also outstanding reading material for our soldiers on the battlefield.”
An even smaller edition was published (either for promotional purposes or possibly as a title in Eerdmans’ “ten cent special” series), which contained meditations 1–18 from 1918.10:
An outline of Rutgers’ life, published half a year after his death on March 19, 1918, includes an article that Kuyper had written about Rutgers’ rectorial address De geldigheid van de oude kerkenordening der Nederlandsch Gereformeerde Kerken [The validity of the old church order of the Dutch Reformed Churches] (Amsterdam: J.A. Wormser, 1890). The article was reprinted (pp. 134–135) from De Heraut, no. 645, May 4, 1890. A considerable part of Kuyper’s review of Rutgers’ rectorial address Het kerkrecht, in zooverre het de kerk met het recht in verband brengt [Church order, to the extent that it connects the church and the law] (Amsterdam: J.A. Wormser, 1894)—first published in De Heraut, no. 885, December 9, 1894 (see 1894.15)—was also reprinted (pp. 138–140), along with numerous quotations of varying length.
In this letter to C. van der Voort van Zijp (1871–1936), secretary of the Central Committee of Anti-Revolutionary Electoral Associations, Kuyper resigned his chairmanship of the committee and thus the leadership of the Anti-Revolutionary Party. Kuyper wrote that he had initially wanted to resign from office on January 1, 1919, but had felt obliged to resign earlier in light of the committee’s preparations for the upcoming elections for the Provincial States.
Kuyper served as the chairman of the Central Committee of Anti-Revolutionary Electoral Associations from April 3, 1879 until November 25, 1918 (apart from a period between September 5, 1904 and October 17, 1907). On November 25, 1918, H. Colijn was elected as temporary chairman (see 1920.02).
Ontvang met de broederen mijn hartelijken dank voor het zoo hartverkwikkende telegram, dat gij mij toezondt. Kuyper.
Kuyper sent these words of thanks in reply to a telegram he had received from J.J. Croles of Leeuwarden. Croles was the chairman of the Frisian Provincial Committee of Anti-Revolutionary Electoral Associations and also the chairman of the Frisian committee responsible for the organization and recruitment for the Special Voluntary Home Service. Croles had sent Kuyper a telegram stating that the (seven hundred) Frisian volunteers in Leeuwarden had returned home from the Hague. Festively convened in the Noorderkerk, they felt obliged to repeat their most heartfelt loyalty to their “grey general under whose leadership their fathers—just as they—fought for the Netherlands and [the house of] Orange” (Friesch Dagblad, no. 4198, November 21, 1918).
On November 10, 1918—a Sunday morning—the German Kaiser went into exile in the Netherlands. The Great War ended on Monday, November 11. On November 12 P.J. Troelstra announced the peaceful revolution and seizure of power by the Socialists. (A number of European countries had seen revolutions and now revolution also threatened the Netherlands.) On November 13 the government mobilized the Voluntary Home Service. A Frisian department joined others traveling to the Hague to protect the Netherlands and the house of Orange. The announced revolution did not proceed as planned, however. After making an enthusiastic homage to the royal family in the Hague, the Frisian department of the Volunteer Home Service walked to Kuyper’s house on November 18 to express loyalty to him as well (cf. 1921.01, pp. 35–37).
Kuyper’s contribution to the program of celebration for the silver jubilee of the Provincial Federation of the Dutch Federation of Young Men’s Associations on Reformed Principles in Gelderland. In this piece he implores the youth to maintain the spiritual character of their associations, urging them keep to the Scriptures and the confessions during their meetings. He advises them to regard the Bible and the confessions not as theological textbooks but as guides for the practice of their personal and social life. See also 1919.03.
Three articles by Kuyper are reprinted in full (along with numerous quotations and excerpts) in the first volume of the three-volume collected works of the Roman Catholic Redemptorist apologist Th.F. Bensdorp (1860–1917). Bensdorp was among the critical readers of De Heraut from 1893 until 1917.
An article from De Heraut, no. 791, February 19, 1893 is reprinted under the title “Controvers” on pages 12–13; Bensdorp’s commentary on it is also reprinted from the Roman Catholic daily paper De Maasbode, no. 4952, February 28, 1893. In the article Kuyper responds to two articles by F.A. Maaier (= Bensdorp) entitled “Dr. Kuyper on the Sacrament of Marriage,” which had been published in De Maasbode, no. 4938, February 11, 1893–no. 4939, February 12, 1893.
Kuyper’s “Corrigendum,” which Bensdorp first published in the monthly De Katholiek 113 (1898), pp. [57]–59, is reprinted on pages 303–304. In an article in De Heraut, no. 1030, September 19, 1897 (published as part of the series Van de gemeene gratie—see 1903.13), Kuyper had speculated about the motivations for making the immaculate conception into a Roman Catholic dogma. Bensdorp sought to refute his remarks in De Katholiek. In reply Kuyper offered his “Corrigendum” in De Heraut, no. 1039, November 21, 1897. In the article Kuyper writes that he is not used to responding to this kind of criticism from Roman Catholics because he considers that the controversies of the past have been put to rest. On controversial matters about church dogma, he thinks that a truce is advisable until “the controversy with the new aberrations of this century has been fought to the end.”
1901.05 is also reprinted on pages 635–637. As with the second (see 1920.12) and the third volume (see 1922.13), the first volume of Bensdorp’s collected polemical writings contains many lengthy quotations from articles published in De Heraut.
In addition to the policy statement (pp. 233–234), a number of excerpts from Kuyper’s parliamentary and ministerial speeches are also reprinted in the section 5 (“Het ministerie Kuyper,” pp. 222–273).
1919
Kuyper’s reply to a telegram sent by the meeting of the Provincial Committee of Anti-Revolutionary Electoral Associations in Friesland, which met in the Noorderkerk in Leeuwarden on December 30, 1919. The meeting sent a telegram expressing its solidarity with Kuyper and his work and stating that his name would continue to inspire the next generation in the struggle for Christian principles. Kuyper received the telegram too late to send a reply while the meeting was in session. He immediately wrote to the chairman, J.J. Croles, about how the fraternal loyalty attested by the telegram had revived him in the midst of his strained and difficult health.
In this letter Kuyper expresses his gratitude for a telegram sent by the Provincial Federation of Young Men’s Associations on Reformed Principles in Gelderland. On December 26, 1918, this branch of the association had celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary (see 1918.16) in Arnhem. They sent Kuyper a telegram on the same day. Kuyper received the telegram too late to reply. He thus wrote a letter to let the Gelderland branch know how much he had enjoyed receiving its greetings and good wishes.
A thank-you note for a telegram that Kuyper had received from the Central Convention during its meeting in Utrecht on January 29, 1919. The Central Convention came into existence during the reorganization of the Anti-Revolutionary Party (see 1916.07), serving as an intermediary between the Central Committee and the Meeting of Deputies of the Federation of Anti-Revolutionary Electoral Associations. At the suggestion of J.J. Croles, H. Colijn sent a telegram in his capacity as chairman (cf. 1918.14) of the Central Convention, thanking Kuyper for his accomplishments as chairman of the Central Committee and leader of the Anti-Revolutionary Party. The telegram also expressed regret that Kuyper had had to stop working due to ill health and wished him God’s blessing as he advanced in years.
The telegram arrived too late for Kuyper to reply, so he sent this note to H. Colijn expressing thanks for the privilege of taking his departure amid such heartfelt sympathy. The telegram and letter were also printed in the press statement about the meeting in De Standaard 47 (1918/1919), no. 14356, February 1, 1919.
Aan het Provinc. Comité mijn warmen dank. Vooral Gelderland heeft mij al de jaren van mijn politieke worsteling zoo trouw en energiek gesteund. Moge gelijke geest van durf, van moed en van volharding ook, voortaan Gelderland’s eere blijven. Zij ’t met de hulpe onzes Gods dat Gelderland trouw blijve aan zijn zoo schoon verleden. Kuyper.
In this cable Kuyper thanks the Provincial Committee of Anti-Revolutionary Electoral Associations in Gelderland—which met in Arnhem on January 30, 1919—for its telegram. The meeting had sent him warm thanks for his work on behalf of the party and expressed its wish that God would spare him for some years to come so that he might see the growing fruits of his labor.
After being sworn in on September 18, 1917, for a second term (cf. 1912.02) in the First Chamber, Kuyper addressed the chamber on March 12, 1919. During the general deliberations on the national budget for 1919, Kuyper discussed Belgium’s plans to annex Zeeland Flanders and sections of South Limburg. He also spoke about blockading the Schelde River, which provides the only shipping lane to Antwerp. He then discussed the limited influence of the League of Nations, noting that neither the League nor the Peace Palace in The Hague had assisted with the peace negotiations after the Great War. In a final impressive and striking speech, in respect both of composition and of content (and elaboration as well), he called attention to the defence of the Dutch East Indies. The colonies, according to Kuyper, were threatened both internally and externally (by Japan in particular). Awakening pursuit of independence together with the generation of an Asian world power could endanger the position and national glory of the Netherlands. To counter this threat, timely and thorough measures were necessary (pp. 234–235). Kuyper also spoke about the labor question and the homogeneity between the First Chamber and a proposed new Kamer van Belangen [Chamber of Interests] (pp. 231–237). On March 19 Kuyper argued that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ budget be increased so that diplomatic services and foreign legations might be expanded. He also contended that it was in the interests of the Dutch general public to improve relations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the press (p. 307). During the debate about the defense budget on April 4, Kuyper discussed the desirability of renaming the Ministry of War, which he contended was actually a Ministry of Defense. During deliberations about the current political situation abroad and making special reference to England, he later spoke about the significance of sports for promoting military readiness. After commenting on the critical need for a system of defensive works in the Netherlands, Kuyper rounded off his contributions by asking that special attention be given to chaplaincy for the armed forces. The government had decided to assign chaplains to mobilized troops (by royal decree of August 28, 1914), but it did not provide financial support for this measure—thereby placing an unexpected burden on the churches (pp. 411–415).
Kuyper resigned his membership of the First Chamber on September 21, 1920 (see 1920.08).
In this article Kuyper discusses the historical context of recent developments within the Reformed Young Men’s Associations. The associations were moving beyond any one-sided emphasis on religious contemplation and study of Christian principles, partly in response to social changes caused by the war. Moreover, there was a growing interest among the associations in the spiritual dimensions of social, intellectual, and artistic ideas. Kuyper offers the associations a number of suggestions to help them do justice to and merge their broadened and diversified fields of interest. The contribution was also included in De Standaard 48 (1919/1920), no. 14437, May 9, 1919.
An appeal for financial support for a planned church building in Kootwijk (GAB 25), which received a quick and generous response. Kuyper’s piece was included with a circular letter of the Kootwijk consistory (dated June 2, 1919 and signed by the retired Rev. J.H. Houtzagers, chairman, and J. Godschalk, secretary). In the letter the church council asked sister churches throughout the country for financial support to construct a new church building. Recommendations from the classis and from Kuyper were printed beneath the request.
In his contribution Kuyper points to the special position of the Kootwijk parish in the history of the Reformed Churches in The Netherlands. Kootwijk was the first parish to break away from the Dutch Reformed Church during the Doleantie. During the tenure of its first minister, the Rev. J.H. Houtzagers (1857–1940), the congregation had rented the church building and parsonage from the Dutch Reformed Congregation. After Houtzagers was granted emeritus status in 1918, the wardens of the Dutch Reformed Congregation decided to discontinue renting the church and the parsonage, effective December 1, 1920.
Kuyper sent his congratulations on the thirty-fifth jubilee of the Dutch Association of Journalists. The congratulations were first printed in De Standaard (no. 14447, May 21, 1919), where they were published under the heading “Persjubileum” [Press jubilee]. In his note Kuyper praised the association of which he had been a board member and subsequently chairman (1899–1901), without concealing its painful “temporary breach” with De Standaard (see 1905.10). The jubilee was celebrated in Amsterdam on May 28 and 29, 1919.
This postcard thanks the Rev. J.E. Vonkenberg, chairman of the Dutch Federation of Young Men’s Associations on Reformed Principles, for the telegram he had sent on behalf of the thirty-first annual meeting held on May 29, 1919, in Kunstmin in Dordrecht. In the telegram the meeting gratefully recalled Kuyper’s dedication to the principles put forward at the Synod of Dordt (1618/1619). They prayed that Kuyper might experience God’s blessing in his old age and assured him that they would continue his work. The telegram arrived so late and the post office was so busy that Kuyper could not reply by telegram. He thus wrote the chairman a postcard to thank him for his message, which gave him renewed confidence that the Reformed Young Men’s Federation would not fall into decline, but would remain steadfastly and enthusiastically loyal to its principles and mission.
Vergun mij U mijn gevoeligen dank te betuigen voor het vriendelijke telegram dat mij uit “Kunstmin” gewerd. Het blijft mijn innige bede, dat de zegen onzes Gods de Vrije Universiteit op haar verderen loop verzellen moge en dat de stichting in haar bloei de eere onzes Gods verhoogen moge. Kuyper.
Kuyper sent these words of thanks in reply to a telegram he had received from the thirty-ninth annual meeting of the Association for Higher Education on Reformed Principles, which met in Kunstmin in Dordrecht on July 3, 1919. In its telegram the meeting recalled with gratitude Kuyper’s accomplishments for the Vrije Universiteit and wished him God’s rich blessing.
The text of 1919.08 is reprinted in full on pages 310–311 of the Rev. W.F.A. Winckel’s biography of Kuyper. A substantial part of the main article from the first issue of De Standaard (April 1, 1872; see 1998.03, pp. 317–322, for an English translation) is reprinted on pages 61–62, and 1897.06 is reprinted on pages 304–308 (with the omission of the introductory section).
The Rev. W.F.A. Winckel (1852–1945) served with Kuyper as a member of the editorial staff of De Heraut. Winckel wrote Kuyper’s biography at the request of the publisher Wichert ten Have. The biography was published without Kuyper’s knowledge or permission. In a short editorial titled “Premature Biography” in De Standaard (no. 14587, November 3, 1919), Kuyper reacted rather critically to Winckel’s unauthorized biography.
The Dutch version of 1883.07 from the South African newspaper De Volksstem, December 25, 1883. The address was published as appendix N (pp. [351]–360). A loose page with the heading “Naschrift van November 1919” [Epilogue of November 1919] states that the book was ready for publication when war broke out in 1914. The original plan was to publish a two-volume work. The war had changed plans and the book was published in 1919 as produced in 1914 without changes or additions.
A reprint of 1883.07 from The Times, November 13, 1883. The address was published as appendix F (pp. 492–499).
Kuyper contributed the first essay to the section titled “Bijdragen van belangstellenden” [Contributions by interested parties]. Kuyper joyfully observed that the North-Holland branch of the Dutch Federation of Young Men’s Associations on Reformed Principles sprang up in a province that had almost completely been lost to Calvinism, despite having once been the most Calvinist province in the Netherlands. He asked God to bless the members’ work and encouraged them to continue their propaganda campaign in the province.
The North-Holland branch was founded on December 26, 1892. Due to a confluence of unfortunate circumstances, the memorial book was not published until two years after the celebrations of the twenty-fifth jubilee.
In his contribution to this multi-author collection of thirteen articles about the Protestant view of the state, Kuyper offers an account of the significance of Calvinism to European history and to the development of constitutional law in Europe (and to nations influenced by European legal systems). He subsequently describes how political theorists have adopted certain Calvinist principles and points to the consonance of these political principles with the Calvinist worldview.
K.H.L. Walter van der Bleek (1877–1946), the compiler of the collection, wanted to promote the concept of a “United States of Europe,” an ideal not altogether foreign to Kuyper’s way of thinking.
1920
Het is mij geen oorzaak van beklag … maar veeleer een van innigen dank, dat de Deputatenvergadering, ook waar ik haar niet meer leiden kon, mij toch met zooveel aanhankelijkheid gedachtig bleef en mij van haar onverholen aanhankelijkheid blijken deed. Bijna een halve eeuw genoot ik haar vertrouwen. Een periode, die zelden door een politiek leider bereikt wordt. Ontvang voor dit zo overruim genoten vertrouwen mijn oprechten en innigen dank en laat mij er voor uitkomen hoe het eere-voorzitterschap van het Centraal Comité mij een zonnestraal op mijn donker geworden levenspad is. Kuyper.
Kuyper’s reply to a telegram H. Colijn sent him on April 22, 1920, on behalf of the twenty-second Meeting of Deputies of the Federation of Anti-Revolutionary Electoral Associations. In its telegram, the meeting expressed regret that Kuyper had had to resign the chairmanship of the Central Committee of Anti-Revolutionary Electoral Associations due to ill health (see 1918.14). The meeting subsequently offered him the honorary chairmanship of the committee and hoped that he would receive God’s richest blessing. The meeting elected H. Colijn as temporary chairman of the Central Committee and A.W.F. Idenburg (in the vacancy of P.A. Diepenhorst) as deputy chairman.
Het was in mijn nog steeds aanhoudende lijdenstoestand een verkwikking voor mijn hart, dat ge mijner nog gedenken wildet en dat gij het deedt op zoo innige en deelnemende wijze. Geheel een reeks van jaren was mij uw moedig en talentvol opkomen voor onze bezielende beginselen een oorzaak van dankbare vreugde, en het is mij ook nu een verheuging, waar ik niet genoeg voor danken kan, dat ik van uw zoo onverwachte uitbreking in verhoogde kracht nog getuige mag zijn. Verrijze spoedig uw eere-gebouw. En zij het mij, vóór ik ten grave daal, nog gegund den triomph van uw bezielde inspanning te mogen beleven. Kuyper.
This was the final telegram in a long series of cabled exchanges between Kuyper and the annual meetings of the Dutch Federation of Young Men’s Associations on Reformed Principles, which met annually on Ascension Day. The annual meeting recalled “with much gratitude” Kuyper’s “great importance” for the church and the fatherland and expressed the hope that by seeing God bless his work he would experience a sense of grateful joy as he grew older. The telegram was also included in De Utrechtsche Bondsdag 1920 ([Zwijndrecht]: Bondsbureau, 1920, pp. 52–53), which was published shortly after the annual meeting.
Kuyper had been ill since November 1919. The short reports in De Standaard spoke alternately of bronchitis, shortness of breath, influenza, arteriosclerosis, and dizziness. The “persistent state of suffering” continued until his death on November 8, 1920 (cf. 1921.01). Kuyper’s allusion to “your honorable building” refers to a building campaign for a central federation office. The office was established in Amersfoort and first used early in September 1920.
Kuyper was not involved with the establishment of either the Reformed Young Men’s Association in 1887 or the federation in 1888. The Rev. J.E. Vonkenberg, chairman of the federation from 1888–1920 and its director from 1920–1923, was instrumental to the formation of both. Kuyper took center stage after he charted a course of action for the federation in 1893.06 and gave it its program in 1897.06. By 1920 the federation numbered 700 affiliated societies and 17,000 members.
Uw zoo hartelijk telegram kwam te laat, om mijn antwoord nog bij tijds de vergadering te doen bereiken. Mag ik u daarom verzoeken aan het Provinciaal Comité mijn hartelijken dank te willen overbrengen voor de zoo aangrijpende uiting, die mij uit aller hart gewerd. Mijn jong verleden bond mij van oudsher aan Zeeland. Zeeland schonk mij mijn eerste ontwikkeling. Mijn hart bleef daarom nog altoos zoo teeder en innig aan Zeeland gehecht. En nu te mogen zien, dat men in Zeeland ook mij niet vergat, maar tot op mijn ouden dag aan mij gehecht blijft, het is mij een voorrecht, waarvoor ik niet warm genoeg danken kan. Ook nu paart zich mijn bede aan de uwe voor uw overwinning in den pijnlijken strijd, dien ge te doorworstelen hebt.
Kuyper’s words of thanks for a telegram he had received from the extraordinary meeting of the Provincial Committee of Anti-Revolutionary Electoral Associations in Zeeland, which met in Goes at the party rally of June 4, 1920. The meeting thanked him for “everything that Your Excellency has done in your professional life for our party and our sacred principles.” It also expressed the wish that God would bless Kuyper in the autumn of his life.
Uw zoo bezielend telegram bereikte mij gisteren te laat, om het nog naar Haarlem te beantwoorden. Richte zich daarom mijn dank tot u persoonlijk in Amsterdam. Niet gering was mijn teleurstelling, dat ik op dezen dag van dankbaar gedenken niet in uw midden kon zijn. Doch juist daarom was de verkwikking zoo verrassend, dat men in mij den stichter der Universiteit nog bedenken bleef. Kuyper.
A thank-you letter to F.W. Grosheide (1881–1972), chairman of the fortieth annual meeting of the Association for Higher Education on Reformed Principles. In a telegram Grosheide had gratefully acknowledged Kuyper’s founding of the the Vrije Universiteit forty years previously and had thanked God that he had been able to see the university prosper.
Kuyper was no longer capable of writing due to failing health, so he dictated his letter of resignation from the First Chamber to his daughter J.H. Kuyper (cf. 1917.03). He cited a decline in strength as his reason for resignation. He asked that the clerk of the First Chamber to whom he addressed the letter notify the chairman of his resignation with words of gratitude for all the benefits he had received from the First Chamber and from members of Parliament. Johanna H. Kuyper signed the letter. Formally, however, the letter of resignation had to be signed by Kuyper himself. This was settled by an obliging clerk after Kuyper placed his signature under an addendum to the letter on September 21, 1920 (see 1921.01, facsimile facing p. 88, 1987.03, facsimile on p. 337, and 1949.01). This item was also included in De Standaard, 49 (1920/1921), no. 14858, September 22, 1920.
In a response to Kuyper’s letter of resignation, J.J.G. van Voorst tot Voorst (1846–1931), chairman of the First Chamber, offered a brief eulogy during the September 21 session. His eulogy started with the following words: “The history of this country is so closely bound up with this great figure that the historian who records the last sixty years of our chronology will have to make an earnest and lengthy study to give him his due.”
This poem was meant to encourage his eldest son to exert himself for God’s honor whatever the cost. The poem was originally written in H.H. Kuyper’s childhood scrapbook. For poetic expressions in Kuyper’s oeuvre, see 1882.04.
As a kind of memorial, Dr. G. Keizer (1869–1943), who was pastor at Tiel from 1900 to 1924 and editor of the Geldersche Kerkbode, wrote an article about the relationship between Kuyper and the city of Tiel. Keizer gathered reminiscences about a sermon that Kuyper had preached in Tiel and reprinted the prospectus to the Bijbel-album and the preface to De Schrift het Woord Gods, which Kuyper had published in Tiel.
This article from De Heraut, no. 1630, March 28, 1909, was reprinted in “Dr. Kuyper on the Venerable Joan of Arc,” which Father Bensdorp had originally published in the daily paper De Tijd (no. 18720, March 30, 1909). Kuyper had written his editorial in view of the upcoming beatification of Joan of Arc (Rome, April 18, 1909). Like the first volume (see 1918.17) and the third volume (see 1922.13) of Bensdorp’s collected polemical works, this second volume also contains numerous lengthy quotations from articles that Kuyper published in De Heraut.
Ontvang hartelijke dankbetuiging voor uw zoo warmen en bezielden gelukswensch. Het feest van Ulrum’s school stemt ook mij tot innigen dank. Bloeie ze tot Gods eer nog in lengte van dagen.
In this letter Kuyper thanked Mr. Reitsma, chairman of the Association for Reformed Education in Ulrum, who, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Christian school of Ulrum, had thanked Kuyper for his commitment to Christian education and wished him well in the last part of his life. Kuyper reacted with thankfulness and well wishes.
1921
Kuyper’s eldest daughters printed three letters and two telegrams by their father in this book of impressions about Kuyper’s final years and his death. The first is a short letter (p. 20), dated February 3, 1917, and sent to his eldest sister Mrs. A.C.E. Mond-Kuyper (1834–1920), a widow since 1866 and director of the dormitory of the Vrije Universiteit from 1885–1905. Kuyper thanked her for a letter and gave her an update about his illness.
When Kuyper wanted to spend his 1917 summer vacation in a hotel near Lahmann’s sanatorium in Weisser Hirsch (Dresden), his daughters as well as the German ambassador urged him not to take the trip unaccompanied. Kuyper, however, insisted on traveling alone and after a voyage of three days, his anxious daughters received the following laconic telegram (p. 28): Ganz gesund angekommen ohne Schwester [Arrived in good health without nurses].
The next telegram (pp. 55–56) was intended for his eldest sister and was sent on December 15, 1919—her eighty-fifth birthday:
Mijn liefste Anna, van heeler harte met dit schitterend kroonjaar gelukgewenscht. Wees ook nu in Gods heilige hoede bevolen. Ons beider einde nadert. Zij het straks een zalig elkaar terugvinden in het Vaderhuis daarboven. Dr. Kuyper.
A letter (p. 72) then follows which Kuyper had written to his daughters in response to a telegram he had received from them. Kuyper lodged during his final vacation (July 10–September 2, 1920) with the Van Deth family (see 1894.10) in Velp. During his stay, a fire broke out in the cellar. Kuyper thanked his concerned daughters for their telegram and reported how he felt after the commotion.
Finally, the book prints Kuyper’s letter of resignation from the First Chamber of the States General (p. 86) and (facing p. 88) a facsimile of the accompanying statement of confirmation signed by Kuyper (see 1920.08).
In this collection of articles from the national and international press reporting on Kuyper’s death (November 8, 1920), three poems that Kuyper had composed during his lifetime are also printed. The stanza that he had adapted from Da Costa’s poem (see 1897.16) is actually printed twice (pp. [4] and 59). This poem, “Voor mij, één zucht beheerscht mijn leven” [My life is ruled by but one passion]—which expresses the goal of Kuyper’s life and which he had once recited at the twenty-fifth anniversary of De Standaard—was frequently reprinted over the years (see app. 3.02). For an English translation, see 2001.09.
Also included (p. 94) are two couplets from his poem “Aan Beets” [To Beets] (see 1882.04; the full poem of seven couplets was also reprinted in 1917.11 on the occasion of Kuyper’s eightieth birthday). Finally, a short versified saying from his school years is printed on page 155. On the poetic expressions in Kuyper’s oeuvre, see 1882.04.
Apart from the transformation of the dated preface into an undated introduction, the new typesetting, and the new pagination of the three volumes, this edition is entirely identical to 1902.13.
The pamphlet that printed this poem was published on the occasion of the opening of the party offices of the Anti-Revolutionary Party (ARP) in Kuyper’s previous residence, located at Dr. Kuyperstraat 5 (until 1921, Kanaalstraat 5) in The Hague. On December 18, 1920, H. Colijn, chairman of the Central Committee of Anti-Revolutionary Electoral Associations, had the house purchased and then donated with an eye toward the recently launched “million plan” for strengthening and expanding the organization of the Anti-Revolutionary Party. The Dr. Abraham Kuyper Foundation—the think tank of the ARP that was established (April 20, 1921) to provide scholarly support and advice—was located here. Herman Dooyeweerd (1894–1977) was the first chairman of the foundation. Kuyper’s study, library, and archives were also preserved in this building.
After a December 1971 arrangement between the Dr. Abraham Kuyper Foundation and the Historical Documentation Center for Dutch Protestantism since 1800 (HDC), the Kuyper Archief was transferred in 1972 to the Vrije Universiteit. The HDC has administered the archives since then. After the three major Christian political parties fused on October 18, 1980 to form the Christelijk Democratisch Appèl [Christian Democratic Party], the Kuyper House became its headquarters.
According to a letter from H. Colijn dated February 22 [1921] (GAK/AK), Colijn had approached the publisher J.H. Kok at the request of the chairman of the Anti-Revolutionary Electoral Association in Hoek van Holland about publishing a cheap edition of 1921.01. If an inexpensive trade edition would not be possible, then Colijn wanted to receive a proposal from the publisher about what it would take to produce such a cheap edition.
The series Over het graf [Beyond the grave], published in De Heraut, no. 588, March 31, 1889—no. 602, July 7, 1889 (see also 1893.03, pp. [196]–291) was discussed by the Christian spiritist Elise F.C. van Calcar-Schiotling (1822–1904) in her monthly Op de grenzen van twee werelden. Onderzoek en ervaringen op het gebied van het hoogere leven [On the borders of two worlds. Research and experiences in the domain of higher life] 13, no. 7, 1889. In De Heraut, no. 610, September 1, 1889 Kuyper reacts to her critical approach to his view of life between death and resurrection. His article is reprinted on p. 842.
Elise van Calcar replied in writing and Kuyper answered by a letter (p. 843), dated Amsterdam, December 21, 1889. This letter is printed on p. 843.
1922
In this special issue of De Standaard, two articles and two asterisms are reprinted. The first of the articles is the lead article from the first issue of De Standaard (April 1, 1872), which had introduced the paper to the public (see also 1932.08, and for an English translation, see 1998.03, pp. 317–322). The second is the final article that Kuyper wrote for De Standaard (48 [1919/1920], no. 14600, November 18, 1919). Entitled “Terugkeer tot onze betere usantiën” [Return to our better customs], the article deals with the course of the budgetary debate and the political support of the cabinet.
The first of Kuyper’s asterisms, on Groen van Prinsterer and the free church, is reprinted from De Standaard, no. 8, April 10, 1872 and the last of his asterisms—“Een journalistisch tragisch incident” [A journalistically tragic incident]—on Plemp van Duiveland’s departure from journalism, is reprinted from De Standaard 48 (1919/1920), no. 14626, December 18, 1919.
In this collection of memories about Kuyper, written by individuals from very divergent social levels and backgrounds, from the Netherlands and abroad, there are also three letters and two postcards from Kuyper himself.
Two of the letters are addressed to A.J. van Buuren, a miller in Beesd. The first (pp. 17–21), which was written in London on July 7, 1867, deals primarily with Kuyper’s feelings about accepting a call to Utrecht and with his copy work for 1871.02. The second, dated Utrecht, December 30, 1867, describes his first impressions of Utrecht, offers a look back at his experience in Beesd, and encourages Van Buuren to continue his correspondence.
The third letter (p. 150), dated Amsterdam, August 26, 1895, provides a reply to an offer of support that M.H. ter Haar of Amsterdam had written on behalf of himself and a few others. Most likely, they had written to affirm and encourage Kuyper in his conflict with De Savornin Lohman (see 1895.03).
The first postcard (p. 151), sent to M.H. ter Haar and dated April 3, 1897, contains brief personal remarks (including this expression of faith, “without prayer works cannot go forward and without works prayer would be flat”). The other postcard (p. 183), dated The Hague, October 28, 1910, was sent to Miss P.A. Timmerman, who later married A. Sizoo (1889–1961; professor at the Vrije Universiteit, 1933–1959). The postcard contains a reply to her request for a contribution to a memorial stone for the grave of Ds. J. van Andel (†1910). Kuyper writes that though he is against memorial stones in principle he will make a contribution after he has received information about the total cost as well as the amount received to that point.
This collection of reminiscences was published on April 1, 1922—the day of the fiftieth anniversary of De Standaard—and was available to subscribers as an anniversary gift, with a ƒ0.75 discount on either the stitched or the bound edition.
In the preface to the 1923 yearbook for the Reformed Young Men’s Associations in the Netherlands, the following comment is made about this Christmas meditation: “The beautiful article of Dr. Kuyper, which has just turned fifty years old today, provides this yearbook with enduring value.”
An editorial from De Heraut, no. 1673, January 23, 1910 is reprinted on pages 64–65 of this third volume of Father Bensdorp’s collected apologetic works. In it Kuyper offers his commentary on an announcement of the fiftieth anniversary celebration of a local congregation. He opines that the announcement could give the wrong impression: “Our churches did not just come into existence in 1834 or 1886; they do not even date their existence to the sixteenth century; they are as old as the Christian church in our country.” Bensdorp could not leave that claim unchallenged. Kuyper’s first (p. 75) and second (pp. 77–79) replies to Bensdorp’s criticisms follow. The replies, which have to do with his account of the Roman Catholic perspective on the passion of Christ, are reprinted from De Heraut, no. 1666, December 5, 1909–no. 1667, December 12, 1909.
In the last section of this volume (for the first two volumes, see 1918.17 and 1920.12), there are many articles in which Bensdorp cites Kuyper extensively—in particular, in his defense of the Roman Catholic conception of Christ’s descent into hell (pp. 248–406), against which Kuyper had argued in his series of articles Pro Rege, and in his response to Kuyper’s comments about the miracles in Lourdes (pp. 757–789). Both series of articles were also published independently under Bensdorp’s pen name Th. Famulus: the first entitled Christus’ nederdaling ter helle. De katholieke zin van dit leerstuk tegen aanvallen van “De Heraut” verdedigd (Amsterdam: Van Langenhuysen, [1911]), and the second entitled Dr. Kuyper over de wonderen van Lourdes (Amsterdam: R.K. Boek-centrale, 1915).
After the preface by Kuyper’s eldest daughter, H.S.S. Kuyper, there follows a brief sketch of Kuyper’s life and work by Jenö Sebestyén (pp. [VII]–XV). The sketch, dated Budapest, November 6, 1921, also includes an abbreviated and updated list of Kuyper’s most important publications. Sebestyén also added 178 explanatory notes to this edition (pp. [229]–245). This second edition was printed as the first volume in the series Holland-Magyar Kálvinista Könyvtar [Holland-Hungarian Calvinist Library]. For the fourth volume of this series, see 1923.10. The series was started with funds raised through a collection that Prof. J. Sebestyén (see 1914.20) took during a lecture tour he held in a number of Reformed Churches in the Netherlands in January and February of 1921.
1923
Rullmann’s Kuyper bibliography includes many citations from Kuyper’s works and repeatedly also prints complete texts. The first volume contains the nine theses of 1870.12 on pages 83–84 and the entire prospectus for the Bijbel-album from the cover of 1870.17 on pages 87–88. Rullmann also quotes the full “Programma der ‘Marnix-Vereeniging’” (1868.11) on pages 115–120. The bibliography, which would move increasingly in the direction of an anthology, cites already some items of interest. The introductory note to the untraceable Lijst van Psalmverzen (see 1872.13) is preserved on page 157. The dedication for the special edition of 1873.08 is printed on pages 171–173. Finally, there appears an article about the activities of Moody, Sankey, and Pearsall Smith from the Zondagsblad van De Standaard 4 (1875), no. 53, April 4, 1875, on pages 181–182.
Rullmann hardly showed interest in detailed bibliographical descriptions and data. Neither did he aim for his Kuyper-Bibliografie simply to compile as complete as possible a list of Kuyper’s publications. Rather, his main goal was to keep Kuyper’s written legacy—its meaning and its relevance—alive for older people and to unlock it for the new generation. The entire work was therefore published first in installments in periodicals. Rullmann also attempted to situate Kuyper’s work in its contemporary context; this is why he so frequently referred to secondary literature, including extracts from reviews.
The first volume (covering 1860–1879, no. 1–60) had previously been published in seventy installments in De Reformatie (1921–1923).
A publication of the Dutch-Hungarian Reformed Subcommittee.
A translation of fifteen (out of thirty) devotional sketches on women of the New Testament. This edition is the fourth part of the Holland-Hungarian Calvinistic Library (see 1922.15). The words elsö sorozat [first series] suggest that the publisher intended to publish 1897.17 in several parts, but this plan was not carried out. The book was financed with proceeds of collections taken during Prof. J. Sebestyén’s lectures in the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands at Ommen and Ede.
1924
This edition was prompted by the staging of the play Saul and David by the Christian Student Drama Club at the Municipal Theatre of Amsterdam on April 15, 1924 (see 1924.03).
Twelve asterisms reprinted from De Standaard 9 (1880), no. 2654, November 15 1880–no. 2693, December 31, 1880, and 10 (1881), no. 2718, January 31, 1881. These are printed together with a lead article from De Standaard 9 (1880), no. 2656, November 17, 1880 and a series of follow-up articles: Publiek vermaak I–XV from De Standaard 9 (1880), no. 2680, December 15, 1880–no. 2691, December 29, 1880, and 10 (1881), no. 2698, January 5, 1881–no. 2736, February 21, 1881 (cf. 1881.01). Also included is Roomsche polemiek I–III from De Standaard 10 (1881), no. 2744, March 2, 1881–no. 2748, March 7, 1881. One article by Prof. Rutgers is also reprinted.
This reprinting was occasioned by the commotion in the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands and in the circles of the Vrije Universiteit caused by the staging of Saul and David by the Christian Student Drama Club at the Stadsschouwburg of Amsterdam on April 15, 1924, the week before Easter. Saul and David is a tragedy in four acts by Israel Querido (1872–1932). Fourteen students from the Vrije Universiteit took part in this production (see also 1924.01). Dr. J.C. de Moor (1878–1926), the reviewer for De Heraut (no. 2426, July 20, 1924), wondered whether Kuyper would have approved of this reprinting of his articles because he subsequently spoke and wrote more positively about this issue.
The edition was published on July 2, 1924, the day of the forty-fourth annual meeting of the Association for Higher Education on Reformed Principles, where the issues surrounding the performance—which bore on the larger question of Christianity and culture—were discussed at length.
This correspondence and the two articles from De Heraut marked a serious conflict between Kuyper and Gunning—a conflict that led to their parting of ways. The matter at issue was the authority of Scripture. The letters are dated A[msterdam], March 9, 1873 (pp. 906–913), January 20, 1879 (pp. 974–977), and Amst[erdam], January 26, 1881 (pp. 989–990). The two articles (pp. 924–932 and 933–935) are reprinted from De Heraut, no. 9, February 3, 1878 and no. 13, March 3, 1878. In his article of February 3, Kuyper publicly criticized Gunning’s view of Scripture, as set forth in the first installment of Het leven van Jezus (’s Gravenhage, 1878). At that point, however, Gunning had already withdrawn the installment. The second, shorter article discussed that fact as well as reactions to Kuyper’s first article. Only sections from the second article are reprinted in this volume.
No longer printed with the stereotype plates (see 1909.31), this edition has been reset. The lettering on the title page and front cover has been restyled, and there is no half-title or date. A note has also been added to Article 36 of the Belgic Confession, which ascribes to the office of the magistrate the authority “to prevent and uproot all idolatry and false worship in order to destroy the kingdom of the Antichrist,” stating that “this phrase [was] struck by the General Synod of Utrecht in 1905.”
From the publication of this (fourth) edition, subsequent printings and title editions were published without any mention of the publication year. From the contracts between Kuyper and Wormser it turns out that a contract had already been signed in 1898 for the publication of two subsequent printings (very likely produced in one print run as printing and title edition). Records of the firm J.H. Kok, which took over the publication rights from Wormser in 1907 (see 1907.22), show that two editions were printed simultaneously each time. The first part of the print run was published with the date of the year in which both were printed; the copies of the second part of the run were usually dated a year later on the title page and cover. Up to this point, these editions have been classified under the above-mentioned years of publication because those years corresponded nicely with their release dates. However, for the next undated printings and title editions, it is only possible to gather from Kok’s records when each set of pairs was printed. Since by now it was taking longer than a year for a printing to sell out, it is not possible to specify exactly when the second half of a given print run actually entered the market. Thus the paired printings and title editions will from here on be listed next to one another under the same year in which they were printed.
See 1924.06 for the dating of the release of this title edition.
The first poem (p. 44) is a translation from 1897.16. The second poem (p. 155) is translated from De Heraut, no. 150, October 31, 1880—a celebratory issue published on the occasion of the dedication of the Vrije Universiteit (see 1882.04).
Article translated and reprinted from De Heraut, no. 362, March 23, 1884. After making reference to the apologetic method of Wildeboer (1855–1911) and Robertson Smith (1846–1894), Kuyper writes: “And then we begin with as much principle as possible to declare ourselves, at least provisionally, against all apologetics.”
The article, written forty years before, was reprinted as the conclusion to a brochure about the place of apologetics in the theological encyclopedia. In his study, Rev. G.H. Hospers (1864–1949) criticized above all B.B. Warfield’s ideas about the place and object of apologetics. He appealed to Kuyper, who gave a much more modest place to apologetics in the theological encyclopedia and ascribed it a much more limited domain and significance. The reprinted article was therefore apparently intended to serve as both an illustration of Kuyper’s conception of apologetics and as warning against Warfield’s vision of apologetics.
Translated by G.H. Hospers “because of its numerous correspondences with present conditions in America” (p. 13), Kuyper’s piece was published in a somewhat abridged form. As his grateful pupil Hospers dedicated his book, in reverent memory, to N.M. Steffens (†1912).
1925
In the Gereformeerd Jongelingsblad 38 (1926/1927), no. 32, April 15, 1927, an abridged subject index for the second edition of Het Calvinisme was published (see app. 1.07).
An unaltered reissuing of the final section from 1907.13. In his foreword, Kuyper’s eldest son reports that there had been many requests for a separate edition. The price put this volume about the Holy Land, which Kuyper had written with great faith and vision, within the reach of many for whom the original edition had been too costly.
Meditation on the words in Psalm 74:16, ook de nacht is uwe [(yours is the day,) yours also the night], included in a reader intended for classroom use and independent study.
In a book about the origin and development of the General Dutch Diamond Workers’ Union (established November 18, 1894), the first two cables mentioned in 1904.05 are reprinted on pages 405 and 412. The cables are dated February 15 and March 19, 1904 (in 1904.05, the second cable is dated March 17, 1904). On pages 413–414 a portion of the fourth telegram mentioned in 1904.05 is printed—namely, the portion that deals with the four points with which Kuyper relates the course of events and the conditions he attached to his arbitration.
A completely revised edition. A translation of the poem in 1897.16 is included in a biographical note. This note (somewhat reworked and abbreviated) has since 1953.03 also served as the biographical note in the Eerdmans printings of the 1898 Stone Lectures.
1926
A short citation from the bill amending the Municipal Government Act from Bijlagen van het verslag der handelingen van de Tweede Kamer der Staten Generaal 1903–1904 (Bijlagen 108.2) is reprinted in a memorial book of the Dutch Federation of Employees in the Public Service. The final paragraph from the explanatory memorandum is also reprinted with approval (Bijlagen 108.3). In the final agreement of this memorandum, Kuyper, minister of internal affairs, emphasizes that the purpose of the bill is not only to produce a superior legal framework for the financial administration of local governments, but also to provide better regulation for the legal position and salaries of local government personnel.
The government policy statement (pp. 255–256) is reprinted from 1903.04 (p. 926).
A complete reprinting apart from the last lines, which had contained an application.
This collection of Kuyper’s observations, remarks, and aphorisms about the church’s essence is organized, without any mention of the sources, in three rubrics: “About the Being of the Church,” “About the Manifestation of the Church,” and “About the Life Revealed in the Church.” As an introduction to this anthology, Kolfhaus wrote a brief biography of Kuyper that traces the development of his vision of the church.
According to Kolfhaus the essence of the church had been much discussed in England and the Netherlands during the past century; however, Christians in Germany had remained nearly silent about the church and its calling. Partly due to the appalling course of the First World War, Germany was now being forced to inquire into the being and the task of the church. Kolfhaus intended this pithy anthology to contribute to Germany’s reflection on these subjects.
A portion of the print run was published with a different cover. The cover has a different design and is furnished with the imprint: “Schriftenverlag des Reichverbandes deutscher evangelischer Schulgemeinden, Wuppertal-Barmen, Siegestrasse 128.” This same publisher also published Kolfhaus’s Um die Zukunft des Volkes. Ein Blatt aus dem Lebensbuch Dr. Abraham Kuypers (Barmen, 1927), which documented Kuyper’s participation in the Dutch school struggle. Kolfhaus also later published Christusbekenntnis und Politik (Elberfeld, 1933)—a study of Kuyper’s vision and efforts toward bringing about a Christian politics—which Kolfhaus intended as a contribution to the contemporary discussion about the German political situation.
1927
Two editorials written in connection with preparations for the Social Congress (November 9–12, 1891; see 1891.14), reprinted (pp. 335–336) from De Standaard 19 (1890), no. 5759, December 17, 1890 and (p. 338) from De Standaard 20 (1891), no. 5809, February 17, 1891.
A speech that Kuyper delivered as prime minister to the annual meeting of the Dutch Retailers Association, held in Rotterdam on September 9, 1903. In his speech Kuyper called upon retailers to be alert because big capital, fast-moving developments in communication, and international competition were threatening the middle class. The right response to these challenges was to adapt to the changing times and to provide better service. Genuine family life, which constitutes the ethical and religious dimension of society, was dependent on the preservation of the middle class. The speech was taken from the stenographic report of the congress. An extensive report was also published in De Standaard, no. 9656, September 11, 1903.
The decision to establish the Dutch Retailers Association was made on September 3, 1902. The association was subsequently founded on January 29, 1903.
This edition was published in Leeuwarden by A. Jongbloed, who had acquired rights from the publisher’s association “Biblia” (cf. 1913.18). A few changes were made to the typography and the explanatory notes to the formularies were dropped. The texts published by Kuyper and his fellow editors remained unchanged, however. The questions established for public confession by the General Synod of Utrecht (1923) were added.
An asterism about the determination of the level of compulsory taxation for school funding and about the concessions that Minister Mackay made to the liberals on this point in the debate on the education bill that he submitted. This item was reprinted from De Standaard 18 (1889), no. 5374, September 17, 1889.
The poem is printed in the introductory chapter to Het protestantisme in de Nederlandsche letterkunde [Protestantism in Dutch literature]. The chapter also appeared as a separate publication under the title, Het protestantisme in de Nederlandsche letterkunde. Door Dr. Ph. Lansberg. Dr. A. Kuyper en de kunst (Wageningen: Zomer en Keuning, [1927]).
1928
For the column “Episodes from the History of Christian Education” in Correspondentieblad, D. Langedijk wrote a series of twenty-one articles entitled Dr. A. Kuyper en het Volkspetitionnement [Dr. A. Kuyper and the Peoples’ Petition]. On the basis of asterisms and articles from De Standaard, Langedijk reflected on the role that Kuyper had played in his newspaper in the lead-up to the People’s Petition of 1878. Approximately thirty-five asterisms and more than ten articles or sections of articles were reprinted from De Standaard 7 (1878), no. 1875, May 4, 1878–no. 1944, July 26, 1878.
After a few prefatory remarks by the editor, this long string of Kuyper’s press work on behalf of the People’s Petition was introduced by a motion that Kuyper had submitted (together with B.J.L. de Geer van Jutphaas and A.F. de Savornin Lohman) at the general meeting of the Union for Christian National Primary Education on May 2, 1878. The motion was accepted and served to catalyze the strategic planning and preparations for a possible national signature campaign in the interest of elementary education (see 1878.04).
As he had done in his bibliography (see 1923.07), Rullmann included in this biography a number of full-length extracts from Kuyper’s oeuvre. Pages 71–74 reproduce Kuyper’s letter of condolence to Mrs. Dibbetz-Van Laar (see 1910.01), while pages 81–91 contain the full text of the report of the opening address at the Southern Mission Festival (cf. 1875.07), of which no printed versions appear to exist any longer. Page 116 reprints the six-line poem from De Heraut, no. 150, October 31, 1880 (cf. 1882.04), and pages 141–142 reprint Kuyper’s concluding remarks as chairman of the first Christian Social Congress (cf. 1892.10). Also reprinted are two of Kuyper’s meditations: a meditation on Psalm 42:7 (on pp. 98–101), which reflects his period of serious illness in 1876/1877, reprinted from De Heraut, no. 606, August 4, 1889 (for an English translation, see 1998.03, pp. 148–153); and a second devotion titled “Nochtans” [Nevertheless] (on pp. 205–209), written on the basis of Habakkuk 3:17–18 and published shortly after the electoral defeat of June 1905, reprinted from De Heraut, no. 1437, July 16, 1905. Pages 144–145 reproduce a letter from Kuyper to his wife, Mrs. J.H. Kuyper-Schaay, dated Pau (Basses Pyrenées), October 31, 1894. Facing page 136, a facsimile is printed of a few lines (dated January 9, 1891) from the anniversary album of his eldest daughter, H.S.S. Kuyper (1870–1933).
The biography was published in July 1928, with a print run of 3,250 copies.
A facsimile in Kuyper’s handwriting, inserted between pages 64 and 65, of the People’s Petition of 1878 against Kappeyne’s elementary education bill (see 1878.04). The petition asked the king to prevent the bill from becoming law by refusing to sign it. In the poem on page 397, Kuyper gives expression to the ideals that motivated him and defined his struggle (see 1897.16).
Separate copy of the insertion of 1928.05.
The 1928 memorial book of the Dutch Federation of Young Men’s Associations on Reformed Principles includes 1893.06 (pp. 50–51) and 1897.06 (pp. 56–59). A letter (see 1907.18) is also printed on page 83 and another letter containing advice about naming the editor of the federation’s weekly paper is printed on page 140.
Like the work published on the occasion of the federation’s twenty-fifth anniversary (see 1914.10), this memorial book was offered in both a deluxe and a cheap edition (without beveled edges). The only difference was the quality of the linen binding and of the paper. The total print run numbered 5,000 copies.
A number of articles from De Standaard are reprinted in a memorial book that reviews the history of The Union: “A School with the Bible.” First (pp. 26–30), there are two articles occasioned by educational measures proposed by Kappeyne van de Coppello, taken from De Standaard, no. 831, December 11, 1874 and from no. 888, February 18, 1875 (see 1875.05, I–II). Next, the text of the People’s Petition (see 1878.04) is printed on pages 73–76, followed on pages 129–133 by an article about the consequences of the petition (reprinted from De Standaard 7 (1878), no. 1966, August 21, 1878).
Nine lead articles, two reports, and eighteen asterisms are then reprinted on pages 165–215 from De Standaard 7 (1878), no. 1976, September 2, 1878–no. 2055, December 3, 1878, as well as the text of the circular letter (with appendices) described in 1878.06. These articles are included because Kuyper gives an insider’s perspective on the history of the local committees behind the People’s Petition and of the establishment of The Union: “A School with the Bible” on January 23, 1879. On pages 231–233 the lead article he published after the establishment of The Union is reprinted from De Standaard 8 (1879), no. 2100, January 28, 1879.
On page 161 there is a facsimile reproduction of the text of a postcard in which Kuyper reports to R. Derksen (1839–1918) that he has been nominated (in 1879) at Kuyper’s suggestion to serve as secretary of The Union. The speech that Kuyper’s delivered on the occasion of Derksen’s twenty-fifth anniversary as secretary is printed on page 264. On pages 270–285 four lead articles and ten asterisms—in which Kuyper explains and provides information about preparations for the first Union Collection (see 1879.07), which was held during the week of August 17, 1879—have been reprinted from De Standaard 8 (1879), no. 2255, July 31, 1879–no. 2270, August 18, 1879. A final group of articles reprinted from De Standaard concern Kuyper’s objections to the Union Report of 1895. On pages 357–387 two lead articles and six follow-up stories from the series De principiële bezwaren tegen het Unie-rapport [The principled objections against the Union Report] have been reprinted from De Standaard 25 (1896), no. 7559, October 26, 1896–no. 7589, November 30, 1896.
The memorial book was published with a print run of 3,000 copies.
When H.J.A.M. Schaepman, who had fallen seriously ill in Rome, appeared to be on the mend, Kuyper sent him this telegram during the week of January 12, 1903 (p. 54):
Ex intimo pectore tecum in periculo mortis colligatus renovatae spei scintillas laeto corde admiror. Tantum inter meos quoque, mihi praesertim, vacuum in caelestia avocatus relinqueris.
Schaepman answered the telegram with the following message (KA 154): “God be thanked that I can enter the good fight with renewed strength with my companion in the good fight. Mors pie accepta vitam renovat [Death accepted piously renews life].” Schaepman died on January 21, 1903, and one of the first condolence telegrams (p. 57) came from Kuyper (see 1903.03).
This letter (dated November 8, 1908) to the chairman of the Central Anti- Revolutionary Electoral Association in Ommen inspired Albert Hahn’s cartoon “De buiging” [The bow], which depicted “Theo” (Prime Minister Heemskerk) bowing deeply before a smug “Bram” (Kuyper). The letter is added to a short explanation of the caricature (no. 32) in part 3 (Ed. Polak’s elucidation of the plates) of the unpaginated art book Prenten van Albert Hahn Sr.
1929
In this memorandum and an accompanying letter (dated Amsterdam, February 4, 1874), Kuyper gave an account to Groen van Prinsterer of what he would see as his mission and program in the Second Chamber were he to accept his election to Parliament (see 1874.03). The Anti-Revolutionaries still lacked a political program and therefore Kuyper presented this piece (see 1937.01, pp. 278-282; 1992.01, pp. 735-738) to their leader for his opinion.
H. Colijn included the memorandum as the first appendix to the printed version of his 1929 speech to the deputies of the Anti-Revolutionary Electoral Associations because its programmatic statement and declaration of principles, which received in broad strokes the approval of Groen van Prinsterer, can be called the precursor to Kuyper’s draft for the party program of 1878. In the second appendix the 1878 draft is printed in two columns—with one column indicating the adopted changes.
In his article “The Origin of the Coalition between the Parties on the Right,” J.C. Rullmann cites several articles by Kuyper from De Heraut and De Standaard. Two articles are reprinted in their entirety: an early piece on political cooperation with other schools of thought, from De Heraut 22 (1871), no. 17, April 28, 1871 (pp. 117–119), and a more detailed elaboration of the former article, from no. 18, May 5, 1871 (pp. 119–120).
Two other articles are reproduced almost in their entirety—“Gedragslijn ener partij in minderheid” [Course of action for a party in the minority] from De Standaard, no. 740, August 27, 1874 (pp. 121–124) and “Uit het land der Noren” [From the land of the Norwegians] from De Standaard 12 (1883), no. 3516, September 3, 1883 (pp. 134–138), in which Kuyper characterizes the Protestants in contradistinction to the Roman Catholics and in which he treats A.E.J. Modderman (cf. 1883.04) not as a Protestant, but as a humanist.
Several fragments of other articles from De Heraut and De Standaard are also included in Rullmann’s article. Rev. J.T. Meesters objected to this selection (see 1932.05).
In the second volume of Rullmann’s bibliography, there are numerous and frequently extensive citations from Kuyper’s writings—even considerably more than in the first volume (see 1923.07). Rullmann also includes complete pieces.
Seven prefaces are reprinted: 1881.01 (pp. 45–46); 1888.04 (p. 219); 1888.06 (pp. 220–221); 1889.15 (pp. 273–274); 1890.06 (pp. 284–285); 1890.08 (pp. 297–298); and 1890.11. (pp. 315–322). Five articles are reprinted from De Heraut: a piece from no. 265, January 21, 1883 about Article 36 of the Belgic Confession (pp. 90–91); “The New Edition of the Old Bible” (cf. 1895.11) from no. 924, September 8, 1895 (pp. 302–307); “Fraternal System. XVII” from no. 632, February 2, 1890 (pp. 328–332); “Fraternal System. XX. (Conclusion)” from no. 641, April 6, 1890 (pp. 332–335); and an article from no. 671, November 2, 1890 in which Kuyper introduces 1890.13 (pp. 335–338).
Three asterisms are also reprinted from De Standaard: “De Beaufort’s Apologia” (cf. 1889.13) from 18 (1889), no. 5361, September 2, 1889 (p. 255); “Dr. Kuyper 1875 and 1890,” about perceived inconsistencies in Kuyper’s political ideas from 19 (1890), no. 5529, March 20, 1890 (pp. 281–282); and “1875–1890,” about the same question, from 19 (1890), no. 5532, March 24, 1890 (p. 282).
The bibliography includes three short comments: a piece reprinted six times in De Heraut, no. 44, October 13, 1878–no. 49, November 17, 1878 about the question whether the fact that future pastors were being equipped for their duty by “modern” professors of dogmatics at the Dutch Universities could continue to be passively tolerated (p. 1); a comment from De Heraut, no. 477, February 13, 1887 about the publication of the Amsterdamsche Kerkbode (pp. 200–201); and a short comment (pp. 342–343) related to 1890.13 and reprinted from the press review in De Heraut, no. 684, February 1, 1891.
Other items reprinted in the bibliography include: an article from Amsterdamsche Kerkbode 1 (1887), no. 8, March 27, 1887 (pp. 203–204; see 1887.18); an advertisement (cf. 1882.01) reprinted from De Heraut, no. 193, September 4, 1881, which was also published in no. 194, September 11, 1881(p. 68); a letter (see 1882.11) reprinted from De Heraut, no. 258, December 3, 1882 (pp. 59–61); another letter (see 1895.21) reprinted from De Bazuin 43 (1895), no. 46, November 15, 1895 (pp. 179–180); a telegram (p. 186; see 1887.02); the whole of the poem “Aan Beets” (pp. 62–63; see 1882.04); and an undated sketch, “Method of Study” (pp. 263–272), which was written for theology students at the Vrije Universiteit to instruct them about the demands of theological study on faith, disposition, and time, and to provide advice about fields of study, books, and study strategy.
The second volume of Rullmann’s bibliography (covering 1879–1890; no. 61–120) had previously been published in forty-four installments in De Reformatie (1923–1925) and continued in thirty-four installments in Gereformeerd Jongelingsblad (1926–1928). RKB 88 seems to have fallen into the year-and-a-half gap between the publication of the series in De Reformatie and in Gereformeerde Jongelingsblad because it did not appear as an installment in either publication.
Cheap edition without the facsimile of the draft for the People’s Petition in Kuyper’s handwriting. The print run of the memorial book (published in May 1929) was 4,000 copies.
A four-volume, posthumously published work on the consummation of the ages, previously published in eight series of articles totaling 306 installments in De Heraut, no. 1724, January 15, 1911–no. 2134, December 15, 1918. The original series, which were published for eight years in the form of front-page articles in De Heraut, bear traces of Kuyper’s senescence, particularly in his repetitions, unfocused digressions, mistakes in detail, and passages left open to criticism. To correct these deficits and to keep the price of the edition within acceptable limits, the editor dropped seventy-seven articles (including the entire fourth series; cf. 1929.11) and introduced what he considered necessary changes to the rest. Each article was reprinted as a chapter with its own heading. At the conclusion of the fourth volume, the editor included three indices. Kuyper began this work on God’s renewing of humanity and the world immediately after he completed his series Pro Rege (see 1911.03). The installments in De Heraut were only interrupted by Bible studies and meditations on church holidays and by his summer vacations.
The first volume contains the first and the second series. The first series includes the introduction and an overview of how Israel, gentiles, and various philosophical systems anticipate salvation. It concludes with Kuyper’s vision of the consummation. The editor reduced the number of articles from the thirty-eight originally published in De Heraut, no. 1724, January 15, 1911–no. 1772, December 17, 1911, to thirty-five chapters.
In the second series the divine decree is discussed in connection with the course of history and the creation as a whole. While twenty-five articles were originally published in De Heraut, no. 1775, January 7, 1912–no. 1801, July 7, 1912, the book contains only twenty-one chapters. The editor sometimes chopped up the original articles and freely combined pieces from various articles of the series to create new chapters.
The price quotations and page proofs of several printers have been preserved in the archives of the publisher (GAK/AK). These documents show that J.H. Kok already planned to publish an edition of Van de voleinding in 1919, with a proposed print run of 3,000 copies. Kuyper was evidently aware of these plans because he signed one of the proof pages. The plan did not come to fruition, perhaps because the publisher came to the conclusion that more editorial work would be required to produce a responsible and marketable work. This edition came about through the initiative of the publisher, who requested that it be edited by H.H. Kuyper, Kuyper’s eldest son.
Part 2 (A) of Our Struggle in the States General contains numerous extensive citations from Kuyper’s career and reprints in full two articles and two asterisms about the struggle to expand the franchise. The parliamentary address that Kuyper made in the Second Chamber about Van Houten’s draft suffrage reform bill for the regulation of the franchise and the nomination of representatives to the Second Chamber (see 1896.06, pp. 1082–1086) is reprinted on pages 223–236. Three remarks (see 1896.06, pp. 1133–1134) at the conclusion of parliamentary debate about this draft legislation, which lasted from May 12 to June 19, 1896, follow on page 240. Kuyper argued for “householder suffrage,” based on the representation of families and not individuals.
The author of this volume also published a brief comment that Kuyper had printed beneath a letter to the editor sent to De Standaard by A.F. de Savornin Lohman. The struggle over how to expand the franchise drove these two leading figures of the Anti-Revolutionary movement apart. Kuyper’s reaction to De Savornin Lohman (pp. 137–139) is reprinted from De Standaard 21 (1892), no. 6323, October 19, 1892. The other article (pp. 159–163) is reprinted from De Standaard 22 (1893), no. 6489, May 3, 1893. The two asterisms also relate to the suffrage question. The first, “Ongrondwettig” [Unconstitutional] (pp. 164–166), is reprinted from De Standaard 22 (1893), no. 6489, May 3, 1893. The second, “Partijeenheid” [Party unity] (pp. 189–190), is reprinted from no. 6675, December 8, 1893. Finally, the memorandum cited in 1912.09 is included in its entirety (pp. 259–264).
An article about the task of the diaconate, with a plea for a new conception of deacons’ duties and for giving them a broader field of work. This essay is reprinted from De Heraut, no. 690, March 15, 1891 (pp. 47–49). The diaconal handbook also reprints a considerable portion of an article from De Heraut, no. 622, November 24, 1889. This second article reinforces the call to provide the diaconate with better regulations by giving it a clearer place within the church and also new provisions in the church order (pp. 34–36).
The second volume on the consummation of the ages contains the edited version (see 1929.06) of the third series, which originally totaled thirty-six articles, from De Heraut, no. 1811, September 15, 1912–no. 1850, July 6, 1913. It also includes the revision of the fifth series, originally numbering thirty-nine articles, from De Heraut, no. 1912, September 13, 1914–no. 1955, July 11, 1915. The editor altogether dropped the thirty-nine articles from the fourth series in De Heraut, no. 1860, September 14, 1913–no. 1902, July 5, 1914. (This fourth series in De Heraut started by unfolding the principle of divine omnipotence as the beginning, continuation, and end of all things. Kuyper then inquired into aspects of earthly life, death, and life beyond death from this perspective. The series concluded with an extensive consideration of Sheol and the descent into hell.)
The fifth series from De Heraut is reprinted in this volume as the fourth series, of which the original thirty-nine articles have been reduced to thirty-six chapters. The third series, which the editor reduced to twenty-one chapters, sketches the process of consummation up to the incarnation of Christ. In the (renumbered) fourth series, this process of consummation is treated from the perspective of the turning point brought about by Christ’s ascension.
A note from 1906 declining an invitation to speak at a public meeting of the Groningen section of Patrimonium. “From across the entire country,” Kuyper wrote, “I receive day in and out invitations to come and speak. I would do nothing more gladly than fulfill them. But if I accept the one, then I cannot, without being unfair, turn down the other. To my regret, I must therefore disappoint you.” These lines were probably written on a postcard. Kuyper handled a good deal of his correspondence with postcards.
The translation contains forty-eight of the fifty meditations from 1893.08. The twenty-fifth meditation (on Isaiah 53:12) and the fiftieth meditation (on 1Thessalonians 4:13) were dropped.
1930
The third volume of Kuyper’s work on the consummation of the ages treats the Old Testament prophecies of the end times, beginning with the primary promise (Gen. 3:15). For this volume the editor reduced the sixty-six installments of the sixth series from De Heraut, no. 1965, September 19, 1915–no. 2045, April 1, 1917, to sixty chapters—reprinting them in this volume as the fifth series (see 1929.11).
The print run of this anniversary edition was supplemented in December 1930 with 600 additional copies.
Letter to W.J. Leyds (1859–1940), envoy extraordinary in Europe (1898–1902) of the South African Republic. In this letter (pp. 219–200), Kuyper expresses his thanks for items and information sent to him in connection with his study for 1900.03 and requests that a few other items also be sent. He also reports that he has no knowledge of an English brochure from 1884 [sic] that was purported to have been written by him (see 1883.07). For more correspondence, see 1930.05, 1931.03, 1934.02, and 1934.03. The printing costs of these collections were paid for by the author and all copies are numbered.
Two letters to W.J. Leyds (cf. 1930.04). Kuyper sent the first letter (no. 317) along with the documentation that he had borrowed for the writing of 1900.03. In the letter Kuyper expresses his hope that his article “will drive Yves Guyot from the field” (see 1900.08). In the second letter (no. 323), which was sent to Leyds along with the printing proofs of 1900.03, Kuyper requests that Leyds look over the article to make certain it does not contain any errors in its presentation of the facts.
For more correspondence, see 1930.04, 1931.03, 1934.02, and 1934.03. The printing costs of these collections were paid for by the author and all copies are numbered.
1931
This final volume begins with a treatment of the consummation of the ages in light of Jesus’ pronouncements and eschatological speeches. The series reprinted here as the sixth series was originally published in twelve articles as the seventh series (see 1929.11) in De Heraut, no. 2047, April 15, 1917–no. 2059, July 8, 1917. The editor (see 1929.06) reduced the original series from twelve articles to seven chapters. The work concludes with an exposition of the eschatological themes found in the book of Revelation. This final section, reprinted here as the seventh series, had originally been published as the eighth series in De Heraut, no. 2070, September 23, 1917–no. 2134, December 15, 1918. The editor reduced the original fifty-one articles to forty-two chapters. (In this series Kuyper also wrote an article about symbolism and mystical numbers, included here as chapter 3.) The fitting symbolism of the number eight (the original number of series) was lost due to the need to shorten the volume.
A subject index, an index of biblical citations, and an index of personal names was added at the end of the four volumes. The indices were composed by C. Veenhof (1902–1983), who began studying theology in 1926 at the Theologische Hogeschool at Kampen and who then served as a professor from 1946–1968 at the second theological school that had since been established in Kampen.
In De Heraut, no. 2137, January 5, 1919, Kuyper started the series Van de Kerk [About the church], which he did not complete.
In letter 63 (p. 70) to W.J. Leyds (see 1930.04), Kuyper asks if Leyds has already taken steps toward arranging for a German translation of 1900.03 (see 1900.10). He offers ƒ150 toward that end and even suggests that he himself could do the translation. Kuyper ends the letter by noting that the Queen had expressed herself more emphatically than the papers had reported (see 1900.12). Letter 351 (pp. 354–355) was originally sent to Leyds as a cover letter for a copy of a separate letter addressed to a foreign diplomat. The separate letter concerns a diplomatic mistake in the European travel itinerary for the South African deputation. Kuyper sent it to Leyds for his inspection, writing that he shared the criticism it expressed. For more correspondence see 1930.04, 1930.05, 1934.02, and 1934.03. The printing costs of these collections were paid for by the author and all copies are numbered.
Edition with an introduction and explanatory footnotes by Henry Beets, who has prefixed his notes with a * or † symbol in order to distinguish them from Kuyper’s numbered footnotes. The final and most extensive of Kuyper’s footnotes from 1899.19, which contains a French citation about onanism and sexual morality, has been dropped and a paragraph in the sixth lecture has been revised after the “Dutch original.” Henry Beets (1869–1947) was a pastor (Sioux Center, Iowa and Grand Rapids, Michigan) from 1896–1920. From 1920 to 1930 he was a director of missions (CRC, Grand Rapids).
For the first Eerdmans edition (= most likely a title edition of 1899.38), see 1913.16.
Four “insurance issues” were published intermittently during the fifty-ninth year of De Standaard. These issues appeared under the customary masthead but were not numbered, receiving only the date of the issue with which they were simultaneously published. The second part of chapter 78 of De gemeene gratie was reprinted in the third “insurance issue” (dated January 22, 1931) and chapter 75 of that work was reprinted in the fourth issue. Both chapters were republished under a new title, Gemoedsbezwaren tegen verzekering [Conscientious objections to insurance].
The chapters previously appeared as installments from an article series in De Heraut no. 1106, March 5, 1899 (article 76 = chapter 75) and in no. 1109, March 26, 1899 (article 79 = chapter 78).
1932
Four articles reprinted from De Standaard, collected and annotated by Rev. Joh. T. Meesters: “De Revolutie en Rome” [The Revolution and Rome], from De Standaard 6 (1877), no. 1720, October 31, 1877; “Rome en Rusland” [Rome and Russia], from no. 1722, November 2, 1877; “Rome en rechtsgelijkheid” [Rome and legal equality], from no. 1724, November 5, 1877; and “Waarom samenwerking met Rome afgesneden?” [Why cut off collaboration with Rome?] from no. 1736, November 19, 1877.
Meesters undertook this project because in the essay “The Origin of the Coalition between the Parties on the Right” (see 1929.03)—which cited Kuyper extensively—these four articles were not mentioned. Meesters had urged J. Schouten (1883–1963), one of the editors of the journal, to publish the omitted material. When he received no response, he felt compelled to publish the four articles himself. He also reprinted the asterism “Rome voorop!” [Rome above all!] from De Standaard 6 (1877), no. 1722, November 2, 1877 in an annotation (p. 14).
Joh. T. Meesters (1901–1942) began his career as a teacher. He then studied theology at the Vrije Universiteit, became a pastor at Doetinchem in 1941, and perished in German captivity.
A collection of 429 of Kuyper’s so-called driestar [three-star] commentaries, or asterisms (analogous to present-day columns; cf. 1958.02), from De Standaard. On the origin of the asterisms see 1872.02. The driestarren are organized in nine rubrics: party-formation and struggle over principles; social life; the school struggle; our royal house; general politics; the conservatives; the liberals; the peace movement, international law; and miscellaneous. H. Colijn wrote the foreword. The collection opens with an article Kuyper published on April 1, 1872, to introduce De Standaard to its readers. This article is also included in 1922.01, 1972.01, and 1998.03 (English translation, pp. 317–322). In a note the anonymous compiler of this collection (J.K. van Loon, archivist of De Standaard) mentions that Kuyper wrote more than 16,800 asterisms between 1872 and 1919.
Kuyper is frequently and often extensively cited in this collection of De Savornin Lohman’s journalistic work. On pages 27–30, 1908.01 is reprinted in its entirety. Kuyper was probably also the author of the asterism “Gemeende klacht” [Sincere complaint], which deals with De Nederlander’s unceasing polemic against De Standaard and is reprinted here (pp. 71–72) from De Standaard 44 (1915/1916), no. 13260, July 6, 1915. The asterism on pages 189–190, “Publicatie van brieven” [Publication of letters], is reprinted from De Standaard 23 (1894), no. 6810, May 22, 1894 (cf. 1895.16). Finally, the collection reprints in its entirety (p. 308) Kuyper’s brief comment to a long letter to the editor that De Savornin Lohman had sent to De Standaard. De Savornin Lohman had written in response to a series of three articles by Kuyper dealing with, among other things, Groen van Prinsterer’s return at the end of his life to his earlier idea to split the state schools into elective schools (cf. 1886.11). Kuyper’s reaction, printed beneath Lohman’s letter to the editor, is reprinted from De Standaard 24 (1895), no. 7069, March 23, 1895.
Two of Kuyper’s articles are reproduced in this second collection of De Savornin Lohman’s articles. On pages [56]–57 there is an asterism from De Standaard 24 (1895), no. 7105, May 6, 1895, in which Kuyper remarks that he shall henceforth refrain as much as possible from engaging in polemic with Anti-Revolutionaries who have broken away from the party. The two lead articles “Partijvorming I” [Party formation I] and “Partijvorming II (slot)” [Party formation II (conclusion)] are reprinted on pages 179–182 and 182–185, respectively—the first from Standaard 40 (1911/1912), no. 12068, July 20, 1911 and the second from no. 12070, July 22, 1911. Finally, an asterism entitled “Calvinistisch” [Calvinistic], from De Standaard 24 (1895), no. 7034, February 11, 1895, is reprinted on pages 274–275. In this asterism Kuyper emphasizes the Calvinistic character of the Anti-Revolutionary Party more explicitly than ever before. As Kuyper took stock of the party during his long period of illness in 1894 (see the lead article in De Standaard, no. 7016, January 21, 1895), he came to see much more clearly that it was not the Protestant but the Calvinistic school of thought that could “give back our people something of its old resilience in the political and social fields.” Lohman writes an interesting explanation of this new shift in emphasis (p. 274).
1933
In “Koloniale candidatuur” [Colonial candidacy] Kuyper recommends H. Colijn, who was at that time still working as a public servant in the Dutch East Indies, as an Anti-Revolutionary candidate for the Second Chamber. The asterism originally appeared in De Standaard 38 (1909), no. 11322, February 13, 1909.
A brief comment thanking Rev. W.H. Gispen for his series of articles entitled Brieven aan een vriend te Jeruzalem [Letters to a friend in Jerusalem]. The series—which offered a collection of impressions and commentaries about goings-on in the church, politics, and social life—had run from 1878 until 1899 (ending with De Bazuin, no. 52, December 24, 1899). Gispen had also resigned as editor in chief of De Bazuin at the end of 1899. Kuyper reproduced Gispen’s final “letter to a friend in Jerusalem” in De Heraut, no. 1150, January 7, 1900, adding this brief postscript thanking Gispen for all the excellent items that he had been able to take from him for the From the Press column in De Heraut.
This translation of 1897.17 was published in two volumes—Women of the Old Testament and Women of the New Testament (see 1934.08). Dividing the publication helped the young publishers to keep down the cost of their initial investment and also enabled them to assign a more accessible sales price. The brothers Peter John (Pat [1909–1993]) and Bernard Dick (Bernie [1910–1966]) Zondervan paid Henry Zylstra (1909–1956) $50 for the rights to the translation. Zylstra, who at the time was a student at Calvin College, received his Ph.D. in 1940 and subsequently taught English at Calvin College. To enhance its study value and sales appeal, Pat Zondervan (designated as “The Preacher”), added a reading plan that paired a section of the Bible with every character sketch. He also added questions for Bible study and discussion.
This is the first book with the Zondervan imprint. The brothers dedicated the work to their mother, Petronella Eerdmans, sister of William B. Eerdmans Sr., the founder of Eerdmans Publishing Company. The dedication was included in all subsequent editions. As of 1979 (see the cover of 1979.10), there had been more than 100,000 copies printed. The fiftieth printing appeared in 2001 (but see 1939[.05]), and Zondervan’s first fruits are still available—even though the original layout, the purpose of the book, and the policy of printing (see 2001.08) have undergone some changes.
The first English translation of Women of the Old Testament was made by Rev. J.H. De Vries. However, he most likely translated only a selection of these devotional sketches (see 1901.03).
1934
Ons gebed voor U en uw volk laat niet af. Ook nu gaat ons stil gebed op dat God Almachtig uw overkomst voor uw mishandeld volk ten zegen stelle.
The telegram is addressed to President Kruger, who was officially received by the French president on November 24 in the Elysée. Kruger had arrived in Marseille on November 22, 1900, in order to plead the cause of the South African Republics, which were being seriously threatened by the Boer War.
For more correspondence see 1930.04, 1930.05, 1931.03, and 1934.03. The printing costs of these collections were paid for by the author and all copies are numbered.
The French text of this aide-mémoire (Bijlage VV) is reprinted here along with a Dutch translation.
For more correspondence see 1930.04, 1930.05, 1931.03, and 1934.02. The printing costs of these collections were paid for by the author and all copies are numbered.
This edition was published by a commission of the General Synod of the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands, which was held in Middelburg in 1933. This official publication of the new and improved prayer book contains the new order for worship, updated services of prayer, and expanded and revised liturgical forms. In the preface, which is dated June 1, 1934, the three deputies who produced this revision—the Rev. J. Douma, Dr. T. Hoekstra, and the Rev. A.H. van Minnen—relate that “for the sake of completeness” the three forms of unity according to the edition of Dr. A. Kuyper, Dr. H. Bavinck, and Dr. F.L. Rutgers had also been included, along with the “Compendium” and the “Service of Comfort for the Sick.”
This likely hastily composed title edition (sent to market quickly for competitive reasons?) contains the order of worship as well as all of the additions and emendations to the Christian prayers and liturgical forms that the General Synod of the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands had adopted at Middelburg in 1933. The text of the three forms of unity, the “Compendium,” and the “Service of Comfort for the Sick” was unaltered. In many respects, this edition no longer represents the prayer book that Kuyper and his colleagues had originally published (see 1898.11). The publisher produced this title edition by taking the remainder of 1927.06, gluing in a new title page and then adding the new official texts. There are also extant copies of the previous edition with a new title page glued in and the new order of worship and table of contents pasted into the back [4 pp.].
This book was dedicated by the publishers, Pat and Bernie Zondervan, to Pat’s wife Mary Swier (M.), Bernie’s wife Wilma Plas (W.), and their sister Mary Ann Zondervan (M.). The dedication was included in all subsequent editions. For information about the translation of Women of the Old Testament and Women of the New Testament—and for particulars relating to the dual edition—see 1933.05.
The first English translation of Women of the New Testament was made by Rev. J.H. De Vries. However, he likely translated only ten of the devotional sketches from the New Testament (see 1906.01, 1907.01, and 1908.06).
These reflections are a translation of part 3 (on public confession) of 1891.16. Above the biblical citations with which each reflection begins, the translator placed a suitable heading. The small book with its apt title was just the right size to serve as a gift for youth making their public confession; the blue of its cloth binding may have been intended symbolically.
The subsequent undated reset edition (88 pp.) was published (as “second printing”) in a larger size (20cm.), but the blue binding was retained for all six printings (2nd edition: full cloth; next printings: paper binding, same size). The second through the sixth printings were published without any date. An extant, completed presentation page makes it clear that the sixth printing ($1.25) appeared in any case before 1960.
A translation of sections from chapters 9–13 (pp. 252–290) of 1905.17. The translation is rather free; parts of the chapters are regularly omitted. The translator, Rev. G.M. van Pernis (1889–1968), was primarily interested in the contours and essential points of Kuyper’s treatment of millennialism in his commentary on Lord’s Day 22 of the Heidelberg Catechism. The translation of this pamphlet was undertaken as a preliminary study for the revision and expansion of Pernis’s Handbook of General Knowledge (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1927), which he hoped to make into a vade mecum. According to the concluding sentence of the preface, the purpose of this separately published edition was “that in some measure it may contribute to that much needed return to things Reformed.”
For the publisher’s commitment to premillennialism, see The House of Zondervan by James E. Ruark (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2006, pp. 27–28).
A translation of sections of the five chapters on divine election (pp. 158–195) from 1905.17. The chapters originally appeared at the conclusion of Kuyper’s commentary on Lord’s Day 21b of the Heidelberg Catechism. For information about the translator, the nature of the translation, and the intention behind this pamphlet, see 1934.10.
1935
This printing is not mentioned in the production records (GAK) of the printer. So this “second, unaltered printing” was very likely a title edition, bound less expensively and sold for a considerably lower price (cf. 1939.01).
A translation of the seventh series of 1931.01 (pp. 62–411) is reproduced in this book. For the English translation of the sixth series, see 1938.03, 1939.04, and 1940.06. Rev. J.H. De Vries translated the fourth volume of De Voleinding.
An edition with a new title befitting its collection of ten meditations about reciprocity, fidelity, and the endurance of love between God and humans. The collection was translated from the first part of 1908.21 (meditations 35–44). In his foreword the translator writes, among other things, that he wants to show something of the richness that Kuyper has to offer through the grace of God.
In volume 6, no. 6 (pp. 130–131) a devotion on Colossians 3:23 is included, while no. 7 (pp. 155–156) includes a devotion on Isaiah 7:14.
1936
According to the preface, the publication of the series De twaalf oud-patriarchen was one of the last wishes of Rev. J.C. Rullmann (†April 2, 1936), honorary doctor of theology at the Vrije Universiteit (1930) and bibliographer (see 1923.07, 1929.04, and 1940.03) and biographer (see 1928.02) of Abraham Kuyper.
The brief comment is included on pages 75–76, alongside the declaration that the Rev. W. van den Bergh wrote on June 17, 1884, in response to the letter of call from the consistory of the Reformed Congregation of Voorthuizen. The declaration and Kuyper’s supportive remarks were reprinted from De Heraut, no. 339, June 22, 1884. On the resolution, see 1887.03.
The memorial book of the Doleantie was published in February of 1936, with a print run of 2,000 copies.
In this new edition the 140 political cartoons from 1909.07 were reduced to less than a hundred. A few cartoons from before 1890 and after 1909 were added. The book thus presents a brief overview of Kuyper’s entire political career. The historical annotations clarify the context of the cartoons. Like the previous edition, this publication omits cartoons about Kuyper’s activities outside the field of politics.
There are four complete items by Kuyper among the twenty historical items in this collection, which was published on the fiftieth anniversary of the Doleantie. The first item (on pp. [38]–42) is the lead article from De Standaard 14 (1885), no. 4220, December 16, 1885, entitled “Protestantsch beginsel” [The Protestant principle]. The Protestant principle—which, according to Kuyper, requires that all obedience between human beings must find its limit in obedience to God’s Word—had emerged as a subject of discussion during the conflict between the Amsterdam consistory and the synodical hierarchy. Also included in the collection is the article described in 1886.23, reprinted from De Heraut, no. 467, December 5, 1886.
The homily (see 1887.08) is printed on pages 156–164 and the resolution (see 1887.03) is printed on pages 167–168. In addition, the book reproduces (pp. [49]–52) most of the article “Daden van geweld” [Acts of violence] from De Standaard, no. 4237, January 8, 1886. In this article Kuyper describes the incidents surrounding the forcible entry into the consistory chamber of the Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam. Finally, the collection (which had a print run of 2,000 copies) reprints the majority of Kuyper’s introductory remarks to 1886.14 (pp. 108–112).
Facsimile of a letter to a certain Le Chevalier (family of the Leiden professor L.W.E. Rauwenhoff [cf. 2006.02, p. 377]) with a request for a scholarship for the academic year 1861–1862. Le Chevalier was one of the administrators of the funds out of which student scholarships were awarded. For six years as a student Kuyper received a scholarship from the state (the so-called landsacademiegeld [national university fund]). His scholarship was slated to expire in October 1861, but he was not scheduled to complete his doctoral degree until September 1862.
The devotions in vol. 6 (1935/1936), no. 8 (pp. 183–184) and no. 9 (pp. 203–204) on Habakkuk 3:6 and Job 6:40 were taken from 1925.08 (meditations 60 and 72). However, the next set of devotions (March–December) had not been previously translated. According to a note, these devotions and biblical-theological articles were “translated for Christianity Today by Rev. John Hendrik De Vries D.D.” A portrait of Kuyper (p. 227) was printed at the beginning of this new series, which was compiled around the theme of resurrection.
The devotion on Philippians 2:9 in vol. 6 (1935/1936), no. 10 (pp. 227–229) was translated from De Heraut, no. 485, April 10, 1887, while the devotion on Colossians 1:18 in no. 11 (pp. 250–252) was translated from De Heraut, no. 903, April 14, 1895.
Volume 7 (1936/1937) of Christianity Today includes the following devotions: in no. 1 (pp. 10–13) a devotion on 1Corinthians 15:54, translated from De Heraut, no. 1941, April 4, 1915; in no. 2 (pp. 33–35) a devotion on Romans 4:17, from De Heraut, no. 591, April 21, 1889; in no. 3 (pp. 53–55) a devotion on Revelation 1:18, from De Heraut, no. 1581, April 19, 1908; in no. 4 (pp. 90–91) a devotion on Psalm 16:11, from De Heraut, no. 641, April 6, 1890; in no. 5 (pp. 111–112) a devotion on Matthew 28:17, from De Heraut, no. 1835, March 23, 1913; in no. 6 (pp. 137–139) a devotion on Romans 1:4, from De Heraut, no. 1164, April 15, 1900; in no. 7 (pp. 160–162) a devotion on Matthew 12:39, from De Heraut, no. 536, April 1, 1888; and in no. 8 (pp. 183–184) a devotion on Matthew 5:8, from De Heraut, no. 1428, May 14, 1905.
Although no changes have been made to the content, the book has been published with a more readable typesetting and higher-quality paper.
1937
This publication contains 500 of the letters that Groen van Prinsterer and Kuyper exchanged with one another. The historian A. Goslinga (1884–1961) furnished the notes. Circumstances led to considerable delays in the publication of the project Groen van Prinsterer. Schriftelijke Nalatenschap [Groen van Prinsterer: Literary legacy]. However, the Dr. Abraham Kuyper Foundation, which was founded on April 20, 1921, had stipulated that it would support the project only if the editing of the correspondence between Groen and Kuyper were completed in time for independent publication during the Kuyper centennial. The pressure of working under that deadline resulted in a less than optimal example of historical editing. The volume of correspondence published in the editions of 1980.01 and 1992.01 was significantly expanded and improved.
The Rijks Geschiedkundige Publicatiën [State Historical Publications] (RGP) publishes documentary editions providing access to historical sources as well as biographical and bibliographic reference works. As minister of internal affairs, Kuyper was responsible for starting the RGP series. During his term as prime minister (1901–1905), Kuyper decided also on the definitive form of the name for the project and provided a significant impulse toward the realization of these publications, the first volume of which was published in 1905.
The postcard was reproduced in facsimile (p. 31) to illustrate a humorous anecdote involving Kuyper’s autograph recounted by the journalist Jan Brusse (1873–1941). The letter (pp. 40–41) was sent on March 29, 1914, to Mrs. W.G. van Deth-van den Heuvel, the widow of A.G. van Deth (see 1894.10), on the occasion of her birthday.
In the “Kuyper issue” of De Standaard, published on the 100th anniversary of Kuyper’s birthday, four of his works are reproduced in full. First, there is a facsimile of a postcard from Zell am See sent to one of the editors of De Standaard. In it Kuyper apologizes that he has not taken adequate care of the vacation roster for the editors and urges the men in charge to make arrangements with one another so that the paper will not experience any difficulty. The speech mentioned in 1897.16 is reproduced on pages 25/27, and a meditation on Proverbs 17:17 is printed on page 29. This devotion, titled “Een broeder wordt in benauwdheid geboren” [A brother is born in anxiety], had not been previously published (see also 1937.07); however, it had been preserved in the offices of De Standaard. Finally, 1909.12 is reprinted on pages 41/43.
In addition to many fragments from Kuyper’s oeuvre, nine short editorials—so-called asterisms—were also included in the commemorative issue.
In this commemorative issue published on the centennial of Kuyper’s birthday, two items by Kuyper are offered in their entirety. On page 25 there is a facsimile of a postcard written in response to a question about the position to be taken in local elections with respect to an unaffiliated electoral association called Community Concerns. The response had been sent to an unnamed journalist at De Standaard. On page 28 there is a meditation on Hosea 13:3 titled “Als kaf van den dorschvloer” [Like chaff from the threshing floor], reprinted from De Heraut, no. 516, November 13, 1887. Finally, on page 30 a section of the speech described in 1897.16 (pp. 63–66) is printed under the heading “Het dagblad, een gave Gods” [The newspaper, a gift of God]. The poem with which Kuyper had concluded that speech is also printed on the front page.
This commemorative issue also printed, among other items of relevance, the article “Auteur en uitgever” [Author and publisher] by J.H. Kok (cf. 1994.03).
Meditation on Proverbs 17:17, printed in the Kuyper centennial issue of De Heraut.
The platform for the 1871 elections is reprinted from De Heraut 22 (1871), no. 16, April 21, 1871 (see 1871.06) on pages 94–95 of this memorial book. A letter to the members of the (provisional) Central Committee of Anti-Revolutionary Electoral Associations is also included on page 100. Dated Den Haag, November 6, 1877, composed by the Electoral Association of Gouda, and intended as a companion piece to the party platform, the letter was approved by various prominent Anti-Revolutionaries and adopted by the Electoral Associations of Leiden and Groningen. It expresses the desirability of settling upon a political program that will unite the various electoral associations into a single organization, which might then elect a Central Committee.
On pages 159–161, an article is reprinted from De Heraut 20 (1869), no. 44, October 29, 1869 (see 1869.27). Finally, the memorial book—which was published (with a print run of 2,000 copies) in October 1937—includes as a supplement (p. 269) a report of the explanation Kuyper gave of his motto, terar dum prosim [may I be consumed if I am but useful].
A poem that A.G. Honig received from Kuyper during his student period (Vrije Universiteit, 1884–1892). The poem is reproduced in Honig’s article “A Poem by Kuyper from His Student Years.” In a brief commentary Honig conjectures that Kuyper wrote the text of the poem as his contribution in a student sketch during a wedding or founders’ day celebration. The curious present itself, composed in Kuyper’s handwriting, is preserved in the archives of PThUK, where Honig served as H. Bavinck’s successor from 1902–1933.
For poetic expressions in Kuyper’s oeuvre, see 1882.04.
Continuation of the series of devotions about the resurrection, translated for Christianity Today by Rev. John Hendrik De Vries. Volume 7 (1936/1937) of the periodical includes the following devotions: in no. 9 (pp. 206–207) a devotion on Matthew 16:3, translated from De Heraut, no. 1486, June 24, 1906; in no. 10 (pp. 228–230) a devotion on 1Corinthians 15:55, from De Heraut, no. 1682, March 27, 1910; in no. 11 (pp. 258–260) a devotion on Colossians 1:18, from De Heraut, no. 1788, April 7, 1912; and in no. 12 (pp. 280–282, 286) a devotion on 1Corinthians 15:23, from De Heraut, no. 2046, April 8, 1917.
Volume 8 (1937/1938) includes the following meditations: in no. 1 (pp. 14–15) a devotion on Luke 24:24, from De Heraut, no. 1737, April 16, 1911; in no. 2 (pp. 38/39) a devotion on 1Corinthians 6:19, from De Heraut, no. 1526, March 31, 1907; in no. 4 (pp. 82, 87) a devotion on Jeremiah 33:6, from De Heraut, no. 1265, March 30, 1902; in no. 5 (pp. 97–98) a devotion on Luke 23:46, from De Heraut, no. 1682, March 27, 1910; in no. 6 (pp. 115, 119) a devotion on Genesis 1:3, from De Heraut, no. 1890, April 12, 1914; in no. 7 (pp. 135–137) a devotion on Zechariah 9:9, from De Heraut, no. 1669, December 26, 1909; and in no. 8 (pp. 159–161) a devotion on Luke 19:10, from De Heraut, no. 1825, December 19, 1912.
1938
In Abraham Kuyper, which is the trade edition of Kasteel’s doctoral dissertation, a few letters are reprinted in full along with many fragments from Kuyper’s writings. On page 108 there is a letter, dated Rome, November 6, 1876, that was written during Kuyper’s lengthy period of recuperation abroad (see 1875.08) and sent to friends in Utrecht who had expressed their sympathy. Page 197 reproduces a letter to A.F. de Savornin Lohman, dated February 4, 1895, in which Kuyper denies that he is trying to make Lohman’s position as a professor at the Vrije Universiteit and as a politician in the Anti-Revolutionary Party impossible. On page 199 there is another letter to Lohman, dated April 20, 1895, in which Kuyper reacts to Lohman’s dismissal from his professorship. The draft of a letter written in April 1906 to Queen Wilhelmina to accompany a special memento he was taking back for Her Majesty from the court of Gethsemané is printed on page 271. Next, a passionate letter full of reconciling words written on December 28, 1919—after many years of aloofness and division—is presented on page 332. It was sent in response to a letter that De Savornin Lohman had written to Kuyper on the day after Christmas 1919 (see also 1952.02, 1962.01, 1964.01, 1987.03, and 1992.02). Finally, 1918.14 (dated October 31, 1918) is printed on page 335.
The poem from 1897.16 is also reproduced on page 116. The book had a print run of 1,500 copies, including 125 copies with separate theses.
P.A. Kasteel (1901–2003) became a doctor of law in political and social science at the University of Leuven on December 23, 1938. He also served as editor and editor in chief of several newspapers, as chief administrator of the Netherlands Antilles (1942–1948), and as ambassador to Chile (1948–1956), Ireland (1956–1964), and Israel (1964–1967). He died in Rome on December 12, 2003.
Continuation of the series of devotions about the resurrection, translated for Christianity Today by Rev. John Hendrik De Vries. Volume 8 (1937/1938) of the periodical includes the following devotions: in no. 9 (pp. 184–185) a devotion on Psalm 84:7, translated from De Heraut, no. 1427, May 7, 1905; in no. 10 (pp. 207–208) a devotion on Matthew 26:39, from De Heraut, no. 1332, July 12, 1903; in no. 11 (pp. 226–229) a devotion on Ephesians 1:19–20, from De Heraut, no. 1265, March 30, 1902; and in no. 12 (pp. 259–261, 267) a devotion on John 14:19, from De Heraut, no. 1835, March 23, 1913—the final devotion in this series.
In volume 9 (1937/1938), no. 1, a series of seven articles entitled “The Things To Come: An Exposition of Christ’s Eschatological Discourses” was begun. This series was the sixth series in 1931.01. Rev. J.H. De Vries had already translated the seventh series from 1931.01 (see 1935.04). By publishing his translation of the sixth series Rev. De Vries completed the English translation of 1931.01. Volume 9, no. 1 (pp. 20–24) includes the translation of chapter 1 (headed by Matt. 16:21) and chapter 2 (headed by Matt. 24:16) from 1931.01. The chapters had originally been published as articles in De Heraut, no. 2047, April 15, 1917 and no. 2048, April 22, 1917. Volume 9, no. 2 (pp. 75–78) includes chapter 3 (headed by Matt. 24:34), originally published in De Heraut, no. 2051, May 13, 1917. The chapters in 1931.01 (excepting chapter 5) were abridged, as are the translated articles in this series.
1939
This printing is not mentioned in the production records of the publisher. The “fourth unaltered edition” is evidently the remainder of the printing of 1931/1933 with cheaper bindings and a considerably lower price (cf. 1935.01). A new, stylized publisher’s device is printed on the title page.
The compilers of the reader Letterkundige fragmenten chose three items to illustrate Kuyper’s thought and action. Item 49 (pp. 69–71) titled “Three Features of the Calvinist Character” is adapted from pages 22–27 of 1888.11. The next item (pp. 72–74) reproduces a selection from Kuyper’s apology against the principles of social democracy, delivered in the Second Chamber on December 4, 1903 (see 1903.14 and 1909.29, pp. 552–554). Finally, a portion from a speech delivered in the Second Chamber on February 25, 1904 (see 1904.06 and 1910.15, pp. 36–38) is reproduced under the title “The Foundations of Academic Education.”
The compilers also took texts from P.A. Diepenhorst’s Dr A. Kuyper (see 1931.05) and from N. Japikse’s Staatkundige geschiedenis van Nederland van 1887–1917 (see 1918.18).
The devotion “Dat ik mijne dode begrave” [That I may bury my dead] on Genesis 23:8 (pp. 96–100) was originally published in De Heraut, no. 1136, October 1, 1899, a month after the funeral of Mrs. J.H. Kuyper-Schaay in Meiringen, Switzerland (cf. 1899.10). The devotion was not included in the previous printings of this reader. The book also includes (pp. 51–55) portions from the first chapter of 1872.08, which had already been reprinted in the earlier printings of this reader.
On pages 28–44 this issue of Christianity Today includes English translations of chapter IV (headed by Matt. 24:27) and the unabridged chapter V (headed by Matt. 24:7) of the sixth series from 1931.01. These chapters were originally published as articles IX and X in De Heraut, no. 2056, June 17, 1917 and no. 2057, June 24, 1917. The translator, Rev. J.H. De Vries, died on February 4, 1939, at the age of seventy-nine.
Some printings of Women of the Old Testament (e.g., 1969.05 and 1973.04) include a list of previous printings on the verso of the title page. These lists indicate a “third printing” in 1939. However, no copies of this supposed 1939 printing have been found on the book market or in public libraries or in biographical reference works. The same lists state that a “fourth printing” was published in 1941. The only copies found from 1941, however, state that they are the “third edition” (see 1941.04). Since the archives of the publisher provide no information on this issue, the best guess is that a third printing or edition of 1933.05 was not published in 1939. See also 1959.05.
1940
The fiftieth anniversary of Kuyper’s lecture on missions from 1890—in actuality twenty-seven theses with an abbreviated rendition of the commentaries—prompted this reissue (pp. 1–20). In his foreword J.H. Bavinck (1895–1964) asserts that foundations of lasting significance were put in place by this address. Bavinck also states (pp. 21–38) that the text of 1896.14 shows that Kuyper’s thinking about missions had grown, ripened, and in certain respects changed since 1871.14.
Brief remarks about the establishment of the Christian National Trade Union Federation on May 13, 1909, reprinted from De Standaard 38 (1909/1910), no. 11410, May 31, 1909.
The third volume of Rullmann’s bibliography includes numerous complete texts as well as extensive citations from Kuyper’s writings. In fact, this volume contains considerably more texts than Rullmann had reproduced in the previous two volumes. What follows is a list of items reprinted in the third volume, preceded by their corresponding page numbers:
| 6–15 | Introduction to 1892.06 |
| 15–17 | Kuyper’s announcement of the edition of 1892.06 |
| 20–21 | Provisional draft published in 1891.03 |
| 22 | Asterism “Agendum voor onze kiezers op 9 Juni” [Agenda for our voters on June 9] from De Standaard 20 (1891), no. 5901, June 3, 1891 |
| 25–27 | Lead article “Sociaal Congres” [Social Congress] from De Standaard 20 (1891), no. 6031, November 6, 1891 |
| 28 | Asterism “Sociaal Congres” from De Standaard 20 (1891), no. 6033, November 9, 1891 |
| 36–39 | Asterism “Uylenspiegel op de kaak” [Uylenspiegel exposed] from De Standaard 20 (1891), no. 6041, November 18, 1891, followed by the asterism “Patrimonium en het Congres” [Patrimonium and the Congress] from De Standaard 20 (1891), no. 6046, November 24, 1891 |
| 40–41 | Preface to 1891.16 |
| 41–44 | Article “De grond” [The foundation] on a question arising from 1891.16 about the relation between baptism and regeneration, reproduced from De Heraut, no. 980, October 4, 1896 |
| 47–48 | Article from De Heraut, no. 751, May 15, 1892 about Nietzsche on the occasion of the publication of Also sprach Zarathustra |
| 49–52 | Article from De Heraut, no. 803, May 14, 1893 that responds to criticism of 1892.21 |
| 53–54 | Announcement of a special offer (the premium copies) for 1892.17, from De Heraut, no. 700, May 24, 1891 |
| 54–56 | Foreword to 1892.17 |
| 59–60 | Foreword to 1893.08 |
| 60–63 | Devotion from 1893.08 (on Ps. 103:15), first published in De Heraut, no. 764, August 14, 1892, after the death of Kuyper’s youngest child |
| 72–75 | Reaction in response to criticism of 1894.01, from De Heraut, no. 926, September 22, 1895 |
| 75–77 | Response mentioned in 1896.04 |
| 93–97 | Lead article, dated Amsterdam, January 19, 1895, from De Standaard 24 (1895), no. 7016, January 21, 1895 (this was Kuyper’s first lead article after returning from a six-month absence due to illness) |
| 101–104 | Theses, from De Standaard 24 (1895), no. 7120, May 23, 1895, with which Kuyper summarized 1895.23 |
| 105–114 | Article “Baken op de kust” [Beacon on the beach], which includes 1895.22, from De Heraut, no. 941, January 5, 1896 |
| 126–127 | A recapping of the Synod of Middelburg (1896) from the front page of De Heraut, no. 977, September 13, 1896 |
| 133–134 | Draft program in 1897.04 |
| 135–136 | Reprint of 1897.07 |
| 137 | Reprint of 1897.12 |
| 140–143 | Two devotions (on 2Kings 5:2 and 1Timothy 1:15) from 1897.17 |
| 148–151 | Introduction to the series of 1898.14 |
| 172–175 | Article “De aeolus-harp” [The aeolian harp] from De Heraut, no. 1064, May 15, 1898 |
| 183–186 | Concluding article from the series Uit het kerkelijk leven [From church life] (De Heraut, no. 1105, February 26, 1899), reproduced from 1899.15 |
| 187–191 | Dutch translation of 1899.23 |
| 192 | Foreword to 1899.32 |
| 193–197 | The first devotion (on Genesis 1:1) from 1899.32 |
| 204–207 | Article “De evolutie in nieuwe banen” [Evolution on new trajectories] from De Heraut, no. 1267, April 13, 1902 (cited in the context of the description of 1899.29) |
| 211–213 | Reprint of 1899.11 |
| 217–219 | Dutch translation of 1899.26 |
| 225–227 | Foreword to 1901.04 |
| 243–245 | Asterism “Uitvlucht” [Pretext] from De Standaard 30 (1901), no. 8983, July 4, 1901 |
| 252–254 | Foreword to 1902.13 |
| 261–264 | A devotion (on 2Corinthians 5:4) from 1902.17 |
| 264–265 | Preface to 1902.17 |
| 270–276 | Report of the speech from 1904.18 |
| 285 | Telegram described in 1903.07 |
| 290–291 | Foreword to 1904.08 |
| 292–295 | A devotion (on Luke 2:14) from 1904.08 |
| 312–316 | Preface to 1907.21 |
| 316–320 | The meditation (on Psalm 73:28) from which 1908.21 received its title |
| 320–321 | Preface to 1908.21 |
| 332–335 | Reprint of 1907.17 |
| 366–372 | Introduction to 1910.04 |
| 372–375 | Two commentaries, “Elia op de Karmel” [Elijah on Carmel] and “Jezebel’s smadelijk uiteinde” [Jezabel’s humiliating end], from 1912.13 |
| 378–380 | Foreword to 1911.03 |
| 411–415 | Reprint of 1915.02 |
| 421–426 | A text, once more preserved by Rullmann (see RKB I, p. 157), that would otherwise likely have gone missing (see description below) |
| 428–430 | Reprint of 1915.09 |
| 432–434 | Reprint of 1916.15 |
| 439–442 | Reprint of 1917.07 |
| 453–457 | Reprint of 1918.01 |
| 459–462 | Reprint of 1919.07, directed toward the youth and (according to Rullmann) likely the last item Kuyper wrote apart from his contributions to De Standaard and De Heraut |
The text preserved on pages 421–426 is “Toespraak, uitgesproken op 24 November 1915, ter gelegenheid van het 25–jarig bestaan der J.-V. op G.G. “De Zaaier” te Kralingen, door een der toenmalige leden stenografisch opgenomen” [Speech, delivered on November 24, 1915, on the occasion of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Young Men’s Association on Reformed Principles, “The sower” at Kralingen, stenographically recorded by one of the former members]. At the meeting Kuyper discussed the question whether, in light of the expectation of Christ’s return, it was really good to express the wish during anniversaries and festivals that organizations and institutions might celebrate another period of the same length in the future.
The third volume of Rullmann’s Kuyper-Bibliografie (covering 1891–1932; no. 121–223) had previously been published in Gereformeerd Jongelingsblad (1928–1933).
All subsequent printings are from this edition. In some translations the bibliography will refer to this edition, though they may be based on a later printing of 1940.04. The note “the Scripture selection and questions for discussion have been added by ‘The Preacher’” was dropped from the title page in 1962.03.
On pages 71–77 this issue of Christianity Today includes the English translation of chapters 6 and 7 of the sixth series from 1931.01. These chapters were originally published as articles 11 and 12 in De Heraut, no. 2058, July 1, 1917 (headed by Matt. 24:32) and no. 2059, July 8, 1917. For the translator’s title of the series and preceding chapters see 1938.03 and 1939.04. With publication of these two articles, Rev. J.H. De Vries (†February 4, 1939) completed his translation (begun in 1935.04) of 1931.01.
1941
A new edition of the opening address delivered to the Social Congress on November 9, 1891. The editor has supplied notes here and there, which he sometimes adapted from the notes in 1891.14. The address was included in a prospective commemorative jubilee edition of 1892.10. The original volume with the proceedings of the Social Congress of 1891 was to have been completely re-edited and thus made much easier to consult. This project, however, was suspended after two installments.
Kuyper sent this cover letter to Groen van Prinsterer when returning (at the sender’s request) a copy of the letter that Groen had sent to him on January 10, 1871. In the cover letter Kuyper urges Groen to indicate his successor. The letter also contains Kuyper’s response to Groen’s remark that he was planning to withdraw from domestic politics (pp. 69–70). Kuyper also included 1871.03 with the letter.
The readability of this edition has been improved once again with a new typesetting. All subsequent printings are from this edition. For some translations the bibliography will refer to this edition. Concerning the dating and numbering of this edition, see 1939[.05].
1943
Henry Beets’s introduction has been dropped, but the footnotes added to 1931.06 have been retained. The edition has been reset and the title has been changed.
In these three articles, Kuyper discusses the pamphlet Het Protestantisme als politiek beginsel, eene voorlezing door Dr. Chantepie de la Saussaye [Protestantism as political principle: a lecture by Dr. Chantepie de la Saussaye] (Rotterdam, 1871). The articles are reprinted from De Heraut 22 (1871), no. 29, July 21, 1871–no. 31, August 4, 1871. The three articles (with the heading “Dr. A. Kuyper on ‘Protestantism as a Political Principle’”) are included in appendix C of the dissertation of J.J.R. Smal, which was published in July 1943.
1945
Included in Praamsma’s thesis on Kuyper as a church historian is the first draft of a preface (pp. [179]–181) for the projected third volume of 1866.01, which was to have been a biography of Johannes à Lasco. After completing the necessary preparatory study, Kuyper decided to drop his plan to write the biography. He later provided his notes to H. Dalton. These notes are not among the papers in KA. Did he give his notes to Dalton as a gift in order to encourage his work? Dalton thankfully put the notes to good use in any case (see 1866.01).
A new and enlarged typeface was used for this reset edition. In the second part of the print run, the disrepancy between the front cover and the title page (door/voor), which had appeared in printings and editions since 1897.19, was corrected. The copies that still retain this discrepancy are marked “K 1560”—a registration number given by the German occupiers, who assigned numbers to all approved publications—because the first part of the print run (2,000 copies) was published in Kampen while the Germans still occupied the northern part of the Netherlands. Whereas previous versions had marked printings with increments of vijfduizend [five thousand], from this edition forward the word druk [printing] was used on the title page and front cover. The print runs of previous editions had often numbered either more or less than exactly 5,000 copies.
1946
The quality of the paper varies within this printing (apparently a result of postwar paper rationing). The difference seemingly has to do with the fact that, according to the archives of the publisher (GAK/AK), copies were also released in November 1948 and October 1952. The copies of both releases are included in the number of the print run mentioned above and are considered as copies from this second printing of 1945.02.
Twelve devotions derived from 1928.13. Freely translated and abridged, the meditations were given new headings. Moreover, meditations on related topics were frequently condensed into a single new devotion. In his preface the editor assures his readers that “the author’s style and thought [have] been carefully maintained.” The considerations at play in this adaptation are similar to those at work in 1948.03.
The editor, S.P. Garver (1908–1992), was the director of Christ’s Mission, an organization (1883–1984) that provided assistance to priests wishing to leave the Roman Catholic Church and supported programs critical of the doctrine and influence of the Roman Catholic Church on American society.
1947
Three sections drawn from chapter 8 of 1916.06. Section 4 is reproduced on pages [259]–260, section 10 is reproduced on pages 260–261, and section 18 is reproduced on pages 261–264. The texts are preceded by a brief summary of Kuyper’s life.
1948
This reader includes several fragments from Kuyper’s writings. The first, reprinted on page 226 under the supplied title “De Bartholomeüsnacht (1572)” [St. Bartholomew’s Eve (1572)], is taken from 1872.08. The second, found on page 237 and entitled “Eerherstel voor vader Cats” [Rehabilitation for Father Cats], is drawn from 1888.11. The third (p. 276) and the fourth (pp. 276–277)—entitled “De dubbele taak: bidden en werken” [The twofold task: praying and working] and “Souvereiniteit in eigen kring” [Sphere sovereignty]—are taken from 1899.25.
A revised and condensed selection taken from the chapters of the second, third, and fourth parts of 1886.24. The three new parts are printed under the headings: (1) “The Christian Warfare”; (2) “Christian Patience”; and (3) “Humility before God.” The publisher’s preface calls this title “one of Dr. Kuyper’s finest works … a devotional gem,” and the closed border of every page is decorated as if it were a setting for a jewel.
Eerdmans had already published a similar adaptation (1946.03) and would do so again approximately fifty years later (1997.03).
The translator, Marian M. Schoolland (1902–1984), published a number of devotional and childrens’ books.
1949
1950
A complete translation of 1891.14, apart from several notes that were judged of lesser importance. Dirk William Jellema (1924–1982) was a professor of history at Calvin College in Grand Rapids.
Two translations of the summaries of 1899.29 from Rullman’s Kuyper-bibliografie (volume 3, pp. 197–200) and from W.F.A. Winckel’s Leven en arbeid van Dr. Kuyper (see 1919.12, pp. 223–230). The translations were made by Steve Van Der Weele (*1920)—a “fellow Calvinist and friend” of Dirk Jellema (see 1950.03)—who added eighteen footnotes for purposes of clarification.
1951
Nineteen addresses from the nineteen Meetings of the Deputies of the Anti- Revolutionary Electoral Associations that were held under Kuyper’s chairmanship. Pages 13–37 and 75–81 reproduce the text of the nine speeches from 1879 to 1888 and the speech of 1894 as they were reported in De Standaard. Only five of these ten reports contain detailed accounts of the speeches, and only one gives a nearly literal transcript (see 1894.04). The full text of the other nine speeches, each of which had been published separately, is also reprinted in this collection (see 1889.07, 1891.05, 1897.05, 1901.07, 1909.08, 1913.07, 1916.07, 1917.12, and 1918.04). The speeches have been furnished with explanatory notes. A brief table of contents has also been added to each speech.
The national meetings of deputies were classified as either ordinary or extraordinary meetings. Regular or “ordinary” meetings were held during the lead-up to scheduled elections for the Second Chamber. Extraordinary meetings were called to deal with particular matters of concern (see 1889.07, 1894.04, 1916.07, and 1917.12).
The former chairman of the Doctor Abraham Kuyperstichting, K. Groen (1904–1985), and two consecutive librarians of the Kuyperstichting, D. Langedijk and M.C. Smit (1911–1981), were responsible for editing and arranging this collection of Kuyper’s speeches.
“De koning en de scherpe resolutie” [The king and the sharp resolution], the lead article from De Standaard 9 (1880), no. 2572, August 11, 1880, is reprinted on pages 32–34 (see 1875.05, II). On page 43 the asterism “Liever een Liberaal dan een Standaard-man” [Better a liberal than a Standaard-man] is reprinted from De Standaard 8 (1879), no. 2191, May 15, 1879.
Page 33 reproduces a brief report dating from 1881 concerning Th. Heemskerk, who had become a member of Nederland en Oranje (the Amsterdam Anti-Revolutionary Electoral Association) and who was also elected its secretary in that same year. The opinion that Kuyper expressed during the October 1884 meeting of Nederland en Oranje about Heemskerk’s objection to proposing L.W.C. Keuchenius as a candidate for the Second Chamber is also reprinted (p. 36). Kuyper resigned as chairman and member of Nederland en Oranje when Keuchenius was not proposed as a candidate.
In 1896 the Amsterdam Electoral Association was divided into nine district associations at Kuyper’s urging. The new district associations were overseen by an overarching board, of which Kuyper was elected as the chairman on February 19, 1897. The old electoral association was dissolved in the presence of its 1,300 members. Kuyper, who had awakened the Amsterdam Electoral Association to new life when he became its chairman (1872), accepted the chairman’s gavel from the hands of Heemskerk with a reference to the spirit of Keuchenius, who had died the year before (p. 54). Cf. 1913.10.
1952
The cover letter is addressed to Queen Wilhelmina. It was sent with a memorandum “concerning the ministerial crisis that arose as a result of the Second Chamber of the States General’s rejection on December 21, 1907, of the bill settling chapter VIII of the national budget for the year 1908.” Kuyper wrote this memorandum at the queen’s request after he had expressed a verbal opinion to her about the cabinet crisis that took place on December 24, 1907, when the left-wing De Meester cabinet offered to submit its resignation.
The letter and the memorandum bear the same date. They are included as supplements 4 and 5 of the valedictory lecture that Prof. C.W. de Vries (1882–1967) delivered on October 16, 1952, at the Nederlandse Economische Hogeschool in Rotterdam.
A laudatory asterism, titled “Een kostelijke aanwinst” [An exquisite acquisition], about D.P.D. Fabius’s thesis, “De leer der souvereiniteit” [The doctrine of sovereignty]. The asterism, reprinted from page 23 of 1932.08, was originally published in De Standaard 8 (1879), no. 2079, January 3, 1879. The book containing this short editorial was written in 1951, the centenary of Fabius’ birth.
1953
These five hundred copies were printed in 1912/1913 and then put into storage without being bound. The edition was published (with a new title and title page) forty years later. J. de Jong’s notes formed the basis of these printed lectures (see 1893.10).
Changes have been made to the type matter to make the book more readable.
The title has changed again and a biographical note has been added. The note was adapted with some changes from J.H. De Vries’ introduction to his translation of Nabij God te zijn (see 1925.08). The translation of the poem about the purpose of Kuyper’s life (see 1897.16) was reprinted on page III. Henry Beets’s footnotes are retained along with Kuyper’s own notes (cf. 1943.01).
This second printing of 1943.01 stands as the basis of all subsequent printings by Eerdmans—until 2007 at any rate. The content and the typography have been republished without change over a period of more than fifty years. Over the course of the years, the original design has also been retained, although the binding has changed to paperback and the color of the paperback covers has alternated.
Christa Murray-van Tonder (Old Testament women, 1–43) and Timo Kriel (Old Testament women, 44–50; New Testament women, 1–30) produced this translation. On April 15, 1952, the Dutch publisher Kok assigned the rights for an Afrikaans edition to the Christelijke Uitgeversmaatschappij in Roodepoort, South Africa. The royalty was ƒ150.- for every 1,000 copies. On September 13, 1955, Kok received ƒ450.- from the South African publisher (GAK).
This is the only book by Kuyper translated into Afrikaans. Previously, a sermon (see 1871.09) and three of his meditations (see 1882.06 and 1882.08) had been published (but left untranslated) in South Africa.
1954
1955
1956
An anthology of articles, speeches and draft laws that Kuyper conceived about the “social question.” The collection begins with 1871.04 (pp. [27]–29), followed by 1880.09 (pp. [39]–73) and 1891.15 (pp. [74]–113), which are reprinted in full. The memorandum concerning the opinions submitted against Kuyper’s (major) amendment to the Industrial Accidents Act (included in 1899.28) is likewise reproduced (pp. [114]–137). Subsequently a very short fragment with an enumeration of the regulations in the draft labor code like workers protection and safety, working hours, the introduction of an apprentice system (pp. [138]-141). Taken from the Memorie van Toelichting op het ontwerp Arbeidswet 1904 [Explanatory Memorandum on the draft labor code 1904] included in the Bijlagen van het verslag der handelingen van de Tweede Kamer der Staten Generaal 1904-1905, 133.3. (pp 32-77). Also included in 1905.12, vol. III, pp. [93]-242. On pages [142]–160 five lead articles under the heading “Bedrijfsorganisatie” [Industrial organization] are reprinted from De Standaard.
The first article, “Organisatie” [Organization], is drawn from De Standaard 32 (1903), no. 9171, February 4, 1903. Written during the labor strikes of 1903, the article contends that the strike had shown the power of organized labor but had also made clear the fatal flaw of organizing laborers rather than enacting labor law. The author points out that he had been pointing to the need for a code of labor for more than twenty-five years (cf. 1874.03 and 1889.06). Kuyper may have inspired this article but whether he actually wrote it is open to question for several reasons—among them, the fact that during the period of his ministry, he officially abstained from writing articles for De Standaard.
Articles from the four-part series “Bedrijfsorganisatie” [Industrial organization] are reprinted from De Standaard 39 (1910), no. 11687, April 23, 1910; and from no. 11689, April 26, 1910–no. 11693, April 30, 1910. The basic line of argument in the series, which proposes a network of local and national labor organizations, resembles what Kuyper had written for Christian employers and employees in 1908.04. By promoting the design and creation of organized cooperation between employees and employers, his ideas oppose the socialist concept of class struggle.
A section from Kuyper’s plea for a code of labor is printed on pages [30]–38 (see 1890.06, pp. 191–197). Finally, the second half of 1918.04, in which Kuyper argues that the Anti-Revolutionaries should pursue a solution to the social question as their next great political aim, is reproduced at the conclusion of the anthology (pp. [161]–171).
Three letters and two articles are included in the K. Groot’s study of the connections between Kohlbrugge and Kuyper. The first letter (pp. 100–101) was sent to H.F. Kohlbrugge from Amsterdam on December 22, 1870. Sent as a cover letter with 1870.31, it contains several questions (for example, whether Ed. Böhl or J. Künzli might be willing to contribute articles to De Heraut). The second letter (p. 103) is undated but was likely written shortly after the previous letter. It is addressed to Mrs. P. Boissevain-Drost, the wife of Kohlbrugge’s friend in Amsterdam, H.J.A. Boissevain (1813–1891). The third letter (p. 147) was sent to the Rev. H.A.J. Lütge (1850–1923) on January 24, 1887 (though it is mistakenly dated 1886). Lütge was among the followers of Kohlbrugge who did not support Kuyper’s efforts toward church reform; Kuyper therefore returned a portrait of Kohlbrugge that Lütge had given to him along with this short letter of explanation (see also 1987.05).
Two articles are also included in this volume. The first is a memorial for Kohlbrugge (†March 5, 1875), which is reprinted (pp. 124–126) from the Zondagsblad van De Standaard 4 (1875), no. 50, March 14, 1875. The article is dated Amsterdam, March 10, 1875. The second (pp. 135–136) is an editorial from De Heraut, no. 152, November 21, 1880, in which Kuyper explains his reservations about the judgment that L.H. Wagenaar (1855–1910) had put forward about Kohlbrugge in his dissertation Het “Réveil” en de “Afscheiding” (Heerenveen, 1880).
1957
In this letter to R. Fruin (1823–1899), written as Kuyper was preparing 1866.01, Kuyper asks for help determining whether handwritten corrections to one of A. Lasco’s works had actually been made by A. Lasco himself.
The items in this publication of primary sources (RGP, see 1937.01) show that Kuyper was directly involved with setting foreign policy while serving as prime minister and minister of the interior. The publication reprints two letters (pp. 515 and 520), written under the pseudonym “K. Heyblom,” that deal with secret negotiations Kuyper was purportedly planning with Boer delegates to persuade them to reach agreement with the English government about a cessation of hostilities. Only the first letter is dated (December 16, 1901).
Printed next (pp. 516–518) is a draft proposal to the English government—probably written shortly after December 17, 1901—concerning the Dutch government’s friendly offer to mediate prior to the outbreak of the war in Southern Africa in October 1899. This is followed (pp. 538–540) by a draft of eleven negotiating points with the English government about an offer to mediate in the conflict that had subsequently led to the Boer War.
The aide-mémoire (see 1902.02, 1905.25, and 1934.03) is reproduced on pages 549–550. A recap of the exchange of diplomatic notes that occurred in connection with the aide-mémoire follows on pages 565–566. Kuyper’s Dutch translation of a highly confidential letter (dated September 27, 1902) from the German ambassador in The Hague to the “leader of the Boer generals” is printed on pages 674–675. Finally, there are two letters written by Kuyper while he was acting as an intermediary to arrange the reception of the Boer generals Botha, De la Rey and De Wet by the German ambassador. The first letter (dated October 9, 1902) is addressed to the German ambassador (pp. 677–678), while the second (dated October 12, 1902) is addressed to the German minister for foreign affairs (pp. 679–681).
1958
The text of this version of the telegram ends with the words “and to glory his name,” while 1898.13 concludes with the words “and to the glory of his name.”
This asterism is the first item included in a pocket book of newspaper columns, brief commentaries, and political opinion. The editor characterized this literary genre as “the microcosm of prose.” Originally published in De Standaard 11 (1882), no. 3055, March 4, 1882, the asterism is reprinted from 1932.08 (p. 131). It deals with the consequences of a junior officer’s refusal to take part in the Sunday parade celebrating the birthday of King Willem III.
A statement about the state secret that J.D.C. van Heeckeren van Kell talked about in the First Chamber (see 1910.09) is reprinted in note 2 on pages 218–219. In this statement Kuyper communicates what the queen had told him during an audience in 1904/5 about the threat of a war breaking out between Germany and France and how the cabinet had responded to her concerns. Dated March 13, 1910, the statement was kept in a sealed envelope with the following admonition: “Secret item. May be opened only after my death. Kuyper.”
A letter to the Russian provisional chargé d’affaires in The Hague (dated January 11, 1905) is printed on page 399. In the letter Kuyper requests in the name of the cabinet that two diplomatic messages from the Dutch government be regarded as not received. A cover letter (dated February 17, 1905), which accompanied items Kuyper had requested to see and was now returning to the minister of foreign affairs, Melvil van Lynden, is reprinted on page 431. Van Lynden had requested that the queen grant him an honorable discharge on February 18, 1905; the queen granted this request some weeks later.
1959
The text of this edition was updated to satisfy changes in spelling rules.
The publisher’s archives include a short note concerning the delivery of a binding order, “January 1959, 1784,” which could be connected to a “seventh edition”. However, a copy from this printing could not be tracked down. The note is included at the end of the files referencing the delivery (publishing) date of printings of Women of the Old Testament, along with their print runs since 1970. Due to the incompleteness of archival information and the lacunae in the editions and printings present in the Kuyper collection at PTS, some of the descriptions and annotations concerning Women of the Old Testament and Women of the New Testament could not always be fully confirmed against physical evidence.
1960
The memorial for Schaepman (pp. 365–366), which was reprinted from De Heraut, no. 1309, February 1, 1903, concludes with these lines: “Higher stands the significance that he had for us as a fighter for the Christian character of our nation. Roman Catholics and Calvinists stand next to one another in the struggle against unbelief in order that they, each in their own ways, guard what is most holy, what God gave to our people. To have felt that and to have dedicated his entire life to that ideal remains his everlasting honor.”
1961
A cover letter with talking points for a conversation about Article 36 of the Dutch Reformed Confession of Faith printed in the dissertation of R.H. Bremmer. In 1896, a greviance about a line from Article 36 was submitted by Kuyper, H. Bavinck, and six of their supporters to the Synod of Middelburg. The line in question stated that the government’s call “extends also to upholding the sacred ministry, with a view to removing and destroying all idolatry and false worship of the Antichrist” (translation from the Christian Reformed Church). The synod nominated Kuyper and Bavinck, among others, to an advisory committee. Their report was delayed until 1905. In that year, the Synod of Utrecht decided to scrap the phrase in question. Kuyper has rightly been called the spiritual father of this report.
A selection of seventeen devotions (namely, devotions 34–42, 24–26, 63, 72, 76, 91, and 95) from To Be Near Unto God. The first part of this selection (devotions 34–42) coincides almost exactly with the Hungarian collection of 1935.05. In a prefatory note the publisher makes reference to the deep spiritual undercurrent that is the secret source of Kuyper’s prodigious energy. After making three citations from the unabridged edition (including the conclusion of Kuyper’s translated preface in 1925.08), the editor remarks that his “choice selection” has been made so that “the thrust of this great devotional classic” may be brought within reach of as many people as possible. A reprint of the unabridged edition would have been too expensive for that purpose.
This printing references the 1934 copyright of Women of the New Testament instead of the 1933 copyright and 1961 renewal of Women of the Old Testament.
1962
This printing references the 1933 copyright of Women of the Old Testament and the reference on the title page to the “eighth printing” actually belongs to 1961.04. For the “eighth edition” of Women of the New Testament see the impressum of 1958.05. The original words “the Scripture selection and questions for discussion have been added by ‘The Preacher’” have been replaced by “30 devotional messages for women’s groups.” The questions for discussion were maintained. The number of pages was also reduced by positioning the dedication (see 1934.08) on the copyright page.
The renewal of the copyright of 1961 and of 1962 coincided with the out-of-place copyright 1934 in 1961.04 and the out-of-place copyright 1933 in this printing.
1963
Letter thanking R. Fruin for sending his brochure Over den zoogenaamden kiesdwang [About the so-called voting requirement] (The Hague, 1895). Kuyper also promised to send along the three issues of De Standaard in which he was planning to refute Fruin’s opinion that the electoral bill being submitted by Minister Van Houten ought to include a provision requiring mandatory turnout.
1964
1965
1966
Twenty-eight letters and postcards to H. Bavinck, written from December 13, 1891 to March 17, 1918, are reprinted in appendix 2. Twelve of these letters are also reprinted in full elsewhere in the book as sources and clarification for the argument; other excerpts are frequently cited as well.
1967
1968
An article, “Een feestvierende buur” [A celebrating neighbor] (pp. 535–538), reprinted from De Standaard 34 (1905), no. 10164, May 5, 1905. For additional details about the article, see 1905.14. In the source publication, this article was prefaced by a letter (dated May 6, 1905) from the Belgian ambassador to the Belgian minister of foreign affairs. This letter functioned as a cover letter for the article, strongly recommending that it be published in the Belgian press.
1969
In this letter to A.W.F. Idenburg, Kuyper complains that he is being kept out of political affairs. Perceiving that he has come to the end of his political career, he writes with appreciation that Idenburg is now the only one who keeps him informed and remains willing to exchange ideas with him. In the aftermath of the failed elections of July 1918, Kuyper expresses his concern about the position and the outlook of the Anti-Revolutionary Party. He looks toward a future in which “we gamble away our position and must start again from the very beginning.” Kuyper writes that he is encouraged that Idenburg will be his political successor, but he cautions that if Idenburg joins the new cabinet as minister of colonial affairs then he will not be able to succeed him because that position has little political influence in Dutch society.
A.W.F. Idenburg, former governor of Surinam (1905–1908) and governor general of the Dutch Indies (1909–1916), became minister of colonial affairs (for the third time) in 1918.
1970
The front page of De Standaard, no. 1, April 1, 1872, including its lead article (dated Amsterdam, April 1, 1872), is reprinted in facsimile on page 10. The asterism “Volkspetitionnement” [People’s Petition] (dated Amsterdam, May 4) from De Standaard 7 (1878), no. 1875, May 4, 1878 is reproduced in facsimile on page 21. The text of the People’s Petition itself (see 1878.04) appears on pages 22–24.
Pages 34–35 offer an editorial (from De Heraut, no. 627, December 29, 1889) about a widow whose tenancy was cancelled by the Reformed Congregation of Hijlaard because she was dolerende (see also 1916.11), along with a facsimile of the congregation’s “for rent” advertisement as published in the Leeuwarder Courant, no. 297, December 16, 1889 (TFHLS).
Two letters relating to a conflict between Kuyper and A.F. de Savornin Lohman that had arisen during debate in the Second Chamber over a draft disability law. The cover letter (p. 428, note 218) was sent along with a sketch for an amendment to the bill, which De Savornin Lohman had sent Kuyper for his comment. In his letter, Kuyper remarked that he had submitted an amendment about the same point. Kuyper’s failure to deliberate about the matter brought him into a public confrontation with De Savornin Lohman. The second letter (pp. 428–429) contains a reaction to a letter of apology that De Savornin Lohman had written on October 13. Kuyper elaborated on his interpretation of the circumstances, judged that the miscommunication had arisen from a misunderstanding, and offered to let a third party privy to the matter decide between their points of view.
1971
1972
Offprint (45x60cm.) of the first issue of De Standaard. It was reprinted in facsimile together with four other historical issues of De Standaard on the occasion of the exposition about the newspaper held in the exposition hall, the Exposorium, of Uilenstede (the student housing complex of the Vrije Universiteit) from April 1 to May 27, 1972.
The other four issues reprinted in this series were from April 3, 1903 (about the railway strike), November 9, 1920 (about Kuyper’s death), May 15, 1940 (about Colijn’s disappointment about the departure of the Dutch government for England), and December 15, 1944 (the final issue of De Standaard as a daily paper). These five issues could be ordered for ƒ4.50.
The first issue of De Standaard had already been reproduced in miniature (16x12cm., on high-quality paper) in connection with its fiftieth anniversary in 1922 and to advertise for the paper. From the text added to similar reproductions of De Standaard, it appears that such mini-editions were also printed and distributed during the yearly convocations of the Federation of Young Men’s Associations on Reformed Principles as a way of gaining more subscribers from among the attendees.
The lead article about the person and significance of J.R. Thorbecke (1798–1872), composed on the occasion of his death on June 2, 1872 and reprinted from De Standaard, no. 56, June 7, 1872. It was reprinted to commemorate the centennial of the death of Thorbecke—a professor on the law faculty of Leyden, a liberal and progressive politician, and a masterful legislator.
Aan Uw corps mijn dank voor uw liefde meer nog aan God mijn dank dat uw corps het Calvinisme in zijn rijkste opvatting trouw blijft. Kuyper.
Reply to a telegram of congratulations sent by the student union F.Q.I. (Fides Quaerit Intellectum) at the Theologische Hogeschool in Kampen on the occasion of Kuyper’s birthday in 1896.
1973
Kuyper wrote this letter to D.M. Storm van Leeuwen, a captain of the infantry. At the request of his youngest son, Guillaume (1878–1941), Kuyper asked permission for Guillaume to wed Henriëtte L.W. Storm van Leeuwen (1879–1959), the captain’s oldest daughter. The comments on this letter were written by the journalist Guillaume Spiering, the grandson of Guillaume Kuyper. The title of this article, which reprints all—or nearly all—of the letter, is “Abraham Kuyper’s moeilijkste brief” [Abraham Kuyper’s most difficult letter]. The reference is to the difficulty Kuyper faced in requesting the marriage in light of his son’s insufficient income as a second lieutenant to support a wife and family. In his letter, Kuyper addressed the issue concretely and provided his perspective on the matter.
Guillaume and Henriëtte were married on October 9, 1906, the year in which Guillaume became first lieutenant. In 1932 Guillaume left military service with the rank of major to become the mayor of Stedum.
1974
1975
1976
VU Magazine 5 (1976), no. 4, April 1976 began a monthly column featuring news and commentary from issues of De Standaard that had been published in the corresponding month a hundred years earlier. The series continued until December 1980. In the years leading up to the celebration of the centennial of the Vrije Universiteit, the magazine invited its readers to reflect on what was taking place in the months and years preceding the university’s founding.
Also, as a kind of forerunner to the centennial, this nice reprint of “Sphere Sovereignty,” the speech Kuyper delivered from the chancel of the Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam at the dedication of the Vrije Universiteit on October 20, 1880, was published.
1977
The translation was published in The Standard Bearer (a semimonthly magazine of the Protestant Reformed Churches in America) in installments of varying frequency from November 1, 1977 to December 15, 1986. In his introductory remarks, the translator notes that the present situation “in many historically Calvinist and Reformed churches” parallels the “doctrinal and spiritual apostasy of the Reformed Church in the Netherlands of the latter part of the 19th century.” From his point of view, much of what Kuyper had said remained relevant for his time. The translator did not agree with everything that Kuyper wrote about the subject of church reformation, however, and he indicated his disagreements by adding critical footnotes. He distinguished between his notes and Kuyper’s notes by using asterisks to designate the former and numerals to designate the latter.
The translator, Herman Hanko (*1930), is a professor emeritus who taught church history and New Testament at the Protestant Reformed Seminary in Grandville, Michigan from 1965 until 2001.
1978
1979
This speech to the deputies of Anti-Revolutionary Electoral Associations, originally delivered in Utrecht on May 3, 1889, was published as a photomechanical reprint for the centenary of the Anti-Revolutionary Party. The footnotes of this reprint were taken from both 1889.07 and 1951.01 (pp. 37–60).
Letter of congratulations written in response to the nomination of Prof. Moll to become professor of church history at the University of Leiden—a position formerly held by N.C. Kist (1793–1859). Kuyper, whom Moll had very graciously assisted with his study for the Commentatio (see 1862.01 and 2005.01), expressed his strong personal hope that Moll would accept the appointment. Moll preferred to remain a professor at the Atheneum Illustre in Amsterdam, however. The Leiden pastor L.W.E. Rauwenhoff became the new professor of church history in 1860.
Letter to the church council of the Gereformeerde Church of Makkum. Dr. A. Kuyper, Jr. (1872–1942) was called to his first pulpit in Makkum in 1899. His father was invited to deliver the sermon during his installation on April 30. The church council expected that the service would attract a great deal of interest and issued tickets for the service at the cost of ƒ1—per ticket to control the attendance. Kuyper wrote that while the church was rightly concerned to prevent crowding, the ticketing system should be amended in order to prevent objections against the service and his participation in it. Kuyper proposed a detailed plan to issue a limited number of free entrance tickets because “I could not connect my name to an ecclesiastical procedure that has been made unlawful through the exchange of money.”
The church council adopted the amendments. Kuyper closed the chapter on the incident in De Heraut, no. 1113, April 29, 1899. See also Nei bûten ta (Ljouwert: Tresoar, 2006, pp. 73–74). He based his installation sermon on the last portion of Leviticus 2:13 (“with all your offerings you shall offer salt”). The service of installation marked the final time that Kuyper preached a sermon.
This devotion on Philippians 4:2 was the final devotion in 1940.04.
1980
Volume 175 of the large series of the Rijks Geschiedkundige Publicatiën (RGP) [State Historical Publications] contains thirty-five letters exchanged between Kuyper and Groen van Prinsterer during the period October 6, 1864–May 30, 1869. Eighteen of the letters (October 6, 1864–May 11, 1869) were written by Kuyper. Kuyper began the correspondence with a request that Groen van Prinsterer use his influence to secure permission for Kuyper to copy a handwritten work by A. Lasco in the Königliches Geheime Archiv [Royal Secret Archive] at Königsberg, Prussia. The first four letters have to do with that request. The subsequent letters concern the establishment of the Marnix Society (see 1868.11) and, as the correspondents begin sending each other copies of their recent publications, gradually broaden to include topics such as the church, Christian education, politics, and private affairs.
An abbreviated edition of the 1898 Stone Lectures. Lecture 4 has been relegated to an appendix (pp. 55–72). McKendree R. Langley (1945–2005) was a journalist and historian and also adjunct professor at Eastern University in St. Davids, Pennsylvania.
In rapport met de tijd [In line with the times], edited by members of the theological faculty of the Vrije Universiteit, was published on the occasion of the centennial of the university. The first essay, “Het recht van de tekstemendatie bij Abraham Kuyper” [The right to emend the text according to Abraham Kuyper], is by T. Baarda. In it Baarda refers to four theses that Kuyper may have contributed to the literary debates held under the leadership of C.G. Cobet (see 1857.01). The first is the second thesis in 1858.02 (“in his description of Jewish history Tacitus shows himself not to be a historian”); the second is the eighteenth thesis in 1858.03, which postulates that “crucem” should be read in place of “Christum” in a passage of Tertullian’s De Baptismo. Baarda also cites the two theses already mentioned in 1858.03. Cf. 1981.02.
1981
A brief oration (pp. 17–21), delivered in German on September 8, 1855, in the Stadsgehoorzaal [City Auditorium] in Leiden. The oration was included as an appendix to the article “Kuypers afscheid van het Leidse gymnasium” [Kuyper’s graduation from the Leiden gymnasium], written by W. Bakker, senior assistant professor in church history and church order in the theological faculty of the Vrije Universiteit. The oration was transcribed from Kuyper’s manuscript (KA 141).
The oration is an example of the kind of assignment that was legally prescribed for students who were graduating from schools that had prepared them for academic study. The manuscript was housed until 1937 in the archives of the Leids Stedelijk Gymnasium, but was donated on the centennial of Kuyper’s birth to the Dr. Abraham Kuyper Foundation, the administrators of the Kuyper-Archief (KA, see 1921.06).
In his article “Kuyper en de disputaties geleid door Cobet” [Kuyper and the disputations led by Cobet] (pp. 22–35), H.J. de Jonge notes that of the 114 theses that Kuyper defended during five sessions of literary debates held under the leadership of Cobet in 1857 and 1858 (see 1857.01, 1857.02, 1858.01, 1858.02, and 1858.03) only three may possibly be attributed to Kuyper—namely, the second thesis in 1858.02 and theses 19 and 20 in 1858.03. Cf. 1980.05.
Included as an appendix (pp. 70–74) to a chapter on Groen van Prinsterer and Thorbecke. The chapter is dated Den Haag, April 21, 1972.
1982
Forty-one of the one hundred ten meditations from the collection in 1925.08, translated into Korean by Dr. S.K. Chung. A professor of practical theology, Dr. Chung is a former president of Chongshin University in Seoul. He has written studies on Calvinism, is the former president of the Korea Calvin Society, and has also been involved in numerous mission organizations and research institutes, such as the Calvin Institute in Kyungbuk, Korea.
The reflections on Revelation 19:16 in vol. 1, no. 1 (October 11, 1982) are adapted and translated from 1911.03; the devotion on Luke 2:14 in no. 5 (December 6, 1982) is translated from 1887.36; and the devotion on Psalm 99:1 in no. 6 (December 20, 1982) is translated from 1888.15.
1983
1984
1985
The published correspondence between Idenburg and Kuyper commences on December 4, 1892, and concludes on September 2, 1920. The first letter from Kuyper (no. 5) is dated August 1, 1904. His final letter to Idenburg (no. 143) was sent on August 8, 1919. The correspondence is annotated with elucidatory footnotes.
A set of twelve grievances about Th. Heemskerk, which Kuyper composed in the middle of June 1908 (no. 17A, pp. 170–171), is also included. Idenburg (whose letters refer to the grievances) attempted in vain to reconcile Kuyper with Heemskerk. The relationship between Kuyper and Heemskerk had become troubled in 1907 and it remained so.
The proceedings of the Synodical Convention (cf. 1887.32), the First Provisional Synod (cf. 1888.10, 1889.04), the Second Provisional Synod (cf. 1890.14), the Third Provisional Synod (cf. 1891.13), and the Fourth Provisional Synod—as well as the acts of the General Synod of the Reformed Churches in The Netherlands (cf. 1892.18)—are photomechanically republished in this volume. The page numbers at the top of the pages are identical to the page numbers in the original editions, whereas the page numbers at bottom are continuous.
The reports, actions, and acts of the national synodical meetings of the churches that sprang from the Doleantie were republished in the lead-up to the centennial (1886–1986) of the Doleantie. Put together in cooperation with the source editions study group of the Memorial Commission 1834–1886–1892 [Secession—Doleantie—Union], the work covers the period from 1886 to 1892. 1988.01 contains similar sorts of documents dealing with the period 1872–1892. That edition was also edited by the source editions study group.
A personal memorandum (KA 118) written on May 14, 1869, is printed on page 63. The memorandum lists talking points for a confidential circular letter about the desirability of a new Christian National newspaper (see 1869.12). An extra stimulus for this initiative was the revocation of the newspaper stamp tax. Remarkably, “education” is listed as the first point without any additional clarification. The social question is then expressly indicated as a regular issue for the paper. The paper would thus have to make visible the connection between social problems and government agency. As a final point, Kuyper notes that the paper would have to show that only a constitution that rests upon the law of nature and the Word of God can satisfy the necessities of life.
An English translation of the poem from 1897.16 is printed on page 172 (see 2001.09 for another English translation).
1986
Facsimile (not in Kuyper’s handwriting but signed in his name) of a letter in which Kuyper warns dolerende consistories to take care of their church archives. The letter was occasioned by a judge’s ruling that permitted house searches to retrieve the archives of two Dutch Reformed congregations from which dolerende churches had separated. At the advice of legal counsel, the waarschuwing urged consistories to deposit their archives and other important papers with people who were above suspicion. From the signature it appears that Kuyper issued this warning on behalf of the office of the Reformed Church Congress (see 1887.01).
The dolerende churches claimed the properities, funds, and archives of the Dutch Reformed Church in regions where they claimed to represent the continuing congregation. This claim found no acknowledgment from the civil court, however.
A feature article about the factors in modern life that threaten to turn Christendom, which had once been so central a reality, into a marginal phenomenon. The item is reprinted from an article in 1911.03 and was originally printed under the heading “Pro Rege VII” (with a reference to Eccl. 12:12) in De Heraut, no. 1520, February 17, 1907.
1987
Among this collection of images illustrating Kuyper’s life and work there are numerous facsimile letters, two telegrams to his wife (sent as Kuyper was hurriedly making his way home from abroad after the death of their youngest son, Willy [†July 27, 1892]), and the statement of 1897.07. The work also includes a large number of images of Kuyper’s publications and of fragments from his literary estate.
The earliest item by Kuyper is a facsimile of a declaration from 1848 (p. 12). Composed in his childish handwriting, the note describes his conversion and his decision “to flee from evil and strive for good” (see also 2001.02 and, in English translation, 1998.05). The first letter to his fiancée, Johanna Schaay, is printed in facsimile on page 34. The text of the letter (dated December 28, 1919) in which Kuyper clasps the hand extended by De Savornin Lohman (see 1938.02, p. 332) is reprinted on page 334.
The picture biography was intended to serve as an introduction to the eponymous exhibition held at the Vrije Universiteit on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of Kuyper’s birth. A new and reworked edition of the picture biography was published in 2008 (see 2008.02) and presented on November 5, 2008, on the occasion of the unveiling of Kuyper’s statue in his native city of Maassluis.
In this biography, which largely allows the subject to speak for himself, Kuyper’s correspondence from 1858 through 1863 with his fiancée, Johanna Hendrika Schaay, forms the red thread linking together the story of his early life. (The first letter from their engagement correspondence is reproduced in facsimile in 1987.03.) Also included—among the many fragments cited from Kuyper’s correspondence—is a letter (dated November 1, 1867) to the president of the board of trustees in Beesd, O.W.A. count van Bylandt (1794–1882). Written two days before Kuyper dissolved his relationship with the Reformed Congregation of Beesd because of his accepted calling from the Congregation of Utrecht. The letter (pp. 236-237) is a courtly valedictory letter and expresses also Kuyper’s reflexions and regret concerning his conduct towards the Count in disagreements for reasons of principle. The letter is also included in 2013.02.
George Puchinger (1921–1999) was not granted the opportunity to complete the subsequent volumes of this biography of Kuyper.
In a book commissioned by the administration of the Vrije Universiteit, an asterism, a poem, and four letters by Kuyper are reprinted in their entirety. The asterism, entitled “Een slippendraagster aan Amsterdam onthouden” [A lackey withheld from Amsterdam], is reprinted from De Standaard 6 (1877), no. 1749, December 4, 1877. In this asterism Kuyper compliments Minister J. Kappeyne van de Coppello (1822–1895) for deciding that the government will not provide any salary for a divinity chair that had been inaugurated at the Municipal University of Amsterdam only a short time before (on October 15, 1877).
A poem (see 1897.16) is printed on pages 183–184, and a letter to Rev. H.A.J. Lütge (see 1956.02) is reproduced on page 157. A letter to A.F. de Savornin Lohman (dated April 1897), in which Kuyper responds with thankfulness and some expression of regret to Lohman’s proposal that they improve their wounded relationship, is reprinted on page 223. In the next letter to De Savornin Lohman on page 226 (dated Meiringen, August 30, 1899), Kuyper writes with “wistful gratitude” for the letter of condolence he had received after the death of his wife.
Finally, the book reprints (p. 303) a letter that Kuyper wrote from Vienna at the beginning of his tour around the Mediterranean (1905–1906). The letter (dated Octo- ber 4, 1905) was sent to J.C. Veltman, who was raising funds for a bust of Kuyper by the sculptor Toon Dupuis (1877–1937). The sculpture was to be unveiled during the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Vrije Universiteit (see 1905.19). Kuyper proposes that the committee wait until his return to present him with the statue. He also writes that he is prepared if necessary—“though the whole thing is really crazy”—to make a contribution of ƒ1,000 toward the cost of the sculpture. In the end, Kuyper paid the ƒ2,000 necessary for the marble bust. The letter is also reprinted in an article entitled “Hoe Kuyper zijn eigen beeld betaalde” (VU Magazine 9 [1980], no. 8, September 1980, pp. 24–25).
A letter to F.L. Rutgers is included in facsimile and in transcription opposite page 173. In this short letter Kuyper thanks Rutgers for his articles in De Heraut and makes several suggestions for subsequent contributions to the paper. Finally, he relates that the launch of De Heraut has gone very successfully and that the number of subscribers has already surpassed (by more than 1,000) the highest circulation figures of the paper in its former days.
A letter of condolence to A.F. de Savornin Lohman. Their newborne child (*August 16, 1882) had passed away on August 18 (obituary notice, see De Standaard 11, no. 3197, August 21, 1882).
The letter is a contribution by Dr. J. de Bruijn in the free jubilee edion published to celebrate 60 years Publishing House T. Wever, Franeker, NL. This letter is also a prepublication of the Kuyper-De Savornin Lohman correspondence which is planned to be published by De Bruijn in due time.
1988
1989
A short, undated cover letter sent with the copy for the following day to R.C. Verwijck (1859–1937), editor at De Standaard. Kuyper relates that his doctor has absolutely forbidden him to continue working on De Standaard and that this contribution will be his last. He requests the editor to make all necessary arrangements with Idenburg. The letter was likely written in December 1919. A date is recorded on a typed copy of the letter: “Received, December 10, 1919” (AHS, 20).
1990
Address delivered at the opening of the Social Congress in 1891, reprinted on its centennial in recognition of its value to the social history of the Netherlands.
1991
The editor has added several new notes as well as a selection (pp. 81–94) of the notes from 1891.14 (pp. [47]–77). James W. Skillen is director of the Center for Public Justice in Washington, DC.
Dr. J.H. Boer was a Christian Reformed missionary to Nigeria and was affiliated with the Institute of Church and Society in Jos, Nigeria. Dr. Boer also published Faith, Science, Miracles, Islam: Four Kuyperian Essays. By Abraham Kuyper and Jan. H. Boer. (Ebook, published in 2013, see www.SocialTheology.com).
1992
This volume of the RGP contains more than 450 letters exchanged between Kuyper and Groen van Prinsterer from July 2, 1869 to March 30, 1876. Nearly 200 letters (dated Utrecht, July 6, 1869–Nice, February 24, 1876) are from Kuyper. Three short letters to Mrs. E.M.M. Groen van Prinsterer-van der Hoop (1804–1879) are also included.
A letter (dated May 12, 1870) to the Central Committee of the Union for Christian National Primary Education is included as the third appendix (pp. 725–726). This letter makes policy suggestions about the matter mentioned in 1870.11. Kuyper’s memorandum about conditions for his acceptance of a seat in Parliament, which he sent to Groen van Prinsterer on February 4, 1874 (see 1929.02), is included as the ninth appendix. Finally, a “Program van algemeene grondwetherziening” [Program for a general constitutional amendment] (dated July 1874), which includes Kuyper’s proposed strategy for reaching that goal and was preserved in a copy sent to Groen van Prinsterer, is reprinted here as the tenth appendix.
A personal letter to J. Kraus (1861–1951), director of the Polytechnische School in Delft. After the new Higher Education Act was passed thanks to Kuyper’s initiative on May 22, 1905, the Polytechnische School was elevated to collegiate status. In this letter Kuyper reports that it has become impossible for him to attend the ceremonial opening of the Technische Hoogeschool on July 10, 1905. The shameful way in which the opposition had treated him during the elections of June 1905 had compromised his ability to make public appearances, at which nothing could be said about this vile aspect of his political defeat. The queen, who would be present, had approved his decision not to take part in the opening.
On January 8, 1907, the Technische Hoogeschool awarded an honorary doctorate in applied sciences to Kuyper.
The letter (appendix X, pp. 254–255) is addressed to the board of the Synod of the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands, held in 1902 in Arnhem. The Synod had invited Kuyper to attend its meetings to advise the Synod. To avoid possible conflicts caused by a collisio officiorum he wrote a well-reasoned refusal. Then, uninvited, he advised the Synod concerning the future of the two theological institutes, the Theological School in Kampen and the Free University in Amsterdam.
1993
Overlegging bedoelde bewijzen niet noodig. De Burgemeester van Ambt-Hardenberg hiervan onderricht. Kuyper.
Telegram to T. van der Kooij (1875–1957), chairman of the Anti-Revolutionary Electoral Association in De Krim (established in 1904). Among the association’s first activities was to recruit new voters for the Anti-Revolutionary Party. When the new voter registration forms were submitted to the town hall of Ambt Hardenberg, the local authorities refused to enroll the names. The liberal mayor demanded proof from employers and landlords that those who had filled out the registration forms were actually qualified for the franchise. Van der Kooij immediately informed Minister Kuyper of the situation by telegraph (probably in November/December 1904), requesting his advice. Van der Kooij received Kuyper’s telegram the next day, apparently after the matter had been settled by Kuyper’s intervention. The registration forms were subsequently received by the local authorities without objection.
The telegram is also printed—although the name of the community at issue is left out—in Toen wij nog in tenten woonden. Herinneringen uit de dagen van de Schoolstrijd (Goes: Oosterbaan & Le Cointre, [1934], p. 316).
In his doctoral dissertation on the relationship between Kuyper’s concept of sphere sovereignty and the university, Wayne A. Kobes includes a nearly complete translation of 1880.09 in his appendices. In appendix 3 he translates the whole address apart from the first two pages and its opening lines.
1994
The new title of this English-language edition is derived from the fifth paragraph of the first lecture, which refers to the “crown [of] our common heritage.” That noble crown rests “for you and for me” in the Christian name and ennobles the development of human life.
The author of the introduction to this edition of the Stone Lectures, Vishal Mangalwadi, was born in 1949 and studied philosophy at universities in India and the United States. He also was a student at l’Abri Fellowship in Switzerland. As an author engaged with issues concerning the Bible, spirituality, and the development of human life in India and the West, Mangalwadi is active both in a variety of ministry projects and in the social and political fields in India.
A letter sent to J.H. Kok (1871–1940), congratulating him on the occasion of his twenty-fifth anniversary as a publisher. The text of the letter is printed on page 10 and a facsimile is printed on pages 11–12. Uitgever & auteur [Publisher and author] also reprints Kok’s article “Auteur en uitgever” [Author and publisher] (cf. 1937.06).
Letter sent to the church council of the Reformed Congregation in Kampen. In April 1877 Kuyper resigned as member of Parliament. His political career apparently lay in shambles. Several congregations took the opportunity to issue calls to him. Kuyper, however, was still recovering from illness after a long period of convalescence abroad. He thus wrote to Kampen that he could not accept the call that the nominating committee of the congregation had extended to him (on October 25, 1877).
1995
In the preface the publisher notes that a few small changes to the original text have been made in order to make the text clear to modern readers. In addition to the new typeface, the spelling has been updated to contemporary standards and Kuyper’s unusual punctuation has been simplified. The old list of Kuyper’s writings is omitted.
1996
Two missionary documents published in order to commemorate the Synod of Middelburg (1896) because of its historical significance for the missionary activities of the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands. The theses are printed in appendix 1 (pp. 171–175) and the first section from the Rapport inzake de Zending [Report about mission] (see 1896.14), entitled “Wat aangaat de beginselen” [Concerning the principles], is included in appendix 2 (pp. 176–190). The section is reprinted from pages 67–75 of 1897.01 (cf. 2001.01).
The theses are printed on pages 174–177. On pages 178–192 the first section from the Rapport inzake de Zending [Report about mission] (see 1896.14), entitled “Wat aangaat de beginselen” [Concerning the principles], is reprinted from 1897.01 (see also 1996.01 and 2001.01).
An updated edition of 1980.04—i.e., the abridged text of the 1898 Stone Lectures on Calvinism. The fourth lecture is no longer printed as an appendix (see 1980.04), but takes its place again between the third and the fifth lectures. A guide for group or personal study, prepared by T.M. Moore, president of Chesapeake Theological Seminary, is incorporated (pp. A1–A43).
1997
Three postcards addressed to Tijmen van der Kooij (cf. 1993.01). The cards were sent from The Hague and stamped on February 27, 1911, November 9, 1917, and June 26, 1919. Facsimiles of both sides of the cards are reprinted on pages [134a, 134b, and 134c] and the text of each brief communication is printed on page 135. In two of the cards Kuyper offers advice; in the third he declines to discuss an item that Van der Kooij had sent for review in De Standaard.
The first part of the reader The Calvinism of Kuyper and Bavinck is devoted to Kuyper. The selection of texts encompasses five aspects of his work, each of which is prefaced by a short introduction. The first section treats his devotional Bible studies (pp. 25–35). The third chapter from part 3 of 1884.09 and the first devotion from 1908.21 (see also 1940.03, pp. 316–320) are reprinted in their entirety. The next section deals with science (pp. 37–60) and includes section 13 from 1909.18. In the third section, “A Theology of Culture” (pp. 62–78), chapter 1 from 1921.05 and chapter 2 from 1922.02 are reproduced. In the fourth section, “Church and State” (pp. 79–94), chapters 34 and 40 from 1922.04 are reprinted. Finally, the material in the last section, “The Social Question” (pp. 96–106), is derived from 1891.14.
All 110 devotions from To Be Near Unto God are offered here in a condensed form with updated language. The Banner printed a devotion from this adaptation of 1918.11 in every issue from September to October 1997: the meditation on Psalm 73:26 was reprinted in The Banner 132 (1997), no. 30, September 15, 1997; the mediation on Matthew 11:27 was reprinted in no. 31, September 29, 1997; the meditation on 1Corinthians 7:7 was reprinted in no. 32, October 13, 1997; and the adaptation of the meditation on Colossians 3:23 was reprinted in no. 33, October 27, 1997. The adaptation of the meditation on Psalm 150 was reprinted in Christian Renewal 18 (1999/2000), no. 16, May 8, 2000.
James C. Schaap is professor of English at Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa.
1998
Sermon on Matthew 4:17b, reproduced with a slightly different title and somewhat updated spelling. The edition prefaces the sermon with a brief biographical sketch of the preacher and some information about its background.
The sermon is reprinted in an anthology of significant speeches from world history, collected and provided with short introductions by Margreet Fochteloo (*1962), historian and journalist
An anthology divided into four sections: (I) “Beginnings,” (II) “Church and Theology,” (III) “Politics and Society,” and (IV) “Culture and Education.” The anthology contains sixteen generally ample selections from Kuyper’s writings, which apart from a few exceptions were not previously available in English.
The translations are by the following individuals: John Vriend (1869.14, 1870.24, 1871.10, 1886.14, 1879.01, 1902.13, 1903.13, 1891.05, 1908.14, and 1892.21); Reinder Bruinsma (1873.05, 1889.06, and 1874.04); A.E. Fletcher (1900.12); Clarence Menninga (1899.29); Hans van de Hel in cooperation with Wayne Bornholdt (1905.21); George Kamp (1880.09 [Kenneth Bratt translated the Greek terms]); and James Bratt (all the remaining items). Bratt also edited several of the translations and provided the introduction to the volume as well as all the explanatory notes.
A translation of eleven short editorials from 1932.08 serve to illustrate points made in relevant sections. A recollection of the death of Pietje Baltus (†1914) on pages 58–59 is translated from De Standaard 42 (1914), no. 12874, March 30, 1914. The lead article from the inaugural issue of De Standaard (no. 1, April 1, 1872) is translated on pages 317–322; this is the same article with which the Dutch collection 1932.08 opens.
Two sample devotions from De Heraut are reprinted in a new translation by James Bratt. The meditation on Psalm 42:7 (cf. 1928.02) that appears on pages 148–153 is translated from De Heraut, no. 606, August 4, 1889. The meditation on 2Corinthians 5:4 (cf. 1902.17) that appears on pages 408–415 was originally published in De Heraut, no. 1132, September 3, 1899, shortly after the death of Kuyper’s wife.
This declaration, written when Kuyper was nearly eleven years old, was translated into English for a spiritual biography of the young Kuyper. The original statement (KA 2) was written on a sheet (26cm.), which was then folded into nine parts. On the outside the inscription aan God in den hemel [to God in heaven] is written in the same boyish handwriting.
George Puchinger received the Abraham Kuyper Prize for Excellence in Reformed Theology and Public Life from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1998. His coworkers at the Historical Documentation Center for Dutch Protestantism at the Free University of Amsterdam honored their former director on that occasion with a spiritual biography of the young Kuyper composed from several of his works, including this serious and pious statement of a young boy.
Meditation on 2Corinthians 5:4, originally published in De Heraut, no. 1132, September 3, 1899, shortly after the death of Mrs. J.H. Kuyper-Schaay (cf. 1902.17). This translation was reprinted from 1929.14 for a Kuyper issue of The Standard Bearer.
1999
2000
2001
A list of thirteen recommendations (pp. 148–150) sent to the board of directors of the Dutch Reformed Missions League (established in 1859). The league had inquired about the best policies for conducting missions in accordance with the Bible and as exemplified by the principles of Reformed church order. Kuyper had been an advisory member of the league since 1871 (cf. 1871.14). On pages 236–249 the first section from the Rapport in zake de zending [Report about mission] (see 1896.14) is reprinted from 1897.01 (see also 1996.01 and 1996.02).
The statement of the young Kuyper is reprinted in facsimile (see also 1987.03) and in printed text in Jasper Vree’s essay “Ik Abraham Kuyper J. Fzoon. Een kind in Middelburg (1841–1849).” The essay is included in a festschrift for J.C. de Kruijter (*1941), which was presented at his retirement as the executive secretary of the General Synod of the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands.
This printing, which includes a new title page, has both the typesetting and the flaws that are found in the stitched edition produced by the Associated Publishers and Authors (see SA.04).
The edition is identical to the undated edition previously published by Associated Publishers and Authors (see SA.04, SA.06–SA.08). Both editions have been printed in the same small type and with the same close matter. The title page with the imprint of the previous edition is preceded by a new title page with a new imprint. The name Jay P. Gray is indicated next to the copyright date.
The translator, Marvin Kamps, is a graduate of the Theological School of the Protestant Reformed Churches in America and has served as a pastor in California, Iowa, and Michigan.
The publisher’s list of the editions and printings of Women of the Old Testament ends with this “fiftieth printing”. The list for Women of the New Testament ends with 2002.07. Subsequently, the titles are listed as SPRs (short print runs). Technical innovations have made it economically feasible for publishers to reprint books in small runs in order to keep titles continuously in print. Few financial risks are associated with this approach, which also saves inventory space and makes quick delivery nearly always possible.
Dr. Harry van Dyke, professor of history emeritus, Redeemer University College, published an English translation of Kuyper’s poem in his essay “Standing in the Kuyperian Tradition”:
My life is ruled by but one passion,
one higher urge drives will and soul.
My breath may stop before I ever
allow that sacred urge to fall.
’Tis to affirm God’s holy statutes
in church and state, in home and school,
despite the world’s strong remonstrations,
to bless our people with his rule.
’Tis to engrave God’s holy order,
heard in Creation and the Word,
upon the nation’s public conscience,
till God is once again its Lord.
A few citations from the 1874 memorandum to Groen van Prinsterer (see 1992.01, app. 9) have also been translated and included on pages 17–18.
In addition to the translated poem (printed twice, pp. 64–65 and 328–329, in English and in the original Dutch as well) and a letter to the editor of the Grand Rapids Democrat (pp. 483–484), A Free Church, a Holy Nation also includes a synopsis of the lecture Kuyper delivered in Grand Rapids on October 26, 1898 (see 1898.18), composed by a person who attended the lecture. At Kuyper’s request, this English-language synopsis (pp. 469–473) was originally printed in the Grand Rapids Herald.
2002
The text and the footnotes to the lectures have been carefully worked over and the vocabulary and sentence structure have sometimes been changed to improve readability. The spelling has also been updated to contemporary norms. The editor, George Harinck, has also added a general introduction to the lectures and their historical context, as well as some new footnotes and an index of proper names.
The book is part of the series Maatstaf [Standard], which endeavors to publish reprint editions that “offer a maatstaf to contemporary readers in our unprincipled, relativistic society—a criterion for the true, the good, and the beautiful.” Harinck also published a fifth edition (see 2008.01), which appeared in Klassiek licht [Light from the classics], a series of Christian books by Dutch authors who have influenced Christianity in the Netherlands.
George Harinck is the director of the Historical Documentation Center (HDC) at the Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, where he also serves as Professor of the History of Neo-Calvinism. He is also director of the Archives and Documentation Center of the Reformed Churches (Kampen) and professor at the Theological University of the Reformed Churches, Kampen.
The preface (pp. 3–7) from 1997.03 has been shortened and adapted by Gary Timmerman (CRCNA Russia Ministries coordinator) to suit the requirements of Russian readers. The introduction (pp. 8–16) was, according to a reference, inspired by Peter S. Heslam’s introduction in Creating a Christian Worldview: Abraham Kuyper’s Lectures on Calvinism (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1998). The edition was funded by World Literature Ministries, an international ministry of CRC Publications (publisher of the Christian Reformed Church in North America), and published by Shandal Christian Publishing in St. Petersburg, Russia. Two recommendations by American Kuyper scholars are printed on the back side of the dust jacket—one by James E. McGoldrick (professor of church history at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary) and one by Richard Mouw (president of Fuller Theological Seminary).
Each lecture has been subdivided in parts and in unnumbered sections, and every subdivision has been provided with a heading. The original editorial apparatus has been maintained and is included, in an ongoing numbering up to 108, together with the footnotes of the editor. Ricardo Gouveia is a Christian philosopher who teaches religious studies at Mackenzie Presbyterian University in São Paolo.
The publisher’s list of editions and printings of Women of the New Testament ends with this “53rd printing” (cf. 2001.08).
The preface from 1929.13 (dated Amsterdam, July 1, 1899) is printed on pages 281–282 of The Standard Bearer 78 (2001/2), no. 12. The first four meditations from 1929.13 appear as follows: the meditation on Genesis 1:1 (I), in no. 12 (pp. 282–284); the meditation on Deuteronomy 6:7 (II), in no. 13 (pp. 307–309); the meditation on Matthew 6:7 (III), in no. 14 (pp. 329–331); and the meditation on Genesis 1:5b (IV), in no. 17 (pp. 396–398).
Nearly all of the meditations from 1929.13 would be published—at irregular intervals—in future issues of The Standard Bearer.
This edition is the fifth part of the series Református Közéleti Füzetek [Reformed Writings on Public Life]. Európai kérdések—Református válaszok [European questions—Reformed answers] is added on cover and title page. The edition has been published by the Reformátusok a Közéletben Alapítvány [Foundation Reformed People in Public Life].
2003
The translator, Pieter Cornelis Tuit (*1950), is professor of missiology at Calvin Seminary in Grand Rapids.
The meditation on Psalm 74:16 (V) appears in vol. 79 (2002/3), no. 8 (pp. 187–189) and the meditation on Psalm 74:17 (VI) appears in no. 12 (pp. 270–272) of the same volume.
2004
The 130-year-old lecture about the sovereignty of God and civil freedom has been rendered in contemporary Dutch. An introduction and section headings have been added. The editors have also added explanatory footnotes, using Roman numerals. Kuyper’s annotations (also modernized) are indicated with Arabic numbers and listed at the end of the address, as in the original edition. The contemporary debate about the unification of Europe and the legal anchoring of constitutional freedoms provided the impetus for producing this new edition of the lecture.
Twenty-two letters that Kuyper wrote to his wife and children during his American journey. He took the trip primarily to receive an honorary degree from Princeton University and to deliver the Stone Lectures at Princeton Theological Seminary (see 1898.15). The letters are dated Liverpool, August 20, 1898–Paris, December 28, 1898 (KA 38). Kuyper left Amsterdam on August 11, 1898 and returned home on December 30. The editors have provided explanatory annotations to clarify details of this candid correspondence, which may be considered the private complement to his public report (see 1899.15).
Seven meditations from 1929.13, which appear in The Standard Bearer as follows: the meditation on Psalm 104:30 (VII), in vol. 80 (2003/4), no. 7 (pp. 162–164); the meditation on Isaiah 28:4 (VIII), in no. 12 (pp. 281–283); the meditation on Mark 6:2 (X), in no. 15 (pp. 356–358); the meditation on Genesis 4:17 (XI), in no. 17 (pp. 404–406); the meditation on Genesis 1:27 (XII), in no. 20 (pp. 465–467); the meditation on Isaiah 40:8 (IX), in vol. 81 (2004/5), no. 1 (pp. 61–63); and the meditation on Proverbs 31:10 (XIV), in no. 5 (pp. 115–117).
2005
A scholarly edition of Kuyper’s previously unpublished submission for the essay competition held by the theological faculty of the University of Groningen in 1859 (cf. RKB 1). The faculty invited students to write a treatise comparing the ecclesiologies of Calvin and A. Lasco while making reference to the way in which their ideas were influenced by their personal lives. January 8, 1860, marked the third centennial of A. Lasco’s death.
The treatise is divided into three main parts. The first part contains a structural comparison of Calvin and A. Lasco’s ideas about the church. The second part explains how their different ideas arose as a consequence of their respective personal histories and also shows how these ideas correspond with the rest of their doctrines. In the third section Kuyper assesses Calvin’s and A. Lasco’s ecclesiologies according to the norm of the gospel.
Kuyper sent his Commentatio to Groningen on April 4, 1860. He submitted the essay under a passphrase borrowed from the Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis: “Let not Moses speak unto me [or one of the prophets], but rather thou, Lord.” On June 15, 1860, the treatise was awarded the top prize, the gold medal, which Kuyper received on October 11—Groningen University’s Founder’s Day. To prevent examiners from recognizing those who submitted essays, essays not only had to be handed in under a passphrase, but also could not be written in the submitter’s hand. Kuyper’s transcriber was not acquainted with Latin, however, and made many mistakes while copying the original, which has since disappeared. At least four other hands, including Kuyper’s own, can be detected in the transcriber’s copy.
This edition is divided into two volumes—an introductory volume and a critical edition of the treatise itself. The first volume contains both a historical (pp. [7]–66) and a philological (pp. [67]–104) introduction, followed by sixteen illustrations (pp. 105–120), an index of the annotations (pp. 121–165)—to which the text in the second volume constantly refers with asterisks—a bibliography (pp. 167–194), three indices, and a table of contents for the Commentatio. All the essays in the book are written in English. The second volume contains the edited Latin text with footnotes (398 pp.) of the Commentatio in quaestionem ab Ordine Theologorum positam in Certamen Litterarium [Treatise on the question of the theological faculty composed for an essay contest]. Kuyper also added five excursuses to the Commentatio. The editors of this volume checked over the citations, correcting and improving them as necessary.
The Commentatio is considered the key text in Kuyper’s oeuvre. In this work, the twenty-two-year-old Kuyper exhibited the roots of his ideas about the church as a free community of Christians which manifests itself as a living organism in all spheres of life. An edited version of the first part of the Commentatio formed the content of his Leiden dissertation (see 1862.01).
Brill’s critical edition of the Commentatio was published in the month of the Vrije Universiteit’s 125th anniversary.
In the so-called lintjeskwestie [decoration affair] (see 1909.19), letters to the editor and other preserved letters played an important role. De Bruijn’s book contains many complete and nearly complete letters, as well as numerous epistolary fragments. Apart from a short, undated letter (to a supporter in the case) printed on page 132, of which a handwritten copy is preserved in KA 267, all of the complete letters were also included in 1910.03 and 1910.21. See also Kuyper’s memorandum and its enclosures in 1910.07.
A draft, dated February 1880, for the course catalog for the Vrije Universiteit (dedicated on October 20, 1880). The catalog lists the courses to be offered in the departments of theology, law, and letters. The catalog assumes seven professorships in theology and four each in law and letters. This item is reproduced as appendix 2. The original is located in the Archives of the Directors of the Vrije Universiteit (AVU) as incoming correspondence, no. 4.
The Vrije Universiteit opened in 1880 with three professors in the theology faculty (A. Kuyper, F.L. Rutgers, and Ph.J. Hoedemaker), one (extraordinary) professor in the law faculty (D.P.D. Fabius), and three professors in the faculty of arts and sciences (A. Kuyper, F.W.J. Dilloo, and [from 1881] J. Woltjer). Eight students of theology were enrolled during the academic year of 1880/1881. In the academic year of 1881/1882, there were seven theology students and two law students. Today, the Vrije Universiteit numbers twelve faculties and approximately 19,000 students.
Kye-Kwang Cho is a graduate of Chongshin University in Seoul. He works both as a professor and as a professional translator.
Seven meditations from 1929.13, which appear in The Standard Bearer as follows: the meditation on 2Chronicles 28:15 (XIII), in vol. 81 (2004/5), no. 7 (pp. 157–159); the meditation on Job 16:4 (XV), in no. 8 (pp. 187–189); the meditation on Jeremiah 44:15–16 (XVI), in no. 12 (pp. 281–283); the meditation on Malachi 1:6 (XII), in no. 13 (pp. 303–305); the meditation on Isaiah 49:15 (XVIII), in no. 21 (pp. 495–497); the meditation on Psalm 127:3 (XIX), in vol. 82 (2005/6), no. 1 (pp. 20–22); and the meditation on Psalm 139:15 (XX), in no. 5 (pp. 109–111).
2006
Along with the many and mostly brief citations from Kuyper’s letters and texts, the statement from 1848 is included in this work (p. [11]). The article in which it is reproduced was first published in 2001 (see 2001.02). The document is also printed in facsimile—as the oldest preserved example of Kuyper’s handwriting—on the cover of the volume.
This volume of seven studies on Kuyper’s early life by Dr. J. Vree was published on the occasion of Vree’s retirement in 2006 from his position as university lecturer in the faculty of divinity at the Vrije Universiteit. The collection gives careful and detailed attention to Kuyper’s publicity work during his studies at the University of Leiden and during his years as a minister in Beesd, Utrecht, and Amsterdam.
Volume 2 contains selections from the writings of the authors dealt with in volume 1. After a pithy sketch of Kuyper’s life and work, several selections of Kuyper’s writings are offered—including “Confidentially” (pp. [219]–220), which is reprinted from 1998.03. The volume also contains several fragments from the Stone Lectures on Calvinism, including excerpts from “Calvinism as a Life System” (pp. 220–223), “Calvinism and Religion” (pp. 223–227), and “Calvinism and Politics” (pp. 230–240). Several passages are reprinted from the chapters “Subject and Object” (pp. 227–229) and “Science and Sin” (pp. 229–230) from 1898.12, as are several sections (pp. 240–246) from the partial translation of “Common Grace” in 1998.03.
In chapter 10 of the first volume (pp. [288]–327), Nicholas Wolterstorff, professor of philosophical theology emeritus at Yale University, gives an overview of Kuyper’s life and career and then summarizes various issues in his teaching. The chapter concludes with a section titled “Conclusions and Legacy.”
The lectures are included as appendix 2 of the Chinese translation of Thea B. van Halsema’s This Was John Calvin (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1959). The translation is part of the series
When the publisher was editing the Chinese translation of This Was John Calvin, he learned about Zhaofeng Wang and his Chinese translation of the Stone Lectures. The publisher then asked the translator permission to add his translation as an appendix to the book. Wang, however, had not yet finished his translation; consequently the publisher arranged for the Chinese version of the sixth lecture to be realized in Beijing.
Five meditations from 1929.13, which appear in The Standard Bearer as follows: The meditation on Genesis 4:2 (XXII), in vol. 82 (2005/6), no. 14 (pp. 331–332); the meditation on Genesis 4:9 (XXIII), in no. 16 (pp. 381–382); the meditation on Luke 1:62 (XXI), in no. 19 (pp. 450–452); the meditation on 1Timothy 5:20 (XXIV), in vol. 83 (2006/7), no. 3 (pp. 64–65); and the meditation on Matthew 10:16 (XXV), in no. 5 (pp. 113–115).
2007
As things currently stand this was the last Eerdmans printing of the Lectures on Calvinism. The publisher did not renew the copyright. The numbering of the printing goes deservedly back to the first trade edition of 1899 because the first Eerdmans edition very likely was a title edition of 1899.19.
Kuyper delivered this sermon on Ephesians 3:14–19 in Utrecht in 1868. The sermon (see 1869.01) is included in this collection of the “most beautiful sermons since the Sermon on the Mount.” Kuyper’s sermon outlines (KA 156) show that he had already preached on Ephesians 3:14–21 in Ophemert (September 1, 1867) and Beesd (September 8, 1867). Originally the theme of the sermon was Zijn en denken in verband met het wezen van het Christendom [Being and knowing in relation to the essence of Christendom] (KA 156).
The printed text of the sermon was edited and brought into conformity with contemporary Dutch by Professor J.H. van der Laan, emeritus professor of practical theology at the Protestant Theological University in Kampen. For a statement of responsibility, see pages 492–493.
The statement is printed on page 21 of Onze Premiers (1901–2002). Hun weg naar de top [Our prime ministers: their way up to the top]. The asterism “De doodstraf” [The death penalty], from De Standaard 14 (1885), no. 4170, October 19, 1885, is printed on page 26. This short editorial illustrates how decisively and powerfully Kuyper could delineate his positions against his opponents, including in this case the liberals, while setting a clear course for his followers.
This one-volume edition includes the selections from Kuyper’s oeuvre that are also found in 2006.03. The excerpts are reprinted as original source materials for the chapter on Kuyper written by Nicholas P. Wolterstorff. The edition is more perspicuously organized than 2006.03. The editors have also made it more accessible and less costly so that a broader public may purchase and make use of it.
Six meditations from 1929.13, which appear in The Standard Bearer as follows: the meditation on Hosea 4:16 (XXVI), in vol. 83 (2006/7), no. 8 (pp. 185–187); the meditation on Romans 12:13 (XXVII), in no. 9 (pp. 212–214); the meditation on Luke 1:61 (XXVIII), in no. 11 (pp. 257–259); the meditation on Philippians 4:15 (XXIX), in no. 14 (pp. 331–333); the meditation on Proverbs 31:17 (XXX), in no. 16 (pp. 381–383); and the meditation on 1Timothy 6:6 (XL), in no. 17 and no. 20 (pp. 399–400 and 477–478).
2008
Prior to the index of proper names in this edition, the editor, George Harinck, provides a short list of dates summarizing the most important facts of Kuyper’s life. With the exception of a few quotations taken from the Dutch Authorized Version, the Bible quotations in this edition have been adapted to the Dutch Bible Society’s 2004 translation.
The edition appeared in Klassiek licht [Light from the classics], a series of Christian books by Dutch authors who have influenced Christianity in the Netherlands.
Miscellanea selected for a visual survey of Kuyper’s life and work. Reproductions and texts with a bearing on Kuyper’s life and work in a book that, as the successor to 1987.03, surpasses the previous publication with distinction. In part owing to the copious pictures of Kuyper’s publications, this picture biography, with its well-chosen illustrations and commentaries, forms a useful and attractive parallel to the present Kuyper bibliography.
The presentation of the first copies of the picture biography occurred on November 5, 2008, followed by the unveiling of a bronze statue of Kuyper in the center of Maassluis, his native town.
The author, Dr. Jan de Bruijn, is associate professor political history in the faculty of Law at the Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam.
New edition in an attractive binding and with new typesetting. Unlike the Lectures on Calvinism as published by Eerdmans—in which only Kuyper’s footnotes were numbered per page—this edition numbers all the footnotes per lecture. The footnotes of Henry Beets (see 1931.06) are indicated with the words “editor’s note,” while footnotes new to this edition are indicated with the words “editor’s note (Hendrickson).” As with 2002.01 and 2008.01, references have been added to biblical quotations in the lectures.
A new edition with new typesetting and typographical updating concerning the use of italics. Prepared by Benjamin C. Richards, the founder and president of Reforming Science, this edition restores the original English title from 1898 and updates the most archaic spellings. The goal of Reforming Science is to promote a biblical understanding of science and to help Christians recognize the creative work of the God of the Bible in all fields of intellectual inquiry and in all physical realities.
In his editorial note Richards expresses his intention to correct the regrettable fact that this work (which B.B. Warfield felt was arguably Kuyper’s “most considerable contribution to theological science”) “should for so long have remained unavailable to the public.” The last edition reprinted of 1898.12 had been published in 1980.
Four meditations from 1929.13, which appear in The Standard Bearer as follows: the meditation on John 6:12 (XXXIII), in vol. 84 (2007/8), no. 9 (pp. 212–214); the meditation on 1Corinthians 9:27 (XXXIV), in no. 10 (pp. 225–227); the meditation on Proverbs 31:27 (XXXV), in no. 16 (pp. 380–382); and the meditation on John 6:27 (XXXVI), in no. 20 (pp. 476–478).
2009
Edited by George Harinck (see 2001.01), this edition includes two components written by Kuyper concerning his 1898 visit to the United States—the first a set of letters addressed to the inner circle of his family (see 2004.03) and the second a report written for a wider external audience (see 1899.15). Harinck has also provided an introduction, commentary, and footnotes. The footnotes from 2004.03 have been extended and numbered consecutively.
The topicality of Kuyper’s reflection on the character, essence, and implications of worship gave birth to this English translation. In the introduction the translators give a careful account concerning the reductions they have made. Approximately thirty percent of the Dutch text has been eliminated and, when desirable, the original text has been rearranged and a few titles have been altered. The editor has added subheadings and footnotes.
As a bonus the work includes four responses (pp. 319–360) written by John Bolt, Bryan D. Spinks, Geoffrey Wainwright, and Nicholas Wolterstorff. In its own fashion each response deals with the significance and particularities of Kuyper’s perception of worship. The book also includes a chronological bibliography concerning the theology of worship in the Reformed tradition (pp. 361–366) and an index (pp. 367–371).
Four meditations from 1929.13, which appear in The Standard Bearer as follows: the meditation on Luke 21:3 (XXXVII), in vol. 85 (2008/9), no. 11 (pp. 248–250); the meditation on Proverbs 29:30 (XXXVIII), in no. 13 (pp. 304–306); the meditation on Deuteronomy 25:19 (XXXIX), in no. 14 (pp. 329–331); and the meditation on 2Peter 2:13 (XLI), in vol. 86 (2009/2010), no. 2 (pp. 39–41).
2010
The revised and updated edition of “I have a dream” (796, [3] pp.; with new pagination) starts with Mozes’ Ten Commandments and concludes with Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s speech in Geneva, Crual and racist regime in Palestine, on April 20, 2009 at the International Antiracism Conference of the United Nations.
Three sections included in an anthology that, as a canon, aims to present a representative and comprehensive picture of Protestant spirituality in the Netherlands. ‘Canon’ in the sense of a sampling of texts that are normative and essential as the core of what one should know if one wants to understand what the multicolored image of Dutch Protestant spirituality is all about. Ranging from Geert Grote (1340–1384) to Prof. Dr. A. van de Beek (*1946). A many-voiced testimony of religious life resounding on a stage covering eight centuries.
The sections taken from Kuyper were selected from the first (Calvinism in history) and the final lecture (Calvinism and the future) of his six Stone Lectures on Calvinism, edited by George Harinck.
The anthologist, Rick Benjamins (*1964), is a lecturer in dogmatics at the Protestantse Theologische Universiteit Leiden.
A summary of Het raadsel van den Islam (The enigma of Islam), the first essay (dated December 24, 1907) in Om de oude wereldzee, vol. 2, pp. 1–51. In The Enigma of Islam “Kuyper examines a number of explanations for the astonishing decline of Christianity in North Africa with the arrival of Islam”, however, “he does not find any of the explanations wholly satisfactory”, pp. 138/139. This summary, with a short introduction and some connecting shortcuts by the translator, is “following Kuyper’s wording fairly closely while omitting some material of little contemporary interest”, p. 138.
The translator, Rimmer de Vries Ph.D. (economics), retired Chief Economist and Managing Director J.P. Morgan Bank, was born (1929) in Winsum, the Netherlands and is a.o. beneficiary of the PTS Rimmer and Ruth de Vries Chair for Reformed Theology and Public Life, also called the Kuyper Chair.
The summary is published in the first volume of a new Review published on the initiative of the Kuyper Center for Public Theology (Princeton Theological Seminary, N.J., USA). The editor, Gordon Graham, Henry Luce III Professor of Philosophy and the Arts at PTS, intends to compose annually a volume including new essays in Reformed Theology and Public Life.
In the same year, Jan H. Boer (see 1991.02) also published an english translation of this chapter from 1908.25: The mystery of Islam. eBook 2010.
Three meditations from 1929.13, wich appear in The Standard Bearer as follows: the meditation on Eccl. 3:4 (XLII), in vol. 86 (2009/2010), no. 7 (pp. 153–155); the meditation on Eccl. 7:3 (XLIII), in no. 9 (pp. 206–208); and the meditation on Psalm 138:7 (XLIV), in no. 21 (pp. 499–502).
The ‘Explanatory notes to the American edition’ are followed by the concise, chronoligically ordered list of approximately one hundred of Kuyper’s writings (see 1900.19) with additional Portuguese translations of the titles (pp. 23–28). Since 1995.01, the list, which was never updated, was dropped in the English editions.
Each lecture has been arranged according to numbered chapters and paragraphs and provided with appropriate headings. Nearly all Kuyper’s footnotes have been maintained and two new footnotes, concerning translations of latin and greek words, have been added. The footnotes have been numbered per lecture.
With this Spanish edition the Lectures on Calvinism have been published in ten different languages: English (1899.19), Dutch (1899.25), German 1904.25, Hungarian (1914.20), Japanese (1932.14), Korean (1971.01), Russian (2002.03), Portuguese (2002.05), Chinese (2006.05).
The Confraternidad Latinoamericana de Iglesias Reformadas (CLIR) is the Latinoamerican branch of the World Reformed Fellowship.
2011
The appendix “How Abraham Kuyper became a Kuyperian” (pp. 73–94) is taken from the Christian Scholar’s Review 22 (1992), pp. 22–35.
Wisdom & Wonder is a separate published translation of the fourth and final series on Common Grace, altogether ten leading articles from Kuyper’s ecclesiastical weekly De Heraut titled Wetenschap en Kunst [Science and Art].
In 1902–1905 three complete series on common grace were published in the three volume work De gemeene gratie [Common grace]. Owing to an editors mistake the fourth series, Wetenschap en Kunst, the final and by far the smallest series, was not included when the third volume was released. Seven months later the missing series was separately published, unbound, with a separate title page and pagination (see 1905.21). In the 2nd and 3rd printing, and in the title edition of 1939 Wetenschap en Kunst was incorporated, with the separate title page and pagination, after the indexes. With Wisdom and Wonder, however, the series is surprisingly not published as the separate last series but as an early bird of the Common Grace Translation Project of Acton Institute and Kuyper College together with some other institutions. This major Abraham Kuyper translation project was launched by Acton Institute and Kuyper College on April 19, 2011. The first fruit of The Kuyper Translation Society.
Editorial notes have been added throughout. In the Dutch version this final series has no footnotes. Large paragraphs and long sentences have been divided, chapter titles, as well as part divisions, also have been added. Along these lines a new title was given to the final series with the original volume title as subtitle. An approach which aims to offer a readable and ‘as accessible as possible translation not only to a specialised audience of researchers but also to interested pastors and laypersons.’ (see 2013.04, p. XII).
Striking words are repeated and highlighted in a typographic clear and attractive way. An illustration adorns the first page of each article.
New to the Enlish edition is the Topic Index (pp. 189–190) and a Scripture Index (p. 191) because the data from these final series were not included in the indexes of the Dutch editions and printings. Bible referencies however are included in App. 1.04 of this bibliography.
Common grace challenges the reader to be open for Gods meaningfull and mercyfull work in the world as His creation and be present with our gifts and responsibiblities on His scene and open-minded for the valuable contributions of others. It looks like as if this early bird from Common grace would whistle for today: do not forget the field of science and art.
Meditation XLV on Matthew 6:34. Taken from When thou sittest in thine house. Meditations on home life.
2012
In consideration to the American readers the introduction to these twenty two travel letters is slightly adapted, and about a dozen footnotes have been changed, added or omitted. The index of names has been revised. Unlike the Dutch version this edition is adorned with fifteen illustrations and one on the front-cover as well as on the back-cover.
Meditation (XLVI) on Psalm 10:14, taken from When thou sittest in thine house. Meditations on home life.
2013
Letter of thanks to the the local noble O.W.A. Count Van Bylandt who had covered privately a deficit caused by the introduction in Beesd of the new synodical regulations for the nomination of elders and deacons and for the calling of pastors by male church members. The author, C.J. van Heuckelum, who included the letter in his booklet on Pietje Baltus and Abraham Kuyper, writes on p. 19, that Kuyper refused to pay the printer/publisher of his (first eeclesiastical) brochure, which discussed the question of how to deal with the above-mentioned new synodical regulations (see 1867.01) because he took the view that the church trustees should pay for it, while the trustees disagreed with their pastor. However, in Kuyper in de kiem (Hilversum, 2006) J. Vree states that the deficit was caused by the printing costs of the ballot papers, the mailing costs and the purchase of a ballot box. Count Van Bylandt, Lord of the estate Mariënwaerdt at Beesd and Lord of Enspijk, Ooy, and Persingen settled the controversy by paying 25 guilders from his own private resources. Van Bylandt was chair of the local Church Trustees for forty years.
The booklet Pietje Baltus, mystical woman from Beesd and her encounters with Abraham Kuyper was presented on June 15, 2013 in the Sint Pieterskerk at Beesd, the church of Kuyper’s first parish, at the opening of an exhibition concerning his life and work. The exhibition was organized on the occasion of the sesquicentennial of his installation as a minister of the Dutch Reformed congregation at Beesd (August 9, 1863).
Valedictory letter (see also 1987.04) to the Lord of Mariënwaerdt, O.W.A. Count Van Bylandt, chair of the Church Trustees of the Reformed Congregation of Beesd.
The letter was published, in the church newsletter for the Protestant Congregation of Beesd, by the present chair of the Church Trustees, Baron Verschuer, great-great-grandson of Count Van Bylandt.
The translator arranged the sermon into seven numbered segments, each with an appropriate heading and putted (inserted? introduced? entered?) a few footnotes. (of: provided?—furnished? the sermon with a few footnotes [n.b. Kuyper plaatste zelf geen voetnoten in z’n gedrukte preek). Contributors to this edition are Nelson D. Kloosterman, Th.D. (a.o. co-translator and editor Common Grace), Harry Van Dyke, D.Litt. (retired history professor of Redeemer University College, nowadays a.o. involved in several Kuyper-translation projects) and John Halsey Wood Jr., Ph.D., (published a.o. on Kuyper’s ecclesiology and is serving as the general editor of the forthcoming Abraham Kuyper Church Anthology).
The initiative to translate the three volumes of De gemeene gratie (see 1902.13, 1903.13, 1905.08 and 1905.21) was taken by the Abraham Kuyper Translation Society (see p. 247) along with Acton Institute and Kuyper College at Grand Rapids and supported by Calvin College, Fuller Theological Seminary, Mid-America Reformed Seminary, and the Andreas Center for Reformed Scholarship and Service at Dordt College.
Acoording to the plan the complete translation of De gemeene gratie. Eerste deel. Het Geschiedkundig gedeelte. will be published in three parts. In volume I.1, I.2 and I.3 the author traces his historical argument. Richard J. Mouw, emeritus professor of faith and public life at Fuller Theological Seminary, wrote the introduction, A comprehensive Theology of “Commonness” (pp. XIX–XXX).
The translation of Kuyper’s Foreword of August 1, 1902 is also included in a prospectus (2011, [8] pp.) of the Abraham Kuyper Translation Society.
The translation of the foreword of Augustus 1, 1902 has been published also as an introductory preview in an illustrated brochure (2011, pp. 4-7) for the Abraham Kuyper translation project Common Grace.
To the original nine footnotes in part 1 the editors added about 120 footnotes largely by completing the author’s notes, by dropping in-text citations to footnotes, and by adding some necessary information e.g. concerning the context. Also in this way the readability and accessibility of the translation was served for the benefit of the researcher as well as the interested laic.
The Appendix (pp. [239]–241] is a translation of a passage from De gemeene gratie, vol. 3.20.8, in which Kuyper deals with a question that was repeatedly addressed to him: Why do you always speak about “common” grace and not about “universal” favor or grace? See also 1902.13.
“Common grace, as Kuper conceived it, was a theology of public responsability and cultural engagement, rooted in Christians’ shared humanity with the rest of the world” (p. [XI]).
For reasons of accessibility, lay out and format, the translation of the three Dutch volumes of De gemeene gratie. (± 1775 pp.; 1905.21 included, and already translated, see 2011.02) will be realized in nine physical books. Finally a comprehensive index volume is scheduled to complete the set.
A translation of the first abridged edition of “Ons program”, the political program of the Anti-Revolutionary Party and its foundations and implications, the very first modern and organized political party in The Netherlands, established on April 3, 1879.
The introduction by the translator/editor provides background information, summaries of Kuyper’s preface and Kuyper’s introduction, and an account of the editing method. The very few original footnotes have been maintained and added by about 280 new notes, including footnotes and additions found in the later printings and in the final edition (1892.26, 1898.23, 1907.22). Also important in this editorial apparatus is the improved crediting of sources.
For the sake of readability, stylistic alterations and some shortcuts were made without loss of arguments or the violation Kuyper’s ‘colorful prose’. Most of the original paragraph divisions have been retained. As in the Dutch edition, the section numbers 15 and 16 are passed over. However, according to the related original series of articles in De Standaard no actual sections are missing. Very likely in order to avoid confusion in quotations and references the mistake has not been rectified. The translator followed this policy. A revised general index concludes the translation.
The sixteen articles series, published in De Standaard of January/February 1880, Antirevolutionair óók in uw huisgezin [Antirevolutionary also in your household], (see 1880.05, pp. 405–473), is not included, however, according to a note on p. XXIII a separate English edition to be published in due time seems to be not unlikely.
The translator and editor Harry Van Dyke is a professor emeritus at Redeemer University, Hamilton, Ontario and also committed to the Abraham Kuyper Translation Society (see 2013.04, p. 247).
Meditation no. XLVII on Isaia 5:8, The first Isaianic woe! (Love of money), appeared in no. 12 (pp. 273–276) and no. XLVIII on Isaia 5:11, The second Isaianic woe! (Lust of wealth), in no. 16 (pp. 374–376).
2014
The English version counts only a few minor differences with the Dutch original. For example, the arrangement of the illustrations with their related comments and short stories has been slightly improved, and consequently some illustrations have been reproduced in a smaller or larger size. An article from the New York Times has been fully reproduced instead of partially. A very few small changes were made in the substantive and detailed captions accompaning the nearly 400 illustrations in this pictorial biography on the life and work of Abraham Kuyper. The only two footnotes that were added concern accounts of two small parts of borrowed translations.
Drs. K.D. Houniet, secretary and translator of the HDC [Historical Documentation Center for Dutch Protestantism (1800 to the present day)] of the Free University, took care of the translations.
A feasible companion to the biography Abraham Kuyper Modern Calvinist, Christian Democrat by James D. Bratt (Grand Rapids MI-Cambridge UK, Eerdmans, 2013, XXVII, 445 pp.) and to this bibliography, an updated version of Abraham Kuyper. An Annotated Bibliography 1857–2010.
(Leiden-Boston, Brill, 2011, XXVII, 756 pp.).
Eight letters, a cable and a memorandum were incorporated in Abraham Kuyper between parsonage and parliament, a paper presented, in April 2012, by Harry Van Dyke at a conference on Neo Calvinism and democracy, sponsored by the Abraham Kuyper Center for Public Theology at Princeton Theological Seminary.
The eight letters, of which six letters are presented in excerpts, together with nine letters from Groen van Prinsterer, of which seven are excerpts, belong to a specific correspondence of 17 letters written by Kuyper and by Groen van Prinsterer between January 6, 1874 and February 9, 1874, and completed by a cable, dated February 10, 1874, from Kuyper. The memorandum (see annotation 1929.02) is an excerpt of 1992.01, app. 9 and was attached to Kuyper’s cover letter dated February 4, 1874 (see also 1937.01, pp. 278-282).
The core of his correspondence concerns Kuyper's position as he stands on the threshold of his political career. Kuyper describes his uneasy feelings and thoughts and mentions his preconditions concerning a possible membership of parliament; Groen van Prinsterer consults and affirms Kuyper. A correspondence that culminates in Kuyper's memorandum of 'loose thoughts' that he submitted to his correspondent and finally in his non-triumphant and very short cable concerning his acceptance of the election to member of the Second Chamber.
By focussing on this issue, those parts of the letters not related to it have been left out.
The short foreword of 1889.14, in which Kuyper states that the publication was upon request, was left out in the translation. Brief editorial notes (41) were added throughout and source citations were brought up to contemporary bibliographic standards. The original two footnotes (included in 1900.23) were revised.
2015
2016
2017
This edition includes Kuyper's articles "The Antithesis Between Symbolism and Revelation" and "Pantheism's Destruction of Boundaries", along with David Naugle's article "The Lordship of Christ Over the Whole of Life: An Introduction to the Thought of Abraham Kuyper", and Roger D. Henderson's article "How Abraham Kuyper Became a Kuyperian"
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
1889.07 ('Not the Liberty Tree but the Cross!');
1880.09 ('Sphere Sovereignty');
“Is Dwaling Strafbaar?,” De Standaard, no. 660, May 25/26, 1874–no. 680, June 18, 1874 ('Is Error a Punishable Offense?');
“Het vrije woord,” De Standaard, no. 7263, November 8, 1895–no. 7269, November 15, 1895 ('Freedom of Speech and Freedom of the Press');
1897.16 ('Celebrating Twenty-Five Years of De Standaard');
1913.14 ('The Press as the Apostle of Peace');
1880.07 ('The Family, Society, and the State');
1895.05 44A ('You Shall Not Covet');
1895.05 44B ('Our Relationship to the Law').
2024
Sine Anno
The print run of this edition cannot have been very large given that only 148 copies of this three-volume edition of Het werk van den Heilige Geest were acquired by the publisher J.H. Kok during the 1907 auction of N.V. Boekhandel vh. Höveker & Wormser’s stock. No trace of this edition seems to have been left in either bibliographies or advertisements. The edition was probably published between 1908 and 1915. The terminus post quem and ante quem are derived from J.H. Kok’s publisher’s lists.
The article was a leading article in De Standaard. However, it is not clear which publication reprinted it. Was it included in some yearbook or another? The motivation to reprint this article may perhaps have been the centennial celebration of the liberation of the Netherlands from French mastery (1813–1913). All that remains at present is a photocopy of the reprint. The library that preserved these pages in a white enclosure (not likely to be an offprint) has subsequently lost track of the original copy.
Circa 1920, De Zwolsche Ongevallenverzekering [The Zwolle Accidental Insurance Society] reprinted portions of the first three (LXXIV–LXXVI) of seven articles from De Heraut about the insurance business. The articles belong to the third series of De gemeene gratie (see also 1903.13).
The lovely edition (14cm., with an attractive cover and nicely stitched binding) was likely meant to overcome reservations and objections concerning insurance policies in some Christian circles. Kuyper anticipated the possibility that such a publication would be forthcoming, making the following request in the first article of the series on insurance: “Should insurance societies or the press wish to reprint anything, we request that they expressly and clearly indicate that De Heraut, after having first made reference to the higher demand that everyone become assured of eternal life, only then expressed itself thus on the matter of ‘life insurance’ during this earthy existence.”
This cheap edition includes the footnotes from 1899.19, although the final footnote (to the sixth lecture) is omitted (cf. 1931.06). The appearance of the footnotes on page 53 gives the impression that the book was produced rather hastily. The publication date of the “paperback classics” (see SA.06) could not be established with certainty. The zip code in the publisher’s imprint means that it must have been published in 1963 or later. It also appears that the publisher was located in Grand Rapids in 1971. Concerning the publisher, cf. SA.08.
The translator provides a nearly complete translation of the first of Kuyper’s six Stone Lectures on Calvinism. The final four sections were not translated and half of the footnotes from the lecture were dropped. The translation was produced under the auspices of the Seminario Teologico Juan Calvino in Coyoacán/Mexico City. The translator provides a clear outline of the lecture by dividing it into chapters and paragraphs.
This edition is referred to in the list of “paperback classics” printed on the back cover of SA.04. Concerning the publisher, cf. SA.08.
In a preserved copy of this edition, a previous owner wrote the year “’72” after his name on the title page.
The design of the front cover is remarkably similar to that of SA.07. Furthermore, the small type and close matter of the abridged editions SA.04 and SA.07 are identical to this abridged edition. One concludes, therefore, that these three editions were most likely from the same publisher—presumably Jay P. Green sr., whose name is included with the copyright statement in 2001.03.
Like in 1933.05 the questions for Bible study and discussion are included in this translation.
APPENDIX 1. INDEXES
The index contains the biblical citations from thirteen books published between 1880 and 1896 and from the student notes to the dogmatic lectures up to Locus de Deo (1896.24). It also includes biblical references from two series of articles that were originally published in De Heraut (no. 858, June 3, 1894–no. 985, November 8, 1896): Van de engelen and Van de gemeene gratie I. Finally, a biblical-references index for De drie formulieren van eenigheid (1895.27) is included in this volume (pp. 293–300).
The index is printed on only half of each page, leaving the right column blank for additions and notes. The editor of this volume, Rev. H. de Lange (1867–1932), studied theology at the Vrije Universiteit from 1890 to 1897.
Published separately from the first edition of E voto Dordraceno, this volume was composed by two of Kuyper’s daughters and contained two indexes. H.S.S. Kuyper (1870–1933) compiled the subject and name index (pp. 1–59) and J.H. Kuyper (1875–1948) compiled the index of biblical references (pp. [60]–76). A list of the errata in E voto Dordraceno is printed on pp. [77]–83.
The index was reprinted in 1907 (Amsterdam, Pretoria, Potchefstroom: Boekhandel voorheen Höveker & Wormser, 1907; [4], 76 pp., 25cm.) and was included in the second edition of E voto Dordraceno, volume 4 (see 1908.02).
The Titel-register op De Heraut contains six indexes. The first (pp. [5–6]) lists chronologically the titles of the article series from the first twenty-five years of De Heraut. An alphabetical keyword index to the lead articles comes next (pp. [7]–48), followed by a chronological list of the headings of the meditations (with accompanying biblical texts) arranged according to the volume of publication. The fourth (pp. [69]–71) and fifth (pp. 71–73) indexes list the headings of, respectively, the lead articles and the meditations (each with the accompanying biblical text) written on the occasion of church holidays and for celebrations of the Old and New Year. The final index (pp. [74]–84) is a biblical-references index to the third, fourth, and fifth indexes.
De Heraut (see 1877.05) celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary on December 7, 1902. The publisher announced this publication as an anniversary present for the celebration.
The index contains the biblical citations from all twenty-one volumes of student notes from the dogmatic lectures (see 1891.18), from twenty other books published before 1906, and from about sixty brochures and small works. Also included are the thematic biblical texts that were published at the beginning of each installment of the five article series published in De Heraut from 1879 to 1901. The relevant issue of De Heraut is printed in italics. According to the foreword, the index contains the biblical references found in works published up to April 1906. An index of biblical texts in De drie formulieren van eenigheid is also included (pp. [334]–343). In all, the volume contains approximately 40,000 instances of biblical texts that are referred to or discussed in the above-mentioned publications.
The index is printed on only half of each page, leaving the right column blank for additions and notes. For a ƒ0.50 surcharge, a copy with interleaved white pages could be ordered. A loose page (11cm.) was included with six addenda from 1901.10 and an addendum from De Heraut, no. 1217, April 27, 1901.
The editors, Rev. A. Rolloos (1874–1956) and Rev. H. Hasper jr. (1886–1974), studied theology at the Vrije Universiteit from 1902 to 1906 and from 1906 to 1912, respectively.
Published several years after Kuyper’s series of printed dogmatic lectures (see 1891.18) had been completed (twenty-one unbound volumes in all), this table of contents was not sold publicly. According to De Heraut (no. 1554, October 13, 1907), however, it was made available privately for ƒ3.- by H. Hasper, who was likely the volume’s editor. The volume also includes a subject index (pp. 87–89).
The edition has the same format and the binding has the same red color as the series of ten bound volumes from the first edition of the dogmatic lectures. J.H. Kok acquired the rights to this privately printed edition and integrated the relevant parts of the table of contents into the five volumes (see 1910.22, 1911.20, 1911.22, 1912.22, and 1913.03) published as the second, revised edition of the Loci.
This concise subject index to the four-volume Parlementaire redevoeringen (see 1908.20, 1909.29, 1910.15, and 1912.19) was published by the Dutch Federation of Young Men’s Associations on Reformed Principles.
A concise index with 115 keywords composed by the Dutch Federation of Young Men’s Associations on Reformed Principles. The federation published this index to make it easier for its members to locate subjects of interest in Kuyper’s Stone Lectures. The association’s librarians were advised to cut out the list and paste it into their library copies of Het Calvinisme. Members who owned personal copies were encouraged to follow the same procedure.
An index of proper names is included in 2002.01.
A successor volume to app. 1.03, this elaborate index was composed by J. v. Lindonk. In a short foreword, he mentions that “due to the circumstances of the day” (i.e., the German occupation of the Netherlands, 1940–1945), it was not possible to have the index printed. As a result, “only two [original] copies exist, namely: one from the library of the Free University (Amsterdam) and one from the library of the Protestant Theological University, Kampen.”
Beginning in 1921, an index of the articles published in the previous year was printed separately at the end of every volume of De Heraut.
APPENDIX 2. CATALOGS AND BIBLIOGRAPHY
The catalog contains only seventy-one titles of books and brochures. Kok acquired sixty-nine of these titles on December 12, 1907 when Wormser’s stock of Kuyper titles was auctioned off (see 1907.22). Kok became Kuyper’s publisher and, with a few exceptions, was able to sell copies of all his works in print after that point. With this beautifully printed catalog the publisher brought this event to the public’s notice.
A handsome catalog of 217 titles of books, brochures, articles, and foreign editions in chronological order, to which Rullmann stuck closely in his Kuyper bibliography. The “complete list” prints the publisher, sale price, and reprints. Rullmann wrote that he had corrected a few mistakes in passing and had added a title here and there (cf. RKB 203).
Kuyper invited J.H. Kok to the archive room at his home (cf. 1994.03, p. 36) so that he could survey all the titles together when composing this catalog. Apparently, however, not all Kuyper’s publications were present or readily available on his shelves. In any case, Kuyper published more before 1915 than the editor of the catalog recorded. Kok probably wanted to inventory the archive, which was located next to Kuyper’s study, as quickly as possible. Such expediency coupled with an interest in completeness may explain why, for instance, a title that was never published appears in the list along with a sales price.
The ambitious and interesting publication definitely proved to be an effective way both to promote Kuyper’s works and to call attention to Kok’s purchase of his backlist. Though composed at Kuyper’s request, the catalog also represented the publisher’s salute to its celebrated author.
The Rev. J.C. Rullmann (1876–1936) modeled his Kuyper bibliography on a remarkably expansive definition. Two motives appear to have been decisive. First, he strove to keep Kuyper’s ideas alive among the older generation and to unlock his legacy for a new generation. He therefore had the tendency to let Kuyper speak more and more through the bibliography. The second motive was his conviction that Kuyper’s writings should be understood and described in their historical context. He thus included many references to secondary literature, frequently with citations. By tracing lines of thought and relations in Kuyper’s work, Rullmann produced an interesting, instructive, and compelling work. But he clearly considered the bibliographic information and the publication chronology of lesser importance and scarcely a subject for research and description. Translations are only mentioned in passing—if they come up for consideration at all. Closely following the chronology of Kuyper’s publications in the 1915 catalog by J.H. Kok, Rullmann’s bibliography would end up listing 223 entries in all (excluding the additional titles in vol. III, pp. [469]–470).
An index of keywords is included in each of the three volumes of the bibliography.
Rullmann assembled a considerable collection of Kuyperiana and several of Kuyper’s texts that can no longer be discovered in their original edition were preserved probably thanks to his collection and in any event thanks to the design of his bibliography.
The frontispiece is a slightly reworked fascimile of a lithographed drawing designed in 1892 by Jan Veth (1864–1925) and presenting Kuyper writing at his desk. See also the frontispiece of this new bibliography.
The contents of this first volume had previously been published in installments in De Reformatie 2 (1921/1922), no. 1, October 7, 1921–3 (1922/1923), no. 25, March 23, 1923.
As he increased the number of selections reprinted from Kuyper in the second and especially the third volume, Rullmann turned his bibliography increasingly into something akin to a reader (see 1929.04 and 1940.03).
The contents of this second volume had previously been published in forty-four installments in De Reformatie 3 (1922/1923), no. 26, March 30, 1923–5 (1924/1925), no. 19, February 6, 1925, followed by thirty-four installments in Gereformeerd Jongelingsblad 38 (1926/1927), no. 1, September 3, 1926–39 (1927/1928), no. 21, January 27, 1928.
After 1919, as he finished his bibliography, Rullmann included only two posthumously published works by Kuyper (see RKB 222 and RKB 223). A supplement listing twelve titles, compiled by D. Grosheide (1913–1986) and originally published in the quarterly Antirevolutionaire Staatkunde (first quarter of 1939, pp. 118–119) is reprinted on pages [469]–470. The editor of the posthumously published third volume of Rullmann’s bibliography then added four more titles and two English translations (p. 470).
The second and third volumes of the bibliography were published with the financial support of the Dr. Abraham Kuyper Foundation. The contents of this third volume had previously been published in installments in Gereformeerd Jongelingsblad 39 (1927/1928), no. 24, February 17, 1928–44 (1932/1933), no. 49, August 18, 1933.
A catalog published for an exhibition during the sesquicentennial of Kuyper’s birth, featuring items held in the library of the Vrije Universiteit. The exhibition was mounted on the occasion of J. Stellingwerff’s retirement as librarian (1960–1987) of the Vrije Universiteit. Created as a retirement gift, the catalog opens with an essay (pp. 15–47) by Stellingwerff, “Het arcanum van Abraham Kuyper.” After reflecting on Kuyper’s study and library, on the books that Kuyper wrote, and on various writings related to Kuyper, Stellingwerff concludes by giving a brief peek into Kuyper’s other arcanum—namely, his household circle.
The catalog (pp. 51–84) contains about 360 titles—including a number of translations—listed in alphabetical order. In addition the volume reprints 1887.23 and 1899.18 (see also 1987.02). The accompanying microfiche reproduces the relevant fiches from the library’s old fiche catalog.
APPENDIX 3. SHEET MUSIC
Sheet music with ten (of twelve) quatrains from a poem written by Bart van de Veluwe (pseudonym for the teacher, poet, and writer Bartholomeus van Mourik [1872–1957]). The poem is based on Kuyper’s meditation upon Isaiah 1:18 (“your sins shall be white as snow”), which was published in De Heraut, no. 1208, February 25, 1901. The poet sent his poem to Kuyper and in De Heraut, no. 1210, March 10, 1901, these ten quatrains were included with the following introductory and concluding lines: “A reader sent us back our meditation about ‘white as snow’ in poetic form. Listen to what he sang …. It was a privilege to read this poem. It shows us that our word touched a heart. And for anyone who writes, that is the richest reward. A.K.”
The poem is also printed in a collection of Bart van de Veluwe’s poems entitled Na de pauze (Kampen: Ph. Zalsman, 1909, pp. 6–8), which includes four other poems inspired by Kuyper’s meditations.
Kuyper’s frequently cited adaptation of the final couplet from Da Costa’s poem “Liberty,” set to music by P. Anders. See 1897.16 for the poem and 1985.03, 1998.09, 2001.09, and 2001.10 for an English translation. This sheet music (like app. 3.01) was intended to be played at home on the harmonium. However, the song was also sung (as a solo) during the celebration of the twenty-fifth anniversary of Nederland en Oranje (see 1951.03) in the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam on November 1, 1926.