Verklaring van de evangelische parabolen

Letter from Sir Campegius Vitringa

actually is a literal investigation of the sense of Holy Scripture; a literal understanding of the same; and a literal learning built upon it. This not only fails to produce any true sanctification or purification of the heart, but is even subservient to the corruption of nature, as it originates from vain curiosity or from the seeking of human honor, which is attached to the literal understanding of the same. And oh! would that God granted that such things were not present more than too much in a Church founded on the Ministry of the Spirit, and not of the Letter. But whatever the case may be, one may not doubt that this fault and disorder will have less place among the simple seekers of truth and seekers of comfort who are found in the body of the Congregation, than among the Teachers, whose circumstances and state of life can reflect such affects. Even if this is so (as one may not doubt that there are those among them who make themselves guilty of this hypocrisy), one can, while leaving the judgment of the internal state of such people to the pure judgment of the Lord, nonetheless find cause to recognize and praise the goodness of the Lord in this outward manner of abundant ministry of the Word and distribution of His grace among us. This is especially true when we compare this state with that of a Famous part of the Protestant Church in our days, in which either the Word of God is handled very coldly; or the handling of it by many of those who handle the holy things is placed far behind the consideration of worldly studies. This often occurs by those who deviate furthest from the true goal that a Servant of the Lord Jesus must propose for himself in his studies, considerations, and teachings. For we hold ourselves fully assured that the Spirit of God will not cease to work among us as long as His precious Word is powerfully opened and explained among us; and read and considered with pleasure; and honored by Teachers and Students. Is it not so, that the Eastern and Western Churches, by abandoning the investigation and explanation of the Word of the Lord over time, and after having attached all outward ministry of Religion to certain and fixed Formulas and Liturgies Leiturgien prescribed forms of public worship, fell into a great darkness, hunger, and lack of Grace

to Johannes D'Outrein.
and Spirit, with the worsening of the entire essence of Christianity. Thus has sad experience taught. The breasts of the Teachers were dried up, and provided no milk for the children, who fainted from thirst. The clouds had become waterless without rain, while Carmel and Bashan sighed and roared for rain. Thanks be to God that at least this defect was healed through the Reformation of Religion in the West; and the eternal Gospel was publicly presented to all nations. Truly here are the words of life. Here is the sun of rebirth; the rule and the means of sanctification. By these things one lives, and in all these is the life of our Spirit.

I pray Almighty and Merciful God that He, having called your Reverend alongside other faithful Servants to the most worthy Ministry of this Word, in such a large and flourishing Congregation, with so much desired fruit and blessing, corresponding with your constant zeal and industriousness: may continue to support and strengthen you through the power of His Grace in this excellent Work for a long time. May He also let you experience all the satisfaction and comfort that the Lord grants His faithful Servants on earth, as a true pledge of the assured hope of obtaining a wide entrance into His eternal Kingdom after finishing the course of this life. I remain with obligation, esteem, and love,

Franeker,
the 8th of July
1715.

Your Reverend's Serviceable Servant
and loving Fellow-brother
in the Lord.

C. VITRINGA.

**** 2