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43 Amsterdam Pastor (1587–1603) and the “First Arminian Controversy” 3 When Arminius went to Amsterdam, what kind of church did he pastor? Well, of course, it was Reformed theologically, but what did “Reformed” mean in Holland in 1587? The United Netherlands was a small country, but we will inquire whether theological inclinations were rather different in North Holland than in South Holland. Also, what were the dominant narratives in the recent history of a church in Amsterdam at this time? Even, one must ask, what did it mean for a clergyman to be confessionally Reformed? This related set of questions is crucial to an informed understanding of Arminius and the development of his thought during the first decade of his ministry . Indeed, the foundational lines of Arminius’ theological trajectory were worked out during the years of his Amsterdam pastorate. Also, during those years of theological maturation, Arminius worked in conversation with multiple ecclesial, political, and social narratives that were crucial to Dutch life: the role of the Christian magistrates (city officials) in maintaining the welfare of the church (i.e., supervising care for the poor, maintaining church buildings, appointing ministers, paying their salaries, and assessing their effectiveness); the autonomy of the consistory (church council) that met as often as once a month; and the classis (“presbytery,” a gathering of clergy representatives from other congregations in geographic proximity) that met every one to three months. Add to these the manner in which the Belgic Confession and the Heidelberg Catechism were to be used and the republican nature of the national government. Although not directly pertinent to our topic, Arminius had to deal with ongoing issues related to the prosecution and winding down of the war with Spain and the relative positions of the civil and military arms of the government. This constellation of complicated issues led Carl Bangs to refer to Amsterdam as Arminius’ other alma mater, an appropriate word play given 44 Arminius and His Declaration of Sentiments the ways in which the Amsterdam period was formative for Arminius at every level.1 Interesting to note, the issue of predestination is not to be found among the many complex concerns that Arminius faced initially as a pastor. Arminius arrived in Holland in the fall of 1587, reporting to the classis of Amsterdam on October 5. Even though both regional lay and clergy delegates were appointed to the classis, only clergy delegates were in attendance: ministers from Weesp, Loenen, Loosdrecht, Naarden, Muiden, Saerdam, and Amsterdam. The classis of Amsterdam would have had in hand the letters of commendation from Beza and Grynaeus in Switzerland. The classis’ vote in favor of Arminius was unanimous.2 After the classis, Arminius appeared before the consistory (Kerkeraad ) on November 12. The minutes report that the consistory was pleased, and they conveyed their approval to the local magistrates, the Amsterdam burgomasters.3 The consistory met again early in February and heard the report that Arminius had been fully examined by the classis and was “well qualified” to be admitted to the ministry. After further examination on their part, the consistory ordered that he proceed to the preaching of a trial sermon on Sunday, February 7, 1588. It was further noted that the Amsterdam burgomasters were to be informed of the ecclesial decisions, and that Arminius would be appearing before the magistrates for their approval.4 It is important to note that the Amsterdam church leaders did not strictly follow the Synod of Emden (1571) or the Synod of The Hague (1586) in their specific provisions that pastors would be called without any participation by the Christian magistrates. In Amsterdam the protocol was for the call to proceed “provided the burgomasters made no objections.” 1 Bangs, 83–109. 2 Protocollen, 1:354 (October 5, 1587). From the manuscript entry in the Protocollen, it might be inferred that the classis’ approval was February 1, 1588; however, it is more likely that the later date was the final approval of Arminius for appointment after the consistory process and the trial sermon, etc. Cf. Bangs, 110n3; and F. J. Los, Grepen uit de Geschiedenis van Hervormd Amsterdam (Amsterdam: J. R. Vrolijk, 1929), 52. Note: Bang’s reference to 1:34 in note 3 as a reference to October 5, 1587, is problematic, as 1:34 refers to the year 1581. The minutes for October 5, 1587, are in 1:354–55. I suggest that Bangs’ citation is a typographical error: 3[5]4. 3 Protocollen, 1:361 (November 12...

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