Donker Curtius, Hendrik Herman

Donker Curtius, Hendrik Herman was born at Hertogenbosch in 1778. At the age of sixteen he entered the University of Utrecht. He applied himself faithfully to his studies, and did not allow himself to be drawn aside by the political excitements of the time. In theology he enjoyed the privilege of listening to the instructions of the able and learned Heringa, who had but a short time before been inducted into the office of professor of theology in that institution. Highly prizing and faithfully improving this privilege, he reflected honor upon his able and faithful instructor. At the age of twenty-two he entered the ministry, and after spending a year or more in places of less note, he was called to Arnhem, where he continued to labor faithfully to the time of his death, which occurred July 25, 1839. The influence of Donker on the Reformed Church of Holland was very great. He was a popular and eloquent preacher. His style was perspicuous, flowing, and vigorous. For twenty years or more he conducted the Godgeleerde Bydragen, a theological journal of high character. In 1827 his essay on Jesus leer als van God zelven geopenbaard en het gezag der rede in zaken van Godsdienst received the gold medal from the Hague Society. For many years he was either president or vice-president of the General Synod of the Reformed Church. In regulating the government and discipline of the Church, in advancing theological science, and in elevating the standard of biblical scholarship in reference to candidates for the ministry, he labored zealously and successfully.