Fontein Pieter

Fontein Pieter, was born in 1708. He enjoyed the instructions of the celebrated Tiberius Hemsterhuis and Albert Schultens. His taste for the literature of antiquity was developed under their able tuition. His first charge was a Baptist congregation in Rotterdam, to which he was called in 1732. Here he labored seven years. From this field of labor he was transferred to a similar, one in Amsterdam, where he remained till his death, which occurred in 1788 or 1789. The literary taste acquired in early life he continued to cultivate. He became an uncommon proficient in Greek and Roman literature. He edited the Characteres Ethici of Theophrastus according to a Florentine; MS. He was on terms of friendly intercourse with the most eminent scholars of the age. His library, containing the best editions of the Greek and Roman, classics, and enriched with the stores of patristic, theological, and philosophical literature, was bequeathed to the Baptist church in Amsterdam. By this bequest, which served for the foundation of the valuable library of the Baptists in that city, he conferred a great and lasting benefit on the cause of theological education. See Glasius, Godgeleerd Nederland, i Deel, blz. 470; also Blaupot ten Cate, Geschiedenis der Doopsgezinden in Holland enzv. ii Deel, blz. 156 very.; S. Muller, Geschiedenis van het onderwijs in de theologie by de Nederl. Doopsgezinden, blz. 70. (J.P.W.)