Francken, Algidius

Francken, Algidius was probably born at Dort, where his father, Reverend Henricus Francken, was settled from 1662 to 1704. The son was called in 1704 to take charge of a church at Rijsoert. Having labored here nine years, he accepted a call to Maassluis, where he exercised his ministry till removed by death in 1743. He was warmly attached to the Voetian party in the Reformed Church. He was a zealous advocate of their views, and was highly esteemed by the party. He insisted much on experimental and practical religion. He excelled in analyzing the workings of the human heart, and in exposing to view its hidden recesses. His writings, though not wholly free from mysticism and asceticism, were productive of great good. His work on ascetic theology, entitled Heilige Godgeleerdheid, published in 1719, was frequently reprinted; this was also the case with his Kern der Godgeleerdheid. His Witte Keursteen of tien.Leredenene appeared in 1724. Several other volumes on practical religion were published by him. Their titles are sufficiently quaint, and remind us of Rutherford's mode of expression. His brother Peter was settled at Geertruidenberg from 1695 to 1728. See Glasius, Godgeleerd Nederland, blz. 471 en verv. (Tes Hertogenbosch, 1851); Geschiedenis der Nedelrlandsche Hervormde Kerk door Ypeij en Dermont, 111 Deel, blz. 306 en verv. (Te Breda, 1824); Geschiedenis von de Predikkunde in de Protestantische Kerk van Nederland door J. Hartog, Predikant bij de Doopsgezinde Gemeente to Zaandam (Amsterdam, 1865). (J.P.W.)