Hollebeck, Ewald

Hollebeck, Ewald A Dutch theologian, born at Hamstede in 1719, was educated at the University of Leyden. In 1762 he was called to his alma mater as professor of theology. He is especially distinguished in the Church of Holland by his revolutionary efforts in the homiletical field of theology. He was the first to condemn the old method of making a sermon an exegetical dissertation, and to introduce the English method of preaching to the edification of the people. He set forth his views in De optimo concionum genere (Leyden, 1768; much enlarged, 1770, 8vo). At first he encountered great opposition; but, as he bore himself calmly in the contest, he soon got the better of his opponents, and, as a mark of his popularity at the university, he was elected rector in 1764. He died Oct. 24, 1796. — Schröckh, Kirchengesch. s. d. Reform. 8, 653 sq.; Walch, Neuest. Religionsgesch. 2, 411 sq.; Ernesti, U. Theolog. Biblioth. 1, 230 sq.; Adelung's Jocher, Gelehrt. Lex. 2, 2098; Biog. Univ. 20, 480.