Van Til, Solomon

Van Til, Solomon a learned Dutch theologian, was born Dec. 26,1644, at Weesp, near Amsterdam, of a family originally from the duchy of Cleves. He studied at Alkmaar and the University of Utrecht; but an impediment in his speech induced him to change from theology to medicine. Under the advice of Burman, however, he resumed the study of theology at Leyden (1664), where he made the acquaintance of Cocceius, and adopted the views of that theologian. In 1666 he became pastor of a village in North Holland, and for ten years devoted himself to Oriental languages, metaphysics, and theology. In 1682 he was called to Dort as pastor, and in 1684 he added to his duties those of the chair of history and sacred philology. In August, 1702, he exchanged this position for that of professor of theology at Leyden. He was long afflicted with gout; and died at Leyden, Oct. 31, 1713. Van Til was of an affable disposition, and formed a large literary and social circle of acquaintances. He wrote much in a peculiar and somewhat harsh style, chiefly on scriptural interpretation, including comments on the Psalms Malachi, and St. Paul's Epistles. See Hoefer, Nouv. Biog. Generale, s.v. "Til."