De classis Brielle 1574-1623

Abstract

This dissertation consists of a completely annotated transcription of the acts of the Brielle classis covering the years 1574-1623, preceded by a comprehensive Introduction. This Introduction provides historical context and the background for the acts of the Brielle classis. The Introduction discusses the gradual development of the classis to the status of a fully-fledged church institution by the end of the 16th and beginning of the 17th century and the historiography of the classis. The second part of the Introduction focuses on the geographical, administrative and religious environment in which the Brielle classis emerged and in which it operated. The next part of the Introduction deals with the operating procedures of the classis, the ministers, the training and examination of the future ministers and the enforcement of church discipline on serving ministers. The relationships between classis and government co ncentrated upon the calling of new ministers, ministers’ pay, and poor relief. The controversy between Remonstrants and Counter-remonstrants during the Twelve Years’ Truce (1609-1621) had drastic consequences for the operations of the Brielle classis. In 1619 ten Remonstrant ministers were removed. The Introduction concludes with a description of the material sources and an account of the technical aspects of editing the transcription.