Jona Willem te Water (1740-1822), a professor at Leiden University, was a man of influence in the Dutch Reformed Church, in many learned societies, in academic theology, and in Dutch historiography... Show moreJona Willem te Water (1740-1822), a professor at Leiden University, was a man of influence in the Dutch Reformed Church, in many learned societies, in academic theology, and in Dutch historiography. He started his career as a Reformed minister in the province of Zeeland. His main historiographical work was a book on the history of the Dutch noblemen who had offered the petition to governess Margaret of Parma in 1566, requesting increased autonomy for their dominions, as well as freedom of religion. Throughout all his publications, Te Water chose the Orangists' side and showed a keen eye for the role of freedom and of Providence in Dutch history. In his theological publications, he favoured moderation in all things. He tenaciously clung to the teachings of the Reformed Church but did keep an open mind to any new theological developments. He attempted to show that the very use of the critical method of the so-called neologians could only lead to orthodox conclusions, if only it was applied objectively and carefully enough. As a member of several committees instituted to reform the organisational structure of the Dutch Reformed Church around 1810, Te Water invariably chose to conserve as much as possible. Show less
