GODEFRIDUS UDEMANS (1581-1649)

Udemans studied theology in Leiden, prior to pastoring at Haamstede (1599) and Zierikzee (1604-1649). With the exception of Teellinck, whom he succeeded at Haamstede, Udemans was Zeeland’s most notable theologian of the seventeenth century. Like Teellinck, Udemans was a prolific writer, authoring some fifteen larger and smaller works, the first of which was published when he was only 26 years old. His works were largely penned for the common people and have been divided into three categories: devotional works of a general nature, the most famous of which is his Song of Solomon (1616); polemical writings, largely in opposition to the Anabaptists; and special works of edification for those at sea. His most renowned titles include: Christelycke bedenckingen, Practycke, Hemels-Belegh, De laetste Basuyne, De Leeder van lacob, De noodzakelijkheyd des H. Avondmaels, ‘t Geestelyck Roer van ‘t Coopmans Schip.

Throughout all his work, Udemans emphasized the practice of authentic piety (“praxis pietatis”) on an experiential base. Thus, his concern for sanctified living embraced both internal and external piety, evident in such doctrines as the assurance of faith, where he stressed the need for both the internal witness of the Holy Spirit and the legitimacy of the “practical syllogism” (Syllogismus practicus) — i.e., assurance Spirit-gleaned from the walk of life.

Udemans also played a large role in the church life of his day. For example, he was one of Zeeland’s six delegates to the Synod of Dort, and was subsequently chosen to be vice president. He was close friends with Voetius, with whom he served on several committees. He was also intimately involved in the Utrecht Church Order of 1619. He did much for the poor, and, like Teellinck, possessed an intense mission-minded spirit. In short, he was regarded by his peers as a leading divine.

No full length study has ever been completed on Udemans; hence, a serious gap remains here in scholarly studies. (Rev. A. Vergunst had commenced writing his doctoral dissertation on Udemans, but sadly, was not spared to complete it. Cf. Neem de Wacht des Heeren Waar, pp. 229ff., for several portions completed prior to his death.)

–JRB

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