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Giffen David Flud Van

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Giffen David Flud Van

was born at Sneek. He belonged to an honorable family. Following the bent of his own mind, though in opposition to the wishes of his relatives, he devoted himself to the study of theology, which he pursued at the University of Harderwik. In 1674 he became pastor of the Reformed church at Wykell. He fully embraced the views of Cocceius. The sentiments which he held he boldly proclaimed. He did not, however, blend the Cartesian philosophy with his Cocceian sentiments, but gave a practical direction and tendency to his interpretations of the Scriptures, and even to those of the prophecies, to whose elucidation he devoted special attention. To him, and his followers and successors of the same school, was applied the epithet serious, in distinction from those who were denominated Leaden Cocceians. His Cocceianism excited the prejudice and opposition of many to his preaching during the early part of his ministry, and involved him in unpleasant ecclesiastical proceedings. Finally, all further ecclesiastical and civil proceedings against him were prohibited by the States of Friesland, to which he had appealed. He died in 1701. An edition of his works was given to the public by professor A. Voget in 1735, under the title Verzameling van alle de Wercken, nagelaten en vitgegenen van den hooggeleerden en godvruchtigen heer David Flud van Giffen (Groningen, 1735). See Glasius, Godgeleerd Nederland, i D., blz. 522 en verv.; H. Bouman, Geschiedenis der Gedersche Hoogeschool, ii D., blz. 45 (Utrecht, 1844, 1847); A. Ypeij en J. Dermont, Geschiedenis der Nederlandsche Hervormde Kerk, ii D., blz. 516 en verv. (J.P.W.)