Bible Encyclopedias
Janning, Conrad

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

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a Dutch theologian, was born at Groningen Nov. 16, 1650. He received his early education from his uncle, J. Tinga, a pastor at Groningen. As his parents were devoted Romanists, they were unwilling to have him educated ‘ at the Protestant university of his native city. He was therefore sent to a Jesuit College in Westphalia, and afterwards to Antwerp. In 1679 he was associated with the Bollandists in the gigantic labor of preparing the Acta Sanctorum. In 1661 he visited Rome, where he completed his theological studies, and was consecrated to the priesthood. In Rome and throughout Italy, and on his whole route, he collected materials for the above-named work. He returned to Antwerp in 1686, but soon made another tour, visiting different parts of Germany and Bohemia in quest of further materials. In 1697 he again went to Rome, ‘ and rendered important service in the work to which his life was devoted. To his indefatigable labors this stupendous task. is under very great obligations, as thirteen volumes are ascribed to his pen. Different judgments ‘ may be formed of this work. Prof. H. De Groot, of the Groningen University, a man of eminent attainments in Church History, and distinguished by his writings in this department, thus speaks of the work of the Bollandists: "With many fables and worthless legends, they communicate a great number of important biographies, elucidated generally with great learning and in the earlier portions, for the most part, also with impartiality. For a knowledge of Church History in the primitive times, and, above all, in the Middle Ages, both the lives and the elucidations are often of inestimable value." Janning died August 13, 1723. See B. Glasius, Godgeleerde Nederland, 2, 159 sq.; Geschiedenis der Christelijke Kerk, door Profs. De Groot, Ter Haar, Kist, Moll, etc., 5, 34. (J. P.W.)