[A French-Dutch Reformed Huguenot Leidenian Divine]

Lucas Trelcatius, Sr. (1542–1602), born at Atrecht (Arras) in the year of our Lord 1542, proved himself a faithful steward in the Lord’s vineyard during an age of great tribulation and light. Descended of French stock, amidst the afflictions attending the Church of God in the Netherlands, he was nurtured in the bosom of Rome yet, by the singular mercy of divine providence, was awakened to the purity of the Evangelical truth. Fleeing the errors and superstition of Popery, Trelcatius sought the company of those who, in Geneva and throughout the Reformed Churches, followed the pure doctrine of Christ. Instructed at Douai in humane and theological learning, he embraced the Reformed faith and thereafter devoted his gifts to the edification of Christ’s flock, ministering to French and Dutch congregations in exile—especially in London and the Low Countries. In the year 1587, he was called to serve as Professor Primarius at the illustrious Academy of Leiden, wherein he expounded Holy Scripture and delivered the Institutes of Sacred Theology with singular diligence and orthodoxy, contending earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints. Trelcatius was a most prudent and learned divine, well-versed in the Holy Fathers and the method of the scholastic doctors, but always subjecting all to the judgment of God’s Word. His Institutio Theologicae and other writings served as lamps for the feet of many, defending sound doctrine against Papists and the rising errors of Arminianism. In life and doctrine he adorned the Gospel, training ministers after the godly pattern. Called to his reward in 1602, he left behind a legacy of steadfastness, learned labors, and a son, Lucas Jr., to carry forth the testimony of the Reformed faith.

Lucas Trelcatius, Sr. (1542–1602), born at Atrecht (Arras) in the year of our Lord 1542, proved himself a faithful steward in the Lord’s vineyard during an age of great tribulation and light. Descended of French stock, amidst the afflictions attending the Church of God in the Netherlands, he was nurtured in the bosom of Rome yet, by the singular mercy of divine providence, was awakened to the purity of the Evangelical truth. Fleeing the errors and superstition of Popery, Trelcatius sought the company of those who, in Geneva and throughout the Reformed Churches, followed the pure doctrine of Christ. Instructed at Douai in humane and theological learning, he embraced the Reformed faith and thereafter devoted his gifts to the edification of Christ’s flock, ministering to French and Dutch congregations in exile—especially in London and the Low Countries. In the year 1587, he was called to serve as Professor Primarius at the illustrious Academy of Leiden, wherein he expounded Holy Scripture and delivered the Institutes of Sacred Theology with singular diligence and orthodoxy, contending earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints. Trelcatius was a most prudent and learned divine, well-versed in the Holy Fathers and the method of the scholastic doctors, but always subjecting all to the judgment of God’s Word. His Institutio Theologicae and other writings served as lamps for the feet of many, defending sound doctrine against Papists and the rising errors of Arminianism. In life and doctrine he adorned the Gospel, training ministers after the godly pattern. Called to his reward in 1602, he left behind a legacy of steadfastness, learned labors, and a son, Lucas Jr., to carry forth the testimony of the Reformed faith.

HIS WORKS:

Dogmatical Theology:

All Theological Minor Works; (Leiden: Joannes Orlers & Joannes Maire; Available at Amsterdam, from Henricus Laurentius, 1614)