The Christian's Reasonable Service

by Wilhelmus à Brakel

First published in 1700, The Christian’s Reasonable Service (De Redelijke Godsdienst) ran through twenty Dutch editions in the eighteenth century alone! The title is derived from Romans 12:1, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” It expresses what God requires from man, and particularly from the Christian, that he serve Him in Spirit and in truth—intelligently, rationally, and in harmony with and response to God’s revelation of Himself, His Word. With a decidedly Puritan flavor and representing Reformed experiential religion at its best, Wilhelmus à Brakel systematically moves through the major doctrines of the Bible in hopes of seeing the minds of God’s people renewed for the purpose of promoting godliness. Throughout his work, but particularly in the practical application of each doctrine, à Brakel strives unceasingly to exalt the name of Jesus as the name that the Father has given above every other name—there being no other name given under heaven among men whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12).

Author Wilhelmus à Brakel was born on January 2, 1635 in Leeuwarden, the Netherlands. He studied theology at the universities in Franeker and Utrecht and was particularly influenced by his mentor, Gisbertus Voetius. He served four congregations in his native province of Friesland: Exmorra (1662–1665), Stavoren (1665–1670), Harlingen (1670–1673), and his birthplace, Friesland’s capital, Leeuwarden (1673–1683). His Friesland period, however, proved to be a preparation for the great task the Lord had laid away for him in Rotterdam—his final and longest pastorate (1683–1711). After a fruitful ministry of forty-nine years, it pleased the Lord to take this eminent divine—affectionately referred to by the godly as “Father Brakel”—home to Himself in 1711 at the age of seventy-six, to receive the reward of a faithful servant.

Endorsements “Wilhelmus à Brakel’s The Christian's Reasonable Service is a tremendously insightful work that showcases the marriage between scholastic precision and a warm pastoral piety. À Brakel not only challenges the mind as he plumbs the depths of the teachings of Scripture, but he also challenges the heart as readers must grapple with the truth and its implications for their growth in grace. Not only can historians read à Brakel to learn about historic Reformed theology, but scholars, pastors, and laymen can all benefit from a close reading of these wonderful volumes.” — J. V. Fesko, Academic Dean and Associate Professor of Systematic Theology, Westminster Seminary California

“With its fine balance of Reformed doctrinal statement and application to Christian life and personal piety, à Brakel’s Christian’s Reasonable Service provides a superb illustration of the theological project associated with the late seventeenth century development of the Dutch Nadere Reformatie, or ‘Further Reformation.’ Although it abounds in sound definition and detailed exposition, this vernacular theology was intended not for the academic setting but for the purpose of educating the laity in both faith and practice. It remains a significant study in Reformed theology even as it exemplifies the true sense of the old Reformed maxim, Ecclesia reformata semper reformanda—namely, that the doctrine of the church has been reformed but the life of the Christian is always to be reformed, guided by the teachings of the Reformation. The Elshout translation beautifully conveys the sense and the spirit of à Brakel’s work.” — Richard A. Muller, P. J. Zondervan Professor of Historical Theology, Calvin Theological Seminary

Genres: Theology, Reference

2704 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1981

Reviews

[Scott Head · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wilhelmus à Brakel's opus is a treasure. Only recently translated into English, this Dutch reformed work has been a beloved and popular work for decades. à Brakel's work is systematic, but its not really a systematic theology. Its very thorough yet accessible, and what I love most is that it is warm and pastoral. I had read of this trait, and found it to be true. The fatherly care of à Brakel comes across well and endears the reader, making this large four-volume set less intimidating to the causal reader and more beloved by all. As a particular Baptist, I would of course, take issue and have differences of conviction regarding several doctrines of the Continental Reformed tradition (view of covenant continuity, its resulting practices like paedobaptism, polity, etc.), but as reformed folk, our similarities are much more significant. I have found à Brakel's work to be among the most useful theology references in my library.

[Ryan Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This four volume systematic theology was written my Dutch Second Reformation era pastor and theologian Wilhemus a Brakel and edited by Joel Beeke. A Brakel’s magnum opus was intended for lay people, as was much of Dutch Second Reformation books, and includes practical applications of each doctrine explained. A Brakel was aware that his writing would be read by people in a variety of spiritual states and regularly includes sections addressing the unconverted, those backslidden spiritually, and encouragement for mature believers. A Brakel also defends his views against others of his day including the Socinians, Labadists, Anabaptists, Lutherans, and Catholics. Specific doctrines a Brakel defends include postmillenialism and a future conversion of the Jews, the civil magistrate protecting the church, exclusive psalmody, and young earth creationism. One of the more peculiar doctrines staunchly defended by a Brakel was geocentricism: which was common in his time and also defended by Calvin before him. The original 1700 version also includes a Brakel’s commentary on the book of Revelation but the commentary was left out of the English translation. I may not agree with every jot and tittle of The Christians Reasonable Service but overall it is a great readable and edifying resource to have. A free pdf version can be found here: https://www.monergism.com/blog/christ...

[Luke Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

My initial impression of à Brakel was based on his scant remarks on original righteousness. Since then my appreciation for his work has immensely grown with each and every reading. His development of other topics is more thorough than almost anyone else I have read, and in everything, he is concerned to go beyond precise definition to how the Christian should apply the truth of God's Word to their lives.

[Jake · Rating 5 out of 5]

I heard of a tradition that saints of the past did with their morning routine. They read Wilhelmus Brakel each morning. The past few months, I enjoyed "Brakel for breakfast" each morning as well. A great way to start the day!

[An Ngo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Among all callings there is none so holy, excellent, necessary, and profitable as the office of shepherd and teacher in the church. Whomever God calls, qualifies, and renders faithful to be a minister of the New Testament is a marvel in this world. He is an instrument in the hand of God to save lost souls, to gather and edify God’s church, thereby encouraging the church to promote God’s glory upon earth.

An unqualified minister is the most despicable and harmful creature to be found in the world. He is a disgrace to the church, a stumbling block whereby many fall into eternal perdition, and the cause of the damnation of many souls.

A faithful servant of Christ, on the contrary, is an ornament in the house of his God, a light upon a candlestick, a city upon a hill, a leader of the blind, a terror to the ungodly, a joy to the godly, a comforter for the sorrowful, a counselor for those who are perplexed, and a guide for believers on the way to heaven. His life generally is of short duration, during which his preaching reaches but a few and he himself is consumed while illuminating others. The loss of a minister who is endowed with grace is inestimable.

Wilhelmus à Brakel. The Christian’s Reasonable Service.

[Andrew Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

By far, the most experimental of my Systematics. Brakel consistently brings the doctrine around to exhortation and aims it directly at his readers.

There was a time in better days when it was customary for every household in the Netherlands to sit down after dinner to read and discuss a page or two of this work as part of family worship. If only we had such a widespread saintly practice today!

Edit: Let me add one more thought. For those of you who desire their study of theology to be both more practical and experiential, this the systematic set for you.

[Andreas Jongeneel]

Alles op het laatste gedeelte, het commentaar op Openbadingen. Een degelijk werk dat nog steeds bruikbaar is in deze tijd, alleen is het nodig geconcentreerd te lezen vanwege de taal en opmaak.