Groen Van Prinsterer - His Life and Work

For Groen van Prinsterer, the study of history was a matter of great importance as well as practical usefulness. “In the past lies the present,” as Bilderdijk had said, giving voice to a common notion of the time that was also warmly affirmed by Groen. The study of history is a means of getting to know one’s own time; it is a school for everyone who wants to become familiar with the processes and structures of human affairs. It also helps one to gain insight into the power of evil and the limits to what man can do. But besides these practical lessons, the study of history in particular had religious value for Groen. History realizes God’s plan with the world. He guides earthly events to their appointed end, and along the way He does not withhold trials and hardship from his children. He also punishes those who go their own way—for those who depart from God can expect griefs and sorrows. History, therefore, is the story of God’s guidance of and God’s involvement with humankind; it is the confirmation of the promises and threats which Revelation has attached to God’s covenant with man.

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