Abstract

RAATH, A.W.G.. Reformed Pietism, Hieronymus van Alphen and the heavenly quest in Susanna Smit's spiritual diaries. Koers (Online) [online]. 2017, vol.82, n.1, pp.1-14. ISSN 2304-8557.  https://doi.org/10.19108/koers.82.1.2289.

Hieronymus van Alphen's pious poetry saw the light at a time Dutch pietism had reached its zenith. Van Alphen's poetry comprises both poetic literature and hymns. Acting as co-author with Pieter Leonard van de Kasteele, Van Alphen was responsible for Proeve van stichtelijke mengel-poesij [Proofs of pious mixed poems] (1771). This source had a warm reception in religious circles at the Cape. His Proeve van stichtelijke gesangen [Proofs of pious hymns] (1802) had a similar impact in Holland and in Cape Reformed circles. Both works played a significant role in the Voortrekker woman Susanna Smit's religious mentality profile, particularly the quest to be united with Jesus in heaven served as a significant point of reference in Susanna's spirituality. In this essay the impact of Van Alphen's pietistic poetry in Susanna's religious diaries and the effects thereof on her religious mentality profile are investigated

Keywords : Hieronymus van Alphen; mysticism; poems; Pietism; Susanna Smit.

        · abstract in Dutch     · text in Afrikaans     · Afrikaans ( pdf )