View source for Austro-Sylvius, Petrus Jakobus (d. 1647)

Petrus Jakobus Austro-Sylvius (in Dutch, P. J. Semmes van Suyderwoude) studied theology at the University of Leiden and was afterwards a Reformed pastor at Hoogcarspel, Wijdenes and Venhuizen, all three in the Dutch province of [[North Holland (Netherlands)|North Holland]]. Among his numerous writings one book is important for Mennonite history: <em>Grondige ende clare vertooninghe van het onderscheydt in de voornaemste hooftstucken der Christelijcke religie tusschen de Gereformeerde ende de Wederdooperen </em>(Enckhuizen, 1637, second edition 1647) (<em>Thorough and distinct indication of the differences in the principal points of the Christian religion between the Reformed and the Mennonites</em>).

The motive of this book was as follows: at the (Reformed) synod of North Holland the "blasphemous teachings" of [[Outerman, Jacques (ca. 1547-ca. 1639)|Jacques Outerman]] were brought up for discussion. The synod was of the opinion that those teachings "and the other errors of the Mennonites" should be refuted and charged Austro-Sylvius with the task. When the work made little progress and the author complained that the charge was too difficult for him, the synod decided that [[Doreslaer, Abraham à, (d. 1655)|Abraham à Doreslaer]] should assist him.
= Bibliography =
Visscher, H. and L. A. van Langeraad. <em>Het protestantsche vaderland: biographisch woordenboek van protestantsche godgeleerden in Nederland, </em>8 vols. Utrecht, 1903-1918: v. I, 270-274.
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