Pictet, Benedict
(1655-1724), Swiss Reformed theologian
Benedict Pictet was born on May 30, 1655 in an ancient family of Geneva, a son of the senator and councillor (syndicus) Andreas Pictet. He was educated by his uncle on his mother's side, François Turrettini (1623-1687), then at the age of 20 he travelled, with the later Geneva professor Antoine Léger (1652-1719) throughout France, the Netherlands and England. He graduated in Leiden, under the chairmanship of Friedrich Spanheim (1632-1701). After returning home he became preacher in Geneva. In 1686 he followed his uncle in the office of professor of theology, and from 1710 he was also the pastor of the Italian community. He became a member of the English Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in 1706, and of the Society of Science of Berlin in 1714. He died on June 10, 1724. His most important works are: Traité contre l'indifference des religions, Neuchâtel, 1692. Genf, 1716. – La morale chrétienne, ou l'art de bien vivre. Genf, 1693, 1696. 8 tom. – De consensu, ac dissensu inter reformatos, & Augustanae confessionis fratres, dissertatio. Amsterdam, 1697. – Medulla theologiae christianae didacticae et elenchticae. Genf, 1711. – Medulla ethicae christianae. Genf, 1711. 1712. – Of his work Dissertation sur les temples, leur dedicace et plusieurs choses qu'on y voit (Genf, 1716) our Library keeps a unique copy provided with thick handwritten annotations by the author himself, probably prepared for a never realised second edition.
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PICTET, ptꦣ39;, BENEDICT: Swiss Reformed; b. at Geneva May 30, 1655; d. there June 10, 1724. After receiving his education in the university of his native city, he made an extensive tour of Europe, after which he assumed pastoral duties at Geneva, and in 1686 was appointed professor of theology. In the domain of systematic theology, Pictet published two great works: Theologia Christiana (3 vols., Geneva, 1696; Eng. transl., Christian Theology, London, 1834) and Morale chrétienne (2 vols., 1692), in which he sought to revive the old and somewhat stagnating orthodox theology, though he was unable to prevent the Genevan "Company of
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Pastors" from adopting a new formula of subscription in 1706. Pictet also distinguished himself as Christian poet, his hymns soon becoming popular conjointly with the Psalms, and some of them still being found in French hymnals. Mention should likewise be made of Pictet's Huit sermons sur l'examen des religions (3d ed., Geneva, 1716; Eng. transl., True and False Religion examined; the Christian Religion defended; and the Protestant Reformation vindicated, Edinburgh, 1797) and of his Dialogue entre un catholique et un protestant (1713; Eng. transl., Romanist Conversations, London, 1826).
EUGENE CHOISY.


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1. Christians, sing out with exultation
And praise your Benefactor's name!
Today the Author of salvation,
The Father's Well-beloved, came.
Of undefiled virgin mother
An Infant, all divine, was born,
And God Himself became your Brother
Upon this happy Christmas morn.

2. In Him eternal might and power
To human weakness hath inclined;
And this poor Child brings richest dower
Of gifts and graces to mankind.
While here His majesty disguising,
A servant's form the Master wears,
Behold the beams of glory rising
E'en from His poverty and tears.

3. A stable serves Him for a dwelling
And for a bed a manger mean;
Yet o'er His head, His advent telling,
A new and wondrous star is seen.
Angels rehearse to men the story,
The joyful story, of His birth;
To Him they raise the anthem -- "Glory
To God on high and peace on earth!"

4. For through this holy incarnation
The primal curse is done away;
And blessed peace o'er all creation
Hath shed its pure and gentle ray.
Then, in that heavenly concert joining,
0 Christian men, with one accord,
Your voices tunefully combining,
Salute the birthday of your Lord.

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Notes:
Hymn #100 from _The Handbook to the Lutheran Hymnal_
Text: I John 4:2
Author: Benedict Pictet, 1705, ab.
Translated by: Henry L. Jenner, 1886
Titled: "Faisons eclater notre joie"
Composer: Louis Bourgeois, 1544
Tune: "Navarre"

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Chris Rhoades -33
Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church (PCA) Nashville, TN-Under Care

Vera theologia non theoretica, sed practica est; Finis siquidem eius agere est hoc est vitam vivere deiformem. - Martin Bucer
""True theology is not theoretical, but practical. The end of it is living, that is to live a godly life."