Lavater, Johann Caspar—1741-1801—minister in his native town, Zuric; who, with many infirmities and peculiarities, was an active and sincere Christian, and a talented orator, writer, and sacred poet. He died, after having performed the most blessed actions, and having been tried with many afflicitons, which he bore with piety and constancy, in consequence of a fatal shot, which a French soldier maliciously aimed at him, after the storming of Zuric in 1799, as he was consoling and administering to the wants of the sufferers, in the streets. His hymns are numerous, and have been repeatedly printed.
Luther, Doctor Martin—1483-1546—born at Eisleben—the bold and uncompromising Reformer, whose simple yet vigorous hymns, full of evangelical doctrine, (for many of which he himself composed the tunes), found their way to the hearts of his countrymen; and had, perhaps, as much influence as his polemical writings in furthering the great work of the Reformation.
Meyfart, Johann Matthias—1590-1642—born at Wahlwinkel in the Duchy of Gotha, a learned and talented theologian. His hymn “Jerusalem, du hochgebaute Stadt,” in point of simplicity and sweetness has few equals.
Neuss, Heinrich Georg—1664-1716—native of Elbingerode, superintendent[2] at Wernigerode. He published one hundred and thirty-four hymns in his “Hebopfer,” (heave-offering).
[2]That is, in the Lutheran Church, one who has the ecclesiastical direction of a certain district.
Nicolai, Philipp—1556-1608—a native of Waldeck, a learned theologian, and a parish priest a Hamburgh. His hymns “Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme,” and “Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern,” with their incomparable tunes, will ever remain favourites with the German nation. The latter was, in earlier times, almost always sung at weddings, especially of the country people.
Oswald, Heinrich Siegmund—privy-counsellor at Breslau, who published, in 1793, “Gedichte und Lieder fürs Herz!” He lived to a great age. From the “Schwanen-lieder,” (swan’s songs) of this venerable old man, is taken “Wem in Leidenstagen.”
Rambach, Johann—1693-1735—born at Halle, professor and superintendent at Giessen, a learned and truly pious man. His hymns combine the simplicity of the old with the fervour of the later school. They formed a much needed counterpoise to the preponderance of most hymn-writers of his day to sentimental and egotistic effusions.
Richter, Christian Friedrich—1676-1711—a distinguished and pious physician of Soran, in Lower Lusatia; he died in the prime of life, as he had himself predicted, while physician in the Orphan Asylum at Halle.
Rinckart, Martin—1585-1649—a Saxon of Eilenburg in Misnia, where he was an archdeacon. His hymn “Nun danket alle Gott,” with the fine tune appropriated to it, has been called the national Te Deum of Germany.