ELH Biographies & Sources ABCD

Evangelical Lutheran Hymnary Handbook

— Biographies and Sources —

150 Psalms of David, Edinburgh, 1615

363. DUNDEE

A Student’s Hymnal, 1923

setting: 103. ES FLOG EIN KLEINS WALDVÖGELEIN

Aaberg, Jens Christian, 1877-1970

Aaberg, author of Hymns and Hymnwriters of Denmark, 1945, and editor of Favored Hymns and Songs, 1961, translated some eighty hymns and songs from Danish and served on the committees which compiled the American Lutheran Hymnal, 1930; the Hymnal for Church and Home, 1927; the Junior Hymnal for Church and Home, 1932; and the revised Hymnal for Church and Home, 1928. Born November 8, 1877, in Moberg on the West coast of Denmark, he came to the United States in 1901. He went to Minneapolis, Minnesota, to join his brother who was then studying for the ministry at Augsburg College and Seminary. After attending St. Ansgar’s College, and Grand View College and Seminary in Des Moines, Iowa, 1904-1908, he was ordained to the ministry of the Danish Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. His first call was to Marinette, Wisconsin, after which he was pastor from 1912 to 1926 of St. Peder’s Lutheran Church, Dwight, Illinois. From 1926 until his retirement in 1946 he served in Minneapolis. He held various offices throughout the synod, and in 1947 received the Knight Cross of Denmark from King Frederick. In 1908 he was married to Elsie Cathrine Raun. He died June 22, 1970. [© Hymnal Companion to the Lutheran Book of Worship]

229. By Faith We Are Divinely Sure (Tr.)

243. The Power of Sin No Longer (Tr.)

529. Vain World, Now Farewell (Tr.)

Adam of St. Victor, d. 1172

ADAM OF ST. VICTOR. Although Adam of St. Victor was one of the most prolific of the Latin hymnists of the Middle Ages, very little is known of him. He is called “Brito” by those nearest his own epoch; but whether this indicates “Britain” or “Brittany” is uncertain. Adam was educated at Paris, and about 1130, when still quite a young man, he became a monk in the Abbey of St. Victor. The abbey was then in the suburbs, but afterwards, through the growth of Paris, it was included within the walls of that city. In this abbey, which was celebrated as a school of theology, Adam passed the whole rest of his life.—Adam of St. Victor had a facile pen and spent his life in study and authorship. It is quite probable that he was the author of many more than the numerous hymns and sequences which are definitely known to be his. He was the author of several prose works as well. His sequences, which were in manuscript, were destroyed at the dissolution of the Abbey of St. Victor in the Revolution, but 37 of them had already found their way into general circulation. These were published by Clichtoveus, a Roman Catholic theologian of the first half of the 16th century in his Elucidatorium Ecclesiasticum. Of the rest of the 106 hymns and sequences of his that we possess, the largest part—some 47 remaining unpublished—were removed to the National Library in the Louvre at Paris on the destruction of the abbey. There they were discovered by M. Leon Gautier, the editor of the first complete edition of them, Paris, 1858. Archbishop Trench, who published a selection of his poems in his Sacred Latin Poetry, says that Adam of St. Victor was “the foremost among the sacred poets of the Middle Ages.” [Handbook to the Lutheran Hymnal]

411. Christians, come in sweetest measures

Agricola, Johannes, 1494-1566

Johann Agricola (Johannes Eisleben) was born April 20, 1492, in Eisleben, where his father was employed as a tailor. At an early age he was sent to school at Brunswick. In 1515 he came to Wittenberg and was received by Luther, who became interested in the talented young man. He spent several years in Wittenberg and was admitted into the household of Luther, who also secured for him a teaching position at the university. He instructed a class in religion, for which purpose he prepared a catechism. In 1519 he accompanied Luther to the disputation with Dr. Eck at Leipzig, and it is claimed that Agricola was appointed to record the proceedings at this meeting. The same year he and Melanchthon received the degree of baccalaureus Bibliae at the University of Wittenberg. He was married in 1520 at Wittenberg. Luther, Melanchthon and other reformers were present at the wedding.

After ten years of service in Wittenberg, he was, through Luther’s influence, in 1525, given the position of rector of the school in Eisleben, an institution lately established by Count Albrecht of Mecklenburg. In connection with this position he should also serve as preacher and pastor of the church of St. Nicholas in Eisleben, and here he gathered a faithful congregation. He was, however, not content with his position at the school, and in 1526 he applied for a professorship at the university. But Melanchthon was chosen in preference to Agricola. Agricola was deeply offended. He was not only disposed to be irritable and vain, but overestimated his own importance.

His activity and behavior in later years was not altogether praiseworthy. It soon became apparent that he nourished a grudge against Melanchthon. The fact of the matter was, that Melanchthon and Luther had for some time observed with anxiety that as the Reformation progressed, many became followers for the simple reason that they wished to join the popular movement, and not out of personal conviction from the Word of God. Indeed, many preachers proclaimed salvation through faith alone, but this was often received as a mere external adherence to Reformation ideas, without particularly affecting the life of the people. Melanchthon, accordingly, issued a circular letter wherein he admonished the Lutheran preachers not only to preach on faith, but also to encourage people to the confession of sin, repentance, and conversion, and to dwell upon the commandments of the Law. The same thoughts were repeated in his articles of visitation in Saxony. Agricola criticized these very severely, and, at the same time, directed a violent accusation against Melanchthon personally, charging him with abandoning the doctrine of justification by faith alone, and that Melanchthon was influenced again by the doctrine of the “work-righteousness” of Catholicism. Luther sought to put an end to this controversy and at the meeting in Torgau silenced Agricola. There is very little information in regard to Agricola’s activity during the next few years, except that he fell out with Duke Albrecht and was dismissed by him July 27, 1536. Even the same day Agricola went to Wittenberg, where Luther, thinking that he had bettered his ways, received him and his family into his household, and called him into consultation on the Smalcald Articles. More over, the elector promised him an annual allowance for delivering certain lectures at the university.

But in 1537 Agricola appeared in public with his perverted doctrine on the Law and thereby began the Antinomian controversy. Luther conducted five disputations with him, 1537-38, and forced him to retract his false teachings, and Luther was authorized to draw up the statement of retraction for Agricola to sign. While this was going on he learned that Luther had censured him in a private letter to a friend, and in 1540 Agricola sent a complaint against Luther to the elector. The proceedings took a sad turn for Agricola, who was arrested and set free only upon the promise that he would not leave Wittenberg until the case had been tried and settled. Despite his promise he slipped away and came to Berlin. The elector Joachim II became his protector, appointed Agricola court preacher, and later superintendent.

From that time on Agricola opposed Luther and the other reformers, and later became the leader in the preparation and carrying out of the Augsburg Interim, which was chiefly a compromise between Catholicism and the Reformation and a denial of the fundamental principles of the Reformation. For this Agricola of course incurred the displeasure of the reformers. He died September, 1566. (H. Nutzhorn, from Herzog and Plitt). [Dahle, Library of Christian Hymns]

255. Lord, Hear the Voice of My Complaint

Ahle, Johann Rudolph, 1625-73

Johann Rudolph Ahle was born December 24, 1625, at Mühlhausen, Thuringia. He was educated at the universities of Göttingen and Erfurt. He was elected cantor at St. Andreas’s Church and director of the music school at Erfurt in 1646. Eight years later he was given the lucrative post as organist at St. Blasius’s Church, Mühlhausen, to succeed Johann Vockerrodt. In this town he became an influential citizen. He was elected to the town council in 1656 and made mayor in 1661. He died on July 8, 1673. — Ahle was a well-educated German organist and composer. While at Erfurt he became known as one of the most radical reformers of church music. He originated the “sacred aria.” He wrote over 400 spiritual songs for the different Sundays, festivals, and other special days in the calendar. Although florid writing was in vogue at the time, Ahle avoided polyphonic counterpoint and confined himself to the simple chorale style. Many songs of his are still popular in Protestant churches in England and America. Ahle’s son, Johann Georg Ahle, was also a composer of hymns and poet laureate to Emperor Leopold I. Ahle’s works include Compendium pro tonellis, 1648, a treatise on singing, and Neue Geistliche Arien, etc. [Handbook to the Lutheran Hymnal]

1, 220, 244. LIEBSTER JESU (DESSAU)

Albert, Heinrich, 1604-51

Heinrich Albert (Alberti) was born in Lobenstein, Germany, June 28, 1604. He studied jurisprudence in Leipzig, but later went to Dresden and studied music under his uncle, the noted Heinrich Schütz, “kapellmeister” at the court of Dresden. In 1626 he came to Königsberg, where he was appointed organist of the cathedral church in 1631. He was generally recognized and honored both as a poet and as a musician. He died in Königsberg, October 6, 1651. In his above mentioned publication are found 74 spiritual songs, 118 other poems, and 78 sacred melodies. [Dahle, Library of Christian Hymns]

Heinrich Albert was born at Lobenstein, Voigtland, June 28, 1604. He intended to study law at Leipzig, but devoted himself entirely to music, studying under his uncle, Heinrich Schütz, the Court Capellmeister at Dresden, later also under Johann Stobäus. In 1631 he was appointed organist of the Cathedral at Königsberg in Prussia, whither he had gone in 1626. In 1636 he became a member of the Poetical Union of that city, together with Dach, Roberthin, and nine others. He died October 6, 1651. His hymns appeared in his Arien, etliche theils geistliche, theils weltliche, etc., published first in eight parts (1638–1650), then in collected form, Königsberg, 1652. [Handbook to the Lutheran Hymnal]

77. God, who madest earth and heaven

77. GOTT DER ERDEN UND DES HIMMELS

Albinus, Johann Georg, 1624-79

Johann Georg Albinus, the oldest son of Zacharias Albinus, a pastor in Unter-Nessa, near Weissenfels, was born March 6, 1624. After the death of his father he was adopted by his cousin Lucas Pollio, a deacon of St. Nicholas’ church in Leipzig. After the latter’s death the court preacher, Sebastian Mitternacht of Naumburg, took care of him until he began his studies at the University of Leipzig, in 1645. During his eight years of study here he served as tutor in the home of Dr. F. Kühlwein, the mayor of the city. In 1653 he was called to become rector of the cathedral school in Naumburg. He held this position until the year 1657, when he became the pastor of St. Othmar’s church in the same city. Albinus was an industrious and devout pastor, but he was subjected to many difficulties on account of his physical weakness and because of the troubles within his church. On Sunday, May 25, 1679, he quietly passed away.

During his student days he was well known as a poet, and in 1654 became a member of the Fruitbearing Society. He wrote several hymns marked by their religious depth and harmony with the doctrine of Scripture. [Dahle, Library of Christian Hymns]

ALBINUS, JOHANN GEORG, eldest son of Zacharias Albinus, a pastor, was born at Unter-Nessa, near Weissenfels, Saxony, March 6, 1624. After his father’s death, in 1635, he was adopted by a cousin, in 1638. This cousin was Lucas Pollio, diaconus at St. Nicholas Church in Leipzig. When Pollio died in 1643, the court preacher, Sebastian Mitternacht of Naumburg, took an interest in Albinus, who remained with him until he entered the University of Leipzig in 1645. While there, he became the house tutor to the burgomaster, Dr. Friedrich Kühlwein, and was later, in 1653, appointed rector of the Cathedral School at Naumburg. Four years later he resigned and became the pastor of St. Othmar’s Church in the same city. He was a zealous pastor, seeking ever “the glory of God, the edification of the church, and the everlasting salvation, well-being and happiness of his hearers.” He died on Rogate Sunday, May 25, 1679. As poet he was, says Koch, “distinguished by ease of style, force of expression, and liveliness of fancy, and his manner of thought was Scriptural and pervaded by deep religious spirit.” [Handbook to the Lutheran Hymnal]

454. Not in Anger, Mighty God

472. All men living are but mortal

Albrecht von Brandenburg, 1522-77

Albrecht von Brandenburg was born at Ansbach on March 28, 1522. He was the son of Casimir, Margrave of Brandenburg-Culmbach in Lower Franconia. He was well educated by his uncle, Georg of Brandenburg. Later he became a soldier and was known as the “German Alcibiades.” Albrecht accompanied Charles V to his French War in 1544 and against the Smalkald Evangelical Union in 1546. In 1552 he joined the princes against the Emperor. Albrecht met Moritz of Saxony in the Battle of Lüneburg, July 9, 1553, at Sievershausen and was defeated. He met him again on June 13, 1554, at Brunswick and finally on June 13 at Eulenberg. Albrecht escaped to France with sixteen followers. He acknowledged God’s direction in his troubles and repented of his former errors. He returned to Regensburg and died at Pforzheim, repentant and firm in the faith, on January 8, 1557. [Handbook to the Lutheran Hymnal]

477. The will of God is always best

Alderson, Eliza Sibbald (Dykes), 1818-89

Eliza Sibbald Alderson, sister of the famous Rev. J. B. Dykes, was born at Hull, August 16, 1818. In 1850 she was married to Rev. Mr. Alderson, chaplain to the West Riding House of Correction, Wakefield, 1833 to 1876. Her gift of poetry was secretly and carefully cultivated from early days, and she began when a young girl to write hymns for Sunday school festivals and missionary meetings in connection with St. John’s Church, Hull, where her grandfather, Rev. Thomas Dykes, was the vicar; but these early hymns are lost. Though she wrote many hymns, only 12 have been published, Twelve Hymns, by E. S. Alderson, neither date nor publisher’s name. For the last two or three years of her life she was an invalid, and died after much suffering at Heath, near Wakefield, March 18, 1889. (Hymns Ancient and Modern, His. Ed.) [Dahle, Library of Christian Hymns]

ALDERSON, ELIZA SIBBALD (DYKES) was the granddaughter of the Rev. Thomas Dykes of Hull and a sister of Dr. John B. Dykes. She was born in 1818, and in 1850 was married to Rev. W. T. Alderson, sometime chaplain to the West Riding Home of Correction, Wakefield, 1832–1876. She died in 1889 and was buried at Kirkthorpe. [Handbook to the Lutheran Hymnal]

459 Lord of Glory, who hast bought us

Alexander, Cecil Frances (Humphreys), 1823-95

ALEXANDER, CECIL FRANCES (HUMPHREYS), the daughter of Major John Humphreys, was born in Ireland, 1823. In 1850 she married the Rt. Rev. Wm. Alexander, Bishop of Derry and Raphoe. She wrote The Burial of Moses, which Lord Houghton called the finest sacred lyric in the English language. She was the author of several books of poetry, among them: Verses for Holy Seasons, 1846; Hymns Descriptive and Devotional, 1858; and The Legend of the Golden Prayers, 1859. She died at Londonderry, October 12, 1895. Mrs. Alexander was the author of many hymns, several of which have been widely used, e. g., There is a green hill far away. [Handbook to the Lutheran Hymnal]

139. Once in royal David’s city.

Alford, Henry, 1810-71

Henry Alford, D. D., was born in London, Oct. 7, 1810, and educated at Ilminster Grammar School and at Trinity College, Cambridge, of which he became a Fellow in 1834. In 1857 he was appointed Dean of Canterbury. He died January 12, 1871, and was buried in the church yard of St. Martins. His tomb bears the beautiful inscription, in Latin: “The Inn of a Traveller on his Way to Jerusalem.” His hymnological and poetical works were numerous. [Dahle, Library of Christian Hymns]

ALFORD, HENRY, the son of the Rev. Henry Alford, Rector of Aston Sandford, was born in London, October 7, 1810. He attended Trinity College, Cambridge, where he was graduated with honors in 1832. Principal among his many positions and attainments are: a Fellow of Trinity, Hulsean Lecturer (1841—42), and Dean of Canterbury (1857–1871). While still very young, he wrote several Latin odes, a history of the Jews, and a series of homiletic outlines. Perhaps his noblest undertaking was his edition of the Greek Testament, the result of twenty years’ labor. This book, which was the standard critical commentary in England of the later 19th century and philological rather than theological in character, introduced in comprehensive fashion the treasures of German linguistic and exegetic studies to those unfamiliar with German. He was a member of the New Testament Revision Committee. The Contemporary Review was his creation and was edited by him for a time. His hymnological and poetical works were numerous and included the compiling of collections, the composition of original hymns, and translations from other languages. As a hymn-writer he added little to his literary reputation. The rhythm of his hymns is musical. The poetry is characterized not so much by depth or originality as by freedom from affectation, obscurity, or bombast. His hymns are evangelical in their teaching but somewhat cold and conventional. Though not a sacramentarian, his views and hymns were distinctively liturgical. [Handbook to the Lutheran Hymnal]

461 Come, ye thankful people, come

557 Ten thousand times ten thousand

Allen, F. D., New York Selections, 1822

249

Alte Catholische Kirchengeseng, Köln, 1599

113

Altenburg, Johann Michael, 1584-1640

Johann Michael Altenburg was born 1584, in Alach, near Erfurt. Having concluded his studies he was made teacher and precentor in Erfurt. In 1608 he became pastor of Ilversgehofen and Morbach; in 1611 in Trochtelborn; in 1620 in Gross-Sommern. All these places are in the neighborhood of Erfurt. During the war he fled to Erfurt. While there he heard the news of the victory at Leipzig September 7, 1631, and wrote this hymn, which is his best known production. In 1637 he became deacon of the church of St. Augustine, and the following year, pastor of St. Andrews of Erfurt, where he died, 1640. Altenburg was also a musician and composer. Landstad’s Hymnary does not contain Altenburg’s hymn, but it has been entered into the supplement to the American edition. It has been translated by Fr. Hammerich, a Danish professor, who died 1877. This fine Norwegian translation is found in Hauge’s Hymnal, in the hymn book of the former Norwegian Synod, and in Gustav Jensen’s Utkast til revideret salmebok for den norske kirke. The melody was originally used for a folksong: “Was wölln wir aber heben an.” As a hymn tune it was used for the first time in connection with a German hymn: Ain schöns neues christlichs lyed; item die, Zehen Gebot Gottes, 1530 (Nutzhorn). It has always been connected with the hymn, “Kommt her zu mir, spricht Gottes Sohn.” (Kom hid til mig enhver især, Landst. 576). The melody has found a place in nearly all the hymnals of the Northern countries. [Dahle, Library of Christian Hymns]

ALTENBURG, JOHANN MICHAEL was born at Alach, near Erfurt, on Trinity Sunday, 1584. Educated at Erfurt, he was for some time teacher and precentor there. His pastoral charges included Ilversgehofen and Marbach, 1608, Trochtelborn, 1611, and Gross-Sommern, near Erfurt, in 1621. Here in Gross-Sommern this “devout, exemplary, and ingenious preacher” suffered many hardships during the Thirty Years’ War, which had just broken out. He was continually harassed by troops marching through, pressing the houses into service as their quarters, and plundering at will. At one time he was “host” to no fewer than 300 soldiers and horse. These troublous times finally forced him to flee to Erfurt in 1631 without as much as some bread to eat. Here on the news of the victory of Leipzig, September 17, 1631, and probably stimulated by Gustav Adolf’s password for the battle, he composed his best-known hymn. He retained his residence in Erfurt, where he died February 12, 1640. He was a good musician, composing tunes as well as writing hymns. [Handbook to the Lutheran Hymnal]

375. O little flock, fear not the foe

Ambrose of Milan, 340-397

Ambrose of Milan is named as its author by Fulgentius, bishop of North Africa (d. 533), and also by Bede the Venerable (d. 735) in his Arte Metrica, and by Hincmar (857). The Ambrosian-Benedictian writers consider it genuine. It is named as one of the 12 hymns ascribed to Ambrosius. It was found in a manuscript from about 700 in the British Museum and in a large number of later manuscripts. It is found in almost all the breviaries of the Middle Ages. It has been discussed by Daniel, Mone, Wackernagel, by Cardinal Newman in his Hymni Ecclesiae, and others. It was used at matins and lauds on Mondays by Benedictines and others. There are 25 English translations extant. The version in The Lutheran Hymnary is by J. Chandler and dates from 1837. (For notes on Chandler, see No. 373.)

Ambrose, the famous Church Father (b. 340; d. 397), was educated in the statesmanship of Rome, and in the year 374 he was appointed “consul” of North Italy. In Milan, where he resided, he became a great favorite with the people. Soon after his arrival there the office of bishop became vacant, and he was chosen for this position, in spite of the fact that he was yet an unbaptized catechumen. In this connection an interesting story is told. A violent controversy arose between the Catholics (Niceans) and the Arians concerning the choice of bishop, and Ambrose happened to appear. A little child exclaimed: “Ambrose shall be our bishop!” The assembly joined in the outburst. Ambrose protested against this action, declaring that he could not accept the office and fled from the city during the night but he lost his way and without realizing it, he came back to Milan. This he interpreted as a warning signal from God, and to the great joy of his people he accepted the office of bishop. Having given away his property and accepted Baptism, he now undertook the arduous task of preparing himself for his new duties through intense study. Dr. Olrik claims that Ambrose never became a learned theologian, while the hymnologist, Julian, refers to him as being a very able and prominent theologian. We shall not touch upon this any further, but two episodes in his life should be mentioned, because they throw light upon his position and his personality. When Empress Justina, who favored the Arians, demanded that he should permit them to use the churches, he replied that he dared not turn over to them what God had entrusted to him. When an imperial messenger threatened him with death Ambrose gave him a proud reply. The next year he declined an invitation to come to the court to dispute with the Arians. He replied: “It does not behoove the emperor to be a judge of doctrine, nor the laity to sit in judgment in matters of faith.” Ambrose was fired with zeal in the cause of the ministry of the Church. In his opinion the Church stood infinitely superior to the state. The moral worth of the state was due exclusively to the fact that it was the servant of the Church. The emperor now proceeded to send an army against the church of Ambrose. But the congregation flocked about their beloved bishop who gathered them for prayer and hymn singing. Augustine has pictured the overwhelming effect of the hymn singing on this occasion, and Ambrose himself mentioned this incident in his letters. Even the soldiers outside of the church joined in the song. The court had to yield, and Ambrose remained in power.

A remarkable trait in the character of Ambrose is exhibited by the following incident. Emperor Theodosius had, during a riot in Thessalonica, been guilty of vicious cruelty and unnecessary shedding of blood. Ambrose sent the emperor a strong letter of reprimand and threatened to excommunicate him. When the emperor shortly afterwards came to the cathedral of Milan to take part in the worship, Ambrose met him at the door and denied him the right to enter the church until he had done penance for his crime. “Do you, who have been guilty of shedding innocent blood, dare to enter the sanctuary? Only after having through repentance and penance sought forgiveness and mercy, can you again with the congregation seek the blessing of the Lord and His Church.” The emperor went away, and at the following Christmas, eight months later, he came as a repentant and penitent sinner, returning to the church and was received by the bishop.

Ambrose became the father of hymn singing in the Western Church. His love for church songs was a direct fruit of his intense devotion to his work among his people. He knew nothing more beautiful than the blending of the voices of the congregation m the common song of praise and thanksgiving to God. He succeeded in combining the more melodious Greek song with the more stern form of the Western Church, and by introducing responsive singing he secured the active participation of the people in the worship. This he accomplished by arranging the hymns in various rhythms so that they became better adapted to the needs of the congregation. The effect of this Christian song which with its intense life and steadily increasing power rang out from the Church of Milan, was majestically unique and bore its influence out into wide circles. Ambrose says in one of his sermons: “It has been said that people are carried away through my hymns, and I admit it, because it is actually true.” It will be noticed that this statement strikingly resembles the testimony which was given to Lutheran hymnography at a later date.

Augustine, who with his mother Monica was present in the Church of Milan during the so-called “holy captivity” when many of the glorious hymns of Ambrose to the Trinity were sung, later describes the mighty impression made upon him through these hymns: “How mightily I was moved by the overwhelming tones of Thy Church, O my God! Thy voices flooded my ears, Thy truth melted my heart, the feeling of godliness burst forth, my tears flowed, a foretaste of salvation was accorded me.”

“In the hymns of Ambrose,” says W. Wolters, “the firmness, the dignified bearing, and well directed zeal of the Roman are combined in such a masterly manner that they have weathered the ravages of time better than the most impregnable strongholds. And, while they have exerted their influence on numerous poets and have at various times been subjected to changes in meter and rime, they have still remained throughout the many centuries the inviolable source of a sacred inheritance.” Ambrose occupies such a prominent position in the history of church song that the hymns patterned after his style and written in the same spirit and tone are commonly called Ambrosian hymns. Ancient hymnology reached its culmination through his work. (Skaar, Söderberg, and others.) [Dahle, Library of Christian Hymns]

AMBROSE OF MILAN was the second son and third child of Ambrosius, Prefect of the Gauls, and was born at Lyons, Arles, or more probably Treves. In 353, after the death of the father the mother and children went to Rome. Here Ambrose received the usual education attaining considerable proficiency in Greek. He studied law, as his brother Satyrus had, and soon distinguished himself in the court of Probus, the Pretorian Prefect of Italy. In 374 he was appointed Consular of Liguria and Aemilia, which necessitated his residence in Milan. Soon after, Auxentius, the bishop, died. The church in which the election of the new bishop was being held was filled with excited people, and Ambrose himself exhorted them to peace and order. Suddenly a voice exclaimed,—it is said that it was that of a child,—”Ambrose be bishop!” Immediately the cry was taken up by the mob. Although as yet only a catechumen, Ambrose was then baptized, and a week later, on December 7, 374, was consecrated bishop. The death of Emperor Valentinian I in 375 brought Ambrose into collision with Justina, Valentinian’s second wife, an adherent of the Arian party. Ambrose was supported by Gratian, the elder son of Valentinian, and by Theodosius, whom Gratian in 379 associated with himself in the empire. Gratian was assassinated in 383 by a follower of Maximus, and Ambrose was sent to treat with the usurper, in which he was fairly successful. But now Ambrose had to carry on against the Arians and the empress alone. Justina had to flee before the advance of Maximus on Milan and died in 388. Either in this year or the one previous Ambrose received the great scholar Augustine, once a Manichean heretic, into the church by baptism. Theodosius was now virtually head of the Roman Empire. In 390 a riot at Thessalonica caused him to give a hasty order for a general massacre at that city, and his command was but too faithfully obeyed. Ambrose refused Theodusius admittance to church until he had done penance for his crime. Only eight months afterward did the Emperor declare his penitence. Theodosius defeated the murderer of Valentinian in 394, and soon after the fatigues of the campaign brought his death. Ambrose preached his funeral sermon, as he had that of Valentinian. The loss of these two friends was a severe blow to Ambrose, and after two more unquiet years he died on Easter Eve, 397. Ambrose was great as a scholar, an organizer, a statesman, a theologian, and as a musician and poet. As a hymn-writer Ambrose indeed deserves special honor. Grimm correctly calls him “the father of church song.” Catching the impulse from Hilary and confirmed in it by the success of Arian psalmody, he introduced the practice of antiphonal chanting and began the task, which St. Gregory completed, of systematizing the music of the Church. As a writer of sacred poetry Ambrose is remarkable for depth and severity. He does not warm with his subject. “We feel,” says Archbishop Trench, “as though there were a certain coldness in his hymns and aloofness of the author from his subject.” He was not the author of the Te Deum. [Handbook to the Lutheran Hymnal]

81 O splendor of God’s glory bright

90 Savior of the nations come (Come, Thou Savior of our race*)

487 O Jesus, Lord of heavenly grace

574 O Trinity, most blessed Light

American folk tune

539

Ämilie Juliane, 1637-1706

Ämilie (Emilie, Æmilie) Juliane of Schwartzburg-Rudolstadt was a daughter of Count Albert Friedrich of Barby and Mühlingen. During the Thirty Years’ War her father and his family were compelled to seek refuge in the castle of Heidecksburg, which belonged to his uncle, Count Ludwig Günther of Schwartzburg-Rudolstadt, and there Emilie was born in 1637. Her father died in 1641. In 1542 her mother died also, and the little girl was adopted by her aunt, the wife of Count Ludwig. She was brought up at Rudolstadt together with her cousins (see also Vol. II, No. 353). Emilie was married to her cousin Albert Anton, 1665, and died in 1706. She has written over 600 hymns and spiritual songs. [Dahle, Library of Christian Hymns]

ÄMILIE JULIANE, Countess of Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt (1637–1706), was the daughter of Count Albert Friedrich of Barby and Mühlingen. She was born August 16 1637, at Heidecksburg, the castle of her father’s uncle, Count Ludwig Günther of Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt, where her father and family had to seek refuge during the Thirty Years’ War. After the death of her father (1641) and mother (1642) Ämilie Juliane was adopted by her aunt, who was also her godmother and had become the wife of Count Ludwig Gunther. Ämilie Juliane was educated at Rudolstadt with he cousins under the care of Dr. Ahasuerus Fritsch and other teachers. On July 7, 166 she was married to her cousin, Albert Anton. She was the most productive of German female hymn-writers, some 600 hymns being attributed to her. Her hymns are full] of a deep love for her Savior. She published Geistliche Lieder, etc., Rudolstadt, 1683; Kuhlwasser in grosser Hitze des Creutzes, Rudolstadt, 1685; Tägliches Morgen- Mittags- und Abendopfer, Rudolstadt, 1685. She died December 3, 1706. [Handbook to the Lutheran Hymnal]

71 The Lord hath helped me hitherto

483 Who knows when death may overtake me?

Andächtige Haus-Kirche, Nürnberg, 1676

198

Ander Theil Des Dresdenischen Gesang Buchs, 1632

134 Let us all with gladsome voice

134

Ander Theil Des … Gesangbuchs, Stralsund, 1665

Anna Sophia of Hesse-Darmstadt, 1638-83

Anna Sophia, daughter of Landgrave George II of Hesse-Darmstadt, was born December 17, 1638, in Marburg. She received a good Christian education and gained a thorough knowledge of the Holy Scriptures and the Church Fathers. The thirty-two hymns written by her are permeated with an intense love for the Savior. They were published in Der Treue Seelen-Freund Christus Jesus mit nachdenklichen Sinn-Gemählden, anmuthigen Lehr-Gedichten, und neuen geistreichen Gesängen, abgedruckt und vorgestellet, Jena, 1658. [Dahle, Library of Christian Hymns]

ANNA SOPHIA OF HESSE-DARMSTADT was the daughter of the Landgrave Georg II of Hesse Darmstadt and was born at Marburg, December 17, 16 She was carefully educated in the Holy Scriptures and the Church Fathers. She was elected Propstin of the Lutheran Fürstentochter-Stift at Quedlinburg in 1657. She became abbess of the Stift in 1680 and died December 13, 1683. Her hymns show an intense love for the Savior and mostly appeared in her Der treue Seelenfreund, etc. Jena, 1658. [Handbook to the Lutheran Hymnal]

230. Speak, O Lord, Thy servant heareth

Anonymous

tr. 68, 316, 317

12, 47, 164, 394, 484, 549

12 Come, Thou almighty King

484 Christ alone is our salvation

549 O God, our Lord, Your holy Word

Anthes, Friedrich Konrad, 1812-after 1857

ANTHES, FRIEDRICH KONRAD was bom at Weilburg in Nassau May 2, 1812, son of the seminary professor Johann Adam Anthes. He studied theology and became first “Hilfsgeistlicher” at Herborn and later pastor at Haiger E. Ackerbach. Poor health forced him to retire in 1857, and he seems to have spent the remainder of his life at Wiesbaden. He wrote Die Tonkunst im evangelischen Kultus, Wiesbaden, 1846, and Allgemeine fassliche Bemerkungen, etc., Wiesbaden, 1846. [Handbook to the Lutheran Hymnal]

413. ANTHES

Antiphoner, Paris, 1681

76, 548

Aquinas, Thomas, 1227-74

Thomas Aquinas, Thomas of Aquino, Doctor Angelicus, as he was called, was born 1227 at the castle Rocca Sicca, near the city Aquino, which was on the border between Naples and the Papal States. His father was Landulf, Count of Aquino. He was a nephew of Emperor Frederick I, and his mother was a rich Neapolitan countess. At the age of five years he was sent to the Benedictine monastery at Monte Cassino for his early training. He remained here seven years, after which he was sent to Naples to the university. Already as a child he attracted attention by his talents and deep piety. While in Naples he came under the influence of the teachers in the Dominican order and decided to enter this order. At the time when he sought to enter he was seventeen years old. His mother, who is characterized by Bishop Skaar as “a pious woman who with great care nursed the spark of spiritual life which had been implanted in him,” was opposed —as were the rest of the family—to this decision. They followed him, when he, on account of fear of his family’s wrath, fled towards Paris. At his mother’s suggestion he was captured, brought back, and held a captive for two years. It is told that his older and warlike brothers, urged by the “pious mother,” debased themselves so as to use any means whatsoever to turn his mind and heart from religion. Pope Innocent IV was instrumental in getting Emperor Frederick to step in and arrange some kind of a reconciliation. Then Thomas Aquinas returned to Naples. Later he was sent by his “Order” to Rome, then to Paris, and finally to Cologne, where he studied under the famous Albertus Magnus, who took him to the University of Paris. There he studied for three years and received the degree of bachelor of theology. He was appointed—then only 23 years old—professor in the newly established Dominican school at Cologne during the reign of Albertus Magnus. He taught, wrote, and preached to great multitudes. In 1248 he received orders to go to Paris again, this time to be examined for the degree of doctor of theology. Reluctantly he obeyed the request. Bashful and humble as he was, he shrank from thus seeking honor and distinction. But he went, begging his way. In addition to his studies he continued here industriously to write, deliver lectures, and preach. “No auditorium was large enough to admit all those who wished to hear him.” Louis IX appointed him member of parliament. He was then 32 years old. Not before 1257 did he receive his doctor’s degree. Pope Urban IV and later Clement IV offered him the highest honors (cardinal, archbishop, patriarch of Jerusalem), but he did not accept them. He was very much in demand as papal counselor and as leader in important commissions of the church. He was teacher in theology in the Dominican school at Rome, and besides delivered many lectures in various places. In 1272 he came to Naples to lecture at the university. He was given a royal reception by all. He remained here until 1274, when he received orders from Pope Gregory X to attend the second council of Lyons. On the way there he was taken ill and died March 7, 1274, barely 48 years old. He was a prolific author. His greatest work is his “Summa Theologiae.” “Thomas Aquinas was a man of thought, reflection, and prayer, filled with the conviction that through that light must be lit which should be a light for the spirit when the mysteries of the heavenly things should be searched out. When he, during his deep searching, could find no solution, he would fall on his knees and pray God for enlightenment. When he felt a warmth of encouragement in his heart he would continue his investigation. As a zealous and simple preacher he became very highly noted.” [Dahle, Library of Christian Hymns]

321 Zion, to thy Savior singing

Arends, Wilhelm Erasmus, 1677-1721

Wilhelm Erasmus Arends was born February 5, 1677, in Langenstein. In 1707 he became pastor of Crottorf, near Halberstadt, and in 1718 was appointed to the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul in Halberstadt, where, however, his service was cut short by death in 1721. He also wrote two other hymns, which were published in Freylinghausen’s book mentioned above.[Dahle, Library of Christian Hymns]

Arends, Wilhelm Erasmus was the son of a pastor at Langeste near Halberstadt, where he was born on February 5, 1677. In 1707 he became pastor at Crottorf, near Halberstadt, and in 1718 pastor of the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul in Halberstadt, where he died, May 16, 1721. [Handbook to the Lutheran Hymnal]

518. Rise! To arms! With prayer employ you

Arneson, Ole T. (Sanden), 1853-1917

Ole T. (Sanden) Arneson was born near Highlandville, Iowa, on May 4, 1853. He attended the Winona Normal School, Winona, Minnesota. From 1876 to 1879 he was principal of the public school at Spring Grove, Minnesota, and then for a time as teacher at Hatton, North Dakota. After working first as mailing clerk, then as shipping clerk, he became the manager of the book department of Skandinaven, Chicago. Arneson translated many hymns and other poems from the Norwegian. He died June 3, 1917. [Handbook to the Lutheran Hymnal]

O blessed home, where man and wife. (Tr.)

tr. 189, 418, 575

Arrebo, Anders Christensen, 1587-1637

Anders Christensen Arrebo was born June 2nd, 1587, at Æreskøbing, where his father was pastor. Nothing is known about his early childhood and school days. We can infer that he possessed unusual gifts and ability from the fact that he became the palace chaplain in Copenhagen at the age of 21. In 1610 he took the master’s degree and became palace chaplain in 1613 at Frederiksborg, and then called as parish pastor to Nicolai church in Copenhagen in 1616. He did not remain here long, however, since he was called as bishop in March, 1618, to the diocese of Trondhjem. He was now 31 years old. Young and spirited as he was, he did not guide his actions into proper channels. He was very careless in his speech and life, and because he had a bitter enemy in a Danish official, who lay in wait for him and placed the worst construction on all he did, a complaint was started against him and he was accordingly removed from office in Bergen, 1622. He settled in Malmø, and the following year rendered the preparation of David’s Psalms, which, no doubt, were mostly composed in Norway, where the greatest number of them were circulated.

Kong Davids Psalmer sangvis udsat appeared in 1623 and is dedicated to the higher and lower clergy of Norway, to whom he wanted to extend a token of thankfulness for brotherly favor and fellowship as well as for other benefits.

The second edition of this work appeared in 1627, the third in 1650, the fourth in 1664, and the fifth about 1673.

In 1626 he was called as parish pastor to Vordingborg, where he labored until his death, in 1637. He was honored and loved by his congregation.

His tombstone bears the inscription found in Rom. 8:33, 34. While he was pastor in Vordingborg, he completed another great work entitled Hexaemeron, i. e., the world’s first week, six days of splendid and mighty deeds. This was a free rendering of a work by the French poet Bartas, a poem about the same theme. This appeared first in 1661.

Both of these made him an object of great admiration among his contemporaries. It should be remembered that Arrebo paved the way for later hymn writers. Without him, Kingo and other contemporaries would hardly have reached the point they actually did. The later ages that have benefited by his great contributions have not without ground referred to him as, “The father of Danish poetry.” He was the first to submit the Danish language to an artistic usage. Concerning his works Rudelbach says: “Arrebo strived to express every spiritual thought and word, as well as every original tone of the hymns. This renders his work of the highest value. No one since Luther who has sought to appropriate David’s and Asaph’s words and meanings has attained to the rank of Arrebo.” [Dahle, Library of Christian Hymns]

Anders Christensen Arrebo is often referred to as “the father of Danish poetry,” for it was he who paved the way for later hymn-writers, such as Kingo and his contemporaries. He was born June 2, 1587, at Aereskobing, Denmark, where his father was pastor. Little is known about his early childhood. He became court chaplain in Copenhagen at twenty-one. He took his master’s degree in 1610 and became palace chaplain in Frederiksborg. In 1616 he was called as parish pastor to the Nicolai Church in Copenhagen. In 1618 he was called as bishop to the diocese of Trondheim, being at the time only thirty-one years of age. Unfortunately he did not guide his actions and speech properly, making an enemy of a Danish official, who had him removed from office in 1622. He settled in Malmø and began the preparation of Kong Davids Psalmer sangvis udsat, which appeared in 1623, dedicated to the clergy of Norway, in order to demonstrate his appreciation for benefits received. This book went through five editions from 1623 until 1673. He himself spent the remaining years of his life, from 1626 until his death in 1637, as parish pastor in Vordingborg. Before his death he completed another great work, Hexaemeron, or “the world’s first week, six days of splendid and mighty deeds,” which first appeared in 1661. It was a free rendering of a work by the French poet Du Bartas.

Arrebo was the first to submit the Danish language to an artistic usage. Of his works Rudelbach says: “Arrebo strove to express every spiritual thought and word as well as every original tone of the hymns. This renders his work of the highest value. No one since Luther who has sought to appropriate David’s and Asaph’s words and meanings has attained to the rank of Arrebo.” [Handbook to the Lutheran Hymnal]

365. O sing with exultatlon

368. The Lord My Faithful Shepherd Is

Arthur, John W., 1922-80

John W. Arthur was born March 25, 1922, in Mankato, Minnesota, and received both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Music degrees from Gustavus Adolphus College in 1944. From January to September of that year he also studied at Wartburg Theological Seminary. He completed a Bachelor of Divinity degree at Augusutana Theological Seminary and was ordained in 1946 as pastor of Zion Lutheran Church, Duquesne, Pennsylvania. In 1949 he completed a Master of Theology degree at Western Theological Seminary (Pittsburgh Theological Seminary) and began six years of service at an Augustana Board of American Missions congregation, St. Paul Lutheran Church, Floral Park, Queens, New York. From 1957 to 1958 he was Lutheran Campus Pastor at Stanford University and San Jose State College in California, and from 1958 to 1960, part-time executive director of the Lutheran Student Foundation of Northern California. Between 1960 and 1967 he was Western Regional Secretary for the Division of College and University Work of the National Lutheran Council, and also served as an unpaid assistant pastor of First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Palo Alto, California. During this time also, in 1964 and 1965, he studied at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and Stanford University. He was appointed assistant professor of liturgics and director of worship at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago in 1967, and from 1970 to 1976 was pastor of First Lutheran Church, Palo Alto. Ill health forced his retirement in 1976, and he died August 15, 1980, at Palo Alto. [© Hymnal Companion to the Lutheran Book of Worship]

359 This is the feast (based on Dignus est Agnus)

As hymnodus sacer, Leipzig, 1625

A collection of twelve hymns published by Christian Galb, 1625.

291,

361,

551,

581

Augustine of Hippo, 354-430

425. Light of the Minds

Babst Gesangbuch, 1545

Valentin Babst’s Gesangbuch, published in 1545 with a preface written by Luther.

337. Our Blessed Savior Seven Times Spoke (setting)

Bach, Johann Christoph, 1642-1703

Johann Christoph Bach was the son of Heinrich Bach, of Arnstadt, and was born Dec. 8, 1642. “He was a highly gifted musician, and through his own merit alone, independent of his illustrious nephew (Johann Sebastian Bach) he occupies a very prominent place in musical history. In 1665 he became organist at Eisenach. Later he became court organist there, and died March 31, 1703. His most important compositions are his motets, of which many have been lost” (Grove’s Dictionary). [Dahle, Library of Christian Hymns]

Johann Christoph Bach was born in Arnstadt, the eldest son of Heinrich Bach.

He was a second cousin of Johann Sebastian Bach. He became organist at Eisenach in 1665 and appears to have remained there until his death There is some evidence that seems to indicate that he became court organist in 1678 Bach specialized in vocal music and is considered an excellent composer. [Handbook to the Lutheran Hymnal]

438 KOMM, O KOMM, DU GEIST DES LEBENS

Bach, Johann Sebastian, 1685-1750

was a member of the most famous musical family in history. He was born in Eisenach and received his early musical training at home by his father and eldest brother. He attended the schools of Ohrdruf and Lüneburg and at the age of eighteen had already obtained an enviable reputation as a composer, organist, and violinist. After serving for a while as organist at Arnstad and Mühlhausen, he was court organist and violinist at Weimar for nine years and in 1717 accepted the appointment as Kapellmeister at Anhalt Cothen. He finally settled at Leipzig in 1723 as cantor of the famous St. Thomas’s School and director o music in the St. Thomas’s and St. Nicholas’s churches, where his original composition were first produced in the regular services. Comparable to Palestrina in the Roma] Church, Bach wrote numerous cantatas and many motets, masses, and harmonization of old German chorales which have earned him the affection and admiration of th whole Christian and musical world. His immortal B Minor Mass and the St.Matthew and St. John Passions remain unsurpassed as combinations of the emotional and intel lectual, the mystic and energetic, in devotional music. Called “the father of modern music,” Bach certainly gave a direction to all the music of his age, for which th Church must be eternally grateful. Schumann said of him: “To him music owe almost as great a debt as a religion owes its founder.” [Handbook to the Lutheran Hymnal]

POTSDAM

GOTTLOB, ES GEHT NUNMEHR ZU ENDE

ALLEIN ZU DIR (Harm.)

WAS MEIN GOTT WILL (Harm.)

129, 158

setting: 47, 118, 124, 172, 272, 276, 329, 335, 472, 477, 492, 530, 544, 569, 584, 596

Backer, Bruce R., b. 1929

360

Bahnmaier, Jonathan Friedrich, 1774-1841

Jonathan Friedrich Bahnmaier, son of the pastor, J. C. Bahnmaier, Württemberg, was born July 12, 1774. He was educated at Tübingen, and in 1798 became his father’s assistant. Later he served as deacon of Marbach on the Neckar, and moved in 1810 to Ludwigsburg, where he superintended a school for young women. In 1815 he was appointed professor of education and homiletics at Tübingen, but soon after had to resign from this position. In 1819 he became deacon and town preacher of Kirchheim-unter-Teck, where he rendered faithful and able service for 21 years.

Bahnmaier was an able preacher and intensely interested in the development of schools and missions. He was a member of the hymnary committee which prepared the Württemberg Gesangbuch, 1842. He delivered his last sermon in Kirchheim on the Tenth Sunday after Trinity, August 15, 1841. Two days later he conducted visitation services in Owen, and, while visiting the school in a nearby village, he was stricken with heart failure and brought back to Owen, where he died August 18, 1841. [Dahle, Library of Christian Hymns]

Jonathan Friedrich Bahnmaier was the son of J. C. Bahnmaier the town preacher at Oberstenfeld, Wurttemberg, and was born there on July 12, 1774. Bahnmaier studied theology at Tübingen, and his first charge was that of assistant to his father. He became Diaconus at Marlbach on the Neckar in 1806 and at Ludwig burg in 1810, where he for a time headed a young ladies’ school. In 1815 he was appointed Professor of Education and Homiletics at Tubingen, only to resign a few years later. In 1819 he was appointed Decan and Town Preacher at Kirchheim unter-Teck, where he labored for twenty-one years. Bahnmaier distinguished himself as a preacher and was greatly interested in education, missions, and Bible society He was one of the principal members of the comrnittee which compiled the Württemberg Gesang-Buch, 1842. He preached his last sermon at Kirchheim on August: 1841. He was stricken by paralysis while visiting a school at Brucker and died a few days later, August 18, 1841. [Handbook to the Lutheran Hymnal]

201. Spread, O spread, thou mighty Word

Bajus, John, 1901-71

John Bajus, son of John Bajus and Mary, née Petras, was born April 5, 1901, at Raritan, New Jersey. He graduated at Concordia Institute, Bronxville, New York, 1921; and Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, 1925. He has been pastor of the Granite City-West Frankfort-Staunton, Illinois, parish, 1925–1943, and of Zion Chicago, 1943— . A charter member of the Slovak Luther League, organized 1927 he was its president, 1928–1930, its field secretary, 1928–1930 and 1933–1935-and the first editor of its Courier, 1929–1946. Since 1949 he has been First Vice-President and Statistician of the Slovak Ev. Lutheran Church. He is a member of the Inter-synodical Committee on Hymnology and Liturgics for the Synodical Conference. He has achieved recognition as a translator of Slovak hymns and poems. [Handbook to the Lutheran Hymnal]

285. Jesus Christ, our Lord most holy. (Tr.)

Baker, Henry Williams, 1821-77

Sir Henry Williams Baker, baronet, oldest son of Admiral Sir Henry Lorraine Baker, was born in London, May 27, 1821, and received his education in Trinity College, Cambridge. He was ordained to the ministry in 1844, and in 1851 became vicar of Monkland, Herefordshire, where he labored until his death, February 12, 1877. Sir Henry Baker’s name is especially connected with the famous work on hymnology, Hymns Ancient and Modern. This work contains 33 of Baker’s own hymns. He was the chairman of the committee that prepared the first edition of this work, 1861, and continued incessantly, through a period of 20 years, in the work of revising and perfecting the editions for publication in 1868 and in 1875. Baker also prepared Hymns for the London Mission, 1874, and Hymns for the Mission Services, 1876. Baker’s hymns enjoy a high rank. His style is clear and simple. There are no affected expressions, no bombastic phrases. His hymns are characterized by deep earnestness, dignity of expression, and smooth rhythm. His poetic genius has much in common with Lyte’s. Just before breathing his last, he recited the third stanza of his beautiful hymn, “The King of Love my Shepherd”: Perverse and foolish oft I strayed, But yet in love He sought me, And on His shoulders gently laid, And home, rejoicing, brought me.

He has also composed a number of church melodies. [Dahle, Library of Christian Hymns]

Sir Henry Williams Baker, the eldest son of Admiral Sir Henry Loraine Baker, was born in London 1821. He received his middle name from his mother’s father, William Williams. He was educated at Trinity College, Cambridge, and graduated B. A. in 1844 and M. A. in 1847. In 1846 he was ordained priest and was appointed the Vicar Monkland, Herefordshire, in 1851 and succeeded to the baronetcy in the same year. He held this benefice until his death in 1877. His last words were the third stanza of his exquisite rendering of the 23d Psalm, “The King of Love my Shepherd is”:

Perverse and foolish, oft I strayed.

But yet in Love He sought me

And on His shoulder gently laid

And home, rejoicing, brought me.

The tender sadness, brightened by a soft, calm peace, of this stanza is an epitome of Baker’s poetical style. Baker wrote 33 hymns. He is usually compared with Henry Francis Lyte (q. v.). During his lifetime Baker worked arduously as the editor of Hymns Ancient and Modern. The first edition appeared in 1861, an appendix in 1868, a revised edition in 1875, a complete edition in 1889, and a recent revision in 1904. Benson writes in The English Hymns that Hymns Ancient and Modern spread “not only high-church views and practices but the high-church atmosphere beyond the sphere of hymnody.” Its publication ranks as “one of the great events in the history of the hymnody of the English-speaking churches.” Baker also published Daily Prayers for the Use of Those who Work Hard; a Daily Text Book, etc. [Handbook to the Lutheran Hymnal]

He has also composed a number of church melodies. [Dahle, Library of Christian Hymns]

206. STEPHANOS

370. The King of Love My Shepherd Is

453. Out of the deep I call

Balle, C. C. N., 1806-55

143

setting: 150

Baring-Gould, Sabine, 1834-1924

Sabine Baring-Gould was born January 28, 1834, at Exeter, England. He received his academic training at Clare College, Cambridge (B. A., 1854; M. A., 1856.—Julian has 1857 and ‘60). Being ordained to the ministry in 1864, he served first as curate of Horbury, and while in this position conducted the mission in the Horbury Bridge district. In 1866 he was appointed “perpetual curate” of Dalton, Yorkshire. In 1871 he became rector of East Mersea, Essex, and in 1881, rector of Lew Trenchard, Devon. Many of his hymns have entered into the leading hymnals throughout the English-speaking countries. Besides the present hymn, the well-known “Onward, Christian Soldiers” was also written for the children of Horbury Bridge. [Dahle, Library of Christian Hymns]

Sabine Baring-Gould was born at Exeter, January 28, 1834. During his youth he lived much in Germany and France. He was graduated from Cambridge in 1854, ordained in 1861, and became curate at Horbury, 1864, serving also the mission at Horbury Bridge. In 1867 he was transferred to Dalton, and in 1871 he became rector of East Mersea, Colchester. When he succeeded his father in the estate at Lew Trenchard, Devon, he exercised his privilege as squire and patron by appointing himself as rector there. Here he died in 1924. His energy and industry were inexhaustible and is said to have more works attached to his name in the catalog of the British Museum than any writer of his time. His writings cover the fields of biography, travel, history, fiction, poetry, and song. [Handbook to the Lutheran Hymnal]

560 Now the day is over

Barnard, Charlotte A., 1830-69

Charlotte Alington Barnard was born December 23, 1830 in London England. She used the pseudonym Claribel. She died January 30, 1869 in Brocklesbury, England. [The Cyber Hymnal]

300. BROCKLESBURY (Sweet the moments)

Barnby, Joseph, 1838-96

Sir Joseph Barnby was born August 12, 1838, in York, England. His father, Thomas Barnby, was an organist. While a boy, Joseph became chorister of York Minster, and later on he entered the Royal Academy of Music, London. For nine years he served as organist of St. Andrew’s, London, and directed the Barnby Choir. Later he had charge of the oratorio concerts; was director of the Royal Albert Hall Choral Society, and also in charge of the music department of Eton College, 1875. Barnby has composed an oratorio, Rebekah, and a cantata, The Lord is King, besides a large number of other compositions. He has written 246 hymn tunes and edited many hymnals, among which ought to be mentioned The Hymnary. Barnby died in London, 1896. [Dahle, Library of Christian Hymns]

Joseph Barnby was born in York, England, August 12, 1838; entered York Minster Choir at seven, began to teach other boys at ten, was appointed organist at twelve, music master at fifteen, and at length became choral director of the Royal Albert Hall Choral Society. He was knighted in 1892. He was musical editor of The Hymnary. In 1897 his 246 hymn tunes were published in a collection. [Handbook to the Lutheran Hymnal]

DUNSTAN

WINTERTON

GALILEAN

85, 191, 458, 560

Barnes, Edward Shippen, 1887-1958

setting: 116

Bartels, Harry, b. 1929

39 Whoever would be saved

355 Now Christ is risen!

tr. 166, 320

355

Barthélémon, François Hippolyte, 1741-1808

The melody (Morning Hymn, or Magdalene) is composed by François H. Barthélémon (1741-1808) for The Female Orphan’s Asylum and appeared first in 1785. Barthélémon, who was a composer and violinist in France, first came to England on a visit in 1765. Later he took up his residence there. He died in 1808. [Dahle, Library of Christian Hymns]

François Hippolyte Barthélémon was born in Bordeaux, July 27, 1741, the son of a French government officer and an Irish lady. He entered the army and became an officer in Berwick’s regiment in the Irish Brigade. He was induced by the Earl of Kellie to leave the army and take up music as his profession. In 1765 Barthélémon came to England after successful tours as a concert violinist and was appointed leader of the band at the opera and in 1770 at Marylebone Gardens. He wrote very little church music, occupying himself chiefly with music for the theater and the public gardens. Barthélémon was a member of the Swedenborgian Church. He suffered a great deal of misfortune in his old age and died a broken-hearted paralytic, July 20, 1808. [Handbook to the Lutheran Hymnal]

74. MORNING HYMN (MAGDALENE)

Bathurst, William Hiley, 1796-1877

William Hiley Bathurst was born August 28, 1796, in Clevedale, near Bristol. His father, the Rt. Hon. Charles Bragge (later Bathurst), was for some time member of parliament from Bristol. William Bathurst was educated at Winchester and Christ Church, Oxford (B. A., 1818). From 1820 until 1852 he served as rector of the Episcopal Church of Barwick-in-Elmet, near Leeds. In 1852 he resigned from the ministry on account of doctrinal differences. He died in Lydney Park, Gloucestershire, November 25, 1877. Psalms and Hymns for Public and Private Use contains 141 metrical versions of the Psalms of David and 206 original hymns. Among his other publications may be mentioned: The Georgics of Virgil; Metrical Musings, or Thoughts on Sacred Subjects in Verse. [Dahle, Library of Christian Hymns]

William Hiley Bathurst was the son of the Rt. Hon. Charles Bragge (afterwards Bathurst), sometime M.P. for Bristol. Bathurst’s name is often given as Bragge-Bathurst. He was born at Clevadale, near Bristol, August 28, 1796. His mother was Charlotte Addington; her mother’s name was Hiley. Bathurst was educated at Winchester and Christ Church, Oxford, graduating as B. A. in 1818. In 1819 he was ordained deacon and in the following year priest. In 1820 he was presented by his kinsman, Henry, Third Earl of Bathurst, to the Rectory of Barwick-in-Elmet, Yorkshire, and continued there as rector for thirty-two years. In 1852 he resigned the rectory because of conscientious scruples in relation to parts of the baptismal and burial services in the Book of Common Prayer. He retired into private life and first lived at Darley Dale, near Matlock, Derbyshire, where for eleven years he gave himself to literary pursuits. In May, 1863, he came into possession of his father’s estate when his elder brother died without heirs. He moved to Lydney Park soon afterward and there died on November 25, 1877.

During his early years of ministry Bathurst composed hymns and versified a large portion of the psalms. These were published, 1830, in a small volume entitled Psalms and Hymns for Public and Private Use. All but 18 of the 150 psalms and all of the 206 hymns in this volume are his. [Handbook to the Lutheran Hymnal]

364 O for a faith that will not shrink

Beck, Theodore A. b. 1929

setting: 101, 204

Becker, Bruce W., 1995

302

Beddone, Benjamin, 1717-95

Benjamin Beddome was born January 23, 1717, at Henley-in-Arden, Warwickshire, England. He was the son of Baptist minister John Beddome. He was apprenticed to a surgeon in Bristol, but moved to London in 1839 and joined the Baptist church in Prescott Street. At the call of his church, he devoted himself to the work of Christian ministry, and in 1740 began to preach at Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire. For many years he was one of the most respected Baptist ministers in western England. He was also a man of some literary culture. In 1752, he wrote Exposition of the Baptist Catechism. In 1770, Beddome received a MA degree from Providence College, Rhode Island.

It was Beddome’s practice to write a hymn weekly for use after his Sunday morning sermon. Though not originally intended for publication, he allowed 13 of these to appear in the Bristol Baptist Collection of Ash & Evans (1769), and 36 in Rippon’s Selections (1787). In 1817, a posthumous collection of his hymns was published, containing 830 pieces. Robert Hall wrote of Beddome’s hymns:

“The man of taste will be gratified with the beauty and original turns of thought which many of them exhibit, while the experimental Christian will often perceive the most secret movements of his soul strikingly delineated, and sentiments portrayed which will find their echo in every heart.”

He died September 23, 1795, at Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire, England. [The Cyber Hymnal]

231 When Israel through the desert passed

Bede, The Venerable, 673-735

was born near the monasteries of Wearmouth and Jarrow, which were founded by Benedict Biscop. Bede’s parents died when he was yet quite young, and so he studied at both monasteries under the tutelage of E;Benedict and later under Coelfrith, Benedict’s successor. At nineteen he was ordained a deacon by St. John of Beverley. Ten years later he received his priest’s orders from the same prelate. Bede’s whole life was spent in study; he divided his time between The two monasteries of Wearmouth and Jarrow. At the latter monastery, Bede, the scholar, grammarian, philosopher, poet, biographer, historian, and divine, died on May 26, 735. In the 11th century his remains were removed to Durham and reinterred in the same coffin as those of St. Cuthbert. Bede was a voluminous author on almost every subject. He translated part of the Bible into Anglo-Saxon. As historian his contribution to English history, the Historia Ecclesiastica, is invaluable. Among his works Bede lists a Liber Hymnorum. His contribution to hymnody is, however, not very great, for he contributed at the most 11 or 12 hymns. [Handbook to the Lutheran Hymnal]

389 A hymn of glory let us sing

Beethoven, Ludwig van, 1700-1827

214

Behm, Martin, 1557-1622

Martin Behm (Behem, Behemb, Bohme, Bohemus) was born in Lauban, Silesia, Sept. 16, 1557. During a long period of famine he came in 1574, with the help of a distant kinsman, to Vienna, where he remained for two years as private tutor. In 1576 he came to Strassburg, where he was cared for by Professor Johann Sturm, rector of the university. Following his father’s death in 1580, he returned to Lauban according to the wish of his mother. He was appointed assistant instructor in the city school, and during the same year (1581) he was ordained to the office of deacon of the Holy Trinity Church. In 1586 he became chief pastor of Holy Trinity. In this office he served for 36 years and was highly esteemed as an able preacher and faithful shepherd of souls throughout a long period of distress due to famine, war, and pestilence. He died February 5, 1622.

Behm was a very prominent and prolific hymn writer. He produced upwards of 480 hymns. His hymns emphasize especially the sufferings of Christ, upon which he meditated throughout his life “in order to impress them deeply upon his own heart and those of others.” The greater number of his hymns were published in his Centuria precationum rhythmicarum, in three parts, Wittenberg, 1606, 1608, and 1615. Of the first two parts new editions were printed already in 1611, and all three parts were published in one collection, Jena and Dresden, 1658. A special selection of 79 hymns was published in Halle, 1857. Four of Behm’s hymns have been translated into English. [Dahle, Library of Christian Hymns]

Martin Behm was the son of Hans Behm (Böhme, Boehm, Behemb Behem, Boheim, Bohemus, or Bohemius), town overseer of Lauban, Silesia, where Martin was born on September 16, 1557. During a protracted famine in 1574 a distant kinsman, Dr. Paul Fabricius, a royal physician at Vienna, took Behm there. For two years Behm acted as a private tutor. After that he went to Strassburg, where he received much kindness from Johann Sturm, rector of the newly founded university After his father’s death in May, 1580, Behm, at his mother’s request, returned home At Easter, 1581, he was appointed assistant in the town school, and on September 2 of that year he was ordained diaconus of Holy Trinity Church. After his senior pastor had been advanced to Breslau, the town council kept the post nominally vacant for two years and then in June, 1586, appointed Behm chief pastor. During the 36 years he served, Behm became renowned as a preacher, as a faithful pastor i] times of trouble (famine, 1590, pestilence, 1616; war, 1619), and as a prolific author He was seized with an illness after he had preached on the Tenth Sunday after Trinity 1621. After twenty-four weeks on the sick-bed he died, February 5, 1622. Behm was a very prominent and prolific hymn-writer. He produced upwards of 480 hymns which emphasize especially the Passion of our Lord. [Handbook to the Lutheran Hymnal]

80 O blessed holy Trinity

291 Lord Jesus Christ, my Life, my Light

Belsheim, Ole G., 1861-1925

BELSHEIM, OLE G., was born at Vang Valdres, Norway, c August 26, 1861. He came to America as a boy of five and was educated at Luther College, Decorah, Iowa, Northfield Seminary, and Augsburg Seminary in Minnesota and held pastorates successively at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Albert Lea, Minnesota Grand Meadow, Minnesota, and Mandan, North Dakota. Belsheim was a member for eight years of the Hymnal Committee which edited The Lutheran Hymnary, 191 He translated Laache’s Catechism into English in 1894 and edited the Christian You for two years. He died, February 12, 1925. [Handbook to the Lutheran Hymnal]

583. God’s Word is our great heritage. (Tr.)

Berg, Caroline V. Sandell, 1832-1903

During the so-called “New Evangelical Movement” in Sweden, in which the chief leader was the well known preacher, Carl Olof Rosenius, 1816-1868, great activity developed in the line of spiritual song writing. Rosenius composed many songs, all of which emphasized the central thought of his preaching, namely, free grace in Christ. Among those whose poetry was influenced by Rosenius, must needs be mentioned Lina Berg, née Sandell (1832-1903). She has written a large number of devotional and missionary songs which have become very popular in the New Evangelical circles. The devotional life of the individual and the joint realization of Christian brotherhood were through her given striking expression. As a rule, however, her songs have much in common with the intensely subjective, lighter Anglo-American revival and devotional songs. Only two of her hymns have been given a place in our church hymnals. Our present English version was rendered by the Rev. G. T. Rygh in 1908. (Concerning the melody, see Vol. I, No. 52.) [Dahle, Library of Christian Hymns]

174 Children of the heavenly Father

Berggreen, Andreas Peter, 1801-80, born in Copenhagen, 2 March 1801, died in the same place 8 November 1880, son of a comb-maker who emigrated from Stockholm. At age 10 he came to live with his mother’s father, the district doctor Lynge in Hillerød, in whose musical home he early displayed a keen sense for music. Afterward he was a student in 1819, he came to Regensen. The plan was that he should become a lawyer, but music possessed all his interest, and after a short time he discontinued and gave himself over to studying music. Yet he had no chance of regular instruction, so he had to work through it on his own. Berggreen was thus essentially self-taught. Weyse, whom he sought out, was to him more a fatherly friend and counselor than a genuine teacher. Berggreen felt continually strongly connected to the students. He rehearsed them in polyphonic singing and thus prepared the formation of a student singing grope, just as he was self-declared director of the cantors at the university’s second annual festival. Later he himself made an impression as teacher in connection with the younger musicians, among others his pupils were Gade and Heise. As a composer Berggreen performed in 1832 at the royal theater with an opera “Billedet og Busten”, with text by Oehlenschläger, to whom he strongly drawn both personally and literarily. Then he composed music for different tragedies and plays of Oehlenschläger and more. A whole list of cantatas and a number of solo and choral songs we have from his hand, just as he also made himself known as a writer (“Musikalsk Tidende” 1836 and a biography of Weyse 1876). Berggreen’s real significance, however, is connected to his meritorious work for church-, school-, and folk-songs. The work for these coincides with his positions as organist at Trinity Church (since 1838), as founder of the Haandværkersangforeningen (1843), as voice teacher at the Metropolitan School and finally as singing superintendent (since 1859). For the school he published 14 books of songs for use in school, in settings for 2, 3, or 4 voices. Collectively rich with great diligence, in part completely unknown folk-song materials he place in his 11 volumes a great collection “folk songs and melodies, patriotic and foreign, set for pianoforte” (second edition 1860-71). Finally, in 1853 he published a new collection of “Melodier til Psalmebog til Kirke-og Hus-andagt” (followed by an “Appendix” 1873), necessitated by the appearance of a new hymnbook by the Roskilde ministerium, partly older, partly with newer melodies, of which a great part are of his own composition. The time for the appearance of this collection of melodies was a time of transition, and the collection bears the mark of that. Berggreen took a middle position in that he to some degree tried to give the traditional church-hymn (“the chorale”) prominence and take notice of the “livelier” hymn melodies which were becoming more widespread under the influence of the Grundtvig side. In his own melodies the same is seen, that some are of one and some are of the other type. Many of them where he either had completely fit the churchly style or found a warm expression for religious spirit, he let them continue. [Kirkeleksikon for Norden, tr. MED]

30, 339

Bernard of Clairvaux, 1090-1153

Through many centuries this famous hymn [O Sacred Head now wounded] has been ascribed to Bernard of Clairvaux. It has been called The Jubilus of St. Bernard or Jubilus St. Bernhardi de nomine Jesu. Many parallels to this hymn have been found in Bernard’s Canticles (Canticum Canticorum). It was possibly written about 1150, shortly after the Second Crusade. St. Bernard had been instrumental in organizing this crusade and was therefore largely blamed for its dismal failure. Tired of the world, he withdrew into solitude. When everything thus seemed dark around him, his thoughts were turned more and more fervently toward Jesus, the light of life. Dr. Schaff in his Christ in Song calls this hymn “the most delightful and the most evangelical of all the hymns of the Middle Ages; the finest and most characteristic sample of Bernard’s poetry; a reflection from his Christ-like personality.” “The hymn,” says Landstad, “is not really intended as a communion hymn; the holy communion is not even mentioned in it. It is a love-song to the heavenly bridegroom, whose name is so dear to the soul that we cannot sufficiently praise it or bless it.” Therefore the hymn has been called Jubilus in nomine Jesu, Praise to the Name of Jesus or a Hymn of Praise Concerning the Name of Jesus. The thought dwells upon the crucified, buried, risen, and ascended Savior and expresses the desire of the soul, its sorrow, its seeking and its searching, it expresses its joy upon having found the Savior, and hope and prayer in communion with Him. Hence, the hymn has indeed become the favorite song of the Lord’s yearning and heavenly-minded bride, the Church, and is therefore especially adapted for use at the Lord’s Supper, which is the soul’s “love-feast” with the Lord. The hymn has been criticized on account of the seemingly monotonous way in which the ideas circle around the central theme. And this is true. But the theme of the hymn is the Lord Jesus. We are reminded of the small winged insects that swarm about an electric light, making continually smaller and smaller circles. Their desire is to unite with the light. They try to enter into the light. It is the center of all their longing and yearning. Thus, rightly considered, the criticism advanced against this hymn rather brings out the most praiseworthy characteristic of this unique Jesus-hymn. Concerning Bernard of Clairvaux Luther says: “If there ever has lived a truly God-fearing and pious monk, then St. Bernard was such a one, whom I rank higher than all monks and popes in all the world, and I have never heard or read of anyone that can be compared with him.”

We do not like to deprive St. Bernard of this hymn. But the authenticity of his authorship has long been called in question. And now, lately, Dom Pathier has found it in a manuscript from the 11th century, where the hymn is ascribed to a Benedictine abbess. St. Bernard was born 1091. The oldest of the manuscripts found hitherto date from the close of the 12th century. One of these is kept in the Oxford library. This contains 42 stanzas and experts have accepted this version as the original of this famous hymn. It is found in almost the same form in the Bodleian and the Einsiedeln manuscripts from the 13th century; also in one manuscript from the 15th century kept in the National Museum of Paris. The number of stanzas varies from 42 to 56. The form containing 50 stanzas was presumably used as a rosary hymn. The hymn has also been divided into several lesser sections for the various groups of the altar service. Thus, in the Roman breviary from 1733 and later: “Jesu dulcis memoria,” etc., for evening worship; “Jesu Rex admirabilis,” etc., for morning worship; and “Jesu angelicum,” etc., for lauda. As early as in the 16th century it was customary to sing several sections of this hymn at the festival of the Holy Name. Thus Paris Breviary from 1499, and the Hereford and Aberdeen Breviaries from 1505 and 1509 have “Jesu dulcis memoria” for the morning worship and “Jesu, auctor clementiae” for the lauda. For use at the canonical periods the hymn was divided into seven sections of about equal length.

There are, indeed, other hymns of which we have several English translations, but this hymn is quite unique in this that it has furnished the source for a vast number of beautiful hymns, Jesus-hymns. Versions of this hymn are sung throughout all Christendom, and it has been translated into all leading languages. A list of the various centos in the English language alone would fill many pages. The oldest German version, “Nie wart gesungen süzer gesanc,” is from the 14th century and contains 11 stanzas. Among the later German translations may be mentioned that by Martin Rinkart: “An Jesum denken oft und viel,” and N. L. von Zinzendorf’s, “Jesu, deiner zu gedenken.” Johann Arndt’s Garden of Paradise, 1612, contains a German version of 18 stanzas beginning with: “O Jesu süss, wer dein gedenkt.” A later edition of this work has another translation of 52 stanzas. The first Danish translation, comprising- 48 stanzas, is by Jens Jensøn Otthense, Copenhagen, 1625. This furnished the basis for Landstad’s Norwegian version (Landst. 66). [Dahle, Library of Christian Hymns]

Bernard of Clairvaux was born in 1090 at Les Fontaines in France, and he died at Clairvaux in 1153. He sprang from a family of the highest nobility in Burgundy. After a classical education at Chatillon-sur-Seine he entered the Cluniac monastery at Citeaux. When this became crowded, he led forth a band of monks to found a new monastery in Langres. This Bernard called Claire Vallie, or Clairvaux, in 1115. He was abbot of this successful monastery throughout his life, and with it his name has since been associated. This monastery became the scene of St.Bernard’s strict and zealous asceticism, and from this retreat his influence was extended over all that was illustrious or humble in Church or State. Bishops in England, the Queen of Jerusalem, kings of France, Italy, and Britain, abbots and ecclesiastics without number, wrote to, and received letters from, Bernard of Clairvaux. He rebuked the disorders, abuses, sins, prevailing in the Church, defended the independence of the Church against monarchs, and even dared to assert the interest of the Church against Popes. He settled the schism between the Popes Innocent I and Anacletus II, he fought down the heresies of Abelard, the rationalist, and by his preaching he caused the populations of both France and Germany to arise almost en masse and take up the cross in the Second Crusade. As Taylor says: “…for a quarter of a century he swayed Christendom as never a holy man before or after him. An adequate account of his career would embrace the entire history of the first half of the 12th century.” Luther called him “the most pious monk that ever lived.” The authorship of the famous Jesu, dulcis memoria has long been ascribed to him. This view is no longer tenable. [Handbook to the Lutheran Hymnal]

265 Wide open are Thy hands

278 O Jesus, King most wonderful

315 Jesus, the very thought of Thee

318 Jesus, Thou joy of loving hearts

334 O sacred Head, now wounded

335 O sacred Head, now wounded

Bernard of Cluny (Morlas), 12th century

Bernard of Cluny (Murles, or Morlas, not Morlaix), was born in Murles, (Bretagne, Britanny), France, in the first part of the 12th century. The abbey of Cluny was at that time the most famous in Europe—famous for its wealth and for its stately buildings, and especially for its cathedral. The imposing festival services with the elaborate ritual were famed far and wide. The abbot of this institution was the well known Peter the Venerable. Here Bernard spent the greater part of his life. It is not known at what date he died, neither do we know much more about him than that he wrote this famous poem, De Contemptu Mundi (On contempt of the world), which he dedicated to the leader of his order, Peter of Cluny.

Many attempts have been made to render selections of this poem into a form more closely like the original than Neale’s and also in the meter of the original, but these do not seem to have gained favor. A few examples follow: [Dahle, Library of Christian Hymns]

Bernard of Cluny was born at Morlaix, France, of English parents. Except for the fact that Bernard entered the Abbey of Cluny while Peter the Venerable was the head thereof (1122–1156), little is known of his life. During this period the Abbey of Cluny reached the zenith of its wealth and fame. Amid luxurious and splendid surroundings Bernard spent his leisure hours and composed his great poem against the vices and follies of his age, De Contemptu Mundi, which was dedicated to Peter the Venerable. Bernard was also author of certain monastic regulations, entitled Consuetudines Cluniacenses. [Handbook to the Lutheran Hymnal]

534 The world is very evil (sometimes divided under these titles also: Brief life is here our portion; Jerusalem the golden; For thee, O dear, dear country)

Besnault, Abbé Sebastian, d. 1724

Sebastian Besnault was a priest of St. Maurice, Sens. Some of his hymns were included in the Cluniac Breviary, 1686, the Sens Breviary, 1726, and the Paris Breviary, 1736. [Handbook to the Lutheran Hymnal]???

157. O blessed day when first was poured

158. The ancient Law departs

Bevan, Emma Frances, née Shuttleworth, 1827-1909

Our English version [of Rise, ye children of Salvation