Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2014 https://archive.org/details/schwenkfelderhymOOseip_0 SCHWENKFELDER HyMNOLOGY AND THE SOURCES OF THE First Schwenkfelder Hymn -Book Printed in America. By Allen Anders Seipt, Ph. D. Philadelphia, Americana Germanica Press, 190Q. Illustrated with photographic repro- ductions. Large Octavo, Cloth $ 2.00 This book is a complete account of the activity of the Schwenkfelders as writers and as compilers of hymns. It embraces both the European and the American period. It is historical, biographical, technical. The field of investigation is new. The edition is limited to 500 copies. Attractively bound. Comment of Competent Critics. "It is astonishing what manuscripts and printed records are brought before us in this volume." — C. D. Hartranft, D. D. Editor-in-chief Corpus Schwenckfeldianorum. "The work is a great credit to American research. The results are of permanent value." — M. D. Learned, Ph. D., L. H. D., University of Pennsylvania. "I have read your book over with care and have reread it, and I feel that you have done a great work." — Hon. S. W. Pennypacker, Former Gov- ernor of Pennsylvania. "There is much in the book to interest any one who is a reader of Pennsylvania history. A welcome contribution to the history of the follow- ers of Caspar Schwenkfeld." — John W.Jordan, LL. D. Librarian Histo- rical Society of Pennsylvania. "Hitherto the subject has been greatly neglected, even by the foremost hymnologists of Europe. Dr. Seipt's work is practically exhaustive." — Jos. H. Dubbs, D. D., LL. D., Reformed Church Review. "This book collects all the available information about Schwenkfeldian hymns and hymn-writing." — Book-News Monthly. "Brimful of hitherto undisclosed facts." — German American Annals. AMERICANA GERMANICA New Series monographs devoted to the comparative study of the Literary, Linguistic and Otlier Cultural Relations OF Germany and America EDITOR MARION DEXTER LEARNED University of Pennsylvania AMERICANA GERMANICA New Series 1. Translations of German Poetry in American Magazines 1^4.1-1810. By Edward Ziegler Davis, Ph. D. 5 p.l. 229 pp. Price . . $1.65 2. The Harmony Society. A Chapter in German American Culture History. By John Archibald Bole, Ph. D. 3 p.l. 176 pp. 30 Illustrations. Price $i-50 3. Friedrich Schiller in Arjierica. A Contribu- tion to the Literature of the Poet's Centenary, 1905. By EUwood Comly Parry, Ph. D. i p.l. 116 pp. Price . $1.25 4. The Influence of Salomon Gessner Up07i English Literature. By Bertha Reed. I p.l. 118 pp. Price $1-25 5. Ihe German Settleinent Society of Philadel- phia and its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. By William G. Bek. Pp. xi, 182. Price $1.50 6. Philipp Waldeck' s Diary of the American Revolution. With Introduction and Pho- tographic Reproductions. By M. D. Learned. 168 pp. Price $i-5o 7. Schwenkfelder Hymnology ayid the Sources of the First Schwenkfelder Hymn-Book Printed in Avierica. With Photographic Reproductions. By Allen Anders Seipt, Ph.D. 112 pp. Price $2.00 rw eine d in in 1 1( n i (mehrentbdf^ arm*) ^ ^^'"^ Lh^K J^u^^^Scit 5cr 6et) ben fficfc mfrit k ■ . ^% ^m^\ h\% an/e^o in Uf6unfl ^ Wen: • Sum Sp6c un^; ^efc„ Title Page of the First Schvvenkfelder Hvmn-Book Printed in America. AMERICANA GERMANICA SCHWENKFELDER HyMNOLOGY AND The Sources OF THE First Schwenkfelder Hymn-Book Printed in America Allen Anders Seipt, A.M., Ph.D. Member of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania Formerly Instructor in German, Ohio Wesleyan University AMERICANA GERMANICA PRESS PHILADELPHIA 1909 ■M- COPYRIGHTED BY ALLEN ANDERS SEIPT 1909 TO MY MOTHER IN GRATEFUL VENERATION PREFACE. This work is a contribution to a better knowledge of the activity of the Schwenkfelders in the writing and compiling of hymns, both in Europe and also in America. It is hoped that it will help to rescue from obscurity some of the worthy pioneers whose services in this field have long waited for acknowledg- ment. To students of the life of the German settlers in America, during the colonial period, it should prove a welcome side-light. An altogether satisfactory explanation of both the character and the quantity of the religious poetry written by the early Schwenkfelders is furnished by Koch. It runs thus : "They were wholly devoted to a deep susceptibility of the grace of God, intent upon this, in order that they might the better in faith apprehend the inner working of grace. With such spiritual sen- sibility, and being perpetually the victims of oppression, they had so much the greater occasion for communion with God and for the pouring out of their hearts before Him in prayer and song. Hence it was, that a distinct Schwenkfeldian type of religious poetry developed, quite extensive and not to be undei-valued in its importance." Public acknowledgment is due the following for having rendered assistance during the preparation of this work : Marion D. Learned, Ph. D., L. H. D., Professor of German at the Uni- versity of Pennsylvania, for directing the author's research ; Prof. D. B. Shumway, Ph. D., of the University of Pennsylvania; Hon. S. W. Pennypacker, LL. D., Former Governor of Pennsylvania, for the use of important sources; M. G. Brumbaugh, Ph. D., LL. D., Superintendent of Schools, Philadelphia; Prof. Morris Jas- trow, Jr., Ph. D. ; Dr. John W. Jordan, Librarian, and Mr. Ernest Spofford, Assistant Librarian, of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania; Mr. Thomas L. Montgomery, Librarian, Mr. Norman D. Gray, Assistant Librarian, and Mr. Luther Kelker, Archivist, of the State Library, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; C. S. (vii) viii PREFACE Thayer, Ph. D., Librarian of Hartford Theological Seminary, Hartford, Connecticut ; Mr. George Maurice Abbot, Librarian of the Library Company of Philadelphia, and Mr. B. Samuel, of the Ridgway Branch; Pres. Robert Ellis Thompson, D. D., Central High School, Philadelphia; Rev. J. H. Dubbs, D. D., LL. D., Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, Pennsylvania; Rev. C. D. Hartranft, D. D., Wolfenbiittel, Germany; Hon. C. Hey- drick. Franklin, Pennsylvania; Howard Wiegner Kriebel, Lititz, Pennsylvania; Rev. O. S. Kriebel, D. D., Pennsburg, Pennsyl- vania; Rev. E. E. S. Johnson, Wolfenbuettel, Germany; Mrs. Susanna Krauss Heebner, Worcester, Pennsylvania; Samuel A. Anders, Professor of German, Temple University, Philadelphia; and Irene Schumo Seipt, of Philadelphia. The Author. Philadelphia, April 1909. TABLE OF CONTENTS. Chapter I. — Introduction ii Chapter 11. — Descriptive Bibliography 17 Chapter III. — The Schwenkfelder Hymn-Writers of the 1 6th and 17th Centuries 37 Chapter IV. — Hymns Used by the Schwenkf elders Before 1762 56 Chapter V. — Caspar Weiss: The Originator of the Schwenkfelder Hymn-Book 61 Chapter VI. — George Weiss: Writer and Compiler of Hymns 74 Chapter VII. — Balthaser Hoffmann, Christopher Hoff- mann and Hans Christoph Huebner ... 83 Chapter VIII. — Christopher Schultz and the Printed Hymn-Book 96 Appendix. — Bibliography iii CHAPTER I. Introduction. Up to this time, the American field of Schwenkfelder hymn- ology appears to have been permitted to lie unworked and even uncleared ; so that the present investigation has demanded pioneer effort. The explanation of this fact can readily be furnished. Until recent years, the sources which have made the present treat- ise possible were in the private possession of numerous individuals and of households of the sect, and hence were, for the most part, both inaccessible and unknown to the investigator. However, patient searching has brought to light much material relating to the production, transcribing, compiling and editing of hymns of Schwenkfelder authorship — the activity of the Schwenkfelders in the writing and collecting of hymns having extended from the first half of the sixteenth to the second half of the nineteenth cen- tury, a period of more than three hundred years. This material consists chiefly of manuscript sources hitherto unpublished, and is therefore of prime importance for a documentary account of the hymnology of the sect. The most important of the historical manuscripts exploited in the preparation of this work will be found printed with the text — care having been exercised to permit no deviation from the orthography employed by the chronicler. These citations are in most cases given in English translation also. The specimen hymns printed or reprinted are provided with foot- notes explaining dialectal and obsolete forms. The illustrations will be found to include photographic reproductions indicating those manuscript compilations which served as sources for the first hymn-book of the sect printed in America. The few brief notices which have thus far appeared, of the activity of the Schwenkfelders in the writing and compiling of hymns, have not been overlooked. In 1882, there appeared in the Reformed Quarterly Reviezv an article entitled "Early German Hymnology of Pennsylvania," which contains an account of the (II) 12 SCHWENKFELDER HYMNOLOGY Schwenkfelder hymn-book of 1762.^ In 1898, the Americana Germanica published a treatise on the subject of German hymn- ology in America, in which the writer confines his account of Schwenkfelder hymn-writing to the following brief mention:^ "Other sects, such as the Schwenkfelders, who came to Pennsyl- vania in 1734, may be passed over with the mere mention. The hymn-book of the Schwenkfelders, known as the Neu-eingerichte- tes Gesanghiich, left Saur's press in 1762; it contains no hymns written in this country, but is interesting for its scholarly preface and excellent arrangement." In the course of the present work, however, it will be seen that Schwenkfelder hymnology is entitled to more than mere men- tion, and that the statement, "it contains no hymns written in this country," is certainly without foundation. In 1904 appeared the Schzvcnkf ciders in Pennsylvania, a historical study of the Schwenkfelders since their exodus from Saxony.^ This contains a partial list of the Schwenkfelder hymn-writers whose hymns were admitted into the hymn-book printed in 1762. But all these references to the hymn-book in question merely suggest that Schwenkfelder hymnology holds a place in the hymnology of the Fatherland. The larger works on hymnology have also been consulted. In Julian,"' but two Schwenkfelder hymn-writers receive mention. They are Adam Reissner and Sebastian Franck. Even Daniel Sudermann is not named. Koch^ distinguishes two schools of Schwenkfelder hymn-writers, namely, that of the Reformation period and a post-Reformation school. He treats a total of eight authors. We have already observed, in our preface, that Koch ^The article was written by the Rev. J. H. Dubbs, D.D., LL.D. Since reprinted. This account is quoted in our last chapter. ''William A. Haussmann : German American Hymnology (1683-1800). Americana Germanica, Vol. II, No. 3. 'Howard Wiegner Kriebel: The Schwenkfelders in Pennsylvania: A Historical Sketch. Lancaster, 1904. *JoHN Julian: A Dictionary of Hymnology. New York, 1892. Emil Koch : Geschichte des Kirchenlieds iind Kirchengesangs. Stutt- gart 1866-1876. INTRODUCTION 13 recognizes a well-defined Schwenkfeldian type of hymn-writing and cheerfully concedes to it a raison d'etre. But his account of the Schwenkf elder hymn-writers terminates with 1631, the year of Sudermann's death. Wackernagel*^ describes very fully the Schwenkfelder hymns of the period which he treats, but he dis- cusses only the writers up to Sudermann inclusive, and his ac- count is not biographical. Schneider's monograph'' likewise closes with an account of the hymns of Daniel Sudermann. Indeed, both Wackernagel and Koch frankly acknowledge their indebted- ness to Schneider for much of their information concerning the early hymn-writers of the school of Schwenkfeld. It will be seen thus, that none of these authorities approach- es the period with which the present treatise is particularly con- cerned. It is the purpose of this monograph (i) to present a survey of the entire field of Schwenkfelder hymnology, and (2) to submit the results of an examination of certain compilations of hymns extant in manuscript. The collections in question are those brought to America by the Schwenkf elders in 1734, to- gether with the rearrangements and transcriptions of them produc- ed here. Documentary sources have been employed almost exclu- sively, and with but one exception, the writer has enjoyed the use of the originals of the several hymn-collections examined. The hymn-book issued from the press of Christopher Saur has, of course, received attention ; but no minute analysis of this imprint has been attempted. It will frequently be referred to as the "Saur edition." The second and third editions of the printed hymnal are merely listed in our Descriptive Bibliography. Each is es- sentially an abridgment of the edition which preceded it. In an address delivered before the Pennsylvania-German Society on the occasion of its first annual meeting, October 189 1, Hon. Samuel W. Pennypacker, Former Governor of Pennsyl- ' Philipp Wackernagel : Das deutsche Kirchenlied von den aeltesten Zeiten bis zu Anfang des lyten Jahrhmiderts. 5 vols. Leipzig, 1864-1877. ' A. F. H. Schneider: Ziir Literatur der Schwenkf eldischen Lieder- dxchter his Daniel Sudermann. Berlin, 1857. 14 SCHWENKFELDER HYMNOLOGY vania, made the following reference to the results which the Schwenkfelders have accomplished in the transcribing of their own literature: "I want to call your attention to another sect, the Schwenkfelders who came to Pennsylvania. They were the followers of Caspar Schwenkfeld and the doctrines taught by him were almost identical with those taught by the Quakers. They came in 1734. Their literature was extensive and interesting. It is reproduced for the most part in huge folios written upon paper made at the Rittenhouse paper-mill on the Wissahickon, the earliest in America. These volumes sometimes contained a thousand pages, bound in stamped leather with brass corners and brass mounting. Among the notable facts connected with their history is the fact that they prepared a written description of all the writings of Schwenkfeld and their other authors and it is as far as I know the first attempt at a bibliography in this country." The early history of the Schwenkfelders furnishes the ex- planation of this extraordinary activity in the copying of both their printed works as well as unpublished manuscripts. Repeat- edly, the literature of the sect was proscribed and the use of the press forbidden them, so that for the preservation of the works of their various writers they were dependent upon their transcrib- ers. Of this activity, the collecting and copying of hymns has always been a considerable part, and in our next chapter we list bibliographically the numerous larger collections of hymns which are still extant in manuscript and are products of the patient toil of Schwenkfelder transcribers. Furthermore, we shall see that some of the hymn-writers themselves served the sect as copyists. Thus Adam Reissner and Daniel Sudermann compiled large folios of hymns written by their own hands. A century later Caspar Weiss produced a compilation of hymns in two volumes in manu- script, in which he has perpetuated hymns written by Adam Reissner, Daniel Sudermann, Raimund Weckher, Valentin Trill- er, Antonius Oelsner, George Heydrich, Martin John, Jr., and other Schwenkfelder hymn-writers. Again, George Weiss INTRODUCTION 15 subjected the collection of Caspar Weiss, his father, to a rearrangement and added more than 500 hymns of Schwenkfeld- er authorship. It is also noteworthy that this activity did not cease with the emigration of the sect from the Fatherland. The present writer has thus far examined six folios besides numerous quartos and a great variety of additional collections arranged for church use, all of which were compiled or transcribed in America. The extant manuscript hymn-books arranged for household use (Taegliche Gesangbuecher) are also numerous. It has been the writer's good fortune to unearth a number of important collec- tions of hymns in manuscript and it is not unlikely that others exist which will yet be discovered. We should, therefore, not lose sight of the fact that the great mass of transcriptions — of hymns, of sermons, of historical matter and of other literature — produced by the Schwenkfelders in America represents the sur- vival of the laborious work of transcribing which originated in Europe more than two hundred years before, when printers were forbidden to do press-work for the Schwenkfelders. Necessity was the mother of the device, and in this way for a period of more than two centuries preceding the emigration to America, copies of the Schwenkfeld prints which had been saved from seizure were multiplied, and both their earlier and their contem- poraneous literature preserved. Investigation has revealed the further fact that three col- lections of hymns served as the principal manuscript sources of the Schwenkf elder hymn-book of 1762, familiarly known as the "Saur edition." The collections in question form a connected series, beginning with the compilation of Caspar Weiss, which was completed in 1709. Hence, the first Schwenkf elder hymn- book printed in America was in part the result of a line of activity in the compiling of hymns, which began at the very opening of the 1 8th century, about 60 years before. The additional fact has also been disclosed that this continued activity is marked from its beginning to its close by a well-defined progression, — each compiler after the originator, having operated with the completed i6 SCHWENKFELDER HYMNOLOGY work of his predecessor as a basis. The series of collections comprising the extent of this activity consists therefore, essentially of four compilations of hymns, each regularly edited, although the first three collections of the series were never issued in print- ed form. Moreover, and singularly enough, the effort represented by this activity was confined to four families of the sect : Caspar Weiss of Harpersdorf, in Silesia, and the Rev. George Weiss, his son ; the Rev. Balthaser Hoffmann and his son, the Rev. Christo- pher Hoffmann; Hans Christoph Huebner, and the Rev. Chris- topher Schultz. With the exception of Caspar Weiss, who died in Silesia before the emigration to Saxony, all were immi- grants to America. George Weiss, Balthaser Hoffmann and Christopher Schultz were writers of hymns. And not only to Rev. Christopher Schultz as editor, but to each one of these com- pilers must be conceded a share in the credit for the ultimate pro- duct, the Neu-eingerichtetes Gesanghuch of 1762. CHAPTER II. Descriptive Bibliography.^ This descriptive bibliographical list includes only collections of hymns, manuscript and printed. . The compiler or author is in every instance a Schwenkfelder. Early German religious prints other than hymn-books not infrequently contained a few hymns; and a number of hymns of Schwenkfelder authorship were first published separately in this manner. But such prints are not included in this list. Likewise, collections which contain Schwenkfelder hymns but are not Schwenkfelder compilations are excluded. The list affords a survey of the activity of the sect in the writing as well as in the collecting and arranging of hymns for devotional use, privately and in their meetings for worship. The numbers in this bibliography marked thus (*) are the collections in folio and quarto which served as sources for the "Saur edition," and include both the original manuscripts and the transcriptions of them which are known to exist. All titles are reproduced in German, with their original orthography. The description of all the numbers in the list is given in English. Those numbers which are not described as "manuscript" are col- lections which have been issued in print. I. 1546. EiN New Lied | Aufif Sebastian Coccius | Schulmaisters zu Hall Schmach- | biichlen, die er wider die Herrlichait j Christi hat geschriben. | Im then | O das ich kiind von hertzen. | Oder | Ich stund an einem morgen. | Raimund Weckher. | 1546. Octavo. 14 pages. Contains the hymn : Ein vogel ist aussge- flogen. The hymn consists of 31 strophes of 7 lines. It is a polemic in defense of the doctrine of Schwenkfeld. Preceding the hymn is an "Exhortation to the Reader" in rhymed couplets. (Royal Li- brary, Dresden.) ^Compare: Schneider, loco citato, pp. 12-18. Wackernagel, Vol. I, part II. Koch, Vol. II. (17) i8 SCHWENKFELDER HYMNOLOGY II. 1565. EiN New Lied | Ausz der Histori | Eusebij | Von den zehen verfol- I gungen, Vnd zerstorung des | Christenthumbs. | Mehr j Ein Lied vom Reich des Antichrists, | Vnd von plagen vber die argen welt. | (4 hnes) | A. R. | (5 Hnes) | Getruckt zu Strasburg | bey Thiebolt Berger. Octavo. 30 pages. Contains the following three hymns : In alten gschichten gschriben staht, Nu hort mir zu in meim gedicht, Herr Jhesu Christe starker Gott. The first hymn consists of 34 strophes of 13 lines. The second is in 10 strophes of 13 lines. The third is in 19 strophes of 5 lines. Of the first two, Adam Reissner is the author. The third is prob- ably not from his pen. (Royal Library, Berlin.) III. 1565. Ein schon Lied, Von der j Ruten vnd Kinder zucht. Im thon, I Ich stundt an einem morgen. | Allen Eltern vnd Kindern, sher niitz I vnd not, in disen zeiten zu singen. Octavo. 7 pages. Contains the hymn : Ein Liedlein wil ich dichten, Zu lob der Ruten gut. It is in 18 strophes of 7 lines. The sentiment of the hymn is that of the proverb : "Spare the rod and spoil the child." The author is Alexander Heldt. (Royal Library, Berhn.) IV. 1570. Ein schon neuw Lied, | Von der tugent vnnd krafft | der Ruten, zur warnung den Eltern, | die jhren Kindern den zaum zu | lang lassen, vnd sie in jrer | jugent nicht straffen. | (3 lines) | Gedruckt ?x\ Basel, am Fischmarckt, durch | Daniel vnd Lienhart Ostein. Octavo. 6 pages. A new edition of the hymn of Alexander Heldt on the training of children. (Royal Library, Berlin.) V. 1587. Geistliche Lieder. I Daniel Suderman. | Die Kinder diser Welt sind Kliiger den die Kinder des | liechts, in Irem ge- DESCRIPTIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY 19 schlecht. Luc. XVI. Aber, Gott forchten | ist die volkomne Weiszheit. EccL. I. Gott forchten ist weit ] vber alles. EccL. XXV. Gott forchten, vnd vor augen haben ist | weiszheit, vnd vom bosen weichen, ist verstand. Job. XXVIII. | Singend ein lobgesang, Lobend Gott vber alle seine Werck, | Gebend dem Herrn Herrhgkeit vnd eehr, veriahend sein lob mitt | euweren lafftzen, Ja mit den gsang euwerer lafftzen, mit den | Harpffen, vnd seitenspilen EccL. XXXIX. Leerend vnd erma- 1 nend euch selbs mit gesangen vnd geistlichen liederen, in der gnad, | vnd singend dem herren in euwerem hertzen. Col. 3. | Zu Straszburg, Im Bruderhoff. | 1587. Manuscript in folio. Will be designated as Si in the list of Sudermann collections included in our discussion of this hymn- writer in the next chapter. 538 pages. Chronologically, this is the first collection of Sudermann's hymns. The author is also the com- piler. It contains a number of his very earliest compositions, written in the years 1572 f¥. Every hymn is furnished with corrections sup- plied in Sudermann's own hand about 30 years after the engrossing of the manuscript. The succession of poems is occasionally inter- rupted by passages from St. Jerome, St. Chrysostom, St. Augustine and other Church Fathers, in French translation. (Royal Library, Berlin.) VI. 1596. Teglichs Gesangbuch. 1 Welches Der Gottsgelehrt Aureli- | us Prudentius, Consul zu Rom, | vor Tausendt Jaren geschriben, | Und ieczt verteuscht worden. | Auch anndere newe Lieder auss Heiliger [ schrifft alien Christglaubigen zu irem | Hayl Dienstlich durch. I Adam Reusner ] Ephes : V. | Jr solt erfiilt werden im Gaist, mitt Euch selbs | Reden inn Psalmen, Lobsangen und gaistlichen Lied- I ern, Singen vnnd Psalliern in Ewernn Hercz- | en, Dem Herren immer Danckhsagen iiber ] alles im Namen vnsers Herren Jesu Christi. Manuscript in folio. 734 pages. This is a compilation consist- ing of (i) hymns written by Adam Reissner, and (2) hymns col- lected by Reissner from other Schwenkfelder writers. The next number in this series has many hymns in common with this manu- script. The collection comprises six distinct sections, with a sep- arate title-page for each section. The titles of the successive sec- tions are included in this account. The first section comprises Reiss- 20 SCHWENKFELDER HYMNOLOGY ner's translations of the Latin hymns of Aurehus Prudentius. Fol- lowing we reproduce the title-page of the second section : Neuwe Gsanng I in Biiechern Mosech prophe- | ten vnnd Psalmen aus Hay- | liger Schrifft verfaszt. | Zum Erkandtnus vnnsers Herren | IHESV CHRISTI, vnnd jderman | zur besse- rung vnnd zur Selig- | kait dienstlich. 1 Inn gsanng verfasst. | Durch. I A : R : | Die gaistliche gesang eruordern ein glau- | big Hercz. PROVERB : 25 : Wie ein Zer- | riszen Klaid im tag der Kelte, vnnd j essich vf¥ der Creiden, Also ist ei- | ner Der Psalmen singt mit Ei- | nem Boszen Herczenn. All the hymns of this section are by Adam Reissner. They include many of his metrical versions of the Psalms. Following is the title of the third section : Heilige Gsangg Aus dem | Neuen Testament nach dem | Text der Evangelisten vonn der Neu- | en empfengkhnus geburt, wunder I werckhen Leiden und sterben vnd | aufferstehung des Sohns Gottes I IHESV CHRISTI. | A. R. This is the largest of the six divisions of the collection. Of most of the hymns of this section, Adam Reissner is only the col- lector. Of a few he is also the author. The title of the fourth section follows : Von Abendmal | DES HERREN. | Vom figiirlichen Opfer Fest PASCHA | vom Opfer Lamb vnd was es bedeutet hab. 1 Durch I A.R. Six hymns on the Lord's Supper and the Atonement. The first is unquestionably by Reissner. The authorship of the others is un- certain. Following we reproduce in part the fifth title-page : Geistliche Gsang I Ausz Hailiger Geschrifft | Das Christus bald komen werd zurichten. MOSEH SOPHONIAH DAVID HOSEAH ESAIAII BARVCH lEREMIAH DANIEL HABACVK MACABEER This title-page bears the date 1596. This is also the date of the next number in this series. This section contains hymns on the Judgment. The brief title of the last section is as follows : DESCRIPTIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY 21 Hernach folgen Gesanng, Wie I sich ein mensch in Ver- lichner gnad Christi auf sein Zukonnfft berai- | ten mechte. This part of the collection contains chiefly hymns on the Second Coming of Christ. The orthography of this manuscript seems to point to Strassburg. It contains a total of 175 hymns. Of these, 44 are unquestionably, and 10 others possibly, by Adam Reissner. All the hymns of this collection are presumably of Schwenkfelder authorship.- (Herzogliche Bibliothek, Wolfenbiittel.) VII. 1596. A : PRVDENTII DIVRNAL. | Taglichs Gsangbuch | welches Prudentius vor Tausend Jaren | beschrieben, Auss dem Latein | verteiitscht. | durch, | A : Reiszner. | Durch | Daniel Sudermann. j Anno 1596, I zu Strassburg geschrieben, | vnnd gemehret. Manuscript in folio. 572 pages. In this collection and in the collection which we have just described, most of the hymns by Adam Reissner have been preserved. This manuscript, like the pre- ceding, contains hymns by various Schwenkfelder writers in addition to those by Reissner. The compiler of this collection was the dis- tinguished Schwenkfelder and prolific hymn-writer Daniel Suder- mann, in whose hand the entire manuscript is neatly engrossed. The first division of the volume embraces those translations of the Latin hymns of Prudentius contained in the preceding number, here re- arranged. Then a new title-page, as follows : PRVDENTII ENCHIRIDION. | Eua Columba fuit, turn Can- dida nigra deinde. | Kleine Bibel. | Namen vnnd wunderge- sohichten dess Alten | vnnd Newen Testaments. This part of the collection comprises a translation of the Enchiridion, or handbook of devotions, of Aurelius Prudentius. It is the enlargement indicated on the title-page of the book. Who translated these Latin hymns, we are not told. Again a new title, as follows : Gsangbuch | Newer geistlicher Lieder | Zum erkantnus des Heilmachers Jhesu | Christi, vnd Jederman Zur besserung dienstlich. | Auch | Darin die gmeine Irrthumb vnd | abgotterey der Welt entdeckt | werden. ' Cf. Wackernagel, loco citato. Vol. I, p. 591. 22 SCHWENKFELDER HYMNOLOGY This section is supplied with a preface by Sudermann, possibly indicating that he intended to have these hymns pubhshed in the form of a hymn-book. From this preface, as well as from the title and the passages of Scripture which follow it, we may assume (i) that these hymns were gathered from Schwenkfelder writers only and (2) that the collection was prepared in defense of the position of the Schwenkfelders with regard to the Lord's Supper. This manuscript contains 117 hymns. It closes with the following verses :■' Zu Christi lob, Glori vnd preisz, Auch Ehr, hab ich diss Buch, mit vleisz. Zusammen bracht: Gebenedeyt, Der an den tag brengt, solche warheit : Verbannet auch dagegen sey, Ders noch entfrembd, vnd nit last frey, Oder, ausz Neyd, zumal verdirbt : Gott such Ihn heim, ehe dan er stirbt. D. S. VIII. 1597. Geistliche Lieder. 1 Zur Ermanung vnnd anhaltung, trieb, vnd vbung, | Das man Im Hauss Gottes nit schlaf¥erig seye : | Son- der allzeit Wachen, betten, vnd ermanen soil. | I. Teil. | Die Kinder diser Welt seind Kliiger dan die Kinder | des liechts In Ihrem ge- schlecht. Luc. : 16. Aber Gott | forchten vnd vor augen haben ist Weiszheit, vnnd vom | bosen weichen, ist verstand. Job : 28. Gott forchten ist | Die volkomme Weissheit. Eccl: i. Gott forchten ist weit I vber alles. Eccl : 25. | Ihr sollends ihm nit verbieten : Wer nit ist wider vns, | Der ist fur vns. Marc: 9. I. Cor: i2a. Dan der einig Geist wiirckt | alles, vnd theilt einem Jeglichen seines zu, nach dem Er will &c. | I. Cor: 14. Coi.oss: 3. | Psallierend in ewerm hertzen dem herren, lehrend vnd erinnert | ein ander, mit Psalmen, Gesangen vnd geistlichen liedern, Singet | in der gnad jn ewerm hertzen. | Durch, | Daniel Suderman zu Strassburg &c. | sein Erste vbung &c. Manuscript in folio. 1071 pages. Will be designated hereafter as Si I of the Sudermann collections. Chronologically, it is the second collection of hymns by Daniel Sudermann. Most of these ' Cf. Wackernagel, loco citato, Vol. I, p. 596. DESCRIPTIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY 23 hymns were written in the period 1588 — 1597. They number in the tig®ate 558. However, the collection contains hymns which were admitted from manusci-ipt Si, so that they were not all new hymns. Of the hymns which this collection comprises, 26 have appeared in print. Of these, some had been printed before the completion of the collection. In the years 1605 and 1606, the Prussian composer Hans Schults copied from this volume a considerable number of hymns which he set to music. According to a note contained in the manuscript, this collection originally comprised two volumes. Of the companion volume (H. Theil) the writer has nowhere else found mention. It is probably no longer extant. Most of the hymns contained in this collection were admitted into the three volumes which constitute the next three numbers in this series — a manuscript hymn-book in three Parts, quarto. (Royal Library, Berlin.) IX. 1615. GsANGBUCH, Newer geistlicher | Lieder. | Zum erkandniis des Heylmachers Jesu Christj, | Fur die Newe, von oben heraber wider- I geborne Kinder Gottes, wie geschrieben ] stehet. Esa : 54. Jon : 3. 6. Deine Kin- | der werden alle von Gott gelert sein, | Wer es nun horet von mcinem vatter, | und lernt es, Der kompt zu mir &c. I I. Theil. I 1st etwan ein newe Creatur, In Christo, | So ist das alt vergangen, Sihe Ich | machs alles New. 2. CoR : 5. | Es ist Alles New worden. Apoc: 21. | Der Naturlich Mensch vernimpt nichts vom I Geist Gottes, es ist im eine thorheit, vnd | kan es nicht er- kennen, Denn es muss geistlich | gerichtet sein. I. CoR : 2. | Durch Daniel Sudermann. Manuscript in quarto. 1044 pages. This is the first of three volumes which constitute chronologically the third collection of Su- dermann hymns. We shall designate these volumes Siiio, S111& and Siiic respectively. The collection was probably completed 1615 — possibly later. Immediately preceding the hymns is an extension of the title, from which it appears that Sudermann intended at this time to issue in printed form a complete collection of his hymns. About one-third of the space of the first volume is devoted to hymns for children, with such marginal notes as "Kinderlieder" and "Zur kinder leer." The total of hymns in this volume is 780, of which 39 have appeared in print. (Royal Library, Berlin.) 24 SCHWENKFELDER HYMNOLOGY X. 1615. GSANGBUCH. I Newer geistlicher Lieder | Zur ermanung vnnd anhaltung, trieb, | vnd vbung, Das man jm hauss | Gottes nit schlafferig seye ; Sender | allezeit wachen, beten vnd ermanen soli. | II. Theil. * * * Durch Daniel Suderman. Manuscript in quarto. loio pages. This is collection S111& of the Sudermann hymns. The date is the same as that of the pre- ceding number. It contains a smaller number of "Kinderlieder" than the first volume. Passages from the Scriptures, the Church Fathers and the mystics Eckhart and Tauler, are numerous. There are also two hymns copied from the writings of Tauler, given with the text normalized by Sudermann. The hymns in this volume number 376. 38 have appeared in print. (Royal Library, Berlin.) XI. 1615. GsANGBUCH, I Newer geistlicher | Lieder. | Zum Erkantnits desz Einigen wahren | Gottes, vnd vnsers Herren Jesu Christi, | den Er gesendet hat, welches dz Ewige leben ist. Johan, 17. | III. Theil. Manuscript in quarto. 11 34 pages. This is the third part of Sudermann's "Gsangbuch, Newer geistlicher Lieder." We shall designate it as Sine. The date is 161 5 (circa). This volume con- tains 1 107 hymns, of which about 40 have been printed. (Royal Library, Berlin.) The three volumes which we have just discussed are composed of (i) hymns copied from the two folio volumes, Si and Sii, of Sudermann hymns, and (2) new hymns written in the years 1600 — 1615 (circa). Those transcribed from the two earlier collections were in many cases revised at this time. No one of the three vol- umes of this hymn-book contains an index of first lines. XII. 1618. Von der Tochter Sign, | Das ist: | Von der begnadeten j Hebhabenden glaubigen Seel, wel- | che von jhrem Gemahel Jesu Christo, I mit liebe vbersich von alien Jrrdischen Crea- | turen, ge- zogen, ergriffen, vnd zu wahrer | Gottlicher erkantniis vnd jhr sel- | ber kommen ist. | Durch D. S. | Bey Jacob von der Heyden Cal- COGRAPHUM. I Anno 1618. DESCRIPTIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY 25 Octavo. 32 pages. Contains the following three hymns : Ein Tochter Jung, von Sion her, Gott sey gelobt, in ewigkeit, Liebende Seel, welche nun bist. The first is in rhymed couplets. The second is in 22 strophes of 8 lines. The third is in 7 strophes of 8 lines. We shall desig- nate it as Siv in our list of collections of Sudermann hymns. (Her- zogliche Bibliothek, Wolfenbiittel.) XIII. 1619. Ein gute Lehr, | Wie die Christliche Jungfra- | wen, das ist, die liebhabende glaubi- | ge Seele, ein Geistlicher wolbewarter Blum- I men gartlein, in jhren hertzen pflantzen sollen. * * * 1 D. S. I Bey Jacob von der Heyden Calco- | graphum Anno 1619. Octavo. 16 pages. Will hereafter be designated as Sv. This print contains four didactic poems in rhymed couplets, and the hymn : Hort jhr lieben Jungfrawen, in 17 strophes of 8 lines. (Herzogliche Bibliothek, Wolfenbiittel.) XIV. 1619. Five Leaves in Folio with Didactic Poems by Daniel Suder- mann. Will hereafter be designated as Svi. There are five poems, typographed. (Royal Library, Berlin.) XV. 1620. ScHoNE AUSSERLESENE FiGUREN vnd hohc Lehrcu von der | Begnadeten Liebhabenden Seele, Nem- | lich der Christlichen Kir- chen vnd jhre | Gemahl Jesu Christo. | Zum theyl ausz dem hohen Lied Salomonis, wie auch ausz der alten | Christlichen Kirchenleh- rern Schrififten gezogen, vnd in | Teutsche Reymen verfaszt. | Durch D. S. This is the first of four related collections of hymns by Daniel Sudermann which will hereafter be designated as Sviia, Svii&, Sviic and Sviit/, respectively. This series of publications is extraordinary with regard to both content and the character of the imprints. Each 26 SCHWENKFELDER HYMNOLOGY number in the series consists of 50 leaves in folio printed from en- graved copper-plates. The arrangement in the case of each plate is as follows: First, a heading; under it a symbolic illustration, in form rectangular ; under this, a poem. Beside and below the poem are passages of Scripture or excerpts from the mystics. Illustra- tion and poem interpret these passages. At the bottom of the plate are the initials "D. S." and the engraver's mark. A few copies of these rare imprints have been preserved by the Schwenkfelders in America. Of the first number there is a copy in the Royal Library, Berlin, and one in the Herzogliche Bibliothek at Wolfenbiittel. It was printed at Strassburg, 1620. XVI. 1620. SCHONE AUSZERLESENE SiNREICHE FiGUREN, | auch GleichnUS- sen, Erklarungen Gebettlein vnd hohe | lehr. | Durch D. S. | Ge- druckt bey Jacob von der Heyden Kupferstecher. The second collection in the series under discussion. Will here- after be designated as Svnb. Printed at Strassburg, 1620. (Royal Library, Berlin, and Herzogliche Bibliothek, Wolfenbiittel.) XVII. 1622. EiN SCHONE Lehr, vou den sieben Graden, | oder Staffeln der volkommenen Liebe, in denen die Gesponsz | Christi wandeln soil, Anno 1489. beschrieben, vnd jetzt | von Wort zu Wort in Druck ge- geben, durch D. S. | M. DC. XXII. Folio. 12 pages. This is a treatise on perfect love. It contains ( I ) an essay written 1489 by Heinrich Vigilis von Weissenburg and found in manuscript form by Sudermann; (2) an enumeration of 24 "marks" of divine love, culled from the writings of Eckhard and Tauler; (3) the following hymn by Sudermann: Ein Mensch auffs new geboren schon, in 12 strophes of 4 lines. Will hereafter be designated as Sviii. (Royal Library, Berlin.) XVIII. 1622. Twelve Leaves in Folio with Religious Poems by Daniel Su- dermann. The second page of each leaf is blank. The arrangement of the DESCRIPTIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY 27 printed pages is essentially the same as in the case of numbers XV., XVI., XXII. and XXIV. of this bibliography — the series consisting of symbolic illustrations with interpretations in verse, printed from copper-plates. These leaves are typographed. They contain 12 poems, of which 9 are in rhymed couplets. This collection will here- after be designated as Six. (Royal Library, Berlin, and Herzog- liche Bibliothek, Wolfenbiittel.) XIX. 1622. HoHE GEiSTREiCHE Lehren, vnd | Erklarungen : [ Vber die fiirnembsten Spriiche desz | Hohen Lieds Salomonis, von der Lieb- habenden Seele, das ist, der Christlichen Kirchen vnd jhrem | Gemahl Jesu Christo. [ * * * | Durch D. S. | * * * Ge- dntckt zu Franckfurt bey Eberhardt Kieser, | In verlegung Jacobs von der Heyden, | Chalcograph : Anno | M. DC. XXII. Folio. 68 leaves. In point of arrangement, this imprint is a slight variation from the Sudermann collections printed from cop- per-plates. In this collection the purely didactic poems are more numerous than the hymns. There are 23 hymns, of which three had already been published in collection Siv. This collection will here- after be designated as Sx. (Royal Library, Berlin.) XX. 1625. Hymns and Religious Poems by Daniel Sudermann on Char- ity and Malevolence, Harmony and Discord, Peace and War. Folio. 16 pages, with no collective title. There are 18 poems, of which 8 are arranged for use as hymns. This collection will hereafter be designated as Sxl (Herzogliche Bibliothek, Wolfen- buttel.) XXI. 1625. ScHONE auszerlesne Sinnreiche Figuren. I Durch D. S. | Der III theil. | Gedruckt bey Johan Erhard Wagner. The third collection in the series printed from copper-plates. Will hereafter be designated as Sviic. Printed at Strassburg, 1625 (circa). (Royal Library, Berlin.) XXII. 1626. Etliciie I HoHE geistliciie Gesaenge, Sampt anderen | Geist- reichen getichten, so ausz der | alten Christlichen Kirchenlehrer vnd 28 SCHWENKFELDER HYMNOLOGY jhrer | nachvolger Biichern gezogen. | durch D. S. | * * * Zu finden bey Jacob von der Heyden | Chalcographo. Octavo. 144 pages. There are 42 poems, of which 33 are ar- ranged for use as hymns. Copper-plate illustrations accompany 13 of the poems. This collection will hereafter be designated as Sxii. (Herzogliche Bibliothek, Wolfenbuttel.) XXIII. 1628. X X X X X. I SCHONER AUSZERLESENER SiNNREICHER FiGUREN. I Durch D. S. | Der IIII theil. | Ins kupfer gebracht vnd in druck geben durch Jacob von der Heyden 1628. This is the fourth collection in the series printed from copper- plates, and will hereafter be designated as Sviirf. (Royal Library, Berlin.) XXIV. * 1709. A COLLECTION OF HYMNS COMPILED BY CASPAR WEISS. Manuscript. This is the collection which seems to have been the origin of the series from which the "Saur edition" developed. A subsequent chapter is devoted to an account of the hymns of this collection and includes a sketch of the compiler. Whether the orig- inal manuscript still exists, has not been fully determined.* XXV. * 1733- Christliches- und dabey auch Tagliches | Gesang-Buch | Darin- nen enthalten : Geistliche Gesang und Lider, In welchen | Di Haupt- Punct und Artikkel der ChristHchen Lehr und Glaubens | kurtz ver- fasset und ausgeleget sind. An izt von neuem zusamen getragen, | und vom Authore fiir sich und di Seinigen zu einer Anweisungs- Regel eingetheilet, | Auff alle | Sonn- Hohefest- und Feyertage durchs gantze Jahr, bey Ermangelung des | ofifentlichen reinen und apostolischen Gottes-Dinsts, solches in der Stille und im Hause * There is a manuscript in the possession of Dr. Juhus F. Sachse, of Philadelphia, which may prove to be either the original or a copy of this collection. This manuscript the writer has seen, but did not have the oppor- tunity for an extended examination of it. Besides, the title-page, the preface, and a part of the index are missing. A. F. H. Schneider also found in Harpersdorf a manuscript of hymns, the identity of which has not been established. (Cf. Zur Literatur der Schwenkfeldischen Liederdichter bis Daniel Sudermann, p. 21.) DESCRIPTIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY 29 zugebrauchen : | Gotte damit zu loben, sich selbst zu ermahnen und zu iinterweisen, zu seiner selbst Erbauung im Christen- | thum, und in reiner freyer Libe zu iiben, bisz Gott was bessers, und mehr Gnad [ und Freyheit gibet, ihm im Geist und Wahrheit zudinen. ] ANNO MDCCIX. | Und an izt nochmahlen auffs neu mit mehr geistreichen Gesangen vermehret und ver- | grossert, wi in der Vor- rede, im fiinfften Artikkel und folgends zusehen, und in Vier Abthei- | lungen zu Sonntaglicher Ubung geordnet und eingetheilet, | Abgeschriben und vollendet, im Jahr Christi MDCCXXXIII. Manuscript. Transverse quarto. The hymns comprise 761 pages of illuminative writing, "Frakturschrift" neatly executed. Each page has two columns. Individual Hnes of the strophes not separated. The title-page is well preserved. Passages of Scripture fill three- fourths of the reverse of the title-page. The text of the title as far as "ANNO MDCCIX" is presumably the title of the collection of that year. Four leaves are missing from the preface, which consist- ed of eleven leaves. It embodies the preface of the collection of 1709. There is an index of first lines, an index of "Psalmlieder," and a third index which lists the hymns by authors. The present manu- script and the next number in our list together comprise the collec- tion compiled by Rev. George Weiss. A later chapter is devoted to an account of the sources, the content and the arrangement of this collection. The present volume is the property of Rev. O. S. Krie- bel, D.D., Principal of Perkiomen Seminary, Pennsburg, Pennsyl- vania. XXVI.* 1734. Der andere Theil Discs | Christlichen | Gesang-Buchs, | von I Pfingsten bisz zu En- | de des Jahres. | Vollendet im Jahr | nach | Christi Geburt | MDCCXXXIV. Manuscript. Transverse quarto. The hymns comprise 863 pages of the same hand-writing as that of the volume just described. The writing is illuminative. This manuscript is well preserved throughout. It is the companion of number XXV. Both volumes are bound in stamped leather and have clasps and metallic mounts and corners. This volume contains hymns for the Sundays, holy- days and Saints' Days between Whitsuntide and Advent. There are three indexes, as in the case of the companion volume. (L^" brary of Hartford Theological Seminary, Hartford, Connecticut.) 30 SCHVVENKFELDER HYMNOLOGY XXVII. * 1752. Der andere | Theil | Dises Christlichen | Gesang-Buchs | von j Pfingsten bisz zu En- | de desz Jahres. | Abgeschriben und vol- | lendet im Jahr nach | Christi Geburt | M. D. C. C. LII. Manuscript in folio. Tbe hymns fill 866 pages, and are written upon Rittenhouse paper.^ This is a transcription of the hymns of the second volume of the compilation by Rev. George Weiss. The transcriber was Rev. Balthaser Hoffmann. Interpretations, supplied by the transcriber, accompany a number of the hymns. The mar- gins contain copious annotations and Scripture references, of which but few are contained in the volume of 1734. (Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.) XXVIII. * 1753. Christliches | und dabey auch | Tagliches | Gesang-Buch | Darin- nen enthalten | Geistliche Gesang und Lider, | In welchen | Di Plaupt Puncte und Artikel der Christ- | lichen Lehr und Glaubens kurtz verfasset und | ausgeleget sind. | An itzt von neuem zusammen ge- tragen, | und vom Authore fiir sich und di Seinigen zu einer | Anweisungs Regel eingetheilet, | Auf alle Sonn- Hohefest- und Feyer-Tage, durchs gantze | Jahr, bey Ermangelung des offentlich- en reinen und apostolischen | Gottes-Dinsts, solches in der Stille, und im Hause zugebrauchen ; | Gotte damit zu loben, sich selbst zu ermahnen und zu unterweisen, ] zu seiner selbst Erbauung im Christ- enthum, und in reiner freyer Libe, | zu iiben, .bisz Gott was bessers und mehr Gnad und Freyheit | gibet, ihm im Geist und Wahrheit zudinen. | ANNO MDCCIX. | Und an izt nochmahlen aufs neu 1 mit mehr geistreichen Gesangen vermehret und | vergrossert, wi in der Vorrede im fiinfften Artik- | kel und folgends zusehen, und in Vier-Abtheilungen | zu Sonntaglicher Uebung geordnet und ein- gethei- | let | Abgeschriben und vollendet, im Jahr Christi, | M. D. C.C. L.III. Manuscript in folio. This is a transcription of the hymns of the first volume of the compilation by Rev. George Weiss. The tran- scriber is again Rev. Balthaser Hoffmann. As in the case of the " Compare statement of Hon. S. W. Pennypacker, LL. D., cited on p. 14. DESCRIPTIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY 31 preceding number, there are numerous interpretations, supplied by the transcriber. Annotations and Scripture references abound. The hymns comprise 989 pages. These companion volumes are bound in leather and provided with stout brass corners and mounts — the work presumably of Rev. Christopher Hoffmann, who was the bookbinder of the Schwenkf elders. (Historical Society of Penn- sylvania, Philadelphia.) XXIX.* 1758. Ein I Christliches Gesang- | Buch, | Darinen enthalten geistliche Gesange | und Lieder. | In welchen, | Die Haubt-Artickel Christ- licher Leh- | re und Glaubens kurtz verfasset, erklaret | und ausz geleget sind. | Anjetzt von neuem zusammen getragen und ein- gerichtet | nach Ordnung der ftirnehmsten Articuln, der Apostoli- | schen, Christlichen Lehre und Glaubens : Damit dieselben | mogen betrachtet, erkant, verstanden ; geliebet und geiibet | werden, Gott damit zuloben ; sich selbst zuermahnen | und zuunterweisen, zu seiner selbst Erbauung im | Christenthum. | 1st auch versehen mit einem Register, nach welchem | die Gesange auf alle Hohe Fest- Sonn- und Feyer- Tage | durchs gantze Jahr eingetheilet sind, dasz selbe zu denen Ev- | angelien (nach Belieben und wenn es gefallig ist, solche Ordnung | zugebrauchen) konnen gebraucht, geiibet und betrachtet | werden. | Also zusammen geordnet und geschrieben im Jahr Christi | M. D. CC. LVIII. Manuscript in folio. On the reverse of the title-page are five passages of Scripture. The hymns comprise 1022 pages. There is an introduction of 33 pages. There are also two indexes, compris- ing 25 pages. The volume contains 800 hymns, in the graceful Fraktur of Hans Christoph Hiibner. Annotations, Scripture refer- ences and index fingers abound. Those hymns which are transla- tions of Latin hymns are given in parallel columns with their Latin originals. The initials of the authors are written in the margin be- side the hymns. The present manuscript and the next number in our list together comprise the last re-arrangement of the Schwenk- felder hymns preceding the appearance of the printed hymn-book. This volume is of Rittenhouse paper and has a durable leather bind- ing. It is the property of the estate of Henry H. Heebner, Worces- ter, Pennsylvania. 32 SCHWENKFELDER HYMNOLOGY XXX.* 1759. Ein I ander Christliche(s) | Gesang-Buch ; | In welchem enthal- ten : | Die biblischen Geschichte, | Die Psalmen Davids gereimet, und I Die geordnete Evangelia gereimet durchs | gantze Jahr; | So zur Ordnung (Samlung) 1709, gehoren. | Weiter: | Noch ein Theil gesamlete Psalmen, | Die Lieder Daniel Sudermanns, | Die Medi- tationen, und | Die geordnete Epistel-Texte gereimet durchs | gantze Jahr; | So zur Ordnung (Samlung) 1726. gehoren. | Zusamen geordnet zum Gebrauch zu den ge(o)rdneten | Evangelien durchs gantze Jahr ; | worzu auch die Lieder im ersten Buche mit eingezeich- net sind ; | Zu einer niitzlichen Hausz-Ubung, als auch zu eigner | Ermahnung und Erbauung im Christenthum.| Geschrieben im Jahr Christi MDCCLIX. Manuscript in folio. There is an introduction of six pages. The hymns with copious annotations fill 1204 pages. This volume contains only the six series of hymns designated in the title. Our characterization of these series follows in a later chapter. The hymns of the various series are distributed throughout the book, and are arranged according to the church year. The hymns for each Sunday and holy-day are grouped under four heads : Fruhe, Vor- mittage, Nachmittage, Vesper. With each group, the compiler indi- cates the hymns of the corresponding group "in the first collection" (im ersten Buche) which are not contained in this volume. He re- fers to the collection of 1758. The present volume contains 879 hymns, again in the pleasing hand of Hans Christoph Hiibner. In the index of first lines those hymns which are contained in the collection of Caspar Weiss (1709) are indicated by a red initial. (Pennsylvania State Library, Harrisburg.) XXXI.* 1760. Ein Christliches | Gesang-Buch ; | Darinnen enthalten | Geistliche Gesange und Lieder; | In welchen | Die Haubt-Artickel Christlicher Lehr u. Glaubens | kurtz verfasset, erklaret und ausgeleget sind ; | Anjetzt von neuem zusammen getragen | und eingerichtet nach Ord- nung der fiirnehmsten Artickel der | Apostolichen Christlichen Lehr und Glaubens : damit diesel- \ ben mogen bet'-achtet, erkant, ver- standen, geliebet u. geiibet | werden ; | Gott damit zuloben, sich selbst DESCRIPTIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY 33 zuermahnen und | zuunterweisen, zu seiner selbst Erbauung im Christenthum. | 1st audi versehen mit einem Register; nach wel- chem I die Gesange, auf alle Hohefeste, Sonn- und Feyer- Tage j durchs gantze Jahr, eingetheilet sind, dasz selbe zu denen E- | van- gelien (nach Belieben, und wem es gefallig ist solche Ordnung | zu- gebrauchen) konnen gebraucht, geiibet und betrachtet werden. |, Also zusammen geordnet und geschrieben | Im Jahr Christi M DCC. LVIII. 1 Abgeschrieben und Vollendet [ Im Jahr M DCC LX. Manuscript in folio. 977 pages. With regard to the hymns which it contains, this volume is a transcription of number XXIX. of this bibliography. The introduction of this volume contains in- formation which the present writer has nowhere else found. Throughout the manuscript the "corrections" or variant readings in- troduced into numerous hymns by Caspar Weiss and George Weiss are indicated. In the seventh chapter of the present monograph, a fuller account is given of the special features of this hymn-book. It was written by Christopher Hoffmann. As a specimen of the sur- vival of the medieval art of illuminative writing, it is doubtless the choicest manuscript produced by the Schwenkfelders in America. It is in the possession of Hon. Samuel W. Pennypacker, LL.D., Pennypacker's Mills, Pennsylvania. XXXII. 1762. Neu-Eingerichtetes | Gesang-Buch | in sich haltend | eine | Sammlung | (mehrentheils alter) | schoner lehr-reicher und erbaul- icher | Lieder, | Welche von langer Zeit her bey den Bekennern | und Liebhabern der Glorien und Wahrheit | Jesu Christi bisz anjetzo im Uibung | gewesen : | Nach den Haupt-Stiicken der Christli- | chen Lehr und Glaubens eingetheilet, | und | Mit einem Verzeichnisz der Titel I und dreyen Niitzlichen Registern | versehen. ) Anjetzo also zusammen getragen, | und | Zum Lobe Gottes und heilsamen | Er- bauung im Christenthum, | ans Licht gegeben.| Germantown, gedruckt bey Christoph Saur, | auf Kosten vereinigter Freuden, 1762. 12 mo. Pages XXXIII plus 760. There are also three indexes. This is the "Saur edition" of the Schwenkfelder hymn-book, the first hymn-book of the Schwenkfelders printed in America. It contains 917 hymns. Our last chapter is devoted to an account of this hymn book. Many copies of this imprint still exist, in Schwenkfelder families and in historical collections. 34 SCHWENKFELDER HYMNOLOGY XXXIII. 1765. Ein I ander Christliches ] Gesang Buch | Welches in sich be- greifft und enthalt | Die himdert und funffzig Psalmen Da- | vids gereimet,| und die biblischen Geschichte.] Die Lieder Daniel Sud- ermanns : Die Medita- | tiones : und die geordnete Evangelions- und | Epistel- Texte, gereimet, durchs gantze Jahr. | Zu einer niitzlichen Hausz-Uebung, als auch zu eigner Er- | mahnung und Erbauung im Christenthum. | 1st auch versehen mit einem Register, nach wel- chem die Lie- | der auf alle Sonn- Hohe Fest und Feyer- Tage durchs I gantze Jahr zu denen Evangelien (nach Belieben u. wenn es gefallig ist) konnen betrachtet werden. | Jetzund also zusammen geschrieben und vollendet Anno MDCCLXV. Manuscript in folio. This volume is a re-writing of that of the year 1759, and contains only the hymns of said volume. In our present number, each series of hymns is separate, is provided with a special title-page and has its own preface. The transcriber is Hans Christoph Hiibner. (Schwenckfeld Library, Pennsburg, Pennsyl- vania.) XXXIV. 1813. Neueingerichtetes | Gesang-Buch,| enthaltend eine | Sammlung | (mehrentheils alter) ] erbaulicher Lieder, | nach den Hauptstiicken der Christlichen Lehre und | Glaubens eingetheilet. | Philadelphia : | Gedruckt bey Conrad Zentler, in der Zweyten Strasze, | unterhalb der Rehs-Strasze. | 1813. Small 6to. Pages VIII plus 538. Three indexes. This is the second edition of the Schwenkfelder hymn-book. It is essentially an abridgment of the edition of 1762. It contains 695 hymns, of which 45 are not contained in the first edition. Numerous copies still exist. XXXV. 1869. Neueingerichtetes | Gesang-Buch, | enthaltend | eine Sammlung erbaulicher Lieder, | nach den Haupt-Stucken | christlicher Lehre. | Herausgegeben auf Verordnung ] der | Schwenkfelder Gemeinde. j Druck von A. E. Dambly, Skippackville, Pa. | 1869. Small i6mo. Pages VIII plus 540. Two indexes. This is the third edition of the Schwenkfelder hymn-book. It contains 343 hymns, of which 92 are not contained in either of the earlier edi- tions. It is the present German hymnal of the Schwenkfelders. DESCRIPTIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY 35 PREFACE OF THE "TEGLICHS GESANGBUCH" OF ADAM " REISSNER. 1596. (No. VI.) V0RRED.6 In disem Buech seind die gaistliche gsanng des Gottesgelehrten Christen manns, mit Namen Aurelius Prudentius, die er diurnarum precum opus sive diurnale, das ist Teglichs gsanngbuech genannt, die man alle tag vnnd alle stund, zu morgens und zu abends, mag singen vnnd betrachten, in Lateinischen versen geschriben hat, jeczt mit allem fleiss verteutscht worden, nachmals auch gsang vsz haihger schrifft vnnd andere gaistliche Lieder, zum Lob gottes, vnnsers Herrn Jesu Christe, des ainigen SeHgmachers, vnnd alien christ- gleubigen zur beszerung vnnd zur teglichen iibung zusamen geschriben. Dise gsanng vnnd reimen sein nit so gering ding, vie man mecht achten, oder obhin ansehen, dann hierausz mag der Gottszforchtig mensch lernen, was die siind vnnd gnad ist, was der fluech vnnd der segen, was die verdamnus vnnd seligkait, was tod vnnd leben, was hell vnnd himel, jnn Summa, was der verfiirer Satan, vnnd dargegen der ainig Hailmacher Christus jst. Es jst disz gsanngbuech fiirnemblich nucz vnnd dienstlich alien Hauszleuten, die sich bekeren vnd jn himel trachten, Mannen, Wei- bern, Junckhfrawen vnnd Kindern, insonnderhait auch Hanndt- werkhs-leuten, die den ganczen tag ob der arbait miiessen siczen, wiirckhen vnd spinnen, die miigen alle Zeit, guette iibung, guete ge- danckhen vnd hailsame betrachtung haben, vnnd dardurch zum selig- machenden erkanntnis Jesu Christj (an welchem allein die ewig selig- kait gelegen) gefiihrt werden, Sonnderlich wann sie dise Lieder ausz- wendig lernen, jn gedechtnus fassen, sich selbs der wolthaten Gottes erjnnern, erfreuwen vnnd den zuhorern im Nachgedenckhen mach- en, vnnd also alle menschen vrsach haben, jrm hail vnnd seligwer- dung nachzutrachten, aller schwermiietigkait vnnd Anfechtung wi- derstannd thuen. Hierzu well der Herr Christus sein Segen vnd frid geben, das es jederman lese vnnd bedenckhen, sonnderlich zu diser gefehrlichen Zeit, da schier Niemandts waist wa ausz vnnd an, so doch allertrost, ° Reprinted from Wackernagel, Vol. I. 36 SCHWENKFELDER HYMNOLOGY hilff vnnd hayl zusuchen vnnd zufinden, allein beim Ainigen Hayl- macher Christo, vff welchen alle lobsang gericht, das man sie nit allein singen, sonnder vilmehr leesen, bfedenckhen vnnd teglich beeten mag, welches dann der recht gaistlich gsang vnnd frid jm herczen jst jn allem triebsal. Das alles welle ihm der Gottszforchtige Christglaubige leser, beuolchen lassen, vnnd zu besserer erkantnus der vi^ahrhait, sich dar jnn ersehen, leesen, singen, vnnd jn seinem herczen teglich bedenckh- en, darneben mit fleissigem gebeth, beim Herren Christo anhalten, das er vns alien welle seinen frid geben, vnnd durch seinen hailigen gaist erleuchten, from, hailig, vnnd seines ewigen Reiches vnnd Lebens thailhafift machen. Amen. CHAPTER III. The Schwenkfelder Hymn- Writers of the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Centuries. It will be the design of this chapter to provide an account of the Schwenkfelder hymn-writers whose activity had termi- nated before the emigration of the sect to America. Limitation in the matter of space necessitates the exclusion of much inter- esting material which had been prepared for this part of our narrative. Consequently we shall confine the account to a chro- nological list of these writers and a series of brief biographical sketches of the more important members of the group. Those writers who were among the immigrants will be treated in our account of the American period in subsequent chapters. The Schwenkfelder hymn-writers of the European period are : Valentin Crautwald, 1465 (?)- -1545 Georg Berkenmeyer, (?) -1545 ca. Johann Schweintzer, (?) -1560 ca. Adam Reissner, 1496 — -i575(?) Valentin Triller, (?) -1580 ca. Johann Raimund Weckher, wrote (circa) 1540 - -1570 Sebastian Franck, 1500 ca.— -1545 Alexander Berner, wrote 1550 ca. Bernhard Herxheimer, wrote (circa) 1555 ff- Alexander Heldt, wrote 1565 ff. Sigmund Bosch, wrote 1570 ca. Daniel Sudermann, 1550 - -1631 George Frell, wrote (circa) 1575 ff- Glaus Stuntz, wrote 1580 ca. Antonius Oelsner, wrote (circa) 1590 fi. Anna Hoyer, 1584 - -1656 George Heydrich, (?) -1657 ca. Martin John, Jr., 1624 — -1707 Valentin Crautwald is a name not unfamiliar to stu- (37) 38 SCHWENKFELDER HYMNOLOGY dents of church history. Of his early life we know but little. An autobiographical sketch written 1540 is preserved in manu- script in the Herzogliche Bibliothek at Wolfenbiittel.^ It fails to give the year of his birth. It records, however, that he was born at Neisse, Silesia, the native town of Michael Weisse, originator of the German hymn-book of the Bohemian Brethren. He and Weisse were contemporaries and we may safely assume that they were acquainted. In 1523 he was called to Liegnitz as prebendary (Domherr) or Lector. This appointment he prob- ably owed to Schwenkfeld.^ He was an intimate of Schwenkfeld and for more than twenty years he ardently championed the cause of the Middle Way, as the Reformation under Schwenkfeld was called. For his accomplishments in Hebrew, Greek and Latin he enjoyed a wide reputation and was recognized as a gifted writer of religious verse, of which some was written in defense of Schwenkfeld. He died in Liegnitz, 1545, and is said to have reached the age of 80 years. Georg Berkenmeyer was exhorter in the Swabian city of Ulm. He is the author of a number of writings directed against Romanism and defending the doctrine of the "inner light." The period of his activity was, approximately, 1525- 1545. At the time of the prosecution of Schwenkfeld by the town-council of Ulm, 1540, Berkenmeyer was indicted for par- tisanship with Schwenkfeld. His best known hymns are : "O Herr, bisz du mein Zuversicht", and "O du betriibter Jesu Christ." The former was printed at Strassburg, 1568, 1569 and 1580. Also at Niirnberg, 1607. The latter at Strassburg, 1580 and 1585- JoHANN ScHWEiNTZER was a Silesiau and a pupil of Valen- tin Crautwald. In 1530, in partnership with Petrus Schaefer, he set up a printing press at Strassburg. Among the products of * Cf. A. F. H. Schneider, loco citato, p. 4f. ' Cf. Corpus Schwenckfeldianorum, I, 151. EARLY SCHWENKFELDER HYMN-WRITERS 39 his press were editions of the writings of Crautwald and also of a few works by Schwenkfeld, inckiding his confession of faith. Schweintzer had been associated with Schwenkfeld in Liegnitz and followed him to Strassburg in 1529. In 1556, he was subjected to a trial for his Schwenkfeldianism. The follow- ing hymns by Schweintzer are noteworthy : "Gliickselig ist der Mann", "O hochster Gott in deinem Thron", and "Dasz Gott der Herr so freundlich ist." All three appeared in the Strassburg hymn-book of 1537. The third appeared also in the Augsburg hymn-book (edited by Salminger), 1537, and in Zwick's hymn-book published at Zurich, 1540. Adam Reissner (or Reusner) was born in 1496 at Miin- delheim (now Mindelheim) in Bavaria. He first studied at Wit- tenberg, and afterwards, about 1520, he learned Hebrew and Greek under the noted humanist Johann Reuchlin. He then became private secretary to Georg von Frundsberg (who died 1528) and accompanied him during the campaign in Italy, 1526- 1527. After the capture of Rome in 1527 he went back to Ger- many, locating in Strassburg. It may be well to remind our- selves that Schwenkfeld was in Strassburg during the period 1529-1535; and it was during his sojourn in Strassburg that Reissner made the personal acquaintance of Schwenkfeld. Henceforth he remained a loyal adherent and friend of the Silesian Reformer, as he himself said, "despite all opposition and affliction." The duration of his stay in Strassburg is uncertain. For some years he pursued the profession of the law in Frank- furt-am-Main, but seems to have spent most of his life after leaving Strassburg, in his native town of Mindelheim. Here in retirement and contentment, his professional career and public life dismissed from his mind, he found himself immersed in his favorite occupation — study and the pursuit of literature. The year of his death is not known with certainty, but was probably 40 SCHWENKFELDER HYMNOLOGY 1575. His motto, composed by himself and taking into consid- eration his own Christian name, was : "Was lebt, das stirbt durch Adams Noth, Was stirbt, das lebt durch Christi Tod." Adam Reissner's published works are these: 1. The Miracles of Jesiis Christ.^ Printed by the Feierabend press, Frankfurt-am-Main, 1565. This is a folio of 672 pages. It contains a long religious poem in 59 strophes of 7 lines, beginning: "Der heylig Geist lasz gelingen." The hymn is a summary of the miracles of Christ. 2. A History of the Military Exploits of Georg and Caspar von Frnndsberg. Frankfurt-am-Main, 1568. Second edition, 1572. 3. The Psalms Translated. Frankfurt, 1568. This is an edition of Reissner's metrical versions of the Hebrew Psalms. Until recent years the author's private copy of these hymns was in the possession of Oberlehrer A. F. H. Schneider, the Schwenkfelder historian. 4. Jerusalem.^ Printed by the Feierabend press, Frankfurt-am- Main, 1569. This is a folio of 442 pages. It consists of three parts, of which the first and second are dated 1565. It closes with the hymn — Jeru- salem, heilig genannt. This hymn, by Reissner, is a translation of the Latin hymn — Urbs beata Jerusalem. It is in 6 strophes of 6 hnes, and forms the acrostic "Jhesus". The Teglichs Gesanghuch, already discussed under number VI. of our Descriptive Bibliography, is another important work by Reissner. According to Koch,^ this collection was published by Reissner. However, the manuscript of 1596 is the only form in which it is now extant. Of all the Schwenkfelder hymn- writers, in both Europe and America, the two greatest names are Daniel Sudermann and Adam Reissner. True, Reissner's ' "MiEACVLA, Wunderwerck Jhesvi Christj. * * * Darch Adam Reissner." *"Iervsalem, Die Gaistlich himlisch Stat Gottes. * * * Durch Adam Reissner." " Koch, loco citato, II, 159. EARLY SCHWENKFELDER HYMN-WRITERS 41 hymns do not, like those of Sudermann, number thousands; but they number hundreds, and their merit is unmistakable. Indeed, Wackernagel, who gives twenty-five of Reissner's hymns in full, expresses the opinion that he is the author of many hymns which have hitherto been credited to other writers. But of Reissner's most widely known hymn we have thus far made no mention. It is the choice magnificent hymn — "In dich hab ich gehoffet, Herr." This hymn is a metrical version of the Thirty-first Psalm. It was first published in the Form und ordnung Geystlicher Gesang und Psalmen, Augsburg, 1533. It appeared in Zwick's hymn-book, 1540, and in Babst's (Luth- eran) hymn-book, 1545. It was included in most of the German hymn-books up to the middle of the i8th century. It appeared in the German hymn-book of the Bohemian Brethren, editions of 1606 and 1639, and subsequently in the Moravian hymn- book. All the editions of the Schwenkfelder hymn-book con- tain it. The following are well-known English translations of this hymn :^ "In Thee, Lord, have I put my trust", — Catherine Winkivorth; "Great God ! in Thee I put my trust", — /. C. Jacohi ; "Lord, I have trusted in Thy name", — Dr. H. Mills; "On Thee, O Lord, my hopes I lean", — N. L. Frothingham. We reprint the hymn, employing the orthography of the first edition (1533). PSALM XXXI. IN TE DOMINE SPERAUI. "In dich hab ich gehoffet, Herr, hilff, das ich nit zu schanden wer noch ewigklich zu spotte. Des bitt ich dich, erhalte mich in deiner trew, mein Gotte. ' Cf. Julian, loco citato, p. 955. SCHWENKFELDER HYMNOLOGY 2. "Dein gnadig or nayg her zu mir, erhoer mein beth, thu dich herfur, eyl bald mich zuerretten. In angst vnd wee ich lig vnd steh, hilff mir in meinen notten. 3. "Mein Gott vnnd schirmer, steh mir bey, sey mir ain burg, darinn ich frey vnd ritterlich mog streytten Wider mein feynd, der gar vil seind an mich auff bayden seytten. 4. "Du bist mein sterck, mein felsz, mein hort, mein schildt, mein krafft, sagt mir dein wort, mein hilff, mein hayl, mein leben, Mein starcker Got in aller not: wer mag mir wider streben? 5. "Mir hat die welt triiglich gericht mit liegen vnd mit falschem dicht vil netz vnd haimlich stricken: Herr, nymm mein war inn diser gfar, bhiit mich vor falschen tiicken. 6. "Herr, meinen gayst beuilch ich dir, mein Got, mein Got, weich nit von mir, nimm mich in deine hende ! O warer Gott, ausz aller not hilfif mir am letsten ende! 7. "Glori, lob, ehr vnd herligkait sey Got vatern vnd sun berayt, dem hailing gayst mit namen. Die gottlich krafft mach vns syghafft durch Jesum Christum, Amen." EARLY SCHWENKFELDER HYMN-WRITERS 43 Valentin Triller was the editor of a hymn-book pub- hshed at Breslau, 1555.'^ It contained 145 hymns, most of which were products of his own pen. It was reprinted 1559, under a new title.* Triller's hymns include many revisions of old German hymns and some translations of Latin hymns. Wacker- nagel reprints iii hymns which are credited to him. Up to the time of his banishment from Silesia, in 1573, Triller stead- fastly maintained that the persecution which he suffered, as a Schwenkfelder by reputation, was wholly unjust, inasmuch as he held religious views which were altogether peculiar. How- ever, previous to the appearance of the first edition of his hymn- book, some of his hymns had been printed as Schwenkfelder hymns. Again, the early manuscript collections contain hymns by Triller, and these are retained in the larger collections com- piled in the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries. The Saur edition, also, contains fifteen of Triller's hymns. Daniel Sudermann/ in whom the cause of the Middle Way received both a fresh, a timely and powerful impetus, was the scion of an old and honored family. One of his ancestors, Hendricus (Heinrich) Sudermann, who lived in the 14th cen- tury, was a knight and a patron of the Order of St. Alexius. In the year 1432, and subsequently, Katharina Sudermann and other members of the Sudermann family, who had taken the veil, lived in the cloister of St. Gertrude at Koln, where they were occupied with the transcribing of religious books. Many of these manuscripts came into the possession of Daniel Suder- mann, and one of them, written in 1469, was taken as the model for his handwriting — the artistic engrossing hand of his nume<-- ous manuscripts, which has always received unvarying high praise for its symmetry and grace. Sudermann's father (1514- ' "Ein Schlesich singebiichlein aus Gottlicher schrifft. * * * Durch Valentinum Triller von Gora." (Cf. Wackernagel, loco citato, IV, igf. *"Ein Christlich Singebuch, fur Layen und Gelerten, Kinder und alten, daheim und in Kirchen zu singen. * * * Durch Valentinum Triller von Gora." ° Cf. Schneider, loco citato, p. gff. Koch, II. Allgemeine deutsche Biog- raphic. 44 SCHWENKFELDER HYMNOLOGY 1564), whose court-name was Lambert Suavius, was an artist and copper-plate engraver. Among his patrons were Duke Will- iam of Cleves, Duke Frederick of Saxony, the Duke of Weimar, and two emperors of the Holy Roman Empire, Charles V. and Maximilian II. Daniel Sudermann was born at Liittich in the Netherlands, February 24, 1550. But little is known of his early years. In 1558 we find him in school at Aachen. The year 1568 marks the beginning of his long career as private tutor (Hofmeister) to numerous young counts and noblemen. This activity con- tinued for a period of more than twenty years. In 1576 he was presented to the Emperor Maximilian, who "most gra- ciously" furnished him with an introduction to the newly ap- pointed viceroy of the Netherlands. During these years he wrote m.any poems in praise of his high-born patrons and friends. In 1585 he assumed the charge of the instruction of the sons of the nobility at the Bruderhof in Strassburg. In 1594 he was made vicar of the Bruderhof, where he lived until near the close of his long life. As early as 1585, reprints and new edi- tions of Schwenkfeld's works began to appear, issued under the direction of Sudermann, but not until 1594 did he announce his participation in the views of Schwenkfeld. He gives the following brief account of his own career:^" "D. S. 1st geboren Anno 1550. Er ist Catholisch, aber bald Anno 1558 In der Caluinischen Schul gangen. Auch zu der Lutherischen predig mit gangen, Den Teiiffern auch zugehort. Ist Anno 1594 zu erkantnusz der Warheit kommen, vnd hat Ac. 1624, disz vffge- schrieben seines alters 74. noch starck, frisch, vnd gesund, als lang der Herre sein Christus wil. bisz 1628. 1629. Gottlob. 1630. 1631." His death occurred in 1631. The earliest of Sudermann's poems which still exist were written in 1568. His poetic activity during the period 1 572-1 580, was limited for the most part to the production of motto-hymns and acrostic poems, the latter in praise of his patrons of noble " Cf. Corpus Schwenchfeldianorum, I, 5if. EARLY SCHWENKFELDER HYMN-WRITERS 45 birth. Beginning with the year 1584, he seems to have been occupied for some years chiefly with the pubHshing of Schwenk- feld's works. Neither the editor's name nor the place of pubh- cation, Strassburg, appears in any of these editions. It will be remembered that the Sixteenth Century was the great age of the German "master-singers" and their "Singschulen," and for a few years (1589-91 ) Sudermann practiced the Meistergesang — the writing of lyric poetry according to the strict rules of the guild of* the Meistersanger. Many of his poems of this period are included in his manuscript collections of later years, and are usually indicated by the marginal note : "Disz ist ein Meister- gesang." That Sudermann joined the "master-singers" of Strassburg, or that he was acquainted with his contemporary Johann Fischart can not be said with certainty. However, Fischart was a staunch Protestant and began his literary career by writing satires on Catholicism. Of these, the most import- ant, Der Binenkorh (1579) and Das Jesuitenhiltlein (1580), were issues of the printing-press of Jobin, Fischart's brother-in- law, in Strassburg, the press which soon after printed some of the Schwenkfeld literature published by Sudermann. In his next period, 1594 ca. — 1610, we find Sudermann wholly absorbed in his study of the mystics. In these years his unresting enterprise is applied in part to the collecting of old and rare manuscripts of the writings of such Christian teachers as Bernhard of Clairvaux (i 090-1 153), Bonaventura (1212-74), Meister Eckhart {ca. 1260- 1327), Heinrich Sense, or Suso (1295-1366), Johann Tauler {ca. 1300-61)/^ Johann Geiler of Kaisersberg (1445-1510), Heinrich Vigilis of Weissenburg (1489) and numerous other exponents of the belief in the direct- ness of the soul's communion with God. From these writings he made selections of the choicest passages, which he compiled and added to his library. A number of the manuscripts col- lected he himself transcribed with the greatest care. Indeed, it may safely be said that the recognition which is due Daniel " Cf. Corpus Schwenchfeldianorum, I, 389. 46 SCHWENKFELDER HYMNOLOGY Sudermann for having collected, transcribed and preserved this literature has hitherto not been acknowledged. His hymns both of this period and later years reflect much of the sentiment and the imagery of these Christian writers, of whom Tauler was for Sudermann the master-teacher and close companion. The last two decades of his life, like the earlier periods, Sudermann spent chiefly in literary employment. Until about 1628, he lived at the Bruderhof. He was never married, always enjoyed good health, and even at the age of 80 years he gov- erned an active and a vigorous pen. He was a voluminous transcriber of Schwenkfelder literature, and in this role he was designedly supplying a real want of his friends. These tran- scripts are frequently inscribed thus: "Disz Buch soil niemands eigen sein, Schwenckfelds Discipeln ich schenks insgemein." In this period he completed the fair-copy of his hymns con- tained in collections S Hla, S Hlb and S HIc of the list given below. All of the important collections of hymns by Suder- mann which appeared in print, were published in the years 1618- 1628. As might be conjectured, a number of the hymns written in this decade reflect the fierce religious strife of the calamitous Thirty Years' War. Sudermann was the author of 2500 hymns and other relig- ious poems, of which 435 have appeared in print. Wackernagel alone prints 211 of Sudermann's hymns in full. Schneider^^ gives a list of Sudermann's writings amounting to twenty-seven numbers, not including his theological treatises. If now we re- mind ourselves that for more than a score of years Sudermann's duties as Hofmeister claimed the major portion of his time, that he directed the publication of many of Schwenkfeld's works, that during his curacy at the Bruderhof he accumulated a col- lection of old manuscripts which has ever since been an object of admiration to bibliophiles, copied five large volumes of hymns, " Cf. A. F. H. Schneider, loco citato, pp. 12ft. EARLY SCHWENKFELDER HYMN-WRITERS 47 edited twenty publications of writings by himself and by Tauler, and that by forty years of toil as transcriber he has preserved to us a vast quantity of Schwenkfelder literature as well as much of our information concerning Schwenkfeld and his adherents, we shall be able to approximate a just conception of the amazing activity of this resourceful and devoted champion of Caspar von Schwenkfeld. The complete list of collections of hymns written by Suder- mann follows. Of the published collections, the place of publi- cation is given if known. The Roman numeral given after the title refers to our Descriptive Bibliography. S I. Geistliche Lieder. Manuscript in folio. 1587. v. S II. Geistliche Lieder. Manuscript in folio. 1597. viii. S III a. Gsangbuch Newer geistlicher Lieder. I. Theil. Manu- script in quarto. 1615. ix. S III b. Gsangbuch Newer geistlicher Lieder. II. Theil. Manu- script in quarto. 161 5. x. S III c. Gsangbuch Newer geistlicher Lieder. III. Theil. Manu- script in quarto. 161 5. xi. S IV. Von der Tochter Sion. Strassburg. 1618. xii. S\. Ein gute Lehr. Strassburg. 1619. xiii. S VI. Five leaves in folio, xiv. S VII a. Schdne ausserlesene Figuren nnd hohe Lehrcn. Strass- burg. 1620. XV. S VII b. Schdne anszerlesene Sinreiche Figuren. Strassburg. 1620. xvi. S VII c. Schdne ausserlesene Sinreiche Figuren. Strassburg. 1625 (circa), xxi. S VII d. xxxxx. Schdner aiisserlesener Sinreicher Figuren. 1628. xxiii. S VIII. Ein Schdne Lehr, von den sieben Graden, oder Staff eln der volkommenen Liebe. Strassburg. 1622. xvii. S IX. Twelve Leaves in folio, xviii. S X. Hohe geistreiche Lehren, und Erkldrungen. 1622. xix. S XI. Sixteen Pages in folio, xx. S XII. Etliche Hohe geistliche Gesdnge. Strassburg. 1626. xxii. 48 SCHWENKFELDER HYMNOLOGY As a hymn-writer, he was honored by his contemporaries and is ranked high by modern writers on hymnology. Gram- matically, his poetry is not infrequently defective, but it will be remembered that his linguistic traditions were Low German. Schneider says: "Sudermann always chose good models, in Dutch, French and Latin as well as in German. Schwenkfeld's flow of language, Reissner's brevity and Tauler's fervour are reflected in his writings." Wackernagel's valuation of Suder- mann and his hymns runs thus, in English translation: "He was a true Christian, his poems are simply like so many spon- taneous devotions, in which his soul was submerged as he studied the Holy Scriptures, the church fathers, the mystics and the Reformers; and it seems as though in the fifty years of his hymn-writing he had only godly thoughts. I have spent much time in the study of this author; indeed, I have a fondness for him, because his hymns are so genuine and at the same time so pertinent." The following hymn on the deception of temporal joy, written in 1584, we have chosen to illustrate both the godli- ness and the lyric fire of this prince of Schwenkf elder hymn- writers: : - "vON DER FALSCHEN BETRUEGLICHEN WELTFREUDE. "O blinde Welt, wie hast du mich gestoret Von Jugend vff vnd noch in diese Zeit, O arge Welt, wie hastu mich bethoret Vnd abgebracht von rechter Bahn so weit ! O falsche Welt, Wollust vnd Gelt, Wee dem ewig, der auff dich belt. "O kurtze freiid, o langwirige schmertzen, O Ewigkeit, wie machst mir ein getrang. Wan ich ernstlich bedenck von gantzem hertzen, Nach dieser Zeit dasz du wehrest so lang. O falsche Welt, etc. EARLY SCHWENKFELDER HYMN-WRITERS 49 "O liechteschein, welchs finsternisz gebehret, Dein Ehre fiihrt zu spott vnd ewger schand, O kurtze Rhu, so lang die Seel beschweret, O Eygen Will, hernach gfangnisz vnd band ; O falsche Welt, etc. "Fahr bin o Welt, dir will ich vrlaub geben, Fahr bin o Welt, esz musz gescbieden sein, Fabr bin o Welt, mit dir mag icb nit leben, Fabr bin o Welt, du brecbst micb sunst in pein. Fabr bin o Welt, Wollust vnd Gelt, Wee dem Zuletst, der auff dicb belt." Martin John^ Jr., was born in Glatz, 1624. This was six years after the outbreak of the Thirty Years' War and five years before the appearance in Germany of Gustavus Adolphus, king of Sweden, as the defender of the leaderless Protestants. The story of the early life of Martin John, the younger, reflects the privation and suffering of this final, protracted conflict be- tween Protestantism and Catholicism. For three generations this Schwenkfelder family was prominent in the struggle of the sect in Silesia for existence. In 1583, the elder Martin John, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, adopted the faith of Schwenkfeld, and in 1584 bought property in Harpersdorf and settled there. Soon after, he began to work as a lay evangelist, holding public services at his own house. Persecution followed, and he and his associates became the victims of violence and incivility. His household furniture was destroyed, his fields laid waste and he himself committed to prison at Liegnitz. After a year's confinement here, where the most unsanitary conditions prevailed, with con- sequent disease and death among the prisoners, he was removed to the tower of an old castle on the Grotzberg. Here in 1594, after eight years of detention he died, having steadfastly refused to exchange his liberty of conscience for personal freedom. Nu- merous sermons and tractates penned during his imprisonment 50 SCHWENKFELDER HYMNOLOGY were brought to America by the Schwenkfelder immigrants in 1734- The father of our hymn-writer was George John, who with his family for a time escaped the hardships of the war. In 1627, however, a detachment of Imperial troops was quartered in his house with instructions to resort to torture, if necessary, in order to compel the family to embrace the Catholic faith. A guard was placed before each door of the house to prevent flight or rescue. But George John had made provision for a possible exigency of this kind. Much to their surprise, and contrary to their accus- tomed treatment the soldiers were invited to enjoy a substan- tial repast. The temptation proved too great for their vigilance, and a day of festivity was proclaimed. Picture their satisfac- tion when the feast already in progress is augmented by an abundance of the choicest wine. The ruse of the host is wholly successful. First a general carousing and tippling, and by and by soldiers and watch are soundly intoxicated and fast asleep. Under cover of the night, George John now escapes, taking with him his wife and two children and a sister. The elder child, a daughter, was at this time eight years of age and little Martin in his fourth year. All his life he retained the memory of this flight. When we next hear of Martin John, Jr., he is some thirty years of age and a physician in the town of Hockenau, Princi- pality of Jauer, Silesia. The war had been terminated by the Treaty of Westphalia (1648) ; but this treaty, like the Peace of Augsburg (1555), granted to every ruling prince the right to en- force his religion upon his subjects, and to banish all who refused to conform. In a word, the Schwenkf elders had again been out- lawed, and witli the year 1650-51 began the period of oppression which the Schwenkfelders of that time and succeeding genera- tions called "the great persecution."^^ Martin John, Jr., is the " For an account of the persecutions which the Schwenkfelders suffered after the Peace of Augsburg and again after the close of the Thirty Years' War, vide "The Schwenkfelders," by Hon. C. Heydrick, in the Genealogical Record of the Schwenkfelders. EARLY SCHWENKFELDER HYMN-WRITERS 51 author of an account of Schwenkfeld, his tenets and the history of the reformation under Schwenkfeld up to the second half of the Seventeenth Century. Several copies of this chronicle are extant in manuscript in America. It includes an account of the measures adopted by the magistracies of Liegnitz and Jauer at the instigation of the Lutheran clergy, for the coercion of the Schwenkfelders. The chronicler records with great particular- ity the reproach and persecution suffered by his contemporaries George Heydrich, the hymn-writer, and Balthaser Jakkel, both of whom publicly opposed the baptism of the children of Schwenkfelder parents. Heydrich was deprived of his property in Harpersdorf, was twice made to endure extreme hunger and twice received a cudgeling. He was three times imprisoned at Liegnitz. During his final imprisonment (1654-1656) he con- tracted an illness of which he died shortly after his release. Martin John, the subject of this sketch, also passed about nine months in prison at this time at Jauer, for having conducted religious services. Although the chronicle in question furnishes many facts of the life of Martin John, Jr., it does not contain a connected nar- rative of his career. However, from this and other sources it appears that he was a man of considerable learning and an ardent believer in Schwenkfeld's conception of Christian living. As a chronicler, he rendered significant service; and he always la- mented the fact that through the persecution of the preceding, century as well as by reason of the long war, a great amount of historical matter and printed literature had been lost and de- stroyed. He died in 1707 at the advanced age of 83 years. Soon after, and while the hymn-collection of Caspar Weiss was being compiled, his hymns came to light and forty were immedi- ately admitted to the collection. All the editions of the Schwenk- felder hymn-book contain hymns by Martin John. The Saur edition contains thirty. As far as we know there has not been found a collection of his hymns that purports to be complete; and hence a full account of his activity as a hymn-writer must be deferred until additional information concerning him has been 52 SCHWENKFELDER HYMNOLOGY disclosed. There exists a manuscript of ninety-seven hymns by Martin John, of which about one-third are translations of Latin hymns, chiefly by Aurelius Prudentius.^^ Of the hymns of this collection, a number are metrical versions of Psalms. It is note- worthy that this Schwenkfelder physician, historian and hymn- writer, was also the author of a printed work on bee-culture. As far as we know, there is but a single copy of this imprint ex- tant in America. We give here a poem of Schwenkfelder authorship printed on a broadside in 1580. The place of publication is not known. MADRIGAL. "Es ist mir allzeit lieb, Wann gute Freunde zu mir kommen ; Dann, well ich mir schon langstens vorgenommen, Nicht viel mehr aus zu gehen, So kan man leicht verstehn, Dasz mir der Zuspruch lieber Leute So angenehm als niitzlich sey ; Doch, disz erinnere ich dabey, Dasz, weil ich sehr erpicht aufs angenehme Heute Mir der am liebsten sey, der wohl bey sich erwagt, Wie, offt ein guter Freund dem andern Viel edle Zeit vertragt: Drum wer nichts Nothigs mehr zu sagen weisz, Beliebe nur bald wiederum zu wandern ; Dan wer zum Zeit-Vertrieb, mit ausgekehrten Sinnen Von seinem Nechsten schlecht, ohn' Zweck zur Bessrung spricht, Und von sich selbst zum Lob, und sonst von eitlen Dingen Der hat die Zeit nur iibel angewendt; Wan ich ihn aber bleiben heisz, So trau er niir, es sey kein Compliment." " This manuscript is in the possession of Mr. Daniel M. Anders, Fairview Village, Pa., who kindly permitted the writer to examine it for this work. Mrs. Susanna Krauss Heebner, Worcester, Pa., is the possessor of a manu- script of which a part consists of hymns by Martin John. " In the possession of William H. Anders, Kulpsvillc, Pa. "A copy of this broadside is in the possession of Hon. S. W. Penny- packer, Former Governor of Pennsylvania, who kindly allowed the present writer to reprint the "madrigal" here. EARLY SCHWENKFELDER HYMN-WRITERS 53 Schwenkfeld himself seems to have written but Httle verse. Of course he recognized the irresistible power of congregational singing as an agency in the establishment of the Reformation cause, and was looking on with the warmest approval as all Germany, awakened by the song of "the nightingale of Witten- berg" began to sing itself into Protestantism. It was he who, in 1534, requested Katharina Zell to publish a new edition of the first German hymn-book of the Bohemian Brethren.^''' True, it is possible that some hymns of his may have been suppressed along with other literature from his pen. However, a few treas- ured verses of his composition have been preserved. We give here three pairs of rhymed couplets by Schwenkfeld. The first appears in all the editions of the Schwenkfelder hymn-book, on the reverse of the title-page. The other two strophes appear on a broadside published by Daniel Sudermann. This broadside contains a contemporary portrait of Schwenkfeld, of the year 1556- The verses in question appear just below the portrait. They are a metrical amplification of Schwenkf eld's motto : "Nil triste Christo recepto." On the same broadside are twenty-eight lines of verse written, according to Schneider,^^ by Sudermann. They begin: "Herr Caspar Schwenckfelds leib und G'stalt."^'^ Following are the strophes by Schwenkfeld: "Wenn singt im Hertzen Gottes Geist, In Christo Gott wird recht gepreiszt ; Wenn aber singt der fleischlich Christ, Solch Lob fiir Gott ein Greuel ist. Wer lesum christv vor im hat der rhvet sanfte frve vnd spat er ist getrost in aller nott und ob er schon hie steckt im chott " Cf. A. F. H. Schneider, loco citato, p. 21. " Cf. A. F. H. Schneider, loco citato, p. 12. " Cf. Erlautenmg fiir Caspar Schwenckfeld. Second edition, facing frontispiece. 54 SCHWENKFELDER HYMNOLOGY Das er avch wird der wellte spot so schaidet er doch nit von got der in behvet vor hell vmd todt vnd speist in mit seim himel brott. The following hymn entitled "Of the Love of Christ," be- cause of its associations, must always retain — at least for Schwenkfelders — a peculiar charm. It was written in Ulm on the occasion of the approaching death of Schwenkfeld. In the earliest Schwenkfelder collections which contain it, Agathe Streicher is named as the writer of the hymn. It will be ob- served, however, that the fourth and sixth lines of the third strophe seem to indicate that it was not written by a woman, and for this and other reasons the question has been raised by Wackernagel : "May it have been written by Schwenkfeld him- self?" The hymn follows "vON DER LIEB CHRISTJ. "Wach auf, mein seel, mit Psalmen, Beeten, singen, hab Lieb ob alien Dingen den waren hochsten Gott, Jhesum, sein Lieben Sohne, regierend jn dem Trone in gleicher macht vnnd Ehr, fiir mich am Creuz gestorben. 2. "Jhesu, mein Gott, gib dich mir zuerkennen : wa jch dich nu hor nennen sich mein gemiit erf rent. Du kennst dein Creature, das jch bin von Nature durch Satanns List vnnd trug in siinden ganz verdorben. Reprinted from Wackernagel, Vol. V. EARLY SCHWENKFELDER HYMN-WRITERS 3. "Herr JHESU Christ, lasz dir es gehn zu herczen den Jamer vnnd den schmerczen, darjun jch gfangner bin, Von meiner siinden wegen, darjn jch armer glegen inn Hell, jn Angst vnnd tod, du allein kanst Erlosen. 4. "Da jst kein Rast noch ru zu keiner stunde, bisz Du mich machst gesunde an gewissen, hercz vnnd seel : Filer ausz von disem Laide, das jch von Dir nit schaide, das jch Dir volge nach vnnd mit gedult verharre. 5. "Ich opfer mich dir, meinem Gott vnnd Herren, jch bitt Dich, wellest mehren mein glaub, hoffnung vnd Lieb, Das jch bej dir mog bleiben, das mich nicht kiind abtreiben Verfolgung, Angst vnnd tod, flier mich jns Ewig Leben." CHAPTER IV. Hymns Used by the Schwenkfelders Before 1762. In our account of the hymns sung by the Schwenkfelders prior to the appearance of the Saur edition, we are concerned chiefly with the American period. Among the followers of Schwenkfeld there have always been hymn-lovers, who have sought to preserve the hymns written by Schwenkfelders. Thus, in 1537, Valentin Ickelsamer^ published at his own expense a letter of consolation received from Schwenkfeld during a serious illness, and with the letter Reissner's hymn: "In dich hab ich gehofifet, Herr." Thus about the middle of the century, Reissner wrote his Teglichs Gesanghiich, in which he preserved hundreds of the hymns of the earliest Schwenkfelder writers. Thus half a century later, Sudermann set forward the same work. Thus in the Seventeenth Century the hymns of Sudermann, Oelsner, Anna Hoyer, Heydrich and Martin John, Jr., were saved; and in the next century, despite the menace of persecution in Europe and the hardship of pioneer-life in America, Caspar Weiss, George Weiss, Balthaser Hoffmann, Christopher Kriebel, Hans Christoph Hiibner, Christopher Hoffmann, and Christopher Schultz all produced large transcripts of Schwenkfelder hymns. These hymns, excepting such as were not suitably arranged to be sung, were preserved for use. To be sure, the early Schwenkfelders could not, like those who settled in America, as a sect establish churches, adopt an order of worship and prepare a hymn-book for general use. In these matters each community of Schwenkfelders was usually independent of all others, be- cause of the state measures decreed to prevent religious confer- ences and public worship among them. In the Sixteenth Century, followers of Schwenkfeld were found, not only in Silesia, but in many parts of Germany and in Moravia, Switzerland and Holland. Strassburg, Augsburg and Ulm were leading centres. ' Cf. Schneider, loco citato, p. 7. (S6) HYMNS USED BEFORE 1 762 57 In the Royal Library, Berlin, is a manuscript containing hymns sung by the Schwenkf elders in Ulm, ca. 1 560-1 580. In 1583 this congregation was dispersed, some settling in Soeflingen and others in Justingen. In their affliction they had a hymn-book printed for their own use and consolation:^ "G. M. D} Ein Christlich Psalter-Gehett der Betrengten Kirchen Gottes sii Trost gestellet und ausz den CL. Psalmen Dauids ziisamengezogen. Ulm, Johann Anton Ulhart, MDLXXXV." In America there was from the first a gradual increase in the practice of using hymns collected by Schwenkfelders. These collections, as noted, included the best hymns of Schwenkf elder authorship. In numbers XXV. and XXVI. of our Descriptive Bibliography, which were written in Saxony and brought to America in 1734, and which together comprise the earliest tran- scription of the collection of George Weiss, there are unmistak- able evidences that this manuscript furnished many of the hymns sung in their public worship. Again, soon after the death of George Weiss (1740), and during the ministry of Balthaser Hoffmann, a number of smaller manuscript hymn-books ar- ranged for church use and based on the Weiss hymn-book ap- peared. The largest of these is extant in two volumes, quarto. It was completed in 1747 and is the work of Christopher Kriebel, later the catechist of the Schwenkfelders. Indeed, this activity began in the first years following the landing of the Schwenk- felders. There is preserved a hymn-book of this kind inscribed : "Written for Rosina Yeakel. Anno 1735." It contains hymns for the Sundays and holy-days and for some of the Saints' Days, beginning with the first Sunday of Advent. A careful compar- ison has shown that the collection in question is an abridgment of the Weiss hymn-book. It is supplied with an index of first lines, and throughout bears manifest marks of having rendered service.* This is true of most of these hymn-books, which shed Cf . Schneider, loco citato, p. 8f. Koch, II, 42if. ' Votum: "Gott mit dir": "God be with you." * In the possession of Rev. J. H. Dubbs, D. D., LL. D., Franklin and SCHWENKFELDER HYMNOLOGY much light upon a portion of the chronicle recorded for the year 1759 in the Historische Anmerkimgen^ by Rev. Christopher Schultz. The passage runs thus : "For years we have had under consideration the question of publishing a hymn-book for our own use, believing that it would prove a welcome work, because the hymns which we are using — excepting those which chance to be preserved by transcription and compilation — have a scat- tered existence." We do not wish to convey the idea that the Schwenkfelders have at no time used printed hymn-books other than those in- tended for the sect. The Silesian Schwenkfelders knew and used all the editions of the German hymn-book of the Bohemian Brethren (Moravians), admitting possibly a single exception. For a period of about thirty years beginning 1535, this hymn- book was not generally in favor among Schwenkfelders, because of a change in Schwenkfeld's attitude to this religious body. But after the appearance of the edition of 1566 and until the emigration from Silesia (1726) the Schwenkfelders of the prin- cipalities of Liegnitz and Jauer continued to use these hymns. A number of copies of this hymn-book were brought to America by the Schwenkfelder immigrants. Twelve of these copies have come under the observation of the present writer. Some of the copies, which were rebound when still in use, were supplied with blank leaves on which were added in manuscript the hymns used by the sect but not contained in the Bohemian hymn- book.^ This fact is a striking corroboration of our thesis, that the Schwenkfelders probably at no time used only the hymns of the Bohemian Brethren. We are not disposed, however, to depreciate the significance Marshall College, Lancaster, Pa., who kindly allowed the present writer to compare this manuscript with its original. The book seems to have been written by Rev. George Weiss. " Published by Prof. M. D. Learned, Ph. D., L. H. D., in Americana Germanica, Vol. H, No. i. 'The most interesting copy of this description known to the writer is the copy which was owned and used by David Seibt. It is in the possession of Hon. S. W. Pennypacker, Former Governor of Pennsylvania. HYMNS USED BEFORE 1 762 59 of the splendid service which Bohemian hymnody performed for Schwenkfeldianism. Indeed, of the bequest left to Christendom by the Bohemian hymn-writers, most of the Protestant churches of Germany and Great Britain have in some measure been bene- ficiaries. The German hymn-book of the followers of John Huss was a manual of devotions in hundreds of Schwenkfelder families during the weary years of unyielding persecution. The copies brought to America include all the editions issued from Schwenkfeld's death (1561) to the end of the Seventeenth Century. According to a Schwenkfelder chronicle written in Silesia in the Seventeenth Century by Hans Seibt, and supple- mented and extended in America, Melchior Dehnst, a pious Schwenkfelder writer and transcriber was occupied (1660 ca.) with the revision of a number of hymns in the Bohemian hymnal — his aim being to adapt them to Schwenkfeld's Confession of Faith. Balthaser Hoffmann also records, in a document which we shall quote in our next chapter, that this hymn-book was still in common use among the Schwenkfelders at the opening of the Eighteenth Century. Indeed, in the matter of arrang:ement, the hymn-books of the Schwenkfelders printed in America all retain the stamp of the quarto editions of the Bohemian hymnal. We list here the various editions of the German hvmn-book of the Bohemian Brethren since it served as an important source for the Schwenkfelder collections discussed in the remaining chapters of this work: 1 53 1. Ein Nezv Gescng buchlcn. Jungen Buntzel durch Geor- gen Wylmschwerer. 1531. 6to. Was the largest collection of Ger- man church hymns yet published. Contained 162 hymns, of which 143 were translations from the Bohemian, by Michael Weiss (e). Other editions: Uhn, 1538, and Ulm, 1539 (two editions). 1544. Ein Gesangbuch der Briider in Behemen und Merhcrrn. Niirnberg, 1544. 8vo. Contained 181 hymns: 149 hymns of Michael Weiss and 32 hymns added by Johann Horn. Of these, 26 had been translated into German by Horn, who edited this hymn book. 1566. Kirchengeseng. First quarto edition of Bohemian hymn book (German). Contained 343 hymns. Of the hymns of the edition 6o SCHWENKFELDER HYMNOLOGY of 1544, only 15 are omitted. This edition has an appendix with 106 hymns by Lutheran authors. 1580. Kirchengesang. The preceding edition (1566) repub- Hshed without alteration. Niirnberg, 1580. 1606. Kirchengesange. The edition of 1566 revised and en- larged. Martin Polycarp was the editor. Published in Moravia. 1639. Kirchensdnge. A new edition. Published at Lissa, Poland. Contained 360 hymns written by Bohemian Brethren. Of these, 141 are hymns of Michael Weisse. This edition contains a biographical list "of those (14) persons who translated the Bohemian hymns into German verse". This is the only edition in this series which furnishes biographical information concerning these hymn writers. We shall have occasion to mention this list again, in our discussion of the Schwenkfelder hymn-book of 1762. 1 66 1. Another edition of the German hymn-book of the Bo- hemian Brethren was published at Amsterdam in 1661. The editor was the noted educational reformer John Amos Comenius.'^ ' Cf. Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology, p. 156. CHAPTER V. Caspar Weiss: The Originator of the Sciiwenkfelder Hymn-Book. We have already seen that the first Schwenkfelder hymn- book printed in America was not an isolated production but a member of a series of hymn-books, of which the earlier numbers remained in manuscript. The collection of hymns which stands at the head of this series bears the date of 1709. It was made by Caspar Weiss, a devout Schwenkfelder, who lived in the town of Harpersdorf, Principality of Liegnitz, Silesia. Our knowledge of this early Schwenkfelder hymn-collator, must un- fortunately remain limited. The year of his birth is not known. His death occurred in Harpersdorf in 1712, a few years before the period of the strenuous though fruitless effort of the Jesuit mission in Silesia to stamp out the Schwenkfelders as a sect. For the following conclusions, however, we have ample docu- mentaiy testimony : First, that Caspar Weiss was an ardent de- votee of the faith of the great Reformer for whom he was named; and, second, that by reason of his familiarity with the various creeds represented in Protestantism at the opening of the Eighteenth Century, he was admirably qualified for the work of compiling the hymn-collection which, in a direct line of de- velopment, became the original ancestor of the first printed hymn- book of the Schwenkfelders in America, three generations later. He possessed the additional qualifications of being talented musically, and of having a wide familiarity with the church hymn. He knew the Latin hymns of St. Augustine, St. Am- brosius, St. Hieronymus and others of the church fathers, the hymns of Luther, the earliest German hymn-books of the Bohe- mian Brethren or Moravians (called by Weiss the Picards), the hymns of the Schwenkfelder hymn-writers of the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Centuries, and the well-known Niirnhergisches Gesang-Buch of 1690. (61) 62 SCHWENKFELDER HYMNOLOGY The following brief account of Caspar Weiss is taken from the V or rede imd Bericht prefacing the manuscript volume of the year 1758: "Dieser Caspar Weiss ist gebiirtig gewesen von Deutmannsdorff, im Fiirstenthum Jauer in Schlesien, sehr schlechter ^ und armer An- kunfft; hat das Leinweber-Handwerck gelernet; und sich in Har- persdorfif (im Fiirstenthum Liegnitz) mit Anna Andersen, George Anders dess Aeltern, Tochter, vertrauet; und also in Harpersdorff in einem schlechten ^ Haiisslein gewohnet ; Und hat also seine gantze Lebens-Zeit in Armuth zugebracht. Gott hat ihm Zwey Sohne und eine Tochter bescheret. Der jiingste Sohn aber, und die Tochter sind in ihrer Jugend gestorben. Der alteste Sohn aber, mit Namen George, ist eben der, so ^ hernach an diesem Gesangbuche ^ gear- beitet, und es vermehret hat." Translation : "The above mentioned Caspar Weiss was born at Deutmanns- dorf, Principality of Jauer, Silesia, of very plain and poor parents. He was a linen weaver by trade, and plighted his troth to Anna Anders, daughter of George Anders, the elder, of Harpersdorf, Principality of Liegnitz, and lived in Harpersdorf in a modest little home. And thus he passed his entire life in poverty. God gave him two sons and a daughter. The second son, however, and the daugh- ter died young. The elder son, George by name, it was who later revised and enlarged this hymn-book." In testimony of the fact that Weiss was recognized as a man of intelligence and influence, and that he bore his part in the persecution, to which in the closing years of his life the Schwenk- felders of Liegnitz in particular were subjected, we cite a brief excerpt from the so-called Erlauterung* of the Schwenkfelders. Tottering with age, the venerable Weiss was compelled to stand for six long hours before the notorious Herr Pastor Johann ' For New High German "schlichter" and "sclilichten" : plain, simple. " I e., "welcher." 'The collection of 1709. ' Erlauterung fur Caspar Schwenckfeld, und die Zugethanen seiner Lehre. Second edition, Sumnytaun, 1830, p. 59. ORIGIN OF SCHWENKFELDER HYMN-BOOK 63 Samuel Neander, in the latter's study, to give an account of his faith. The passage follows : "Gemeldeter Neander hat gedachten Caspar Weiss, in seiner Studier-Stube ganzer sechs Stunden vor sich stehen gehabt, ohne ihn niedersitzen zu lassen, ihn um seinen Glanben zu examinieren ; wel- ches Stehen dem alten Mann fast nicht auszuhalten gewesen, so wil- lig und bereit er sonst zum Bekenntniss war. Von Seiten des Pa- storis, mag ein Verstandiger seine eigenen Gedanken hievon haben, was es fiir ein Gemiith anzeige." Translation : "For six fuU hours, the afore-mentioned Neander kept said Caspar Weiss standing before him in his study without permitting him to sit down, in order to question him concerning his faith. This standing the aged man was scarcely able to endure, though he was quite willing and prepared to make his confession. A rational per- son will draw his own inference of the disposition indicated hereby on the part of the said Pastor." For the information we possess concerning the origin of the hymn-collection of Caspar Weiss, we are indebted to the pen of Rev. Balthaser Hoffmann. The latter also recorded, in a his- torical manuscript still extant, an account of the sources of the collection, as well as a statement of the method pursued by Weiss in arranging and editing the individual hymns. We quote Hoff- mann in full, inasmuch as he both was an intimate of the Weiss family and, as we have already noted, figured prominently in the activity which this monograph purposes to set forth : "Und da ist denn zu wissen, dass Caspar Weiss, sein ^ Vater, den Anfang dazu ^ gemachet; und ist er dazu verursachet worden, durch einen alten einfaltigen Schwenkf elder seiner Zeit, mit Nahmen Mertin Mentzel (war des alten Melchior Mentzels * Vater). Der hat einmahl zum Caspar Weiss gesagt: Du kontest wohl das Ge- " The reference is to the collection of George Weiss, begun 1726. "One of the Schwenkfelder immigrants of the year 1734. Cf. Genealogi- cal Record, page xxx. 64 SCHWENKFELDER HYMNOLOGY sang-Buch (war das gedrukkte Gesangbuch wi es noch im grossen Format ist) etwas ordnen, wi sich di Gesange zu den Evangelien fiigten (denn es war alles in Unordnung und Einfalt), dass man si ein wenig nach Ordnung singen konte: Denn du hattest Verstand und Wissenschaft dazu. Weil denn * Caspar willig war den Leuten zu dinen, und ihm auch um Ubung in Lehre und Bekantniiss zu thun war, hat er solches in Bedenken genommen. Nun hatte er ihm " di Psalm-Lider ^° schreiben lassen/^ samt vilen andern Lidern, welche er gesammlet ; auch di so genanten Romischen Lider kamen auch zur selben Zeit Mert. Johns Lider (nach seinem Tode) an Tag. Uber das " setzte George Weiss, sein Sohn (auff den Willen des Vaters) di EvangeHums Texte in Reime. Und also ordnete Cas- par Weiss ein Gesang-Buch zusammen, nach dem Jahr-Gang (wel- ches di Ordnung ist, wi si von mir abgeschriben 1709, und noch zu sehen ist) und iibergab und dedicirte solches gleichsam seinen Kin- dern, mit der Vorrede oder Zuschrifift, und hat ihnen solches wollen nachlassen." Translation : "And it may therefore be made known that Caspar Weiss, his father, began the work. And he was encouraged to do it by a plain, old Schwenkfelder of his time, whose name was Martin Mentzel (old Melchior Mentzel's father) At one time he said to Caspar Weiss: "You, of course, could rearrange our hymn book (referring to the large, printed hymn book, which we still have), in such a way that the hymns would accord with the gospel lessons and could be ' The hymn-book of the Moravians. One of the quarto editions which we have listed in our preceding chapter. ' The manuscript has "den." " For the reflexive pronoun "sich." "Metrical versions of the Hebrew Psalms. Compare numbers vi, xxx and xxxiii of our Descriptive Bibliography. " For "abschreiben lassen." "The hymns of Aurelius Prudentius. Written (circa) 400 A. D. in Latin. The German translation of these hymns is the work of Adam Reissner. A brief account of the life of Prudentius is given below. "Martin John, der Jiingere (1624-1707). " For "Ueberdies." "Metrical versions of the "gospel-lessons," called usually: Lieder uber die Evangelia. Several copies of these hymns are extant in manuscript. ORIGIN OF SCHWENKFELDER HYMN-BOOK 65 sung to some extent in order. Yovi would have the required intelH- gence and information." And since Caspar was ready to serve his people, and had occasion to do something for practice in Christian doctrine and in confession, he considered the matter. Accordingly he had the Psalm-hymns copied, together with many other hymns which he collected, and the so-called 'Roman hymns.' At that very time, the hymns of Martin John came to light, being shortly after his death. In addition, George Weiss, his son (at the request of his father) composed hymns on the Gospel Lessons. And thus did Caspar Weiss compile a hymn book, in accordance with the church year (the collection which I ^* copied, 1709, and which still exists), and committed it, so to say, to the care of his children and in the preface dedicated it to them, desiring them to regard it as a bequest." The statement here given of the sources from which Weiss drew, although both instructive and trustworthy, needs to be supplemented. According to the account of the compilation given by the author himself, the hymns of Aurelius Prudentius (in their German dress) were made the foundation of the collection. To these were added a number of hymns representing the Schwenkfelder muse — the following Schwenkfelder hymn-writers having been preferred: Adam Reissner (1496-1575 ca.), Johann Raimund Weckher (wrote ca. 1 540-1 570), Daniel Sudermann (1550-1631), George Frell (wrote ca. I575ff.), Antonius Oels- ner (wrote ca. i59off.), George Heydrich (died 1657 ca.), and Martin John, Jr. (1624- 1707). Another important source of the collection was the hymn- book of the "Bohemian Brethren" (Moravians). The originator of the German hymn-book of the Moravians was Michael Weiss (or Weisse), who translated about 150 hymns into German from the Bohemian, and issued the first edition of these hymns at Buntzel, 1531. Of this hymnal there were three later editions, all published at Ulm. Johann Horn, a Moravian, who wrote many hymns, both in Bohemian and in German, issued at Niirn- berg (1544) a revised edition of the hymns of Michael Weiss, " Balthaser Hoffmann. 66 SCHWENKFELDER HYMNOLOGY enlarged by the addition of a number of hymns of his own au- thorship. The other early German hymn-books of the Moravians were the editions of 1566, 1606, 1639 and 1661, together with their reprints. With all these Caspar Weiss was thoroughly familiar; for he spared no zeal in scrutinizing the text of each hymn before admitting it to his collection, that the finished work might contain nothing that was not in accord with Holy Writ. The variant readings of the successive editions were care- fully collated and compared, preference being consistently given to the text in its original form, except where the doctrine failed to be plainly non-sectarian. The Moravian hymn-book referred to in the citation given below, was the edition of 1639.^''' Still another source of the collection of Caspar Weiss was the hymn-book referred to below as das grosse Niirnhergische Gesang-Buch}^ This source contributed the Lutheran hymns of the collection, together with some hymns of Reformed author- ship. And finally, there were incorporated into the collection the metrical versions of the "gospel-lessons" for the church year, written expressly for this compilation by George Weiss, the son, at that time but 22 years of age. The section of the original preface (1709) treating of the sources, follows: "Belangende di Authores, auss welchen disc Gesange zusammen getragen sind, so ist aurelius prudentius^ oder der Ubersetzer desselben Lider, der Urheber unsers Gesang-Buches und folget zum ersten Di Vorrede iiber des prudentii Gesangbitchlein. "Erstlich sind di Gesange Hyronimi, und Lider des theuren Christen-Mannes aurelii prudentii, di er Diurnarum rerum opus, das ist: Tagliches Gesangbiichlein, genant, und in Lateinischen Ver- sen geschriben hat, mit allem Fleisse, durch einen Libhaber der Wahrheit, verdeutschet ; nachmahls auch ander Lider, Nimanden "Cf. Julian's Dictionary of Hymnology, pp. JS6 and 157, for an account of (i) the sources of the hymn-book (1531) of Michael Weiss, (2) the Bohe- mian originals of the hymns of Johann Horn, and (3) the Moravian hymn- book of 1639. " Doubtless the hymn-book of 1690. ORIGIN OF SCHWENKFELDER HYMN-BOOK 67 zur Schmach, sondem zur Glori iinsers Herren Jesu Christi, zusam- men gebracht: Diss alles wolle ihm der gottseelig-christliche Leser lassen befohlen seyn ; zu mehrer Erkantniiss der Wahrheit, sich er- sehen, und im Hertzen bedenken : Daneben mit taglichem Bitten beym Herren Christo anhalten, so ist zu hoffen er werde bald bessers und mehrers geben; nemlich: di Psalmen Davids, mit reiner lautrer Wahrheit, und Dolmetschung von Wort zu Wort aus der Hebrei- schen Zungen, verdeutschet, di man nicht allein in der Gnade Christi lesen, sondern auch singen ; sich iiben, und mit dem Munde der Wahrheit bekennen ; und also has aussen lernen ihm einbilden ; sich zur Wahrheit ja mehr ^° schikken, darinnen wachsen und zu- nehmen. Das gebe der Herr Jesus ! zu seiner Glorien und viler Menschen Heil. Amen. i555- Folget das Leben Prudentii. AuRELius Prudentius, vom LeserAugusto, aus Hispanien ge- bohren, von Jugend auff in gutten Kiinsten, in lateinischer und grichischer Zungen ; auch in Kayserlichen Rechten, unterrichtet und gelehret : Hat unter dem N. und Honorio ; wi auch ihrem Vater Theodosio, Krig gebraucht ; und ist Platus Miles nachmahls zu Mes- selia ein Oberster, und in der Stadt Rom vor Konigs Dittrichs von Bern, Zeit, zum fiinfften mahl Consul, oder Biirger-Meister gewe- sen. Als er nun fiinff und sibenzig Jahr alt vi^orden, hat er sich bekehret, und harte bekiimmert, dass er sein Leben von Jugend an iibel verzehret: und hat mit Verlassung der Welt angefangen, dem Herren Jesu zu dinen, und ihn zu bekennen : Hat geistliche Lider gedichtet, di noch vorhanden ; nemlich vom Kampfife der Seelen wider di Siinden, vom Ursprung der Siinden, von der Gottwerdung, vom Leyden der Martyrer und Zeugen Christi ; Insonderheit hat er geistliche Kirchen-Gesange geschriben und gemachet ; welche Ge- sange man aui¥ disen Tag zum Theil singet. Er hat gelebet zur Zeit Hironimi, Ambrosi und Augustini ; und zur Zeit als di Gothen, das ist, di Deutschen, und andere fremde Kriges-Volker, Roma, Italia, und das gantze Konigreich, durch Krig verderbet haben ; ehe denn das Pabsthum angefangen: Aber Apostasia (Abfall) und kraff- tige Irrthum schon gewaltig aui¥ der Bahn waren : Denn di Lehrer " For New High German "besser." ^ i. e., "jemehr." 68 SCHWENKFELDER HYMNOLOGY des Volkes, mit ihrer Philosophia und Sophisterey, hatten angefan- gen den Herren Christum zu verdunkeln ; welcher Irrthum biss auff den heutigen Tag immer krafftiger worden, und gewachsen ; wi Pru- DENTius von Apotheosie, in dem Lide von den Lehrern di das Volk verfiihren/^ zu erkennen gibet. (Aurelius Prudentius.) "Dieseni allhi gemeldten Prudenti Gesang-Biichlein, seind ein- verleibet, viler von Gott hocherleuchteter Christglaubiger, gelehrter und ungelehrter Manner, Lider und Gedichte; derer Nahmen zum Theil allhi gemeldet werden sollen : Als : 1. Reimund Wekker. II. Adam Reissner. III. George Frell. IV. Daniel Sudermann. V. Antonius Oelsner. VI. George Heydrich. VII. Martin John, der jiingere, und vil andere Zeugen und Bekenner der Glorien Christi, welche di Wahrheit alle aus einem Hertzen, als mit einem Munde, Gott zur Ehr, und den Menschen zu ihrer Erbauung bekennt, be- zeugt, und davon gesungen haben. "Zum andern ist disem Gesang-Buche auch einverleibet wor- den, das grosse Gesang-Buch, der so genannten Picarden, oder Bo- heimischen Briider, welches erstlichen von Michael Weiss angefan- gen : nachmahls aber von Johann Horn, gemehret und verandert : Von welcher Veranderung ein Gottesgelehrter S. E.^^ schreibet, dass er einen neuen Abgott damit auffgerichtet habe: welcher, wi ich hoffe, allhir wider abgethan seyn wird. Welch Gesang-Buch her- nach abermahls von vilen Lehrern ihres Theils vermehret zu einem grossen Werke. Deren Nahmen in ihrem Gesang-Buche an ihrem Orte stehen ; welche gutte Poeten und Dichter sind gewesen, wi ihre Gesange ausweisen; welche von vilen fromen gottglaubigen Men- schen mit Libe und Lust, nicht ohne grossen Nutz, sind gesungen und betrachtet worden. "Zum dritten, sind disem Buch auch einverleibet, der so ge- nanten Evangelischen oder Lutherischen, und Reformirten Gesange, welche zum Theil di biblischen Geschichte und Psalmen Davids, auch vil andere niitzliche Sachen, innen halten; deren Poeten Nahmen auch an vilen Orten, und sonderlich im grossen Niirnbergischen Ge- sang-Buche, gedacht wird; welche allhi mit Willen aussen gelassen sind, weil man nicht allwege bey ihren Worten und Sinn bliben ist, " This hymn is contained in the manuscript volume of 1758, p. 888. "Samuel Eisenmenger (?). ORIGIN OF SCHWENKFELDER HYMN-BOOK 69 sondern einen wi ich hoffe, der Schrifft gemassern, und dem Glau- ben ahnlichern Sinn, dafiir eingeschoben. "Zum virdten sind ilim auch einverleibet worden, Gesange iiber alle erklarte Evangelia durchs gantze Jahr; iiber welche di eigne Vorrede hirnechst folget : "Es soli Nimand meinen, dass dise, in disem Tractatu stehende Lider und Gesange iiber di Evangelia, Ruhm oder Lob zu suchen, ausgegeben sind ; Weil auch dessen damit wenig zu erlangen wiirde seyn : Und bey denen Christen Ruhm- und Ehr-sucht, vornehmlich in solchen Dingen, nur ein Pharisaisches Werk ist. Auch sind si nicht ausgegeben, sich mit Zirlichkeit und hochprachtigen Reim- Arten sehen zu lassen ; welche hirin nicht zu finden, sondern denen studirten Poet en iiberlassen ; sondern si sind auch aus der Ein fait ausgegeben und hervorkommen : Achte auch dafiir, dass si von der Einfalt am besten konnen betrachtet werden. Sind aber aus keiner andern Ursach ausgegeben, als di Reden und Thaten Christi, dem Einfaltigen desto besser ins Gedachtniiss zu bringen, diweil di Evan- gelisten solchen Fleiss angewand, solches zu bezeugen und zu be- schreiben, di Christen desto gewisser zu machen, in dem was von Christo zu halten und zu glauben ist, wi Lucas Cap. i. an Thiophilum bezeuget. So achte ich auch dafiir dass keine niizlichere tjbung ist, als di Worte, Reden und Thaten Christi zu meditiren und zu be- trachten, weil si der andern Glaubigen Lehr und Thaten weit itber- treffen ; ob si wohl auch von dem Heiligen getriben, solches gethan, so sind doch in den Reden und Thaten Christi di allerbesten und vornehmlichsten Lehren, Vermahnungen, Trostungen und Warnun- gen, enthalten und begriffen ; welche auch von alien Christen, am fleissigsten sollen gemeditirt, betrachtet und geiibet werden. Aus solcher und keiner andern Ursache sind dise Gesange iiber di Evan- gelia heraus gegeben, unss in der Einfalt darin zu iiben, di Lehren, Vermahnungen, Trostungen und Warnungen Christi desto bekannter zu machen : Welches aber ohne des Geistes Gottes Wiirkung und Beystand nicht geschehen kan, so wolle derselbige aus seiner Gnade verleyen und geben, dass wir si zum Lobe Gottes und zu unserer Er- bauung, singen, betrachten und iiben ! Wenn si aber Imande vor kamen, der si unniitze und unnotig achtete, bitte ich, er wolle si ^ The remainder of this excerpt is the preface written by George Weiss for his metrical versions of the gospel-lessons. 70 SCHWENKFELDER HYMNOLOGY denen lassen, di si ihnen wissen niitze zu machen. Kommen si aber Imande vor, der ihm einen Nutzen daran ersihet, der sage Gott Lob und Dank darum ; weil Gotte fiir alle Gaben zu danken ist, si sind natiirlich oder geistlich ; und lasse sich um den Author unbe- kiimmert, weil er si nur fiir sich und die Seinigen, welche es auch hertzlich verlanget haben ausgegeben hat. Gott wolle uns seinen Geist, den Geist der Gnaden und Andacht, um Jesu Christi seines liben Sohnes willen geben und verleyen, dass wir si singen, be- trachten und gebrauclien, zu seinem Lob, Preiss und Ehren, und uns zu unsrer Seelen Heil und SeeHgkeit. Amen." With respect to the classification of the individual hymns, two distinguishing features serve to characterize the collection of Caspar Weiss. First : The hymns are arranged, not accord- ing to theme or rubric, but in agreement with the course of the ecclesiastical year — a group of hymns being arranged for each Sunday and holy-day in the calendar year, beginning with the first Sunday of Advent. Moreover, a close study of the classi- fication reveals the fact, that the compiler intended that each hymn should, as far as possible, be peculiarly appropriate to the particular day to which it was assigned. Secondly, the hymns thus set apart for each Sunday and holy-day are further ar- ranged into two groups : one group being designed for use in the morning worship, and the other in connection with afternoon or evening devotions.^* It may also be observed, in conclusion, that the completed compilation was designed primarily for the use of the author's own family. This fact is noted by the Rev. Bal- thaser Hofifmann in his account of the collection, quoted above, and is also plainly stated on the title-page of the original collec- tion itself.^^ The following general classification of the hymns compiled by Caspar Weiss — on the basis of authorship — is suggested in the introduction to the manuscript volume of 1758: (i) the '* In the original collection, the titles given the sub-groups for each day are : "Friihe" and "Vesper." Compare number xxv of our Descriptive Bibliography. ORIGIN OF SCHWENKFELDER HYMN-BOOK ^I Psalmen or Psalm-Lieder, namely, metrical versions of the 150 Psalms; by Cornelius Becker, Adam Reissner, Martin John and others; (2) the so-called Biblische Geschichte, namely, a sum- mary, in verse, of the more significant events of Biblical his- tory, most of the hymns of this series having been written by Adam Reissner; (3) the Evangeliums-Gesdnge, to wit, the met- rical versions of the gospel lessons, by George Weiss; and (4) a miscellany, constituting the remainder of the compilation, and composed of 518 hymns taken from numerous Schwenkf elder, Moravian, Lutheran and Reformed hymn-writers. Following is a complete list of the writers of these miscellaneous hymns, together with the number of hymns each has contributed. In this table we include also a register of the initials of these authors, as they appear written beside the hymns in the manu- script folio volume of the year 1758, in the folio volume by the Rev. Christopher Hoffmann (1760), and in a limited number of copies of the Saur edition : A. V. Fr. Abraham von Franckenberg I A. K. Andreas Knophius 2 A. Oe. Antonius Oelsner 6 A. P. Aurelius Prudentius 23 A. R. Adam Reissner 24 B. Herx. Bernhard Herxheimer i B. R. Bartholomeus Ringwald 2 B. W. Burghard Waldis I D. C. C. (Doctor) Caspar Creutziger I C. H. Conrad Hubert i C. K. Christian Keymann i C. S. Centurio Syrutsko 3 D. S. Daniel Sudermann I E. A. Erasmus Alberus I Er. Heg. Erhard Hegenwald i 72 SCHWENKFELDER HYMNOLOGY G. F. George Frell 9 G. H. George Heydrich 2 G. N. George Neumarck I G. R. George Richter I G. V. George Vetterus 4 G. W. George Weiss 2 H. V. Henrich Vogter i J. A. Johann Angelus i J. F. Johann Freder I J. Gel. Johann Geletzky 13 J,. Gig. Johann Gigas 8 J. Gir. Johann Girkius 4 J. He. Johann Hermann ,3 J. Ho. Johann Horn 22 J. Hu. Johann Huss 3 D. J. J. (Doctor) Justus Jonas I J. K. Johann Koritansky I J. R. W. Johann Raimund Weckher I J. Steg. Joseph Stegmann I L. H. Ludwig Helmbold I L. L. Lucas Libanus I L. Eo. Ludwig Oeler 2 Mg. Alb. Marggraf? Albrecht 2 M. C. Martin Cornelius 2 M. G. Mattheus Greyter 2 M. J. Martin John 40 D. M. L. (Doctor) Martin Luther 15 M. M. Martin Mollerus 3 M. P. Martin Polycarpus 7 M. S. Martin Schalling I M. T. Michael Tham 14 M. W. Michael Weiss 124 N. H. Nicolaus Hermann 8 D. N. S. (Doctor) Nicolaus Selnecker I ORIGIN OF SCHWENKFELDER HYMN-BOOK 73 p. E. Paulus Eberus 2 P. II. Petrus Herbertus 68 P. S. Paulus Speratus 2 St. Aug. Saint Augustine I St. Bern. Saint Bernhardus 2 C XT b. rl. Sebald Heiden I S. W. Siegmund Weingartner I Tr. (Valentin) Triller. i6 V . o. V aicniinus ocnuiiz 3 V. w. Valentinus Weigelius I W. M. Wolfgang Mosel I Anonymous 49 Summarizing now, in accordance with the above classifica- tion, the complete collection of Caspar Weiss consisted of the "Psalmen," numbering 2x6 hymns; the "Biblische Geschichte," 28 hymns; the "Evangeliums-Gesange," 112 hymns; and a com- pilation representing a variety of rubrics and numbering 518 hymns. Total, 874 hymns. The complete list of these hymns, which had been prepared for this chapter, it has been necessary to omit. CHAPTER VI. George Weiss: Writer and Compiler of Hymns. Our bibliographical account of Rev. George Weiss, the first minister of the Schwenkfelders in America, has been re- duced to the minimum, both in order to save space, and also because the sources cited in the footnote below will furnish the reader a sufficient life-sketch of the subject of our study in this chapter. As already noted, he was the son of Caspar Weiss, whose work on behalf of Schwenkfelder hymnology we have just considered. He was born at Harpersdorf, in Silesia, 1687, and died within the present limits of Lower Salford township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, on the eleventh of March, 1740. Like his father, he was admirably fitted for the work of a hymnodist. He had a natural bent for the writing of poetry, although unfortunately he never received training in the poetic art — a fact which he himself lamented frequently, both in his efforts as a compiler of hymns, as well as when acting in the role of a hymn writer. He had rendered his father much as- sistance in transcribing and compiling the hymns of the collec- tion of 1709. He was versed in three of the ancient languages — Hebrew, Greek and Latin. Being of pious parentage, he was early indoctrinated with Biblical principles, as well as grounded in the creed and tenets of Caspar von Schwenkfeld. Indeed, it may safely be said that there has never been a more intensely spiritual Schwenkfelder than George Weiss.^ The following brief account of George Weiss, extant in manuscript, may be submitted in this connection; inasmuch as it is here published for the first time, and also because it was penned by his co-eval and lifelong bosom friend, Rev. Balthaser Hoffmann. It bears the date of 1753. 'For an account of the literary and ministerial activity of Rev. George Weiss, see : H. W. Kriebel, The Schzvenkf elders in Pennsylvania, pp. 56ff. and i86ff. Genealogical Record of the Schwenkfelders, pp. xxiii and 1-3. (74) H X M X < z n r M n H o z n o a o M O 73 GEORGE WEISS 75 "George Weiss war gebiihrtig von Harpersdorff, einem Dorffe im Fiirstenthum Lignitz in Schlesien ; sein Vater hat geheissen Cas- par Weiss, von Deutmanns-Dorff gebiihrtig; seine Mutter Anna, eine gebohrne Andersin, gebiihrtig von Harpersdorf¥, alle beyde schlecht,^ arm und unansehnlich vor der Welt. George hatte einen Bruder mit Nahmen Caspar, und eine Schwester mit Nahmen Ma- ria; sind alle beyde in bester Jugend in Schlesien gestorben. Im Jahr 171 5 hat er sich in Ehestand begeben, sein Weib hat Anna ge- heissen, eine gebohrne Meschterin, gebiihrtig von Langen-Neundorff ; diselbe ist biss in das ^ Land mit gekommen, und bald nach der An- kunfft in Philadelphia gestorben, ligt daselbst auff dem Pilgrims- Begrabniiss in der Erde.* Ein Sohnlein haben si mit einander ge- zeuget, und ist genant worden Abraham ; ist in seinem andren Jahr ihnen schon wider entnommen ; ist er also in disem Lande gantz arm, einfaltig und allein, und vor der Welt unwerth gewesen. Weil er denn in heiliger Schrifift einen zihmlichen Fleiss gehabt, und einen Willen zu Gott und seiner Ehren ; wiwohl aber auch mit viler Schwachheit und Verhinderniiss, hat ihm Gott aber ein herrlich Maass, Gabe und Pfund verlihen, zu einem Aufschluss der heiligen Schrifift, der Geheimniisse Gottes, und zum Unterscheide der reinen Christliche Theologia, in diser letzten verwirrten Zeit. * * * Also ist er demnach unter unss zu einem Vorsteher, als in Ordnung einer Gemein, zu einem Handleiter des Bekantniisses, Zu einem Wegweiser im christlichen Leben, und zu einem Anfiihrer der Ju- gend angenommen worden, in Bezeugung dass er fahig dazu er- kannt wiirde, dass er solches vermoge ; da er denn nach seinem Er- kantniiss, mit Berathung und Befragung seines Gewissens und mit vilem Seufifzen zu Gott eine Ordnung und Einrichtung gestellet, und einen solchen Eyflfer um Gott dabey bezeiget, dass auch wohl einige Kennzeichen sich geaussert und iiberzeugende Merkmahle ge- wesen, dass ein solcher Weg richtig der grade Buss-Weg zur Seeligkeit ist, nehmlich, eine gantzliche Erkantniiss und Absterbung des Verderbnlisses, in wahrer Dehmutt, Thranen und Gebet; Auf- opfferung und Ergebung in den Willen Gottes, und solches alle "schlicht." ' i. e., America. *The cemetery referred to, if still existing, has not been identified. It may have been a burial-place since abolished. 76 SCHWENKFELDER HYMNOLOGY Tage zu erneuern ; fleissige tibung in heiliger Schrifft, mit taglichem Gebett um Aufschluss gottlicher Geheimniiss, und um Gnade zur Besserung und Verneuerung des Lebens, nach Anweisung der heili- gen SchrilYt etc. Da er denn solchen Dinst mit hertzlichem Eyffer um Gott und der Menschen Seeligkeit 4 Jahr gepflogen, hat das letzte Jahr seine Natur zihmlich abgenommen, auch durch eine Krankheit, seines Todes Erinnerung geschehen, hat er aber bey aller Schwach- heit seinen Fleiss, sovil als es mogHchsten mochte seyn gethan, biss eine Woche vor seinem Ende er bettlagrich worden. Seine Krank- heit bestunde meistens in Mattigkeit, und ein wenig Seitenstechen, wurde ein Magen-Fiber genennt, dass er keinen Schmakk mehr zum Essen hatte, machte ihm auch hefftige Beschwerde im Leibe, ist also mit gutter Besonnenheit 1740, den 11. Mertz, im 53. Jahr seines Alters auss der Zeit abgefordert, und also zur Erden bestattet wor- den, ligt begraben zu Schippach aul¥ dem Lande George Jakkels.^" Translation : "George Weiss was born in Harpersdorf, a village in the prin- cipality of Liegnitz in Silesia ; his father was Caspar Weiss, bom in Deutmannsdorf ; his mother Anna (nee) Anders, born in Har- persdorf, and both were plain, poor and insignificant, as the world goes. George had a brother named Caspar, and a sister, Mary ; both died in Silesia in the bloom of youth. In 1715 he married. His wife was Anna (nee) Meschter, born in Langen-Neundorf¥ ; she accompanied him to this country, and died shortly after the landing at Philadelphia. She is buried there in the Pilgrims' cemetery. They had an infant son whom they named Abraham, who was taken from them in his second year. So that in this country he was quite poor and alone, a plain man and, as the world goes, unim- portant. But because he exhibited a seemly zeal for the Holy Scriptures, and was minded to please God and honor Him (although in great frailty and in the face of many obstacles) God vouchsafed to him in magnificent measure a talent for interpreting Holy Writ, for disclosing the mysteries of God and for discerning sound Chris- tian doctrine, in these latter doubtful days. * * * For this rea- son, he was chosen as our head (regarding ourselves as a congrega- ° Then, a private burying-ground. Now the cemetery of the Lower Salford Schwenkfelder church. GEORGE WEISS 77 tion), as our chief in our Confession of Faith, as our leader in Christian living, and as the guide of our youth. Thereby we attested that his qualification for these duties was recognized. And having (in accordance with his judgment, and after consultation with his conscience and long agonizing before God) arranged a plan for re- ligious services and an order of worship, and having manifested therewith such a zeal for God that certain signs and indications ap- peared of the correctness of such a course, the direct course to salvation through penitence; namely,-a full apprehension and morti- fication of our depravity, in true humility, sorrow and prayer; self- sacrifice and surrender to the will of God, and the daily renewal of these things ; the zealous practice of Scriptural discipline, with daily supplication for the unlocking of the divine mysteries and for grace for the mending and renewing of our lives, under the direction of the Scriptures having conducted such a ministry for four years, with a true passion for God and the salvation of men, during the last year his strength failed appreciably, and a subsequent illness warned him of his approaching end. But in spite of his frailty he continued zealous, in as far as this was at all possible, up to a week before his death, when he became confined to his bed. His illness was chiefly of the nature of exhaustion, with some pleurisy (it was said to be gastric fever). He had no desire for food and suffered intense pains in the abdomen. And thus on the eleventh of March, 1740, in full possession of his faculties and in the fifty-third year of his age, he was called away, and his body was conveyed to its interment. He is buried at Schippach on a plot of ground belonging to George Yeakel." The relation which George Weiss sustains to the hymnody of the Schwenkfelders is three-fold : First, as a writer of hymns ; second, as a reviser of hymns ; and third, as a transcriber and com- piler. Of his activity as a hymn writer, barely an outline can be given here; to wit, (i) "Gesange uber die Evangelia" (1709) — metrical versions of the "Gospel Lessons" for the entire eccle- siastical year; (2) "Meditationes" (ca. 1724 — 30),^ being sev- ' Each proper name treated is given in Hebrew, Greek, Latin and German. Then follow the references containing the Biblical account of the character under consideration. Then the "Meditatio" in the form of a hymn. 78 SCHWENKFELDER HYMNOLOGY eral series of hymns based on the names of numerous Bible characters — the patriarchs, the prophets, the genealogy of Christ as given in Matthew, the genealogy of Christ as recorded by Luke, and the apostles — each group becomes the basis of a series of hymns; and (3) his revision of the hymns of Daniel Suder- mann.''^ This revision consisted of a restrophicising of a number of the Sudermann hymns, and the addition, to the majority of the hymns, of one or more strophes intended as a prayer (Seufzer). Of the hymnological studies of George Weiss — studies that were both extensive and productive of valuable information — our space forbids us to speak. Neither does this phase of his activity properly belong to the scope of the present work. It is in his role as the promoter of the work begun by Caspar Weiss, his father, that he demands consideration here. It was about the year 1726, when George Weiss took up the task of re- arranging and enlarging the hymn collection of 1709. The ad- dition which was at this time made to the original collection, was composed chiefly of three series of hymns; each complete in itself and written by as many authors. The series in question were : ( i ) The hymns of Daniel Sudermann which Weiss had revised — a series of hymns interpreting the Song of Solomon; (2) the "Epistel-lieder" so-called, by Balthaser Hofifmann — be- ing a series of metrical versions of the "Epistle-lessons," com- plete for the church year; (3) the "Meditationes," which we have already characterized. The other hymns added by George Weiss to the first collection constitute a miscellany representing various Moravian and Lutheran hymn writers, as well as the early church fathers. The complete list of the hymns of this miscellany, which had been prepared for this chapter, it has been necessary to omit. With respect to the plan of arrangement, it should be noted that the compilation made by George Weiss differs from that ' The Sudermann hymns based on the Song of Solomon. See our De- scriptive Bibliography. GEORGE WEISS 79 of 1709 in two important features: First, the hymns selected for each Sunday and holy day are further arranged into four groups having the titles "Friihe," "Vor-Mittage," "Nach-Mit- tage" and "Kinder-Lehr," the second and third of these groups corresponding to the two-fold division of the collection of Cas- par Weiss; second, the individual hymns are classified on the basis of metrical structure — as far as was practicable, hymns with the same type of verse and the same or a similar strophic structure, having been grouped together. Moreover, verse for verse, the syllables were carefully counted in order to exclude entirely the hiatus and to leave not a hymn with an imperfect line.^ As hinted above, the arrangement of the hymn-groups by Sundays and holy days — one characteristic, as we have seen, of the original compilation — was retained by the second compiler. In the earliest manuscript of this collection known to exist there are, unfortunately, missing from the preface those pages which contained the compiler's own account of the sources with which he was operating when enlarging the original collection. However, the loss is luckily repaired in part by the following account of the second compilation, extant in the already cited surviving manuscript of Balthaser Hoffmann. The passage con- tains, also, Hoffmann's statement of the re-arrangement which the first collection underwent in the hands of George Weiss, the second compiler. We quote Hoffmann in full : "Lange darnach ^ und nach Caspar Weissens Tode, und beson- ders zur Zeit des Mission,^" meditirte und schrib auff, George Weiss di Meditationes iiber di Nahmen der Geschlechte in Matheo und Luca, und di andern Nahmen ; welche er erst in Sachsen, nach der ersten Emigration verfertigte. Darnach in Sachsen, in der Stille 'The natural word-stress is frequently disregarded — in accordance with the literary traditions of the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Centuries, when such verse was not considered imperfect. Compare the "Knittelvers" of Hans Sachs. ' i. e., after 1709. In the Hoffmann manuscript this citation is a continua- tion of the one given on page 63 f. "The Jesuit Mission in Silesia. Opened in the year 1719. "The Schwenkf elders (about 170 families), to escape the net of the 8o SCHWENKFELDER HYMNOLOGY und fiir sich, zu einer Hauss-Ubung, weil er still und geruhig lebte, und den Sonntag und di Zeit der Feyer suchte anzuwenden, und eine Ubung zu haben, hat er das erste Werk vermehret, und in Vier sonn- tagliche Abtheilungen geordnet, wi es nun am Tage ligt ; auch kamen dehmahls dazu, di Lider iiber di Episteln/^ welche Vermehrung auch in der Vorrede weiter mit gedacht ist; hat auch dahmahls di Bitten zum Beschluss der Lider Daniel Sudermanns gestellet. Nun ist aber bey dieser Ordnung, und Eintheilung der Lider zu merken, dass er di Absicht nicht hat gehabt dabey, dass es zu einer Nachmach- ung seyn soli (wi nun gefolget ist) ob es auch wohl bey seiner Leb- ens-Zeit (auch ich selber) abgescriben; sondern er pflegte es zu seiner t)bung in der Stille; und nahm Vor-Mittage und Nach-Mittage, di Bekantesten ; zu den andern zwey Abtheilungen aber di Fremdesten. Und zwar ordnete er es, dass wi weit es mdchte angehen, eine gleiche Vile im Singen war ; daher zehlete er di Syllabon an den Gesan- gen, und nahm denn einen Gesang hiher, und einen andern dorthin ; daher ist geschehen, dass di Lehre der Gesange, denn nicht auffein- ander zustimmet. Sonst weiss ich wohl, dass wenn er gewust, dass es soke zu einem daurenden Werke seyn, er es wiirde anders einge- richtet haben; wi er auch einmahl zu mir gesaget: Wenn ichs izt soke einrichten, es konte seyn, dass manch Lid nicht dazu kame. Dises hinterlasse ich nicht, um G. Weissens Werk zu tadeln, oder untiichtig zu machen, sondern um richtiges Wissens Willen. B. H. 1753- Translation : "Long afterwards and after the death of Caspar Weiss, and especially at the time of the Mission, George Weiss wrote his "Medi- tationes" on the names of the generations in Matthew and Luke, and the other names. Not until after the first emigration, in Saxony, were they completed. Thereafter in Saxony, privately, and for his own use and that of his household, because he led a quiet life and Jesuits, fled to Silesia by night in 1726, escaping to the Oberlausitz in Saxony. Here they were protected by Count von Zinzendorf, the Moravian bishop, for 8 years. "Written by Rev. Balthaser Hofifmann. " "Count" or number of syllables. Daniel Sudermann occasionally uses this feminine noun, "die Vile" (= number or large number). Cf. Wacker- nagel, I, 683. GEORGE WEISS 8i sought to make good use of Sundays and holydays, and also for the training, he enlarged the first collection, making a fourfold division of the hymns for each Sunday, as it still exists. At that time the hymns on the Epistle lessons also were added; and this augmenta- tion receives further mention in the preface. He also wrote at this time the prayer strophes intended as addenda to the hymns of Daniel Sudermann. But with regard to the arrangement of this collection, it should be noted, that he had no thought that it would be imitated (as has been the case), although it was transcribed in his life-time, and I too have transcribed it ; but he prepared it for his own private use. And for the divisions "Vor-Mittage" and "Nach-Mittage" he chose the more familiar, for the other two divisions however the less familiar hymns. And furthermore he arranged it in such a way that, as far as might be practicable, there would be a uniform metre for the singing of the hymns. Accordingly he counted the syllables, and placed one hymn here and another there, with the result that the hymns in the matter of theme have no sequence. For I well know, that if he had known that it was destined to be a permanent work, he would have arranged it differently. Indeed he said to me at one time: 'If I were to arrange it now, it might be that a number of the hymns would not be included.' This I submit, not to censure or to condemn the work of George Weiss, but for the sake of exact knowledge." Summarizing, now, with respect to constituency and size, the collection of George Weiss was composed of: (i) The entire collection of 1709, numbering 874 hymns; (2) the Suder- mann hymns as revised by Weiss — 230 in number; (3) the "Epistel-lieder," by Hoffmann, 106 hymns; (4) the "Medita- tiones" by the compiler himself, 178 hymns; and (5) 171 hymns of a miscellaneous character. Total, 1559 hymns.'* Such was the Schwenkfelder hymn collection as it came from the hands of Rev. George Weiss. It was completed on the eve of the depar- ture of the Schwenkfelders from Saxony. In September of the year 1734, with its author it reached the genial land of Penn; and for upwards of thirty years it served as the hymnary of the Compare with this, The Schwenkfelders in Pennsylvania, p. 107. 82 SCHWENKFELDER HYMNOLOGY sect, furnishing the hymns sung at their gatherings for rehgious worship, at the meetings of their youth for "Kinderlehr" and at the annual observance of "Gedaechtnisstag." In our next chapter we shall see that before the appearance (1762) of the first hymn-book of the Schwenkfelders printed in America, their m.anuscript hymn collection was destined to be once more re- arranged, although after 1734 it was augmented but little while it remained in manuscript. CHAPTER VII. Balthaser Hoffmann, Christopher Hoffmann AND Hans Christoph Huebner. It is our purpose to treat here in brief the matter of how the Schwenkfelder hymn-collection, founded by Caspar Weiss and enlarged by George Weiss, came to undergo a thorough rewriting in point of arrangement, but a few years before it was chosen as the basis for the printed hymn-book. In this connection it will be necessary to discuss the relation of three immigrant Schwenkf elders to the evolution of the Saur edition. They are : Rev. Balthaser Hoffmann, Rev. Christopher Hoffmann, his son, and Hans Christoph Hiibner. The matter of the relation to each other of the three folio volumes of the years 1758, 1759 and 1760 is also a part of our problem in this chapter. Balthaser Hoffmann.^ This account of Rev. Balthaser Hoffmann is limited to, first, his activity as a writer of hymns and transcriber of hymns and, second, his studies of hymns. The works cited herewith should be consulted for fuller biographical information concern- ing this eminent Schwenkfelder poet and theologian. We shall first recount, summarily, his interest and participation in the pro- moting of the Schwenkfelder hymn-collection. In earlier chapters, we learned from Hoffmann's own pen, that he was thoroughly familiar with the circumstances of the origin of the parent collection of 1709, and that he himself made a transcription of the same immediately upon its completion. In- deed, it is not unlikely that he rendered assistance to Caspar Weiss by copying hymns for the collection. From his account of both the first and the second collection, already cited, it is also evident that he was in close personal association with the author of the * Cf . Genealogical Record of the Schwenkf elders, pp. xvi. and 5-9. The Schwenkf elders in Pennsylvania, pp. 20-23 and i88fT. (83) 84 SCHWENKFELDER HYMNOLOGY "Evangelia-lieder," the "Meditationes" and the revised Suder- mann hymns, when these series were being written. He had learned by personal inquiry, the purpose of George Weiss in ar- ranging the second compilation on the basis of metre, and had conversed with him respecting the misfortune of the choice of this system of arrangement, in view of the fact that the compilation had become the accepted hymnary of the sect. It was Hoffmann also who had contributed to the second collection, the "Epistel- lieder" complete pro anno ecclcsiastico — the idea of the series having been suggested by the "Evangelia-lieder" of his friend Weiss. Moreover, Hoffmann made a transcription of the second hymn-collection, as he had done in the case of the first. However, as the head of the Schwenkfelder ministerium (in this capacity, Hoffmann succeeded Rev. George Weiss, serving until 1763) he had found the collection unhappily ar- ranged, since it was altogether deficient in the matter of arrange- ment as to sequence of doctrine. It is further evident, that in this particular, Hoffmann regarded the compilation as unsuited to the purposes of a church hymnary. As such, it needed to undergo a thorough recompiling ; and in the volumes listed in our second chapter for the years 1758 and 1759, we have carried into effect, the rearrangement which without doubt Hoffmann for some years had had in mind. The study of hymns was for Balthaser Hoffmann an em- ployment which he loved. Occasionally on "Gedachtnisstag"^ he would present the study of a favorite hymn. His analyses of numerous hymns have been preserved. They reflect both intens- ity of method and an amazing wealth of meditations. They are worthy of a close homiletic study. Rev. Christopher Hoffmann made a selection of these studies, of which the list follows: ^ 'The Memorial Day of the Schwenkfelders, observed annually on the 24th of September and commemorating the landing at Philadelphia, 1734. ' From a manuscript in folio now in the possession of Hon. S. W. Penny- packer, LL. D., who most kindly placed it at the disposal of the present writer. The title of the volume follows : Erbauliche und Niitzliche/ Betrachtungen./ Welche der treue und ein- faltige Zeuge Gottes, Je-/ su Christi, und seiner reinen Wahrheit/ Balthaser Title Page of Hymn-Book. Written by Hans Christoph Hlbner. THE HOFFMANNS AND HANS CHRISTOPH HUEBNER 85 I. Bedencken iiber das Lied : Glaubige Seel ! schau dein Herr. II. Kurtzes Summarium eines Bedenckens, iiber den 7. 8. und 9. Vers des Liedes : Ein Kind ist uns gebohren heut. 1746. III. Summarium eines Bedenckens, aus dem Liede. Lobsinget all mit Freuden. 1747. IV. Kurtzer Begriefif des Inhalts einer Betrachtung iiber das Lied: Schau siindiger Mensch! wer du bist. 1742. V. Kurtze Vorstellung iiber das Lied : Jesus Christus lied den Tod. 1742. VI. Kurtzer Auszug eines Bedenckens, iiber das Lied : Freuet euch heut allegleich. 1747. VII. Bedencken iiber 5. Verse aus dem Liede: Frolock heut Christglaubige Seel. 1748. VIII. Bedencken iiber etliche Vorstellungen an Christo. Aus dem Liede: Jesus Christus lied den Tod. 1743. IX. Kurtzer Auszug iiber einige Betrachtungen vom heiligen Geiste, aus dem Liede : O Gott Schopfifer heiliger Geist. 1747. X. Bedencken iiber das Lied : Der Mensch hat einen grossen Schatz. 1 75 1. XI. Summarisches Bedencken iiber den iten Vers des Liedes : Der Mensch hat einen grossen Schatz. 1747. XII. Eine kurtze Erklarung, zu mehrem und reicherm Ver- stande des Liedes : Schonster Jesu ! Konig der Ehren. 1766. XIII. Kurtzes Bedencken, zu einer Anweisung, iiber das Lied : O glaubigs Hertze benedey. 1746. XIV. Kurtze Anweisung und Bedencken, iiber das Lied : Mensch! Erheb dein Hertz zu Gott. 1746. XV. Betrachtung iiber das Lied : Last uns folgen sanct Pauli Lehr. 1750. XVI. Bedencken iiber einige Verse aus dem Liede : Menschen Kind was briist du dich. XVII. Vier Betrachtungen, aus dem Liede: Ey last uns jetzt allsamt. Hoffmann/ in Pennsilvanien von Anno 1737. bisz Anno 1768./ Geschrieben./ Bestehend in dreyen Theilen./ Der I. Theil enthalt:/ Betrachtungen uber heilige Schrifft, altes und neues Testa-/ ments, sowol iiber gantze Capitel, als auch iiber Verse/ aus derselben./ Der II. Theil enthalt :/ Andere niitz- liche Betrachtungen und Bekantnisse./ Der III. Theil enthalt:/ Betrachtungen iiber Lieder./ Auch mit zwey niitzlichen Registern versehen./ Gesammlet und zusammen getragen von/ Christoph Hoffmann/ M.DCC. XCV. 86 SCHWENKFELDER HYMNOLOGY At the time of the pubHcation of the Saur edition, Bakhaser Hoffmann had a more intimate knowledge of the hymn-collec- tions of Caspar Weiss and George Weiss, both as to their his- tory and their content, than any other Schwenkfelder living. In 1753 he had completed a transcription of the George Weiss collection, enriching the value of the collection for devotional use with interpretations and Scripture references. At this time he had also carefully recorded the facts of the origin of this collection, then the hymnary of the sect in manuscript. He was well informed with regard to the work of Caspar Weiss and that of George Weiss in the textual criticism of numerous hymns of the Schwenkfelder collection, and in 1754 had written an ex- planation of the motives by which these compilers had been actuated in venturing upon the work of textual revision. From 1740-1763, he filled the pastoral office of the Schwenkfelders — the period during which the hymn-book of the Bohemian Breth- ren passed out of use, and the publication of a hymn-book by and for the Schwenkfelders had been discussed, undertaken and realized. Moreover, documentary evidence is not wanting that Balthaser Hoffmann had long felt keenly the need of a printed Schwenkfelder hymn-book, and that he was a leader in the movement for the publication of it. Of the hymns by Bal- thaser Hoffmann contained in the Saur edition, twelve, includ- ing the hymn which heads the collection, were written while the hymn-book was in process of publication. We give here, in translation and somewhat abridged, the biographical account of Rev. Balthaser Hoffmann written by Rev. Christopher Hoffmann, his son:^ "Balthaser Hoffmann was born in the year 1687 in Harpers- dorf. Principality of Liegnitz, Silesia, of poor plain and unpretending parents, and was brought up in such traditions. He was employed in Harpersdorf, especially in winter, as a weaver; at other times, however, frequently as a day laborer. In stature, he was a tall man, rather slender, his face longish and thin ; and after his fiftieth year * Ibidem. THE HOFFMANNS AND HANS CHRISTOPH HUEBNER 87 his hair grew entirely white. Even at an early age he had both a bent and a zeal for learning the ancient languages ; and by his inde- fatigable diligence and the assistance of good books (which how- ever were not plentiful, because his means were insufficient to pro- cure them) he succeeded in acquiring a fair mastery of Latin, Greek and Hebrew, so that he knew these languages. Besides he had both the inclination and concern to devote himself to the Scriptures, in order to acquire the correct understanding of them; to this end his knowledge of the languages was extremely useful and serviceable, since by this means he was able to examine the original text of the Scriptures, so that this knowledge was of great assistance for the better understanding of them. He was also zealous in the practice of Christian doctrine, and in the confession of the untainted truth revealed by God through Caspar Schwenkfeld, desiring to apprehend and to comprehend it accurately and unalloyed. And this God granted him, so that he obtained an abounding knowledge of it. Moreover, all his life he kept a watchful eye upon it, to keep it pure and to avoid mingling with it accessory doctrines. * * * "Upon his safe arrival in Philadelphia, he did not long remain in the city, but went into the country and, in accordance with the custom there, founded a home, since God had again blessed him so that he and his family could once more live peaceably. Moreover, his study of the Scriptures and Christian doctrine he at no time neglected, but devoted himself to them with the utmost diligence. And his liberty in Pennsylvania was to him a particularly momentous matter, which he regarded as a great divine favor and gift, be- stowed upon the untainted testimony of the truth, that it might be cherished and practiced without hindrance. "When to George Weiss had been assigned the charge of hold- ing public worship, as well as the performance of the marriage ceremony, the preaching of the Word at burial services and the catechising of the children ; and when in 1740 George Weiss quite unexpectedly heard the last summons, these duties were entrusted to him (Balthaser Hoffmann), even though a few times he secured release. Especially in 1749, when on his chest and in his bi"onchiaI tubes he had a sensation which made breathing difficult, and this gradually became worse until both singing and speaking were un- endurable. But in each instance he was again applied to, particu- 88 SCHWENKFELDER HYMNOLOGY larly to conduct the public services and catechise the children, by reason of his capability, which was divinely bestowed. And this he did, until on account of old age he was no longer able. * * * "In 1774, December twenty-first, he was attacked with vertigo, which left him quite weak. Repeated attacks followed at intervals of about two weeks leaving him every time in greater weakness. * * * On the eleventh of July 1775, we observed that he was even weaker than usual and that his feebleness was increasing. This continued until he lost his speech, and a few hours before his departure consciousness left him. On the above mentioned day, in the afternoon at 5 o'clock, calmly and but slightly disturbed, in the eighty-ninth year of his age, he fell asleep. The Lord be praised for having thus summoned him, and grant that we may be saved and follow him. Amen. Written in the year 1777. Christoph Hofif- mann." Rev. Christopher Hof¥mann's earliest and most important contribution to Schwenkf elder hymnology was the manuscript hymn-book of 1760. A general characterization of this volume is contained in our Descriptive Bibliography. The pre-eminent feature of this hymn-book is the incorporation of the textvial revision or "correction" of numerous hymns, made by Caspar Weiss and George Weiss. A detailed account of the nature and design of this textual study is included in the introduction. The hymns involved are principally those of the Bohemian Brethren. It appears that Caspar Weiss compared the hymns common to the various editions of the Bohemian hymn-book, ascertained the variant readings and then, whenever possible, restored the text of the earliest print of the hymn. If, in his opinion, the text was sectarian or otherwise open to criticism, he supplied his own revision. In the same way, George Weiss revised the non- Schwenkfelder hymns which he added to his father's collection. In the volume under discussion Christopher Hoffmann has indi- cated and recorded about five hundred of these "corrections," by writing in the margin in each instance either the unrevised variant, or the initial of the corrector. The results of this work were applied in large measure in the editing of the printed hymn- Manuscript Hymn-Book (1760). Written by Christoph Hoffmann. THE HOFFMANNS AND HANS CHRISTOPH HUEBNER 89 book.^ Another service performed by Christopher Hoffmann was the preservation, already noted, of many exegeses of hymns made by his father, Balthaser Hofifmann. Again, the manuscript appendix v^hich many copies of the Saur edition contain, is his w^ork. Following is the description of the hymn-book of 1760, written on a fly-leaf of the volume by its owner, Former Gov- ernor S. W. Pennypacker :^ "This hymn-book of the Schwenckfelders, which may be said to represent the art of the Middle Ages, extended into the i8th Century and across the Atlantic is the best specimen of their manuscripts known to those familiar with the subject. It was writ- ten between 1758 and 1760 in Penna. and was bound here and the clasps and mountings were made here. Christoph Hoffman, who wrote it, came to Penna. at six years of age, so that his art was learned here. It is therefore, except as to the literature, purely a Penna. production. Hoffman was born in 1728 and died Jany. 29, 1804, so that when he undertook this task he was thirty years of age. He was a Schwenckfelder minister. "An account of the origin of this collection of hymns with a series of biographical sketches of the authors is given in the preface. The initials of the authors are written beside the hymns and are explained in the preface. Aurelius Prudentius, a pious Spaniard about A. D. 400, wrote a number of hymns in Latin, which were translated into German by Adam Reissner. This and the hymn book of the Picards or Bohemian Brethren, which was translated by Michael Weiss in 1531 and increased and corrected by Johan Horn, constituted the earliest and principal sources. Selections were also made from the hymns written by the Schwenckfelders Adam Reissner, Reimund Wecker, George Frell, Daniel Sudermann, An- tonius Oelsner, George Heydrick, Martin John and others, and by some of the Lutherans and Reformed. "Caspar Weiss, born at Deutmansdorf in Silesia, and who mar- ried Anna, daughter of George Anders, made the collection in 1709 for the use of his family and it was afterward adopted by the church. George Weiss, his son, born 1687 at Harpersdorf in Si- ° Compare with this, page xiv of the preface of the Saur edition. * Printed by permission. 90 SCHWENKFELDER HYMNOLOGY lesia and who married Anna Meschter, the leader of the Schwenck- felder emigration and their first preacher here increased the col- lection in 1726 and arranged it in four parts. There are also some hymns written abroad and here by Balthaser HofYman, father of Christoph, who was born in 1686 and came to Penna. in 1734. "In the manuscript the letter 'A' signifies that the hymn is in its old form, 'C that it has been corrected by Caspar Weiss, and 'G' by George Weiss. In the Second Register the hymns collected by Caspar Weiss are designated by red capitals and those by George Weiss by black. This collection, which up to that time had re- mained in manuscript, formed the basis of the hymn-book printed by Saur in 1762. "On examining this manuscript we cannot help but feel the strongest admiration for the zeal and patience of the scribe, the neatness and excellence of his work, the strength and beauty of the binding, and the nice care with which the book has been pre- served through one hundred and twenty-one years in all its original freshness and purity. "Samuel W. Pennypacker, "Nov. 6, 1881." Hans Christoph Hiibner was born in 1721. His father was Christoph Hiibner and his mother Maria (nee Yeakel). He and his parents came to America in 1737. He is buried on the farm on which he lived, near the present Cedars, Montgomery County. The farm is now (1909) owned by William G. Freed. The writer is extremely glad of the opportunity to direct atten- tion to this neglected Schwenkfelder scribe, Hans Christoph Hiibner. In 1746 he married Barbara Schultz, who in 1734, at the age of 14 years, with her widowed mother had emigrated to America. Having attained the rank of a householder, he soon acquired prominence in the life of the church. For thirty years beginning (circa) 1745, he was active as a transcriber and com- piler. He wrote the three folio volumes of hymns dated 1758, 1759 and 1765. In addition, three massive collections of sermons in folio, numerous quartos of hymns and of homiletic literature, and a great variety of additional volumes. In the quantity of THE HOFFMANNS AND HANS CHRISTOPH HUEBNER 9I manuscript produced, he leads all the transcribers of the Schwenk- felders in America, admitting the possible exception of Rev. Balt- haser Hofifmann. It was he who executed (1758-59) the last re- arrangement of the Weiss hymn-collection, to which he added 120 hymns. In the period 1 760-1 780, he was prominent in the movement for the organization of the sect, and was one of the five "Haus-vater" of the Lower District at whose homes in routine the Sunday meetings for worship were held. He was also a liberal contributor to the fund established (1764) for the founding and support of the school system inaugurated that year. Miss Flora Krauss Heebner, missionary of the Schwenkfelder Church, who is stationed at Shansi, China, and her brother, Rev. Harvey Krauss Heebner, pastor of the First Schwenkfeldian Church of Philadelphia, are lineal descendants of Hans Christoph Hiibner. He died at the age of 82 years. The story of the folio volumes bearing the dates of 1758 and 1759, may be both simply and briefly told. In point of content, the former consists of the second collection, as compiled and arranged by George Weiss, excluding the "Psalm-Lieder," the "Biblische Geschichte," the Sudermann hymns based on the Song of Solomon, the "Meditationes," the "Evangelia-Gesange" and the "Epistel-lieder." Of these six series, three were included in the collection of 1709 and the others added by George Weiss. In a word, the manuscript hymn-book dated 1758 is composed of the miscellaneous hymns of the collection of Caspar Weiss and the miscellany of the George Weiss addition. These hymns, treat- ing exhaustively every phase of Christian doctrine, are grouped by the various articles ("Artickel") so-called, of the Christian creed and doctrine, consecutively presented. Furthermore, the hymns of each "Artickel" are prefaced with a summary of the teaching they contain. Those hymns which are translations of hymns by the church-fathers, are in most cases given in parallel columns with their Latin originals. The re-distribution of the hymns having advanced this far, the task remained of submitting to a like arrangement the hymns 92 SCHWENKFELDER HYMNOLOGY of the six distinct series named above. In the volume of the year 1759 we find this w^ork accomplished. These two volumes together comprise the Schwenkfelder hymn-collection in its final arrangement in manuscript. It is not surprising that the scribe remarks in the passage cited below, that he found the collection too massive to be bound into a single volume. The two volumes contain a total of more than twenty-two hundred pages in folio. The following excerpt, taken from the introduction of the manu- script volume of 1758, contains the author's own statement of the source of the hymns composing it : "Weil auf dem Titul-Blatt dieses Buches gemeldet ist, dass ein Verzeichniss oder Ordnung diesem Buche beygefiiget, nach welchem die Gesange (nach Belieben und Gefalligkeit) zu denen Evangelien auf alle Sonn- und Feyer-Tage durchs ganze Jahr, konnen betrach- tet werden : So wil ich hiebey erinnern, dass Caspar Weiss die Ge- sange gesammlet, und auss vielen Autoribus zusammen getragen, und, auf Begehren treuer Gemiither, auf die Sonntage geordnet hat, und zwar in zwey Abtheilungen, zu einer Ubung in der Stille daheim im Hause mit den Seinen zu gebrauchen (Anno 1709) : Und, dass die Gesange in diesem Buche, eben dieselben Gesange sind, die er also zusammen getragen ; ohne die Psalmen, biblischen Geschichte, und Evangeliums-Gesange, welche zusammen in ein Buch allein sollen geschrieben werden.'^ Weil auch ohne dem dieses Buch fast zu gross worden." * In the following passage, the author sets forth his object in submitting these hymns to a rearrangement : "Sintemal denn die heiligen Apostel und andere alte und Christ- liche Lehrer der Kirchen das Bekantniss dess Glaubens und die gottselige Christliche Lehre, in unterschiedene Haubt-Puncte und Artickel verabfasset haben, zu einem Dienste fiir den ausern Men- 'The manuscript hymn-book of the year 1759 was the fulfilment of this promise. 'This citation mentions only the Caspar Weiss collection; but investiga- tion has shown that the miscellaneous portion of George Weiss's addition is also incorporated in this volume. In fact, a few of the Psalm-Ucdcr and also a number of the Meditationes found their way into this volume. THE HOFFMANNS AND HANS CHRISTOPH HUEBNER 93 schen, dass er sich darinnen iibe, Gotte lerne erkennen, die Wercke Gottes betrachte, und eine Lehre habe sich in gottseligem, Christ- lichem Wandel zu iiben. * * * Und weilen aber viele Christ- liche Autores, solche Haubt-Puncte oder Artickel der Christlichen Lehre meditirt und betrachtet, und in Reimen und geisthche Lieder verabfasset haben; und weilen die Christhchen Autores, so diese geistliche Lieder gedichtet, solche Lehre und Materien bedacht und Gesangs-Weise betrachtet haben : so hat man f iir gutt und niitz geachtet auch sonderlich wegen der Jugend (weil durch Singen eine Sache auch leichter mag ins Gemiith und Gedachtniss bracht werden) dass solche Haubt-Articul oder die Christliche, apostolische Lehre mochte bekant, gefasset und geiibet werden, damit es ihr ein solcher Dienst und Handleitung mochte seyn solche Lieder, oder dieses Gesang-Buch nach den Haubt-Artickeln der Christlichen Lehre zu ordnen und einzutheilen : dass also auch die Lieder, nach deren Unterscheidung, leichter und besser mogen begriffen und verstanden werden. Und also sind die Artickel, so viel moglich, in Ordnung auf einander gesetzt: Und weil denn einige mehr oder weniger Lieder haben, so sind solche, so da viel Lieder haben und reich von Inhalt der Christlichen Lehre sind, wiederum in unter- schiedene Abtheilungen unterschieden : Wie denn auch eines jeden Artickels fiirnehmster Inhalt zusammen in Kiirtze in ein Sum- marium verfasset und bey dess selben An fang zu finden ist." We give below the complete "Verzeichniss der Artickel" or table of contents of the manuscript hymn-book of 1758, first because this volume seems to have been compiled solely for the sake of the classification already discussed, and second, to antici- pate the fact of the similarity in arrangement between this volume and the printed hymn-book :^ I. VON GOTT, ODER VON DER HeILIGEN DrEYFALTIGKEIT. IL Von Jesu Christo, seiner Person und Ammte; folget also : 'A comparison has shown that most of the "articles" of this table were taken from the Moravian hymn-book, edition of 1566. A few appear to have been original with the author of the manuscript volume in question. The order of the various rubrics has, however, been changed. 94 SCHWENKFELDER HYMNOLOGY I Menschwerdung. Geburt. Beschneidung. Offenbarung den Weisen. Opferung im Tempel. I Flucht in Egipten. 'Jugend und Gewachse nach der Menscheit. Leben und Wandel, Tauf¥e, Anfechtungen, Predigten, Wunderwercken, und Beruff der Jiinger. Einzug gen Jerusalem. Leiden, Tod und Begrabniss. Auferstehung. Himmelfahrt. Mittler-Ammte. I Erkantniss. III. VoM Heiligen Geiste. IV. Von der Schopffung. V. Von den Engeln. VI. VoM Fall des Menschen. VII. Von den Zehn Gebotten. VIII. Von der Rechtfertigung. IX. Von DEM Glauben. X. Von der Busse. XI. VoM Gebet. XII. VOM WORTE GOTTES. XIII. Von Aposteln und Kirchen-Dienern. XIV. Von der Christlichen Kirchen. XV. Von der Tauffe. XVI. VoM Abendmal. XVII. Von der Dancksagung. XVIII. Von den Heiligen. XIX. VoM Christlichen Leben. XX. VoM Creutz der Kirchen. XXI. Von der Kirchen Verwuestung. XXII. VoM Gebett fuer die Kirche. XXIII. Von Verneuerung der Kirchen. XXIV. Von der Oberkeit. Von Christi THE HOFFMANNS AND HANS CHRISTOPH HUEBNER XXV. VoM Ehestand und der Kinder-Zucht. XXVI. VoM Tod und Sterben. XXVII. VoM Begraebniss. XXVIII. VON DER AUFERSTEHUNG UND JuENGSTEN RIGHT. XXIX. VoM EwiGEN Leben. XXX. VON DER EWIGEN PeIN. CHAPTER VIII. Christopher Schultz and the Printed Hymn-Book. We have seen that the Schwenkfelders were early aware of the importance attaching to the problem of a hymn-book ; and that their activity in the collecting of hymns dates from the sixteenth century. We have traced from its inception to its final form, the manuscript hymn collection which is entitled to the distinction of having been the first Schwenkfelder hymnary used in America. We have also observed in connection with our narrative of the manuscript collection, the presence of a well-defined continuity of development. In the present chapter, we shall endeavor to demonstrate that this continuity of development extended also into the first printed hymn collection issued in America — both the plan and the content of the printed hymnal exemplifying this progression. In a word, we are here concerned with the matter of the extent to which the Neu-Eingerichtetes Gesang-Buch (1762) is indebted to the manuscript volumes of 1758 and 1760, in point of arrangement, and to the second hymn collection as a whole, in point of content. At the close of the chapter, we print specimens of the Schwenkfelder hymns written in America. The first hymn-book of the Schwenkfelders printed in America, with the title Neu-Eingerichtetes Gesang-Buch^ left the press of Christoph Saur at the close of the year 1762. It was a much needed book. The Schwenkfelders had brought with them to America numerous copies of the Moravian hymn-book, but for years this had been used but little. Of their manuscript hymn collection, there were seemingly but three complete copies existing. Hence there was no want of occasion for the publish- ing of a hymn-book. The documentary information we possess, relative to the issuing of the Schwenkfelder hymn-book of 1762, is compara- tively scanty. However, from certain fragmentary records and from extant correspondence, we learn that the project had for some years been under consideration ; that previous to the prepara- (96) THE PRINTED HYMN-BOOK 97 tion of the copy, provision was made to meet the expense of issuing; and that the publication was in charge of a representa- tive committee, Rev. Christopher Schultz having been commis- sioned with the function of editor. The following brief chronicle relating to the publication of said hymn-book, is taken from the so-called Historische Anmerkungen, a Schwenkfelder chronicle for the years 1 750-1 789, written — up to 1775 — by Rev. Chris- topher Schultz.^ "1759 * * * Nachdem denn auch von geraumer Zeit her manchmal davon geredet worden, wenn man ein Gesang-Buch vor unsz drukken lisse, das mochte ein niitzliches Werk seyn, weil di Lider so wir brauchen, auserdem was etwan zusammen geschriben wird, in Zerstreuung ligen; auch di alten gedrukkten piccardischen Gesang-Biicher veralten und das Schreiben ein sehr beschwerliches und kostbahres Werk ist; so ist solches anjetzo wider aufs Tapet kommen, und endlich so fern gedihen, dasz von etlichen ein Plan ei- nes Formuls desselbigen, bearbeitet und vorgezeiget worden. Worzu sich denn so vile Subscribers gefunden, dasz beschlossen worden da- mit ans Licht zutretten und es drukken zulassen. "1760. Es hat aber unglaublich vil Miihe und Conferirens ge- kostet dasz man zu einem richtigen Formular gekommen ist, welches man in den Drukk geben wolte; also hat man sich dises und folgendes Jahr offte damit bemiihet, bisz es nach Beliben zu Stande gebracht worden. "1761. Der Drukker ist gar gemach damit zu Werke gegan- gen, weil er viel anders daneben gedrukkt; Es ist im Mittel des 1761. Jahres damit angefangen und erst zu Ausgang des 1762. Jah- res beschlossen worden." From the monograph by the Rev. J. H. Dubbs, D. D., LL. D., cited in our first chapter, we quote the following, relative to this hymn-book: "It is entitled Neu eingerichtetes Gesangbuch, in sich haltend eine Sammlung (mehrentheils alter) schoener lehr-reicher und erbaulicher Lieder. We are careful to repeat the greater part of the title because there is no intimation * Cf. M. D. Learned : Historische Anmerkungen, A Schwenkfelder Chronicle. In Americana Germanica, Vol. II, No. i. 98 SCHWENKFELDER HYMNOLOGY an3^where of the religious body for which the book was in- tended.^ It is a handsome duodecimo containing 917 hymns, which, according to the preface, are mostly derived from the hymn-books of the "Bohemian Brethren", though there is an appendix containing some of the best hymns of the Lutheran and Reformed churches. The preface is scholarly and the ar- rangement admirable. There is a three-fold index, of melodies, festivals and first lines. The index of hymns arranged according to the festivals not only indicates hymns proper to be sung on every Lord's Day in the year, but also for many saints' days which are not ordinarily observed by Protestants, and for six annual days of fasting and prayer. * * * Notwithstanding certain imperfections, the Schwenkfelder hymn-book is, in our opinion, a publication of a very superior order, and a credit to the community that produced it." The scholarliness of the preface of said hymn-book is owed to Rev. Christopher Schultz, while the orderliness of its arrange- ment is in some measure to be placed to his credit. In a sketch of his life and literary activity ("Lebenslauf von Vater Christoph Schultz, Sr.") ^ written by David Schultz, his son, are included these few words relative to the authorship of the preface of this hymn-book : "Die Vorrede im alten Gesang-Buch, ist auch meh- rentheils sein Werck". We print below a letter of Christopher Schultz, which not only attests the fact that he, as editor, drafted the preface of the hymn-book in question, but which betrays also the editor's concern that the hymn-book should set a high stan- dard as to both orderliness and Christian doctrine, and should be serviceable as a text-book of uncolored Christian faith. The letter follows in full : * ^ This is an oversight. The Schwenkfelders were early called "Bekenner der Glorien Christi," "Confessors of the Glory of Christ." This name the full title of the hymn-book includes. 'A copy of this sketch of "Vater" Schultz was furnished me by H. W. Kriebel. *The original is in the possession of Rev. E. E. S. Johnson. THE PRINTED HYMN-BOOK 99 "An die Befdrderer unsers Gesang-Biichs: " Werthe Freunde! Beyligend stellt sich euch ein Vorschlag fiir zu einer Vorrede des Gesang-Buchs woran wir schon ein Weil gearbeitet : Ich versehe mich ohngezweiffelt dasz ein Jeder di Wich- tigkeit der Vorrede erkennen iind bedenken wird, und solches zu erinnern nicht nothig habe. Nur ist mein Begehren um solcher Wichtigkeit willen : Es wolle ein Jeder seinen treuen Fleisz daran wenden und disen Vorschlag welchen ob zwar gut gemeynet, Ich (meiner mir wol bewiTSten Unschiklichkeit und Wenigkeit nach) nicht fiir genugsam ausgeben kan, wol besehen und ermessen; zu samt den Umstanden worein wir unser Gesang-Buch stellen wenn wir damit ins Publicum tretten, was zu dessen niitzlichen Gebrauch und Verhinderung des Miszbrauchs und allerley Unrichtigkeit moch- te dinlich seyn an disem Ort beyzubringen beydes fiir di Unsrigen als auch di Auswartigen, auf welche letztere wir um des freyen Zeugnisses der Warheit willen, welches wir durch keine Icliheit einschlissen dorfften, nicht weniger zu sehen haben. Und was ihr also denn befinden mochtet dasz der Sache zu wenig oder zu vil ge- than sey oder hi und da mehr oder besser konne illustriret werden (wi ich denn auch achte dasz mit Schrif¥t Zeugnissen geschehen konte wo es anders euch gefallt) das wolle denn auch ein Jeder verzeichnen: Damit wir etwa ein mahl wenns euch gefallt uns samtlich daruber berathen mochten. Und ob ich wol auf Begehren disen Vorschlag verabfasset, und nach eigenem Bedenken einen Laufif des Vortrags erwahlet, so konte es doch seyn dasz Ihr andern oder Einiger von Euch einen andern Weg der Vorstellung belibete, wel- ches denn auch fiiglich zu bedenken ware, weil man ja nicht erman- geln solte weil es nun Zeit ist das schikklichste anzubringen. Und sollen Gotte bitten dasz er unsz bey diser raren Gelegen- heit, Gnade, Weiszheit und Verstand verleyen wolle ihm gefallig zu handeln. Wil also alles in weiter Bedenken empfohlen haben. d. 2ten May 1761. C. S." We shall now take up the question of the relation of the classification of the printed hymn-book, to that of the manuscript volumes of 1758 and 1760. In this, as in the choice of the ° Addressed, in all probability, to the committee in charge of the publica- tion of the hymn-book. 100 SCHWENKFELDER HYMNOLOGY hymns, Christopher Schultz drew freely from the Schwenk- felder manuscript hymn collection and its predecessor, the hymn book of the Moravians. In our preceding chapter we gave the complete "Verzeichniss der Artickel" of the manuscript volume of 1758. For the purposes of a comparison in point of rubric, we give in this connection the summary of contents ("Verzeich- nis und Ordnung") of the Saur edition. Following the table here given, is a statement of the correspondences between the two tables. The articles marked thus (*) constitute the rubrics added by Schultz. der TITEL derer MATERIEN davon DIE LIEDER handeln. I. Theil. VOM GOTTLICHEN WeSEN. I. VON GOTT UND SeINEM WeSEN. VERZEICHNIS und ORDNUNG. II. III. IV. V. VI. VII. VIII. Empfaengnis und Menschwerdung. Geburt. Beschneidung und Namen. Offenbarung. Opfferung. Flucht. Jugend. Von Christi IX. X. XL XII. XIII. XIV. XV. XVI. Leben und Wandel. Einzug. Leiden und Tod. Auferstehung. HiMMELFAHRT. Mitler-Amte. Erkantnis. VoM Heiligen Geiste. II. Theil. VON der OECONOMIE und REGIERUNG GOTTES. 1. Von der Schopffung. II. Von den Engeln. THE PRINTED HYMN-BOOK lOI III. VoM Fall des Menschen. IV. Von den Heiligen Zehn Gebotten. V. VoM Glauben. VI. Von der Busse. VII. VoM Gebaet. VIII. VoM Verlangen nach Gott.* IX. Von der Liebe zu Gott.* X. Von der Rechtfertigung. XI. Lobgesaenge.* XII. VoM Christlichen Wandel. XIII. Von der Nachfolge Jesu.* XIV. Von Verleugnung Sein Selbst und der Welt.* XV. VoM Christlichen Streit.* XVI. VoM Vertrauen auf Gott.* XVII. Von Guten Wercken.* XVIII. Von Anfechtung Noth und Truebsal.* XIX. Trost-Lieder.* XX. Von der Hoffnung der Seligkeit.* XXI. VoM WORTE GOTTES. XXII. VON DEN ApOSTELN UND KiRCHEN-DlENERN. XXIII. Von der Kirche. XXIV. Von den Einsetzungen Christi. 1. Von der Heiligen Tauffe. 2. VoM Heiligen Abendmahl. XXV. VoN DEN Heiligen. XXVI. VoM Creutz der Kirch en. XXVII. Von der Kirchen-Verwuestung. XXVIII. Gebaet fuer die Kirche. XXIX. Von der Oberkeit. XXX. VoM Ehstand und Kinder-Zucht. XXXI. VoM ToD UND Sterben. XXXII. Beym Begraebnis. XXXIII. VOM JUENGSTEN TagE. XXXIV. Von der Ewigen Pein. XXXV. VoM Ewigen Leben. It will be observed that the "Artickel" or "Titel" com- posing part I. of the Saur edition are essentially a taking-over of 102 SCHWENKFELDER HYMNOLOGY the first three "Artickel" of the volume of 1758 — the sub- divisions of II. having become co-ordinate articles in the printed hymn-book. At the beginning of part II. are placed in order, articles IV. to XL inclusive of the "Verzeichniss" of 1758 — excepting VIII. which is given a new position. The remaining 19 articles of the volume of 1758 correspond in order to articles XXI. — XXXV. inclusive of part II. of the Schultz hymn- book, with but two differences: XVII. and XXIII. not having been included among the rubrics of the Saur edition, and XIX. "Vom Christlichen Leben," having become "Vom Christlichen Wandel" (II. Theil, XII.). Articles VIII. and IX., XL, and XIII.-XX. (II. Theil) are the rubrics added by Schultz. There is also a striking" correspondence between the printed hymn-book and the volumes of 1758 and 1760 — in the ar- ticles common to both — with respect to the hymns classified under a given rubric, as well as to the order in which they are arranged. Former Governor Pennypacker was impressed with this correspondence between the manuscript collection and the Saur edition, and without hesitation, noted on a fly-leaf of the volume of 1760 the following, relative to this matter: "This collection, which up to that time had remained in manuscript, formed the basis of the hymn-book printed by Saur in 1762." We have attempted below to illustrate the correspondence, by tabulating the hymns comprising a characteristic "Artickel" of the manuscript collection with those of the corresponding rubric in the Saur edition. The hymns marked thus (*) are found in both volumes, but differ as to position in the group. A blank line indicates the absence of a corresponding hymn. The parenthesis following each line, indicates the number of strophes. THE PRINTED HYMN-BOOK I o O 1 K •a o 3 o (LI .bfi > o 2 c -S ^ S N X. "> o O P O :nj o ^ c i: o goo ■< < ^ ^ ^ pl; J ^: ;^ < § <; S cQ 3 Ph 3 c O o ffi ^ ^ ^ ^ " M ^ ^ < ^ s > ^ > > 43 * Q c 3 O -"3 o 1-1 5 ui s I <; t: rt o 5 5 m o Q P bo a3 3 m E E < ^ .ii E [S ° 2 cmR ^njl , d/^ta , m) Waif , ^uj li/ntn im. Tu^fli = ^ai^ ^ilT^'* kin >*dptr wrJl cr^iai , wn , n)Ai W <^(jfl utr^TAitf. -^f Tlti^ Ouif, ^miy lin) kfJ/Tfli W ,f^§^ jvtr ^i^,«t; oAr ^Stt,^ A) 6^ m ^fa^iP^ f4r* ' Specimen Page of Hymn-Book by Chkistoph Hoffmann. (Showing a Hymn by Balthaser Hoffmann.) THE PRINTED HYMN-BOOK determine whether a given hymn has been taken from the manu- script collection or from its original source, the Moravian hymn- book; since the three different texts exhibit no important variants. Nevertheless, the frequent appearance in the Saur edition of variant readings introduced by Caspar Weiss and George Weiss, seems to indicate that with respect to even these hymns, the manuscript collection served Schultz as both a standard and a source. ' The hymns comprising the printed hymn-book number 917. Of these 591 were contained in the parent collection made by Caspar Weiss (1709). Of the remaining 326, 165 were in- cluded in the addition made to the collection of 1709 by George Weiss. There were therefore 161 hymns incorporated into the Saur edition which were not contained in the manuscript hymn collection in either its first or its second form, and which must therefore have been obtained from other sources. We list here the hymn writers of the Schwenkfelders in America. Weiss, Hoffmann and Wagner wrote hymns abroad as well as in this country. George Weiss, 1687- I 740. Balthaser Hoffmann, 1687-1775. David Seibt, 1691-1765. Caspar Kribel, (?)-i77i. Abraham Wagner,^ ca. 1715-1763 Christoph Schultz, 1718-1789. Christoph Kribel," I 720- I 800. Rev. George Meschter, M. D. 1840. The list of hymn writers of the Saur edition includes the following Schwenkfelders. We indicate also the number of hymns of each admitted to the collection: Adam Reissner 5, Valentin Triller 15, Bernhard Herxheimer i, Daniel Sudermann 47, George Frell 20, George Heydrich i, Martin John 30, George 'Physician. Resided on the farm now (1909) the home of Elwood W. Anders. Is buried in the Methatchen cemetery, near Fairview Village, Pa. ' See The Schwenkfeldian, May 1908. I06 SCHWENKFELDER HYMNOLOGY Weiss 26, Balthaser Hoffmann 38, David Seibt i, Caspar Kribel 7, Abraham Wagner 34, Christoph Schultz 7, Christoph Kribel 10. Numerous copies of the Schwenkf elder hymn-book of 1762 contain a manuscript appendix following the indexes. It is in two parts. The first part consists of three biographical lists. Of these, the first is a transcription of the biographical sketches con- tained in the hymn-book of the Bohemian Brethren published 1639 — the list to which we have already called attention, in our description of said hymn-book. The second is a similar biographical list of the Schwenkfelder hymn writers, and the third an account of the Lutheran and Reformed hymn writers, repre- sented in the new hymn-book. The second part of this manuscript appendix is a complete alphabetical list of the authors of the printed hymn-book. In most of the copies which contain this appendix, the initials of the authors are given in manuscript above the hymns. These manuscript addenda are the work of Rev. Christopher Hoffmann, the bookbinder of the Schwenkf elders, and are usually in his handwriting. The following three hymns are given as specimens of the Schwenkfelder hymns written in America. The author of the first hymn was Abraham Wagner. The author of the second vfSiS Rev. Balthaser Hoffmann. The last hymn is by Rev. George K. Meschter, M. D. It was written, July 1904, on the occasion of the departure of Miss Flora Krauss Heebner for her mission- ary work in Shansi, China. I. Ach, allerhoechstes Guth ! O liebens-wuerdigs Wesen ; Gott Vater, Sohn und Geist, In welchem wir genesen ; Wer wolt' nicht lieben Dich, Und loben allezeit? Du bist das ewig Heil, Und all Vollkommenheit. THE PRINTED HYMN-BOOK Gott Vater ! gross von Macht, Von Liebe und Erbarmen : Gabst deinen Sohn in Tod, Aus liebe zu uns Armen. Du Schoepffer aller Ding ! Wir ruehmen deine Werck : Dein Weiszheit, Heiligkeit, Dein Gnade, Kraf¥t und Staerck. Gott Sohn, Herr Jesu Christ! Alls Liebe Mensch gebohren ; Hast tins aus Lieb erloest. Da wir waren verlohren. Lob sey Dir, Gottes-Lamm ! Unser Haupt, Hirt und Weid' ! Du bist dein'm Vater gleich. In Macht und Herrlichkeit. Gott heil'ger Geist ! Ein Gott Mit Vater und dem Sohne, Dir sey auch Lob und Preisz, Von uns in gleichem Thone : Der Du uns heihg machst, Und unser Troester heiss'st, Und uns den schmalen Weg, Zum Leben fuehr'st und weisst. O unbegreiflichs Gut ! O Du Drey-einigs Wesen ! Ohn Anfang und ohn End : Hilf¥ uns, dasz wir genesen ; Mach uns zu deinem Lob, Stets wuerdig und bereit ! Dir sey Lob, Preisz, und Ehr, In Zeit und Ewigkeit. SCHWENKFELDER HYMNOLOGY II. Gebenedeyt sey allezeit, Gelobet und geehret, Die gantze heilige Dreyheit, Die, wie die Schrifft uns lehret, Eins Wesens ist, Eine Gottheit, Und unzertheilte Einigkeit, In gleicher Macht und Ehren. Der Vater ist ein wahrer Gott, Im Wesen zu bekennen. Der Sohn Den Er gebohren hat, Ist wahrer Gott zu nennen. Desgleichen der Heilige Geist, Ein wahrer Gott auch ist und heist: Drey Namen nur Ein Wesen. Also wird von dem Vater, Gott, Gantz wohl und recht bekennet, Dasz Er sey der gebohren hat : Auch wird der Sohn genennet, Ein Gott der da gebohren ist, Im An fang vor ewiger Frist, Gleicher Natur und Wesens. Vater und Sohn in Einigkeit Sind gleicher Gott im Wesen: Der Heil'g Geist auch in diesen Beyd, Gleicher Gott ist gewesen : So bleibets auch zu ew'ger Frist : Doch der wahr' Gott nur Einer ist, Ein Gott und nicht drey Goetter. Eja, so lasst uns nun zugleich, Dem Herren auch lobsingen, Der sein Thron hat im Himmelreich ; Lob und Danck vor Ihn bringen. Lasst uns Ihm froelich singen gern, Als unsren Gott und Herrn Ihn ehr'n, Der hoch im Himmel wohnet. THE PRINTED HYMN-BOOK O Du wahr goettliche Dreyheit, Die anzubeten wuerdig! 0 du heilige Einigkeit, Die zu verehren billig, Durch Dich, du wahre Ewigkeit! Sind wir geschaffen in der Zeit, Als ein Werck deiner Haende. Durch Dich sind wir erloeset auch, Du hoechste Lieb und Guete, Aus allem Leyd und Ungemach, WoUest dein Volck behueten ; Beschuetze es und mach es heil, Richts auf, zu kommen zum Erbtheil, Und mach es rein von Suenden. Herr Gott! Der Du allmaechtig bist, Dich wir ehrn und anbeten. Wir singen Dir zu dieser Frist, Mit Dancken vor Dich tretten : Dir sey Gloria, Lob und Ehr, Von jetzt fortan und immer mehr, Bisz in Ewigkeit, Amen. III. My Saviour, Lord of all, 1 heard Thy loving call. Thy call for me. What wilt Thou have me do. All, all life's journey through? I consecrate anew My all to Thee. "Go, take my bread and feed My brethren — those in need — Nor let one die. I am with you alway," I heard Thy dear voice say. "Thy word I shall obey". Was my reply. no SCHWENKFELDER HYMNOLOGY Hence I shall leave those near, My parents, brethren dear, And sail away. Some day I hope to meet, Some day I hope to greet All, at the Master's feet. To stay for aye. APPENDIX. Bibliography. Christian August Salig: VoUstdndige Historic der Augspurg- ischen Confession. Halle, 1735. Johann Philip Fresenius : Bewdhrte Nachrichten. Frankfurt, 1747-51- Erlduterung fiir Herrn Caspar Schwenkfeld und die Ztigethanen seiner Lehre. Jauer, 1771. Second edition. Sumnytaun, 1830. Hermann Adelbert Daniel : Thesaurus Hymnologicus. Leip- zig, 1855-56. A. F. H. Schneider : Zur Literatur der Schzvcnkfeldischen Lie- derdichter bis Daniel Sudermann. Berlin, 1857. Oswald Kadelbach: Ausfnehrliche Geschichte Kaspar von Schwenkfelds und der Schwenkf elder. Lauban, i860. Hoffmann von Fallersleben : Geschichte des dcutschen Kirchen- liedes. Hannover, 1861. Philipp Wackernagel : Das Deutsche Kirchenlied von der dltes- ten Zeit bis zii Anfang des siebzehnten Jahrhunderts. 5 vols. Leipzig, 1864-77. Emil Koch: Geschichte des Kirchenlieds und Kirchengesangs. Stuttgart, 1866-76. Catherine Winkworth : Christian Singers of Germany. London, 1869. Richard Bingham : Hymnologia Christiana Latina. London, 1871. F. A. March: Latin Hymns, with English Notes. New York, 1875 and 1883. A. F. W. Fischer: Kirchenlieder-Lexicon. Gotha, 1878. C. Heydrick: The Schwenkf elders: An Historical Sketch. In Genealogical Record of the Descendants of the Schwenk- f elders. Manayunk, 1879. J. H. Dubbs : Early German Hymnology of Pennsylvania. In Reformed Quarterly Review (1882). C. R. Hildeburn : A Century of Printing. The Issues of the Press in Pennsylvania, 1685- 1784. Philadelphia, 1885-86. J. E. Prescott : Christian Hymns and Hymn Writers. Cam- bridge, 1886. W. Garrett Horder : The Hymn Lover. London, 1889. (Ill) 112 BIBLIOGRAPHY S. W. Dufifield: The Latin Hymn-writers and Their Hymns. Edited and completed by Prof. R. E. Thompson, D. D. New York, 1889. John Julian: A Dictionary of Hymnology. New York, 1892. O. Seidensticker : First Century of German Printing in Amer- ica. Philadelphia, 1893. J. Taylor Hamilton: Some Moravian Hymn Writers. {Mora- vian Visitor, Vol. 3, No. 7.) Easton, 1896. S. W. Pennypacker : The Settlement of Germantown. Phila- delphia, 1899. M. D. Learned : Historische Anmerkungen. In Americana Germanica. Vol. II., No. i. J. Taylor Hamilton : History of the Moravian Church. Bethle- hem, 1900. H. W. Kriebel : The Schwenkf elders in Pennsylvania. Lancas- ter, 1904. Corpus Schwenckfeldianorum. Volume I. Leipzig, 1907. Hallesche Nachrichten. (1750 et seq.) Blatter fiir Hymnologie. Americana Germanica NEW SERIES MONOGRAPHS DEVOTED TO THE COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE Literary, Linguistic and Otlier Cultural Relations of Germany and America EDITOR MARION DEXTER LEARNED University of Pennsylvania CONTRIBUTING EDITORS H. C. G. Brandt Julius Goebel W. H. Carpenter J. T. Hatfield W. H. Carruth W. T. Hewett Hermann Collitz A. R. Hohlfeld Starr W. Cutting Hugo K. Schilling Daniel K. Dodge H. Schmidt-Wartenberg a. B. Faust Hermann Schoenfeld KuNo Francke Calvin Thomas Adolph Gerber H. S. White Henry Wood PHILADELPHIA AMERICANA GERMANICA PRESS iJerlin New York Leipzig MAYER & MCLLER CARL A. STERN F. A. BROCKHAUS London KEGAN, PAUL, TRENCH, TROBNER & CO., Ltd. Paris H. Le SOUDIER