German Hymnology [pp. 574-602]

German Hymnology.
planted." Zinzendorf justifies the child-like style, but admits
that it led to serious abuses.* Hle retracted some of his own
hymns, which, to use Spangenberg words, have long been
committed to the grave.
The judgment of Knapp-a high authority on this subjectis more favourable to the Count's rank as a poet, than that of
Lange and Hagenbach. One merit his effusions unquestionably have; they are alive from beginning to end with love to
Christ. Almost their sole topic is communion with the crucified Redeemer, and life from his agonies, and death. Zinzendorf was assisted in the preparation of hymns by several
brethren, whose names should not be omitted. FREDERIC DS
WATTEVILLE died in 1777. CHIIRISTIAN DAVID, a remarkable missionary, made celebrated by Montgomery.t MARTIN
DOBER wrote some beautiful hymns.1 With some blemishes
which might easily be removed, the German Hymn Book of
the United Brethren is a collection worthy of special note.
The history of the society is interwoven with their sacred
song, in a very remarkable manner, as might be shown by
citing hymn after hymn, in connexion with the circumstances
in which these compositions had their rise; but the limits of
this article forbid such details.1I
The progress of free thinking in Germany, during the reign
of Frederick the Great could not fail to make itself felt in
hymnology. Even Klopstock, by needless and hypercritical
alterations of ancient hymns, led the way to greater evils than
he ever could repair by his numerous but academical effusions
in this department. Bolder and less reverent spirits did not
conceal their contempt for the venerable stanzas which were
sung in churches. The king made himself merry with Schil ler's favourite, Nun ruhen alle Wadlder. The philosophers
sneered at the ignorant declaration "all the world rests;"
and their sapience showed its inconsistency with the revolu tion of the globe. It was to be read thus, "Now half the
* Knapp: Leben v. Zinzendorf.
t' Ich will es kindlich wagen.',' O dass ich der 8uiinde sterben.'
I Of hymns thus historically connected.inotices may be found, in Bost's History,
a the following places: Vol. I. pp. 298, 354; Vol. II. 208, 236, 247, 249, 255,
809.
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