PH LI P JA CO B S PE N ER

A N D H I S W O R K.

B A I E E I CH ARD Y M . R . B

H ow beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him tha t bringeth tidin s that ublisheth eace ; that bri n eth ood tidin s o ood good g , p p g g g f g , heth salvation that saith unto ! ion Th God rei neth that publis ; , y g

I ii 7 . Isaiah .

PH I LA DE LPH I A

E T LUTHERAN PUB LICA TION SOCI Y. 1 897 . SE CON D COPY.

5 7 7 0 3

OPYR I G H T 1 97 C , 8 ,

H H E Y T E LUT R A N PUB LICA TION SOCIET . Dbilip Sacob S pener ano W e W ork .

TA B LE OF CON TE N TS .

PA G E

CHAPTER I .

Co nd iti o n o f t h e Lut h e ran Ch urch in G e rm any at t h e t im e Of ’ — — Spe n e r s Birt h H is Yo u th and Ed u cat i o n H i s M arri age H is Past o rat e in t rasb ur and all t o ran kfo rt S g , C F

CHAPTER I I . — Spe ne r as Se ni o r Oi th e M ini st e ri um at Fran kfo rt H is Pre ach ing — and Effo rt s fo r t h e Re fo rm o f t h e Ch urch H is Opini o ns on Ch urch G o ve rnm e nt III CHAPTER .

’ — Spe ne r s Co nt rove rsie s H is Sickne ss - H is Cal l t o Dre sd e n

A CH PTER I V .

- — Spe ne r a s Co urt pre a ch e r at Dre sd en Co ndit i o n Of t h e Saxon Ch u rch — H is Practic al Act ivity

CHAPTER V

; ’ — Pie tisti c Co nt ro ve mi% Spe n e r s Difii cul t y With t h e El e ct o r H is 68

R I CHAPTE V .

e n e r as Pre sid e n t o f t h e o nsi st o r a nd Pro vo st at e rlin Sp C y , B — — Pietis tic al Ext re m e s Th e Confe ssi o n al Pie ti stic Co nt ro ve rsy — Att e m pt s at Ch urch Uni o n

I I CHAPTER V .

’ — Spe ne r s Privat e Life H is Last Days and De at h ( 3 ) “ u ust mermann ran he an a g f c o b is W ork .

TA B LE OF CON TE N TS

PA G E

CHAPTER I .

’ Francke s Yo uth and St ud e nt Life

H C APTER I I . — Fran cke as Pre ach e r and Past o r at Erfurt Unive rsity o f Hall e — Francke as Pro fessor and Past o r at H al l e The Pie tist s

III CHAPTER .

Fran cke as Phil anth ro pist and E ducat o r

CHAPTER I V .

Fran cke ’ s Work in Bib l e Di st rib uti on and M i ssi ons

CHAPTER V .

’ rancke om e sti ife H is ast a s and e ath F s D c L , L D y D ( 4 ) PH I LI P JA C O B S PEN ER N D H I S W O K A R .

H A PTE R C I .

CONDI TI ON OF TH E LUTHERAN CHURCH I N G ERMANY ’ A T TH E TIME OF SPENER S B IRTH -H I S YOUTH A N D — ED UCATION— H I S MARRIAG E H I S PASTORATE I N

S ASB G A N D CA O F A KF O . TR UR , LL T R N RT

TH E Peace o f Westphalia had settled the rights o f religious parties in Germany but the Reform an d r ers were dead , the fe vent Spirit that had d a nd stirre them to action , to sacrifice, had been r quenched in the long struggle for religious libe ty . The Church had become the heritage o f a genera Of tion warriors , who , while they preserved and protected her, had developed those passions y which destro ed her Inner life . The Protestant Church was divided into two great parts the Lutheran and the Reformed , and these fe ll into bitter and int olerant controversies o n e n with another, while the e tire Protestant body was engaged in disputes with the Romish Church . Although wars had ceased because of the coun ’ e u try s exhaustion , the hatred and bitterness gendered by them survived , and was voiced in m e n o r pulpit and school, wherever taught r o r th e p eached wrote . In protecting the truth , people had lost that chief treasure with which re ( 5 ) 6 SPENER AND H I S W ORK . ligio u s truth is designed t o endow the human — b heart rotherly love . The follower Of a great benefactor move s fo r hi ward developing s work . The imitator stands i n immovable and only poses beside it . Dur g R e the century which succeeded their death , the N O o n e formers had no followers . received again h t e fervent and creative spirit o f their action . d wh o l t o t h e They had rea y imitators , c ung dry Of n l tt husks an empty faith , findi g the e er where their heroic predecessors had fo und the spirit . ’ u These made Of Luther s glorio s theology , which as had been framed an expression Of inner life , a philosophy Of religion , whose importance was its correct and orthodox expression , and its intel u lectual apprehension , rather than its infl ence n upon life or conscie ce . Luther and Calvin were quoted Oftener than Christ and Paul . The Scrip r fo r tures we e forgotten the creeds , and those sources o f spiritual enlightenment from which should have flowed broad streams of truth became a as st gnant wells of bitter waters . m Much time was devoted to study , but co plaint h as been made that the study was desultory and

Objectless , and that the scholarship Of the time m o ral n f was superficial . The to e o the schools wa s the and universities extremely low , and can didat e s fo r the ministry presented themselves un prepared in both mind and heart fo r the duties Of ’

f . the sacred O fice True , many wore the Doctor s l title , but its value and significance was re ative . To the masses the Bible had come to be a clos e d l book . Its use in the schools was neg ected , or, if f Cat e chi used , the most cursory reading su ficed . w as sation almost entirely discontinued , or if made u se m m Of at all , the mere com itting to me ory of the various part s was all that was tho ugh t n ece s H I RK SPENER AND S WO . 7

n t sary . The preaching, when o polemical , still failed in the qualities necessary for the e dificat io n n Of the people . There were disagreeme ts as to o f n the best methods sermonizi g, and the literary fashion o f the time led to long an d tedious pur suits Of unim portant definitions t o be used in u n ini o rt ant Of p exegesis , while the wants the people and the satisfying truth was overlooked . As a relief from this ; some more sensational preachers ’ expounded one Of Luther s hymns , related a o r - fanciful allegory, attacked , bare handed , with o ut Of pretense cover, some minor social evil , as r f an extreme Of dress o a folly O conduct .

True , there were earnest and pious m en who saw i with distress the prevail ng evils , and sought a to remedy them in the true w y . Chief among these were Valentine Andrea , John Arndt, and t w B ut the o Gerhards . the time was not ripe for any decided change , and while the life and works of these still eminent preachers left their in flu ence on individuals , they had not then the power f to stir the dead unleavened masses o the church . I I I order to quiet the restless Spirit of controversy f and rescue the su fering church , the reigning princes published ordinances concerning certain baptismal practices , and forbade the attendance n i Of their subjects upon certai un versities ;but, o f says a German writer, the corruption the Luth eran Church lay too deep to be affected by a d o r visory rules , imperative laws ;the reformation o f her Offenses was not t o be required at the hands o f r t o b e o u t p inces , but was only worked in her o wn inmost heart through men especially in trusted with her prosperity . The first and most prominent Of these was wh o o n 18th Philip Jacob Spener , was born the 1 685 R a o ldsw e il e r of January , in the year , at pp R H I s 8 SPENE AND WORK .

a n f in Upper Alsace . He w s the so O John Philip

Spener, who was a native Of Strasburg, a counselor l aw at , and who at the time of the birth Of this so n w as , private counselor and Register Of the R l in reigning Count o f appo dst e . ’ The young Philip s parents had early dedicate d t o him the service Of the church , and as he grew h ’ up , were not disappointed in the c ild s own dis n N O f position and i clination . small in luence was s exercised in this behalf by his baptismal spon or, R a o ldst in the Countess Agathe Of pp e . Being very Of - fond her small God son , she had him Often sh e brought to her, and while heaped upon him n favors and benefactions , accompa ied them with loving admonitions and pious instruction . A memorable impression was left o n the boy Of 13t h by the death this excellent woman , in his year, and perhaps the impression was only the greater that her parting injunctions were left to a his childish im gination , for though called to her bedside, she was already deprived Of speech , and he only witnessed her painful efforts to communi cate to him what was in her heart t o say . Of Naturally a gentle and retiring disposition , he was grieved and touched at the loss o f this r r h- f iend , and tu ned from her deat bed to seasons n of prayer and faithful readi g Of the Bible . ’ Later he bu sied himself with Arndt s True Chris tianit o f y, and books like character, transposing some favorite portions into German verse . l His education was begun under Joachim Stal , wh o t R a o ldst e in was then Cour preacher at pp , and wh o afterward became his brother- in - law by mar ri u age with his Older sister . In him he fo nd a n h e teacher both lear ed and pious , with whom studied the Greek and Latin classics , and Philo and Sophical Science , who guided him in the 9 SPENER AND HIS WORK .

a w as study of History and Geography . St ll , m an o f also , a fine preacher, and a exemplary

character . He taught the young Spener thor O an d so ughly from the Catechism , interested

' him in his sermons that the boy took notes an d O Of n even opies them , thereby learni g his excel u s e h was lent and practical of the text, whic then

unusual . In his fifteenth year Spener was sent to Co l o m ar r r n at to his mate nal g a dfather, from whence he fo r n tended the Gymnasium ( College) o e year . i Here he stud ed the Ancient Languages , Philos O h p y, Debating, and Elocution , especially de

lighting in the last two studies . In 1 651 he was entered as a student at the R e bh ah n University Of Strasburg , where his uncle

w as a Professor Of Jurisprudence . His home was was in the house of his uncle, who able in a many ways to ssist him . It was here with great eagerness that he entered upon those studies that were especially p reparatory for his theological

course . Along with Philology , History and Phil OsO h p y, he read the writings of the ancient his t o rians , especially those in the Old German . He made unusual progress in the Hebrew and Arabic , and used these languages to delve into the sacred lore Of the East . He was also especially im ’ pressed by the reading Of Hugo Grotius Rights Of an d f Of War and Peace , the in luence this cele b rat e d book afterward afie ct e d his preaching and the treatment of his polemical adversaries . 1 8th In his year , after having held a dis putation with Thomas Hobbes , in which he w as o f distinguished himself, he made a Master

Philosophy by the faculty of his university . u D ring this time , we find that these studies were but incidental t o the study Of the New O RK SPENER AND HIS WO .

Of Testament, which remained the chief Obj ect all his studen t labors until in the year 1 654 he com m e nc e d the proper study of Theology . The professors who guided his theological studies w ere Sebastian Schmidt and Conrad Dannh au e r ; an d these men , especially the latter , exerted an hi m influence upon , which colored and directed his t en ire future life . Early in the beginning Of his theological t w o n o f studies , young pri ces the Palatinate , r Christian and Ernest John Charles , were ente ed at the University , and Spener was placed over a them s tutor . Prior to this the young theologue had lectured as Pr iva t- D oce nt o n Logic and Meta physics ;but the care Of th e young princes made it necessary to discontinue these lectures and to take up in their stead History , Geography and W a r Genealogy . hile these duties s tutor inte fe re d with his study Of theology much more than so was agreeable to him , he found his lectures well attended that the fees o f his hearers afforded

e him a comfortable living . This was the mor w acceptable , as his parents ere unable to support an d s him fully at the University , becau e he a m n hoped in the future , through this s me ea s , to

continue his studies in the Saxon universities . 1 656 t o In the young princes were sent France , and Spener was invited to accompany them an d r in continue his cou se Of struction . On many accounts he would gladly h ave accepted this Offer ; but he was led to declin e it by reason Of his de sire to devote his time to theology an d the con tin u at io n d w as Of his lectures , in which ecision he n a Dannh au e r and e cour ged by his professors ,

Schmidt . n m fin d th e n m an o n Mea ti e , we you g not ly developing in mind and coming into notice fo r RK 1 1 SPENER AND HIS WO .

m his his mental attain ents, but also for peculiar r r th e b e Spi itual gifts and strict piety. P ior to i i n Of r g nn g his academical life, and afterwa d by l r a d letters , he had been especial y inst ucted and n mo ished by his tutor Stall , in regard to the keeping of the Sabbath . This earnest man had repeatedly begged his charge n o t o nly t O refrain from everything Of worldly interest and unholy r appearance on that day , but to put aside enti ely those theological studies which were calculated to n r o e . make more learned , but not mo e pious

Following this advice, Spener attended regularly the services Of the church , being especially pleased with th e preaching Of o n e Of the professors Of the r university, John Schmidt, whose pastoral ca e and counsel he frequently sought . After Sunday services it was his custom to read only such books n o r as te ded to spiritually edify , to gather about him a fe w friends who joined him in the Singing o f m f hy ns and the discussion o various Bible topics . 1 655 r In the year , Spener p eached his first ser mon in the neighborhood Of Strasb urg from Luke 4 5 . 7 7 r i , , and Often Spoke afte ward of his joy in at once finding that especial happiness in preach G o d ing the Word Of that he had anticipated , and which ever afterward continued with him through the years in which he exercised his ministerial f O fice . But as Spener advanced in learning and i n spirituality , he wished the more to enjoy the u broader cult re Of the various universities , and , 1 659 u therefore , in the year he left Strasb rg and Priua t D ocent went to Basle , where he held forth as in the same line o f lectures which he had pursued l I l dis Strasburg , and in which he met with tin uish e d g success and public approval . Here he placed himself under the celebrated John Bux 12 SPENE R AND HIS WORK .

as torf a student Of the Eastern languages , and o n Of also , the occasion a University Jubilee of it s this Old university , took part in first historical

disputation . o n in Later , after stopping for a time Freiburg , he went t o Geneva with the intention Of traveling wa s into France, but here attacked with an illness Of such severity and duration that he was left too ’ fo r weak travel , and because Of his mother s anxiety for his health ( his father being now

dead) , he traveled no further than Lyons , from

whence he returned to Geneva . During his stay in Lyons he made the acquaint M e ne st rie r ance of Claude , who was a celebrated

r . diplomatist , and a connoisseur Of he aldry Spener made use of this opportunity to study by his aid more deeply into the closely related field u Of Genealogy , which he had been req ired to

teach . But more important was his acquaintance t o f in Geneva with An on Leger , a professor The

ology , who had been preacher to a. late Dutch

Ambassador to Constantinople , and who assisted him in his historical studies to a better knowledge o f Of the establishment the Greek Church , and the f ka i Lu r s . e forts and end Of the patriarch , Cyrillus

This professor had also been born a Waldensian , and was able to inform Spener fully as t o t h e w as history and condition Of this sect . There yet another Genevan acquaintance who exercised ’ no small degree Of influence o n Spener s future

life ; this was John von Labadie, a preacher whose edifying sermons and efforts for the puri fying o f the corrupted church at once attracted

the enthusiastic young man , who already had in his view the same kind Of activity . While per sonal associat ion with the great preacher was but fo r SO limited, he conceived him great a respect 1 3 SPENER AND HIS WORK . that he translated some o f his writings from the m w r was French into Ger an , hich t anslation after

a t w o . ward published , p ssing through editions fo r e This admiration Labadie , however, aft rward h ne broug t reproach upon Spe r, when the former fe ll u nder the disapprobation o f the conservative church partly fo r his continued effort s in the di rection Of church reform . During his stay in Geneva Spener was received with intimacy and friendship by the professors Of the university and the higher social circles Of the town , but returned to Strasburg to resume his interrupted theological studies , feeling gratefully conscio us o f th e benefits resulting from his stay there . N o t t o w as long after his return Strasburg, he required by th e Count of R appo ldst e in to a cco m pany him in a journey t o Stuttgart in order t o attend the wedding o f a Princess o f Wiirt e m b e rg with an East Friesland Prince . Here he was t o - presented the Grand Duke Eberhard , the ducal family and other persons of distinction and high h degree, by w om he was well received and who expressed a wish that he Should remain in that part Of the country and m ake Wii rt e m b e rg the Of field his future labors . Indeed he really went to Tubingen for a few months and read lectures but while he was yet considering as to his future h e . course, received a call to a pulpit in Strasburg r re u ir This was a charge Of g eat prominence, q n ing a large amount Of pastoral work . The you g preacher held SO high an idea Of the pastoral duty and found himself SO conscientious regarding the perfect administration Of such a position that he hi doubted s ability to perform properly it s duties . sical He feared that he Should fail , both in phy strength and the necessary mental and Spir itual 14 SPENER AND HIS WORK .

i gifts . He sought the counsel Of fr ends , and was SO re far persuaded to accept the call , that he turned to Strasburg to examin e more fully the b proposed field Of la or . But when he had done this , and had considered the entire circumstances , he felt that the work presented t o o many diffi c u ltie s to warrant him in undertaking it . Dur n n a ing the winter followi g , he remai ed in Str sburg an d studying privately holding public lectures . He expected to retu rn to VViirt e m b e rg early in 1 11 r 1 663 the year ;but Ma ch , , through the inter ve nt io n Da n nh au e r w as Of , he Offered second

place in the ministry Of the city . This position would require the public preach ’ in W fo r no w g Of God s ord , an activity which he all heartily longed , but it left him free from pas

toral duties , and afforded him time for the further o f pursuit his theological studies . There is no doubt but his frie nds in Strasburg hoped by this call t o win him at once to a per I n manent professorship the university , especially as he continued the reading Of lectures there in

t o l . his Old lines , which he fina ly added theology 1 664 his In , following the advice Of friends , a D annh au e r mong them his former teachers , and

Schmidt, he passed his theological examination , h e ld his inaugural disputation and took his de Of gree Doctor Of Theology . The day o f his promotion t o the Doctorate w as also the day Of his marriage with Susanna r E hardt, the daughter Of a former member Of the n a h a d Cou cil Of Str sburg, and who been early left

a widow . H is r m marriage , Spener afterwa d hi self says , w as t o m blessed Of God , who he rendered hearty

thanks fo r SO true a helper as he found in his wife . was Of s o s She kindly and loving dispo ition , p 15 ' SPENER AND HIS WORK . sessing a warm Christian heart and a capability for management which relieved her husband o f

a f , all c re Of their practical af airs , and at the same time made his household an exemplary o n e . t o She, herself, became an ornament and honor o u his position , thr gh her retired and correct course Of conduct .

Their life together was earnest , but gentle and loving and was mutually profitable and strength n e ni g in the duties which they undertook . Eleven t o children were born them , six sons and five

. F daughters ive Of these died before the father, two of the sons when just about entering honor able positions in life but the other Six continued a joy and blessing to the parents to the e n d Of u their days . One da ghter married Rechenberg , afterward a Leipzig professor, and another was ’ married to a pastor named Birnbaum . Spener S household w as also gladdened by the presence o f ’ wh o his wife s mother, is described by him as an excellent Christian woman wh o loved him as her n o w son . By his promotion and marriage Spener was n o w in most promising circumstances for the dis fli F r charge Of the duties Of his chosen O ce . o t wo years he labored therein with an earnestness which brought the most gratifying results t o the church and constantly increasing distinction for

. n o w himself But came a call , which , though u was o n e m entirely unso ght by himself, Of the ost important events of his life . It was this event that Shaped his entire future and brought him more and more into notice before the religious

- - - . o n world The imperial city , Frankfort the Main , c o f sele ted him as first pastor the city, and this position carried w ith it the Office o f Senior Coun cillo r Of n the Spiritual Mi isterium . In all the 1 6 S EN R N W R P E A D HIS O K .

’ o f o n e w as his o n changes Spener s life, not Of w

seeking . He believed and taught that the min ister must be called to his Office by God through the established agencies Of the Church without v o o wn Ofli any ad ances f his toward the ce . He r o f further, fearing the involunta y influence self t e interest, believed hat others than the candidat should decide upon his fitness and worthiness for f the pro fered position , and that the final decision must rest alone upon the promise Of increased ’ benefit to Christ s kingdom , and that the personal advantage Of the man and the preacher Should in have no weight the conditions . What wonder then that Spener doubted the wisdom o f this call and his ability to fulfil its requirem ents ? He was but thirty - o n e years o f u age, and those who would be his colleag es in Office were grey- haired and elderly men who would themselves belong more properly to such a n o f r position , by reaso their wider expe ience in f the exercise of the ministerial O fice . The pas l al so toral charge here wou d , , be much greater and more difficult than t he one he had so feared t o to enter upon in Strasburg . Added these di fficulties which presented themselves in this r f Of Of p of ered field labor, was the feeling attach t ment to his present position . He was with a ci y w m Of hich had been the ho e his parents , and had n o w long Since become his o wn ;it had also af him o f forded the kindest support, and had its o wn free will called him to a position that still promised much for his future usefulness . Unable to decide for himself SO important a r influ step , and fearing that his f iends might be e nce d by their interest in him to overrate his fit ness for so high a position , he left the matter to be settled by the t wo citie s Of Strasburg and

Frankfort.

H A PTE R C II .

SPENER A S SENIOR OF TH E MINISTERIUM A T FRANK F ORT— H I S PREACHING A N D EF F ORTS F OR TH E — REF ORM OF TH E CHURCH H I S OPINIONS ON CHURCH O G V ERNMENT .

SPENER w as now the first minister Of the chief capital city Of Germany , and all eyes were turned im upon h . Some movement was expected from S O a man , who , though young , had been found r h . o w worthy of so impo tant a position None , ever, felt the importance and responsibility Of the

Situation more than he himself . He wished to assume such an attitude toward the city government and his colleagues as Should not give Offense ;but from the first he resolved to carry out those principles which promised most ’ for the enlargement Of God s kingdom . He de cided to hold himself aloof from the worldly f Of t o a fairs the state , and to Show the govern ment proper honor and respect . But he reserved to himself the right to admonish and reprove his rulers in the matters o f his own Office and their o wn S piritual interest when necessary . This he hoped always to do wit h all possible gentleness and privacy . ’ Toward his fellow - workers in th e Lord s v1 ne yard , he wished to Show the hearty love which t o o wn he felt, and hoped never to use his profit

' or advantage th e authority with which h e was in h is vested . Especially did he desire to leave to ( 18 ) S E ER A N D H I S R P N WO K . colleagues the utmost freedom Of thought and

j udgment . By his preaching he aimed at the uprooting Of the prevailing condition Of worldliness and carnal it s assurance , hoping to plant in stead a living s in and fruitful faith . With thi end view , he determined upon the greatest Simplicity in his n sermonizi g , and a close personal approach to the his n t o int elli people under care , hopi g direct in r gently their upbuild g in the true Spi itual faith . o f a On the first August , after re ching Frank fort, he appeared before his people in his first f r hi discourse . He chose o s text these words “ from Romans : I am n o t ashamed Of the G ospel fo r G o d Of Christ, it is the power Of unto salvation ” o ne to every that believeth . This he treated

Simply and clearly , closely following the text, explaining the power o f the Divine Word and h o w fo r it must be used the healing Of souls . He said that the Gospel must make Christians and d no t o . save men , that it could otherwise So G and long , therefore , as the ospel had freedom an uninterrupted course , it would go well with the v Church , howe er hard and miserable her outward

circumstances might appear . Since this , then , w as s o f s the mean her prosperity , for this ble sing G o d d t o should be continually invoke , and this Obj ect Sho uld the deliberations Of the Church be o f directed . Further, in the course the sermon , “ he said : But as the Scriptures and the preach ing Of the word have SO m uch sacredness and SO w e much power, the exhortation arises , that a habitu lly regard them with reverence , and bear in mind that those wh o p ossess the Scriptures Should read them with care ( Since he does dis honor t o the G ospel wh o will not permit it t o it s wh o l do exert power) , and those read it Shou d H I SPENER AND S WORK .

as is SO r it with devotion , becoming in sac ed an ’ employment . Again he said : Those wh o preach the Gospel Should reflect that they speak not the words Of

o f . men , but the power God They Should be m in l e it ware, therefore, lest they g with any Of o wn thoughts their , and thereby corrupt it, lest they neglect to go about it with reverence and as G o d care, and read it the word Of , and lest they take a glory in preaching sermons without due preparation ;for as far as is consistent with other

duties they Should study them with care . If the Of a d Gospel is the Gospel Christ, we are thereby monished , that as the preacher should desire to so preach nothing else , the hearers Should desire to hear nothing else ; not human trifling and merry tales to produce laughter in the church ; not deep speculation which none Of the hearers can understand ( then it would be called a gospel o f over-wise reason) ;not the histories or empty services of the saints ( then it might be called the n o t r gospel Of the saints , and of the spotless Ch ist) ; nor yet mere morality ;for although it is proper that morality Should be impressed upon the h C urch, it is not its first and immediate aim , but is t o a to be awaited as a result, not looked as m o rals means . The heathen had as correct as perhaps Christian s can ever portray ; yet they t h e w had not Gospel of Christ, and , therefore, kne Of nothing its saving power . Even Jews and d o n Turks , the false believers , can iscourse morals t and extol hem , but know nothing Of the saving ” Of power the Gospel and its correct doctrines . “ ” “ o n t o sa SO n But, he went y, lo g as the u Script res merely lie upon the Shelf, and are not o r SO heard read, long must they be considered simply as standing alone o n the page ;certainly K 2 1 SPENER AND HIS WOR .

they could no t be in such a case the power o f

b ut . se r God, a dead and powerless work The no t o r is mon also which is heard , heard inat — t e ntive ly ; there it lies accurately written o r

has . printed, yet it not such power It may be compared to the ro d o f Moses : when laid aside in w as o r the evening it , perhaps , a mere whip stick ; ao but when Moses brought it forth , and used it G o d w as inst ru cording to the command Of , it the ment by which the Almighty performed wonderful r works . Or, it was like a g eat organ standing o r untouched without sound song , but which played upon , became alive and tuneful . The power is there that is able to bring light to the t o human heart, convince it of truth , remove its a fettering hardness , to awaken faith which sh ll make it righteous and a Sh arer in the Holy Spiri t and keep it strong and comforted unto the end . ” “ is This , said he, the power that is hidden o f in the Word God , and which is exercised f ” through it when received into the hearts o men . Then he went o n to Show the necessity Of a proper o f d reception the word , the con itions which pre it o f vented , and the preparation and conduct life which would permit the word to Operate o n the heart and mind . Such a sermon would seem common enough if preached now at the close Of the 19th century ; so m iddl e 1 7t h but near the Of the century , when the people were accustomed to listen t o long and bitter discourses against heretics , dry essays on morality o r tedious discussion s Of non - essential o u t n doctrines , drawn to the fi est point in care de finitio n s t o fully studied , sharpened turn the ’ Of edge some adversary S steel , this sort Of preach o n “f o ra ing, founded the Divine ord , without t o rical o r as rhetorical display , and rising, it 2 RK 2 SPENER AND HIS WO .

manifestly did from a heart fervent and alive w ith faith , made a deep impression upon his r heare s . Of all n This was a type his future sermo s , by the use Of which he so materially improved the Of t h e r Of hi wretched style pulpit orato y s time . Even at the present time much might be learned m fro the earnest simplicity , the strict adherence to scriptural truth by which he stirred the hearts Of his people and the admirable application of the same to the known conditio n and circum n f sta ces O his hearers . Yet his sermons were in a language not then developed to give expression to the highest culture , and were Often necessarily of a rambling length that would not in these days h f e suf ered in the pulpit . This latter fault was doubtless owing to the neglected state Of popular w religion , hich required minute explanations Of Simple doctrines and passages of Scripture that ’ B ut Should have been familiar . Spener s preach ing arose from quite another source than that which the scholastic treatment Of theology pre vailing at that time could furnish . His own

‘ t e a chin s o f piety , nourished by the early g Stall , and later by the fervent spirit of D annh au e r and h Sc midt, and his constant study Of the Scriptures , u o wn so ght its expression . a l l He had never he rd Of homi etics , much ess SO n o t n studied them , that he was co fused by the re various methods of sermonizing . He says

garding methods , that he had allowed himself to forget that he had ever stu died Elocution o r Ora tory ;that he never Observed th e form of a sermon

which he heard , but only the excellent things “ i Fo r . s conta ned therein , aid he , it must be ’ the Gospel which points o ut the way t o Christ s

children . These words Of grace are like the

blessed dawn pregnant with sweet dews . SPENER AND HIS WORK . 2 3

The failures Of form in his sermonizing he knew full w as well , saying that he unable to bring him self within acceptable brevity . He had n o t the gift Of nervous , direct address . His power lay in - his the broad and complete working out Of text . H is sermons were all carefully written and thor oughly studied b e fore preaching . The slightest changes in th e pulpit reading were carefully o n noted as emendations his return home . This care and his usual u s e Of manuscript w as no doubt t o t his d due the eaching Of Old preceptor Schmi t, “ wh o impressed upon him the proverb : D ass ' ” Jun e B lattler a lte B ettler a ben g g , and admonished his pupils continually as to care and industry in r the preparation Of se mons . ’ a Spener s preaching was largely ttended , and did n o t fail to Show the hoped fo r fruits among his hearers . At first he preached after the usual Lutheran custom from the gospel fo r the day ;but after a time he complained Of feeling limited by u th e th s adhering to the Perikope , Since people did n o t receive enough Of the Word Of G o d to un de rst an d t it intelligently in its bread h and fulness . Yet he feared to repulse and confuse his hearers and by a decided departure from this custom , sought another method by which they might f n T hear more Of the Scripture without Of e se . O SO this end , therefore, he separated the intro du ctio ns from the sermons proper that they formed by themselves a regular seri es Of propo i i n n h o n S t o s o various doctrines . He t en went through the Epistles of Paul t o the Romans and n Corinthians in a co densed manner, and after t h e wards Epistles to the Ephesians , Colossians and Galatians , explaining them verse by verse . When he took up his regular text he drew from it a theme t o th e aid Of which he brought refer 24 S E R RK P NE AND HIS WO .

e n ce s w n o t from the New Testament, hich were O h e n contained in the Perikope . S strove o t only fo r e dificat io n the Of his hearers , but he led them to the true sources Of Christia nity and the means by which they might o f themselves advance in

righteous life and character . But it w as n o t long before Spener discovered

that the great cause Of failure in these his aims , w as the inability Of his people to understand b preaching . This he believed to e due to a lack Of doctrinal instruction and knowledge Of the h e at whole Scripture, and once concerned him

self about remedying this evil . The Catechism F f was taught in rank ort, it is true ;but in a m m negligent and merely for al anner . Spener held a consultation with his colleagues in Office as t o h o w the character Of this teaching could be

changed . It was decided among them , that in the afternoon services th e same material should be treated that Should b e afterward explained in as r se r the catechetical classes , and the afte noon s vice was u ually but sparsely attended , he him self undertook t o make Of the catechism lesson an n introduction to his regular mor ing sermon . Thus catechetical teaching becam e a part Of the

service before the regular preaching . In this w ay he succeeded in interest ing not only the t young , but those in whose charge hey were , who began no w more earnestly to inte rest themselves in t he preparation o f their children and servants for church membership , and even to attend with n them the open courses of catechetical instructio . It became the cu stom to bring Bibles to the church that his excellent explanations might be closely followed ; and with this interest once

aroused , the reading Of the Scripture in the home and the worship together Of th e ass embled family

became more the custom than hitherto .

26 SPENER AND HIS WORK .

favorably received throughout Germany, and . measurably supplanted the less perfect compends

then in use . In it s introduction he pointed o ut to parents

and teachers its proper use , and strove to impress upon them that it was n o t designed to store the memory, but to enlighten the mind and touch the heart . His colleagues were sensible Of his superior skill in catechising , and requested him to furnish them with written advice upon the subj ect . 1 688 “ Therefore , in , he published his Cate ch e tical i Tables , wh ch were extensively used in religious instruction . Spener had wished that the attendance upon and the delivery Of catechetical instruction might be ordered by law ;but much more did he desire th that e people Should be inclined to attend freely . He was gratified in the extreme as this inclina tion became more and more apparent . The custom o f confirming the young in the Open assemblages o f the church had fallen into disuse, and the service Of confirmation was held f privately in the houses o those who wished it . cus This Spener felt should be changed , and the t o m Of Reformation times in regard to co nfirm a was tion revived . At his instance, it ordered by law that all confirmations should be made pub licl y and in the churches except in the cities , n where it w as thought best t o leave it Optio al . But t hese public services were found to be o f so much Spiritual importance that, even in the cities, they becam e more and more the general custom . Always concerned fo r the highest welfare Of the ( C hurch , and active in its spiritual upbuilding,

Spener added yet another public service, which produced a lasting effect upon the condition o f 27 SPENER AND HIS WORK .

t h e 1669 h the Church . In year he preac ed a o f sermon o n the righteousness the Pharisees , Showing the hypocritical a n d merit seeking char Of Of acter the Christianity his time , and reproving

and . condemning it, as it well deserved This caused no inconsiderable commotion among his fe lt f people . A few who themselves o fended r n complained loudly , decla i g that they would n S n never again listen to his preachi g . But pe er had aroused his people from their imagined s e curit a nd y for a purpose, proceeded to carry it forward with only the greater determination b e n cause Of the feeli g he had occasioned . He n poi ted out the ill conditions Of the church , but he also provided a remedy which he believed would cure all its evils . This was the more dili f f gent use and study o the Word O God . Through this means he hoped fo r a more complete knowl Of edge the doctrine of justification by faith , wherewith to destroy the growing confidence in f Of r worldly O fices and the merit good wo ks . He believed that his people could not come t o a suffi cient knowledge o f the Scripture by what su s they heard in the church , unless this was t ain e d by piety in the home and a continuation r of sc iptural studies . a He, therefore, encour ged them to meet in sm all companies at various houses on Sunday afternoon for Bible study and the discussion Of difi at io n scriptural themes for mutual e c . But fearing that these assemblies might to o readily be diverted from their true purpose , and that they might also becom e the subject Of remark and h e r t o t o suspicion , p oposed bring the people gether in his o wn st u dy and himself t o undertake r the leade ship of the meeting . In all this he consulted his colleagues and met with their ap 28 S R RK PENE AND HIS WO .

co - proval and often with their operation . He did not think it necessary to consult the City Council ; but they w ere soon informed o f the wh o e s movement, and the four members had pe cial oversight Of the church expressed their f n entire approbation o the moveme t . was th e Colle ia Pietatis w This origin Of the g , hich SO afterward called forth much bitter criticism , but which was in part the means o f a great change r in the chu ch life Of the people . At first the m e e tings were attended by persons Of l humble character, but ater the attendance n in became ge eral and greatly increased , and cluded divines , lawyers , doctors , merchants , me ch anics o f , men and women all stations and conditions Of life The greater part o f the people as r wh o came listene s only , but those joined in the discussions were Of the more learned and cultured classes . The women were separated o f h from the rest the assembly , sitting w ere they could hear, but not be seen . After various small r changes and under the wise leade ship Of Spener, t SO fo r these meetings , hen famous their novelty and their general interest, came to correspond , in

- f o ur r . e fect, to present weekly p ayer meeting o n M o n They were assembled twice each week , d days and Wednes ays . At the former time his n Spener repeated last sermo , further explain ing any Obscure points , inviting questions and m correcting isapprehensions , while the latter meeting was devoted to prayer and the expound ing Of the Scriptures . All this was done with the intent Of awakening a m ore intelligent and active Christianity . These meetings were the means Of rich blessings ’ to Spener s ministry in Frankfort . At first they nu had caused some uneasiness , and also some RK 29 SPENER AND HIS WO . pleasant and slanderous reports ;but the reports proving false , the uneasiness abated , and for some time these pious assemblages met with gen eral approval .

n - b e After a time, however . when Spe er came to regarded as a reformer o f the Lutheran Church meetings Of this character became gen eral through

' o ut h . the entire C urch Under other leadership , and doubtless owing to the undue excitement Of religious reaction , abuses and departures from order and good doctrine crept into some Of the w as meetings , and the good which resulted not l unmixed with evi . About this time there appeared a n e w edition ’ O o r Of Arndt s Postils . Spener seized the pp t u nit t o - y write an introduction to the book , in which he gave full expression to those desires for a holy church life which now possessed his entire so being . This was well received and eagerly read that the same year it was re -issued in the o f form a tract under the title Of Pious Desires , o r heart - felt longings after a God - pleasing better ment Of the true Evangelical Church , with some ” Simple Christian propositions to that end . This was accompanied by two treatises upon the t -in -l aw subjec , by his two brothers , Stall and H bi o r u s . In the short introduction to the work Spener n apologizes that he, still a you g and unimportant theologian , should appear before the church in so : weighty a matter, and then proceeds as follows “ Let u s all together do that which is required Of us to feed the flock which G o d through his o w n h as blood purchased . Let us think , dear fathers and brethren , what we have promised our God t whom we are privileged to serve, and wha , there o ur : o n th e fore, chief care Should be let us think 30 S ORK PENER AND HIS W . terrible reckonin g with him that awaits us ;o f the unguarded souls that he will requir e at o ur hands ; k no t h o w let us thin that once will be asked , learned w e have been an d have appeared before m e n the world, in what favor with w e have lived we h o w t o and what favor have known maintain , in vhat honor w e have moved and what great names o f r n we have left behind , how much treasu e a d worldly goods we have laid in store and there with called curses upon ourselves , but rather with what sincere and Simple hearts we have v G o d stri en to advance the kingdom Of , with r what pure and pious doctrine, with what wo thy example in scorning the world , denying our selves , taking up the cross and following our Saviour we have sought the e dificat io n o f o ur se t hearers . With what eagerness we have our selves , not only against error but against godless lives ;with what constancy and joy we have borne Offenses from false brethren o r an Openly godless f n world , and have praised God in our su feri g . m Let us , therefore, be industrious in the exa ina o f tion ourselves and the failures of the Church , f that we may learn the a flicting maladies , and Search o ut the remedies wi th more eager calling ’ o n l e t the Lord for his Spirit s light . And us not, meanwhile, stand still , but let us attempt, each in his own congregation as he may, to put to use those means which seem necessary a n d Fo r Of are all profitable . what service reforma tory propositions when we make no effort to live a ? w e f ccordingly If must suf er from Opposition , let it be only a more certain Sign that our work pleases the Lord , that he allows it to be so tested , and in nowise grow weary o r relax our zealous is effort s . What is impossible for men possible ’ b . we ut for God God s hour must come, if will 31 SPENER AND HIS WORK .

r I n wait . Must others bring fo th fruit patience, SO w e u I n , also , must , and also req ire it Of others r r m patience . The Lo d s wo k oves wonderfully , i r e v o n even as it s wonde ful , but en that account d u s i s it hi den from , the much more certainly lest n o t o we neglect it . If God giveth thee the j y to f n o behold at once the e fect of thy work , doubt he will con ceal it from thee lest thou Shouldest boast Of thyself . There standeth grass that thou r o n thinkest to be unf uitful grass , keep with thy r r n a . wateri g, fin lly the ef om will grow timely ears u s o u r r to Much more , let commend wo k the r an d father, earnestly p aying, be satisfied with

as s se e . such success he permit us to Also , let - o n e us all with heart felt devotion help another , n G o d striving with prayer and pleadi g, that will o ne n r here and there, after a other, Open the doo s o f the Word that we may fruitfully speak Of the m o f as ysteries Christ, that we may Speak gladly an d n is due , glorify his name by teaching, livi g ” f n and su feri g . The little work itself began with a look at the

completely corrupted state Of the Church , with a powerful presentation Of the chief prevailing Sins r in gove nment, Church and home by the sight of which the Jews as well as the Cath o lics were frightened away from the Evangelical Church o n n h no r the grou d t at it could be true chu ch . He showed also that it was n o t possible t o cover its s n o n it s n hame by calli g the purity Of doctri e , and that the Reformation begun by Luther in re lation to the virtues Of th e Christian life was no t o f it s yet finished , but had paused in the middle

course . Then b e encouraged the abolition Of these a u b ses, supporting himself by the direction Of the Scripture fo r the coming better condition o f the 32 S R ORK PENE AND HIS W .

u o n b Ch rch earth , which should be followed y the fall return of the Jews and the Of papistical Rome . w as n o t He showed that, even though perfection ' n to be reached, it must yet be possible to bri g the Church nearer to the glorious example o f the first

Christian congregation . As the first mean s to this end he recomm ended “ f ” the abundant spread Of the Word O G o d . ” “ This , declared Spener, is the true source of SO Evangelical life , which though fully given to fl o w the public, does not yet full enough , partly because Of preaching from pre - determined texts Periko es Of r ( the p ) , while the rest the Sc ipture

remained largely untouched , partly because of the inability Of the hearers to understand a con s e cutive sermon, Therefore , it was necessary to make the study of the Scripture a household

duty, and this he thought could be required when occasionally the books o f the Bible were one after another read in the church with some cursory

explanation . He thought that it also would Old Of prove wholesome , if the Apostolic kind church gatherings were again to become custom

ary, that there might be, beside the usual open

church service , yet another assemblage . Here he t hoped that besides the teacher , others , who migh d r be prepared, shoul , under the ove sight of a u r minister, read alo d from the Scriptu es and r voice his thoughts and doubts conce ning it, and ni from others , as well as from the mi ster , receive n light upon it . This he felt would te d to culti an d vate confidence between pastor people , and s also among the people themselve , when guided

by a wise preacher . He hoped also by this to help the people to a more exact knowledge of the

Scripture for household use and leadership , as well as to a better understanding Of the needs Of

the Church and greater ability t o correct its abuses .

34 S RK PENER AND HIS WO .

so n , that they might the better receive good coun

se l and advice . The fourth proposition concerned the conduct Of religious controversies with unb elievers o r those Fo r in error . these, Spener recommended sincere prayers , good example, profound , but modest ex o f W planation the truth , ithout severity , in the ex ercise Of Christian love ; and showed that the only hope for union Of the various di visions Of the Christian Church lay in such m ethods as G o d could bless . He believed that disputation was necessary for the maintenance Of pure doctrine , but he condemned the then prevailing manner o f b I n o f it, which rought strange fire the holy place the Lord ; and which b eing directed more fre quently toward the overthrow Of an Opponent d Of than the search after and efense the truth , broke out in passionate anger . He declared that disputation was not alon e the means of preserving the truth ;but that it must be combined with love ’ o ne and the fervent anxiety , not only to convince S adversary , but also to turn such a conviction to his spiritual profit . l Above all he desired in the fifth p ace, for the Of ff reform the Church , an entirely di erent educa tion and culture Of the divinity students in the schools and universities . He wished that the teachers and professors would not only persevere “ ” in the Sharpening of the golden truth , but would set their students a worthy example o f its living results , and that they might lay stress upon pious lives , as well as diligence in study . He advised that a strict watch be kept over the morals o n Of the student, and that entering upon the study Of theology they be required to bring evi dence o f good moral character as well as Of suf h ficie nt learning . He thought that only t e very K 35 SPENER AND HIS WOR .

e Of u b st the st dents should be taught in polemics , that they might become true defenders of a pure faith that the disputations Should be held in the

German language rather than the Latin , but that disputation should be limited to essential things , and the theology be brought back to Apostolic simplicity . He advised more of Bible study for the student and the use Of purely pious books , and less dogmatic discussion , also the occasional exercise Of the ministerial Office I n teaching and comforting the Sick, that they might understand the necessity Of proper preparation . The Sixth and last proposition related to better and more edifying preaching . He condemned the then prevailing custom o f an exhibition o f learning in the pulpit, quotations in foreign lan guages , and the artful fitting together of Obscure disquisitions . He declared that Christianity con sisted Of the new creature, in whose soul the ope ration o i belief brought forth fruit in the life ; that it was not enough t o hear the word with th e carnal car b u t , that the Holy Ghost must be heard therein , and that the preached Word must sink into the heart . He declared that it was no t enough to be baptized but that men must hold fast to Christ and witness to him by righteous t lives . It was also not enough o receive the holy communion , but that also the soul therein must m be nourished . In like anner he spoke Of prayer and Of I n u Of the service God the Ch rch , teaching that all true service was but th e expression o f the n w as in er life, and that anything else but rank hypocrisy . Great above all expectation was the commotion w hich this little treatise produced . Expression had frequently been given t o like complaints over s the corruption Of the Church , sometime in the 36 S R R PENE AND HIS WO K .

m O f for the sharpest polemics , sometimes as the bitterest satire ; but never with the gentleness o f deeply Christian spi rit striking SO directly at the al m root of the evil . It was so co mended by the

practical , propositions for reform which aecom panie d it ;and it was little wonder that o n every hand Spener received congratulations and l etters Of approval from theologians and statesmen au x

ious for the reform Of church conditions . Moved ° ’ Of m a by this work Spener s , there i mediately p e are d o r p others of the same character , in whole f a nd in part appro ving O his plans wishes . These were by some of the most celebrated theologians and n preachers Of the time , amo g whom were Car zo v wh o Balthasar Menzer and Benedict p , afterward became his bitterest enemies . Amo ng these w ere some who would not give countenan ce to his hope for the return Of the Je ws o f u and the appearance better times for the Ch rch , and complained that he undervalued the scho lastic theology . Others recalled the establishment Colle ia Pieta tis a nd Of the g , fearing that they would result in dangerous abuses , believed that it would w e ll r r be if they we e forbidden in the chu ches .

But more important than all written Opinions , was the fact that efforts were at once made in many places for the carrying out Of the propositions for m Of an d I h refor by men noted piety ability . in \V iirt e m b u r w as deed , g, this finally ordered by la w . Spener expressed himself as greatly encouraged SO m an o f r that y j his contempo aries had felt the condition of the Church and experienced the same n desire concerni g it . He felt that his own efforts had been blessed , and that his humble little book had become an awakening voice which called SO many together in this good work . 3 SPENER AND HIS WORK . 7

He believ ed as the movement became better known th roughout Germ any and it s northern provinces , that there would be a general improve n t h e r an d me t Of Chu ch , he expressed a hope in his that each place, and according to his gifts r and Opportunity, would wo k to this end . n The rich blessing which atte ded this work , had , a r with m ny people, p oduced too great a conscious SO its ness of power , that good results were too n r a Often hi de ed by an excess Of enthusi sm . But d n t H i with Spener this coul o occur . s humility w as his equal to his power, and thoughtfulness to hi t o s enthusiasm . He knew but o well that a gen eral reformation o f the Church was a tremendous work in which the help Of the government w as n e ce ssar y, and that this aid , under the existing condi a n t w s o . tions , to be hoped for He foresaw , and u SO his a fo nd that it proved in all fter experience , th at all church reforms must begin with the pas o w a s t o t rs , and from these the most opposition b e ur expected . He had , f ther, already found that r an d m all good things p ospered Slowly, that any unforeseen and insurmountable Obstacles must arise . Therefore , he counseled all those who r i would act upon his p opos tions , to move carefully and moderately , and especially in the beginning , not to go t o any extremity lest later the movement might in its novelty become uncontrollable . He warned especially against an attempt immediately to unite the various parties Of the Church by ff t these e orts , believing that in his way all good results would be lost . He bade them remember that good fr uit w as no t t o be expected o f a wild tree . H A PTE R I I I C .

’ SPENER S CONTROV ERSIES— H I S SICKNESS— HIS CALL T D D O RES EN .

DURING the summer Of 1676 Spener gathered about him a fe w students and candidates Of the ology , and read the Scripture with them . They t h e i began with F rst Epistle Of John , comparing the German translation with various others , and f searching out the meaning O each passage . Then m they considered its dog atical importance, its practical application and most especially the edi

ficat io n which it afforded . t ile he was the p ro m oter Of a gradual trans Of formation the Lutheran Church , he did not wish to be considered in the light Of a reformer, and refused to listen to t h e words of praise which greeted him on every side . “ ” “ w ell I know , he wrote to a friend , that the work of Reformation is not the work of a man , r but Of the Lord of the Chu ch . I am not the principal nor Shall I be the principal , as such gifts are not mine . It is more honor than I de Pio us D esires serve that God has so blessed my , that it has as a far- soun ding voice awakened and encouraged some , not to learn Of me, but to con sider the affairs Of the Church according to their v gifts which they ha e from God and which , used

i n . se e his service , will be increased I do not in this awakening that God will have more for me to do than the work Of my partic ular congrega ( 38 ) 3 SPENER AND HIS WORK . 9

u se O o r tion , unless it be that I may every pp t u nit i - y to encourage the S mple minded , and edify a fe w good friends through o ur mutual corre s o nd nc p e e . Again in 1 681 he expressed him self much in “ the same way : I could n o t permit myself the folly o f appearing as a reformer Of the Church ; I realize my own weakness and that I have n o t the r wisdom o the power . Let me be satisfied that I may be among those wh o help to encourage the ” reformation which the Lord intends . And three “ : years later , he says In the great work Of the do n o t m improvement Of the Church , I find in y at a self all the necessary ability . I will s y noth ing o f the lack Of scholarship and the natural intellectual gifts , but Of the chief failure Of wisdom so th e and prudence , which I Often experience in f f peculiar a fairs Of my present O fice , that I am

no t r fo r . ashamed , and know where to tu n counsel H o w would it be , then , should I attempt to adapt myself to a higher position ? Especially do I G o d o n w lack the power Of from high , hich is t very weak in me , and my natural timidi y , even is SO difli cult t o in trifling things , overcome that it is never sufficient t o undertake those things w hich require true heroism . I lack indeed these ” o f all witnesses a godly c . n o t w These declarations were empty ords , but the sincere speech Of a man who measured him self and his work by Luther and like heroes o f wh o o f the faith , and , aware his peculiar disposi an d tion , attempted no violent tearing down o f u upbuilding the Church , but a grad al and quiet improvement . He found still more reason t o decline the name r Of a reformer , when , after the appea ance Of his ” “ it Pious Desires , he found praised by some S R 40 PENER AND HIS WO K .

and condemned by others . Many of these latter persons did not Openly express their co nde m na n b tion , but announced their disaffectio y vilest u - Slanders . Especially were his ho se meetings a cause Of displeasure to some of his fellow-towns m men . Some who found themselves roused fro Of e x a dreams carnal security , declared that he g gerated the requirements Of morality t o an extent o f u u beyond the reach h man nat re . Spener had long suffered all manner Of evil at ‘ the hands Of such people in Frankfort, especially . through darkly circulated reports concerning him w N o and his follo ers and their meetings . w when his Pious Desires ” brought these meetings into o ut general notice , and others set to work to carry m his propositions , there was anxiety a ong those theologians who were offended by Spener ’ s com plaints , and yet had no desire to forsake the ease f t al o . so their idle or hodoxy Fearing , , further innovations which might finally result in their d n e t isturba ce, y not venturing to Oppose it re openly , they set afloat the most adventurous also ports , and received and spread abroad what e ver reached their ears from Frankfort concerning o r Spener and his work , without knowledge proof o f their truth . Throughout Germ any were carried reports Of

‘ the Frankfort ! uakers and Lab adist s : h o w they practiced community Of goods , and had separated themselves from the Church ; how women and H e servant maids preached , learned Greek and w h o w bre , and taught it to their children ; all of ’ Spener s followers wore only linen clothing, and might be known by thin , sickly and bleached faces ;h o w the men abused the women because they neglected their households fo r these meetings ; that the women robbed their families Of all deli

42 SPENER AND HIS WORK .

“ m small pamphlet, entitled , Christian Sy phony , in which he attempted to Show from Matthew 1 9 20 e dif m f xviii . , , their y g and salutary e fect . In this pamphlet were some allusions to Menzer his SO r and preaching, and this enraged Menze , that he caused the advance copies to be bought

up , and at the same time had warning letters sent Of to the Consistories Darmstadt and Giessen , and

the preachers under them , commanding that noth a a i ing Should be printed for, nor g inst the quest on

w . r ithout Special permission Very soon thereafte , ’ M e nz e r s K re through influence , riegsmann was

moved from his position , but was at once taken

into the Court Of the Elector of the Palatinate .

Besides this , Menzer did not cease to excite the Of principal residents Frankfort against Spener, using his pen for the spreading Of various Slander Ou S reports and warning against the perils threat u c ing the Church . This caused Spener no little

embarrassment . He felt called upon to publish a clear and full exposition o f that o n e o f his propositions which he had considered the most i m portant, and which had excited the most Oppo sitio n to him . m “ This he did in the pa phlet, The Spiritual ’ Priesthood briefly described through God s ” W Of ord . This was a highly popular character, i n Of w the form questions and ans ers , supported

by many Bible references . In this he showed that the spiritual priesthood with which all Chris t ians are endowed consists in the threefold Office ’ o f sacrifice, prayer, and the use Of God s Word . H e said that the Christian should sacrifice him self and all that he possessed ;that he was bought

and redeemed , body and soul his worldly goods , his desires and passions , yes , when it became f fo r necessary , his li e ;that he must pray always K 43 SPENER AND HIS WOR .

w- h e st e x e r his fello beings , and that, finally, mu n o t co n c ise t h e Office Of the Word . This may sist in a Special call t o preach ;but in the use Of the Holy Scriptures fo r the e dificatio n and com ’ Oi fort one s self and friends , for the proof Of p reaching and their o w n relief lest they put t o o

great faith in the words Of men , taking care to avoid anything that would cause disorder in the

Church . In considering the sacraments , he con fessed to faith in their administration by any

Christian , especially the rite Of baptism , in cases ’ Of necessity . But as to the Lord s Supper, while o n e he counseled that no Should serve himself, o n e t o SO was yet, might be allowed do who in the

Spiritual enjoyment Of faith , and desirous Of its o f comfort, in the absence a preacher . He closed the whole argument o n the universal priesthood with an array o f authorities taken from the church fathers and also from more i modern writers , but espec ally supported by ex tracts from Luther . This little work made a favorable impression a n d helped greatly to weaken the effect Of the evil reports that had been circulated . It was much o f chara ct e which m i t praised , and was a r ad ted Of n o criticism . f . o But a young theologian , Dr Hanneken , i Giessen , a nephew Of Menzer, and nstigated by “ o ut o n o f him , brought a tract the Necessity ” SO full Of Doctrine, which was false and malicious h e references to Spener , that felt called upon to reply . But Hanneken was questioned by friends

Of Spener in Giessen , and declared that he had not and aimed these references at him , thus the con t ro ve rs y was suppressed . But the magistrates Of all Frankfort were disturbed by these movements, and at the instance Of Menzer seemed ready to 44 SPENER AND HIS WORK . pass such ordinances as were already in force at

Darmstadt . wh o h ad A young woman Of noble family , been influenced by Spener to a life Of pious Works and o f w as private teaching the Bible, commanded to s - an d leave the city , as was al o a like minded equally active young man . But both w ere known by Spener t o be innocent Of wrong ;he therefore required them t o appear before the magistrates to a n enter protest gai st this unrighteous treatment, and as a result Of this appearan ce the order w as no t enforced .

- Printers and book sellers were , also , com m ande d t o o r _ print nothing Of a religious edify ing character without Special examination . When 1 6 8 d “ therefore , in 7 , a second e ition Of the Spirit ” ual Priesthood was required , its issue was pre vented by the Council , who finally decided to submit the book t o o n e Of the universities fo r examination . This was opposed by the entire t o Ministerium , which Spener had submitted the book before its first appearance in print, and by a whom it had been pproved . n th e aff as o wn The Mi isterium took up air its , and complained before t h e Council o f the infringe f B ut ment o its authority . they received no a o f comfort at the h nds the Council . The pub lish e r , however, was able to Obtain the desired -o r permission from the Elect Of Saxony , and the e circulation Of the book was no long r hindered . l k d There ived in Fran fort at this time , a can i so n date for the ministry named Franke , the Of a n m an Frankfort senator . This you g made it his t o no t business stir up sentiment against Spener , only by the circulation Of slanderous reports in

Frankfort , but by libelous letters addressed to such theologians as were already inclined t o SPENER AND HIS WORK . 45

as Oppose him . This abuse w doubtless due to t h e fact that the young man w a s not free from s s o f ha d uspicion immorality , and been severely r eproved by the Ministerium o n account Of im fo r n proper preaching , unmi isterial conduct, and for his unjust and extreme Opinions o f the min i st e rs Of the city, to which he had given free expression . Although he w as despised by the better class o f h citizens, he succeeded , through dis onest man a e m e nt g , in Obtaining from the city Council the r eversion o f the next vacancy in the ministry of the city . This vacancy occurred soon thereafter . But Spener and his colleagues protested SO earn e stly against his appointment that it was finally d r prevented . Thus a anger for Spener was tu ned aside , and when Menzer, who had never ceased t o 1 679 persecute Spener, died in , the calumnies and slanders with which Spener had been bur de n e d , gradually died away , and during the remainder Of his stay in Frankfort he had peace and quiet, at least in his immediate surroundings o wn r and concerning his wo k . But to what extent Spener suffered under the f l is di ficu ties attending his work , Shown in the letters written by him at this time , in which he frequently expressed himself concerning them .

In a letter addressed to a celebrated theologian , m with who he held correspondence , he says , that during the twenty - seven years in which he had his exercised calling , he had found no more poisonous people and none who opposed m ore strenuously true and active Christianity than those his o wn d Of or er and calling . Yet he was able t o conduct himself throughout with Christian wis dom and to look upon i t a s a salutary experience G o d fo r his o wn permitted by testing . In rela 46 RK SPENER AND HIS WO . tion to it he says in o n e o f his German treatises : “ I need n o t say that it is a jo y and honor before the Lord to suffer somethi ng for the sake Of the truth , for which I feel myself unworthy . And I must say that I have found in it this u se : that r the Lord is able the eby to hold me, and also in others , in deeper humility and many respects to bring us to greater prudence . “ u s h We know that with men , w en we have decided to do a good thing and s e e the o ppo r t unit in y before us , we sometimes , with the best o r tention , act with imprudence venture less care n ’ fully than the situation dema ds . NVe think that Since the cause is good , no evil can come Of ‘ it ;but this Often happens , and the good cause is u SO t h e diffi inj red . Lord teaches us through cu lt ie s r to act with great certainty and Obse vation , Th e n o t and to fear for a good cause . bad will th e t trouble themselves to molest bad , but ra her the true and honest . “ Then we also know that an unhindered suc cess pleases th e Old Adam in u s and very readily and involuntarily awakes in u s a dangerous ’ pride . al Spener says much more in the same Spirit, ways waiting with patience and prayer the time when th e Lord Shall again bring his righteous h : cause to t e light . In another place he says “ ’ Next to God s glo ry my great Object is that G o d Shall save my soul and those whom he h as f entrusted to me . I exercise my O fice with fear t and trembling, and s artle before the judgment, which appears more and more dreadful as the u s A S more is entrusted to . I now think how o r near I may be to such judgment, nearer than I s e e any other may think , I that I have no reason to feel certain ;but on all sides t o watch if I have RK 4 SPENER AND HIS WO . 7 not neglected something which I may hereafter n o t have no opportunity to do . I do deny that h o w often I know not to quiet my conscience, and cannot seek counsel enough , since there seems r danger t o my soul on every side . I conside an d wh o happy blessed , those in other positions find salvation easier and attended with less danger n o f r w and a xiety . If it were a matter f ee ill to in f live some other O fice , such cares would have m oved me to flee with Jonah to the s e a rather than to attempt t o fill this dangerous position . It ’ ’ a an d is lone God s call , my obedience to God s d l will, which bin s me to my duty and conso es me ” in its exercise . n o t b e Spener needed such consolation , only Oi o wn ff cause his a airs , but also because Of the circumstances Of o n e Of his near and dear rela t i -in - H iu ve s . o rb s His brother law , , Ministerial o f S anh e im Inspector the Shire Of p , Trarbach , had in the first years Of his Office been active a gainst the Romanists and Reformed , and also against many Of the abuses Of the Lutheran ‘ Church . Because Of this he had incurred the a r his disple su e Of some Of hearers , and especially im Of the princely councils . He was greatly ’ “ ” n o t pressed by Spener s Pious Desires , and n o ly wrote the Supplement to it , but sought to r o ut ca ry its propositions . It came about that o n Sch awlb ach while a visit to the Baths , he met with a company Of pious persons who were prob ably from Frankfort . Thes e people held a meet in Of g Of the character those instituted by Spener, for Bible study and prayer . Among thes e godly n persons he experienced an entire change Of mi d . ff He felt the impotence Of his former e orts , and h o w m he, like any other pastors , was in fault that his SO hi hearers were little affected by s work . RK 48 SPENER AND HIS WO .

He realized that the implanting Of a living Chris ni n tia ty must be begun in quite a other manner . his e o le On his return home , he came among p p w as o f in a changed frame Of mind . He full anxiety for a more rapid advancement Of the

kingdom Of Christ . He , therefore, seized an early Opportunity to talk Of the nature Of true

Christian belief and Obedience , , striving against the prevailing feeling Of carnal security among all his hearers . He showed them that trust in ’ ’ God s grace, in Christ s merits , and the sacra

ments , were useless , when the living faith was

lacking . In this manner he stung the souls Of

his hearers until many became embittered . But others aroused from their worldliness came to him o f o wn their will , asking to be taught further in a o f the true w y safety and salvation . Many sent h e ld their children to him , and he evening Bible

classes with them , and was thus able to shape

their young minds . B ut this good work was very soon disturbed by o n e the influence Of Of the deacons , Arnold by n f ame . This man had already had di ficulty with f his earlier Inspectors , and was now greatly o fended that H o rbius was in possession Of an Office which

he, himself, had hoped to fill . He did not cease in his efforts to excite the disaff e cted portion of ’ H o rbius congregation against him , and finally n i i m complained o f him before the Co s st o r u . He charged him with dangerous novelties and false

teaching . Under the last head , he reckoned the “ ” Of c use su h words as Tranquillity , Deaden ” ” H o rbius ing, and Abnegation , which used in Co nsist o rium his preaching . The dismissed the complaint as groundless ;but the deacon turned to the princely government . This Council , which was H o rbius already unfavorable to , without

50 S R W R PENE AND HIS O K .

wh o h as t o this time , permitted us know the

’ o n r o f truth , that we dare not rest the autho ity o n e m m e n n o n o u r , nor Of any ;but o ly Saviour, is and Jesus Christ, who the truth itself, who his o through w rd reveals himself, in the hearts Of his o wn y m a , that the y not make the conscience subject to other men ;but rest upon a sure tounda tion, in that freedom wherewith the Son makes ” free . Spener and H o rbiu s were drawn into public 1 679 d controversy in the year , which continue

until the death Of two Of their antagonists , some i Dilf ld o n e t s . e five years after beginning , Of t h e w h e h a d chief Of these , ackno ledged that , during this controversy , learned more practical theology than all the schools had been a ble to o d fo r teach him . He thanked G it ;but he was never willn to acknowledge his error against

Spener . This controversy was concerning the n e w o r t birth the new crea ure in Christ, which Spener claimed w as o ne Of the scriptural doctrines o f Luther . It was the subject Of several books which appeared from th e hands Of Spener and

Dilfe ld during th e continuance Of this controversy . ’ The difficulties growing o ut Of Spener s efforts fo r Of a n the reform church life, c lled his attentio to the defects in the constitution o f the Lutheran h n o w Churc . He was satisfied that if the Evan ge lical Church had its organization more strongly ’ o n grounded God s word , it would not be sub e ct e d SO s SO j to much controver y , many divisions and and schisms , that the healing Of her wounds b e would an easier task , since her inner life would be much stronger . He had found the church government in Strasburg much better than in t o f Frankfor , especially in the matter choosing and k W 6 11 an The

Pastors , . new the adv tage of it NE R 1 SPE R AND HIS WO K .

Frankfort Mini ste riu m finally authorized a treatise s s to be published on thi ubject, and it was accord a ingly prepared by Spener . This treatise w s based upon the idea that the entire Christi-a n Church and each congregation was the household f TO : o Christ . these he had entrusted his treasures

\V o rd K . , Sacrament and the eys But, in order u r that no conf sion might esult, these were to be given over by the congregation to the pastoral

Office for administration . TO this Office the congregation should render th e r Obedience, providing minister respected thei f rights , and should administer his o fice , especially K r the power of the eys , after the Sc iptural man o f ner, and remain subordinate to the judgment ff the entire Church . If there Should be di erences Of f over the administration this O fice , he mentions t w o methods of settlement ;either by a vote o f o f o r a majority the congregation , by the action Of a Council o r Co nsist o ri um elected by the con e at io n o n t r m gr g . He then goes in part o e co n Of me d the establishment the Episcopate , as a method o f government ;but finds in it a serious f Ofli ce a di ficulty . The Episcopal is filled by p pointment ;the appointm ent is made by minis ters , theologians and governors . Thus the voice Of the congregation is lost ;the common people Of Of are shorn responsibility , and hence , finally ,

. no t interest These people, he says , while so l earned , have Often a good Christian confession and a godly mind , which , in the things to be de t o a cided , are Often more be v lued than great learning . Spener above all things maintained that the common people should have part in the decisions Of the Church and the pres ervation Of its order . Spener saw with great sorrow t h e Church torn 2 R 5 SPENER AND HIS WO K . by that passionate syncretistic controversy which ’ r K o had its st onghold at nigsberg, and raged long r n h t e . and bitte ly amo g chief universities Then , b VVitt e nb e r again , a polemical war arose etween g and Jena . Spen er had taken great care n o t to be drawn w as into recent controversies ;but in this latter, he m not per itted to keep Silent, but was required to present various treatises on the church doctrines o f h in behalf t e Ministerium . In these required treatises we find m any inter n i esti g expressions Of his doctr ne . Indeed much Of th e responsibility o f maintaining pure doctrine in the Church rested upon Spener in these troubled times . He expresses himself as entirely convinced Of t h e purity and truth Of th e doctrine exhibited in Of h all the symbols the Lutheran churc , which in disputed points he uncondition ally preferred to the doctrinal confession of any o ther Christian party . He , however, reserved to himself a free m u do Of judgment quite nusual for the time . He looked upon the symbolical books as th e writings m e n Of , which must be subordinated to the Holy th e fo u nda Scripture, and never looked upon as

h H ' at t rib ut e d infalli tion and rule Of fait . e no b ilit y to them , and did not look upon them as a Of Off perfect system Theology , which cut all further scientific development Of doctrine . Although he was convinced Of the general truth h Of their contents , he wished t at the freedom might always be maintained to test them by the Of Word God . He laid upon them no absolute v value for the Church , but a relati e and historical o n e , and declared that one might discard them im without heresy , excepting as to those points l r mediate y sustained by Holy Sc ipture . 53 SPENER AND HIS WORK . He considered them especially useful as a pub Iic witness t o the doctrines Of t h e Church before fo e t friend and , as the norm of decision in in ernal as theological controversy , and a basis Of doctrine for those wh o received them because o f their agreement with the Word Of God . Spener exhibited a like freedom in his judg ment Of Luther, whose greatness in the Evan gelical Church had always been like a fetter o n the m inds Of men . The deep honor which h e felt for this chosen G o d v instrument Of , did not pre ent him from w as an d remembering that Luther, also , a man , ’ h a d sometimes erred , although he valued Luther s o writings next t the Bible . He says that during his studies under Dann hauer he was urged by him to the study Of ’ Luther s writings , and in company with others prepared from them a commentary o n the entire

Bible . This gave him a very exact knowledge of r f all the w o ks o the great reformer . Said he : “ It is tru e that Christ an d Paul lighted Luther all through places , and the articles Of belief and their fruits have hardly been SO impressively treated since the time Of the Apostles , as they him in were by . And were such writings more du st rio u sl t y read , there would be a better ounda tion laid in many Of o ur universities than is n o w m as ade to serve the purpose . Yet I require little as Luther himself would have done that his writings be apotheosized ;for while I find in them t a glorious spiri ual power, I find in them also the w f ” o . man , especially here he writes the prophets ’ In another pl a ce he speaks Of Luther s translation o f b the Bi le as an inimitable work in which , v n o t howe er, he ( Luther) has always found the “ a : exact sense , and dds A giant remains great 54 S RK PENER AND HIS WO .

e n o to and a dwarf small , and ther is comparison be made between them ;but if the dwarf stands he s upon the Shoulders Of the giant, see yet e further than the giant, since this great statur

lifts him above himself . “ is Therefore, it no wonder that, Often , a dwarf, wh o is far enough fr om being a great teacher like

Luther, finds something in the Scripture which

Luther had not found , after having the advantage ’ h Of all Of Luther s learning , wit out which he f n d could not have Ou it . Luther remains the o dis general teacher, but occasionally the sch lar covers something here and there which the pre

ceptor did not . It is not, then , pure temerity ’ o n e t o r when dissents from Lu her s translations ,

other writings , and Shows where they can be

bettered ;neither is it to his reproach , that accord ’ s ing to God s ordering, the Spirit Of the prophet

Should have other subj ects . Spener did not hesita te to Show occasionally in o ri in al his preaching, where the g Scripture gave

the text a more exact meaning , and above all to denounce the delusion that one already had salva d do c tion , when he only possesse the true , pure o f trine Luther . He also deplored the violence ’ u Of some Of L ther s polemical writings , believing

them to be moved by the carnal mind , which o f sometimes hindered the course the Church .

But all this he excused , because of the dangers

and hardships Of the time, and found a special ,

providential wisdom , in the association Of the powerful reformer with the learned and more “ ” “ o n e moderate Melanchthon . True , he says , cannot be satisfied with Melanchthon ’ s later theo logical tendency ;but his distinguished services in behalf Of the Lutheran Church and her theology ” in f must ever be held thank ul remembrance . 55 SPENER AND HIS WORK . Declaring at all times the freedom Of j udgment l o e as o f and Of v against the prejudices the time, Spener treated the followers Of other confessions f r with a gentleness unusual o the period . He held with unshaken confidence t o the declaration that the Lutheran Church was unequaled by any

” other in purity Of doctrine and fidelity t o the wa s faith . Yet he far from believing, with the ro nar wness Of the time , that outside Of the Luth “ eran Ch urch no o ne could be saved . Jesus ” “ s K n Christ, aid he, must be a poor ing, whe the only subjects o f his kingdom o f grace are those within the narrow limits o f the Lut heran H is r Church . government is over all the wo ld and among many dispersions , wherever he is hi o n h as able to discover s w . He surely among other denominations sown the good seed ; and even though they Should fail in the letter o f the t o Confession , yet by divine light they are able conceive the divine essentials upon which salva tion rests . It deserves to be remarked that the great mild ness which Spener Observed toward other denom inatio ns w as the result of many experiences after the course Of years . In the first years Of his experience in Frankfort s t he m r he had violently Oppo ed Refor ed Chu ch , had preached against their proselyting and warned al against their doctrines . His assistance had ready been sought in an effort t o unite these two t Of h i n grea divisions the C urch Germany , the Lutheran and Reformed ;but Spener refused t o H o w join in any consideration Of the matter , greatly his feelings changed toward the Reformed o f w as branch the Protestant Church , shown 1 685 when , in , the revocation Of the edict Of Nantes concerning the Huguenots in France was 56 S EN ER N W R P A D HIS O K .

it u N O followed by s awf l results . day passed that he did no t think o f them with earnest sym pathy and prayer . He looked upon them as t martyrs to the general cause Of Pro estantism , and admonished the . people to Observe public prayers in their behalf in the Lutheran churches . He advised that influence be used fo r them with re the government, and that fugitives be kindly ce i d m s ve . In these circu stance he realized the danger await ing all Protestants at the hands Of

Rome, and felt that a union Of the Protestant a divisions might be benefici l . This appeared to him difficult ;the more SO as the disposition o f the churches had been embittered to ward o n e another by controversy . He believed that the first step must be to distinguish between the t o essential and unessential in doctrine, in order quiet controversy , and that in unimportant mat b e ters an entire amnesty must prevail . He lie ve d , however, that this union could not take place in Germany, but thought that it must begin with Sweden , Denmark and England . Contrary to his expectations , however, this union was e fl e ct e d in the first quarter Of the present century, in Prussia, where Spener spent his last days . his Toward the close Of work in Frankfort, ’ Spener s pen was again engaged in a defense o f

Lutheran doctrine , against the encroachments Of Rome and the ever -threatening possibility of i Protestant and Catholic un on . To this end he o ut brought two more books , which were written k under pressure Of hard wor and illness . But so with all , he was able profitably to employ every minute that he still had some time to de to his vote his favorite study , history Through wide historical knowledge he was interested in heraldry and was the founder Of the heraldry o f

S N R A N D H I S R PE E WO K .

no t t o a helpful to the masses , would be suited

. was Court congregation He , moreover, deeply attached to his Frankfort congregation and the o f f was people the city, and every e fort used by hi f hi s friends here o r s detention . While he hesitated , he was seized with a dangerous illness , which continued for seven months . When finally he recovered , Dr . Lucius died , and again Spener f was called to the Dresden O fice . Still he did n o t trust himself to accept the call ; but placed th e matter in the hands Of the magis r t ates at Frankfort , with elaborate arguments for a and against his accept nce . But the magistrates and refused to decide, again Spener sought as e u a sist nce by seeking co nsel Of five theologi ns , unknown t o each other . These decided unani m o u sl y that the call was divine , and Spener communicated his acceptance to the Elect or in a letter which touchingly expresses his anxious and prayerful Obedience t o the divine call . H A PTE R C IV .

— SPENER A S COURT- PREACHER A T D RESD EN COND I TION OF TH E SA ! ON CHURCH— H I S PRACTICAL A T Y C IV IT .

ON 1 686 the eleventh Of July , , Spener entered upon the duties Of his new position with courage . H is and cheerfulness . first sermon was preached a 20—26 t w . in the cour ch pel , from Matthe v , in t which , af er greeting all those present, the Elec his n e w toral family , the assembled statesmen , s colleagues , the city Of Dre den , and the entire l land , he treated Of the fa se pharisaical and the true Christian righteousness with relation to the f pastoral O fice . In closing he reminded his hearers with noble frankness what his duties would be as a servant Of Christ and a keeper o f ’ fo l God s mysteries . This and the next sermon m lowing, fro the novelty Of their treatment, their earnestness and practical tendency, produced considerable excitement . Many felt themselves injured by the truth without being able to reply . Even the Elector confessed t hat he had no t desired his heart to be o s moved . Spener realized with thanksgiving that a divine blessing rested upon his work . But he soon had occasion t o feel some o f the diffi culties o f his n e w position . The uncertain ground Of a court was

not the place where a man Of such earnestness , candor and Christian zeal would find himself ( 59 ) S EN E 60 P R AND HIS WORK .

most comfortable . He entered upon his work an d with great prudence , seeking the assistance approval of his coll eagues in every goo d work that he projected . But from the beginning he was received with jealousy by the other ministers who I n Of Dresden , had preparation for him many a bitter hour . w Despite his kindly attitude . to ard his col o r as leagues , he could not win their good will si an w as n o t st ce . It long until they complained o f Co nsist o ri um him before the , and charged him with saying in a sermon that heretofore the doc ' trine Of justification had not been correctly preached in Dresden . “ In regard to this Spener says : I have not found the world here different from elsewhere , f only that the wickedness di fers in some respects , and I can hardly say whether it is bolder or more B ut - Of subtle . the Court devil here is like that w other courts , with the cla s perhaps a little more Th e Of concealed . same spirit rules the children unbelief in Dresden that ruled them in Frank m ” fort . The same Spirit under another for . f Because of these di ficulties , Spener took occa sion to treat in his sermons many Of the more important Christian doctrines , with strenuous t Of earnes ness , from the standpoint orthodox Of Lutheranism , and to present these as the basis i r h s future work . This he did to fo tify himself n agai st any suspicion Of heterodoxy , and because, “ as he expressed it : The prospect Of Christianity ” “ N ” o n e . O in Saxony was a gloomy where , “ h as f says he, the sti f orthodoxy , the scholastic treatment of dogmatics , the passionate polemics , Of u the unfruitful method preaching, str ck such deep roots as here . This condition Of things was nourished and 61 SPEN ER AND HIS WORK .

nursed by both Of the Saxon Universities . Wit n n o w n n te berg was decli ing, but Leipzig was risi g

in importance . In both universities , dogmatics , im polemics and philosophy , were the chief and an d Of n portant studies , a galaxy otable men gave them entire attention ;but the teach ing Of

Bi blical exegesis was abandoned . Many Of the most distinguished Of the professors o f these uni ve rsitie s had Openly approved and praised ’ Spener s labors in the Church in their writings Car zo v and otherwise . Among these were p , ff l ariu O e s . Mayer, Pei er, Alberti and They had gone SO far as to characterize him as a m an Of highest value to the Church . On his removal to r fl att e r D esden , Wittenberg had sent him a most ing Latin poem , and the theological faculty of

Leipzig had tendered him warm congrat ulations . But behind these expressions was hidden secret ’ - l W r w . ill i l hile yet in Frankfo t , Spener had n Car z o v Of i been warned agai st p , Le pzig, and his brother, who was a member Of the Consistory in

Dresden . Although up to this time his relations with both Of these men had been the most pleasant it ’ became evident that jealousy Of Spener s positi on f t caused great disaf ec ion toward him , These cir cum st ance s were all the more trying to Spener, since the improvement Of these universities w as d not only his earnest wish , but now belonge to the duties Of his Office . “ He says at this time : I see about me the great power Of Satan and his established king f dom , and many di ficulties which are beyond the h e l hope and p of men to overcome . But against s e t them all I the might Of God , which nothing t h can wi hstand , and at whose call I am ere , the h l w l same t at hath sent me . He is faithfu . and il 62 S E E P N R AND HIS WORK . n o t leave my poor but obedient efforts without o r fruit blessing . I rest upon this , and hope fo r where there seems nothing to hope , waiting " ” fo r n with patience such blessi g as God gives . Time and place and measure o f results he did n o t question ;but sought only the will o f G o d with patient service . His chief concern was to bring the ministry to greater purity and spirituality , and the schools to the study of the Bible and the exercise of piety o f - b in the place scholastic hair splitting . He e lie ve d that God would reveal widening Opportun ities fo r good works to those who waited upon

His will . di a o m t e In this Spener was not s pp d. The v preaching of the Word , his pastoral acti ity , the o f t h e examination candidates , and work Of the e w . Consistory , were not ithout fruits A sp cial blessing seemed to rest upon that work which had proved of such value in his pastoral experience .

This was the teaching of the Catechism . In his present Office he was not under obligations to pur u su e this ;but after an expression o f his willing do SO o f ness to , the children the Elector and a few friends were sent to his house for instruction . r The attendance was f ee to everybody , and soon became so great that the class was removed to one o f t the chapels of the palace . This large at end ance was made up Of children and adults of both w as sexes , and a rich opportunity for the exercise ’ Of Spener s peculiar teaching gift, and was the more eagerly improved as he hoped that oth er pastors throughout the land w o uld follow his ex ample . a In sermon preached before the Saxon Diet , he referred , among other things , to the great o f value catechetical instruction , and many Of the S EN E R 63 P R AND HIS WO K . nobility were induced b y this reference t o attend the examination of his class . They were much pleased with the manner in which it was con an d l aw ducted , not long afterward , a was passed requiring catechisation in all the churches in n Saxo y . Spener regretted that a law to this effect w as b u e n necessary . It would have een m ch more couraging had such instruction been entirely voluntary ;but the disposition o f only too many of the pastors was such that they felt it quite b e neath them to concern themselves with such “ ’ ” child s play , as they expressed it . There were even thos e among the clergy who com plained that instead of the court preacher which o t - he sought, the Elector had g a school master . r But Spene despised this mocking, and in the saw end , a rich harvest from his persevering r wo k , and the whole Evangelical Church has him t o thank for the n o w general custom of teaching candidates for confirmation and for cate h etical n c exami ations . Spener w as also the first t o practically divorce theology from the Latin language, and bring into o f f use the German . In the exercise his O fice he insisted on holding the examinations o f all candi a dates for the ministry in the Germ n language . He took no notice o f the abuse which w as heaped u he o pon him for this . He said was not s much concerned as to h o w well a candidate expressed wa s himself in the Latin language , but that he seriously concerned as to h o w deeply he was h o w grounded in the Christian Confession , and f well he was prepared to speak o spiritual things . He found that he was much better able t o dis cover these essential qualifications when a man m expressed hi self in his mother tongue, and did 64 S PENER AND HIS WORK .

no t o ccupy himself with the use Of a strange

language . ’ B ut the most important part Of Spener s work a a w s . in Dresden , as in Frankfort, his pre ching It w as intelligently directed toward the teaching o f essential doctrines and the Spiritual upbui lding o f his people through the unfolding o f scriptural H is o f truth . sermons were shorn all that was

merely rhetorical and ethical Or controversial .

They had , also , a popular character and a practical

tendency . Such preaching soon excited attention ,

then applause and admiration , and his sermons 1 688 were solicited for printing . From the year he published th ree annual courses o f sermons : “ T ” “ he Evangelical Doctrines , The Evangelical “ ” Duties and The Evangelical Consolations . u Of These sermons were plain , solid , and f ll

Christian warmth . In his private lectures Spener ma de use Of the Bibl e a e n in the original l nguages , as he was not tire l n y satisfied with the various comme taries . In his exegesis he adopted the best methods of several of the most learned commentators Of the t time , and s rove to avoid the extremes of allegory ‘ o n o ne h and o n the , and scholastic literalness the

other . o ne o f While yet in Frankfort, at the house a h o w meetings held there , Spener had been sked o n e r Should know the new c eature in Christ, and how discover if such a work were of n a ture o r Of h o w grace . Some were anxious to know they should be able to know that they were living in a f o f condition o grace . His argument this ques

tion , in its essential points , with its scriptural

proofs , was written down by a divinity student wh o 1 68 a was present . In 7 this argument p e are d o f p in Saxony in print, under the title

66 S E N P ER AND HIS WORK .

pe cially as such treasures were always to be found

in it . This rule, he thought, admitted Of but o n e exception : When a preacher was limited to a x fi ed text, and this text did not contain the mat n ter which he fou d it necessary to use, he believed that love Should prevail over all art and every fo r e dificat io n rule, and that the sake Of the text t o and the sermon might be forced the purpos e . Of In the case a free choice Of texts , he believed

that the natural method must always be followed . He expressed a preference for evan gelical teaching o f being made the chief thing ;that redemption , n an i a io n justificatio and s ct fic t . He declared him self positively against the continu al preaching Of the law which was then practiced because of the m corrupt ti es . He recognized its value in awak e ning Sinners to repentance ; but believed that every preacher was above all calle d to announ ce t he the gospel of salvation , which brought Spirit o f san ct ifi faith , through which was wrought the l l cation of ife . He dec ared that he who preached

the Gospel with prudence and power, would see from it more fruit among the unrepentant and o f godless than from all the thunders the law . He reproached the mere preaching of morality as n r useless , si ce it was sepa ated from faith , the cen o f tral principle Christian life . He finally warned r against introducing controve sy into the pulpit, and strove to lead the preaching back t o apostolic

S . implicity He carefully , and in detail , instructs the preacher in the preparation of sermons , the

proper use of the Catechism , and the administra o f tion the sacraments , that they might all be the means o f bringing the Church to a better condi tion . Spener sought further to improve the condition o f the Church by carrying o n theological corres K 6 SPENER AND HIS WOR . 7

o nde nce p with various persons in Saxony , and

finally included in it the whole Of Germany . For some years he had be en looked upon as the chief spiritual and theological counselor for all n Germa y , and when he entered upon the duties his f Of O fice in Dresden , it became necessary for the Elector to procure frankage for letters received b o n e and sent y him . At time, he assured a e a an fri nd , th t during one year he had carefully sw e re d SI ! w -t wo hundred and t enty letters , and re e that th hundred remained unanswered . CH A PTE R V .

’ PI ETISTIC CONTROV ERSI ES SPENER S DIFFICULTY T TH E C OR— H I S CA T B I WI H ELE T LL O ERL N .

’ G DURIN Spener S residence in Dresden , the Pietistic M ovem ent brought o n that controversy and which disturbed all his after life, which long LiI th e ran after his death distracted the Church . Influenced by the general m ovement which w as ’ th e o f k result Spener s work in Fran fort, three young men o f Leipzig founded a society for the f closer study o the Bible in the original . t These men were Augus us Hermann Francke,

CaS ar . Paul Anton , and John p Schade The t w o former were private lecturers o n theol in o gy the Leipzig University . These three were wh o joined by other professors , were eminent for their piety and learning . Francke made a visit to Spener I n Dresden and returned filled with zeal for the promotion o f true n religious life amo g the people . But soon false reports were circulated concerning him , charges against him were sent to Dresden and every effort was made to suppress the pietistic movement in the the university . For time being these efforts th e r were successful , and p ime movers in the direction o f aggressive Christianity were forced to leave the city .

The downfall of this movement in Leipzig, in h ad which Spener hoped much for the church , caused him n o little disappointment ;but he was engaged in another matter which in part with ( 68 ) 69 SPENER AND HIS WORK .

drew his attention from it . This was a contro ve rsy over an extremely strenuous form o f con fessional subscription adopted by the Ham r a burg Ministe ium , and especially directed tow rd t o Spener and his friends . It was calculated cast reproach upon them and debar them from all r fellowship with others in the Luthe an Church . In many places this form was severely co n de m n e d n K r ;but the theologia s Of iel , Wittenbe g, Liib e ck r n and Greifswald , t eated it with favor whe r S n their Opinions we e required . pe er was then t o r Su e rin appealed , and also the th ee General p t e n de nt s : o f r Fischer Riga , Ala d of Oldenberg, VV o lf nb iitt el and Meyer of e . These men also published treatises upon it, and this created a r most unhappy division in the enti e Church . Spener was accused in public tracts Of being the patron of all errors , as the founder of the hated house-gatherings ( fo r prayer an d Bible study) and the proper cause o f the Hamburg disturb ance . As a defence against these reproaches he “ prepared an excellent little work entitled : The Freedom of Believers from the views of men in ” o f t matters Fai h . In this he nobly defended d Of the free om the Church , and made it the occa sion of a free expression Of his t heological opin ions . He condemned the attempt made by the Hamburg Ministerium to bind the entire Church o f by this strenuous form subscription , and thus cause the division of congregations . He again more decidedly set forth the doctrine o f the spir it u al ri - a f p esthood , the p storal O fice , the supremacy ’ o f n n God s Word , and the right of its i terpretatio . He denied the right of the u niversities to bind ’ men s consciences by their opinions ;but held o f s o them valuable in matters counsel , in far as their faculties were learned Sincere and spiritual . 70 SPENE R AND HIS WORK .

He claimed the right o f freedom and adaptation in us e an d the Of orders Of worship , praised the Augsburg Confession and the authors Of the Form of Concord fo r their wisdom in leaving these un essential matters free ; especially a s it had proved ’ SO r salutary , in the cou se Of the Church s history , that in almost all Of the larger cities th e various churches differed from each other in the u se o f these things . Much was written on both sides o f the qu estion ; ’ Spener s decided inclination to Chiliasm w a s t discussed , being incidentally related to the at i tude Of the Hamburg Ministerium toward the f B Ohm Chiliastic writings O Jacob e . But finally a short- lived amnesty was Obtained th rough a was compromise , and controversy for the time suppressed . m w as In the eantime , Spener laboring under another difficulty that caused him yet more anxiety and embarrassment . Following the ex Oi f ample his predecessors in O fice, Spener took o n 1 689 a d occasion , a fast day in February , , to monish the Elector concerning his disposition a nd n his life . He did this , urged to actio by conscience , in the character of confessor to the r n p i ce, by letter , and in a modest but earnest n an d m a ner . At first the Elector was Shocked r touched by this appeal ;but late , excited by his n f courtiers agai st Spener , he felt himself o fended , and w as seized with a violent dislike for the man who had presumed to censure and correct him . He sent the letter back to Spener with a long and rambling answer which , though not severe toward

Spener, accused other persons Of instigating the action . These innocent persons he threatened with serious punishm ent for the supposed injury .

Spener hastened , in a second letter, to assure S A N D K PENER HIS WOR . 71 the Electo r that the step was taken without the o r c O - knowledge Operation of any other person , w as that it done by him alone, in the discharge w as o f his official duty . But this letter returned to him by the privy Councilor unopened . After ’ this * th e Elector never again attended Spener s preaching ; and at communion was served -b y Fo r t o another preacher . a time Spener wished resign ;but supported by th e consciousness o f his n o f innocence, he conti ued in the administration hi f f afl airs n s O fice . This condition o remai ed the w as same for a year, and there hope that the anger Of the Elector would finally subside . But it happened that in conversation with a person o f rank , the Elector was assured that this person had been shown copies o f the Offensive letter sent by Spener and th e answer thereto . The

Elector, believing this , was again made furious n w a s agai st Spener . The latter questioned in the matter by t w o privy Councilors sent by the Elector ;but his assurances that the letters had o ut o f n n o o n e never passed his ha ds , and that h a d f r O o m . opied a line the , we e all made in vain The Elector determined upon the removal o f his n o t fin d Spener from service , and was long in in g a suitable occasion t o accomplish this . The f o o r . position Provost, superintendent in the St r w as Nicholas Chu ch at Berlin left vacant, and Spener w as quietly approached concerning his a s acceptance of the position . His answer w an o n e Te u b e r wa s evasive , and called to the position his d T b r in stea . But e u e lived only a few months o f his n e w f an d after taking charge O fice, the Branden burg government formally repeated the call to Spener . Others might have looked upon this u nco n ditio nall as s y a divine call , and have gladly eized 2 S W R 7 PENER AND HIS O K . the opportunity t o free th em selves from a difficult n t O o S S . situation ;but pener He answered , that he was ready to go anywhere that G o d would lead ' h e w as h e w as him , as soon as certain that di n o vinely called to another position . He was t ye t satisfied that h e should leave an Office t o n al which he had evidently been divi ely led , though he was n o longer able t o w ork in it as he do o o wished t o . N t until the Brandenburg g v

‘ e rnm e nt and the Saxon Should come to an agree w o f ment in the matter , ithout any intervention o wn w Of G o d w as his , Should he feel that the ill in it . The Brandenburg government did not under s Of n tand the Situation Spe er at Dresden , and did not suppose that his resignation would be accepted N O at the Saxon Court . advance in the matter was therefore made, and the negotiations ceased . I II o f the meanwhile , at the approach the winter o f 1 690 u his , the Saxon Elector ret rned from c o n a ampaign the Rhine . He soon compl ined that he could no t live in his palace becau se o f u his Spener, and so ght to Obtain resignation , promising him a considerable pension for the rest o f n his life , in case he would tra sfer his services l e sewhere . But Spener declined decidedly the i t o whole propos tion ;first , because it would seem admit a suspicion o f fault and Offense toward the no t o f Elector ;and again , because he would his o w n will lay down an Office to which he had been divinely directed . The Saxon Princess , wife of the Elector, especially loved Spener and prized no w his services , and She strove to act as a paci t ying agent between Spener and her husband . Sh e proposed that Spener should occupy a City Church instead of the Palace Chapel ;but this

Spener, also , declined to do . The Elector would

PT CH A E R V I .

S R A S R SID OF TH E T Y A N D PENE P E ENT CONSIS OR , PROV OST A T B ERLIN— PIETISTICAL E! TREMES TH E CON FE SSI ON A L PIETISTIC CON TR OV E R SY

ATTEMPTS A T CHURCH UNI ON .

THUS had the providence Of God led Spener in his appointed work from the South to the North n o t through Germany . His present position was at all equal in outward splendor or in revenue to the o n e which he had just vacated ;but he did d it o f not consi er from a worldly point view . He saw only the work which was t o be don e in the Of at name the Lord , and rejoiced sincerely the b change . He found in the great Church roader Opportunities for good than in the small Court H congregation at Dresden . e soon observed in his hearers an earnest desire fo r th e powerful f ’ preaching o God s Word . He also found the Lutheran Church here much better than those the h outside State had thought ;not, owever , in

relation to its evangelical life , but in its relation r to the State . The ruling Electo , Frederick the w as r Third , Reformed ;but he t eated the Lutheran and Reformed Churches with equal love and jus d tice . The earlier strife between these enomina d th e tions had been entirely quiete , while liberties Of the Lutheran Church were in n o way interfered

with . Lutherans were no t limited in the use Of o f o f their orders worship , and had the liberty preaching from the pulpit concerning the points in dispute between them and the Reformed ( 74 ) S R 5 PENER AND HIS WO K . 7

o n Church , the sole condition that they refrained an o from Offensive lang uage d s landers . The g v e rnm e nt provided fo r the prosperity o f the Luth r fo r e xam i eran Church , by proper o dinances the o f an d o f nation candidates , the teaching the r f Catechism by the preache s . The custom o exor cism at baptism w as left free to those wh o desired s it;but no o n e dared to force it upon other . Spener found here that spirit o f love and gen t l e n e ss in which the Church has never failed t o prosper . TO r these conditions Spene , with his wisdom and moderation , was admirably suited to move forward toward the possession o f those excellent Opportunities t o which he w as especially called “ The love and respect with which he w a s received increased , and it continued in undiminished n o r strength long after his death , was it ever Shaken through all the atta cks and calumnies to which he was subjected by his enemies . This fidelity enabled him t o serve the people with great afiairs success and benefit , not only in local , but H i throughout the entire province . s work in the Consistory was the same that he had had in Dres as w as den ;but Provost , he entirely free from ffi a . w s O cial and pastoral work He , however, t o obliged preach twice each week , to superintend l the schoo s and inspect the diocese . From the o f o wn beginning Of his work here, he took up his o f co n accord the catechisation the people, and ’ a tinned it with his usual zeal . Spener s actu l work here was much more burdensom e than it had been in Dresden ;but his relations with his a colle gues were pleasant, and his duties were fe w his much lightened , when a months after a was a arrival in Berlin , John C spar Schade p in f pointed his assistant O fice . 6 S R RK 7 PENE AND HIS WO .

t h e h During same year, Spener was muc dis quieted by the prospect of being recalled to Dres ’ n an d de . The Elector died , Spener s return became the subj ect o f discussion at t h e Saxon

w as n o . Court, but followed by result at that time was Later, his return proposed ;but the proposi

tion met with no encouragement . He might have no w enjoyed in peace and quietness a rich an d blessed harvest from his

years of Christian labor, had he not again been attacked by his adversaries and drawn into o n e

controversy after another . These disputes lasted long after his death ; and while he lived he was daily called to mourn for the storm - shaken

Church . He had guarded his movements in the Church h b wit the greatest care . He had striven to ind into one the intelligence and holy life o f the

Church , and had always warned against an

empty enthusiasm . But to his account were charged all Of the excesses into which pietism

fell . Pulpits , tracts and books were used as

means of attack , and became the instruments of f a bitter war o words . All the chief theologians Of Germany were joined to o n e party or the other

in attacking or defending the Pietists . The term Pietist became a nick- name fo r all departures from custom and every heresy o r schism in the

Church . u Of The faithf l preaching Spener, his zealous efforts to purify the Church and advance the

cause of vital religion , were no doubt the prime f cause O these disputes . And as the truth is w t al ays at ended by error, there can be no doubt but that many perversions and abuses attended

- the wide Spread results of his work . There were not a fe w fanatical souls whose test of religion S RK 7 PENER AND HIS WO . 7

as m f w asceticis , a manner o walk , a style Of cloth f S n o r o . i g a form Speech ome, and these o r in usually women , pretended imag ed them o r l selves to be inspired , especially i luminated in o mind as t the Scriptures . Spener had adopted the more moderate and o f purer form Chiliasm , believing that the Church o f l God would be purified from every evi , and

finally reign supreme in the world . Many others , w and t o ho ever, seized upon this idea carried it a most extravagant length . is to Hypocrisy , which a pretending something that we do no t possess and which may arise from o r - design from self deception , was another result f k o f ff w as o the movement . This ind a ectation adopted by several o f the German prin ces and o f also by the king Denmark , and was the cause o f a wide - Spread assumption o f pious manners c t o and spee h , in order gain favor with these a courts . There was also tempt tion to run into extreme religious excitement . There were many e e dificatio n e difica religious m etings for , and the o f f tion was by means singing hymns , O fering prayer and reading the Scriptures . Connected with this w as also Scripture reading and worship t o in the family . This was all be desired in m oderation ;but some laid stress o n the number o f a n d of meetings attended , the length prayers , f i the mingling o rel gion in common conversation . li The outward act, and not the Spirit and fe, became the Obj ect in the eyes o f many ;and merit w as therefore attached to the Observance o f these n thi s . A Hthis Spener bitterly deplored ;but he never th el e ss held himself above the injuries t o which o r he was subj ected , either by his followers his a dversaries . He strove by every means t o teach 8 PE ER 7 S N AND HIS WORK . the truth in all moderation an d to bear himself with loving kindness toward all . The establishment o f the University o f Halle w as o n e o f th e most important events in t h e life of Spener, as it was also in the history of the

Pietistic controversies and the Protestant theology . ’ It was the carrying o ut o f one of Spener s chief w as o f desires , and due to his representations its great value in shaping the future o f the Church in o f u w e a province so m ch importance . As se e shall hereafter , it became the stronghold of moderate Church reforms and o f a strong phil anthropic and religious life . Amid the distresses and great disquiet caused s by the Pietistic questions , there aro e still another, b which , Spener complained , rought him the most difficult experiences of his life Among the many corruptions o f the Lutheran ‘ u o f Church , Spener looked upon the ab se the n Co n Confessional as o e of the greatest . Private fe ssio n had been unknown in the ancient Church ; but had become a custom of the Catholics , which w as enforced by law in the thirteenth century . It was meant to affo rd the priest opportunity for an exact knowledge of the spiritual condition o f b t o his church mem ers , that he might, according need , administer rebuke and admonition . Luther . had this praiseworthy obj ect also in view when he insisted o n retaining Private Confession in the

Church , although he did not consider it necessary to the proper enj oyment of the holy communion .

But now , as confession was practiced , together s with the ab olution following , it had come to be with many an opus opera tum which but served as f an assurance o carnal security . Spener had long deplored and opposed this mistake in his e xpe ri no t ence with his congregations . He had hesi SPEN ER AND HIS WORK . 79 t at e d to tell frankly what a burden and martyrdom w as the confessional for conscientious preachers , because o f the forgiveness o f sin announced t o so many unworthy an d unrepentan t persons who were but strengthened in their sins . The power t o o sin w as n o t f rgive he said a human attribute, but a divine grace through which fallen sinners t o G o d were reconciled and the congregation , and o f strengthened in soul . But the present custom going t o confession and seeking absolution at certain times in order to be admitted to co m munion he considered useless and even harmful . ’ B eicht- enni co nsid The confessor s fee , or pf g, he ered a sham e t o the Church and had long desired sa o f it t o be discontinued . But he w no hope o f o f o f this , partly because the poverty many o f a d the preachers , and in part because the vantage gained through it over their congrega t o tions , he believed that it would be easier move ro o f heaven and earth than to b them this idol . a was a His assistant , Sch de, particul rly averse t o the confessional ;and being o f a melancholy it s u se disposition , so disturbed him that he was relieved o f the formal hearing o f confession at the 1 n confessional , and was placed the sacristy where he should have opportunity t o speak from the heart with the erring children of the Church . But . n o t n this did quiet his a xiety, and in a short time “ n : F e w he published a small tract , e titled A ” t o ! uestions from the Confessional . He hoped receive satisfactory answers to this , but did not . “ : Prac He, therefore , soon followed with another o f tice the Confessional and Communion . This li ttle work w as so severe in its character w and expressions , that Spener declared that hen t o he read it, he was shocked almost death . Schade admitted the great value that Luther 80 R SPENER AND HIS WO K .

had foreseen in the confessional ;but said that his practical experience had taught him different ni things concer ng it . That while it was not al o r ed ways inj urious valueless , that its limit value was fo r no compensation its dreadful abuses . “ ’ “ wh o l B e icht Praise it wil , he says, I say , stuhl Sa tanstuhl I Fe uerpfuhl These hard expressions caused general excite th e c in ment in Church , which S hade further creased by assembling those wh o were t o commune in the sacristy o n t h e following Sunday all t o o f gether, instead singly , where he publicly and

touchingly admonished them . Then he knelt in

prayer for them , and repeated a general confession u h o w aloud , instr cted them to prepare in the most e d worthy way for communion , and having absolv an d t them all together, aloud , dismissed them wi h c the benediction . This occurred two su cessive

Sundays , and meanwhile Schade refused to occupy

the private confessional . The congregations and the ministerium were t disquie ed and divided in sentiment . Spener b ut sympathized with his colleague, also blamed im h for his rashness . A number of citizens de m ande d that Schade be required to return to the customary use o f the confessional o r that he be w f . n o removed from o fice The Elector, being in o f Prussia, caused an investigation the complaints a and demands to be made . The commission p pointed to examine into the matter was composed o f one Berlin magistrate , nine Lutheran members o f o f the Electoral Council , and the Ministerium o f the St . Nicholas Church . A deputation citi e co m zens , through an advocate, presented th ir

plaint against Schade , who most excellently de in fended himself person . But another body o f citizens from Berlin and

2 R 8 SPENE AND HIS WORK . an d so closely w as the matter argued that no de ci io n s was reached . It was then referred to the r Co e ln t o su e st two Ministe iums of and Berlin fi gg means by which the confession al should be free d from its abuses , and especially to find means by ’ which the o fie n sive confessor s fee should be dis continued and the preacher be indemnified fo r its loss . Meanwhile, Spener strov e to quiet the citi zens by kindly warnin gs as to the difficulties and divisions likely to occur should their demands be persisted in ; but as he was unsuccessful in this , he finally allowed the most zealous against the confessional to receive communion after a preparatory sermon and confession and absolution . n e w Writings appeared , however, that added fire fuel to the , and Spener strove from the pulpit to influence his people t o return to the Old order o f ff things , and to heal the di erences between them . But the party zeal was too great , and con ’ tinned to embitter the Church long after Schade s 1 694 death , which occurred in July , , before the commission had time to render a decision in the matter of the confessional . But a decision was finally reached in Novem o f ann o u nco d ber the same year , and the Elector that the use of the private confess ional should remain t o those who desired it ;but that every Saturday afternoon a preparatory sermon should t o be preached communicants , and that those to whom private confession was Offensive should be t o w allowed commune ithout it, provided they presented themselves during the preceding week t o the pastor for preparation in the line of his p astoral

Th e fre que ncy o f t h e pre parat o ry se rm o n a nd co m munio n was due t o t he large num be rs o f pe o pl e i nclude d in a single c o n re at i S m i mm ne e v e r S n a g g o n . o e w e re o bl ge d t o c o u y u d y f o e r 1 r t h Wh l o n re a ie s 9 9 9 ? 9 r t v i r e i ! rd 39 ead ! e e e c g g t fis a y ars SPENER AND HIS WORK . 83

' Wittenberg and Leipzig and other schools and n o w d i pastorates joined in the spute, which did n not fail in painful condemnation , accusatio , and r grave misunderstanding, in which too g eat zeal and passion sometimes obscured truth and justice . While Spener was engaged with these im m e di di fficu lt ie s ate , the pietistic strife again broke out, and writings appeared in which Spener w as so misrepresented that he felt obliged t o defend him f r self o the sake of the Church and his position .

This renewed controversy did not soon abate . Spener w as often compromised by the extreme expres sions and conduct of those claiming to be true Pietists , and again by the appearance of cer of l i tain works a decided y Ch liastic character, which he had not known of and did not even read . A long dispute w as again renewed over the o f proper conduct church members , the Pietists

- demanding that dancing, theatre going, novel reading, elegant and gay clothing and improper modes of conversation be abjured , while the great majority o f the pastors and church members held u them to be q ite indifferent matters . It now seemed as if so many persons and Opin ion s had entered into the Pietistic controversy that an increase o f the excitement w a s no longer a possible . And yet this occurred through an t tempt to unite the two Protestant Churches . The plan for a union of the Lutheran and Cath olic Churches which had but lately been proposed was frustrated ; and no w the moment seemed ni favorable for a Protestant u on . The Elector of Brandenburg had taken upon himself the royal o f honors Prussia, and at his coronation he had t w o t o promoted court preachers the bishopric, an li w as overture to the Eng sh Church , which also n ni A mi i cluded in the u onistic plan . com ssion 4 SPENER AN D HIS WORK .

o f Of learned and prominent theologians , both the

Reformed and Lutheran churches was appointed , a and among them w s included Spener . n t But Spe er declined to act . He had of en been r an d accused of departing from Lutheran doct ine, he felt that these accusations would seem t o be true f u in case he should act freely in the matter o nion . He had been in favor o f union ;but felt that b e it was far from advisable at this time . He li e ve d that the condi tion of the t w o branches of o f i the Church would not admit un on , that a better spiritual condition must exist before it would be possible , and that those who could not then live in peace and brotherly love in the

Church of their choice, assuredly could not, when i un ted to any dissenting body . He said that the di vision of the Church was an old and dangerous evil , and that if heedlessly touched , greater evils would result which would prevent the final heal ’ ing of the Church s wounds ;and that it were better to leave the trouble as it was than to attempt so dangerous a cure .

But the Commission met in many sessions . V arious proposals for union were submitted , but o f came to naught . The Pietists were accused a being the chief seekers after union , and gain there was an exchange of controversial writings . o f One of these , by a professor logic in a gym nasium E dzardi so at Hamburg, Sebastian , was passionate and slanderous against the Pietists , especially Spener , that the theological faculty of

Halle complained , and upon an inquiry held by the government, the king ordered the public o f burning of many these slanderous writings , and the order was duly executed . This was the last great commotion in the ’ Church which o ccu red during Spener s life . CHAPTER V I I .

’ SpE N E R s PR TE E— T DA Ys N E T IV A LIF HIS LAS A D D A H .

SPENER o f all his contemporaries had looked infirm itie s o f the deepest into the the Church , and had worked the most faithfully for their healing according to the powers which G o d had given

him . At the end Of his earthly course, he could not fail to be pained by the many distresses and f n divisions which sh e yet su fered . But o the other hand he was quickened by the glad convi o o f tion that much the good seed sown by him , ’

w a s . through God s grace, already springing up He felt that the necessity o f a practical Christian w as n o w t o ity beginning be everywhere felt, and that his ideal was comi ng nearer t o a living reali ty

Neither were there lacking kindly men , who o w n t o awakened by his ministry, were able carry on the work which he had begun according n o n to his o w ideas . His hopes especially rested the future of the young university in whose estab lishm e nt so and he had taken important a part, which he had continued t o watch over with such loving interest . In this he hoped for the growth n of a theology , cleansed from the hard ess and corruptions of scholasticism , and by which the younger generation should be led from an empty an d rambli ng pompousness to solid and healthful religious knowledge . Spener had n o w come to feel his growing age and weakness ;but his interest and activity in the 85 ) 6 R H I S SPENE AND WORK .

di A Church did not in any wise minish . t his re quest he had been given an especial assistant in Archdeacon Blankenburg ; but the extra time which this appointment afforded him was used f r o the general good of the Church . He yet preached twice each week without diffi his culty , and kept up usual catechetical teaching and pastoral and consistorial business . In the last years o f his life he received gre at and merited distinction through the appearance of a collection f o his theological treatises . These were rich in o f matters experience , Observation , retrospections a n d warnings for theologians , preachers and Chris tians of all stations . All of these treatises did not appear until after f“ his death . The last o them were finally col l e ct e d and printed at Frankfort, and only then was it seen in what a wide sphere he had worked .

From them were best learned his merits , his gifts , his ideals , his intellect and activity and the e o f xact condition the Church , and the move m ents with which he was connected . In all cases o n e finds him exercising a free , thoughtful and e quitable judgment drawn from the fountain of the divine Word , showing reason and knowledge o f mankind as well as a deep acquaintance with Christian truth and the foundation of the Evan e lical VVith al g Church . his writings are marked by wisdom and modesty, and they are for all time a treasure to the student and pre acher . It is only to be regretted that these writings are of a heavy w as and tedious style, a fault which always known and acknowledged by the author . ’ In this presentation o f Spener s public life we

have found little room to speak of his home life . The whole o f it might be summed up in tw o : words work and prayer . Every important busi P R R 8 S ENE AND HIS WO K . 7

ness was begun by calling upon G o d. He rose while it was yet dark to accomplish that fo r which he needed n o light : he prayed alone then he assembled his entire household to morning w as prayers . Every event and movement of life held up to God in prayer , and then submitted r t ustfully to the divine will . He slept quietly

- and healthfully , and rose regularly at half past ’ five O clock , and on Sundays at four . He worked the entire forenoon without intermission , and rarely allowed anything to disturb him . H e di ned at midday and after a short sleep , taken sitting in his chair, went again about his work . o In the later afterno n he received all visitors , and during conversation with them he either stood o r walked the floor, in order thus to take some c his ni ne essary exercise . He took simple eve ng ' meal alone in his room to save time . Sunday afternoon he inspected the churches , and upon the way read some book, for which he could find no other time . When he took a journey , he pre a pared lectures as he traveled . There was garden his b ut behind house in Berlin , it is said that he few never visited it but twice, and then only for a f minutes . His household and habits o dres s were o n simple, and he always went about the city foot, never indulging in the luxury of a carriage. v o n fe w He rarely accepted in itations , and the t occasions that he dined wi h friends , did not de as part from his usual abstemious habits . He w o f serene and cheerful, but earnest , speech . De nm Spite his fine discer ent of character , he seemed unable to believe that any o n e could purposely s deceive him , and the bitterest experience in this respect never caused him to close his heart against S a those eeking his counsel and help . He w s a t o and sympathizing friend , a father the poor TE E R R 88 S N AND HIS WO K .

who co m needy, never turned from him without fort and assistance . He was a faithful colleague f an d in o fice, and an exemplary husband father . , w as m t o f He not asha ed con ess his faults Openly , and often begged his congregation to remind him o f his failures , and received such reminders from the commonest people with gentleness and thanks . All these merits were crowned by a sincere humi lit d y that was evident in all his words and eeds . He was averse t o hearing any public praise of r hi hi himself o s work . He only allowed s por trait t o be painted when his friends represented that he could thereby assist a very poor but worthy artist . Spener preached fo r the last time before his i 1704 . v s congregation early in June, He then it e d his Old friend and patron , the widowed ff Electress , and preached to her on the di erence in the death o f the believer and the unbeliever . After his return he commenced a letter to a friend no t o vert ak e b but could finish it , being n y ex c l treme weakness . He be ame ill and fe t that his end was near . On the eleventh Of June, he called f about him all his colleagues o the St . Nicholas T o f Church . o them he spoke of the agreement his faith with the doctrine s of the Evangelical o f Church and the Symbolical Books , and many other things near his heart . He held fast to his fo r faith in better times the Church , and said that he had striven faithfully to discharge the duties his ff fo r of o ice , but that he had failed in much , which he hoped G o d would forgive him . He o w n expressed no hope in his righteousness , ’ but trusted in God s grace through Jesus Christ . He reminded his colleagues o f his love for them o f l and his daily prayers in their beha f, and admonished them earnestly t o preserve unity and

AUGUSTUS HERMANN FRANCKE

A D HI S W K N OR .

BY MA E E C AR D RI . RI H .

B ut they that wait upon the Lord sha ll renew their strength : they ”— shall m un u h n a . saiah x 1 31 . o t p wit wi gs as e gles I .

PH ILA DE LPH IA LUTHERA N PUBLICATION SOCIETY 1897 OPYR I G H T 1897 C , ,

TH E T E P E TY LU H RAN UBLICATION SOCI . AUGUST HERMANN FRANCKE

AND HIS WORK.

CHAPTER I .

’ PR A N OKE S YOUTH AND STUDENT LIFE .

AUG USTUS HERM ANN FR A N OKE w as born in Liib e ck , in the northern part of Germany, on the

22d o f 1663. day March , His father, John o f Francke , was a distinguished lawyer that city and register o f the Ecclesiastical Court . His

w as Grlo xin mother, Anna , the daughter of David , Lii k wh o had been the first mayor of b e c . In the year 1 666 John Francke w as called t o Gotha by in Ernest the Pious , as Court Counselor and his spector of schools , and removed there with family . But his service there was Short , as he 1 670 A died in , when the young ugustus was but l ix O d . s seven years He left living children ,

Augustus being the fourth , and these the wid owed mother continued t o guide and educate in the way begun by the father , uniting strict piety n with learni g and practical intelligence . In this

She was materially assisted by her daughter,

Anna , a girl Of a peculiarly sensitive , religious disposition . Being next Older than her brother

Augustus , they were much associated together, and t o the influence of this Sister was doubtless ( 93 ) 94 FRANCKE AND HIS WO RK .

u o f th r due m ch e ea ly piety exhibited by Francke . Together they read th e Bible and those books most r a calculated to foste truly religious Spirit, and finally Francke begged fo r a private and secluded r t h e room , where, sepa ated from family and his playmates , he might, undisturbed , pursue his h studies and give voice to is frequent prayers . t o But Anna died early, and Francke was left pursue the most important part o f his education o f r deprived this gentle monito , with whom he had been accustomed to share the counsels of his heart . In childhood Francke w as taught privately ; but in his thirteenth year he entered the high f n c o . o e s hool Gotha Here he Spent but year, e b ing then , despite his extreme youth , dismissed t o ni co n sid the u versity , his preparation being ered complete . But he was too young to enter o f upon the independent life a German university, and Spent the two years next following in the study of languages at home . At this time Francke had already determined Of h a d upon the study theology , and read some books with reference to this calling . Attachment to church forms and an external morality were the only qualifications then considered necessary r for the gospel minist y, and Francke seems to have been moral and prudent in his conduct . Outwardly he observed his early devotional habits , but later he confessed that pride , ambi n tio , and zeal in his intellectual pursuits , largely controlled his conduct and hindered his attention to the more important concerns . In the year 1 679 he entered the University of

Erfurt, and pursued his studies for a time ;but one o f his mat ernal uncles held a family scholarship K t o at the University of iel, and in order receive 95 FRANCKE AND HIS WORK .

o f s i the benefit thi st pend, Francke soon removed

K At iel he studied Philosophy , Physics , Nat

ural History, Latin , Oratory , English and Theo

logy . He had heard that Greek and Hebrew ‘ w er e the t w o eyes of theology . He had a good b ut e foundation in Greek , felt hims lf weak in the di Hebrew . He industriously stu ed the Hebrew r z g ammar, and began to analy e, but did not make r 1 682 t o satisfactory prog ess . In he went Ham burg to place himself under the celebrated Hebrew E dzardi teacher, Ezra . E dzardi di rected him to make himself thor oughly acquainted with the first four chapters of so the first book of Moses , that he understood n every word in them , without concer ing himself acco m with the grammar , and when he had pli sh ed thi s again to consult hi m as to his further study . e x e rc1 se Francke considered this a useless , but , nevertheless , faithfully obeyed the direction of the great teacher, and again presented himself for E dzardi in instruction . To his astonishment formed him that he h ad no w mastered one- third o f the Hebrew vocabulary , and counseled him to read the Hebrew Bible through repeatedly ; ( lege biblia rele e bibl'ia re ete biblia r , g , p ) only afte this , o f he assured him , would a deeper study the r o language be valuable . F ancke remained t w months more in Hamburg, and then returned to ’ his mother s house in Gotha . Here he read the

Hebrew Bible through seven times in one year . The first reading required three months ;but after ward he would read it entirely through I n six weeks . Through these readings alone he became so thoroughly acquainted with the Hebrew language fo r that he never lacked a word . In the same 96 R R F ANCKE AND HIS WO K .

year he took up the study o f French and

learned it .

While engaged in these studies in Gotha , he o f o f heard a student theology in Leipzig, who , being well situated and i n good financial circum r stances, wished to find a young man to Sha e his lodgings , who in return would instruct him in

Hebrew . Francke became a party to this arrange 1 684 r his ment , and in , about Easte , took depart f r ure o Leipzig . The young man who here b e came his companion and pupil was VVichm anS ’ wh o SO hausen , prospered under Francke s n o f teachi g , that he afterward became professor oriental languages at Wittenberg . In 1 685 Francke took the degree o f Master o f t o a s Priva t Arts , and began lecture in Leipzig do n ce t . His lectures were well attended , and he began now to use his growing influ ence in another direction . Spener and his Bible study in Frank o f fort had become famous , and the practice a holding meetings for Bible study w s Spreading .

As an exercise in Biblical exegesis , Francke and t r o f Paul Anton , wi h othe private lecturers Leip l i m l ' Co le u hi obiblzcum . zig , established a g P

On Sunday afternoon, following the afternoon sermon , this assembly convened and spent two hours I n the study o f portions of the Old and New

Testaments . But notwithstanding his earnest o f theological study , he says himself in the follow “ ing year : It troubled me that my theological study was so entirely a matter o f pure reason and science . I begin to see that I cannot give myself to a public office and openly teach others concern ing things of which I am no t convinced in my o own heart . I live yet in worldly S ciety , and am surrounded with the enticements o f sin with all o f the established sinful usages . But in Spite

98 FRANCKE AND HIS WORK .

H t o preach he felt that he m ust again decline . e could not conscientiously preach the Word of G o d t o the people in his doubtful and di st urbed sta te f n and r e o mind . Again he fell o his knees c i d o ut in the darkness of unbelief t o God and the fo r e Saviour light, that he might be r scued from mi “ “ his serable Situation . Then , said he, the SO a w as Lord heard me, and gre t His fatherly love that He did not remove my doubts and fears little ab und by little, with which I would have been ant l y satisfied ;but He heard me suddenly . All — u doubts disappeared . I was ass red in my heart f o the grace of God in Jesus Christ . I not only

could call Him God , but I called Him also Father . All the unrest and sadness o f my heart were taken

. w as away I filled with joy , and praised God with a full heart . In trouble and doubt I had

bowed my knee, and I arose in the unspeakable o o f j y certainty . I was convinced that all the world with its joys and blessings could not awaken r such pleasure in the hea ts of men as this , and I had faith that after such a foreta ste o f the grace and goodness of God , the world with its allure ” ments would be powerless over me . no w He preached with joy , and from this time “ he reckoned his true conversion . From this ” “ time on , he says , Christianity was to me a w as un serious thing, and it easy to deny myself ’ godly pleasures and worldly lusts . God s honor and o f H is the enlargement kingdom among men , o f became the important aim life . From this o n time promotion , honor, authority in the world , riches , joyous days , and the idolatry of worldly ” things , I no longer regarded . “ nf e o f b e Later, in his Co ssion his inner walk ” “ G o d : fore , he says concerning his faith Since m o f m c in Liineb e r the mo ent y onversion g, it has FRANCKE AND HIS WORK . 9

governed my entire life . It is this confession Of w a faith in which I live, the y wherein I walk , the truth which I have learned from the Holy Scrip h as U tures , and which the Holy Spirit sealed pon w a my heart , the narrow y wherein I run , that I may“ be guarded from all false ways and that I r f may grasp the whole t easure o life . I know n well my miserable co dition , and that through sin original , and also through actual sins , I have deserved death and con demnation ; the Son of fo r H is God has given Himself me , and through blood , reconciled me with the Father . God no sin h as attributes to me more , but justified me bec ause I believe on His Only Begotten Son . The faith o f Francke w as n o w n o more a dogma to l be be ieved , but a life to be lived , a pervading

Spirit reaching down through unreckoned years . He remained in L iin e b u rg until near Lent o f 1 6 the year 88 . He established here also a f r o i . class Bible study , as he had done in Leipz g iin r H re On leaving L e b u g he went to Hamburg . e he formed a firm and lasting friendship with n Nicholas Lange , who was teaching, and holdi g u ifi a i n public lect res for religious e d c t o . In Ham u an d b rg Francke established a private school , here was awakened in him the first desire fo r t h e great work which he afterward undertook . In this school he discovered how inefficient and o f corrupt were the educational systems the time, and h o w wretched the discipline exercised over f children generally . The results o his experience as a teacher here were afterward given to the “ public in a writing entitled The Education o f Vi d m ” R Children in Piety and Christian V S o . e m e m b e ring these experiences afterward when in “ ” “ Halle , I knew , he said , that the then exist ing system o f education was no t to be bettered by 1 00 FRANCKE AND HIS WORK . the writing o f books alone ;it s improvement must ’ be demonstrated . o f 1 688 t Just before Christmas , Francke re urned o l to Leipzig, intending again to h ld private ectures and continue his studies . But before enteri ng upon his work there he determined to stre ngthen himself by an acquaintance and Short association

w . with Spener, hom he held in high esteem t o He , therefore , repaired Dresden , where in Spener was then court preacher . Francke was vit e d to the house and the table of this hospitable w as family , and here sealed that intimate friend ship and confidence that lasted through the re ’ ’ m ain de r of Spener s life , and influenced Francke s r enti e course . m Francke remained with Spener two onths , and declared it to be a time which was the richest in n blessing of any i his life . He returned to Leip zig filled with zeal and joy in the work which lay before him . Spener had inspired him anew with a desire for closer study of the Scriptures , and advised a more practical exegetical study than

Francke had hitherto given them . In addition s t h e to his lecture in university , he united with Paul Anton and John Caspar Schade in practical N exegetical readings from the e w Testament .

These readings met with general approval . Dr . Ole ariu s o f John , then rector the university , f allowed him the use o an auditorium . An espec ’ iall y near friend of Francke s at this time , was ’ n Joachim La ge , a younger brother of Francke s wh o Hamburg friend , afterward became a distin i gu sh e d professor in the University at Halle . Under the influence of the course of Bible study n i stituted by Francke and his friends , many students were brought to a living faith , and among Ole arius others , Gottfried , the son of the rector of

02 FRANCKE AND HIS WORK .

thorough investigation . The Faculty met in mi o f council over the matter, and an exa nation ’ c w as Francke S tea hing followed , which entirely B u t satisfactory . in the meantime the preachers o f the city were aroused , and denounced him from the pulpit . ’ o f o ne o f At the funeral Francke s hearers , Car z o v o f p , the bitter enemy Spener , uttered hard things against all pious assemblies and their sym a hiz r p t e s . He declared that the only result would be rather pious , but also rather illiterate students . The attention drawn upon Francke and his friends by this serm on was increased by a funeral f r poem prepared o the same occasion by Prof. a Joachim Feller . It began s follows :

’ E S ist j e t z t St adt -be ka nnt de r nam de r pie t ist e n ; W as ist e in Pie t ist ? de r G o t t e s W o rt st udirt n na m n n lihr U d ch de se lbe auch e in he ilig L e be f t .

Through this , the name Pietist came really into use ;it spread at once to Dresden as the name o f a n e w sect which had Sprung up in the Leipzig

University . The chief Co nsist o riu m o f the city n o w ordered a report from the University concerning the teach o f his ing Francke and friends ;and in October, 1 689 , Francke , Schade , Anton , Ehlers , Achilles , and some other lecturers who were suspect ed o f

t o . Pietism , were brought a formal examination The result of this inquiry was favorable in SO far that no ground of complaint was discovered , and it was believed that many o f the adverse reports arose from the dissatisfaction o f professors wh o found their lectures interfered with by the vigor o u s and pious work o f these young men . But despite the fact that his innocence had “ t was t o been es ablished, Francke called upon 103 FRANCKE AND HIS WORK .

as make a special defense . The matter w taken b co n up by various theologians , and considera le t ro e rs d o f y v y ensue . In the beginning the inquir Francke had been forbidden t o continue his l e c his tures pending examination , and the privilege a w s no t again permitted him . The Philosophical w v t o Faculty, ho e er, gave him permission lecture, ’ and he began a course o n Jacob Th o m asi us Tables a tit de fiec us . But again the Theological Faculty w as f m co n o fended , co plaining that he made t in ual o f no w use Biblical illustrations . He formed a class t o which he lectured o n the edu cation and discipline o f the young ;but this was o f soon cut short by the death an uncle , whose ff ii k business a airs required his presence in L b e c . ’ This ended Francke s career as a student and l - 1690 e Priva t do cent . privat ecturer ( ) In June , , he received a call as assistant in the Augustini an and Church at Erfurt, accepted it. A CH PTER II .

FRANCKE A S PREACHER A N D PASTOR A T ERFURT UNI V ERSITY OF HALLE— FRANCKE A S PROFESSOR A N D P A T — P ASTOR HALLE TH E IETISTS .

FR A N OKE wh o o f , well knew the sentiments the o f most the ministers in Erfurt, expected nothing but the most violent opposition to himself and h his methods . But e was strengthened and cheered during all his ministry here by the sup d port and frien ship of Dr . Joachim Justus Breit K haupt, whom he had before known at iel . These t wo found themselves in hearty accord in their work . Both preached with power and f a : e fect , and preached the s me chief doctrine that a secure and only outwardly honorable walk in life was in no way the mark o f a true Chris tian ;but that the entire inner man must be re newed , that the . corrupt human nature must be renewed in holiness , and from this must Spring the fruitful life susta ined by a living faith in the n u livi g Savio r . Crowds o f peo ple streamed t o the churches to hear the preaching of these two men ;even Cath o n b m oli s , in great um ers , sought them , and any t o were moved begin a new religious life , and a m any Catholics went over t o the Luther n Church . But Francke an d Breithaupt did not confine n themselves to preachi g . They assembled the people in their houses fo r especial religious in struction , taking occasion to inform themselves ( 104 )

1 6 R R 0 F ANCKE AND HIS WO K .

no t o t o that he had done s . Thinking convict him o f his both fault and its denial, the package w as in hi e t brought and opened s presenc . No hing a ii w s found in it but L ne b u rg N e w Testaments .

The councilmen were ashamed, and gave

Francke an honorable dismissal . He assured a friend that it w as as good as if he had sent a crier through the town t o announce the arrival o f f N this order o e w Testaments . o f There were large numbers Catholics in Erfurt, and the city w as under the government. o f the f Elector o Mainz . When Francke had preached ud a year and three months in that city , he s denly received notice from the ruling Elector o f his im m ff o f mediate removal fro o ice , because his being o f ‘ the founder a new sect . To this Order was d n adde o e requiring his removal from the city . This movement he recognized as the secret work o f t o his enemies , and he went at once the City Council and denied that he was guilty o f any o f cause removal . He was counseled , however, t o submit to the order made , whereupon he “ answered : The wicked flee when no man pur ” s u e th ;but th e rig hteous are bold as a lion . fo r d Without further opportunity efense ,

Francke was deprived of his office , and ordered h - t o leave the city wit in forty eight hours . He memorialized the magistrates in a plea at once modest and courageous , setting forth the wrong practice o f condem ning a man unheard as o r w against all divine, human natural la s , and o f begged to be allowed the right defense , which was permitted even the worst criminals . Citi zens and even the children o f the Augustinian school added their remonstrance to his before the i a Counc l but without avail . Fr ncke remained d ismissed and exiled from the city . FRANCKE AND HIS WORK . 107

But during the tw o days that he dared to re hi s main in Erfurt, Francke assembled friends in his o wn house, and pleaded with them in a most t ouching manner t o stand fast in the grace which

t o . they had received , remaining true the end o f They wept bitterly, and were full distress at what had taken place ;but Francke left Erfurt o f cheerfully, filled with the consolations the Holy

Ghost . t o a t o his He went at once Goth mother, com

posing o n the w ay a beautiful hymn . The Duke o f Gotha would gladly have retained him within his o wn province ;the Duke Of Saxe Coburg wished to retain him as professor o f - academy, and the young Duke Saxe Weimar a - called him s court preacher . But another field of labor w as no w Opening b e t o o f fore him , which appeared be greater import

ance and wider usefulness . A n e w university w as being establis hed b y

the Brandenburg governm ent in Halle . This w as the most important event in the history o f Pi i i e t s c reli gion and Protestant theology . In 1680 R ittera ka demie , a school for young nobles ( ) be n had en founded there . Thomasi s had been i t o o f obl ged quit Leipzig and Saxony , because the controversial difficulties growing o ut o f the

Bible lectures o f Francke and his friends there . h ad t o l He fled Ha le, and had been engaged there o n in lecturing philosophy and law, and had drawn after him large numbers o f students from various other points . The Brandenburg Elector already contemplated establi shing a u niversity o wn li within his domains , and while trave ng o f through the place, was struck with the idea ni tur ng this academy into a university . w as I n Spener Superintendent Berlin, and used F R A N OKE W 108 AND HIS ORK . this opportunity to Shape the future o f the the o o f Ol gical study in the province Brandenburg . He urged upon the Elector the importance of a state o f Six t housand pasto rates having its own theological school . He argued its influence upon s l b e other in titutions , especial y Wittenberg . He lie ve d that it would prove a check o n the polemi cal and heresy - hunting spirit then ruling so man y r Of the ministe s , and that it would, also , be the means o f keeping money in the kingdom and of ’ n bringing more . Spener s i fluence prevailed ; h e and working in unison with the Elector, de erm in e d th e a f t ch racter o the new institution . o f 1 69 1 B who w as In the autumn . reithaupt, n o w exceedi ngly s ore - pressed by his ministerial f as brethren in Er urt, was called Director of the o f Theological Seminary , and Professor Theology . Francke w as invite d by the Brandenburg Elector e to visit his court, and this invitation r ached him at the same time that he was ordered to quit f a d Er urt . At Goth he awaite some more de m f cided ovement on the part o the Electo r . This 1 69 1 : came in December, Francke was formally called to the new university as Professor o f Greek

and Oriental Languages , and to the then vacant ’ pastorate of St . George s Church in the suburb a o f Glaucha . This pastorate w s given him as f b a royal o fice for his better su sistence , as the

new university was not yet richly endowed . t r h Francke traveled nor h to Be lin , and aving

received his credentials , proceeded to Halle on the h 1 6 2 P 7t 9 . of January , A few years later, aul Anton w as also called to Halle as Professor of and Theology , here was gathered a faculty well prepared to combat the abuses and corruptions o f v the Church , and to carry forward the acti e

Christian work begun by Spener . Philosophy

1 10 R F ANCKE AND HIS WORK . Halle received its impress from three men the Tho m asiu s jurist Christian , the originator of i the institution , the theolog an A . H . Francke, ff h . T o m asiu s and the philosopher Christian Wol , f a pupil of Samuel Pu fendorf, the first instructor l aw ni w as in natural in any German U versity , through and through a type o f the new French

Court culture . >I< >I< >I< >I< >I< Despising alike scholastic philosophy and hu manistic eloquence , theological orthodoxy and e t traditional jurisprudence , he soon g into violent wi r disputes th his native Unive sity , Leipzig , Pr where he lectured as iva t de cent . Being forced t o to yield , he retired Halle , and the circle of students which he gathered about him became the nucleus o f the University which was opened f 1694 . o in Francke , the foremost representative wh o Tho m asiu s Pietism , like , had been driven from Leipzig, turned the theological teaching of the University of Halle in the direction o f the devout study o f the Bible and o f practical ChI 'l St ” n ia ity . To these , the above mentioned writer adds the re vo l u philosopher Christian Wolff , who finally t io nize d the whole philosophical system o f Ger many . The object of philosophical instruction had been the teaching and application o f scholastic a o f doctrines , as a prep ration for the study the ology . The new system appealed only to reason , and sought after truth without prejudice . “ a Mathematics and natur l science was its basis , an d in an equal degree it disclaimed all trans ” ce ndent al authority for morals and fo r law . In ’ o f lff the course the eighteenth century , Wo s philosophy took possession o f all the Protestant s Universitie , and theology and jurisprudence 1 1 1 FRANCKE AND HIS WORK .

a o f c me under the influence his writings , which appeared in German under the title o f Reason ” ~ ~ able Tho ughts . Th o m asiu s n o w At Halle, with , originated the much praised and cherished Lehrfreihefit o f the : t o f Germans the un rammeled freedom thought, m teaching and writing, which has ade Germany o o f is no w s great in the world scholarship . This the principle upon which the modern Germ an o n o f Universityrests , and in the actual carrying instruction there prevails practically an absolute

freedom . This with the philosophical revolution o f W o lfl o f r , and the practical pietism F ancke,

caused consternation in the learned world . Hate and jealousy was speedily excited in the older o f Universities , especially those Saxony . Theo logical parties arose which had their sources in o f the Universities , and soon the entire force teachers and ministers o f the Evangelical Church o n e r allied themselves with Side o the other . Controversies ensued which continued to rage fo r no t e xtin fifty years , and whose Spirit is yet uish ed g in the Lutheran Church . CHAPTER III .

N D FRANCKE A S PHILANTHROPIST A EDUCATOR .

I T was the custom o f the poor in Halle to visit the doors of benevolent people once each week to a receive alms . There w s a day appointed in in - each portion of the town for this gathering, and in the vicinity o f t h e Glaucha parsonage it o c n au c urred O Thursday . Francke always c sed bread to be distrib uted among these people and it soon occurred to him to divide also among o f them the true Bread Life . In regard to it he “ says : A S I sa w them before the house awaiting alms , I bade them all come in , directing the elder ones to one Side of the room and the young to the u other , and began to question the yo nger ones , in ’ a pleasant way fro m Luther s catechism concern a ing the foundations of their Christi nity , while the older ones listened . I did not Occupy more t w a han a quarter of an hour in this y, closing t with prayer . Af er this I distributed among u them the us al gifts , giving them at the same time to understand that in the future they Should receive Spiritual and physical food together . He disco vered through these weekly cat e chisa tions that the ignorance of the poor was so inde scrib ably great that he did not know where to b e gin to establish a solid Christian foundation . It “ SO troubled him especially , he says , that many , h children , because of the poverty of t eir parents , could neither be kept in school no r receive in any ( 1 12 )

1 14 FRANCKE AND HIS WORK .

same day laid my foundation by using a part o f f the money in the purchase o books . I engaged a poor student to teach the children t w o hours fo r S each day, promising him his ervices Six roschen * g each week , hoping in the meanwhile that G o d would favor me with a fe w tha lers more n in the followi g weeks . “ The beggar- children received the n e w books joyfully ;b ut fe w returned them o n the following o r day . They were either kept sold .

But Francke was n o t discouraged by this . o f h e With the remainder the money in hand , again bought books , which the children were obliged to leave with him at the close o f the h school ours . u se o f - b e For the this little poor school , which 1 695 h e ro gan in regular session at Easter, , p i n vide d a room adjoining h s o w study . In this school - room he placed a second box with the iii “ scription : Fo r the enlightenment of poor chil A nne dren , the necessary books and belongings , 1 “ 1 69 . T : 5 O this was added Prov . xix . 7 He that h ath pity upon the poor lendeth to the Lord ;and that whi ch he hath given will He pay him again . n Later Fra cke visited some Of his friends , who t rejoiced with him over his lit le school , and donated a few dollars to it s support ;others placed o f small sums in the box . Some the citizens , seeing h o w carefully the poor children were o w n a fo r o ne taught, sent their and p id them r g oschen apiece the week . By summer there were from fifty to Sixty scholars in the school . The no t l poor on y received free instruction , but twice o r thrice each week alms were distributed among

Fift ee n e nt c s . 1 1 5 PR A N OKE AND HIS WORK .

n o t n fo r them , which served o ly their bodily c t o omfort, but attached them the school and their lessons . o f a At Whitsuntide the same year, Fr ncke laid the foundations o f what was later the Royal f m r h fo r th Pedagogiu o sc ool e higher classes . There was a greater demand fo r private tutors A a s n o t t o ( Hauslehrer) . s this demand w be an o f supplied by y particular class persons , Francke proposed that parents Should send their d t o o f chil ren Halle , where he would take charge thei r teaching and bringing up under able teachers n v and attendants . Ma y parents availed themsel es o f this proposition , and thus was established a 1 709 school which in the year , had its inspector o r - t principal, twenty three eachers and seventy r f t wo pupils . Through the untiring effo ts o t w o it s o wn Francke , years later this school had separate building . This school had no connection with the school fo r was n as D eutsche the poor, which know the

B ur erschule : o f g , where none the classics were taught, but only the elementary branches in the m Ger an language . Peda o ium o r wa s The g g , high school , intended by Francke fo r the education of the sons o f the ne bil ity . Three young nobles had been sent him , and h t is was the beginning of the institution . The o f number the scholars increased , and in the course of ten years , the school had seventy pupils, and they were obliged to live scattered throughout the town in the houses of the citizens . This de cided Francke to provide a building fo r this school , which was done, it being planned and built I t an d inside of three years . contained cheerful comfortable abodes fo r the pupils and their at t e ndant s it s ro and teachers . In plan it showed p 1 1 6 FRANCKE AND HIS WORK .

’ f r V isions o industrial instruction . In Francke s n o as o f no no schools cl s people , walk in life , o f l as practical application know edge w forgotten .

‘ The Pedagogi um w as provided with Chemical o f Laboratory, Cabinet Natural Science , Physical fo r as Apparatus , preparation anatomical studies , well as turning lathes and furnaces fo r glass

moulding . There was also a special course preparatory for Th e o f the university . pupils this course gave t o much attention Rhetoric , Logic , Metaphysics ,

Polemics , the Latin classics and Dogmatics . A was l beginning made in Homi etics , and parts o f the Old and N e w Testaments were read in the

original . ’ o f o ne At the time Francke s death , this school -t wo numbered eighty pupils , over which were an inspector with twenty - eight teachers and ten as i t a nt s s s . For all these schools Francke prescribed the f n m methods o teaching and ma agement hi self . He wrot e o ut carefully a programme for every

t o w . teacher, and required it be strictly follo ed B ur e rschule In the g , there was taught at first, a i reading , writing and Simple rithmetic , w th reg u lar Bible lessons ; but later, Natural History ,

Geography and History were added t o th e course . The girls were instructed in all the feminine

industries , and even many of the poor boys were h t o taug t knit . t o The Latin school , which came be an estab lishm e nt t o B il r erschule next in order the g , was for o f boys only , and for those the more gifted sort, h o o f w were capable a higher education . It grew o ut o f the children o f citizens being sent t o the

- o f . little poor school , and was a higher grade Added to the common branches there was taught

1 18 W FRANCKE AND HIS ORK .

o f i i o r b attained by study the or g nals , , at least, y a thorough knowledge o f the language and the T time in which they were written . o this end Francke finally established a school Of Oriental h languages , wit the Bible as an especial study . The practical and industrial features were also prominent ; for hand in hand with the educational w as hila nthrO ic : the p p idea the uplifting , assist ing and comforting of the people through useful an d applied knowledge , and behind and above all ,

religion , practical religion , was at once the motive

and the object . n in This , however , is more clearly see in those st it u tio ns which were more directly philanthropic ; th e - Poor School , the Orphan House and its de

pendencies . Francke sa w to his sorrow h o w many hopeful children in his Poor - Sch o ol were lost at length by reason of im proper surrou n dings and lack o f care 1605 in the home . In the autumn of , he deter mined to take some of the children entirely under “ ” “ his own care , and this , said he , was the first move toward the establishment of an Orphan m House, without having the s allest capital as a

beginning . “ d When I mentione this proj ect to some friends , a good Christian conscience was soon moved to in Of u tha lers * vest the sum five h ndred , of which I s a wa s to receive the intere t each year at Christm s . This interest brought Francke twenty - five tha lers o f annually , and was the first endowment the o u t Orphanage . He at once sought a poor orphan n that could be taken u der his own care, and for whose comfort and education this money could m b e used . But four fatherless and otherless

ix - m n A tha ler is a o t t nin n s in S . o e . b u s y e ce t U . y N OKE A N D H I S FR A WORK . brothers and Sisters were brought t o him that o n e “ ” might be chosen , whereupon , he says, I ” ventured upon the Lord t o take them all . A good Christian family immediately relieved him o f o f o n e o f the care these , but another at once Fo r appeared in it s place . these four children he found homes with excellent people , paying weekly f n a moderate sum o r their maintenance . Fra cke said that when o ne had ventured to give a groschen o n e e a tha ler to the poor, no more h sit tes to give a , and that when without certain capital o r human o f h e fe w o f promises assistance, had taken a these poor orphans , that he trusted in the Lord and took yet more under his care , and he declares that his Orphan House w as no t founded U pon

o r o f . present capital the promises wealthy people, “ ” but upon the living God in Heaven , only . On the day following the reception by Francke o f the five children already mentioned , two others came ;the next day another and in t wo days after and o n 1 6th o f o f yet another, the November that year he had nine orphans provided for in Chris tian homes . In the oversight and education o f these chil d ren he n o w called to hi s aid a student o f The l b au r e u e . o ogy, George Henry N This young man had already commended himself t o Francke by his assistance in th e disorderly Glaucha pas e his o f t rate , and by influence over the children the congregation . “ “ m In the meantime , says Francke , ca e the and o f faithful God Father the Orphan , who can so t o so do much more than I know ask , power t O fully my aid , that I received much more than ” my foolish reason could have hoped . The same person wh o had donated the five hundred thalers added a thousand t o it at the 120 FRANCKE AND HIS WORK .

beginning o f winter ;by mid - winter another sent him o ne three hundred , yet another hundred , while the work no w so well begun was encouraged o f by a stream small sums . The Poor- School had no w o ve rflo w e d all the spare room in the parsonage and additional rooms had been rented in the house o f a neigh r h b o . was This ouse for sale , and Francke fo r and - five bought it three hundred sixty dollars . On the back part o f this building he added two rooms , and to this house Francke brought the Poor- School and the orphans whom he had taken n t in charge . These were o w welve in numb er ; but seven weeks after the occupancy o f the n e w i t s . house, there were eighteen under roof Neu was t wo bauer placed in charge , and free tables fo r t d acco m m o were provided poor s u ents , each a d ting twelve persons . From these students the - teachers for the Poor School were chosen , and this was the origin o f what was afterward a great ’ Teachers Seminary . I t was no t long until the number o f orphans and the growth o f the school required additional room , and Francke bought the next adjoining house and united it with the first, dividing the d t w o a s chil ren into classes , and later, the num a t bers incre sed , into four . All hese children were furnished with the necessary books and received their instruction absolutely free . Each class had o wn and its rooms teachers , the boys and girls being instructed separately . In his care fo r the young Francke did n o t for get the Older poor . They received all this time l most helpful aid , and many more than former y o f partook his bounty . It w as at this time that Francke separated the - Poor School from the Latin School . This separa

122 W FRANCKE AND HIS ORK .

o f strengthening faith , discovered through a true and é are ful report o f t he Orphan - House and other

' institutions at Glaucha near Halle This work is as o still counted a religi us classic in Germany , and in it Francke relates in a Simple and touch h o w w ing manner, during the time hen he under first n took this building , and in the followi g a nd m years , when the work broadened more ore, n and the cost became co tinually greater, the Heavenly Father Observed every time o f need

and sent the required provision . From week to week and from month t o ” “ o ut month , he writes , has the Lord meted to n n A w e me accordi g as the eed required . lso , ’ enjoyed God s protection ;in all the building that n o ne was a an d was do e no fat lly injured , the few f an d l who su fered y acci ent were speedi y healed . The faithless were also put to Shame ;for when the w all was half done o ne frivolous person re marked that when that wall was completed he l e t o n would himself be hanged it, but the build ff ” ing su ered no interruption . o f 1 696 m Before Easter the year , it ca e about w as that almost every resource exhausted , and we k f r n ew n o t h o w to provide o the following week . At that time I w as not accustomed to such severe tests o f faith ;but at the right time G o d came to o u r - aid with unhoped for help . He moved some m an o r a person ( who it was , whether wom n , and

from what place , is only known to the Lord) , to pay to me by the third and fourth hand a thous tha lers fo r o f w and the continuation my ork , and I received it at a time when there was nothing

more in store . “ A m n t another time, I had al ost nothi g, when the steward represented that unless the household t o ff be left su er . cattle must be bought, and twenty F R A N OKE W 23 AND HIS ORK .

o f to thirty bushels grain be ground for food , to sa o f y nothing wood , wool and other things that " were needed . Had I brought this before the in c Lord publi prayer, doubtless there would have been those present who would have hastened w s r to my aid ith the nece sa y funds . But o n e G o d wh o no would rather give the honor, turns m an m from His door empty , Since He is ighty t o enough help in this way , and when trusted is able so clearly t o Show H is providence that o n e a n can thank Him with gre ter glad ess . There upon I gave myself anew in prayer to God, with o f w h o joy in the certainty His hearing me , heard cr fin the y Of the young ravens . Scarcely had I ish e d y my prayer, and seated m self again at my w as o f table , when there a rap at the door my - n room , and I opened it to admit a well know d f frien . He brought a letter and a roll o money which had been sent him for me from another tha lers place . The roll contained fifty , and there were twenty m ore to come from the same source . o f n and For that time plenty took the place eed , I ' kn ed e w . that God had heard , even before I call “ o f 1698 In October the year , I sent a pious - i and cross bearing Chr stian a ducat . She wrote

' me that it came at a time when Sh e was in great a need , and that she had at once prayed th t my poor orphans m ight be ch eered by a heap o f

ducats . Very soon thereafter a benevolent Chris tian brought me a ducat and twelve double ducats . On the same day a good friend in Sweden sent tw o N o t n me more ducats . lo g after I received by post twenty - five ducats from an unknown

. n person Another patron sent me twe ty ducats , an d at th e same tim e Prince Louis o f W ij rt e m m berg died at Eisenach , and I was infor ed that - he had left a sum o f money t o t h e Orphan House . 124 FRANCKE AND HIS WORK .

as e fi It w ov r ve hundred ducats in specie . He had it put by in a red satin bag with a note b e ‘ ’ I - I n side it : This s for the Orphan House Halle . A S this heap o f ducats lay before me o n the o n o f table, I thought the prayer the poor woman , and that sh e had asked G o d to cheer my poor f orphans with a heap o ducats . “ 1 699 In February, , we came to such great w fo r u o f need, that I kne it an ho r testing and

. o ur re trial I had no means left, and daily quire m e nt s for the great household o f poor were in considerable . I continued - good courage ‘ , thinking o n the words o f Christ : Seek ye first ’ t h e f o G o d . kingdom , etc I let care for the o f m things time fly away , and strove to unite y u self more closely to God in faith . As I paid o t ‘ o f : the last my money I said in my heart Lord , ’ look upon my need ! I went o ut o f my room o n my way to lecture at the university as usual ; but found a student waiting for me , who came with a small package of money which had been sent by a friend forty miles distant for the use o f - the Orphan House . The package contained sev e nt tha lers sufli ce d o ur y , and though it to meet fe w y e t then heavy expenses for only a days , G o d h soon encouraged us with as much more , eac so : time there was present need , and provided from time to time that I ceased to be disturbed b a nd y such trials , no outward need was to be o f traced in the affairs the institution . “ At o ne time there was dire necessity in every re corner . The steward brought his bills and

fo r . quired , also , money the weekly expenses I could only hold my heart to faith i n G o d e for there was no provision at hand , and thes o f s expenses were necessary . I knew no mean d by which they could be supplied . I determine

A N D I FRANCKE H S WORK .

‘ ’

. : and inquired if he needed more He said No . r We were both strengthened in faith , for we ecog niz e d n o f a the wonderful provide ce God , who g ve m at the mo ent and according to need . “ Again there was with us a general failure o f SO funds , that in my prayers I laid Special em ‘ phasis upon the fourth petition : Give us this ’ da o u r an d y daily bread , rested in faith espec ‘ ’ iall o n in th e y the words , this day , s ce it was for A S same day needful . I was yet in prayer, a well - known and loved friend drove up to the door th l no a bringing me four hundred a er . I w rem rked h o w l strong y I prayed for that day , and praised wh o the Lord anew held all things in His hand . A t t one ime, a boy who had been brought up in the Orphan -house had Opportunity to return to m t wo relatives at his former ho e , but required th l a er to pay the expenses of his journey . I sum would gladly have given him this small , but tha ler I had but little more than half a in store .

I told the boy how gladly I would give it, but

' that I had not such a sum by me . This was f di ficult for him to believe, Since during all his stay in the house he had seen no trace o f the fre

e o r . quent ne d , at the table elsewhere But I o f assured him of this , and my willingness to pro vide for this need if I but had the means , and o f bade him go and take leave a good friend , and I would see if by any means I could provide it in A the meantime . fter he had gone I considered if there was not some o n e of whom I could borrow the sum ;but I had work in hand that admitted ‘ o f l : no delay , and I thought within myse f God can easily bring me that much here, when it is ’ His will , and remained at my work . A quarter o f - a an hour passed , when a well known friend p e are d thaler fo r p , bringing me twenty the poor 12 FRANCKE AND HIS WORK . 7

thaler orphans . He said that the twenty had been t o n added his pe sion , and that it had been lying

' his ensio n su ffi for some time unused , since p was t o cient without this , and that he had decided t o wh o give it the orphans , could , doubtless , use

. b o t w o tha ler it . The y received the , and the bal ” ance very opportunely supplied other needs . Francke relates o n e instance after another like a the above . Again and gain did he wait upon I n a the Lord faith , and gain and again received i n m bountifully . Sometimes the gifts were oney , n and sometimes in grain , wood , leather, line , - m building stone and timber . The greatest su which he ever received at once was five thousand th l o f a er . But the fame his work spread through o ut so the kingdom , and even beyond , that people o f s i l o w all clas es , rich and poor, h gh and , wise K o f t o and ignorant, from the ing Prussia poor w it s servant maids , wido s and orphans , joined in support and encouragement .

It would have been hardly possible , however, fo r Francke t o have accomplished so great a work had he no t been provided with true and faithful assistants . “ Of these he says in his Blessed Footsteps , “ p age 69 I count it o ne o f th e most important o f all requirements that G o d gave me from the beginning such helpers as confessed Sincere love t o G o d and their neighbor who did n o t lay hand to the work fo r selfish interest nor fo r sake o f the promised wage neither did they leave any trace o f the mere hireling in the management o f their

. o n y business But, the contrary , the looked upon ’ no t o f the work as God s work , and as the work LOrd men , and in it served the with true self denial and sacrifice o f themselves to the service o f ” e th ir neighbor . R 128 FRANCKE AND HIS WO K .

a h s G o d fo r In not er place, he praise keeping the spirits o f his helpers in faith and patience amidst the frequently recurring need and the f countless di ficulties which they Shared with him . was He thanks Him that when the need greatest, and even as some o f these good helpers spoke a mong themselves that they , this time , should t o l fail find the former b essing, He broke upon and m them with His gracious help quickened the , even as a thirsty land is quickened by a boun tiful rain . Much wisdom and power and m any hands were necessary t o the upbuilding and management f o so great a work . It was all begun with the seven G ulden that Francke had declared was a good capital with which to establish something . At the time o f his death the buildings fo r the Orphan House and its supplements were like a long street . Besides the chief Orphan House k there was the farm , the Boo Store , the Printing u Ho se , the Drug Store , Laboratory , Hospital ,

Library , the Art Museum , and the Schools . The Printing-House and Book-Store were due ’ t o Francke s excellent and sincere friend , Henry l r no t Liin Julius E e s . He was born far from e o n 28th 167 1 burg , the of June , , and died in Sep 1 28 c 7 . tember, He and Francke had been mu h a a E le rs fo l ttached to e ch other in Leipzig, and w lo ed his friend to Halle , as a student of theology , and through his efforts the Book -Store h ad it s beginning in a little chamber in the Glaucha par ’ e a o n s n ge . Francke s sermon Duty toward the ” h ad E l e rs Poor been printed , and appeared at ’ Le i zi er M esse - the p g among the book sellers stalls , himself taking his station at this great commercial o ne A fair to sell this little pamphlet . t first his small venture and his evident novitiate in the

130 FRANCKE AND HIS WORK .

o n having it placed on th e market at a price even w a m ithin re ch Of the poor, its im ense sales t o t h e a - brought very large sums Orph n House , and helped t o establish the Drug -house and its re putation . Finally the Dru g- house grew t o a hospital and

dispensary , the little chamber with its Single case and awkward hand - press broadened t o the great - - r printing house and book sto e , and became , at r last, the headquarters for the dist ibution and sale o f large quantities o f missionary and other relig ious literature , and to this was added the first f o w e . great Bible House , which shall speak later These institutions formed a little city within o f itself, and sheltered a small colony the poor and helpless . It also gave employment to many more , and kept in time an Open table to hundreds o f poor and struggling students . d But Francke gave to G o all the honor . He to his o wn ascribed nothing foresight, activity and learning but called himself an unworthy inst ru ’ ment in God s hand , who had only looked upon what G o d had done .

The humanistic idea had no place in his work , ’ and so clearly did he discern God s will for men in all that he established and accomplished , that he had an alm ost superstitious dread of his o wn n fame, saying that God could easily bri g his work to naught and himself t o shame . Only in the name of Christ would he labor . In all his teach i ings his greatest desire was to br ng all , from the t o a youngest child the greatest schol r, into closer relation to Jesus Christ . B ut notwithstanding his humility and sincere faith , there were not wanting those who heaped upon him abuse and slanders and no t only upon hi a s . him alone, but also upon ssistants Francke I 1 31 FRANCKE AND H S WORK . was o f o f accused pride and hypocrisy, even o wn greed , publicly and privately , by his brother b fe w r ministers in Halle , y a p ofessors , and by ’ f Fre lin h ause n s others in the ministerial O fice . y g beautiful collection of hymns , and his Ground ” Of e in u r work _ Th ology , were characterized as j ” “ ” ious books . The terms Pietist and fanatic were hurled at them wi th all the bitter import that they then held , and no small amount of time and pains had to be expended by these already f - overtasked men in the painful labor o self defence . ’ B ut God s work went on and stands t o - day as a ’ ’ b e ne fice nt monument to man s faith and God s wh o grace , while those stood by with slanders and o n reproaches pen and tongue are scarcely known , “ save as the men who abused Francke . ’ 1 727 o f s In the year , the time Francke death , the following report of these institutions wa s made t o K o f : ing Frederick I . Prussia

P DA I . TH E E M COG I U . 82 scho lars . 70 t e a r n a 1 n che s a d ss st a ts .

II TH E LA T S H OR PHA -H . I N C OOL OF TH E N OUSE . 3 in e t o r e a m as t e r o r rin i a sp c s (h d s p c p ls) . 32 t e a e r ch s . 400 r scho la s . 1 r 0 se vant s .

III . TH E G E R M A N B UR G E R H R M M L SC ULE , O CO ON SCH OO . 4 I n spe ct o rs . 98 t ea r m e che s ( al ) . 8 t e a e r fe m a ch s ( le ) . 1725 o and ir b ys g ls .

I OR P A N V . H S . 100 bo ys . 34 ir g ls . 1 0 a n t t e dants .

. B OA R D E R S A T TH E TAB L V ES . 225 st ude nt s . 360 o o r p scho lars . 132 R R F ANCKE AND HIS WO K .

I H E L D O S O DR R E A R E . V . U H , UG STO N D B OOK STO n 53 pe rso s . I I N I I N F R M I ST TUT O O E . V . W O N

15 yo ung w o m e n . 8 in t h e o e fo r o n e rvant h us y u g s s .

6 wido ws . This Sketch o f the Francke institutions gives ’ but a partial idea o f the large sphere o f the man s o f real labors , especially his constant activity in hi and for the University . Of s Bible distribution and mission work for foreign lands we hav e yet to t Speak , Since they are of such importance hat they require extended notice . But, however wide and o f diverse were all these branches work , they were l nourished by a common root, a oving heart in f the service o G o d and man .

1 34 FRANCKE AND HIS WORK .

o f Bibles , New Testaments , copies o f A the Psalms , and the Sirach . ll these t o o f copies held faithfully the text Luther, except ’ for a fe w changes which were agreed upon as r necessary, and these were made with ighteous so as t o u timidity and care , ca se neither remark r fl n no O e se . It can be easily im agined with what zeal Francke and his friends undertook the manage o f h o w ment this great work, and mightily it o f prospered at his hands . At the death Baron 1719 Canstein , in , his will gave the entire work to Francke for the benefit o f the Orphanage and to h s o f become a part t ereof . De pite the multitude his callings and the great burden of other business , adm inis Francke received the charge gladly , and e re d u o f t it p to the time his death . But it was only a Short time before his death that he was able to give to this branch Of his work th e massive and roomy building in connection with the Or phan House which it still occupies , and to bring it to the complete state o f order and permanence f no w which he desired o r it . The Bible House o n e - o r o f t h e d occupies half, a corner buil ing which is the front o f a court eight hundred feet l t h e ong , entirely enclosed by chief buildings Of b f h l the Orphan House . The uilding o t e Roya a ium Ped gog closes this court at the other end . From this Bible House millions o f copies o f the

Scriptures have gone into circulation , and all over the Christian world like institutions have sprung e up ; Bible societi s have been formed , and free d the istribution has followed , until the poor have t gospel without money and wi hout price . ’ A man o f Francke s benevolent nature could not look upon the darkness o f the heathen world ’ without feeling the force o f the Master s words 135 FRANCKE AND HIS WORK .

o n G o and teach all nations . Such a wish his part could not long exist without opportunity for f K n . o i t s . satisfaction i g Frederick IV Denmark , o f his M asiu s at the instance court preachers , and Liitk e ns t h e , decided to establish a mission in

Danis h possessions in India . He gave the matter f Liitk ns o . e into the hands Dr , bidding him find t w o men wh o were willing to go t o the Danish L k n t o . t e s colonies as missionaries . Dr ii turned w Francke , hose excellent judgment he trusted , and whose mind in the matter he well knew . sure that among the many able young men by whom h e w as surrounded at Halle , Francke would be able t o choose some wh o would be both willing k and competent t o underta e the work . Francke t w o o f proposed German students theology, Bar th o lo m ew ! n iege balg , from Pulsnitz in the Ober n Pliit sch au W e se nb e r lausitz , and He ry , from g in t o Mecklenburg . They were at once sent Copen h o n 29th o f agen for ordination , and the Novem b e r se t fo r sail India . The result justified ’ Francke s choice . These were said t o be the first m issionaries of h m issI On st a the Lutheran churc , and the first tion was th e o n e which they established at Tran n h qu eb ar o t e East India coast o f Coromandel . ! w as iegenbalg highly gifted , and glowing with fervent zeal he addressed himself t o the work in a n man er that insured success . I n the - beginning he sat among the children o f h - an India sc ool master, and with them learned t o read and write the Tamul from letters traced in t o hi the sand . He learned understand it from s and a India servant, finally , in a compar tively

as his . Short time, it became to him mother tongue He also learned the Portuguese and associated himself intimately with the people . The first 1 R R 36 F ANCKE AND HIS WO K .

converts at the mission were five Pariahs but so o r far from being ashamed discouraged , they , as ’ d o f Francke S pupils , well understoo the day n o f e small thi gs . At the end the first y ar, they o f -five had a little congregation thirty persons , and the year 1771 found fourteen thousand Hindus belonging t o the mission station at Tranquebar and within the Christian church . But the missionaries found no bed o f roses in d f f th . o e In ia The work was full di ficulties , f country full o enemies and antagonists . They found even here among th e European residents enemies o f the se - called pieti stic movement o f wh o Francke and Spener, Opposed the practical

and living work of the men from Halle , and looked with distrust upon any departu re from scholastic f methods in religious a fairs . But it was said that “ they had one good friend in heaven , and in Europe they had three King Frederick o f D e n m fo r ark , Francke in Halle and the Society the

promotion of the Christian Religion in England . These were all faithful helpers o f the mission in u Tranq ebar . Among the Germans Francke s us r t ain ed it with his pen and his p ayers . At Halle he collected means and supplies for the needs of

the mission , and kept up a constant correspond

ence with its missionaries for twenty years . In in o r deed , the mission remained more less imme

diate connection with the Orphanage , and mis sions became a part of the Christian work o f

Lutherans from this time forth , though in Ger many there has never been any Official connection ' o f any missionary society with the state church , the societies being quite independent o f the church organization and government . There is no doubt that the first awakening of German Christians to their duty to ward the heathen nations was stim u

8 R 13 F ANCKE AND HIS WORK . knew what w as required in young m en for such ’

u . ard ous work Indeed , Francke s choice became sufficient sure ty that a man could labor with

lessing among the heathen . The most celebrated o f these m I SSI Onarie S were ! iegenbalg, Benjamin Schultze and Frederick m So nn e b ur Schwartz , both fro g in Denmark , and i G e r k e K b . William , from ol erg in Pomerania All of the German missionaries Sent o ut by Francke were taken from the University without special preparation for this n e w and peculiar work . Frederick Schwartz became the most celebrated of re all these missionaries . He commanded the spect and confidence o f all classes of people and a in all religious p rties . He was called upon to t e rfe re in matters of commerce and state as well as religion . 1 3 i o f 7 0 K . In the year , ing Freder ck IV Den m k ar , the patron of the India mission , died , and

c r . t o his suc esso , Christian VI , seemed have no ’ disposition to continue his father S work . The i was miss on no longer well sustained , and the outbreak of rationalism threat ened to sweep it out o f s no t exi tence . But the Lord of the Church did e permit its entire extinguishment , and it ros again to its former strength and usefulness . The Evan gelical Lutheran Missionary Society o f Leipzig undertook new buildings , and carried forward the k wor with great success . his In care for this mission to the heathen , Francke did not forget the distresses of the people 1 13 Of Christian countries . In the year 7 he began t o send relief t o the Swedish prisoners in Siberia in the shape o f books and money ; and he had always a warm heart for the Jews . It was through 1 728 his influence that , in , Professor Callenberg established a Jewish Institute at Halle for the 139 FRANCKE AND HIS WORK .

o f conversion the Jews , which did much good 1 among them up to 1 79 . ’ Francke s kin dly inclination t oward the Jews is well expressed in a sermon which he preached in 22—32 “ 1 7 14 from Luke ii . : A light to lighten the ” o f Gentiles and the glory thy people Israel . In this he warned against the abuse and burdening o f no was the Jews , by which one bettered ;but by which o n e w as marked as an instrument of the as wicked enemy , rather than the child of God . This work for missions appeared to be a Special f h joy t o Francke during the last months o is life . o f in : Speaking it a letter at that time, he says H o w all o Often , with j y under the free heavens ‘ , G o d : have I sighed to Lord , give me children as ’ de w o f o f the the morning s dawn , as the sands se a so the , as the stars in Heaven , that I can no ’ a more count them . And what Shall I s y now ? God has heard my childish and trustful prayer with so much grace t hat indeed I can n o longer count those wh o claim to know the blessedne ss c f o wn the word from my lips . “ And not only in Germany do these abound , but probably more in other lands ;for it has pleased

God to make me an instrument in the , conversion of the heathen . And some good souls have said that those who are converted from heathenism ’ among them are like my children S children , since th ey have been brought to Christ by my Spiritual sons in India . Wh o am I that G o d h as Shown I” me such mercy, and that He yet continues it CHAPTER V

’ R N E M E T T Y N F A CK S DO S IC LIFE , HIS LAS DA S A D

DEATH . FRANCKE did not marry until he had entered - 1 694 upon his thirty second year, in June , . This he did only when he had first fervently called

upon God for direction and blessing, so he relates .

His wife was Anna Magdelena von Wurm , the o f o f orphan daughter Henry Otto von Wurm , the n f l i n f M a s e d a estate o Rammelburg . She is de ” a scribed as gentle, quiet Spirit, a true child Of ht e God , uniting her and heart completely to her ’ husband s work and interests , and serving thirty

three years as his faithful companion and helper.

Two sons and o ne daughter were born to them . first - The born son , August Gottlieb , died while so n yet young . Gotthilf August, the second , was 2 t o 1st o f 1 696 . born on the March , His relation ’ his father s work as his successor was important , and requires more than mere mention in these pages . His birth occurred two years after the founding Of the Orphan House , and his education was begun at the Pedagogium and finished at the

University . He traveled some through Germany , and attended lectures for a time at the University f h . . d u o B ud e s . Jena , to ear J Fr He held a pub lic disputation at Jena under the direction o f B u dd 2 e u s 17 0 . in February , On his return to as Halle, he acted prison chaplain for a time , and in his 25th year w as ordained to the ministry . 140

142 FRANCKE AND HIS WORK . Had he possessed these paternal characteristics in a greater measure , he might have prevented the Pietistic movement from so soon sinking into that slough o f extremes toward which it was fast tend w as i n . g Indeed , he himself an extremist, and ,

n fo r . co sequently , but ill fitted leadership But his o fli ce s I n behalf of the Lutheran Churc h m e in America ust not be overlooked . Dani l VVeissige r was sent to Germany by the German wh o Lutherans first settled in this country , to col lect funds and procure a preacher for these needy s e v and churchless people . He carried letters to

eral persons likely to give, and to assist him in getting aid ;but especially was he recommended

- t o . G n . A . o e Dr Francke, at Halle, as interested For ei n M i n . in g iss o s Francke was interested . “ A Brief Report from America was published , together with a letter of recommendation from the ! English Court preacher, iegenhagen , the needs o f Lutherans in America in the matter Of churches and schools were also made known by letter and ff orally , and aroused many Christian people to O er

sympathy and aid . Dr . G . A . Francke and Pas ‘ t o r M ai r ff e l . in Ha le, Dr Pfei er in Leipzig, and Urls er er ac Senior p g in Augsburg, received the

cumulated contributions . But there was delay in finding the right kind of a man to send t o Amer A ica as a missionary . Finally , it was Dr . G . .

Francke , himself, who , acting for the German

Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Philadelphia, N ew Hanover and Providence, extended a call to h Rev . Henry Melchoir Mu lenberg to become pas t o r Of o f these churches . During the remainder his life the younger Francke took a lively interest in the American churches , and edited and pub lish ed the reports o f the American churches sent ” to Halle unde r the title o f the Halle Reports . R 143 F ANCKE AND HIS WORK .

At the time o f his death the eleventh continuation ar d o f these reports was being l ep e for the press . The younger Francke pubished num erous writ ings o f a varied character and conscientiously flfi ial i discharged his various O c duties . He d ed 1 2d 769 . September , We have turned aside from o ur proper b io fo r graphical sketch , the purpose Of Showing in h o w o f A u part the spirit ugust s Hermann Francke, and the institutions which he founded at Halle, m is the faith which he loved and honored , the sio nar y zeal which he awakened, took root in

A . merican soil Here , as in India, Bibles were furnished fo r some time by the Canstein Bible

House, and the religious literature came from the o f printing presses the Halle Orphanage, at the f instance o the younger Francke . The schools were influenced by the Halle institutions , and h lf o' Muhlenberg imse was educated at G ttingen , a o f university the same Spirit, and the immediate f follower o Halle in philosophy and theology . n He also studied theology o e year at Halle . The daughter o f Augustus Hermann Francke w as his youngest child . She was named Johanna

Sophia Anastasia . When grown t o womanhood sh e w as united in marriage to John Anastasius ’ Fre lin h au sen so a y g , long her father s f ithful friend n and able assistant . To them were born a so and t w o A r n . so n F e li daughters The , G . nastasius y g 1785 o f hausen , died in , a preacher and professor theology at Halle . The two daughters married iem e er the brothers , John Conrad Philip N y and

. m A J Anton Nie eyer . The form er w as rchdeacon f ’ o . M l w as I n St ary s church , and the atter the o f d o spector the Royal Pe ag giwm. This latter died 1 765 in , and thus the management of the Francke r institutions passed ove to the Niemeyer fami ly . 144 FRANCKE AND HIS WORK .

The biographer h as but meagre information ’ from which t o present a pictur e o f Francke s a home life . His w s truly a life hid with Christ o d F r in G . o several years George Frederick B e o f gall , Doctor of Theology and Professor Phil ’ Koni w as o f Osophy at gsberg, a member his fam i H h s . ily , and trusted friend e has little to tell o f hfe is the of the family , but there much in that

little . There was , he says , gentleness and quie tude throughout the house . There was never an f r t o o o . outcry, a word anger bitterness be heard m n o t o n The fa ily faults did rule there , but, the d contrary , those omestic virtues commended by the Scriptures predominated . With the busy master o f the house much o f his

contact with his family was at the table, and here hi a no t s mind w s diverted from its usual channels . Often he told h o w the blessings and providences o f God were being made manifest t o other people and in other places . Sometimes he carried o n an o r o ne instructive conversation , , when of his

- grand children was present, taught a profitable v o f erse Scripture, with its meaning and applica fo r o r tion . Nothing was reserved selfish pleasure frivolous enjoyment ; but all was done t o the f o . honor and glory God Indeed , if Francke o n o f erred , it was the side too great industry and devotion to his work . o f 1 694 Toward the end the year , he received a letter from Magdeburg from a friend wh o was in as great financial distress , and who begged for sist an ce . Francke was not himself in circum stances w hich enabled him to furnish the desired aid ;but he decided to prepare Bible co m m en taries and have them printed and issued in t o monthly editions , in order bring him in the m oney necessary to meet the needs o f his friend .

146 E H I S R FRANCK AND WO K .

and I am willing t o be dealt with accordingly ; but I am determined that I Shall n o t sufl e r m y t o s elf be innocently removed . N o o n e had expected such decision an d such k steadfast declarations from the gentle Franc e, t r k and as Dr . S y preferred a professorship in t o h n f Halle that in Copen age , the Berlin O ficials t o a persuaded him accept the call , leaving Fr ncke in position . t o saw He came Halle, met Francke , his daily G o d life, his benevolent deeds , his trust in , and f b e entirely changed his judgment o him . He o ne o f came his truest and most trusted friends , and remained in this relation t o him until his 1 1 7 0. death , which occurred in

Francke , like his friend Spener, prayed Often .

Sometimes it was at his work , sometimes it was with or for friends who called upon him ;but he also had fixed hours for prayer and lists o f friends for whom he daily prayed according to their need . Not a few of his acquaintances believed that they had him and his daily prayers to thank for their

conversion .

But true and earnest as Francke was in prayer, he was not less earnest in brotherly reproof when t o f he held reproof t o be necessary . One ins ance b this was the stern , almost angry words , spoken y Url s er e r o f him to Samuel p g , who was a more no t timid and retiring nature, but lacking in sincere and honest piety . Urls e r e r - p g was Court preacher in Stuttgart, and at that time life at the Court w as frivolous and wanton .

The Duke himself was living in open shame , and every Christian tongue was bound by men ’ s ’ o r fear men s favor . In 1717 Francke traveled through South Ger K 14 FRANCKE AND HIS WOR . 7 m t o - any , forced the change by over work and de linin Urls e r e r c . g health He visited p g , and heard him preach , and after the sermon went to him “ ” full of sorrow . I hear, brother . he said , “ that thy lectures are Evangelical ; but tho u ‘ n t o u ch e st the sins of the Court with o word . I ’ t o sa t o G o d come y thee, in S name , that thou do art a dumb g, and if thou turnest not about, and as a public teacher o f the truth speak out of e o n freely, thou wilt be lost, in Spite all thy ’ fessions . f Francke took a troubled leave o his friend . But o n the following Sunday the Court - preacher Spoke with great earnestness and freedom o f the prevailing Sins . The Duke sent him word that he had felt li ke having him shot in the pulpit ; o n and that unless he would , the following Sun all day , retract from the pulpit he had said , he would complain of him before the High Court , and as his crime was against royalty , he might easily lose his head . Urls er e r p g answered that he could not, under c t any ircums ances , recall what he had said , and no more could he retract ;that his m ajesty must a do with him as he would . He w s arrested and brought to judgment before the Royal Court . He w as re again given Opportunity to retract, but o f fused , and the day his execution was fixed . fo r Upon this he sent his wife and four children , and asked his wife what sh e wished him to do in “ the matter . The heroic woman replied . My u l dear h sband , your death wou d throw me and o u r children into the greatest bodily distress ;I ’ pray you , however, in God s name, do not deny the truth ;that would bring a curse upon me and ” our children . was rt hi r and He comfo ed by t s answe , sent 148 E FRANCK AND HIS WORK . word to the Duke that his head w as at his service any day . The Duk e brought his death - warrant to be i Signed by the Prime Minister ;but the M inist e r laid down his sword and Offered to give Up his “ f : f o fice, saying Your Maj esty , here is my O fice and my honor ; I subscribe no debts of blood . w a s The Duke amazed , and , rather than lose his first Councillor, he satisfied himself by only dismissing the Court- preacher with the condition f that he must seek a position outside o the state . A few years later the same Minister w as with the Duke watching a military review , when the - former Court preacher passed them . The Minister ’ : called the Duke s attention to him , saying “ so f Your Majesty , long as this man was in O fice , you had blessing and happiness in the kingdom ; w e flatt e re r but since have a in his place , every nl thing goes u uckily . Will you not make good his wrongs , and at least care and provide for him ?” Urls e r e r This was done . p g was made Deacon in Herrenberg, and soon after first preacher at

Augsburg . Here he passed many happy days ,

still the friend of Francke , and was one to give aid and sympathy to the early churches in America

- and their hard working missionaries . He died at 1 2 a great age in 77 .

Francke, himself, stood in no fear of royalty or f 1 13 . 7 those high in o fice In May , , he was sent as deputy of the Halle University to assist at the

f . funeral of Frederick II . o Prussia While in Berlin he preached in the Garrison church in the

presence of the king with undisturbed composure,

and wi th his usual freedom and courage . After in ward the king said loudly , the presence of his

Court : Francke is a good man . He speaks the ” truth to every o ne .

1 50 FRANCKE AND HIS WORK .

o f coins found by those wh o were digging for the “

. he re : wall The coins this stamp Jehovah . ”

Conditor Condita Coronide Coronet . “ ” “ ' d U This , sai Francke , again lifted me p a n d so sustained my faith , that I with gladness and comfort resumed the work in the hope that I

Should se e the building brought to completion . This might also be applied to Francke ’ s life i n fin when his course had been run faith , and

o f i . hed , and his crown r ghteousness received During the course o f his work it w as fre quently necessary fo r Francke to take long journeys in its 8 behalf . In the year 17 1 he made the last of these journeys , and returned refreshed and

strengthened to his labors in Halle . Up to his Sixty - third year he was able to discharge all his vari ous duties and obligations I n the most punc r tual manne . A fe w years later he suffered a most serious loss in the death of his o ld friend and assistant as Neubauer . He w much affected by the de SO parture of this peaceful soul , who had long and ’ faithfully served him in God s work . In Neu ’ “ bauer s desk was found a note saying : I Wish u to be buried in the q ietest manner . They shall n r prepare no service or funeral sermo o memorial . a 1 666 w s D e sdo rf . I born in at , in Halberstadt

This , and when I died , is enough concerning my l ” ife . re m aI ne d Francke , himself, but a short time to n need or mourn this frie d . The year following ’ 1 625 ff Neubauer s death , , he began to su er from d the painful mala y which resulted in his death . 1726 In June , , he was able to take a journey to A m his ltenburg with the hope of i proving health , an d v n to visit his friend Count o Henkel . But n o f t e sam he remai ed ill , and in the autumn h e R 151 FRANCKE AND HIS WO K .

uf o f t h year s fered a partial paralysis e left Side . He recovered from this s o as t o be able t o go b a out and even accomplish some light work . At o f 1 627 h e the beginning the new year, , seemed his to regain health , and bade Dr . Richter and his co lle a u e U _ g pack p their medicine , since they

could se e that a higher hand was Upon him . He n o w spent much time reading his favorite li his re gious works , and wrote many letters to Old lf friends . He often expressed himse as being

weary and longing for the Heavenly home, the w as New Jerusalem , but as willing to live if it the ’ n Lord s will . He abstai ed from all severe o r n o t t o wearisome labor, saying that he did wish ‘ his o d U destroy by carelessness what G built p. H h e grew to feel muc stronger, and hoped in the summer semester o f 1827 t o take U p his lectures

at the University again . H r o n 15t h o f e eally appeared there the May , and o n e his held lecture , the first since illness n l h i - a d the ast in s life time . He closed this lec v e n ture with isible motio , and with words which his : SO it was not custom to use go now hence, an d b e ye b lessed o f th e Lord foreve r and ever ! Tw o days after h e appeared in th e Church and o f b ut in partook the communion , with greatly e r creased physical weakn ss . Once mo e he was k n o f n - ta en to the garde the Orpha House, where fo r an hour he poured o ut his heart in fervent o f prayer, a glorious psalm praise and trust and

victorious hope . In the morning he asked that

some favorite hymns be sung , and was strong and hope l in spirit ;but by the evening his former illness returned in a greatly aggravated form .

Drs . Richter, Junker and Becker called the Prus sian Court - physician and all o f the medical pro fesso rs o f m e the University in counsel, but the ti 152 " R FRANCKE AND HIS WO K . o f his l a snfie re d re ease w s near . He much from o n t o that , and once prayed the Heavenly Father t o do t o uff teach him not only , but s er according t o H is no t r will, that he should vex Him by wo d o r thought, and since He could make everything his ff fo r blessed , that su erings Should be the edi ficatio n o f others . as his ff On the seventh day , su erings increased , “ o n e : wh o he blessed each present, and said All are received into heaven can say that they have t come o ut o f great tribulation . When I go o ‘ : heaven , the Lord will ask me Whence comest ’ ‘ ? : thou hither Ah , I must answer Him Out of little t o o tribulation ;yet in these last days I , , have f o n e o f t o su fered , and am also those that come ’ u Thee o t of tribulation . Day after day o f weakness and extreme suffer ing served only to bring him t o greater jo y in co m m unio n ' wit h G o d h O e o f his prayer and , and p speedy and victorious release from pain . On the day of his death he parted from friends and kin H is dred with gentle words of blessing . wife “ : o u asked him Your Saviour is yet near y , is He “ ” no o f not There is doubt it, he replied , and these were his last words . He fell into a 8 1727 gentle sleep , and at evening, June th , , quietly passed away . The whole city came to look once more U pon o n 17t h his face , and June great crowds followed t o his - his remains last resting place , and many pens were busied with memorials o f o n e who is “ ’ ” yet styled , A man after God s heart .

In th e preceding pages we have n o t aimed to present the Piet istic Movement I n its historical o r l theological re ations . We have striven only to give a brief Sketc h of two men most prominent in

1 54 FRANCKE AND HIS WORK .

‘ cOnfirm atio n revival of strict catechisation , public , r o f “ general and careful study the ord , meetings for prayer, evangelical preaching , and at least a deman d for moral rectitude in the life o f the t o Christian and the Christian minister , continue ’ o f bear witness t o the wisdom Spener s work . The practical benevolence o f Christians is still s ti rred by th e almost Superhuman devotion o f Francke to t h e Uplifting o f th e ignorant and the n needy , and it is much owi g to his influence that the brotherhood o f man and the value and dignity o f the human soul has been read into every

Christian Creed . is o n e Yet , perhaps , there no lesson to be learned from these short biographies SO important for the Christian as that expressed in the single passage of Scripture which Francke placed above B the main entrance to the Orphan House . e neath the figures o f two soaring eagles stands this “ inscription : But they that wait upon the Lord Shall renew their strength ;they shall mount Up ” with wings as eagles .