Arnold Gottfried
(1666-1714)
Arnold was a German Lutheran theologian and hymn writer. He studied at the University of Wittenberg where he found the strictest Lutheran orthodoxy in doctrine mixed with very loose living. Froehlich, while a divinity student in the Protestant State Church in Switzerland, experienced much the same conditions. The difference, at least while they were students, is that Arnold was indignant to it while Froehlich was not yet convinced to turn away from it. Arnold was repulsed by the observation of his friends' gross vices and this gave him the enthusiasm to study the Word of GOD. Arnold gave consideration to preparing himself to become a lecturer and professor, but the worldly spirit which pervaded the State Church discouraged him from seeking to become one of its ministers. In circa 1693, at about the age of 27, he wrote his first important work titled, The First Love, which portrayed a true picture of the faithful and holy life of the first Christians. This book had a wide circulation and was quite influential. He preached in Allstedt, and then in Werben, Prussia. He moved around to different villages trying unsuccessfully to lose his persecutors. Unwearied in word and work, by preaching, by household visitation, and by the composition of devotional manuals, he sought the good of his flock and won the love and esteem of many. Some of his young flock were arrested during a communion service and his grief over this event caused his health to break. As he lay dying, he earnestly exhorted his friends to the full renunciation of self and of the world and complete dedication to GOD. While he was in such peaceful communion with GOD, he reached his early end. As he passed peacefully from this life of trouble, he exclaimed to those about him, "Frisch auf! Die Wagen her und fort" (Arise, Bring the chariots and off we go).
Arnold was a German Lutheran theologian and hymn writer. He studied at the University of Wittenberg where he found the strictest Lutheran orthodoxy in doctrine mixed with very loose living. Froehlich, while a divinity student in the Protestant State Church in Switzerland, experienced much the same conditions. The difference, at least while they were students, is that Arnold was indignant to it while Froehlich was not yet convinced to turn away from it. Arnold was repulsed by the observation of his friends' gross vices and this gave him the enthusiasm to study the Word of GOD. Arnold gave consideration to preparing himself to become a lecturer and professor, but the worldly spirit which pervaded the State Church discouraged him from seeking to become one of its ministers. In circa 1693, at about the age of 27, he wrote his first important work titled, The First Love, which portrayed a true picture of the faithful and holy life of the first Christians. This book had a wide circulation and was quite influential. He preached in Allstedt, and then in Werben, Prussia. He moved around to different villages trying unsuccessfully to lose his persecutors. Unwearied in word and work, by preaching, by household visitation, and by the composition of devotional manuals, he sought the good of his flock and won the love and esteem of many. Some of his young flock were arrested during a communion service and his grief over this event caused his health to break. As he lay dying, he earnestly exhorted his friends to the full renunciation of self and of the world and complete dedication to GOD. While he was in such peaceful communion with GOD, he reached his early end. As he passed peacefully from this life of trouble, he exclaimed to those about him, "Frisch auf! Die Wagen her und fort" (Arise, Bring the chariots and off we go).
More information at Hymnary.org