Philipp Nicolai
1556-1608
Nicolai was born August 10, 1556, in Mengeringhausen, Germany, the son of a Lutheran pastor. In 1575, he entered the University of Erfurt, and in 1576 went to the University of Wittenberg where he finished his course, then began life as a minister. At the age of 27, he was appointed Lutheran pastor of Herdecke. Nicolai was a pastor during the time of the Great Plague that swept Europe, which did not spare Nicolai's parish nor his own home. In a time where sadness and grief were prevalent among people, Nicolai wrote, "There seemed to me nothing more sweet, delightful, and agreeable than the contemplation of the noble sublime doctrine of Eternal Life obtained through the blood of Jesus Christ. This I allowed to dwell in my heart day and night." He also labored at Westphalia, and Mengeringhausen in Waldeck and Hamburg.
Nicolai was born August 10, 1556, in Mengeringhausen, Germany, the son of a Lutheran pastor. In 1575, he entered the University of Erfurt, and in 1576 went to the University of Wittenberg where he finished his course, then began life as a minister. At the age of 27, he was appointed Lutheran pastor of Herdecke. Nicolai was a pastor during the time of the Great Plague that swept Europe, which did not spare Nicolai's parish nor his own home. In a time where sadness and grief were prevalent among people, Nicolai wrote, "There seemed to me nothing more sweet, delightful, and agreeable than the contemplation of the noble sublime doctrine of Eternal Life obtained through the blood of Jesus Christ. This I allowed to dwell in my heart day and night." He also labored at Westphalia, and Mengeringhausen in Waldeck and Hamburg.
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