Count Nikolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf
1700-1752
It appears that this author was of the sect of the Moravian Brethren, and existing records point to a conclusion that he was one of the most prolific Moravian hymn-writers. Between 1712 and 1760 he wrote more than 2,000 hymns. The keynote of his hymns and character was a deep and earnest devotion to the crucified Savior. As a youth, he had strong religious feelings: a picture of Christ on the cross with the words, "This I did for you, what do you do for me?" made a lasting impression on him. Most of those who followed him were influenced by his work. In examining records, one finds that this sect migrated into north-central Europe, to the countries later called Bohemia, now known as the Czech Republic. The area in which they settled was German-speaking, and their hymns followed the tradition of this language. Although born into German nobility, he spent his adult life striving to help others. As a young man, he became acquainted with the Moravians when they approached him with a request for land. In this way, he learned about their beliefs and eventually became a leader among them. He appreciated the "heart religion" exercised by these humble people. They believed in a personal experience with the risen Christ and a deeper understanding of salvation. This was a great contrast to the somewhat cold and intellectual emphasis of the state Lutheran Church of his day. According to an article by J. Jackman, Zinzendorf was one of the most controversial figures of the early eighteenth century. "The crowned heads of Europe and religious leaders of both Europe and America all knew him- and either loved him or hated him. The fullest representation of Zinzendorf’s hymns has been compiled by Albert Knapp, (Stuttgart, 1845) who laboriously reconstructed many of his writings found in the archives at Herrnhut. Zinzendorf came to know John and Charles Wesley, who had been converted through their contact with the Moravians, of which Zinzendorf was part. Although they differed in their religious beliefs, they maintained a mutual respect.
It appears that this author was of the sect of the Moravian Brethren, and existing records point to a conclusion that he was one of the most prolific Moravian hymn-writers. Between 1712 and 1760 he wrote more than 2,000 hymns. The keynote of his hymns and character was a deep and earnest devotion to the crucified Savior. As a youth, he had strong religious feelings: a picture of Christ on the cross with the words, "This I did for you, what do you do for me?" made a lasting impression on him. Most of those who followed him were influenced by his work. In examining records, one finds that this sect migrated into north-central Europe, to the countries later called Bohemia, now known as the Czech Republic. The area in which they settled was German-speaking, and their hymns followed the tradition of this language. Although born into German nobility, he spent his adult life striving to help others. As a young man, he became acquainted with the Moravians when they approached him with a request for land. In this way, he learned about their beliefs and eventually became a leader among them. He appreciated the "heart religion" exercised by these humble people. They believed in a personal experience with the risen Christ and a deeper understanding of salvation. This was a great contrast to the somewhat cold and intellectual emphasis of the state Lutheran Church of his day. According to an article by J. Jackman, Zinzendorf was one of the most controversial figures of the early eighteenth century. "The crowned heads of Europe and religious leaders of both Europe and America all knew him- and either loved him or hated him. The fullest representation of Zinzendorf’s hymns has been compiled by Albert Knapp, (Stuttgart, 1845) who laboriously reconstructed many of his writings found in the archives at Herrnhut. Zinzendorf came to know John and Charles Wesley, who had been converted through their contact with the Moravians, of which Zinzendorf was part. Although they differed in their religious beliefs, they maintained a mutual respect.