PREFACE.
This work is a contribution to a better knowledge of the activity of the Schwenkf elders in the writing and compiling of hymns, both in Europe and also in America. It is hoped that it will help to rescue from obscurity some of the worthy pioneers whose services in this field have long waited for acknowledgment. To students of the life of the German settlers in America, during the colonial period, it should prove a welcome side-light.
An altogether satisfactory explanation of both the character and the quantity of the religious poetry written by the early Schwenkfelders is furnished by Koch. It runs thus: "They were wholly devoted to a deep susceptibility of the grace of God,intent upon this, in order that they might the better in faith apprehend the inner working of grace. With such spiritual sensibility, and being perpetually the victims of oppression, they had so much the greater occasion for communion with God and for the pouring out of their hearts before Him in prayer and song. Hence it was, that a distinct Schwenkfeldian type of religious poetry developed, quite extensive and not to be undervalued in its importance."
Public acknowledgment is due the following for having rendered assistance during the preparation of this work: Marion D. Learned, Ph. D., L. H. D., Professor of German at the University of Pennsylvania, for directing the author's research; Prof. D. B. Shumway, Ph. D., of the University of Pennsylvania; Hon. S. W. Pennypacker, LL. D., Former Governor of Pennsylvania, for the use of important sources; M. G. Brumbaugh, Ph. D., LL. D., Superintendent of Schools, Philadelphia; Prof. Morris Jastrow, Jr., Ph. D.; Dr. John W. Jordan, Librarian, and Mr. Ernest Spofford, Assistant Librarian, of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania; Mr. Thomas L. Montgomery, Librarian, Mr. Norman D. Gray, Assistant Librarian, and Mr. Luther Kelker, Archivist, of the State Library, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; C. S.
