THEIR AUTHORS AND ORIGIN. 29
1639, when the Swedish Lieutenant- Colon el Dorfling, demanded of Eilenburg no less a sum than 30,000 thalers, Rinkart first went out to intercede for his townsmen. And, failing in that, on his return, he invited them to assemble for prayer ; which God so answered that their seemingly overwhelming difficulty was removed, and the Swedish officer consented to terms which they were able to meet. Sometimes persecuted by those who were without, Rinkart always found a refuge of peace in his family, and happiness in his home ; and through good and evil report persevered in living a most pious and useful life.
The one hymn in the " New Congregational Hymn Book," by Rinkart, was written about the year 1644, in the prospect of the re-establishment of peace.
" Let all men praise the Lord." No. 449. (Nun danket alle Gott).
The original consists of four stanzas. The first two (the latter of which is not given in the " New Congregational Hymn Book) " are a metrical version of a passage in the Apocryphal Book of Ecclesiasticus, 1. 22 24 :
" Now therefore bless ye the God of all, which only doeth wondrous things everywhere, which exalteth our days from the womb, and dealeth with us according to his mercy. He grant us joyfulness of heart, and that peace may be in our days in Israel for ever. That he would confirm his mercy with us, and deliver us at his time ! "
This noble hymn of praise has been called the popular " German Te Deum." It has sometimes been used by Christians to express their gratitude for special mercies ; and it has often been sung in Germany when great national blessings have been received.
��GEOEGE WITHEE. 15881667.
THIS much- suffering poet was born at Bentworth, near Alton, in Hampshire. After studying at Oxford, he was sent to pursue his
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