The author of this hymn, Johann Daniel Herrnschmidt, a learned and devout man, was born in Bopfingen, in Württemberg, where his father was pastor. He was a pupil and for a time assistant of pastor August Francke in Halle. Later he became minister in Bopfingen, then superintendent and councilman at Nassau-Idstein. In 1715 he became teacher and pastor in Halle where he died 8 years later. _MUSIC._ LOBE DEN HERREN, O MEINE SEELE, inseparably united with this hymn, is one of the most brilliant and striking gems in our chorale treasury. The composer is unknown. The tune first appeared in _Anhang der Seelen-Harpff_, Onolzbach, 1665, and later in Freylinghausen’s _Gesangbuch_, 1714. 514. Now thank we all our God _Martin Rinkart_, 1586-1649 _Tr. Catherine Winkworth_, 1829-78 1. Nun danket alle Gott Mit Herzen, Mund und Händen, Der grosse Dinge tut An uns und allen Enden, Der uns von Mutterleib Und Kindesbeinen an Unzählig viel zugut Und noch jetzund getan! 2. Der ewig reiche Gott Woll’ uns bei unserm Leben Ein immer fröhlich Herz Und edlen Frieden geben Und uns in seiner Gnad’ Erhalten fort und fort Und uns aus aller Not Erlösen hier und dort! 3. Lob, Ehr, und Preis sei Gott, Dem Vater und dem Sohne Und dem, der beiden gleich Im höchsten Himmelsthrone, Dem dreieinigen Gott, Als es im Anfang war Und ist und bleiben wird Jetzund und immerdar! The _Te Deum_ of Germany. It is the most celebrated hymn coming out of the second period (1570-1648) of German hymnody. The first two stanzas of the hymn were composed as a _Tischlied_, a grace after meat, to be sung by the author’s household. The third stanza was added as a doxology. The hymn was sung at the conclusion of the Peace of Westphalia which ended the Thirty Years’ War, and has been used since on many national occasions of thanksgiving, not only in Germany but in England and America as well. Martin Rinkart was born in Eilenburg, Saxony, the son of a cooper. After graduating from the University of Leipzig, he held appointments as Master at the Gymnasium and Cantor of St. Nicholas Church in Eisleben, then became, in 1617, Archidiaconus at Eilenburg, a position he held the rest of his life. Rinkart was poet, dramatist, and musician, as well as pastor. During the Thirty Years’ War, his church at Eilenburg became an asylum for refugees from all parts. The suffering from famine and pestilence was indescribable. For some time, Rinkart was the only clergyman in the town, and he frequently conducted as many as forty funeral services in one day. A man of sympathy and generosity, he strained his own resources in his efforts to keep others from starving. The translation is from Miss Winkworth’s _Lyra Germanica_, 1858. For comments on Catherine Winkworth see Hymn 236.