Short Name: | N. F. S. Grundtvig |
Full Name: | Grundtvig, N. F. S. (Nicolai Frederik Severin), 1783-1872 |
Birth Year: | 1783 |
Death Year: | 1872 |
Nicolai Frederik Severin Grundtvig was the son of a pastor, and was born at Udby, in Seeland, in 1783. He studied in the University of Copenhagen from 1800-1805; and, like some other eminent men, did not greatly distinguish himself; his mind was too active and his imagination too versatile to bear the restraint of the academic course. After leaving the university he took to teaching; first in Langeland, then (1808) in Copenhagen. Here he devoted his attention to poetry, literature, and Northern antiquities. In 1810 he became assistant to his father in a parish in Jutland. The sermon he preached at his ordination, on the subject "Why has the Lord's word disappeared from His house," attracted much attention, which is rarely the case with "probationers'" sermons. On his father's death, in 1813, he returned to Copenhagen, and for eight years devoted himself mainly to literature. The poetry, both secular and religious, that he produced, drew from a friend the remark that "Kingo's harp had been strung afresh." In 1821 King Frederik vi. appointed him pastor of Prasloe, a parish in Seeland, from which he was the next year removed to Copenhagen, and made chaplain of St. Saviour's church in Christianshavn. From the time of his ordination he had been deeply impressed with Evangelical church sentiments, in opposition to the fashionable Rationalism and Erastianism of the day; and adhered to the anti-rationalist teaching of Hauge, whose death at this time (1824) seemed to be a call to Grundtvig to lift up his voice. An opportunity soon presented itself; Professor Clausen brought out a book entitled Katholicismens og Protestantismens Forfatning, Ldre, og Ritus ("The condition, teaching, and ritual of Catholicism and Protestantism"). This book was replete with the Erastian Rationalism which was so especially distasteful to Grundtvig, who forthwith, in his Kirkens Gjenmsele ("The Church's Reply," 1825), strongly opposed its teaching, and laid down truer principles of Christian belief, and sounder views of the nature of the Church. This caused a sensation: Grandtvig (who had not spared his opponent) was fined 100 rixdollars, and the songs and hymns which he had written for the coming celebration of the tenth centenary of Northern Christianity were forbidden to be used. On this he resigned his post at St. Saviour's, or rather was forced to quit it by a sentence of suspension which was pronounced in 1826, and under which he was kept for 13 years. He took the opportunity of visiting England in 1829, 30, and 31, and consulting its libraries, mainly with a view to a further insight into Northern antiquities, and to help his studies in the early English tongue. His edition of Cynewulfs beautiful poem of the Phenix from the Codex Exoniensis, the Anglo-Saxon (so-called) text, with a preface in Danish, and a fri Fordanskning (free rendering in Danish), published in 1840*, is a result of this journey and enforced leisure. Tired of his long silence, his numerous friends and admirers proposed to erect a church for him, and form themselves into an independent congregation, but this was not permitted. He was allowed, however, to hold an afternoon service in the German church at Christianshavn. There ho preached for eight years, and compiled and wrote his hymn-book, Sang-Vdrk til den Danske Kirkce ("Song-work for the Danish Church"). He still worked on towards his object of raising the Christian body to which ho belonged from the condition of a mere slate establishment to the dignity of a gospel-teaching national church. In 1839 (the year of the death of King Frederik vr., and the accession of his cousin Chrisliem vni.) the suspension was removed, and he was appointed chaplain of the hospital Vartou, a position which he held till his death. In 1863 the king (Frederik vn.) conferred on him the honorary title of bishop. The good old man died suddenly, in his 89th year, on Sept. 2, 1872, having officiated the day before. As Kingo is the poet of Easter, and Brorson of Christmas, so Grundtvig is spoken of as the poet of Whitsuntide.
--John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology,, p. 1001 (1907)
Texts by N. F. S. Grundtvig (150) | As | Authority Languages | Instances |
---|---|---|---|
Come unto me, saith God's own Son | Georg Grüenwald (Author) | English | 1 |
Det kimer nu til Julefest | Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | Norwegian | 1 |
Domo malnova estas ĝi, nia preĝejo sur tero | Nikolai Frederik Severin Grundtvig (Author) | Esperanto | 1 |
Han, som har hjulpet hidindtil | Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | 1 | |
Holy Spirit, come, we pray, Shed from heaven thine inward ray | Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | English | 1 |
O Jesus, in my heart instill | Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | English | 1 |
Praise we offer, Lord of glory | N. F. S. Grundtvig (1783-1872) (Author) | 1 | |
The Word of God's our heritage | N. F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | English | 1 |
A Babe is born in Bethlehem, In Bethlehem (Krauth) | Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | English | 2 |
Aa lat din Ande med oss vera | Grundtvig (Author) | Nynorsk | 2 |
All that which soars in upward flight | Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | English | 2 |
An ancient dwelling is the church | Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | 2 | |
Arisen is my Savior blest | Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | English | 2 |
As the rose shall blossom here | N. F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | English | 2 |
Childhood days of joy and gladness | Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | 2 | |
Dejlig er den himmel blå | N. F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | Danish | 2 |
Den sidste Skilnad er vel saar | N. F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | Nynorsk | 2 |
Det største Under her paa Jord | N. F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | Nynorsk | 2 |
Firme en la roca eterna y fiel | Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig, 1783-1872 (Author) | Spanish | 2 |
Founded our Lord has upon earth a realm of the Spirit | Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | 2 | |
Fraa Himmelen Guds Ande for | Grundtvig (Author) | Nynorsk | 2 |
From death, Christ, on the Sabbath morn | Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | 2 | |
Fyr deg, vaar Herre, Aartusund er | N. F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | Nynorsk | 2 |
Gladly we lift our sight | Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | 2 | |
Guds Ord det er vaar Fedra-Arv | N. F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | Nynorsk | 2 |
Herre, kvar skal me vel av | N. F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | Nynorsk | 2 |
Krist stod upp av Daude | Grundtvig (Author) | Nynorsk | 2 |
Kvinna, sjaa di Tru er stor | Grundtvig (Author) | Nynorsk | 2 |
Long hast thou stood, O church of God | Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | English | 2 |
Love is life's true crown and glory | Nikolaj F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | 2 | |
Manana fiorenana ny fiangonan'i Kristy | N. F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | Malagasy | 2 |
Min Jesus, lad mit Hjerte faa | Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | Norwegian | 2 |
Most wonderful of all things is | Nikolai Frederick Severin Grundtvig, 1783-1872 (Author) | 2 | |
Most wondrous is of all on earth (Fraser) | N. F. S. Grundtvig, 1783-1872 (Author) | 2 | |
My Lord, I hear thee pleading | Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig, 1783 - 1872 (Author) | 2 | |
Ny andron'ny fahasoavana | N. F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | Malagasy | 2 |
O day full of grace that now we see | Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig, 1783-1872 (Author) | English | 2 |
O let Thy spirit with us tarry, Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ | N. F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | English | 2 |
O wondrous Kingdom here on earth | Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | English | 2 |
Preciosa herencia otorga Dios | N. F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | Spanish | 2 |
Ry Jeso Tompo velona mpiandry sy mpamelona | N. F .S. Grundtvig (Author) | Malagasy | 2 |
Spirit of God, sent from heaven abroad | Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig, 1783-1872 (Author) | English | 2 |
Suffer the children to come to me | Nikolaj F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | 2 | |
Syrgje ei fyr deim, som sova | Grundtvig (Author) | Nynorsk | 2 |
Take away the signs of mourning | Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | 2 | |
The dear glad spring returns to earth | Nikolai Frederik Severin Grundtvig, 1783-1872 (Author) | English | 2 |
The leaves are falling everywhere | Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | 2 | |
The Word of God, our heritage | Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | 2 | |
There is a way, By worldly man forsaken | Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | 2 | |
Welcome here, new year of grace | N. F. S. Grundtvig (Alterer) | English | 2 |
With gladness we hail the blessed day | Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Revised) | 2 | |
With gladness we hail this blessed day | Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | English | 2 |
Blossom as a rose shall here | N. F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | English | 3 |
Built on a rock the church of God | Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | English | 3 |
Chime on, ye church bells | Nikolai F. S. Gruntvig (Author) | 3 | |
Christmas with gladness sounds | Nikolai F. S. Gruntvig (Author) | 3 | |
Come, Zion, and sing to the Father above | Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | 3 | |
Det lakker nu ad Aften brat | Grundtvig (Translator) | Norwegian | 3 |
Du, som gaar ud | Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | Norwegian | 3 |
Et barn er født i Betlehem | Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | Norwegian | 3 |
Holy Spirit, still our sorrow | N. F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | English | 3 |
I know a flower so fair and fine | Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | 3 | |
Jesus i det Høie throner | Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | Norwegian | 3 |
Like dew upon the meadow | Nikolai Frederick Severin Grundtvig, 1783-1872 (Author) | 3 | |
Lo, the Lord extends His hand | Grundtvig (Translator (from English)) | English | 3 |
Løft hoved op al kristendom | N. F. S. Grundtvig (Adapter) | Norwegian | 3 |
Lord Jesus, our king, enthroned on high | N. F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | English | 3 |
Mindful of a constant Friend | N. F. S. Grundtvig (Translator (into Danish)) | English | 3 |
O that I had a thousand voices, They should be raised to Christ my Lord! | Grundtvig (Translator (into Danish)) | English | 3 |
On the new Jerusalem | N. F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | English | 3 |
Proclaim my soul that Jesus dies | N. F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | English | 3 |
Ring, O ye bells, O ring out | Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | 3 | |
Savior, whither should we go | Nikolai Frederick Severin Grundtvig, 1783-1872 (Author) | 3 | |
Sortnet var den gyldne Sol | N. F. S. Grundtvig (Paraphraser) | Norwegian | 3 |
Suffer and languish, Tremble in anguish | Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | 3 | |
The Lord is in his holy place, Let all the earth be still | Nikolaj F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | English | 3 |
We are in our Father's hand | N. F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | English | 3 |
With her cruse of alabaster | Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | 3 | |
A life together in love and troth | N. F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | English | 4 |
A little child so fair and bright | Grundtvig (Translator (from German)) | English | 4 |
Abide among us, we implore Thee | Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | English | 4 |
Al den ganske Kristenhed | Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | Norwegian | 4 |
All ye who like the birds can soar | N. F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | English | 4 |
Apostlerne sad i Jerusalem | Grundtvig (Author) | Norwegian | 4 |
Be welcome again, God's angels bright | Nikolai Frederik Severin Grundtvig, 1783-1872 (Author) | English | 4 |
Blessed were the eyes that truly | N. F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | English | 4 |
Cradling children in his arm | Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig, 1783-1872 (Author) | English | 4 |
Deilig er din Himmel blaa | Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | Norwegian | 4 |
Den Ædelsten saa rosenrød | Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | Norwegian | 4 |
Easter morrow stills our sorrow | Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | 4 | |
Følger med til Urtegaarden | Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | Norwegian | 4 |
For dig, o Herre, som Dage kun | Grundtvig (Author) | Norwegian | 4 |
From the graves remove dark crosses | N. F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | English | 4 |
Give Gud, jeg efterhaanden | Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | Norwegian | 4 |
God's little child, what troubles thee | N. F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | English | 4 |
Guds Engle sang i Stjernetal | Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | Norwegian | 4 |
Hallowed church bell, not for earthly centers | N. F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | English | 4 |
He who has helped me hitherto | N. F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | English | 4 |
Her ei ties, her indvies | Grundtvig (Author) | Norwegian | 4 |
Her mødes alle Veie | Grundtvig (Author) | Norwegian | 4 |
Herre, hvor skal vi gaa hen | Grundtvig (Author) | Norwegian | 4 |
Himlene, Herre, fortælle din Ære | Grundtvig (Author) | Norwegian | 4 |
Holy Ghost, our Interceder | Nikolai Frederick Severin Grundtvig, 1783-1872 (Author) | English | 4 |
I Dag paa apostolisk Vis | Grundtvig (Author) | Norwegian | 4 |
Jesus, the name without compare | N. F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | English | 4 |
Kjærlighed er lysets kilde | Grundtvig (Author) | Norwegian | 4 |
Kommer hid kun med de Smaa | Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | Norwegian | 4 |
Krist stod op af Døde I Paaske-Morgen-røde! | Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | Norwegian | 4 |
Kvinde, se din Tro er stor | Grundtvig (Alterer) | Norwegian | 4 |
Lift up thy head, O Christendom | N. F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | English | 4 |
Med Straale-Krans om Tinde | Grundtvig (Author) | Norwegian | 4 |
O Holy Spirit come we pray | N. F. S. Grundtvig (Translator (Danish)) | English | 4 |
O lad din Aand nu med os være | Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | Norwegian | 4 |
O let thy spirit with us tarry, Lord Jesus, this we ask of Thee | N. F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | English | 4 |
Paaske-Morgen Slukker sorgen | Grundtvig (Author) | Norwegian | 4 |
Sørger ei for dem, som sove | Grundtvig (Author) | Norwegian | 4 |
The Lord to thee appealeth | N. F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | English | 4 |
Thy blessing fills our earthly need | Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | English | 4 |
Vidunderligst af alt paa Jord | Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | 4 | |
At sige verden ret farvel | Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | 5 | |
Fair beyond telling, Lord, is Thy dwelling | Nikolai Frederick Severin Grundtvig, 1783-1872 (Author) | English | 5 |
Fred til Bod for bittert Savn | N. F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | Norwegian | 5 |
Gud Helligaand, opfyld med lyst | Grundtvig (Translator) | Norwegian | 5 |
Hast to the plow thou put thy hand | N. F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | English | 5 |
Holy Spirit, come with light | N. F. S. Grundtvig (Translator (from Latin)) | English | 5 |
Lover Gud, I kristne fromme | Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | Norwegian | 5 |
Most wondrous is of all on earth The kingdom Jesus founded | N. F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | English | 5 |
Som toerstige Hjort monne skrige | Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | 5 | |
Tegn skal der ske for dommedag | Grundtvig (Author) | Norwegian | 5 |
The peace of God protects our hearts | N. F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | English | 5 |
The sun now shines in all its splendor | N. F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | English | 5 |
Den signede Dag, som vi nu ser, Med Blide til os opkomme | Grundtvig (Translator) | Norwegian | 6 |
Golden light, serene and bright | Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig, 1783-1872 (Author) | 6 | |
Guds Ord det er vort Aarvegods | Grundtvig (Author) | Norwegian | 6 |
Hail Thee, Savior and Atoner! | N. F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | English | 6 |
Kimer, I Klokker, ja kimer før Dag u det Dunkle! | Grundtvig (Author) | Norwegian | 6 |
O how beautiful the sky | Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | English | 6 |
O land of our King | N. F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | English | 6 |
This is the day which the Lord hath us given | Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | English | 6 |
Kirken den er et gammelt hus | Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | Norwegian | 7 |
Splendid are the heavens high | Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | English | 7 |
A babe is born in Bethlehem, Bethlehem (Aaberg) | N. F. S. Grundtvig (Translator (from Latin)) | English | 9 |
Love, the fount of light from heaven | N. F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | English | 9 |
As after the water brooks panteth | N. F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | English | 10 |
Bright and glorious is the sky | Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | English | 12 |
O day, full of grace, which we behold | Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | English | 13 |
Peace to soothe our bitter woes | Nicolai F. S. Grundtvig, 1783-1872 (Author) | English | 18 |
God's Word is our great heritage | N.F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | English | 23 |
The happy Christmas comes once more | N. F. S. Grundtvig (Author) | English | 34 |
Built on the Rock, the Church shall stand | Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig, 1783-1872 (Author) | English | 73 |