N. F. S. Grundtvig

N. F. S. Grundtvig
NFS Grundtvig
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)

Wikipedia Biography

Nikolaj Frederik Severin Grundtvig (Danish: [ˈne̝koˌlɑjˀ ˈfʁeðˀˌʁek ˈse̝vəˌʁiˀn ˈkʁɔntvi]; 8 September 1783 – 2 September 1872), most often referred to as N. F. S. Grundtvig, was a Danish pastor, author, poet, philosopher, historian, teacher and politician. He was one of the most influential people in Danish history, as his philosophy gave rise to a new form of nationalism in the last half of the 19th century. It was steeped in the national literature and supported by deep spirituality.

Texts by N. F. S. Grundtvig (150)sort ascendingAsAuthority LanguagesInstances
With her cruse of alabasterNikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author)3
With gladness we hail this blessed dayNikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author)2
With gladness we hail the blessed dayGrundtvig (Alterer)2
Welcome here, new year of graceN. F. S. Grundtvig (Alterer)English2
We are in our Father's handN. F. S. Grundtvig (Author)English3
Vidunderligst af alt paa JordNikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author)4
Thy blessing fills our earthly needNikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author)English4
This is the day which the Lord hath us givenN. F. S. Grundtvig (Author)English6
There is a way, By worldly man forsakenNikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author)2
The Word of God's our heritageN. F. S. Grundtvig (Author)English1
The Word of God, our heritageNikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author)2
The sun now shines in all its splendorNikolai Frederick Severin Grundtvig, 1783-1872 (Author)English5
The peace of God protects our heartsNikolai Frederick Severin Grundtvig, 1783-1872 (Author)English5
The Lord to thee appealethN. F. S. Grundtvig (Author)English4
The Lord is in his holy place, Let all the earth be stillNikolaj F. S. Grundtvig (Author)English3
The leaves are falling everywhereNikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author)2
The dear glad spring returns to earthNikolai Frederik Severin Grundtvig, 1783-1872 (Author)English2
Tegn skal der ske for dommedagN. F. S. Grundtvig (Author)Norwegian5
Take away the signs of mourningNikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author)2
Syrgje ei fyr deim, som sovaGrundtvig (Author)Nynorsk2
Suffer the children to come to meNikolaj F. S. Grundtvig (Author)2
Suffer and languish, Tremble in anguishNikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author)3
Splendid are the heavens highN. F. S. Grundtvig (Author)English7
Spirit of God, sent from heaven abroadNikolai F. S. Grundtvig, 1783-1872 (Author)English2
Sortnet var den gyldne SolN. F. S. Grundtvig (Paraphraser)Norwegian3
Sørger ei for dem, som soveGrundtvig (Author)Norwegian4
Som toerstige Hjort monne skrigeGrundtvig (Author)5
Savior, whither should we goNikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author)3
Ry Jeso Tompo velona mpiandry sy mpamelonaN. F .S. Grundtvig (Author)Malagasy2
Ring, O ye bells, O ring outNikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author)3
Proclaim my soul that Jesus diesN. F. S. Grundtvig (Author)English3
Preciosa herencia otorga DiosN. F. S. Grundtvig (Author)Spanish2
Praise we offer, Lord of gloryN. F. S. Grundtvig (1783-1872) (Author)1
Peace to soothe our bitter woesN. F. S. Grundtvig (Author)English18
Paaske-Morgen Slukker sorgenN. F. S. Grundtvig (Author)Norwegian4
On the new JerusalemN. F. S. Grundtvig (Author)English3
O that I had a thousand voices, They should be raised to Christ my Lord!Grundtvig (Translator (into Danish))English3
O let thy spirit with us tarry, Lord Jesus, this we ask of TheeN. F. S. Grundtvig (Author)English4
O wondrous Kingdom here on earthNikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author)2
O let Thy spirit with us tarry, Our Lord and Savior Jesus ChristNikolai Frederick Severin Grundtvig, 1783-1872 (Author)English2
O land of our KingN. F. S. Grundtvig (Author)English6
O lad din Aand nu med os væreN. F. S. Grundtvig (Author)Norwegian4
O Jesus, in my heart instillNikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author)English1
O how beautiful the skyNikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author)English6
O Holy Spirit come we prayN. F. S. Grundtvig (Translator (Danish))English4
O day, full of grace, which we beholdNicolai F.S. Grundtvig, 1783-1872 (Author)English13
O day full of grace that now we seeNikolai F. S. Grundtvig, 1783-1872 (Author)English2
Ny andron'ny fahasoavanaN. F. S. Grundtvig (Author)Malagasy2
My Lord, I hear thee pleadingNikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author)2
Most wondrous is of all on earth (Fraser)N. F. S. Grundtvig, 1783-1872 (Author)2
Most wondrous is of all on earth The kingdom Jesus foundedN. F. S. Grundtvig (Author)English5
Most wonderful of all things isNikolai Frederick Severin Grundtvig, 1783-1872 (Author)2
Mindful of a constant FriendN. F. S. Grundtvig (Translator (Danish))English3
Min Jesus, lad mit Hjerte faaN. F. S. Grundtvig (Author)Norwegian2
Med Straale-Krans om TindeGrundtvig (Author)Norwegian4
Manana fiorenana ny fiangonan'i KristyN. F. S. Grundtvig (Author)Malagasy2
Lover Gud, I kristne frommeNikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author)Norwegian5
Love, the fount of light from heavenNikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author)English9
Love is life's true crown and gloryNikolaj F. S. Grundtvig (Author)2
Lord Jesus, our king, enthroned on highN. F. S. Grundtvig (Author)English3
Long hast thou stood, O church of GodNikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author)English2
Løft hoved op al kristendomN. F. S. Grundtvig (Adapter)Norwegian3
Lo, the Lord extends his handN. F. S. Grundtvig (Translator (Danish))English3
Like dew upon the meadowNikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author)3
Lift up thy head, O ChristendomN. F. S. Grundtvig (Author)English4
Kvinna, sjaa di Tru er storGrundtvig (Author)Nynorsk2
Kvinde, se din Tro er storGrundtvig (Alterer)Norwegian4
Krist stod upp av Daude Grundtvig (Author)Nynorsk2
Krist stod op af Døde I Paaske-Morgen-røde!N. F. S. Grundtvig (Author)Norwegian4
Kommer hid kun med de SmaaNikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author)Norwegian4
Kjærlighed er lysets kildeNikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author)Norwegian4
Kirken den er et gammelt husNikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author)Norwegian7
Kimer, I Klokker, ja kimer før Dag u det Dunkle!Grundtvig (Author)Norwegian6
Jesus, the name without compareN. F. S. Grundtvig (Author)English4
Jesus i det Høie thronerGrundtvig (Author)Norwegian3
I Dag paa apostolisk VisGrundtvig (Author)Norwegian4
I know a flower so fair and fineNikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author)3
Holy Spirit, still our sorrowN. F. S. Grundtvig (Author)English3
Holy Spirit, come with lightN. F. S. Grundtvig (Author)English5
Holy Spirit, come, we pray, Shed from heaven thine inward rayNikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author)English1
Holy Ghost, our IntercederN. F. S. Grundtvig (Author)English4
Himlene, Herre, fortælle din ÆreNikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author)Norwegian4
Herre, kvar skal me vel avN. F. S. Grundtvig (Author)Nynorsk2
Herre, hvor skal vi gaa henN. F. S. Grundtvig (Author)Norwegian4
Her mødes alle VeieGrundtvig (Author)Norwegian4
Her ei ties, her indviesGrundtvig (Author)Norwegian4
He who has helped me hithertoN. F. S. Grundtvig (Author)English4
Hast to the plow thou put thy handN. F. S. Grundtvig (Author)English5
Han, som har hjulpet hidindtilNikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author)1
Hallowed church bell, not for earthly centersN. F. S. Grundtvig (Author)English4
Hail thee, Savior and AtonerN. F. S. Grundtvig (Author)English6
Guds Ord det er vort AarvegodsNikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author)Norwegian6
Guds Ord det er vaar Fedra-ArvN. F. S. Grundtvig (Author)Nynorsk2
Guds Engle sang i StjernetalGrundtvig (Author)Norwegian4
Gud Helligaand, opfyld med lystNikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Translator)Norwegian5
Golden light, serene and brightNikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author)6
God's Word is our great heritageNikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author)English23
God's little child, what troubles theeN. F. S. Grundtvig (Author)English4
Gladly we lift our sightNikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author)2
Give Gud, jeg efterhaandenN. F. S. Grundtvig (Author)Norwegian4
Fyr deg, vaar Herre, Aartusund erN. F. S. Grundtvig (Author)Nynorsk2
From the graves remove dark crossesN. F. S. Grundtvig (Author)English4
From death, Christ, on the Sabbath mornNikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author)2
Fred til Bod for bittert SavnNikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author)Norwegian5
Fraa Himmelen Guds Ande forGrundtvig (Author)Nynorsk2
Founded our Lord has upon earth a realm of the SpiritNikolai Frederick Severin Grundtvig, 1783-1872 (Author)2
For dig, o Herre, som Dage kunN. F. S. Grundtvig (Author)Norwegian4
Følger med til UrtegaardenNikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author)Norwegian4
Firme en la roca eterna y fielN. F. S. Grundtvig (Author)Spanish2
Fair beyond telling N. F. S. Grundtvig (Author)English5
Et barn er født i BetlehemNikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author)Norwegian3
Easter morrow stills our sorrowNikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author)4
Du, som gaar udNikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author)Norwegian3
Domo malnova estas ĝi, nia preĝejo sur teroNikolai Frederik Severin Grundtvig (Author)Esperanto1
Det største Under her paa JordN. F. S. Grundtvig (Author)Nynorsk2
Det lakker nu ad Aften bratGrundtvig (Translator)Norwegian3
Det kimer nu til JulefestNikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author)Norwegian1
Den signede Dag, som vi nu ser, Med Blide til os opkommeN. F. S. Grundtvig (Translator)Norwegian6
Den sidste Skilnad er vel saarN. F. S. Grundtvig (Author)Nynorsk2
Den Ædelsten saa rosenrødN. F. S. Grundtvig (Author)Norwegian4
Dejlig er den himmel blåN. F. S. Grundtvig (Author)Danish2
Deilig er din Himmel blaaNikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author)Norwegian4
Cradling children in his armNikolai F. S. Grundtvig, 1783-1872 (Author)English4
Come, Zion, and sing to the Father aboveNikolai Frederick Severin Grundtvig, 1783-1872 (Author)3
Come unto me, saith God's own SonGeorg Grüenwald (Author)English1
Christmas with gladness soundsNikolai F. S. Gruntvig (Author)3
Chime on, ye church bellsNikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author)3
The happy Christmas comes once moreNikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author)English34
Childhood days of joy and gladnessNikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author)2
Built on the Rock, the Church shall standNicolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author)English73
Built on a rock the church of GodNikolai Frederick Severin Grundtvig, 1783-1872 (Author)English3
Bright and glorious is the skyNikolai F. S. Grundvig (Author)English12
Blossom as a rose shall hereN. F. S. Grundtvig (Author)English3
Blessed were the eyes that trulyNikolai Frederick Severin Grundtvig, 1783-1872 (Author)English4
Be welcome again, God's angels brightN. F. S. Grundtvig (Author)English4
At sige verden ret farvelNikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author)5
As the rose shall blossom hereN. F. S. Grundtvig (Author)2
As after the water brooks pantethN. F. S. Grundtvig (Author)English10
Arisen is my Savior blestNikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author)English2
Apostlerne sad i JerusalemGrundtvig (Author)Norwegian4
An ancient dwelling is the churchNikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author)2
All ye who like the birds can soarN. F. S. Grundtvig (Author)English4
All that which soars in upward flightNikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author)English2
Al den ganske KristenhedGrundtvig (Author)Norwegian4
Abide among us, we implore TheeN. F. S. Grudtvig (Author)English4
Aa lat din Ande med oss veraGrundtvig (Author)Nynorsk2
A little child so fair and brightNicolai F. S. Grundtvig, 1783-1872 (Author)English4
A life together in love and trothNikolai Frederik Severin Grundtvig, 1783-1872 (Author)English4
A babe is born in Bethlehem, Bethlehem (Aaberg)N. F. S. Grundtvig (Translator (from Latin))English9
A Babe is born in Bethlehem, In Bethlehem (Krauth)Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig (Author)English2

Data Sources

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