Lord, Now Let Thy Servant

Author: David Behme

Behme, David, born April 2, 1605, at Bernstadt, in Silesia, became, 1630, Court preacher to Duke Heinrich Wenzel of Munsterberg, and pastor of Vielguth near Bernstadt. In 1638 became pastor of his native town, preacher to the court of Oels, and a member of the Consistory. There he remained as a faithful and exemplary pastor till his death, Feb. 9, 1657 (Koch, iii. 56-57; Allgemeine Deutsche Biographie, ii. 284). Mützell, 1858, includes six hymns under his name, Nos. 300-305. One has been translated into English. Herr nun lass in Friede. [For the Dying. Founded on the Nunc Dimittis. First appeared in the 5th ed., Breslau, c. 1663, of the Vollstandige Kirchen und Haus Music, p. 962, in 10 stanzas. In Mützell, 1858, No. 301 as a hymn on… Go to person page >

Translator: Catherine Winkworth

Catherine Winkworth (b. Holborn, London, England, 1827; d. Monnetier, Savoy, France, 1878) is well known for her English translations of German hymns; her translations were polished and yet remained close to the original. Educated initially by her mother, she lived with relatives in Dresden, Germany, in 1845, where she acquired her knowledge of German and interest in German hymnody. After residing near Manchester until 1862, she moved to Clifton, near Bristol. A pioneer in promoting women's rights, Winkworth put much of her energy into the encouragement of higher education for women. She translated a large number of German hymn texts from hymnals owned by a friend, Baron Bunsen. Though often altered, these translations continue to be used i… Go to person page >