Cyriakus Schneegass

Cyriacus Schneegaß (also: Snegassius; born October 5, 1546 Bufleben, † October 23, 1597 in Friedrichroda ) was a German Lutheran pastor and hymn writer.

Life

Schneegaß was born in 1546 in the village of Bufleben, north of Gotha. He is probably emerged from a peasant family and had an eventful by military and theological turmoil of youth. The Smalcald War and its significance for the Thuringian countries consequences, such as the siege and capture of Gotha by the Elector Augustus of Saxony, fall into the years of his childhood and education.

He attended trade school in Gotha and then the University of Jena. Among his teachers of the Gotha Rector Cyriacus Lindemann emphasized, had the major influence on him.

Evidence about his life can be found again until 1573 when he receives the first ministry as the fifth Protestant pastor at St. Blasius Church of the forest village Friedrichroda. At the same time he held the post of co-factors of the Weimar superintendency. In this time the marriage with Dorothea Lindemann, the only daughter of his deceased teacher falls in 1568. The couple had eight daughters, four of which are mentioned in the preface to his Spiritual songs and psalms by name. In addition, two sons who died early are known.

As a pastor Schneegaß has unfolded a fruitful activity for his community. As can be seen from its remaining Kasualreden, he closely followed the fortunes of his parishioners. The fact that his work fell on fertile ground, testify during his administration the numerous bequests for the benefit of poor relief and education institution of his community.

Family

His wife Dorothea nee Lindemann was a granddaughter of the Gotha Superintendent Friedrich Myconius and a great-niece of Martin Luther.

Work

A volume in the series of his publications includes with letters of eminent men of the Reformation ( Schmalkalden 1598 ) Unique bear witness to great reformers (such as Luther, Cruziger ).

In 1595 he published the Weyhe night and New Year's motets by 4 votes ( published in two parts in Erfurt). The book contains original compositions by Schneegaß works by other composers.

His most successful release was the release of 73 spiritual songs.

Of his hymns, the song has in you joy in all suffering on a melody by Giovanni Giacomo Gastoldi a permanent place in the Lutheran liturgical song (EC 398). A more familiar Christmas poem by Schneegaß called The newborn little child.