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

Data Sources

Suggestions or corrections? Contact us