Michael Weisse

Short Name: Michael Weisse
Full Name: Weisse, Michael, ca. 1488-1534
Birth Year: 1480
Death Year: 1534

Michael Weiss was born at Neisse, in Silesia. He was a pastor among the Bohemian Brethren, and a contemporary with Luther. His hymns have received commendation. He died in 1540.

--Annotations of the Hymnal, Charles Hutchins, M.A. 1872.

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Weisse, Michael (Weiss, Wiss, Wegs, Weys, Weyss), was born circa 1480, in Neisse, Silesia, took priest's orders, and was for some time a monk at Breslau. When the early writings of Luther came into his hands, Weisse, with two other monks, abandoned the convent, and sought refuge in the Bohemian Brethren's House at Leutomischl in Bohemia. He became German preacher (and apparently founder of the German communities) to the Bohemian Brethren at Landskron in Bohemia, and Fulnck in Moravia, and died at Landskron in 1534 (Koch, ii. 115-120; Wackernagel's D. Kirchenlied, i. p. 727; Fontes rerum Austricarum, Scriptores, vol. ii. pt. ii. p. 227, Vienna, 18G3, &c).

Weisse was admitted as a priest among the Brethren at the Synod of Brandeis, in 1531, and in 1532 was appointed a member of their Select Council, but he had previously performed important missions for the Brethren. He was, e.g., sent by Bishop Lucas, in 1522, along with J. Roh or Horn, to explain the views of the Bohemian Brethren to Luther; and again, in 1524, when they were appointed more especially to report on the practices and holiness of life of the followers of the German Reformers. He was also entrusted with the editing of the first German hymn-book of the Bohemian Brethren, which appeared as Ein New Gesengbuchlen at Jungen Bunzel (Jung Bunzlau) in Bohemia in 1531. This contained 155 hymns, all apparently either translations or else originals by himself. The proportion of translations is not very clear. In the preface to the 1531, Weisse addressing the German Communities at Fulnek and Landskron says, "I have also, according to my power, put forth all my ability, your old hymn-book as well as the Bohemian hymn-book (Cantional) being before me, and have brought the same sense, in accordance with Holy Scripture, into German rhyme."
Luther called Weisse "a good poet, with somewhat erroneous views on the Sacrament" (i.e. Holy Communion); and, after the Sacramental hymns had been revised by Roh (1544), included 12 of his hymns in V. Babst's Gesang-Buch, 1545. Many of his hymns possess considerable merit. The style is flowing and musical, the religious tone is earnest and manly, but yet tender and truly devout, and the best of them are distinguished by a certain charming simplicity of thought and expression. At least 119 passed into the German Lutheran hymnbooks of the 16th and 17th centuries, and many are still in use.

The following hymns by Weisse have also passed into English:—
i. Christus ist erstanden. Von des Todes Banden. Easter. First published 1531 as above, and thence in Wackernagel, iii. p. 273, in 7 stanzas of 4 lines. It is suggested by the older hymn, "Christ ist erstanden". In the Unverfälschter Liedersegen, 1851, No. 129. The translation in common use is:—
Christ the Lord is risen again! This is a full and very good translation by Miss Winkworth, in her Lyra Germanica, 2nd Ser., 1858, p. 37, and her Chorale Book for England, 1863, No. 58. It has been included in many recent English and American hymnals. Other translations are:—
(1) "Christ (and 'tis no wonder"). This is No. 260 in pt. i. of the Moravian Hymn Book, 1754. (2) "Christ our Lord is risen," by Dr. H. Mills, 1856, p. 322.
ii. Es geht daher des Tages Schein. Morning. 1531 as above, and thence in Wackernagel, iii. p. 318, in 7 stanzas of 4 lines. In the Unverfälschter Liedersegen, 1851, No. 455. The translations in common use are:—
1. The Light of Day again we see. In full, by H. J. Buckoll in his Hymns from German, 1842, p. 14. His translations of stanzas iii., iv., vi., vii., beginning “Great God, eternal Lord of Heaven," were included in the Rugby School Hymn Book, 1843.
2. Once more the daylight shines abroad. This is a full and very good translation by Miss Winkworth, in her Lyra Germanica, 2nd Ser., 1858, p. 69, and her Chorale Book for England, 1863, No. 18. Repeated in Thring's Collection, 1880-82.
iii. Gelobt sei Gott im höchsten Thron. Easter. 1531 as above, and thence in Wackernagel, iii. p. 265, in 20 stanzas of 3 lines, with Alleluia. The translations in common use are: —
1. Praise God upon His heavenly throne. This is a free translation of stanzas 1, 4, 10, 19, 20, by A. T. Russell, as No. 112, in his Psalms & Hymns, 1851.
2. Glory to God upon His throne. By Mrs. H. R. Spaeth, in the Southern Lutheran Service and Hymns for Sunday Schools , Philadelphia, 1883.
iv. Gott sah zu seiner Zeit. Christmas. 1531 as above, and thence in Wackernagel, iii. p. 244, in 10 stanzas of 9 lines. The translation in common use is:—
When the due Time had taken place. By C. Kinchen, omitting stanza v., as No. 169 in the Moravian Hymn Book, 1742 (1849, No. 20). In the ed. of 1886, No. 954 consists of stanza x., beginning “Ah come, Lord Jesus, hear our prayer."
v. Lob sei dem allmächtigen Gott. Advent. 1531 as above, and thence in Wackernagel, iii. p. 230, in 14 stanzas of 4 lines. Included in V. Babst's Gesang-Buch, 1545, and recently as No. 12 in the Unverfälschter Liedersegen , 1851. In the larger edition of the Moravian Hymn Book, 1886, it is marked as a translation from a Bohemian hymn, beginning "Cirkev Kristova Boha chval." The translations are:—
1. Praise be to that Almighty God. By J. Gambold, omitting stanza xi.-xiii., as No, 246, in pt. i. of the Moravian Hymn Book, 1754. In the 1789 and later eds. (1886, No. 31), it begins “To God we render thanks and praise."
2. O come, th' Almighty's praise declare. By A. T. Russell, of stanzas i.-iii., v., as No. 26 in his Psalms & Hymns, 1851.
vi. O Herre Jesu Christ, der du erschienen bistanza. For Children. On Christ's Example in His early years on earth . 1531 as above, and in Wackernagel, iii. p. 326, in 7 stanzas of 7 lines. The first three stanzas are translated as “Christ Jesus, Lord most dear," in the Moravian Hymn Book, 1754, pt. i., No. 278. The form in common use is that in Knapp's Evangelischer Lieder-Schatz , 1837, No. 2951, which begins "Nun hilf uns, o Herr Jesu Christ," and is in 3 stanzas of 4 lines, entirely recast. This is translated as:—
Lord Jesus Christ, we come to Thee . In full from Knapp, by Miss Winkworth, in her Chorale Book for England , 1863, No. 179.

Hymns not in English common use:—
vii. Den Vater dort oben. Grace after Meat. 1531, and thence in Wackernagel, iii., p. 321, in 5 stanzas of 7 lines. In the Berlin Geistliche Lieder, ed. 1863, No. 1136. Translated as, "Father, Lord of mercy," by J. V. Jacobi, 1122, p. 117. In his edition, 1732, p. 183, slightly altered, and thence in the Moravian Hymn Book, 1754, pt. i., No. 290.
viii. Die Sonne wird mit ihrem Schein. Evening. 1531, and thence in Wackernagel, iii., p. 323, in 6 stanzas of 4 lines. In the Unverfälschter Liedersegen, 1851, No. 517. Translated as, "Soon from our wishful eyes awhile," by H. J. Buckoll, 1842.
ix. Komm, heiliger Geist, wahrer Gott. Whitsuntide . 1531, and in Wackernagel , iii., p. 282, in 9 stanzas of 5 lines From the Bohemian as noted at p. 157, and partly suggested by the "Veni Sancte Spiritus reple " (q.v.). The translations are: (1) “Come, Holy Ghost, Lord God indeed." This is No. 285 in pt. i. of the Moravian Hymn Book, 1754. (2) "Thou great Teacher, Who instructest." This is a translation of stanza vii., as No. 234 in the Moravian Hymn Book, 1801 (1849, No. 267).
x. Lob und Ehr mit stettem Dankopfer. The Creation: Septuagesima . 1531, and in Wackernagel, iii., p. 287, in 5 stanzas of 16 lines. Translated as, “Praise, glory, thanks, be ever paid," by Miss Winkworth, 1869, p. 137.
xi. 0 Jesu Christ, der Heiden Licht. Epiphany. 1531, and in Wackernagel , iii. p. 248, in 2 stanzas of 14 lines. Translated as, "0 Jesus Christ, the Gentiles' Light." This is No. 253 in pt. i. of the Moravian Hymn Book, 1754. In the Brüder Gesang-Buch, 1778, No. 1467, stanza ii. was rewritten. This form begins, "Erscheine alien Auserwahlten," and is in 4 stanzas of 4 lines. Translated as, "Lord, to Thy chosen ones appear," by Miss Winkworth, 1869, p. 139.
xii. Singet lieben Leut. Redemption by Christ. 1531, and in Wackernagel, iii. p. 243, in 16 stanzas of 4 lines. Translated as, "Sing, be glad, ye happy sheep." This is a translation of stanza xiv., by C. G. Clemens, as No. 299 in the Moravian Hymn Book, 1789. In the 1801 and later editions (1849, No. 403) it begins, "O rejoice, Christ's happy sheep." [Rev. James Mearns, M.A.]

-- Excerpts from John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)


Texts by Michael Weisse (169)AsAuthority LanguagesInstancessort descending
Adam hatt uns ganz verderbetMichael Weisse (Author)German1
Als Adam im Paradiess, verfuhrt durch die schlangeMichael Weisse (Author)German1
Als der gütige Gott vollenden wolt sein WortMichael Weisse (Author)German1
Als Gott seinen Sohn vom höchsten ThronMichael Weisse (Author)German1
Als Jesus gebohren war, zu Herodis ZeitenMichael Weisse (Author)German1
Barmherziger, ewiger GottMichael Weisse (Author)German1
Barmherziger und milder GottMichael Weisse (Author)German1
Begehren wir mit Innigkeit, vom Vater der BermherzigkeitMichael Weisse (Author)German1
Christ, by whose all-saving LightMichael Weisse (Author)English1
Christ, the Lord is risen today, Sons of men and angels sayMichael Weisse (Author)English1
Christe, du wahres Licht, und göttliche KlarheitMichael Weisse (Author)German1
Christus der Herr vergoss sein BlutMichael Weisse (Author)German1
Christus liedt' den Tod mit GedultMichael Weisse (Author)German1
Christus schickt aus in alle WeltMichael Weisse (Author)German1
Christus unser Heil, der recht ImmanuelMichael Weisse (Author)German1
Christus, wahrer Gottes Sohn, auf Erden leidhaftigMichael Weisse (Author)German1
Danken wir Gott dem Vater der BarmherzigkeitMichael Weisse (Author)German1
Das sind die heil'gen Zehn GebotMichael Weisse (Author)German1
Ein Kind ist uns geboren heut', O nehmt's anMichael Weisse (Author)German1
Es ist heut ein frölich TagMichael Weisse (Author)German1
Father, Lord of Mercy!Michael Weisse (Author)English1
Freu dich heut, O Jerusalem, auserwählte GottesMichael Weisse (Author)German1
Freuet euch heut, o ihr ChristenMichael Weisse (Author)German1
Freut euch heut alle gleichMichael Weisse (Author)German1
Gebenedeit sei unser Heiland, Jesus ChristusMichael Weisse (Author)German1
Gelobt sei Gott, der unsre NotMichael Weisse (Author)German1
Gläubige seel, Schau, dein herrMichael Weisse (Author)German1
Gnad und Wahrheit ist vorhandenMichael Weisse (Author)German1
Gnädiger und milder Gott!Michael Weisse (Author)German1
Gott dem Vater der BarmherzigkeitMichael Weisse (Author)German1
Gott dem Vater im höchsten ThronMichael Weisse (Author)German1
Gott dem Vater, sammt seinem SohnMichael Weisse (Author)German1
Gott dem Vater sei Lob und DankMichael Weisse (Author)German1
Gott sah zu seiner ZeitMichael Weisse (Author)German1
Kinder, merket fleißig aufMichael Weisse (Author)German1
Komm, heiliger Geist, wahrer GottMichael Weisse (Author)German1
Kommt her, o ihr VölkerMichael Weisse (Author)German1
Lasst uns frölich und eintr'chtig singenMichael Weisse (Author)German1
Lasst uns loben unsern GottMichael Weisse (Author)German1
Lob sei dem allerhöchsten Gott, Erbarmend sah er unsre NotMich. Weiße (Author)German1
Lob sei dir, Herre GottMichael Weisse (Author)German1
Lob und Ehr' mit stetem DankopferMichael Weisse (Author)German1
Lob und Preis, Danksagung und HerrlichkeitMichael Weisse (Author)German1
Lobsing heut, O christenheitMichael Weisse (Author)1
Mit Freuden wollen wir singen, Reden von fröhlichen DingenMichael Weisse (Author)German1
Nun hilf uns, o Herr Jesu ChristMichael Weiße, -1534 (Author)German1
O Christe, unser SeligkeitMichael Weisse (Author)German1
O Christe, wahrer Gottes SohnMichael Weisse (Author)German1
O Gott, der du bist ein GeistMichael Weisse (Author)German1
O Gott Vater gebenedeit in EwigkeitMichael Weisse (Author)German1
O Gott Vater im höchsten ThronMichael Weisse (Author)German1
O Gott Vater von EwigkeitMichael Weisse (Author)German1
O heiliger Geist, Herre GottMichael Weisse (Author)German1
O Herre Gott, wir loben DichMichael Weisse (Author)German1
O Herre Jesu Christ der du erschienen bistMichael Weisse (Author)German1
O Herre Jesu Christ der du ganz freundlichMichael Weisse (Author)German1
O Jesu Christ, der Heiden LichtMichael Weisse (Author)German1
O Jesu, der du uns zu gutMichael Weisse (Author)German1
O Jesu, du verheißner HeilandMichael Weisse (Author)German1
O Jesu schön und wohlgestaltMichael Weisse (Author)German1
O Mensch, hör und nimm zu HerzenMichael Weisse (Author)German1
O Mensch, sieh wie hie auf ErdreichMichael Weisse (Author)German1
O Wächter wach und bewahr deine SinnenMichael Weisse (Author)German1
Preis sei dir himmlischer VaterMichael Weisse (Author)German1
Seht heut an, wie der Messias, ChristusMichael Weisse (Author)German1
Singen wir frölich allesammt, Lobend unserMichael Weisse (Author)German1
Singen wir heut aus Herzensgrund, danken GottMichael Weisse (Author)German1
Singen wir heut gleichem Mund, einträchtigMichael Weisse (Author)German1
Singt froelich, lieben LeutMichael Weisse (Author)German1
So lasst uns den Leib behaltenMichael Weisse (Author)German1
Vater der Barmherzigkeit, ohn' den nichts auf ErdenMichael Weisse (Author)German1
Vyznavame z srdce pravehoMichael Weisse (Author)1
Weil Maria schwanger gingMichael Weisse (Author)German1
Wohlauf, ihr Christen, freuet euchMichael Weisse (Author)German1
Wunderlich' Ding hat sich ergangenMichael Weisse (Author)1
Af dybeste Nød lader os til GudMichael Weisse (Author)Norwegian2
Allzeit ist sehr gut und hoch von nötenMichael Weisse (Author)German2
Als Jesus Christus, Gottes Sohn, Auffuhr zu seines Vaters ThronMichael Weiße (Author)German2
Boży Syn z górnegoks. Michael Weisse (Author)Polish2
Christgl'ubger Mensch, wach auf, wach aufMichael Weisse (Author)2
Chvalmez Pana, nebot' jest dobrotivyMichael Weisse (Author)2
Chwała Bogu wszechmocnemuks, Michael Weisse (Author)Polish2
Come, let us all with gradness raiseMichael Weisse, 1480-1534 (Translator)2
Duse krest'anska Boha chvalMichael Weisse (Author)2
Es geht [kommt] daher des Tages Schein, o Brüder [ihr Christen]Michael Weisse (Author)German2
Es ist jetzt um die Vesper-ZeitMichael Weisse (Author)German2
Faithful soul, behold your KingMichael Weisse (Author)English2
Gelobt sei Gott, der seinen SohnMichael Weisse (Author)German2
Glory to God upon his throneMichael Weisse (Author)2
Gott der Vater hat seinen Sohn uns zu gutMichael Weisse (Author)German2
Gottes Sohn ist kommenMichael Weiß (Author)German2
Ihr Auserwählten freuet euchMichael Weisse (Author)German2
今將此身安葬入墓 (Jīn jiāng cǐ shēn ānzàng rù mù)Michael Weisse (Author)Chinese2
Kehr um, kehr um, du jünger SohnMichael Weisse (Author)German2
Let us this brother's corpse interMichael Weisse (Author)2
Lobet Gott, o lieben Christen, singet ihm mit dem PsalmistenMichael Weisse (Author)German2
Moudrost Otce nesmirndMichael Weisse (Author)2
Nu lad hans legem graves nedMichael Weisse (Author)Norwegian2
Nun loben wir mit InnigkeitMichael Weisse (Author)German2
O Christe, Wahrheit und LebenMichael Weisse (Author)German2
O gläubig Herz, sing froh und freiMichael Weisse (Author)German2
O göttliche DreifaltigkeitMichael Weisse (Author)German2
O höchster Gott von EwigkeitMichael Weisse (Author)German2
O hrisny clovece, vidisMichael Weisse (Author)2
O Licht, heilig DreifaltigkeitMichael Weisse (Author)German2
O Vater der Barmherzigkeit, Wir bitten dich mit InnigkeitMichael Weisse (Author)German2
O Vater, Herre Gotte, groß ist deine GnadMichael Weisse (Author)German2
O wie frölich ist die ZeitMichael Weisse (Author)German2
Otce na vysostiMichael Weisse (Author)2
Pochowajmy ciała w grobieks. Michael Weisse (Author)Polish2
Praise be to God on highest throneMichael Weisse (Author)English2
Preis Lob und Danksagung und HerrlichkeitMichael Weisse (Author)German2
Przed Boga tron pośpieszmy wznieśćMichael Weisse (Author)German, Polish2
Rozzehnejme se s tim telemMichael Weisse (Author)2
Sehr groß ist Gottes GßtigkeitMichael Weisse (Author)German2
Svetska cest, rozkos, slavaMichael Weisse (Author)2
To us a Child is born this nightMichael Weisse, 1480-1534 (Author)2
Tumsifu Mungu enziniMichael Weisse (Author)Swahili2
Vater im höchsten ThronMichael Weisse (Author)German2
We give this body to the dustMichael Weisse (Author)2
When the due time had taken placeMichael Weisse (Author)2
Aus tiefer Not lasst uns zu GottMichael Weisse (Author)German3
Christ our Lord is risen, Bursting death's dark prisonMichael Weisse (Author)3
Christ, the Lord is risen, Open is death's prisonMichael Weisse (Author)English3
Christe, der du bist der helle TagMichael Weisse (Author)German3
Chryste Panie, pomóż namks. Michael Weisse (Author)Polish3
Da Christus von uns scheiden wolltMich. Weiß (Author)German3
Join we all with one accordMichael Weisse (Translator)English3
Kristus 'r upstaandenMichael Weisse (Author)3
Mein Mund soll fröhlich preisenMichael Weiß (Author)German3
O Jesus Christ, our gracious KingMichael Weisse (Author)English3
O süßer Herre Jesu ChristMichael Weisse (Author)German3
Praise we our God upon his throneMichael Weisse (Author)3
Wer Gottes Diener werden willMichael Weisse (Author)German3
All praise to God in highest heavenMichael Weisse (Author)English4
Begraben lasst uns nun den LeibMich. Weiß (Author)German4
Da Christus geboren warMichael Weisse (Author)German4
Es wird schier der letzte Tag herkommenMichael Weisse (Author)German4
Heut' fangen wir in Gottes NamenMich. Weiß (Author)German4
Lord Jesus Christ, we come to TheeMichael Weisse (Author)English4
Med Graad vi hans Legem nedgraveMikael Weisze (Author)Norwegian4
Nu lader os da grave nedMichael Weisse (Author)Norwegian4
O heilige Dreieinigkeit, o göttliche SelbstständigkeitMichael Weisse (Author)German4
To God we render thanks and praise, who pitied mankind's fallen raceMichael Weisse (Author)4
Den Vater dort obenMichael Weisse (Author)German5
O ewiger, barmherziger Gott, wir danken dir der WohltatMichael Weisse (Author)German5
O Vater der Barmherzigkeit, Brunn aller GütigkeitM. Weisse (Author)German5
Once He came in blessingMichael Weiss (Author)English5
Weltlich Ehr' und zeitlich Gut, Wollust und allerMichael Weisse (Author)German5
O gläubig Herz, benedei und lobe deinen HerrenMichael Weiße (Author)German6
El Señor resucitóMichael Weisse (Author (estr. 1-3))Spanish7
Gott sei uns gnädig und barmherzigMichael Weiß (Author)German7
Menschenkind, merk eben, was da sei dein LebenMichael Weiß (Author)German7
O hilf Christe Gottes SohnMichale Weiße (Author)German7
This body in the grave we layMichael Weisse (Author)English7
Der Tag vertreibt die finstre NachtMichael Weisse (Author)German8
Mit Freuden wollen wir singen, Wie wir's beschlossen hon (Weisse)Michael Weisse (Author)German8
O Jesu, der du selig machstMichael Weisse (Author)German8
Once more the daylight shines abroadMichael Weisse (Author)English8
Danket dem Herren, Denn Er ist sehr freundlichMichael Weisse (Author)German10
Von Adam her so lange ZeitMichael Weisse (Author)German11
Christus ist erstanden, von des Todes BandenMichael Weiße (Author)German13
Christus, der uns selig machtMichael Weisse (Author)German14
Gelobt sei Gott im höchsten Thron, Sammt seinem einigeborenen SohnMichael Weisse (Author)German14
Christe, der du bist Tag und LichtMichael Weisse (Author)German15
Now lay we calmly in the graveMichael Weisse (Author)English18
Lob sei dem allmächtigen Gott, der sich unser erbarmet hatMich. Weiß (Author)German27
Nun lasst uns den Leib begrabenMichael Weiße, -1534 (Author)German57
Christ the Lord is risen again! Christ has broken every chain!M. Weisse (Author)English173
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