Who is Matthias Claudius ?
Matthias Claudius was a writer, editor and poet with a simplistic style that appealed to the German people. Caludias, better known as Asmus was born on August 14, 1740 in Reinfield Germany and raised in Hamburg. He was the son of a Lutheran minister, from a genealogy of 17 ministers, who taught him Latin and Greek and Hebrew for his future theological studies. Though he was sent off to the University of Jena to study theology he did not continue his studies as he found himself more suited for law. He soon however, developed a disregard for law and acquired an absorbing interest in literature returning home without finishing his studies. He later married and became a faithfully devout Christian dying in 1815.
Claudius is probably best known for his piece "Death of A Maiden" and in Christian circles "Wir pflügen und wir streuen" or "We Plough the Fields" also known as "All Good Gifts" a simple peasant song of praise sung during harvest time in Germany. I personal adore this song (especially the version sung by Merrell Jackson) as it shows the perfect, simplistic love many Christians enjoy for the Lord. This song can also still be found in the Mennonite church hymnal.
Click to learn more about Matthias Claudius
To hear the Mennonite version of the song in a soothing chant "We Plough the Fields"
To hear the Godspell version "Al Good Gifts" (a bit hippyish ;0) but the song is lovely!)
Have an adventure and learn about someone new from ages past.
That was my thought,too.
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