Lichtenberg, Johann Conrad

Lichtenberg, Johann Conrad, a German theologian, was born at Darmstadt December 9, 1689. In 1707 he entered the University of Giessen, and then attended successively those of Jena, Leipsic, and Halle; in the latter he finished his academical course in 1711. Soon after he accepted a call as vicar to Neun-Kirchen, in the grand- duchy of Hesse; in 1716 he became pastor of the same place; in 1719, pastor of Upper Ramstadt; in 1733, metropolitan of the diocese of the bailiwick Lichtenberg; in 1745, town pastor at Darmstadt, and examiner of teachers; and in 1749, superintendent. He died July 17, 1751. His knowledge was extensive, embracing not only theology, but also mathematics and physics. Astronomical studies, especially, had a lasting interest for him; the latter he knew skillfully how to weave into his sermons in a simple and popular manner, thus captivating the attention of the audience. He contributed largely to Church music. The various books which he composed are all of an ascetical character; we only mention Texte zur Kirchenmusik (Darmst. 1719, 1720, 8vo); Ermunternde Stimmen aus Zion (ibid. 1722, 8vo); Geistliche Betrachtungen über gewisse in den Evangeliis enthaltene Materien (ibid. 1721, 8vo). — Doring, Gelehrte Theol. Deutschlands, 2:296 sq.