Luft, Friedrich MatthäuUs

Luft, Friedrich Matthäuus a German theologian, was born at Kirch-Rüsselbach, August 3, 1705. In 1723 he entered the University of Altlorf, where his uncle, G.G. Zelter, was then professor of theology and of the Oriental languages. In 1730, when Prof. Zelter resigned his professorship and became pastor at Poppenreut, Luft accompanied him, and was made vicar in 1732. In 1733 he became the first chaplain at Fürth, where he unexpectedly died, May 24, 1740. His death caused great grief, since his knowledge and unwearied diligence gave promise of future usefulness and eminence. He rendered great service in issuing the Bible-work of Prof. Zelter. He himself committed only a few minor produchtions to print, but among his papers valuable MSS. were found, intended as preparations for quite extensive labors. See Döring, Gelehrte Theol. Deutschl. volume 2, s.v.