Johann Christian Lange

Lange, Johann Christian, D.D., was born at Leipzig, Dec. 25, 1669, and studied at the University of Leipzig (M.A. 1689). In 1697 he was appointed extraordinary professor of Philosophy, in 1698 professor of Morals, and in 1707 professor of Logic and Metaphysics at the University of Giessen. He then became, in 1716, superintendent and first court preacher at Idstein, near Wiesbaden, graduating D.D. in the same year; the districts of Saarbruck and Usingen being also put under his care respectively in 1722 and 1728. He died at Idstein, Dec. 16, 1756 (Koch, iv. 398, &c). His hymns, distinguished by fervent love to Christ, were written mostly during his residence at Lüneburg, 1691-94, as tutor in the house of J. W. Petersen (q.v.). Only one has passed into English, viz:—
Mein Herzens-Jesu, meine Lust. Love to Christ. On the Names and Offices of Christ. This is found, without his name, in J. H. Hävecker's Kirchen Echo, 1695, No. 64, in 18 stanzas of 7 lines, repeated in the Geistreiches Gesang-Buch, Halle, 1697, p. 140, Porst's Gesang-Buch,edition 1855, No. 64, &c. With this hymn Lange comforted himself on his death-bed. Translated as: (1) "Sweet Jesus who my Wish fulfills." In Lyra Davidica, 1708, p. 44. (2) "Jesu! my Heart's most joyful Rest." In the Supplement to German Psalmody, edition 1765, p. 7, and Select Hymns from the German Psalter, Tranquebar, 1754, p. 9. (3) "Jesu, Thou my Heart's pleasing Feast." As No. 675 in the Moravian Hymn Book, 1754. (4) "Jesus Thou art my heart's delight." As No. 274 in the Moravian Hymn Book, 1789 (1886, No. 358). [Rev. James Mearns, M.A.]

--John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)