HENGSTENBERG, ERNST WthrrELm, a celebrated modern German theologian, was b. Oct. 20, 1802, at FrOndenberg, in Westphalia, where his father was clergyman. Pre pared by his father for the university, lie devoted himself at Bonn chiefly to oriental and philosophical studies, whilst at the same time he took an enthusiastic part in the Burschensehaften. Though sympathizing thus in his early years with liberal and ration alistic movements in Germany, soon after going to Basel, in 1823, he came under the influence of the missionary institution there, and, before lie had begun the professional study of theology, was drawn into the theological tendency which he afterwards repre sented. Going to Berlin, in 1824. as theological lie put himself at the head of a rising orthodox party, and, with most conscientious devotedness, made the scientific defense of their principles the aim of his labors in the university, and through the press. Though known as a theological author only by two little treatises—Ueber d. Verhaltni.98 d. innern. Works rum dosser,' (1825), and Uebcr Mysticisms, Pietismus nod Separratismus (1826)—lie was made, in 1826, extraordinary, in 1828 ordinary, professor; and in 1829, doctor of theology. Through the press, his influence was exerted chiefly as editor of Kirehenzeitung, which was begun in 1827, and still combats rationalism even in its mildest forms, seeking to restore the orthodoxy and church dis cipline of the 16th and 17th centuries. With the same view were written all his prin
cipal works; his Christelogie d. A. T. (3 Bde. 1829-35; 2te Anti. 1854-57); Beitrrige znr FinMilting In, A. T. (8 fide. annmentar fiber d. Psalmen (4 Bde. 2te. Aufl.1850); Die Geschichteteams u, Seiner Weissagang (1842): Des Hohelied Sa&mends ausgelegt (1853); and others are devoted to the defense of the old interpretation and criticism of the Scriptures against the results of modern biblical science in Germany. Hengstenberg's influence in ecclesiastical matters also. which was very- great during the reign of the late king of Prussia, was employed in the carrying out of the high Lutheran dogmas of the church, of church-offices, and of the sacraments, by persecution of sec taries, by opposition to the union of Lutherans and Reformed, and by attempts to depose from their chairs Gesenius, Wegscheider, De Wette, and other rationalistic teachers in the universities. His latest works were F;rangelinm des hell. Johannes (1869); Geschichte des Reichert Gottes under dent Alien Bands,- Des Reek Blob erhietert (1870). A number of his works have been translated. Hengstenberg died May 28, 1869.