English Translation: Frederick H. Hedge, 1805-1890
Tune Name : "Ein' Feste Berg"
Scriptural Reference: Psalm 46
One of the important benefits of the Reformation was the rediscovery of congregational singing. `Luther became intensely interested in encouraging it.
He said, " I wish to compose sacred hymns, so that the Words of God may dwell among the people also by means of song." He felt that the people should have hymns as well as the Bible, in their own language, so that they could " read God's Word and speak to Him in their songs." The Protestant Church
services were no longer to be in Latin, but in the common language of the people.
The first Protestant hymnal was published in Wittenberg, Germany, in 1524. It contained only eight hymns, four of them written by Luther himself. This powerful hymn, written about 1529, became the battle cry of the people, a great source of strength and inspiration even for those who were martyred for their convictions. The first line is inscribed on Luther's tomb in the famous old town of Wittenberg.
- Remi Tufts, Member of Atonement Lutheran Church