Charles Philip Krauth
Charles Philip Krauth [1]
an eminent divine in the Lutheran Church, born in Montgomery Co., Pa., May 7,1797. Originally designed for the medical profession, he commenced its study under the direction of Dr. Selden, of Norfolk,Va., and subsequently attended a course of lectures in the University of Maryland. By a Providential interposition, as he always regarded it, his attention was directed to the ministry as a field of usefulness. Brought under the influence of saving truth, and having consecrated himself unreservedly to the Master, he felt that " woe would be unto him if he preached not the Gospel." He very soon commenced his theological studies with Rev. Dr. Schaeffer, of Frederick, Md., and concluded them with Rev. A. Reck, of Winchester, Va., whom he also aided in the pastoral work. He was licensed to preach the Gospel by-the Synod of Pennsylvania in 1819. His first pastoral charge was the united churches of Martinsburg and Shepardstown, Va., where he labored for several years most efficiently and successfully. He removed to Philadelphia in 1827; advanced rapidly as a scholar, a theologian, and preacher, and in 1833 was unanimously elected professor of Biblical and Oriental literature in the theological seminary at Gettysburg, Pa., with the understanding that a portion of his time should be devoted to instruction in Pennsylvania College, in the same place. In 1834 he was chosen president of the college, which office he filled with distinguished success for seventeen years, a model of Christian propriety, purity, and honor. The history of the college during his connection with it furnishes an unerring proof of his abilities and faithfulness. During his administration the institution enjoyed several precious seasons of revival, when large numbers of the young men joined themselves to the people of God. In 1850 Dr. Krauth resigned the presidency of the college, to devote his entire time to the quiet and congenial duties of theological instruction, and continued these labors until the close of life, delivering his last lecture to the senior class within ten days of his death. He died May 30, 1867. Dr. Krauth was a man of rare endowments of intellect. His mind was distinguished for the harmonious blendings of all its powers. His attainments in every department of literature and science were very extensive. In the pulpit he was pre-eminent. His sermons were always impressive, often thrilling, and sometimes accompanied with the most powerful results. The following is a list 'of his publications: Oration on the Study of the German Language (1832): — Address delivered at his Inauguration eas President of Pennsylvaniat College (1834): — Sermon on Missions (1837):- Address on the Anniversary of Washington's Birthday (1846):Discourse at the Opening of the General Synod (i850):Baccalaureate Discourse (1850) : — Discourse on the Life and Character of Henry Clay* (1852). He edited the General Synod's Hymn- book; Lutheran Sunday-school Hymn-book; Lutheran Intelligencer (of 1826); Evangelical Quarterly Review (from 1850-61). (M. L. S.)
