Christian Richter (1676-1711)...
Illustration
Object:
Christian Richter (1676-1711) saw one steeple but many denominational expressions. As a scientist, he embarked to unmask the mysteries of creation. As a physician, he dedicated himself to the alleviation of suffering. As a Christian, he prepared himself for each task by first offering a special prayer. Richter located his ministry in an orphanage and combined his academic disciplines to create so many potions for healing that they were commonly called "Halle medicines," in honor of his work at the University of Halle. As a theologian he expressed all of his vocations in the hymn "My Soul Before Thee Prostrate Lies":
My soul before Thee prostrate lies;
To Thee, her Source, my spirit flies;
My wants I mourn, my chains I see;
O let Thy presence set me free.
Jesus, vouchsafe my heart and will
With Thy meek lowliness to fill;
No more her power let nature boast,
But in Thy will may mine be lost.
Already springing hope I feel,
God will destroy the power of hell,
And, from a land of wars and pain,
Lead me where peace and safety reign.
One only care my soul shall know,
Father, all Thy commands to do;
And feel, what endless years shall prove,
That Thou, my Lord, my God, art love.
Application: We must invest the talents the Lord has given to us.
My soul before Thee prostrate lies;
To Thee, her Source, my spirit flies;
My wants I mourn, my chains I see;
O let Thy presence set me free.
Jesus, vouchsafe my heart and will
With Thy meek lowliness to fill;
No more her power let nature boast,
But in Thy will may mine be lost.
Already springing hope I feel,
God will destroy the power of hell,
And, from a land of wars and pain,
Lead me where peace and safety reign.
One only care my soul shall know,
Father, all Thy commands to do;
And feel, what endless years shall prove,
That Thou, my Lord, my God, art love.
Application: We must invest the talents the Lord has given to us.
