Author: Gerhard, John
Biography:
GERHARD, John (1582-1627: EB)
In his lifetime Gerhard was recognised as the leading German Protestant theologian whose Loci Theologici (1610-22) was a key text for Lutherans. He was born at Quedlinburg, Germany, on 17 Oct. 1582. He initially studied medicine at the University of Wittenburg but switched to theology which he studied at Jena from 1603. From 1616 until his death on 20 Aug. 1637 he was professor of theology at the University of Jena. His Meditationes Sacræ was first published in 1606 and the English translation, by Ralph Winterton, appeared in 1627 and went to numerous editions. William Papillon’s translation, included in this bibliography, may be the only one in any language that is in verse. Papillon was the fourth son of David and Bridget Papillon of Lee (now part of London), and of Acrise, Kent. He was born on 23 May 1761 and baptised at St. Margaret’s church, Lee, on 6 June. He matriculated at University College, Oxford, on 26 Oct. 1779 (BA 1783, MA 1786) and was ordained deacon in 1783 and priest in 1785. Papillon’s first church appointment was as the perpetual curate of St. George, Tombland, Norwich. He became the vicar of Wymondham, Norfolk, in 1788 and held that position until his death on 26 Sept. 1836. He married Sarah Martha Drake on 23 Oct. 1798; the details of his will suggest that there were no surviving children. Sarah died on 1 Feb. 1810. Papillon does not seem to have published anything else. (EB; ODNB [for Winterton] 19 Sept. 2024; ancestry.co.uk 19 Sept. 2024; findmypast.co.uk 19 Sept. 2024; Alumni Oxonienses; CCEd 19 Sept. 2024) SR
Other Names:
- Johann Gerhard