Christian Cyclopedia

(1663–1727). B. Lübeck, Ger.; philanthropist, preacher, educator, leader of Pietism*; studied philos., theol., and languages, esp. Heb., at Erfurt, Kiel, and Leipzig; lectured at Leipzig; with P. Anton* founded the Collegium philobiblicum 1686 for closer, devotional Bible study. After spending some time at Lüneburg as student, at Hamburg as student and teacher, and with P. J. Spener* at Dresden, he returned 1689 to Leipzig, where his lectures aroused great interest, but also violent opposition as leading to pietistic self-complacency. Called as pastor to Erfurt 1690; his sermons awakened deep interest, but his opponents brought about his banishment September 1691. Through Spener's influence he became pastor in Glaucha, near Halle, and prof. at Halle 1692. Here he developed a strenuous and successful activity as pastor, prof., educator, and organizer of charitable institutions; his school for poor, underprivileged children, founded 1695, expanded into a cluster of educ. and charitable institutions. Under him Halle became the center of the Dan.-Halle miss. to India (see also Missions, 7); B. Ziegenbalg,* H. Plütschau,* and C. F. Schwartz* were among those trained at Halle. Francke also corresponded with individuals and societies throughout Ger. and in other countries. Works include hermeneutical, practical, and exegetical treatises, and a few hymns. See also Molinos, Miguel de.

G. Kramer, August Hermann Francke, 2 vols. (Halle, 1880–82); E. Beyreuther, August Hermann Francke, 1663–1727: Zeuge des lebendigen Gottes (Marburg, 1956) and August Hermann Francke und die Anfänge der ökumenischen Bewegung (Hamburg, 1957); August Hermann Francke, Wort und Tat, ed. D. Jungklaus (Berlin, 1966); E. Peschke, Studien zur Theologie August Hermann Franckes (Berlin, 1964– ).