A mighty fortress is our God

A mighty fortress is our God.  Martin Luther* (1483-1546), translated by Frederic Henry Hedge* (1805-1890). This translation of Luther’s version of Psalm 46 (‘Ein' feste Burg ist unser Gott’*) is the one that is most commonly used in the USA. As expected it is found in Lutheran publications, but it appears in books of all denominations. Hedge’s translation, entitled ‘Luther’s Psalm’, was included in the last part (‘Supplement’) of Hymns for the Church of Christ (Boston, 1853) edited by Hedge and Frederic D. Huntington (available on-line at Harvard University Library internet link). It is a splendid translation, written with assurance and complete competence. The first stanza, for example,...

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