Arndt, Johann, German Lutheran

Arndt (arnt), Johann, German Lutheran; b. at Ballenstedt, Anhalt, Dec. 27, 1555; d. at Celle, Hanover, May 11, 1621; studied theology at Helmstedt, Wittenberg, Strasburg, and Basel; pastor at Badeborn, 1581; at Quedlinburg, 1590; at Braunschweig, 1599; at Eisleben, 1608; at Celle, 1611. His fame rests upon his mystical and devotional writings, which found their inspiration in Bernard, Tauler, and Thomas a Kempis. His books have enjoyed a remarkable popularity. His principal work, True Christianity, has been translated into mcst of the languages of Europe; English translation (London, 1712-14); new ed. rev., by C. F. Schaeffer (Phila., 1868). Another of his works, The Garden of Paradise (Leipzig, 1612), appeared in English translation (London, 1716). Complete ed. of his works (Leipzig, 1734-36), 3 vols.