Coffin, Charles (1)

a French hymnist, was born October 4, 1676, at Buzanvc. He studied at Beauvais and at Plessis. In 1718 he succeeded the celebrated historian, M. Rollin, as rector of the Paris University, which position he held until his death. in 1749. At the instance of Monsieur de Vintimille, archbishop of Paris, he composed the hymns for the new Paris breviary. To grace of rhythm they join the most touching simplicity and tenderness. His works were published in 2 volumes, Paris, 1755. Several of his hymns were also translated into English by Mason Neale and John Chandler. A number of these translations are also found in Lyra Messianica, pages 16, 36, 41, 160, 164, 169, 181, 264, 372. See Miller, Singers and Songs of the Church, page 142; Lichtenberger, Encyclop. des Sciences Religieuses, s.v. (B.P.)