Lilienthal, Theodor Christopher

Lilienthal, Theodor Christopher an eminent German theologian and writer, was born at Kionigsberg October 8, 1711. He studied at the university of his native place, and afterwards at Jena and Tübingen, and, after making a journey through Holland and England, spent some time in the University of Halle. He was soon after appointed adjunct professor at Königsberg, and in 1744 became extraordinary professor and doctor of theology. In 1746 he was made pastor of the community of Neu-Rossgärten, and subsequently became ordinary professor of theology, and church and school counsellor. He died March 17, 1782. Among his works we notice Die gute Sache sder göttlichen Offenbarung wider die Feinde derselben erwiesen u. gerettet (Königsberg, 1750-82. 16 volumes, additions and variations to the first four iparts appeared in 1778, and also an augmented addition in the same year). It gives a full collection of the divers objections that have been urged against Christianity, and answers every one. It is consequently useful as a book of reference on this subject, like Lardner's Credibility of the Gospel History, although, on account of its bulk and its antiquated apologetic stand-point, it is less sit to be in itself used as a weapon against incredulity. He wrote also De Canone Missae Gregoriano (Leyden, 1739, 8vo): — Historia beatae Dorothea, Prussiae patronae, fabulis variis maculata (Dantzig, 1743, 4to): — Commentatio critica duorum codicum Biblia Hebraica continentium (Dantzig, 1769, 4to), and a large number of sermons, dissertations, etc. See Schröckh, K. Gesch. seit d. Reformation, 6:291; Herzog, Real-Encyklopädie, 8:413; Hoefer, Nouv. Biog. Generale, 31:226. (J.N.P.)