Masch, Andreas Gottlieb, Dd

Masch, Andreas Gottlieb, D.D., a noted German pulpit orator, was born at Beseritz, in Mecklenburg, Dec. 5,1724. His father was himself a minister of the Gospel, and instructed Andreas in the preparatory branches of study. In 1743 he went to the University of Rostock; two years later removed to Halle, and there enjoyed the favor and society of the celebrated Baumgarten and Semler. The latter desired that Masch should remain at the university as instructor, but his health failing he decided to return to his father's. In 1752 he was made the assistant preacher, in 1756 pastor of a church at New Strelitz, and only four years after this he was honored with the appointment of "court preacher." He died Oct. 26, 1807. His most important literary remains are embodied in the Bibliotheca Sacra, which, originally edited by Le Long, he continued upon the same plan (now in 5 vols. 4to) — a work of great labor and merit, which had been discontinued for want of patronage. Le Long had published 2 vols, 8vo (Paris, 1709; republished by Borner, of Leipsic, with additions). Dr. Masch began its continuation in 1778, and completed it in 1790. It gives a full account of the literary history of the Bible, the various editions of the original, and the ancient and modern versions. Dr. Masch also wrote several dissertations of considerable value, particularly a treatise on the Religions of the Heathen and of Christians (Gedunken von der Geofgezbarten Religion, Halle, 1750, 8vo), intended as an argument against the naturalists. For a complete list of his works, see Döring, Gelehrte Theologen Deutschlands d. 18ten iu. 19ten Jahrb. 2:422 sq.