Muinscher, Wihelm

Muinscher, Wihelm an eminent German theologian, was born at Hersfeld March 11, 1766, where his father was metropolitan and first preacher. After studying in the gymnasium of his native city, he continued his studies at Marburg. In 1785 he became his father's assistant, and in 1789 succeeded him as preacher at Hersfeld. In 1792 he was appointed professor of theology at Marburg, and member of the consistory, which positions he held for the remainder of his life. He died July 28, 1814. Dr. Miinscher was classed by his countrymen with Michaelis, Diderlein, Planck, and others who stood on middle ground between the ancient, pure Lutheranism and the modern neology of Germany. He wrote, Handbuch der christlich. Dogmengeschichte (1797, 4 volumes), which went through three editions, and was republished under the editorship of Cl1n and Neudecker in 1832-38, at Cassel: — Lehrbuch der christlichen Kirchengesch. (Marburg, 1804): — Abriss der Dogmengeschichte (1811, and often since; published also in this country in an English dress [New Haven, 1830]): — also numerous historical articles in Henke's Magazin, Staudlin's Beitrage, and Gabler's Journal: — Priedigten (Marb. 1803): — Politische Predigten (Marb. 1813). Minscher's great work (Dogmengeschichte) is thus spoken of by C.F.L. Simon, in his Continuation of Nisselt's Guide to the Literature of Theology (§ 299): "The author has happily combined the chronological order with that of the relations of things; and the whole work is distinguished alike for the persevering, learned, and critical industry manifested in collecting the materials, and for the solidity and independence of judgment with which they are methodically arranged and agreeably expressed." He adds, "The same commendation is due to the author's Elements of Dogmatic History." Brettschneider, in his Entwickelung der Dogmatik (page 99, 2d ed.), says of the Manual, "It is to be regarded as the best work on the subject." See Wachler, Ueb. Dr. Wilhelm Munscher (Frankf. 1814); Christian Examiner and General Review, 1830 (4), page 182. (J.H.W.)