Nordlingen, Henrich of

Nordlingen, Henrich Of a celebrated mystic of the Middle Ages. flourished towards the close of the 14th century. He was a Dominican; but when brought in contact with Tauler at Strasburg he became a most faithful adherent of that mystic teacher. When Tauler was attacked, because he would not quit the Alsatian capital while the ravages of the black death continued, Nordlingen defended him, and took occasion to express his joy over the great work which the Lord wrought through him in the hearts of men in the midst of wretchedness, and remarked that he would prefer to die by the black vomit rather than to do anything against the Lord (comp. Heumanni opuscula [Norimb. 1747], p. 393). Nordlingen thereafter experienced persecution from the power of the emperor. He writes, "I have been before the princes of this world, who treat me so that I have no longer any safe residence in this country" (ibid. p. 881). He remained, however, a steadfast follower of Tauler. At Nuremberg, where he visited, he was regarded as a leader of the Friends of God (q.v.). (J. H.W.)