Schlegel, Johann Adolf

Schlegel, Johann Adolf a German preacher and poet, was born at Meissen Sept. 18, 1721. His early studies were carried on at Pforte, and in 1741 he entered the University of Leipsic, where he became acquainted with Gellert, Rabener, Gaestner, and many other writers of talent. In 1744 he edited, in concert with several friends, Bremische Beiträge and Vermischte Schriften (1744 and 1757), which aided in purifying the German literary taste. In 1751 he was professor in the school at Pforte, but in 1754 left to teach theology at Zerbst. There his sermons gained for him a fine reputation for eloquence. He became pastor at Hanover in 1759, and in 1780 was promoted to the office of ecclesiastical superintendent. He died at Hanover Sept. 16, 1793. His poems have not been very highly esteemed, though some of his chants are yet sung in the Protestant churches of Germany. Besides these, he wrote, Sammlung einiger Predigten (Leips. 1754-64): — Predigten über die Leidensgeschichte Jesu Christi (ibid. 1773-74, 3 vols. 8vo). His two sons, August Wilhelm and Karl Wilhelm Friedrich (q.v.), acquired great celebrity. See Schlichtegroll, Nekrolog.