Zeitmann, Gottfried Thomas

Zeitmann, Gottfried Thomas a Lutheran minister, was born of Jewish parentage at Cracow, Poland, in 1696. On account of the war between Poland and Sweden, Zeitmann's father had to leave his country, and settled at Frankfort, where his son Hirschel (this was Zeitmann's name before his baptism) received his early education. In 1707 he was baptized, taking the above-mentioned name. He desired to learn a trade, but his friends advised him to attend the gymnasium of St. Anna at Augsburg, where he had gone on account of being persecuted by his relatives. In 1717 he commenced his studies at Jena, where he remained till 1721. Having passed some years as a private tutor, he was, in 1728, chosen pastor at Oberode, and in 1736, one of the pastors of Frankfort and Sachsenhausen. He died February 7, 1747. His biographer, Dr. C.H. Martin, says of him, "Zeitmann preferred to speak in Latin, and as oft as we quoted a passage of Scripture, whether of the Old or New Test., he repeated the same in the original, with chapter and verse. He never entered the pulpit without having studied his subject with prayer and meditation. His delivery was distinct, his voice powerful; he could be heard in the largest church in Frankfort." (B.P.)