N. Samuel of Tranquebar
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Rev. N. Samuel of
Tranquebar Tharangambadi (), formerly Tranquebar ( da, Trankebar, ), is a town in the Mayiladuthurai district of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu on the Coromandel Coast. It lies north of Karaikal, near the mouth of a distributary named Uppanar of the Kave ...
(
Tamil Tamil may refer to: * Tamils, an ethnic group native to India and some other parts of Asia ** Sri Lankan Tamils, Tamil people native to Sri Lanka also called ilankai tamils **Tamil Malaysians, Tamil people native to Malaysia * Tamil language, nati ...
: ஞா.சாமுவேல்; 18 September 1850 – 20 May 1927) was a professor in divinity,
pastor A pastor (abbreviated as "Pr" or "Ptr" , or "Ps" ) is the leader of a Christian congregation who also gives advice and counsel to people from the community or congregation. In Lutheranism, Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, Oriental Orthodoxy and ...
in the Tamil Evangelical Lutheran Church (T.E.L.C.), and a
hymnodist A hymnwriter (or hymn writer, hymnist, hymnodist, hymnographer, etc.) is someone who writes the text, music, or both of hymns. In the Judeo-Christian tradition, the composition of hymns dates back to before the time of David, who composed many of ...
. He was a famous poet and author of many books. He was also the first member of the Leipzig Evangelical Lutheran Mission (L.E.L.M.) Council.


Timeline

*Born at
Kumbakonam Kumbakonam (formerly spelt as Coombaconum or Combaconum) or Kudanthai is a city municipal corporation in the Thanjavur district in the States of India, Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is located from Thanjavur and from Chennai and is the headq ...
on 18 September 1850 *Trained by R. Handmann, Tranquebar Seminary 1877–1880 & 1892–1901 *Ordained on 31 October 1878 at
Tranquebar Tharangambadi (), formerly Tranquebar ( da, Trankebar, ), is a town in the Mayiladuthurai district of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu on the Coromandel Coast. It lies north of Karaikal, near the mouth of a distributary named Uppanar of the Kave ...
, by senior J. M. N. Schwartz *Pastor at Tranquebar 1880–1891 & 1897–1919 *Pastor at
Karaikal Karaikal ( /kʌdɛkʌl/, french: Karikal /kaʁikal/) is a town of the Indian Union Territory of Puducherry. Karaikal was sold to the French by the Rajah of Thanjavur and became a French Colony in 1739. The French held control, with occasi ...
1897–1919 *Pastor at Manikramam 1919 *Pastor at Porayar 1917–1919 *Pastor at
Bangalore Bangalore (), officially Bengaluru (), is the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Karnataka. It has a population of more than and a metropolitan population of around , making it the third most populous city and fifth most ...
1921 *With Missouri Mission 1921–1927 *Returned to T.E.L.C. Early 1927 *Died in
Madras Chennai (, ), formerly known as Madras ( the official name until 1996), is the capital city of Tamil Nadu, the southernmost Indian state. The largest city of the state in area and population, Chennai is located on the Coromandel Coast of th ...
on 20 May 1927


Professor

He was the first Indian professor in the Theological Colleges in Tranquebar, Porayar, and Bangalore ( United Theological College). He was slated to teach some classes in the
Gurukul Lutheran Theological College Gurukul Lutheran Theological College and Research Institute is an ecumenical seminary situated in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, South India. It is affiliated to the Senate of Serampore College (University).Indiaedunews.neNepal Christians to renew ties ...
in
Chennai Chennai (, ), formerly known as Madras ( the official name until 1996), is the capital city of Tamil Nadu, the southernmost Indian state. The largest city of the state in area and population, Chennai is located on the Coromandel Coast of th ...
, when he died.


Poet

Best known among his lyrics are "En Meetpar Uyirodirukayilay" (என் மீட்பர் உயிரோடிருக்கயிலே), "Senaigalin Kartharey" (சேனைகளின் கர்த்தரே), "Seerthiri Yegavasthey" (சீர்திரி ஏகவஸ்தே நமோ நமோ), and "Gunapadu Paavi" (குணப்படு பாவி). He composed the college song "Arulaar Putkarathil Thangi" and designed the monogram, for the Gurukul Lutheran Theological College.
Vedanayagam Sastriar Vedanayagam Sastriar of Thanjavur, poet-lyricist, court poet in the palace of Serfoji II Serfoji II Bhonsle ( ta, இரண்டாம் சரபோஜி ராஜா போன்ஸ்லே, mr, शरभोजी राजे भो ...
of Tanjore, Krishnapillai of Palyamkottai, and N. Samuel of Tranquebar were known as the triumvirate of Tamil Christian poets. One of his earliest compositions was about a journey to Tanjore called "Thanjai Payan Padham". Another was "Kallu Kummi" (The Toddy Kummi), where the strong drink talks about her glories, which made the drunkard blush in shame. His book ''Gospel Lyrics'' contains 200 songs composed over a period of 60 years. He is remembered as a translator who put German hymns into Tamil meter, including the following: * Gott sei Dank in aller Welt, "Kartharukku Sthothiram" (கர்த்தருக்கு ஸ்தோத்திரம்) * , "Erathangaayam Kuth-thum" (இரத்தம் காயம் குத்தும்) * Nun freut euch, Gottes Kinder all, "Magizh Karthaavin Manthayae" (மகிழ் கர்த்தாவின் மந்தையே) * , "Aa Yesuvae, Neer Yengalai" (ஆ ஏசுவே, நீர் எங்களை) * , "Naal Pome, Yen Saavu Velai" (எந்த நாள் போம், ஏன் சாவு வேளை) * Laudamus te, "Ummai Thuthikirome" (உம்மை துதிக்கிறோமே) * Du, o schönes Weltgebäude, "Veghuperuku-inbamaana" (வெகுபேருக்கு இன்பமான)


Author

Rev. N. Samuel wrote several books on
Lutheran Lutheranism is one of the largest branches of Protestantism, identifying primarily with the theology of Martin Luther, the 16th-century German monk and reformer whose efforts to reform the theology and practice of the Catholic Church launched th ...
history, theology, and practical Christian living. He also wrote for children. He wrote in both
Tamil Tamil may refer to: * Tamils, an ethnic group native to India and some other parts of Asia ** Sri Lankan Tamils, Tamil people native to Sri Lanka also called ilankai tamils **Tamil Malaysians, Tamil people native to Malaysia * Tamil language, nati ...
and
German German(s) may refer to: * Germany (of or related to) **Germania (historical use) * Germans, citizens of Germany, people of German ancestry, or native speakers of the German language ** For citizens of Germany, see also German nationality law **Ger ...
, and also translated several books from German to Tamil. Among the books authored by him are: * ''Thoopa Kalasam'', Censer of Incense * ''Thiru tiru virunthadi'', Pocket Communion Book * ''Ullathu Narpathu'' * ''Pushpa Kodai'' * Companion to the Village Preacher * Life of Ziegenbalg * Tranquebar Mission History * Village Sermons Vol I ''Suvisesha Vaakiya Prasanga Puthagam'', sermonic works on the Gospels * Village Sermons Vol II ''Niruba Vaakiya Prasanga Puthagam'', sermonic works on the Epistles * Plain Talk of a Plain Christian * The Pocket Prayer Book * ''Martin Luther Sasthriyaar Viviya Sarithira Surukkam'' * ''Yerusalem Nagar Alivu'' * ''Yezhu Siru Vaarthaigal'' * Christian Proverbs and Maxims--''Naru Malarkothu'' * ''Tharangai Mission Sarithiram'' (Styled after Fenger's History of the Tranquebar Mission) * ''Orusandhinaal Dhyaanam'', meditations for Lent with 40 meditations * ''Ullathu Solvane'' For theological students, he wrote: * ''Samayosidha Vedha Vaakiya Kuripu'', concordance * ''Sathiya Vedhabayiram'', an introduction to the Bible * ''Thiruchabai Varusha Vivaram'', Outlines of Church History For children, he wrote: * Children's storybook, ''Paalar Poocharam'' * Moral tales, ''Kadhaa Malar Koodai'', Basket of Flowers * Children's prayer book For parents, he wrote: * ''Petror Ozhukkam'' His translations: * ''Mey Manasthaabam kanneer'', translation of Heinrich Muller's ''Tears of Repentance'', a booklet that is a good preparation for partaking in the Holy Communion. He was one of those responsible for the translation of a revised version of the New Testament.


Pastor

Most of his life was spent in Tranquebar, the little port town that welcomed missionaries
Bartholomaeus Ziegenbalg Bartholomeus or Bartholomaeus or Barthelomaeus is a masculine Latin given name, the Latin equivalent of Bartholomew. The German cognate is Bartholomäus. Notable people with the name include: * Bartholomeus Amadeus degli Amidei (died 1266), Ital ...
(and Heinrich Plütschau), sent by the King of
Denmark ) , song = ( en, "King Christian stood by the lofty mast") , song_type = National and royal anthem , image_map = EU-Denmark.svg , map_caption = , subdivision_type = Sovereign state , subdivision_name = Danish Realm, Kingdom of Denmark ...
in 1706, and
Christian Friedrich Schwarz Christian Frederick Schwarz (with spellings including Friedrich and Schwartz or Swartz) (8 October 1726 – 13 February 1798) was a German Lutheran missionary to India. He was known for his linguistic skills, with knowledge of Latin, Greek, Hebre ...
, sponsored at the time by the
Danish Missionary Society The Danish Missionary Society was a Christian missionary society based in Copenhagen and affiliated to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Denmark. It was founded on 17 June, 1821 by the Rev. Bone Falck Rønne (1764–1833), who chaired the missi ...
in
Copenhagen Copenhagen ( or .; da, København ) is the capital and most populous city of Denmark, with a proper population of around 815.000 in the last quarter of 2022; and some 1.370,000 in the urban area; and the wider Copenhagen metropolitan ar ...
. He was ordained on 31 October 1878 at Tranquebar, by senior J. M. N. Schwartz. From that moment on, he served as pastor in the Lutheran Mission (later known as T.E.L.C.) until his death on 20 May 1927, except for a brief stint with the Missouri Mission, towards the end of his life from 1921 to 1927. The towns and cities where he served are: Tranquebar (1880–1891 and 1897–1919), Karaikal (1897–1919), Manikramam (1919), Porayar (1917–1919), Bangalore (1921), and Madras. He preached his last sermon on 1st of May 1927, in the Lutheran Adaikalanathar Church, Purasawakam, Madras, on John 10:11–16.


Theologian

His
theology Theology is the systematic study of the nature of the divine and, more broadly, of religious belief. It is taught as an academic discipline, typically in universities and seminaries. It occupies itself with the unique content of analyzing the ...
was rooted in
Lutheran Pietism Pietism (), also known as Pietistic Lutheranism, is a movement within Lutheranism that combines its emphasis on biblical doctrine with an emphasis on individual piety and living a holy Christian life, including a social concern for the needy and ...
, a renewed form of the post-reformation Lutheranism that was held by theologians in Halle in the 16th century, such as
August Hermann Francke August Hermann Francke (; 22 March 1663 – 8 June 1727) was a German Lutheran clergyman, theologian, philanthropist, and Biblical scholar. Biography Born in Lübeck, Francke was educated at the Illustrious Gymnasium in Gotha before he studie ...
(1663–1727) and
Philipp Jakob Spener Philipp Jakob Spener (23 January 1635 – 5 February 1705), was a German Lutheran theologian who essentially founded what would become to be known as Pietism. He was later dubbed the "Father of Pietism". A prolific writer, his two main works, '' ...
(1635–1705). He was well versed in the life, works, and teachings of
Martin Luther Martin Luther (; ; 10 November 1483 – 18 February 1546) was a German priest, theologian, author, hymnwriter, and professor, and Order of Saint Augustine, Augustinian friar. He is the seminal figure of the Reformation, Protestant Refo ...
. He was a great lover of Spurgeon's works, and possessed many of his books in his library. After reading John Ploughman's ''Talk'' and John Ploughman's ''Pictures'', he wrote ''Ullathu Solvayne''. Samuel was known as Tamil Spurgeon, although it is not clear if he was known for his strictness in doctrinal matters or for his homiletic gifts. He was also familiar with Waltharian views of Lutheranism. His allegiance was to God first and only then to his church. When it was time for the German missionaries to leave India, leaving the leadership on Indian shoulders, it was decided that the church would follow an
Episcopal Episcopal may refer to: *Of or relating to a bishop, an overseer in the Christian church *Episcopate, the see of a bishop – a diocese *Episcopal Church (disambiguation), any church with "Episcopal" in its name ** Episcopal Church (United State ...
form of church government. Rev. N. Samuel felt that this and other innovations that were introduced were not according to the Biblical model and protested. When he realised that change was inevitable, in the middle of 1921, he left the T.E.L.C that he had served all his life, and joined the Missouri Mission. He returned to the T.E.L.C. in 1927 shortly before his death.


References

* List of Evangelical Lutheran missionaries in India (1705-19550) * Arunodayam Issue No. 10 October 1927 * Silver Golden Jubilee Souvenir 1927-1977/1953-1978
The Evangelisch-Lutherisches Missionsblatt 1894
* The Evangelisch-Lutherisches Missionsblatt 1912 * The Gospel Witness Vol VIII February 1913 No. 6 * The Gospel Witness Vol VIII April 1913 No. 8 * The Gospel Witness Vol XXIII September 1927 No. 1 * The Gospel Witness Vol XXIII December 1927 No. 4 * The Gospel Witness Vol LI December 1955 No. 4 * Die Kleine Missionsglocke 1909 * Die Kleine Missionsglocke 1911 Vol XII * Die Kleine Missionsglocke 1918 Vol XIX * Die Kleine Missionsglocke 1927 Vol XXVIII * Evangelisch Lutherischen Mission 1908 * The Lutheran Enterprise in India, edited by C.H.Swavely

at www.wmcarey.edu


Notes


External links

*Mention of N.Samuel's name in *Monogram of Gurukul Lutheran Theologican College {{DEFAULTSORT:Samuel, N. Tamil history Indian Lutheran theologians Indian Lutherans Indian evangelicals 1850 births 1927 deaths Tranquebar