C. F. Gellerts Sämmtliche Schriften / Zweyter Theil

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

22167

Title

C. F. Gellerts Sämmtliche Schriften / Zweyter Theil

Language

de

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A collection of moral and religious poems by Christian Fürchtegott Gellert, published in 1772. This volume features didactic verses on friendship, wealth, humility, and faith, alongside spiritual odes for daily devotion. Gellert advocates for benevolence, ethical living, and trust in divine providence, offering timeless reflections on the human condition and the path to virtue.

Summary up to 500 words

Christian Fürchtegott Gellert's *Sämmtliche Schriften. Zweyter Theil* stands as a profound anthology of moral and religious poetry designed to guide readers toward ethical living and spiritual tranquility. The collection opens with the didactic poem *Der Menschenfreund* (The Friend of Mankind), which sharply contrasts the selfishness of the wealthy with the selfless joy of true friendship and charity. Gellert argues that genuine happiness is not derived from material accumulation or social status, but from fulfilling one's duties to others and living with integrity. He illustrates that a true friend acts out of love rather than obligation or the desire for praise, creating a 'heaven' for others through genuine concern. Conversely, the poem critiques the emptiness of greed and ostentatious living, suggesting that a simple life is often more blessed than one burdened by the anxiety of hoarding wealth. The volume features a diverse range of spiritual odes and hymns that emphasize sincerity over ritualistic form. In *Das Gebet* (Prayer), Gellert teaches that God values the purity of the heart and faith over mere words or elaborate ceremonies. Similarly, *Die Ehre Gottes aus der Natur* (The Glory of God in Nature) invites contemplation of the Creator through the intricate order of the natural world. The collection addresses specific life circumstances with practical wisdom: *Prüfung am Abend* (Evening Examination) encourages daily self-reflection to ensure one has lived according to their conscience; *Gelassenheit* (Composure) instructs readers to accept God's will amidst suffering; and *Die Wachsamkeit* (Vigilance) warns against the subtle erosion of virtue by pride and worldly temptations. Themes of poverty and wealth are further explored in *Reichthum und Ehre*, where Gellert critiques the folly of the rich who, despite their abundance, often live in spiritual poverty. The religious section includes hymns for various occasions, such as Christmas, Easter, and communion, reinforcing the central message that faith provides strength against despair and hope for eternal life. Through these works, Gellert constructs a cohesive worldview where moral responsibility, humility, and active love for one's neighbor are the highest virtues. The collection offers enduring wisdom for navigating the complexities of life, urging readers to view their existence as a preparation for eternity and to find true fulfillment in service to humanity and devotion to God.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/22167.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg22167.epub

Removed after upload

Downloaded at

2026-07-05 05:31 UTC

Categories

• Religion
• Poetry