Behind the Hymn: Oh that I had a Thousand Voices

Oh that I had a Thousand Voices was written by Johann Mentzer.

The song was first written in German and translated into English by Henry Mills.

Mentzer was born born July 27, 1658, at Jahmen, near Rothenburg, in Silesia. He became a student of theology and is said to have suffered great affliction. He wrote many hymns by his 1734 death.

Henry Mills was born in 1786 New Jersey. He became ordained to the Presbyterian Church and taught at seminary. He translated many poems and songs into English although it is said many were “not done well”.  He died in 1867.

Oh that I had a Thousand Voices seems to have first been published in a 1913 Lutheran Hymnal.

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