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Veda

(Encyclopedia)Veda vāˈdə, vēˈdə [key] [Sanskrit,=knowledge, cognate with English wit, from a root meaning know], oldest scriptures of Hinduism and the most ancient religious texts in an Indo-European language...

Bliss, Philip Paul

(Encyclopedia)Bliss, Philip Paul, 1838–76, American evangelist and writer of gospel songs, b. Clearfield co., Pa. A fine baritone voice and a handsome presence aided him in his work, and his songs became tremendo...

Barbauld, Anna Letitia (Aikin)

(Encyclopedia)Barbauld, Anna Letitia (Aikin) bärˈbôld [key], 1743–1825, English poet and editor. In 1774 she married Rochemont Barbauld and with him opened a boarding school. Her Hymns in Prose for children, w...

O Salutaris Hostia

(Encyclopedia)O Salutaris Hostia sălˌyo͞otârˈĭs, säˌlo͞otäˈrĭs [key] [Lat.,=O saving victim], hymn to the Host, one of the two hymns regularly sung at the Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament in the Rom...

Cowper, William

(Encyclopedia)Cowper, William ko͞oˈpər, kouˈ– [key], 1731–1800, English poet. Physically and emotionally unfit for the professional life, he was admitted to the bar but never practiced. After a battle with ...

Newton, John

(Encyclopedia)Newton, John, 1725–1807, English clergyman and hymn writer, b. London. Until 1755, his life was spent chiefly at sea, where he eventually became the captain of a slave ship plying the waters between...

Wesley, Charles

(Encyclopedia)Wesley, Charles, 1707–88, English Methodist preacher and hymn writer. As a student at Oxford he devoted himself to systematic study and to the regular practice of religious duties; he and companions...

Davies, Sir John

(Encyclopedia)Davies, Sir John dāˈvĭs [key], 1569–1626, English poet. A successful lawyer, he served as solicitor general and attorney general in Ireland from 1603 to 1619. His works include Nosce Teipsum (159...

Geijer, Erik Gustav

(Encyclopedia)Geijer, Erik Gustav āˈrĭk gŭsˈtäv yīˈər [key], 1783–1847, Swedish historian and poet. A leader in the revival of Swedish national literature, he also taught history at the Univ. of Uppsala....

Key, Francis Scott

(Encyclopedia)Key, Francis Scott kē [key], 1779–1843, American poet, author of the Star-Spangled Banner, b. present Carroll co., Md. A lawyer, he was U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia (1833–41). His w...