[Illness and death of Friedrich Ludwig Vierorth (1741-1745), member of the Moravian Church].
The short life and death of Friedrich Ludwig Vierorth (1741 in Tallinn - 1745 in Lindheim) is an impressive example of children's disease and suffering within the context of radical pietism. The source, discovered in 2001 in the Moravian Archive at Herrnhut (Saxonia), is one of the very rare documents of children's illness and death at Herrnhaag (Hessia) during the so-called "sifting time" in the early history of the Church of Brethren. Vierorth was a member of the Moravian Church and the text reflects his denominational background in many ways. The sufferings of Children were interpreted as a specific imitatio christi which, in the case of Vierorth, eased his fate. Even though the disease is not labelled within the text, a precise description of the circumstances was given, allowing us to contextualize it with social life, religious patterns, and individual experiences. The text also shows that illness did not necessarily lead to separation and isolation, but also served as a tool to strengthen the community.
Bernet
Claus
C
bernet@web.de
D002648:Child; D002669:Child Welfare / Q000266:history*; D003643:Death; D005858:Germany; D049671:History, 18th Century; D006801:Humans; D033303:Protestantism / Q000266:history*