Johann Matthäus Meyfart

Johann Matthäus Meyfart, also Johann Matthaeus Meyfahrt, Mayfart (9 November 1590 – 26 January 1642) was a German Lutheran theologist, educator, academic teacher, hymn writer and minister.

Meyfart was born in Jena, the son of a minister, and studied at the University of Jena from 1608, first the liberal arts graduating in 1603, then theology, continued at the University of Wittenberg from 1614.

In 1633 Meyfart was appointed professor of theology at the University of Erfurt.

[1] Meyfart is known as the author of hymns such as "Jerusalem, du hochgebaute Stadt" (Evangelisches Gesangbuch EG.

He wrote from 1629 to 1632 Christliche Erinnerung, An Gewaltige Regenten und Gewissenhafte Praedicanten, wie das abschewliche Laster der Hexerey mit Ernst auszurotten, aber in Verfolgung desselbigen auff Cantzeln und in Gerichtshaeusern sehr bescheidentlich zu handeln sey., a call against witch trials, published in 1635.