1789–1854

Son of H. A. Hey, pastor at Leina, Wilhelm studied at the University of Jena and Göttingen. In 1811, he became a licentiate in theology, and after varied work as a tutor, became in 1818 pastor at Töttelstadt, near Gotha. In 1827, he became court preacher at Gotha, where his preaching attracted large audiences. In 1832, he was appointed superintendent of Ichtershausen.

Hey wrote his poetry mostly for children. His works include:

• Fabeln für Kinder (Tales for Children) (Hamburg, Germany: 1833)

• Julian, pp. 520–21
• Wikipedia, accessed 15 Feb 2017

1. Alle Jahre wieder, kommt das Christus Kind
   • As Each Happy Christmas
   • Blessed Feast of Christmas, The
   • Every Year That Endeth
2. Aus dem Himmel ferne
3. Glöcklein klingt, Vöglein singt
   • Bells Do Ring, Birds Do Sing
   • Bells They Ring, The Birds They Sing, The
   • Church Bells Ring
4. Weißt du, wie viel Sternlein stehen
   • Canst Thou Count the Stars That Twinkle?
   • Canst Thou Sum Up Each Brilliant Star?
   • Can You Count the Stars?
   • Can You Tell the Countless Number?
   • Do You Know How Many Stars?
   • How Many Stars Are Shining?
5. Wenn auch vor deiner Thür einmal
6. Wenn je du wieder zagst
   • When E’er Again Thou Sinkest
7. Wenn Jesus liebt Der kann allein
   • The Love of Christ Makes Ever Glad
   • They Who Love Jesus Alone Can Be Gay
   • Whom Christ Holds Dear
   • Whom Jesus Loves