Gustav Bergmann

Studied theology in the University of Leipzig. Rector J.H. Winkler, the professor of the philosophy and physics initiates the interest for natural sciences. The view of G. Bergmann is influenced by theologist and latinist. J.A. Ernesti that to the contrary of the dominating dogmatism as regards the Holy Scriptures and allegoric translation expressed the idea that they should be explained by using the philologically-historic method, thus supporting the rationalism approach.

G. Bergmann in the meetings of his family used to tell the stories on his studies time that he won the eminent poet J.V.Goethe in the duel by injuring him in the arm. Duel was initiated by the phrase of J.V Goethe: "There's smell of the freshmen!" to what G. Bergmann replied with a spit.

The year of the candidat. G. Bergmann preached in Latvian at the Pelchavs', his brother-in-law, in parish of Krimulda.

The memories of G. Bergmann shows that he enjoyed peacefull, easy going, idillic life-style. He built a small hut on the island of Āraiši lake, where he spent a lot of time reading his favorite book "Robinson Crusoe" by D. Defo. G. Bergmann tried to imitate the lonely and primitive life style described in the book. On the basis of this work he made his conclusions on cultural level of the Baltic tribes in the 12th century. Illustration of the island by G. Bergmann is included in his later work "Geschicthe von Livland".

Serving at Āraiši [in German: Arrasch] G. Bergmann learned Latvian language. His sources were the works of Christoph Fürecker, Georg Mancel, as well translation of the Bible by Ernst Glück.

Already in this period he opposed the mysticism and pietism of the hernhunt.

Around 1782 he established the printing facilities that later were moved to Rujiena.

Around 1787 the views of G. Bergmann on lifting the serfdom slightly changes to opposition. This is also the time, when he recieved the title of landlord and strengthened his contacts with conservative local nobility – family Zivers. He organized also a "reading society" thus sharing books of foreign authors with local nobility.

Actively acted agains paganism not only in his sermons, but also in works. In the topographic description of Mazsalaca (in German: Salisburg) he wrote: "They build a fence around the old tree or ruins and donate there for Earth mother (Zemes māte) usually in Jurģi sacrifysing milk, butter, chicken, sometimes also black rooster. These donation places are considered holy. If somebody strides the fence, plows the soil, breaks off the branch or even cuts the tree there, it's believed that the misfortune will follow: the person will accidently die, will become blind or dumb." He had spoken with his parish people on this topic in several sermons. Once after a man came to him and told that his ancestors entrusted him to take care of such place. After the sermons this peasant stopped the donations. However, his wife and community insist that the donations should be continued in order to protect household from the misfortune. Bergmann visited the site together with the peasant, teared down the fence. Ignoring the threats of people he entered the holy yard, took a look at the stone for sacrifices and started to cut the holy tree, later he burnt it. Having seen that priest stayed unharmed people had left the site ashamed.

G. Bergmann and his family moves to Rujiena due to the financial reasons. He had big family, children had to be sent for studies and it requested huge financial resources. In order to acquire additional money, G. Bergmann also tried to speculate with the real estate. However, he did not succeed, because his status did not correspond to the status of matriculated landlord.

During the period in Rujien G. Bergmann continued his literary activities and work as the publisher. First printed work there is a german almanach for 1786, where the author substituted many of catolic memorial days with the events and persons (writers, scientists, a.o.) related to more recent time.

Priests library on 1788 hold 827 volumes, including 63 greek and 231 latin classical authors, 142 grammar books and dictionaries, and collection of rare bibles, 32 incunabula, a.o.

Along the duties of priest he participated in different activities in Oberconsistorium, for example, preparation of the new song book.

1812: Oberconsistorium grants a permission to retire due to the health issues.

Freemason
1785: Status of brother
1790: 4th grade

There is a view that G. Bergmann was one of the authors for idea to found the "Latvian Society" (Latviešu biedrība).

Viens no biedrības dalībniekiem, pēc Āronu Matīsa domām, tās idejas autors, par to sīkāk: Āronu Matīss. Latviešu Literāriskā (Latviešu Draugu) Biedrība savā simts gadu darbā. Rīga: A.Gulbis, 1929, 100. lpp.