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The Great Controversy
me answers the needs of the time better.” “It is by this that we are to
prepare for the tribulation near at hand, and watch and wait for Jesus
Christ.”
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Though one of the most distinguished and beloved of preachers
in the French language, Gaussen was after a time suspended from
the ministry, his principal offense being that instead of the church’s
catechism, a tame and rationalistic manual, almost destitute of positive
faith, he had used the Bible in giving instruction to the youth. He
afterward became teacher in a theological school, while on Sunday he
continued his work as catechist, addressing the children and instructing
them in the Scriptures. His works on prophecy also excited much
interest. From the professor’s chair, through the press, and in his
favorite occupation as teacher of children he continued for many years
to exert an extensive influence and was instrumental in calling the
attention of many to the study of the prophecies which showed that
the coming of the Lord was near.
In Scandinavia also the advent message was proclaimed, and a
widespread interest was kindled. Many were roused from their careless
security to confess and forsake their sins, and seek pardon in the name
of Christ. But the clergy of the state church opposed the movement, and
through their influence some who preached the message were thrown
into prison. In many places where the preachers of the Lord’s soon
coming were thus silenced, God was pleased to send the message, in a
miraculous manner, through little children. As they were under age,
the law of the state could not restrain them, and they were permitted
to speak unmolested.
The movement was chiefly among the lower class, and it was in the
humble dwellings of the laborers that the people assembled to hear the
warning. The child-preachers themselves were mostly poor cottagers.
Some of them were not more than six or eight years of age; and while
their lives testified that they loved the Saviour, and were trying to live
in obedience to God’s holy requirements, they ordinarily manifested
only the intelligence and ability usually seen in children of that age.
When standing before the people, however, it was evident that they
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were moved by an influence beyond their own natural gifts. Tone and
manner changed, and with solemn power they gave the warning of the
judgment, employing the very words of Scripture: “Fear God, and give
glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come.” They reproved