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structing 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 aroused 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
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
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glory to him; for the hour of his Judgment is come.” They reproved
the sins of the people, not only condemning immorality and vice, but
rebuking worldliness and backsliding, and warning their hearers to
make haste to flee from wrath to come.
The people heard with trembling. The convicting Spirit of God
spoke to their hearts. Many were led to search the Scriptures with new
and deeper interest, the intemperate and immoral were reformed, others
abandoned their dishonest practices, and a work was done so marked
that even ministers of the State church were forced to acknowledge
that the hand of God was in the movement.