The European Union in Prophecy The EU in Prophecy I | Página 292

The European Union in Prophecy
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 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
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 the
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. It was God's will that the
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