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 tidings of the Saviour ' s coming should be given in the Scandinavian countries ; and when the voices of His servants were silenced , He put His Spirit upon the children , that the work might be accomplished .
When Jesus drew near to Jerusalem attended by the rejoicing multitudes that , with shouts of triumph and the waving of palm branches , heralded Him as the Son of David , the jealous Pharisees called upon Him to silence them ; but Jesus answered that all this was in fulfillment of prophecy , and if these should hold their peace , the very stones would cry out . The people , intimidated by the threats of the priests and rulers , ceased their joyful proclamation
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