The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 367

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 rati onalistic 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,

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