5. Hauge And Article 14 of the Confession

HAUGE AND ARTICLE 14 OF THE CONFESSION.

In the Augsburg Confession, which is the confession of our church, Article 14 reads as follows: “Concerning the ecclesiastical civil service they teach that it behooves no one publicly to instruct or administer the sacraments, unless he be duly called to do so.”

This article the enemies of truth have used as weapons against “lay-preaching activities”: that men, who have not attended school and are not ordained ministers, speak the Word of God for their fellow men.

This enmity from the world Hauge experienced in a high degree. The impious clergy were furious with him because he ventured to preach to people. They charged him with being an impostor, an enthusiast, an ill-reputed fanatic, etc., and misrepresented his words and his general conduct in the most scandalous manner.

It is obvious that living Christians, who are converted, have not only the right, but it is also their duty, both private and publicly, to bear witness to the mercy they have experienced, and about the will of God and His counsel to all men. But when the condition of affairs at the time of Hauge was such that the clergy both preach falsely and live a wicked life, it is evident that it is doubly necessary for the living souls to step forward as the Lord’s witnesses.

All reborn and believing souls belong to the spiritual priesthood and in consequence of their calling and new nature they must bear witness of Him, who their souls hold dear, even if the clergymen and great men stand up against them.

The mentioned article is not meant to be against the free Christians’ activities. It is the misunderstanding and animosity by the learned ones, who have expressed their minds in it. The article is a testimony that the Lutheran Church wants orderliness in the congregation, and wants to test and induct those who shall administer the means of grace.

To be continued...