12. Hauge's Second Trip To Christiania

HAUGE’S SECOND TRIP TO CHRISTIANIA

Towards the end of September Hauge went to Christiania for the second time, partly in order to get the book, “God’s Wisdom,” into print, partly to push the printing of the pamphlets already in the hands of the publisher, This time be stayed in Christiania nearly three months, continually busied with learning to print and bind books; his talents in practical direction found here a new field of action. Towards Christmas he returned home with his printed books.

In the Christmas season he worked partly at binding his books, partly at traveling around holding prayer meetings. He also brought his books along, which he partly sold, partly gave away. Outside his home parish he visited Glemminge, Raade and Rygge.

The pastor in Raade was a devout Christian. He acknowledged Hauge and his activity, and instead of persecuting the layman, “he confirmed him with God’s Word.” The pastor in Rygge, on the other hand, was a keen opponent of the new movement; he went even so far as to lose his temper and rushed at Hauge’s brother, Mikkel, and struck him in view of many.

The year 1796, this momentous year in the Norwegian Church History, was drawing to a close. Several in Tune, some along the road to Christiania, where Hauge had traveled, a few in Glemminge, Raade and Rygge, were awakened from their indifference to sin and had “looked toward Jesus, their Savior, who saved them from sin and gave them strength to serve God.” Already it was the dawn of a new day.

To Be Continued....