22. Hauge and Pastor Feierman

HAUGE AND PASTOR FEIERMAN.

During Christmas, 1797, we find Hauge near Fredrikstad, visiting one of his relatives. In the evening of the third day of Christmas some people had gathered, and Hauge spoke on Paul’s words to Titus: “The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts,” etc. While Hauge spoke, the parish minister of Fredrikstad came, accompanied by a lieutenant and three soldiers. He had become apprehensive and exasperated over the godly revival which had begun also in his congregations, and he had decided to crush the originator.

As he entered he asked Hauge in a hard voice what he was doing. Hauge answered that he was admonishing his fellow men to renounce ungodly practices and worldly lusts.

The pastor did not engage in any conversation with Hauge, but without any ceremonies took him along to Fredrikstad and had him arrested.

Many inquiries and hearings were held over this singular prisoner; but Governor Hofgaard, to whom the proceedings were sent, declared that Hauge should be discharged, which also happened the 29th of January. The governor seemed to have more feeling and sense than the very poor pastor.

But the Lord’s cause made progress through tribulations. This the opponents had not taken into consideration. Several joined Hauge to protect him against the pastor’s shameful conduct, and through this they were drawn in under the effect of God’s Word and were converted to the cause of truth, at the same time as they rejoiced over having found the path to peace.

Pastor Feierman, who had arrested Hauge, became enraged, because he did not get anywhere with the prosecution of Hauge. He couldn’t see Hauge’s friends without becoming embittered. The following is a proof of the pastor’s conduct: One Sunday two of the awakened in Fredrikstad had decided to partake of Holy Communion. They arrived at the church a little too early, and while waiting they went in to Nils Borsø. When they came back to the church the pastor had just finished absolving the other communicants, and they were at once admitted to confession. The pastor asked them why they had not come earlier. He is told why, and then he also understands that he has two of the “holy ones” to deal with. In exasperation he takes a whip, strikes them with all his might and chases them out. That was the communion they received that day.

Ugh, such a clergyman!

To be continued....