HAUGE IN TRONDHEIM REGION
From Rendal Hauge took the highway to Trondheim. He reported himself to the chief of police and obtained his passport endorsed. However, they wanted to arrest him and transport him home. But after some discussion he was released and began to arrange for the printing of some of his books, among them a collection of songs and hymns which he edited. This collection of hymns became of great value to the awakened and were used at their gatherings. The “Evangelical Christian Hymn Book,” which by the rationalistic clergy’s effort was introduced in many of the congregations in the country, was entirely diluted and impotent; that was why Hauge’s book became so dear to them. Hauge worked also in the districts around Trondheim and won many friends for the good cause. Among these may be mentioned Mikkel Grøndahl who down through time was high in reputation in the Haugian circle of friends.
M. Grøndahl is referred to as a man with unusual knowledge of Christianity; none of Hauge’s friends were familiar with the holy Scriptures to the degree he was; for the Bible was almost exclusively his edification book. Despite his political activity of many years’ standing, he always remained the same distinctly Christian figure; for he was ever on guard and was always alive to the danger of being absorbed by the temporal.
Somewhere Hauge got a man to row him. The boat was leaky, water streamed in; the man became irritated and began to curse and declared that the devil was in the boat. Hauge answered calmly: “The devil is not in the boat, but in you who call him.” The man answered that he could not always sit and read. Hauge replied: “Can you always eat? If you try to do that, you will only spoil your stomach; if you on the other hand eat as much as is good for you and work diligently, then you are better off. The same goes for reading. If you want to read all the time, it will only exhaust you, and not be of any use; if you on the other hand read a little and try to arrange your conduct accordingly, this can better your life and be of benefit to you for time and eternity.” The man changed his way of thinking and stopped calling the devil.
In Trondheim, too, the clergy became embittered over “the fanaticism” which they called the effects of Hauge’s preaching. Ministers and bishops carried on an argument with him about his mission and preaching, and when he showed himself, superior in the discussion, the great gentlemen didn’t know any better argument than to call the sheriff and have Hauge arrested. He was again arrested in Trondheim. This was the sixth time he was arrested for the sake of the confession of the truth. He was set free this time also after some trouble and was sent home through the sheriff but he was soon free of the sheriffs company and was allowed to go home alone.
During his stay at home a deep sorrow befell him. His so very dear sister Anna had for some time been troubled with temptations, at the same time as she was bodily ill. However, she won the battle and loved God again; but she got worse and at last passed away, to the sorrow and distress of Hauge.
Too Be Continued....
Monday, June 29, 2009
27. Hauge's Second Trip To Bergen
HAUGE’S SECOND TRIP TO BERGEN.
The friends in Bergen longed for Hauge and wrote him several times, asking him to visit them again. After he had stayed home for three days he again set out on a journey. He obtained passport from Burgomaster Strøm in Bragernes and went toward Eker. Here he was arrested by Sheriff Gram, where he had to stay three days while they procured a warrant from the county. Then the sheriff brought him under strong guard to Bailiff Collett in Kongsbcrg, who discharged him on the order from the county, after having seen his passport.
Hauge went from here to Numedal and over the parishes to Hardanger and from there to Bergen. Everywhere he went he talked with people both in public and private about the one thing needful.
He stayed in Bergen for some time and strengthened his friends with edification, admonition and comfort in the supreme good.
During this time the persecution of the Christians in the southeastern parts broke loose, and several were imprisoned and sentenced to hard labor. When Hauge received information about this, he wrote thus: “I grieve over those who do the evil --who do not know the things which belong unto their peace, and rejoice with those who suffer for the sake of the good. My wish is that there now were many true Christians; if the evil ones will keep this up, then they should not only get their houses of correction filled, but God should also have the necessary workers in His great harvest.”
The friends in Bergen wanted Hauge to settle there, and Maren Boes would give him her considerable possessions if he would settle there. But Hauge would not or could not do so, even if they would give him all of Bergen. He soon went northward through Søndfjord, Nordfjord and Søndmøre. From here he went to Nordmøre and came into Surendalen. One Sunday morning he was found sitting in the farmyard on the farm named Harang. He had walked all night to reach Rindal church where there were services that day. He went along with the farm people to the church.
After the services he talked with people outside the church, and had already gathered a good many people on a farm in order to speak the Word of God to them, but when a deacon brought word from the minister that he was not allowed to talk to people about God, the speech came to nothing. As he went, he patted the deacon on the shoulder and said: “We might meet again here; if not then we will meet on the big day, and then it will be found out that it was the spirit of truth which spoke through me.”
To Be Continued....
The friends in Bergen longed for Hauge and wrote him several times, asking him to visit them again. After he had stayed home for three days he again set out on a journey. He obtained passport from Burgomaster Strøm in Bragernes and went toward Eker. Here he was arrested by Sheriff Gram, where he had to stay three days while they procured a warrant from the county. Then the sheriff brought him under strong guard to Bailiff Collett in Kongsbcrg, who discharged him on the order from the county, after having seen his passport.
Hauge went from here to Numedal and over the parishes to Hardanger and from there to Bergen. Everywhere he went he talked with people both in public and private about the one thing needful.
He stayed in Bergen for some time and strengthened his friends with edification, admonition and comfort in the supreme good.
During this time the persecution of the Christians in the southeastern parts broke loose, and several were imprisoned and sentenced to hard labor. When Hauge received information about this, he wrote thus: “I grieve over those who do the evil --who do not know the things which belong unto their peace, and rejoice with those who suffer for the sake of the good. My wish is that there now were many true Christians; if the evil ones will keep this up, then they should not only get their houses of correction filled, but God should also have the necessary workers in His great harvest.”
The friends in Bergen wanted Hauge to settle there, and Maren Boes would give him her considerable possessions if he would settle there. But Hauge would not or could not do so, even if they would give him all of Bergen. He soon went northward through Søndfjord, Nordfjord and Søndmøre. From here he went to Nordmøre and came into Surendalen. One Sunday morning he was found sitting in the farmyard on the farm named Harang. He had walked all night to reach Rindal church where there were services that day. He went along with the farm people to the church.
After the services he talked with people outside the church, and had already gathered a good many people on a farm in order to speak the Word of God to them, but when a deacon brought word from the minister that he was not allowed to talk to people about God, the speech came to nothing. As he went, he patted the deacon on the shoulder and said: “We might meet again here; if not then we will meet on the big day, and then it will be found out that it was the spirit of truth which spoke through me.”
To Be Continued....
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
26. Hauge's Journey To Bergen
HAUGE’S JOURNEY TO BERGEN.
Hauge’s mind had no rest. He had to get around with the heavenly message. First he went to Drammen, where his friend merchant M. Møller secured shipping opportunity to Bergen for him. In this town Hauge found a better reception, and the pursuers had to leave him in peace as the mighty man Bishop Nordal Brun took the layman under his protection, and he was more than a match for the pursuers.
Bishop Brun was like a shining star in the deep night. He was a true believer, punished the sin and waged a worthy contest against the dark and disconsolate teaching of rationalism. His hymns gave evidence that Christian experience was not foreign to him. Some hymns have become very dear and indispensable to the Norwegian congregations. But as a child of his age, he could, on his standard of culture, not fully appreciate Hauge’s activity. He perceived much good in “pietism,” but he also saw in it a repulsive enthusiasm.
In Bergen there was a great stir, but also much impiety and spiritual death. A few Christian elements were found, however, who became points of connection for Hauge’s activity. Among these may be mentioned the God-fearing maid Maren Boes, who in her younger days had been housekeeper for Bishop Pontoppidan and Samson Traae, who through Hauge’s teaching came to peace with God. Traae traveled far as lay-preacher.
Hauge wrote two books which he published in Bergen, and preached the Word of God around in the homes. He won both friends and enemies; but the seed was sown, and it found soil and bore fruit.
After four months’ stay in Bergen, Hauge went southward again. He went through Stavanger, over Jæren along the seashore, and everywhere on his way he spread his publications and admonished his fellow men to conversion.
After having visited friends in different places, he finally returned home from his trip to Bergen.
He had often run the risk of being persecuted; “iron and jail” were in store for him in many places, but he had luckily escaped all pitfalls; sometimes the pursuers took the wrong road, sometimes they “were smitten with blindness so they didn’t know him,” sometimes he hid himself in one house or another, and sometimes his pursuers came too late-after he already had left. Once he escaped almost in the same way as Paul, when the latter was hoisted over the wall in Damascus. “Then I had much to endure,” he writes, “if I did it from fear of suffering and couldn’t bear it unto the blood for the honor of God and for the sake of the chosen ones, but felt just the same, that it was nothing else, but the time was not ripe, and I should still silently spread the honor of God.”
To Be Continued....
Hauge’s mind had no rest. He had to get around with the heavenly message. First he went to Drammen, where his friend merchant M. Møller secured shipping opportunity to Bergen for him. In this town Hauge found a better reception, and the pursuers had to leave him in peace as the mighty man Bishop Nordal Brun took the layman under his protection, and he was more than a match for the pursuers.
Bishop Brun was like a shining star in the deep night. He was a true believer, punished the sin and waged a worthy contest against the dark and disconsolate teaching of rationalism. His hymns gave evidence that Christian experience was not foreign to him. Some hymns have become very dear and indispensable to the Norwegian congregations. But as a child of his age, he could, on his standard of culture, not fully appreciate Hauge’s activity. He perceived much good in “pietism,” but he also saw in it a repulsive enthusiasm.
In Bergen there was a great stir, but also much impiety and spiritual death. A few Christian elements were found, however, who became points of connection for Hauge’s activity. Among these may be mentioned the God-fearing maid Maren Boes, who in her younger days had been housekeeper for Bishop Pontoppidan and Samson Traae, who through Hauge’s teaching came to peace with God. Traae traveled far as lay-preacher.
Hauge wrote two books which he published in Bergen, and preached the Word of God around in the homes. He won both friends and enemies; but the seed was sown, and it found soil and bore fruit.
After four months’ stay in Bergen, Hauge went southward again. He went through Stavanger, over Jæren along the seashore, and everywhere on his way he spread his publications and admonished his fellow men to conversion.
After having visited friends in different places, he finally returned home from his trip to Bergen.
He had often run the risk of being persecuted; “iron and jail” were in store for him in many places, but he had luckily escaped all pitfalls; sometimes the pursuers took the wrong road, sometimes they “were smitten with blindness so they didn’t know him,” sometimes he hid himself in one house or another, and sometimes his pursuers came too late-after he already had left. Once he escaped almost in the same way as Paul, when the latter was hoisted over the wall in Damascus. “Then I had much to endure,” he writes, “if I did it from fear of suffering and couldn’t bear it unto the blood for the honor of God and for the sake of the chosen ones, but felt just the same, that it was nothing else, but the time was not ripe, and I should still silently spread the honor of God.”
To Be Continued....
25. How Hauge Disarms His Enemies
HOW HAUGE DISARMS HIS ENEMIES.
Once he met a school teacher “with great courage and mistaken opinions,” who assailed him with cursing and profanity. Hauge answered him then that the Word of God teaches us not to carry on like that. Then the schoolmaster became enraged, struck him and wanted to throw him out, although they were in another man’s house. Hauge asked him to wait until he had paid the hostess for the lodgings. After that was done, he calmly buttoned up his overcoat and said in his peculiar, impressive way: “It is good to be well dressed when it is cold; also to be prepared with Christian love, so I can pray for those who assault and persecute me.” There words “hit the man’s heart” and loosened his tears, so he could hardly sob his farewell and wish a good journey to Hauge.
Another time it was an assessor Z., who treated Hauge cruelly. The assessor met him at the home of one of the farmers in his district. As soon as he saw him he grabbed a big stick and hit so he even injured him. Hauge was calm as usual; he patted his pursuer on the shoulder, asked him to calm his anger, pointed out to him that there awaits them both an eternity. If they should be able to congregate in the hereafter in eternal happiness, then they must be united here in God, etc. The Christian love’s superior power showed itself here also; the opponent became calm and shameful.
To Be Continued....
Once he met a school teacher “with great courage and mistaken opinions,” who assailed him with cursing and profanity. Hauge answered him then that the Word of God teaches us not to carry on like that. Then the schoolmaster became enraged, struck him and wanted to throw him out, although they were in another man’s house. Hauge asked him to wait until he had paid the hostess for the lodgings. After that was done, he calmly buttoned up his overcoat and said in his peculiar, impressive way: “It is good to be well dressed when it is cold; also to be prepared with Christian love, so I can pray for those who assault and persecute me.” There words “hit the man’s heart” and loosened his tears, so he could hardly sob his farewell and wish a good journey to Hauge.
Another time it was an assessor Z., who treated Hauge cruelly. The assessor met him at the home of one of the farmers in his district. As soon as he saw him he grabbed a big stick and hit so he even injured him. Hauge was calm as usual; he patted his pursuer on the shoulder, asked him to calm his anger, pointed out to him that there awaits them both an eternity. If they should be able to congregate in the hereafter in eternal happiness, then they must be united here in God, etc. The Christian love’s superior power showed itself here also; the opponent became calm and shameful.
To Be Continued....
Thursday, June 18, 2009
24. Arrested Again
ARRESTED AGAIN.
Together with a friend Hauge again traveled to Christiania. Here they held many edifications, and several became awakened to the life in God. Some began talking to others about God’s counsel to the soul’s salvation. Among those was the well known printer Chr. A. Grøndahl. He was a firm Christian personality and will always be remembered as one of the more distinctive among Hauge’s circle of friends.
On the second day of Pentecost Hauge and his friends were invited to a friend to hold edification. There the sheriff came and arrested both of them. The governor came into the prison and reproached Hauge especially because he traveled around as a tramp and would not work. The consequence of such a life would be that he ended up in the house of correction.
Hauge held that he was no tramp, because he had worked all through the plowing season on his father’s farm. Besides he had passport for his journey to the town. And in regard to the teaching, he had not taught anything else but that one should keep God’s commandments high and honor them, serve God and learn well from one another. The governor went away.
The next day they were under examination. Question to Hauge:
“What is your means of livelihood?”
Answer: “Farm work on my father’s farm.”
Q.: “What is your errand in Christiania?”
A.: “I have some publications printed.”
Q.: “Have you given speeches here?”
A.: “I have talked with some people now during the holidays about our Christian duties.”
Q.: “Of what does your teaching consist?”
A.: “Exactly what is in our little Catechism and the Bible.”
Hauge read by heart the Third Commandment and some scriptural sentences to verify what he had said.
The sheriff declared he had nothing against Hauge. Hauge now asked the sheriff: “Is it Christian that those who get drunk and fight so they lie in the street, shall have their freedom, while I who go to church each time there is a sermon, and in the evening edify my fellow men with song and speeches according to the religion of the state, shall be put in jail and then threatened with punishment in the house of correction ?“
The sheriff had to admit that this was not right, and upon his representation to the governor that Hauge was innocent, he was set free. Besides, the sheriff gave Hauge the following fine testimonial: “Hans Nielsen Hauge and Christian Borsø have no doubt been detained, but in so doing have been found to be not only innocent; but are even honest and in the counsel of the Lord to the salvation of the soul well informed, and therefore set free, and to everyone concerned recommended in the best manner.”
Hauge stayed in the town eight more days and used the time well. He was again arrested to be transported home under guard, but he was nevertheless allowed to travel home alone.
Too Be Continued....
Together with a friend Hauge again traveled to Christiania. Here they held many edifications, and several became awakened to the life in God. Some began talking to others about God’s counsel to the soul’s salvation. Among those was the well known printer Chr. A. Grøndahl. He was a firm Christian personality and will always be remembered as one of the more distinctive among Hauge’s circle of friends.
On the second day of Pentecost Hauge and his friends were invited to a friend to hold edification. There the sheriff came and arrested both of them. The governor came into the prison and reproached Hauge especially because he traveled around as a tramp and would not work. The consequence of such a life would be that he ended up in the house of correction.
Hauge held that he was no tramp, because he had worked all through the plowing season on his father’s farm. Besides he had passport for his journey to the town. And in regard to the teaching, he had not taught anything else but that one should keep God’s commandments high and honor them, serve God and learn well from one another. The governor went away.
The next day they were under examination. Question to Hauge:
“What is your means of livelihood?”
Answer: “Farm work on my father’s farm.”
Q.: “What is your errand in Christiania?”
A.: “I have some publications printed.”
Q.: “Have you given speeches here?”
A.: “I have talked with some people now during the holidays about our Christian duties.”
Q.: “Of what does your teaching consist?”
A.: “Exactly what is in our little Catechism and the Bible.”
Hauge read by heart the Third Commandment and some scriptural sentences to verify what he had said.
The sheriff declared he had nothing against Hauge. Hauge now asked the sheriff: “Is it Christian that those who get drunk and fight so they lie in the street, shall have their freedom, while I who go to church each time there is a sermon, and in the evening edify my fellow men with song and speeches according to the religion of the state, shall be put in jail and then threatened with punishment in the house of correction ?“
The sheriff had to admit that this was not right, and upon his representation to the governor that Hauge was innocent, he was set free. Besides, the sheriff gave Hauge the following fine testimonial: “Hans Nielsen Hauge and Christian Borsø have no doubt been detained, but in so doing have been found to be not only innocent; but are even honest and in the counsel of the Lord to the salvation of the soul well informed, and therefore set free, and to everyone concerned recommended in the best manner.”
Hauge stayed in the town eight more days and used the time well. He was again arrested to be transported home under guard, but he was nevertheless allowed to travel home alone.
Too Be Continued....
23. Journey To Christiania and Elverum
JOURNEY TO CHRISTIANIA AND ELVERUM.
Hauge wrote an account about his treatment to the government, and the arrest mentioned. He went to Christiania to have his manuscript printed. After having arranged everything concerning it he went across Romerike to Elverum.
In a home by the road where he entered, some sat talking about a farmer boy who was supposed to practice austere devotion and had written several books. Hauge told them that he was from Smaalenene, talked first about traveling conditions and later about God. The people became attentive and said: It is possibly you we have heard about. Possibly, answered Hauge. He referred them to the Catechism and the Bible, and went on.
In Elverum he went to a farm to ask his way to the next town. Two girls went along and showed him the way. As they parted, he said to one of them: “Now you have shown me the physical way, oh, would that I could show you the spiritual way.” Then he talked a few words about the “spiritual way,” after which they parted. On this occasion her life changed to a life in God, and she walked on the “spiritual way,” faithful until the end. Her name was Marte Gjøvig. She died in Vardal many years ago.
To Be Continued.....
Hauge wrote an account about his treatment to the government, and the arrest mentioned. He went to Christiania to have his manuscript printed. After having arranged everything concerning it he went across Romerike to Elverum.
In a home by the road where he entered, some sat talking about a farmer boy who was supposed to practice austere devotion and had written several books. Hauge told them that he was from Smaalenene, talked first about traveling conditions and later about God. The people became attentive and said: It is possibly you we have heard about. Possibly, answered Hauge. He referred them to the Catechism and the Bible, and went on.
In Elverum he went to a farm to ask his way to the next town. Two girls went along and showed him the way. As they parted, he said to one of them: “Now you have shown me the physical way, oh, would that I could show you the spiritual way.” Then he talked a few words about the “spiritual way,” after which they parted. On this occasion her life changed to a life in God, and she walked on the “spiritual way,” faithful until the end. Her name was Marte Gjøvig. She died in Vardal many years ago.
To Be Continued.....
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
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....
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....
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)