THE GOSPEL THAT CHANGED A NATION
The work and influence of Hans Nielsen Hauge is largely unknown outside his native Norway,
but its social, economic and political impact was far-ranging
It was a Damascus Road experience for the 25 year-old farmer as he ploughed the fields. Hans Nielsen Hauge (pronounced 'Ho-ger') suddenly felt an overwhelming experience of the real presence of God that gave him a burning love for Jesus and for mankind. He wrote later of this transforming moment in his life:
"My mind became so exalted that I was not aware of, nor can I express, what took place in my soul.
Now it seemed to me that nothing in this world was worthy of any regard. My soul was possessed with something supernatural, divine, and blessed... I wanted very much to serve God. I asked Him to reveal to me what I should do. The answer echoed in my heart: 'You shall confess My name before the people; exhort them to repent and seek Me while I may be found and call upon Me while I am near; and touch their hearts that they may turn from darkness to light.'"
It was 1796. Convinced that he was called to witness to others, Hauge firstly shared the gospel with his seven brothers and sisters, bringing them to the Lord and then preached to the local villages. After this, he set out on the road to speak of Jesus.
He developed a pattern of walking many miles every day, holding three or four meetings in villages and reaching large numbers of ordinary people. Many came to saving faith in Jesus as a result and then they themselves went out to preach the gospel. A grass-roots revival began to spread among the numerous poor folk.
Hauge, a humble and practical man, was full of shrewdness and initiative and felt that he wanted also to educate and equip the common people. For him, running a business and preaching went hand in hand.
He began a business in Bergen in 1801 and saw the possibilities of securing a sound economic base for his gospel activities. He started mills and factories in places, creating jobs for people and taught them how to make a living for themselves. New agricultural tools were developed, literacy rates rose and businesses were started under his influence. A new confidence led to greater economic freedom as Christians were challenged to rebuild society.
Moreover, Hauge encouraged representatives of the rural population into politics, launching what has been described as the first democratic Norwegian 'folk movement'. He also published many books and pamphlets which spread his views widely.
He gained many followers, but also many enemies. The law in Norway forbid lay preachers to preach the word of God and this was used by priests and bishops to persecute him. Articles against Hauge and his followers appeared in the press, they were charged with offences, chased out of churches, beaten and imprisoned.
Altogether, Hauge was arrested ten times. He once spent nine years in prison waiting for his case to be heard! The prosecutor wanted him to receive a life sentence, but by then he had gained so much public support that it was changed to a sentence of two years hard labour. Hauge appealed and was given a fine instead! Ironically, the authorities freed him on one occasion because they needed his expertise in a project to extract salt from the ocean!
Persecution ruined his health in his later years and he was confined to a farm in Eastern Norway bought by his friends for him. But his home became a centre for Christian life with many visitors. Physically broken, but spiritually alert, both spiritual and political leaders came to him for advice.
Some of his followers held important positions, politically - three of them took part in the first Norwegian Parliament in 1814, when Norway became independent from Denmark after 400 years of Danish rule. The whole nation felt the effects of the Haugian influence - spiritually, politically and financially.
Hauge's last words were: "Follow Jesus!" He died, his face radiant with joy, exclaiming, "Oh, You eternal, loving God!"
This article has been extracted from Jesus Life magazine, published by Jesus Fellowship
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