youngest. I gather an audience of children; if the group enlarges, if it
is seen that they listen, are pleased, interested, that they understand
and explain the subject, I am sure to have a second circle soon, and in
their turn, grown people will see that it is worth their while to sit down
and study. When this is done, the cause is gained."(607)

The effort was successful. As he addressed the children, older persons
came to listen. The galleries of his church were filled with attentive
hearers. Among them were men of rank and learning, and strangers and
foreigners visiting Geneva; and thus the message was carried to other
parts.

Encouraged by this success, Gaussen published his lessons, with the hope
of promoting the study of the prophetic books in the churches of the
French-speaking people. "To publish instruction given to the children,"
says Gaussen, "is to say to adults, who too often neglect such books under
the false pretense that they are obscure, 'How can they be obscure, since
your children understand them?' " "I had a great desire," he adds, "to
render a knowledge of the prophecies popular in our flocks, if possible."
"There is no study, indeed, which it seems to me answers the needs of the
time better." "It is by this that we are to prepare for the tribulation
near at hand, and watch and wait for Jesus Christ."

Though one of the most distinguished and beloved of preachers in the
French language, Gaussen was after a time suspended from the ministry, his
principal offense being that instead of the church's catechism, a tame and
rationalistic manual, almost destitute of positive faith, he had used the
Bible in giving instruction to the youth. He afterward became teacher in a
theological school, while on Sunday he continued his work as catechist,
addressing the children, and instructing them in the Scriptures. His works
on prophecy also excited much interest. From the professor's chair,
through the press, and in his favorite occupation as teacher of children,
he continued for many years to exert an extensive influence, and was
instrumental in calling the attention of many to the study of the
prophecies which showed that the coming of the Lord was near.

In Scandinavia also the advent message was proclaimed, and a wide-spread
interest was kindled. Many were roused from their careless security, to
confess and forsake their sins, and seek pardon in the name of Christ. But
the clergy of the state church opposed