The Baptists in Sweden. By Mrs. M.F. Anderson ...

72 TIlE BAPTISTS IN SWEDEN'.
of the act, and the bearing which, in God's providence, it was destined to have on the advancement
of the Redeemer's cause in Sweden. Their pastor,
however, the devoted Nilsson, who had labored,
and prayed, and suffered in that land for the cause
of Christ, was greatly encouraged; he felt as if the
set time to favor Zion was now come, and he
trusted that, by God's blessing, Mr. Wiberg might
do very much for the spread of truth and righteousness in Sweden.
A brief sketch of Mr. Wiberg's early life, and of
the trials and anxieties of his latter years, will show
how God had been gradually but surely fitting him
for the post he was destined to fill.
He was born in the year 1816, near Hudiksvall,
a small town situated at the head of a deep bay, in
Helsingland, in the northeastern part of Sweden.
His parents were peasants. A circumstance which
occurred when he was fourteen years of age, first
awakened his anxiety for the salvation of his soul.
He was in imminent danger of drowning, and was
saved from death by what seemed almost a miracle.
His heart was impressed with gratitude to God for
this mercy, and the near view of death caused him
to think seriously of his eternal interest. He began
reading the Bible, and other religious books.
Among the latter was Bunyan's "Holy War,"
which made a deep impression on his mind.
Mr. Wiberg was at this time engaged in a store
in Hudiksvall, but his newly-received religious im