cultural resources in henrik ibsen's early environment - Ibsen.net

confirmation who distinguished themselves by reflection, diligence and good conduct."
In 1819, when the harvest was so overwhelmingly rich that people had difficulty finding a
place for the crop, Munch found a reason to hold a thanksgiving celebration, "and
assuredly a good and useful impression was made on everybody there, since almost every
eye shimmered with tears." The same year the confirmation candidates from the three
preceding years and those who were inscribed in the Spring were called upon to take a
test in knowledge of Christianity, and when the result surpassed all expectations, he felt
that the Lord had blessed his work. "One of the most laborious parts of the pastor's
vocation is indeed to prepare the children of the common people for confirmation. Since,
ah, many are so terribly neglected, many if not actually neglected are still so improperly
educated, so little accustomed to think, to understand what they read." Also at the dean's
visit two years later the young people showed "beautiful proof of their knowledge of
God." Munch then preached on the self-chosen text: "How shall a young person keep his
path pure?" in which the main idea was that the best parents could do for their children
was "to rear them to religion."
Munch introduced the change to the (Sunday) worship service that communion
was discontinued from July 1st to Michaelmas, and instead he held communion most
Wednesdays during this period. In this way after the sermon he could "catechise" that
much longer with the young people who were in the habit of attending in large numbers,
school children as well as confirmation candidates from the two last years. "I have
always derived great satisfaction from this practice, and the elders of the congregation
have always been present at it with noticeable participation."
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