Thank you for your letters. I’ve read through the manuscript and have no comment except that I wish these truths could be spread far and wide. It will have a good effect in Byposten. I’ve been reading aloud for Pauline in the evenings from The Life of Madame Guyon. Both of us find it very valuable reading for a believer who is progressing spiritually. She writes, among other things: “In our early Christian life we are more prone to rejoice over our joy than to rejoice over God Himself.” I’ve finished about 110 of the approximately 500 pages in the book.

I read the letter from Father; it looks like he is rejoicing greatly over the fact that he is happy. This source of joy must be uprooted, and that will bring a reaction. Pull down these ideas of his about how we breathe in God’s Spirit, etc. Air consists of oxygen, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, etc. It can be broken down chemically into its individual elements. It is a part of the natural creation; it is in no way the Lord of creation. You should thoroughly analyze the air for him and make it as down-to-earth as you possibly can. If each time Father takes a breath he rejoices over the feeling he experiences, then he is rejoicing over his joy, as mentioned above. That has nothing to do with God Himself.

I wrote to Father about Berglioth’s letter and asked him to let her read what I wrote.

Br. Anthony will be arriving in Horten this evening at 5:45 and immediately continuing on to Moss and Fredrikstad. I’m planning on meeting him at the station. What you said about the latest issue of Missionæren is true.

Madame Guyon writes that the work that goes on within the soul and the work that goes on outwardly must go hand in hand. That is a great truth. We must be on guard against forcing outward works to such a degree that the work within is neglected. Because then, on the spiritual level, we will only manage to repeat the same things again and again. These outward works may be just fine, but we must not forget ourselves, lest the former become more than the latter.

I was just down talking with Br. Anthony. We talked so long that the Bastø left without him, and his suitcase was still on board. He had to send a telegram to Fredrikstad. Afterwards, he ate dinner at home with us and then left at 8:00 p.m.

Br. Anthony certainly has his battles, although he says he is doing well now. However, I got the distinct feeling that he has no understanding whatsoever and was not involved in the slightest in the spiritual conflicts which are now going on. He seemed oblivious to it all. It is just amazing how hidden this is. It is so hidden that a person can feel sick from having to bear it alone.

God has led us into a sphere where we can’t find many people we can share our thoughts with. This becomes more and more peculiar to me, but it is the Lord who has done it.

Br. Anthony said he was somewhat skeptical about Madame Guyon. He felt she forced things too much, as Catholics sometimes do, and he didn’t think it was very good for a person to read too much in her writings. I said that we have to take the kingdom of heaven by force. He is afraid that you think and work too much, and that you will burn out your life’s light too quickly through so much forced spiritual exertion.

Be that as it may, I know that it does me no harm whatsoever to devote myself too much to God. His law is my delight, and I know that it is also your delight. But if you work so much that it wears down your body and damages your health, then you should be more careful to practice moderation. You know yourself best. I know one thing for sure: Rest in God strengthens us both physically and spiritually, because rest and peace of mind affect our entire being.

I had very little to say to Br. Anthony this evening. I really didn’t know what to say. Madame Guyon writes about a time when two women visited her. They began to discuss the Scriptures, but Madame Guyon sat quietly and couldn’t say anything. She was completely preoccupied in the Spirit. A few days later, one of the women returned to Madame Guyon in need and explained to her that she was longing for salvation. Madame Guyon asked her if the other woman had persuaded her. “No, it was your silence which brought me into this need,” she said. Madame Guyon was amazed.

We can learn from this that when the Spirit prompts us to be quiet, there is a purpose in it. There is one silence that comes from a lack of knowledge, and there is another silence that comes from spiritual devotion. It is the latter silence that is so effective.

Granted, some of her ideas are strongly influenced by the Catholic church, but God has given us light so we are able to separate the wheat from the chaff. Personally, I firmly believe that it is very healthy and edifying to read about God-fearing souls and the battles and hardships they have had to endure in order to gain light. However, we need to especially keep one thing in mind, and that is to not constantly quote other people; for example, Madame Guyon. Outsiders could easily think that it is a doctrine like Millennial Dawn27 or something similar, which would weaken our personal influence. God has led us to the place where we can rejoice when reading about others who have had the same experiences that we have, but no one understands this––except God and us.

With respect to the spiritual battles that are going on now, we need to allow God to lead us, regardless of whether or not others understand it. I am convinced that this will have its effect on one here and one there without them even being aware of it.

The children are well. Johanne and Kristian have recovered from a cold and mild fever. Rakel stayed well the whole time.

To me, life in God becomes more precious every day, and it is just amazing to me that not everyone is willing to go on this glorious way of sanctification that is open. Madame Guyon’s book has truly been a blessing for me, because I detect a zeal in her which does my heart good. There are not many people in each century who have given themselves over so unreservedly to God. I also see that she experienced many of the same battles I have had to go through.

I realize that Br. Anthony does not have the ability to bring any of us closer to God, but my desire is that he himself gets more of a longing and need in his heart for God’s will and ways.

Peter was a man who understood what was important. That’s why at the end of his life he could say: “Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you.” He says to stir them up by reminding them. That is a far cry from drawing people away from Christ. The same apostle writes later: “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Pet. 3:18. When all is said and done, I believe this formula is the one we should follow.

For contemplation: Prov. 21:16. For comfort: Prov. 22:4.

Greetings with Prov. 4, from verse 20. Take note of verse 22. This verse indicates that the effect of taking God’s Word to heart is something quite different from breaking down our body.

Yours,

PS: The manuscript that I’m returning to you is enclosed.