I had a difficult time understanding you on the telephone; I managed to get the main idea of what you were saying, but not everything. Thank you for your good letter in which you asked me to go to Copenhagen. Thank you very much for the confidence that you have shown me, which is an encouragement in the Spirit. However, I am not allowed to leave the country since I’m on restricted leave. One day each week I have to inspect my ship and submit a report. And there are other, more important factors to consider.

There was talk of establishing one of those good old “prophet schools.” It is extremely difficult to find suitable students for such a school. They have to be spiritual because God is Spirit, and the knowledge of God can only be perceived in the Spirit. Jesus said, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you . . . .” Students for such a school would have to be chosen by a very spiritual person. Moreover, the doctrines of Christ are of such a nature that those who have the funds in hand might need to be broken down first.

It is possible to have a fervent zeal that is for God but is not of God. Peter cut off the servant’s ear, and the disciples asked if they should command fire to come down from heaven and consume those who did not receive Jesus. Similarly, in this initial enthusiasm, these people could establish a school, etc. But founding a school in the Spirit is an extremely difficult task to take on, because things must be broken down before they can be built up. These brothers who intend to start this certainly mean well, and they are no doubt extremely zealous, but they lack knowledge.

Of course my heart’s desire is to work in Christ, but a firm foundation is essential. If I were to go to Denmark and notice all kinds of foolishness, and then let them know it, I wonder if they could bear it? My ministry in Christ is such that if I were to come, I’m afraid they might find me not as they wished, because the most important thing is that the body of sin be destroyed. It is doubtful that people would support someone financially in this ministry. At any rate, Paul had to work with his hands as well as preach the Word.

If they stay with their decision to start a school, and if God is the driving force behind it and He wants me to go there, then He will put it into their hearts to write to you and ask for my address, and they will contact me. Or else one of them will come to visit me. Under no circumstances would I go there without first instructing them thoroughly in what it really means to start a spiritual school. Something that is started, only to fall apart after a short time, is not founded on God’s wisdom, but perhaps on zeal for God—a zeal without knowledge. God will not put His servants to shame, which is why He gives us understanding to avoid what is doomed to fail. King Haakon wanted to hold a plebiscite before accepting his position as king; he wanted to have grounds to stand on so that if he were to fall later (be deposed), his fall would be the dishonor of the people and not his own. It is the same in this matter.

Helga is welcome to stay with Ellefsen; he offered that to her right away when I mentioned that she wanted to come with you to Horten. We only have bedding and accommodations for one person, as you know, but she is warmly welcome, and of course so are you. It will be interesting to talk together. Now I’m off to Fredrikstad for a few days. Kristoffersen would like to hear how things are going out there, since He would like to go out and minister the gospel, and for this reason he really wants to speak with you.

Hearty greetings to you and Helga, from your brother, always devoted in the Spirit,