I just received a letter from Br. Andresen in Sarpsborg. As you can see, he is quite open and says things just as they are. Things aren’t so easy for him, but what he says is true. Because of the circumstances, he had to take care of things. God knows his heart and has used him in His ministry. It must have been difficult for him to read my letter—concerning these matters—out loud in the midst of the assembly that he was appointed to have responsibility for. But, nevertheless, now that he’s done it, it shows that he has put himself aside so that truth and righteousness can take priority. Such an attitude of mind is right before God. We haven’t heard anything about the discussion that followed afterwards.

I am forwarding you his letter dated August 8 (it should be dated September 8, 1914), since you have asked for the letters I receive from Br. Andresen. Please forward it to Aksel and ask him to return it to me. Aksel’s letter from Kristiansand is also enclosed; please forward it to Br. Ellefsen. Address: Gunboat Viking, Vardø.

I wanted to ask you what you think; should we start a collection to help out Br. Andresen? I’m inclined to think that’s the right thing to do. Will you pass on this thought to Aksel when you forward Andresen’s letter to him?

My address as of September 16 will be: Ålesund.

From Andresen’s letter, we understand the general state of Christianity. It’s appalling. We can be very thankful to God that in His great grace He has led us away from the paths of unrighteousness and that He did so in our youth. Let us fear lest our conduct become defiled and we make provision for the flesh. There are spiritual conflicts and battles here almost every day. People are not easy to deal with. It is especially difficult to have military command over obstinate people and make the right choices in the Spirit at all times. It is tempting to turn a blind eye toward one thing or another, because even those who are placed above us are quietly doing that. But in the long run, this leads to decline and laziness to such a degree that the service itself falls to pieces. Some people have to do the work of two men, while others do virtually nothing. These injustices can make your blood boil, and that’s when conflict breaks out. Things have gone alright up to now, and that’s probably how it will continue; but we experience that people are boastful, lovers of themselves, disobedient, etc. Yet this also serves for our spiritual education. It’s the school of hard knocks; but it’s a school nevertheless, since all things work together for good for those who fear and love God.

I wrote a letter a few days ago. I presume you already received it.

Loving greetings.

Your brother in Christ Jesus,