Послание 5. К Стефану-секретарю

Yesterday, when we were enjoying your illustrious presence, after some other conversations for which you came here, we began to talk about the subjects of Scripture, and we, being in great bewilderment, parted with each other without reaching agreement on this. Of course, sir, we, as simple people, do not at all correspond to your inherent wisdom. But so that by remaining silent about what we should talk about, we do not bring condemnation upon ourselves - for Scripture says: “Rebuke your neighbor, and you will not bear sin for him” (Lev. 19:17), and on the other hand, “by reproaching the wise,” we will be even more loved by him (Prov. 9:8) - we considered it necessary to tell you what we should. You, my lord, I will say briefly, bringing together many questions and objections, said that, apart from faith, no one should admonish the presiding shepherd about any other commandments of the Lord when he, out of ignorance or at his own request, does something impermissible. And we said that it should, and even very much, but only to those who are superior to others in knowledge and prudence. And what evidence can we not provide for the unfoundedness of such an opinion? Let's give an example from the Old Testament. First, what do you think about what Daniel did (Dan. 13:46–62)? Did he not receive praise for not only admonishing, but also condemning the elders who unlawfully accused Saint Susanna, although he was at an age that, according to the law, did not give him the right to speak and express himself freely? Yes or no? And don’t you approve of Joab, who, when the divine David decided to count the people, which was the reason for the wrath of God, objected, restrained and tried to convince the King not to do this (2 Samuel 24:1-9)? You know the story. Jethro also convinces me of this, who reminded the great Moses and persuaded him not to rule the people in this way, in some way admonishing him and inclining him to his desire (Ex. 18: 13–24). And who was he? A foreigner, although Moses' father-in-law. And who did you tell? To the one who did everything according to the revelation of God. But let's say a little about this so that our speech is not long. We need to move on to the New Testament. Let us obey, if you please, most venerable one, the commands of the loud preacher of the universe: “If there be a revelation to the last, let the first remain silent” (1 Cor. 14:30); and this applies not only to faith, as your love objects. Also - which I almost forgot - the great preacher of truth John denounced Herod (Matthew 14:4). Please answer me. I know that ridicule is ready against me: “He puts himself on an equal footing with the prophet.” But not like that, sir. “These things,” says the apostle, “were written for our instruction” (1 Cor. 10:11). And St. Paul also said: “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1). How can one think right while acting wrongly, when the divine James asserts that faith comes from works, and those who sin in one do not have the other (James 2:17)? With so many and such witnesses, I do not think that your nobility would object. If so, then come to our unworthiness an analysis of the above, as well as the clearest objections from what you have prepared. Oh, if only they were present! And we will remain silent and ask for forgiveness for our persistence, although it stems from jealousy. For only condemnation is easy and accessible to anyone who wants it, as you read. And to give his opinion, based on the testimony of God-inspired Scripture, is characteristic of a truly sane and intelligent husband. However, in order not to spread the letters too much, we will end the speech here, adding for complete proof the sayings of St. Basil the Great. Stay healthy with your whole household, our beloved master, prospering in all respects, for we, both when we write and when we do not write, want to preserve the blessings of your love. From the 20th word of Saint Basil on asceticism: “And the primate, if he stumbles, should be reminded of the advantage of the first of the brethren in age and prudence” 11. From word 34: “Whoever does not accept what is approved by the primate must openly or privately present his objection to him, if he has any solid basis, in accordance with the meaning of Scripture, or silently carry out what is ordered; if he himself is ashamed, then let him use others as intermediaries” 12. From his moral rules, word 72: “The listeners, instructed in the Scriptures, should experience what the teachers say” 13. “The leader of the word must do and speak with caution and after much testing, with the goal of pleasing God, as one subject to testing and from those entrusted to him” 14. About asceticism. The rules are laid out at length. Question 27. Works in Russian translation. T.V. P.132. M. 1901. Right there. Question 47. Works in Russian translation. P.164. Moral rules. Rule 72. Chapter 1. Creations in Russian translation. T.III. P.388. M. 1901. Right there. Rule 70. Chapter 37. P.387. You might be interested in: