732. Макарьевская Жабынская пустынь г. Белева Рясофорному послушнику Константину Шарапову. Как сохранить утешения, получаемые от Господа

May God's mercy be with you and may the Lord cover you from the temptations of the enemy! You ask, where are the days when everyone was an angel, or better yet, when everyone seemed like an angel to you? Those days were the time when the Lord comforted you as a mother comforts a baby; He gave you a free taste of the sweetness that He had prepared for your labors and exploits, and gave you so that, having tasted it, you would begin to diligently seek it. He gave me a taste and took it back from you, leaving you as if alone, so that you could work on yourself, on your heart, on your passions. And if you work, you seek it and ask the Lord, then by the grace of the Lord you will receive the eternal enjoyment of this grace. But this is a long way to go... Try to consider yourself the most sinful and the last of everyone in the monastery, always remember that you are the worst of all; never judge anyone for anything; have humility before everyone; be obedient to the abbot and brethren; avoid freedom and idle talk; Spend your free time reading books, read Abba Dorotheus’s book and the Ladder. If you behave this way, then the Lord will not leave you with His mercy. It is impermissible to visit the church of God, avoid acquaintance with worldly people, and especially with women, in your free time sit more in your cell, and you will be saved. Calling upon you the peace and blessing of God, I remain with the desire for salvation. You might be interested in: