Духовная переписка

I find that it will be more bearable for my weakness, and it will be better for you yourself, if you write to me not so often, but more efficiently... It will be enough for you to write me one letter every two weeks, and at other times write down what is needed, and then, after reading your notes, figure out for yourself what is most necessary - then write to me every two weeks, shorter and more specific. Otherwise, a lot of your letters accumulate; in each letter there are many different inscriptions about what you feel and think when; I have absolutely neither the strength nor the time to collect and figure out all this and answer everything. And when you write less often, more briefly and more thoroughly, then, I repeat, it will be easier for me and better for you. Your letters should consist of two main subjects. 1. Bring repentance, for which, due to weakness, you will have to sin against the commandments of God or omit from the proper rule. 2. Ask what you need. Of course, in addition to these two items, there may be some additions. Just spare me from describing the various mental sensations and various thoughts that change daily, like the weather outside (2, part 2, p. 89). ...You have a question, but you don’t know how to write it. If, with this question, you have a simple and calm desire to write, then you can write interrogatively: does such and such a state exist in a person? And is it right or wrong? And for what reason to the latter? If the desire to write this is mixed with a thought that is compulsory and confusing to the point of anxiety, then it is better to leave it, in every state, directing yourself to the commandments of God and preserving yourself from exaltation and the charms of the enemy always and in everything (2, part 3, p. 24). You are afraid in correspondence. Write without hesitation and fear 35. They won't cut your head off for this. If they find out, you can say directly: “I have an extreme need and necessity and support for this, and not something incongruous outside the spiritual order; It seems that I have proven this to you and am proving it to you” (2, part 3, p. 106). Without being embarrassed or afraid of anything. You might be interested in: