Письмо 101
Machine translation from the original · Show original
You ask: is it possible to ask for dismissal from ....; I don’t know what to say to this; if this had been done in perfect peace and harmony, without any previous troubles, or at a local distance, then it would have been possible, without any doubt: but since in your dispensation it is completely contrary to this, then you cannot ask for this; Would she herself have thought of telling you: be peaceful and take advantage from whomever you can, due to my weakness - then this is a different matter.
What message are you looking for about the hope of salvation? Given your setup, this is impudent and crazy: perhaps you will receive an imaginary notification from the enemy’s charms, and then you will go crazy. The great saints of God were honored with this before death, or shortly before their exodus; but who were they, and what deep humility did they have?! St. Theognostus writes: ask for notification to be given to you, but not before death: it is most humbly possible, but we do not have humility. If we had been given notice, we would have exalted ourselves and fallen deeply. We must have faith, humility and hope in God’s mercy, and not despair to the end, but always remain in repentance, heartache and humility; to avoid two extremes: excessive hope and despair, and to have oneself under all creation; The Lord, who looks upon the humble, is able to arrange our salvation.
For your other failures, bring constant repentance and ask God to give you help; That is why we fall because we do not have humility; for, according to the word of St. John Climacus, where the fall took place, was preceded by pride. We must understand about fall of all kinds: in thoughts, words, negligence and laziness. Always fall to the Lord and ask for help; Ask the Mother of God, the Queen of Heaven, to keep you under Her roof, and the Guardian Angel and all the saints to help you in achieving your salvation. Read active fatherly books that lead to self-reproach, humility and patience; I wish you peace, health and salvation. Mnogohreshny I.M. September 25, 1854.
You might be interested in: