Письмо 170

What happened to you? You left us calmly and suddenly a storm of passions rose up against you and worried your heart. God grant that she will be tamed; Our Lord Jesus Christ is yesterday and today, the same forever (Heb. 13:8); You too cry out to Him, like the Apostles during troubles at sea, when they were in danger: Lord, save us, we are perishing (Matthew 8:25)! and you say: Lord, have mercy on me, for I am weak (Ps. 6:3); tame the storm of passions and do not let them get bogged down in the waves of carnal overwhelm! Call on the Mother of God for help; She is a ready and quick Intercessor and Helper. Don't indulge in thoughts about N.; remember that you have betrothed your virginity to the heavenly Bridegroom, Christ, and do not betray Him. Keep your heart pure. I believe that the main reason for such strong abuse against you is the poverty of your humility, and when it becomes scarce, pride clearly takes its place; and where there was a fall, even a mental one, pride preceded it; and you, apparently, do not try to resist her and do not overthrow her, so she overthrows you. To get rid of it, consider yourself the last and worst of all, as if you were conquered from passions; then you will see for yourself the fruit of this work; but you, on the contrary, consider yourself better than others, and you reproach and condemn them; who gave you this power? For this reason, the enemy rebels against you strongly and confuses you with sleepy dreams. Humble yourself and you will receive God's help. I hope that now you feel better, which I earnestly wish for you; much-sinful I.M. July 28, 1856. You might be interested in: