Письмо 173
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How many shocks have you experienced in your moral structure in this past time! From which we must gain benefit through experience, turn away from bad, and acquire good. Read spiritual books, try to be guided by them in your life; Moreover, look at your weaknesses and humble yourself through them, but do not judge people. They have their own Judge, but what kind of judges are we? And who gave us the right? When we walk humbly, then passions do not chill us so much, but where there is a fall, pride has probably already preceded it; remember this and in indignation resort to self-reproach and humility.
Your dream cannot be rejected; there is a similar thing in the prologue that one person gathered his hair up and wanted to cut off his head; but you need to restrain yourself from indignation and reproach yourself, as Abba Dorotheos and other fathers teach. When you resist passions, you will receive peace; and if you act with them, you will always be confused; from which may the Lord deliver you. I.M. March 19, 1857.
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