Письмо 181

I noticed an incorrect reasoning in your letter: you want to have a special cell, because of your resistant disposition, and so that you can write to me without showing it to the old lady. Is it possible to heal our passions by being alone and no one bothering us? On the contrary, they multiply and completely deprive them of peace; and when dealing with others, and when conquering passions, we recognize our weakness, humble ourselves, repent, and in time receive healing. Read many books: you will not find healing of passions in any other way. St. John Climacus writes: “those who are suffering from spiritual passions should allow the trace of silence to be seen below.” You think to find peace, but it is granted when we humble ourselves and tame our passions. You need to determine yourself in sorrow and look forward to it all your days; for our path is sorrowful, and not long; however, the Lord is able to lighten it and not send it beyond measure, for the yoke of the Lord is easy and His burden is light (Matthew 11:29). Only the proud aggravate their own sorrows, and therefore humility is always and everywhere needed; and it is more convenient to acquire it by cutting off your will and reason, and not trusting yourself in anything, and not doing anything of your own free will. If you want to live under the leadership of M. T..., then you can no longer write a single line to anyone secretly from her; and you want convention, but you will not receive consent for this, and therefore you will live according to your own will; and this is dangerous. Wishing you success in your affairs, peace, health and salvation, I remain the great sinner I.M. October 4, 1852. You might be interested in: