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Everywhere and at all times, skill is required from us in spiritual warfare - where does the will of our autocracy tend: to fulfill the will of God, or to passions? There are also many puzzling cases that we could not resolve ourselves, we must humbly resort to admonition and help from God. - You are faced with a challenge while you are at home, to calm your parent down, and to take care of the household chores; in all this you must guide yourself by the commandment of God, forcing yourself. I don’t advise you to write to N.N. to go to a monastery, and also don’t involve me in it: what is special about me? Nothing; I only know that I am a sinful person. If someone uses something, then it is not mine, but their faith is a good will, and God looks upon this. I do not know her elder, nor her way of life, nor her spiritual wisdom; how can we distract her from him; maybe she takes advantage of his spiritual guidance and receives peace and tranquility of soul; and having come to the monastery involuntarily, she cannot bear the sorrows and hardships she unexpectedly expected, and will grieve and repent of us. Let it act spontaneously; and when she does not find any benefit from the elder, and is not built up by his teaching, and, desiring to be truly saved, she wants to enter the fence of verbal lambs and feed on the teaching of the Holy One. fathers: then she will already have to face the first feat of rejecting her will and reason; and it's not so easy. If she wishes to join the monastery, then let it be according to her will - where exactly; but don’t advise directly (to such and such), and if she finds this monastery not to her liking, she will grumble at you; Yes, I don’t know your characters: can you bear each other; It's rare for sisters to get along. I told you that I don’t know the lifestyle and teachings of her elder, but if you know something for sure: either his wisdom is incorrect, or contrary to the Church, or something else, then I do not forbid you to give her advice about removal; however, in this you need to have great caution and consideration, so as not to make mistakes or sin. Read spiritual books, pray to God to grant you true reason, and He is strong to enlighten you and strengthen you on the path leading to eternal life. Recognizing your weakness, humble yourself, reproach yourself, and repent of your attempts. I remain the wisher for your health and salvation, many-sinful hieromonk Macarius. October 30, 1854. You might be interested in: