Письмо 199

The will of the archpastor and our common desire - to arrange for the better the improvement of your monastery, as I see from your letter, did not seem to many, and the election was supposedly without a decree, which is why it should not be listened to. I really regret this; However, I hope that if the Lord is willing and the holy place exists, there will be correction. I advise you not to become exhausted in bearing this cross, but to stand courageously and endure battles. For every good deed is corrected with patience and sorrow: after that those who now murmur out of ignorance will give thanks. During the preaching, the apostles, although they were a temptation for the Jews and madness for the Greeks, did not stop preaching Christ crucified; and with their patience they traversed the entire universe and planted the faith of Christ; and if they, looking at the temptation and the murmur, abandoned the sermon, what would be the benefit? You can, in a small way, take this as an example for yourself, but for God’s sake, try to offer more lovingly (as I heard the same word from you, and I want to imitate it) than you can gain their favor and obedience. If someone resists, do not act forcefully, but give time to come to her senses; if he doesn’t come to his senses, you won’t give an answer; In this confusion, we must remember that we also sin against God every day, and even this, when we stubbornly want to defend a just cause, does not bring any benefit, and we may be fulfilling our passion. Now N. and N. have already proven that, having made resistance and rudeness, they later resigned themselves; Don’t look at the fact that they have sinned, but rejoice in repentance; Therefore, there is hope for correction. The Apostle also commands this: brethren, even if a person falls into some sin, you spiritually correct him with a spirit of meekness: being careful, lest you also be tempted (Gal. 6:1). We also need to recognize our weakness, and not abandon obedience. Lord help you. If you are at a loss, pray to God, consult with each other on how best to act, and the Lord will enlighten you. As for the cell, I would go into it, but I won’t have enough time; for they will not listen to me; Therefore, we must leave it to God’s will, and time can change everything. It wouldn’t cost anything if they didn’t listen to me, but this could result in such anxiety that sometimes I would have to leave you involuntarily. Also, there is little need for this, but I must speak with some explanations, why great discord should settle in the monastery; - from which may the Lord protect you; A bad peace is better than a good quarrel. If we all saw things as they were going and tried to put them in the proper order, it would be more convenient to enter (into certain circumstances); and if we are blinded by some kind of weakness, I don’t say passion, and even without seeing it, we cannot judge matters rightly. To the most venerable sisters V. G–ne and D. Yes, I testify to my zealous respect, which I have brought to you, and entrusting myself to your common prayers, I will remain a desirer of your salvation and a zealous worshiper, the great sinner I.M. September 19, 1829. You might be interested in: