Письмо 258
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You write that you grieve N.N. for the reproach of M.N.; and N.N., in turn, complains about you that you offend and insult her, and she suffers a lot through you. I don’t give her full faith in this, and I don’t even answer her letter; but I also advise you: when she blasphemes you, do not take revenge on her in the same way, but humbly pray for her, and blame yourself; for we sin many times before God and do not see it; and we put other people’s and small vices as great; that is, we see the mote in our neighbor's eye, but we do not sense the beam in our own (Matthew 7:3–5; Luke 6:41, 42). Blame yourself, then you will be at peace; and when you are completely right, but not peaceful: you are already guilty, and cannot justify yourself before the omniscient and searching God; before people, justification will not bring the slightest benefit; and I wish it for you; many-sinner I.M. March 3, 1845.
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