Письмо 281

Your false doubts will be resolved by the contrary opinion of yours. There were so many fears and suspicions about the letters, and unreliability about the presentation, but everything turns out differently: and therefore consider what you are doing, that you do not rely on God as your helper, but trust in what? Don't know. Where God wants to console, there he also disposes opposing hearts in favor; and where His favor is not present, or punishment is required, then “and all creation has assistance in this regard at His beckoning.” For such weakness we must reproach ourselves and henceforth learn to bow our necks under the strong hand of God, for He brings good even to those who seem contrary to us. The brothers sold Joseph into captivity, and he became the ruler of Egypt and their provider; the three youths, Daniel, and many many examples, both in the Old and New Testaments, and in history you will find many examples of God’s wondrous providence for His creation; did I.... think that he would suffer such troubles from Joseph and Benjamin? And it is truly a pity that such sedition is being erected. Woe to the city if we rule a young king (Eccl. 10:16) And you thought to receive only instructions and consolations from me, but you found insults from my letters. You find yourself innocent in everything: so this consolation is enough for you - a right conscience; let me be guilty, but I have no need to make excuses for my actions before you; and I also consider it unnecessary to explain in detail or repeat what I wrote to you about. If you have time to write, you write to one; and I have 30 and 40 letters on my desk that need to be answered - and I’m not talking at length - but at least written briefly; and others have been lying there for two weeks and a month, and you want both a lengthy and quick answer? Time, weakness, ill health and weak eyes do not allow us to do all of this. One’s grief is also seen to be beneficial, according to its structure, to its humility. It’s a wonderful thing - some people do not want the mantle for salvation; but for the mantle, that is, for vanity, for pride, and therefore the mantle can be heavy and unbearable; and when you expect it according to the will of God, it will be saving. Her labors will not be wasted when they are done according to Bose; its contents are ensured; and salvation cannot be taken away from it even without the mantle; and when it benefits her, then the mantle will be sent down; If he humbles himself, he will find peace. I’m very glad that U. V. has at least calmed down somewhat; temptations will someday come to the true mind. I do not forbid your coming to us, but give it up to your will; and even more so, as God wills it. Now I don’t have anything to write to her; when the letters are intact, let him read them; and what he spoke about, let him remember. And when anything else is needed, let him write; Although I am weak, I will write five lines to help the Lord: only let him not be afraid of reproof, lest it be fulfilled: do not rebuke the wicked, and so on... (Proverbs 9:8). But you, seeing your weaknesses, which you wrote about, have mercy for others; and despise yourself; but I shouldn’t even write about this; for you write there that you are punished for this; Continue to do good deeds. I ask all of you from the Lord for peace and blessing, and I wish you mental and physical health, and harmony among yourself; I remain your unworthy pilgrim, sinful I.M. October 16, 1844. You might be interested in: