Письмо 286

You ask about a shrine brought by a wanderer to M. I...i and given to you for safekeeping; in doubt - is it true - how to deal with it? What can I tell you about this? I am neither a seer nor a saint, but a sinner and fool; both in reverence and in contempt, in both there is doubt - then how to find the middle? – I’m truly perplexed. The true shrine, if pleasing to God, is hidden in the earth for the sake of people, but the false one was revealed to expose sacrilege. I don't know what to tell you? Not my mind and advice, but I heard from some that such things were cut into the icon table, and buried in packs, and thus remained in ignorance and concealment; there was neither respect nor contempt for them. About the book of St. Nile of Sorsky be at peace, let him be in your company; maybe some word will fall on someone’s heart and even bear little fruit; where was it before? Everything would just lie there, due to ignorance of this essence, and due to lack of time to read; when you want, reward with some little thing, in the form of a gift You complain about the passion of envy of the sisters who struggle; exchange it for love and jealousy for them in humility; and, seeing your weakness, cast yourself before God. Desirer of your salvation, much-sinful I.M. April 15, 1847. You might be interested in: