Письмо 298
Machine translation from the original · Show original
I don’t know what instruction to give you regarding your perplexities about which you ask me to enlighten you; what to do? I can’t say anything more, except to resort to self-reproach and humility. You are entrusted to the old woman, how can I break this knot? Take as an example the obedience of Akaki, how he obeyed the obstinate old man, did not leave him for his rudeness and insults, and received salvation. And you reject excuses from yourself, then you will see her change towards you; Even if you are right in what you are accused of, but how many other hidden shortcomings you have, and even those that are hidden from you. And the truth of God, through sorrowful visits, instructs you to the knowledge of them and to purification. When you reproach yourself and humble yourself, then your mother will change for the better. March 10, 1845.
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