Письмо 35

Of whom is it said: Your destinies are taken away from before him (Ps. 9:26). There is no God before him and so on. (Ps.9:25). About those who do not see God’s providence over them, caring for their salvation; they do not see the hand of God, punishing them or showing mercy; they leave God and rebel against people, blaming them for their failures; and in displeasure for this they are abandoned by God, and their sorrows are burdened by their own dispensation and God’s punishment. The same thing is happening to you; take a closer look at yourself. -And what is a mantle? – Image of humility; and we seek it out of ambition; That’s why sorrow comes. What are the vows when taking tonsure? To endure every need, insult and humble yourself; you must first be prepared for this, and not acquire them later; where are they? False shame that the robe did not come out drives you to madness. What is your life? I see that you are only worried about not correcting the rule; but don’t grieve at all about correcting the rule of Christian life according to God’s commandments. Even if N. were truly your enemies. and N., then the Lord commanded to love our enemies; but since they are not your enemies, I know this for sure, and they even grieve over this fact that there is no decree on the mantle, then you are sinning and for this you are punished with grief that burdens you. I advise you to reproach yourself for this, accept repentance, and see here the providence of God, and not the work of man, then calm down. Peace be with you. I.M. August 26. You might be interested in: