Письмо 44

You are in vain for me to seduce I. - everyone has their own arrangement, and I am very glad that she found a person who can guide her on the path of salvation. It is only your blindness that will not see through my vices and obstinate disposition, from the excess of which the outgoing words and writings bored her and became unbearable. I recently received a letter from her: she complains about my rejection of her, without her reason, and asks permission to choose a spiritual person for her spiritual care. But I have long known about her election. I answered her that, wishing her salvation, I was very glad when she found such a person. If you yourself benefit, according to your faith, from my poor writings, then use them; I do not reject, and I know that it is not mine; and don’t force others. I am already guilty of condemnation, offering to others, but not creating it myself: by being more carried away into correspondence and communication, I will further aggravate the condemnation; read the word of St. Gregory the Theologian defensive: how important this matter is - the spiritual nourishment of people; the difference in morals, conditions, dispensations, gender, rank, upbringing, and many other reasons require great consideration and special God's help and grace; about this also St. John Climacus writes, and not everyone can use the same medicine as a cure: what is useful for one is harmful for another. I see myself as very poor in reasoning; and I do not only think, but actually perceive. I believe that to everyone who seeks salvation and wills with good intentions, God will send a person who can guide him to salvation. God is not poor; He has many who work for Him and do His will. Don't talk too much about me. Mnogohreshny I.M. April 24, 1843. You might be interested in: