Письмо 93

You desired all monasticism; but what benefit did you receive by taking it? I already wrote to you that the image of monasticism consists of repentance and humility; and you, apparently, have no idea about this; but you say that I will live like a monk; how is this? Meanwhile, I see troubles with I..., and in a monastic way I should reproach and blame myself, but with you they are all to blame; here you no longer see the Providence of God that He arranges things to be this way; and by blaming people, you bring more grief upon yourself. What can I do here, and how can I console you? My letters offend you, and I always have only reprimands from you; I won't please you in any way. I also had some kind of revelation, which you can’t even write about: this is obvious charm; then how can my letters use you? Then it’s good to write when advice is accepted, but when the opposite happens, and you don’t like everything I write, so you can’t even read some of my letters, as you yourself said to some: then what’s the use of this? But if I write only flattering words to you, then I don’t know if this could benefit you? I do not refuse to write to you, but I cannot answer every letter: but as it is convenient for me, and as the need requires. When you accept with faith, you will not be offended, even if something was written that is contrary to your opinion; and where there is no faith, everything seems unbearable; and then you were also possessed by envy; St. Scripture teaches: do not reprove the evil, lest they hate you; reprove the wise, and he will love you. Give wine to the wise, and the wisest will rebuke the wicked and wound him (Prov. 9:8, 9:9, 9:7). Without accepting accusations, do you really want to imitate them? And St. John Climacus teaches: “having rejected blessed or unblessed reproof, he rejected his own salvation.” That's how much evidence you have; - from many little. And when you read the books of your fathers yourself, you will find even more; and when you accept it with self-reproach and humility, you will calm down, but otherwise there will be negative results. May the Lord give you true intelligence and humility, through which you will find peace of mind; what I earnestly wish for you. Mnogohreshny I.M. September 25, 1851. You might be interested in: