Письмо 234

The Holy Apostle teaches: in everything there is sorrow, but not in cold (2 Cor. 4:8). I do not dare to write to you from my experience about patience, but I boldly offer the apostolic word: You were offended to the depths of your soul by the inscription on the letter, I feel it, for I myself suffered - perhaps a little less than you - after reading it; what to do? Let us remember the word: in everything you grieve, but not in cold. Let there be sorrows when it is the will of God (without it they cannot exist), although they are weak, let us not be cold and faint-hearted, and we believe that hidden within them is an eternal, blessed life. I think you will not boast of your fasting deeds and labors, and also will not say that you are sinless. How can we obtain salvation? The gracious Lord sends sorrows to shake us, and with their heaviness to cleanse us of sinful mire, so that we may appear cleansed before Him; bring Him thanks for His great mercy towards you, and that you are unforgettable before Him; in your thoughts blame yourself, not others; then you will receive help in enduring sorrows, and even consolation in them. Subsequently, time will tell, and the Lord Himself is able to destroy N.’s slander, which she is plotting against you (Isaiah 8, 10, 19, 3). What did the elders learn about Susanna? We see many other examples that: the pit of destruction, and the fossil, and the pit that he has made will fall into the pit (Ps. 7:16). If the Lord does not allow, they will succeed in nothing; and what he allows, who can resist His will? Calm down, mother, and cast your sorrow on God; His power is made perfect in our weaknesses (2 Cor. 12:9). Your mother, the treasurer, is planning to travel from O–a to our borders; but I will tell you that I have it in my power, and if the Lord pleases, and we are alive, these days after the memory of V.M., we will go on a journey, and maybe I will travel for a month; and therefore I cannot see her here; I also ask you to tell other sisters, if they decide to come here, not to work in vain. I am not writing to you about the sorrows of your sisters: they themselves, at least in part, will describe it to you; and they will tell the rest themselves: if they go home well, have a good trip. Mati Treasurer and D-e, I ask you to say my respects and ask for forgiveness for not writing - I really have no time and my head is full. Mnogohreshny I.M. April 27, 1842. You might be interested in: