346. A brother, having heard from one of the brethren about the battle, advised him as much as he could, while he himself had not yet reached this measure, and suddenly the battle rose up against him. Seeing himself burdened, he knew that this was allowed to him because he had not told his brother about his weakness and that it would be better to ask his fathers about this. He explained this circumstance to another Elder.

John's answer. Brother! There is no other way than for a person to reproach himself for what he has said, and God will forgive him.

After this, the brother suddenly received relief from the battle and thanked God.

Question 347 of the same. If two harmful things are before the soul, and one of them cannot be avoided, what must be done?

John's answer. Of the two harmful things, one should choose the less harmful. In the Patristic legends it is written: "Someone came to ask another denarius, and he did not give him, saying: "I have nothing to give you." When they asked him why he did not give it to him, he answered: "If I had given him, it would have caused him spiritual harm, and therefore I preferred to break one commandment rather than allow something harmful to the soul."

Question 348, to the Great Elder. The brother, progressing in virtue according to God, revealed himself to the Great Elder, saying: I am grieved, Abba, give me instruction.

Answer Barsanuphius. The holy Apostle Paul, having understood the power of patience, wrote the following: "For I will require patience, that you may do the will of God, and receive the promise" (Heb. 10:36). Whoever wishes to ascend to the cross with Christ must be a partaker of His sufferings and will always have peace; and I say unto thee, Strive to obtain thanksgiving to God for all things, and the power of the Most High shall overshadow thee, and then thou shalt find rest.

Question 349. What shall I do with the (sinful) slime in which I find myself, and with self-justification, for I am cruelly troubled?

Answer Barsanuphius. He who has mud on him can easily cleanse it, if he wishes; but he who is immersed in the mud is torn out of it with great difficulty; but to sink into the mud is worse than to have it on yourself. On self-justification: evil never destroys evil. Remember that self-justification does not justify a person, and calm down. About forgetfulness: there are two kinds of forgetfulness, and one is opposite to the other. He who has achieved that he forgets to bear his bread at the voice of his groaning (Psalm 101:5-6) is not overcome by the enemy's oblivion.

350. Petition of the same. Have compassion on me, and pluck me out of the belly of the lion that devoured me, and be merciful to my soul, as God was generous to it before, for power has been given unto you: if ye loose on earth, it shall be loosed in heaven (Matt. 18:18). Leave not my soul in hell, lest it die in sins, and speak to me a word according to my strength, that I may be a partaker of thy work.

Answer Barsanuphius. May the God of peace Himself sanctify you, who are all perfect in all things, and your spirit, soul, and body are perfect without blemish at the coming of the Lord... may it be preserved" (1 Thess. 5:23). What could I send you more comforting than this apostolic word? Try to acquire what I have written to you about, but I am more anxious than you, praying to God day and night, until you achieve this. Remember, brother, that I, as you know, gladly lay down my life for you and pray for you without ceasing.

Question 351, the other. The brother, being sent on the business of the dormitory, asked another Elder: "Is it necessary, when people who are disposed towards me to call me, to eat with women?" But the brother asked: "When someone calls me, why can I find out if a woman will participate in our meal, so as not to go to him?" If he says that there is, refuse, saying: 'Forgive me, I have a commandment not to eat food with a woman.'" The brother then asked: "If I happen to go into the house, and I enter without asking the above-mentioned question, and the host wants a woman to come to the meal, what should I do then?" therefore let me go, and I will go." If he commands a woman to depart from there, then stay; but if not, go away and do not break the commandment, lest death come upon you for disobedience, and do not be afraid: this will serve you not as a temptation, but as an edification.

Question 352 of the same. If I am sent to someone on business, without permission regarding food, and he compels me to eat it from him immediately; But when I say that I cannot, without permission from the abba, and he (the owner of the house) does not cease to argue and compel me, what shall I do?

John's answer. Since nothing good comes from a dispute, then, if there is no spiritual harm, accept his proposal, and when you return, tell the abba about it, asking his forgiveness, as one who has sinned. But when harm threatens, then, even if you argue a thousand times more, do not listen, for this is obviously the work of the devil.