As for the reception of a sister into cohabitation, I have only to say that "two are more than one," and in addition to this, I present your feeling to the will of the Universal Protector, to Whom I entrust you in everything. "I strongly advise you not to accept brothers into your cell, even if they are relatives, beyond the blessed time, otherwise you will bring temptation upon yourself.

June 20, 1835.

154. Wealth Is Harmful to You

In vain do you accept false thoughts in relation to our attitude towards you. We, although we are very sinful, but whoever asks for the Scriptures, we, with all our lack of leisure, answer: it turns out that others have one letter for two or three letters, depending on need, but this has not happened to you, and to each of your letters, even if they are poor-witted, you have our answers.

You complain about poverty, but wealth is still harmful to you, when a quarter in your pocket moves, then you will show yourself. Having written this, we hope that you will accept reproach from us better than praise.

Your parent, when he comes here and sees us, we are ready to receive him.

Congratulating you on the feast and wishing to celebrate it peacefully and calmly, we remain your unworthy worshipers.

March 26, 1836.

155. In sorrow, run to the Most Merciful Lord. Pride is the gravest of vices. In vain she changed her cell

You accept God's visitation very desperately, and, wishing to avoid the sorrow here by criminal actions, you do not think that by doing so you are striving with rapid steps towards eternal perdition. "Refrain from these impulses. In sorrow, run to the Most-Merciful Lord: punishing the body with sorrowful guidance, He heals the soul. If you had come to your senses and come to know the gravity of your sins, then you would have silently glorified the Lord, Who punishes here in order to deliver you from eternal torment. When you accept the desire that I am not such a sinner as to punish me in this way, then know that pride alone is the gravest of vices. Humble yourself, imputing to yourself worthy of being punished, blame no one, do not murmur against anyone, and even more so against God, you will see for yourself the relief of your sorrows. "Here are the means to get rid of it.

Your departed brother cannot be returned, — pray to God for him, that the Lord may rest his soul, and you have sinned by placing your hope in him.

We have heard that you left your sister to go back to your cell, but you did it in vain — you should be one another's support and consolation in sorrow; and you also suffered harm while living alone in a cell.

May the Lord console you and teach you what is proper to do, and may He do good for your relatives for salvation.

August 31, 1836.