Chapter 59

On Conscience and What Is Necessary for Salvation

^59.2.1 May the mercy of God be with you!

^59.3.1 Most reverend Father. N.![1]

^59.4.1 Having been under the guidance of the elder for so long, you have certainly heard all that is required. Remember and do it—don’t put it off until tomorrow.

^59.5.1 The monks of Mount Athos have books: “The Way to Salvation” (a sketch of ascetical theology); What is the spiritual life?... Letters on the Spiritual Life Unseen Warfare… Acquire them and learn from them… not to know, but to do.

^59.6.1 Also: whatever troubles your conscience, all of that must be abandoned immediately. I think everything you’ve imposed on yourself since the elder’s death belongs to this category.

^59.7.1 What is considered necessary in the work of salvation and spiritual progress cannot be avoided in any way—no matter how you try to cover it up, it must be fulfilled.

^59.8.1 The Jesus Prayer, in its power, appears not at the beginning but at the end of spiritual progress, as a flower and fruit. It is preceded by an inward drawing.

^59.9.1 May the Lord bless you!

^59.10.1 Be saved!

^59.11.1 I ask you to pray for my many sins.

^59.12.1 Bishop Theophan.

^59.13.1 December 22, 1886.