The divine word and the words of the Holy Fathers are limitless, like sand in the ocean. By studying them without laziness, we can give instruction to those who come to us. Or it would be more proper to say that it is not we who give the advice (we are not worthy) but the Holy Fathers themselves inspired by the Holy Scriptures. All the holy ascetic writers of the last few centuries maintain that because of the general diminution of Spirit-inspired guides, the study of the Holy Scriptures (especially the New Testament) and the Fathers - as well as the assiduous and constant following of their advice in one’s life and in the guiding of others - is the only path to spiritual progress, given by God to the monastics of the last days. St Nilus announced that he would reject any monk who did not want to live according to this rule.1 It is that important; it is that essential!
+St. Ignatius Brianchaninov, from The Field: Cultivating Salvation, chapter 34.
1The Rule of St. Nilus of Sora
1The Rule of St. Nilus of Sora
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