Letter 397

However things may be — praise be to G-d — we have something with which to rejoice. We have — we have — praise be to the living G-d. That He has separated us from those who stray (and err) in all the aspects. Every day I will bless You for this — full of mercy.

The intensification of the adversary — it is impossible to estimate. But all our hope is upon the power of the elder of holiness — who surpasses everything. And it is impossible to speak about this, etc. Be strong and courageous — and gladden your soul every day anew — with what we have merited. That He created us for His honor — and separated us from those who stray in all the aspects.

For from the immensity of the noise and the obstacles — to weary us. One understands how many and many good merits Hashem Yisburach has toward us — that we have been saved from their opposition and their mockery. Had He only brought us close to him — and only so that we not oppose such a light, etc. — and we had not received any novelty from him. It would have been sufficient! And for every novelty and word and conversation that we received from him — one must say: "Had we not come into this world except to hear this — it would have been sufficient." All the more so, etc., etc.

Be careful to gladden your soul — in that you know that such a light illuminates in the world. And it is so greatly hidden and concealed from all of them. And for us it sparkles through His kindness. And at least — we are not opposing it — Heaven forbid.

The essential true peace — which is the healing of the body and the healing of the soul forever — is when one does not dispute against the point of the truth — the light of the true Tzadik — in whom we take shelter forever. For outside of this there is no peace in the world whatsoever. (And there is much to say about this — but the page is too short.) And so too Rabbainu has revealed to us — that it is necessary to bear bitterness for the sake of the true peace. And if the bitterness reaches to the soul, etc. But peace and healing and most wondrous salvations and all the blessings, etc. — drawn through such a whole person — sweetens and repairs everything (and makes peace between Israel and their Father in Heaven) and in all the worlds. (And it is impossible to receive this peace except through bitterness.) Remember well what he said — may his memory be for a blessing — before his holy passing: "Az ich gey far aich — vos hot ir tzu zorgin?" (When I go before you always — what do you have to worry about?) And even though I am as corrupted as I am — even so he does not oppose this. For this is all of the person. After such dispute and mockery — and confusion, etc. — whose entire hope and repair is through him.