Group None

Truly, to our chagrin and regret, this universal force [i.e., recognition that there is ultimate judgment,] is only latent within us, concealed in the inner recesses of the heart and not outwardly visible – unless we take care to till the soil of our heart by expanding on the concepts of Mussar. Without this, even this universal force will not extend its tendrils to the limbs, to bind them within the grasp of reverence. From this general principle, no specific ramifications will be drawn to safeguard against looming sins. So we constantly stumble into sins that tower unto the heavens: with sins of speech in the absence of a brake on our spirit;10I.e., impulse. and even to a greater extent in business matters; and most of all, in neglect of Torah study.In general, almost in all the limbs, “[from head to toe] there is not a [morally] sound [spot],”11Compare Isaiah 1:6. [according] to one who analyzes carefully, each according to his own ability, for “one who is greater than his friend has a greater evil urge than him” (Sukka 52a) and falls into high and mighty sins. When it comes to seeing the darkness in our own heart, we are like blind people. No one sees their magnitude (compared to the sins of the masses). Only if we observe them through a telescope (which magnifies to a very large degree things that seem small to us due to our weak sight – like stars, which are larger than Earth but seem like small dots; through a telescope they appear a bit larger – but in truth, they are inestimably large. So it is in this matter) – that is, with correct reason, in accordance the trusted Torah12That is, correct reason functions in this case as a telescope, restoring large things to their proper proportion. – will we find them to be far more severe in character, with greater scope and force.13Compare Genesis 49:3.