His brother Koznyshev advised him to read Homyakov's theological writings. Levin read the second volume of them, and in spite of its polemical, polished, and witty style, which at first repelled him, he was struck by its teaching about the Church.
Levin leyó el segundo tomo y, pese a su estilo polémico, elegante a ingenioso, se sintió sorprendido por sus ideas sobre la Iglesia.