Basil the Great, Letters. Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, series 2, vol. 8 (Schaff and Wace, 1895), public domain.
Passages · 330
- Letters Letter 1 — To Eustathius the Philosopher. Much distressed as I was by the flouts of what is called fortune, who always seems to be hindering my meeting you, I was wonderfully cheered and comforted by your letter, for I had…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 2 — Basil to Gregory. 1. [I recognised your letter, as one recognises one’s friends’ children from their obvious likeness to their parents. Your saying that to describe the kind of place I live in, before letting you…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 3 — To Candidianus. 1. When I took your letter into my hand, I underwent an experience worth telling. I looked at it with the awe due to a document making some state announcement, and as I was breaking the wax, I felt a…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 4 — To Olympius. What do you mean, my dear Sir, by evicting from our retreat my dear friend and nurse of philosophy, Poverty? Were she but gifted with speech, I take it you would have to appear as defendant in an action…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 5 — To Nectarius. 1. I heard of your unendurable loss, and was much distressed. Three or four days went by, and I was still in some doubt because my informant was not able to give me any clear details of the melancholy…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 6 — To the wife of Nectarius. 1. I hesitated to address your excellency, from the idea that, just as to the eye when inflamed even the mildest of remedies causes pain, so to a soul distressed by heavy sorrow, words…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 7 — To Gregory my friend. When I wrote to you, I was perfectly well aware that no theological term is adequate to the thought of the speaker, or the want of the questioner, because language is of natural necessity too…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 8 — To the Cæsareans. A defence of his withdrawal, and concerning the faith. 1. I have often been astonished at your feeling towards me as you do, and how it comes about that an individual so small and insignificant, and…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 9 — To Maximus the Philosopher. 1. Speech is really an image of mind: so I have learned to know you from your letters, just as the proverb tells us we may know “the lion from his claws.” I am delighted to find that your…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 10 — To a widow. The art of snaring pigeons is as follows. When the men who devote themselves to this craft have caught one, they tame it, and make it feed with them. Then they smear its wings with sweet oil, and let it…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 11 — Without address. To some friends. After by God’s grace I had passed the sacred day with our sons, and had kept a really perfect feast to the Lord because of their exceeding love to God, I sent them in good health to…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 12 — To Olympius. Before you did write me a few words: now not even a few. Your brevity will soon become silence. Return to your old ways, and do not let me have to scold you for your laconic behaviour. But I shall be…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 13 — To Olympius. As all the fruits of the season come to us in their proper time, flowers in spring, corn in summer, and apples in autumn, so the fruit for winter is talk.vatican.va
- Letters Letter 14 — To Gregory his friend. My brother Gregory writes me word that he has long been wishing to be with me, and adds that you are of the same mind; however, I could not wait, partly as being hard of belief, considering I…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 15 — To Arcadius, Imperial Treasurer. The townsmen of our metropolis have conferred on me a greater favour than they have received, in giving me an opportunity of writing to your excellency. The kindness, to win which…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 16 — Against Eunomius the heretic. He who maintains that it is possible to arrive at the discovery of things actually existing, has no doubt by some orderly method advanced his intelligence by means of the knowledge of…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 17 — To Origenes. It is delightful to listen to you, and delightful to read you; and I think you give me the greater pleasure by your writings. All thanks to our good God Who has not suffered the truth to suffer in…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 18 — To Macarius and John. The labours of the field come as no novelty to tillers of the land; sailors are not astonished if they meet a storm at sea; sweats in the summer heat are the common experience of the hired hind;…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 19 — To Gregory my friend. I received a letter from you the day before yesterday. It is shewn to be yours not so much by the handwriting as by the peculiar style. Much meaning is expressed in few words. I did not reply on…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 20 — To Leontius the Sophist. I too do not write often to you, but not more seldom than you do to me, though many have travelled hitherward from your part of the world. If you had sent a letter by every one of them, one…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 21 — To Leontius the Sophist. The excellent Julianus seems to get some good for his private affairs out of the general condition of things. Everything nowadays is full of taxes demanded and called in, and he too is…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 22 — Without address. On the Perfection of the Life of Solitaries. 1. Many things are set forth by inspired Scripture as binding upon all who are anxious to please God. But, for the present, I have only deemed it…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 23 — To a Solitary. A certain man, as he says, on condemning the vanity of this life, and perceiving that its joys are ended here, since they only provide material for eternal fire and then quickly pass away, has come to…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 24 — To Athanasius, father of Athanasius bishop of Ancyra. That one of the things hardest to achieve, if indeed it be not impossible, is to rise superior to calumny, I am myself fully persuaded, and so too, I presume, is…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 25 — To Athanasius, bishop of Ancyra. 1. I have received intelligence from those who come to me from Ancyra, and they are many and more than I can count, but they all agree in what they say, that you, a man very dear to…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 26 — To Cæsarius, brother of Gregory. Thanks to God for shewing forth His wonderful power in your person, and for preserving you to your country and to us your friends, from so terrible a death. It remains for us not to…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 27 — To Eusebius, bishop of Samosata. When by God’s grace, and the aid of your prayers, I had seemed to be somewhat recovering from my sickness, and had got my strength again, then came winter, keeping me a prisoner at…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 28 — To the Church of Neocæsarea. Consolatory. 1. What has befallen you strongly moved me to visit you, with the double object of joining with you, who are near and dear to me, in paying all respect to the blessed dead,…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 29 — To the Church of Ancyra. Consolatory. My amazement at the most distressing news of the calamity which has befallen you for a long time kept me silent. I felt like a man whose ears are stunned by a loud clap of…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 30 — To Eusebius of Samosata. If I were to write at length all the causes which, up to the present time, have kept me at home, eager as I have been to set out to see your reverence, I should tell an interminable story. I…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 31 — To Eusebius, bishop of Samosata. The death is still with us, and I am therefore compelled to remain where I am, partly by the duty of distribution, and partly out of sympathy for the distressed. Even now, therefore,…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 32 — To Sophronius the Master. Our God—beloved brother, Gregory the bishop, shares the troubles of the times, for he too, like everybody else, is distressed at successive outrages, and resembles a man buffeted by…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 33 — To Aburgius. Who knows so well as you do how to respect an old friendship, to pay reverence to virtue, and to sympathise with the sick? Now my God-beloved brother Gregory the bishop has become involved in matters…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 34 — To Eusebius, bishop of Samosata. How could I be silent at the present juncture? And if I cannot be silent, how am I to find utterance adequate to the circumstances, so as to make my voice not like a mere groan but…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 35 — Without address. I have written to you about many people as belonging to myself; now I mean to write about more. The poor can never fail, and I can never say, no. There is no one more intimately associated with me,…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 36 — Without address. It has, I think, been long known to your excellency that the presbyter of this place is a foster brother of my own. What more can I say to induce you in your kindness, to view him with a friendly…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 37 — Without address. I look with suspicion on the multiplication of letters. Against my will, and because I cannot resist the importunity of petitioners, I am compelled to speak. I write because I can think of no other…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 38 — To his Brother Gregory, concerning the difference between οὐσία and ὑπόστασις. 1. Many persons, in their study of the sacred dogmas, failing to distinguish between what is common in the essence or substance, and the…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 39 — Julian to Basil. The proverb says “You are not proclaiming war,” and, let me add, out of the comedy, “O messenger of golden words.” Come then; prove this in act, and hasten to me. You will come as friend to friend.…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 40 — Julian to Basil. While showing up to the present time the gentleness and benevolence which have been natural to me from my boyhood, I have reduced all who dwell beneath the sun to obedience. For lo! every tribe of…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 41 — Basil to Julian. 1. The heroic deeds of your present splendour are small, and your grand attack against me, or rather against yourself, is paltry. When I think of you robed in purple, a crown on your dishonoured…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 42 — To Chilo, his disciple. 1. If, my true brother, you gladly suffer yourself to be advised by me as to what course of action you should pursue, specially in the points in which you have referred to me for advice, you…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 43 — Admonition to the Young. O faithful man of solitary life, and practiser of true religion, learn the lessons of the evangelic conversation, of mastery over the body, of a meek spirit, of purity of mind, of destruction…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 44 — To a lapsed Monk. 1. I do not wish you joy, for there is no joy for the wicked. Even now I cannot believe it; my heart cannot conceive iniquity so great as the crime which you have committed; if, that is, the truth…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 45 — To a lapsed Monk. 1. I am doubly alarmed to the very bottom of my heart, and you are the cause. I am either the victim of some unkindly prepossession, and so am driven to make an unbrotherly charge; or, with every…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 46 — To a fallen virgin. 1. Now is the time to quote the words of the prophet and to say, “Oh that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 47 — To Gregory. “Who will give me wings like a dove? Or how can my old age be so renewed that I can travel to your affection, satisfy my deep longing to see you, tell you all the troubles of my soul, and get from you…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 48 — To Eusebius, Bishop of Samosata. I have had considerable difficulty in finding a messenger to convey a letter to your reverence, for our men are so afraid of the winter that they can hardly bear even to put their…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 49 — To Arcadius the Bishop. I thanked the Holy God when I read your letter, most pious brother. I pray that I may not be unworthy of the expectations you have formed of me, and that you will enjoy a full reward for the…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 50 — To Bishop Innocentius. Whom, indeed, could it better befit to encourage the timid, and rouse the slumbering, than you, my godly lord, who have shewn your general excellence in this, too, that you have consented to…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 51 — To Bishop Bosporius. How do you think my heart was pained at hearing of the slanders heaped on me by some of those that feel no fear of the Judge, who “shall destroy them that speak leasing”? I spent nearly the whole…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 52 — To the Canonicæ. 1. I have been very much distressed by a painful report which reached my ears; but I have been equally delighted by my brother, beloved of God, bishop Bosporius, who has brought a more satisfactory…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 53 — To the Chorepiscopi. 1. My soul is deeply pained at the enormity of the matter on which I write, if for this only, that it has caused general suspicion and talk. But so far it has seemed to me incredible. I hope then…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 54 — To the Chorepiscopi. I am much distressed that the canons of the Fathers have fallen through, and that the exact discipline of the Church has been banished from among you. I am apprehensive lest, as this indifference…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 55 — To Paregorius, the presbyter. I have given patient attention to your letter, and I am astonished that when you are perfectly well able to furnish me with a short and easy defence by taking action at once, you should…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 56 — To Pergamius. I naturally forget very easily, and I have had lately many things to do, and so my natural infirmity is increased. I have no doubt, therefore, that you have written to me, although I have no…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 57 — To Meletius, Bishop of Antioch. If your holiness only knew the greatness of the happiness you cause me whenever you write to me, I know that you would never have let slip any opportunity of sending me a letter; nay,…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 58 — To Gregory my brother. How am I to dispute with you in writing? How can I lay hold of you satisfactorily, with all your simplicity? Tell me; who ever falls a third time into the same nets? Who ever gets a third time…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 59 — To Gregory, his uncle. 1. “I have long time holden my peace. Am I to hold my peace for ever? Shall I still further endure to enforce against myself the hardest punishment of silence, by neither writing myself, nor…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 60 — To Gregory his uncle. Formerly I was glad to see my brother. Why not, since he is my brother and such a brother? Now I have received him on his coming to visit me with the same feelings, and have lost none of my…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 61 — To Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria. I have read the letter of your holiness, in which you have expressed your distress at the unhappy governor of Libya. I am grieved that my own country should have given birth to…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 62 — To the Church of Parnassus. Following an ancient custom, which has obtained for many years, and at the same time shewing you love in God, which is the fruit of the Spirit, I now, my pious friends, address this letter…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 63 — To the Governor of Neocæsarea. The wise man, even if he dwells far away, even if I never set eyes on him, I count a friend. So says the tragedian Euripides. And so, if, though I have never had the pleasure of meeting…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 64 — To Hesychius. From the beginning I have had many points in common with your excellency, your love of letters, everywhere reported by all who have experienced it, and our old friendship with the admirable Terentius.…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 65 — To Atarbius. If I continue to insist on the privileges to which my superior age entitles me, and wait for you to take the initiative in communication , and if you, my friend, wish to adhere more persistently to your…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 66 — To Athanasius, bishop of Alexandria. No one, I feel sure, is more distressed at the present condition, or, rather to speak more truly, ill condition of the Churches than your excellency; for you compare the present…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 67 — To Athanasius, bishop of Alexandria. In my former letter it seemed to me sufficient to point out to your excellency, that all that portion of the people of the holy Church of Antioch who are sound in the faith, ought…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 68 — To Meletius, bishop of Antioch. I wished to detain the reverend brother Dorotheus, the deacon, so long at my side, with the object of keeping him until the end of the negociations, and so by him acquainting your…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 69 — To Athanasius, bishop of Alexandria. 1. As time moves on, it continually confirms the opinion which I have long held of your holiness; or rather that opinion is strengthened by the daily course of events. Most men…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 70 — Without address. To renew laws of ancient love, and once again to restore to vigorous life that heavenly and saving gift of Christ which in course of time has withered away, the peace, I mean, of the Fathers, is a…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 71 — Basil to Gregory. 1. I have received the letter of your holiness, by the most reverend brother Helenius, and what you have intimated he has told me in plain terms. How I felt on hearing it, you cannot doubt at all.…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 72 — To Hesychius. I know your affection for me, and your zeal for all that is good. I am exceedingly anxious to pacify my very dear son Callisthenes, and I thought that if I could associate you with me in this I might…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 73 — To Callisthenes. 1. When I had read your letter I thanked God; first, that I been greeted by a man desirous of doing me honour, for truly I highly estimate any intercourse with persons of high merit; secondly, with…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 74 — To Martinianus. 1. How high do you suppose one to prize the pleasure of our meeting one another once again? How delightful to spend longer time with you so as to enjoy all your good qualities! If powerful proof is…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 75 — To Aburgius. You have many qualities which raise you above the common run of men, but nothing is more distinctly characteristic of you than your zeal for your country. Thus you, who have risen to such a height as to…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 76 — To Sophronius the Master. The greatness of the calamities, which have befallen our native city, did seem likely to compel me to travel in person to the court, and there to relate, both to your excellency and to all…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 77 — Without inscription: about Therasius. One good thing we have certainly gained from the government of the great Therasius and that is that you have frequently paid us a visit. Now, alas! we have lost our governor, and…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 78 — Without inscription, on behalf of Elpidius. I have not failed to observe the interest you have shown in our venerable friend Elpidius; and how with your usual intelligence you have given the prefect an opportunity of…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 79 — To Eustathius bishop of Sebastia. Even before receiving your letter I knew what trouble you are ready to undergo for every one, and specially for my humble self because I am exposed in this struggle. So when I…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 80 — To Athanasius, bishop of Alexandria. The worse the diseases of the Churches grow, the more do we all turn to your excellency, in the belief that your championship is the one consolation left to us in our troubles. By…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 81 — To Bishop Innocent. I was delighted to receive the letter your affection sent me; but I am equally grieved at your having laid on me the load of a responsibility which is more than I can carry. How can I, so far…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 82 — To Athanasius, bishop of Alexandria. When I turn my gaze upon the world, and perceive the difficulties by which every effort after good is obstructed, like those of a man walking in fetters, I am brought to despair…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 83 — To a Magistrate. I have had only a short acquaintance and intercourse with your lordship, but I have no small or contemptible knowledge of you from the reports through which I am brought into communication with many…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 84 — To the President. 1. You will hardly believe what I am about to write, but it must be written for truth’s sake. I have been very anxious to communicate as often as possible with your excellency, but when I got this…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 85 — That the oath ought not to be taken. It is my invariable custom to protest at every synod and to urge privately in conversation, that oaths about the taxes ought not to be imposed on husbandmen by the collectors. It…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 86 — To the Governor. I know that a first and foremost object of your excellency is in every way to support the right; and after that to benefit your friends, and to exert yourself in behalf of those who have fled to your…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 87 — Without address on the same subject. I am astonished that, with you to appeal to, so grave an offence should have been committed against the presbyter as that he should have been deprived of his only means of…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 88 — Without address on the subject of the exaction of taxes. Your excellency knows better than any one else the difficulty of getting together the gold furnished by contribution. We have no better witness to our poverty…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 89 — To Meletius, bishop of Antioch. 1. The eagerness of my longing is soothed by the opportunities which the merciful God gives me of saluting your reverence. He Himself is witness of the earnest desire which I have to…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 90 — To the holy brethren the bishops of the West. 1. The good God Who ever mixes consolation with affliction has, even now in the midst of my pangs, granted me a certain amount of comfort in the letters which our right…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 91 — To Valerianus, Bishop of Illyricum. Thanks be to the Lord, Who has permitted me to see in your unstained life the fruit of primitive love. Far apart as you are in body, you have united yourself to me by writing; you…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 92 — To the Italians and Gauls. 1. To our right godly and holy brethren who are ministering in Italy and Gaul, bishops of like mind with us, we, Meletius, Eusebius, Basil, Bassus, Gregory, Pelagius, Paul, Anthimus,…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 93 — To the Patrician Cæsaria, concerning Communion. It is good and beneficial to communicate every day, and to partake of the holy body and blood of Christ. For He distinctly says, “He that eateth my flesh and drinketh…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 94 — To Elias, Governor of the Province. I too have been very anxious to meet your excellency, lest by my failure to do so I might come off worse than my accusers; but bodily sickness has prevented me, attacking me even…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 95 — To Eusebius, bishop of Samosata. I had written some while since to your reverence about our meeting one another and other subjects, but I was disappointed at my letter not reaching your excellency, for after the…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 96 — To Sophronius, the master. Who ever loved his city, honouring with filial love the place which gave him birth and nurture, as you do; praying for the whole city together, and for every one in it individually, and not…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 97 — To the Senate of Tyana. The Lord, Who reveals hidden things, and makes manifest the counsels of men’s hearts, has given even to the lowly knowledge of devices apparently hard to be understood. Nothing has escaped my…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 98 — To Eusebius, bishop of Samosata. 1. After receiving the letter of your holiness, in which you said you would not come, I was most anxious to set out for Nicopolis, but I have grown weaker in my wish and have…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 99 — To Count Terentius. I have had every desire and have really done my best to obey, if only in part, the imperial order and the friendly letter of your excellency. I am sure that your every word and every thought are…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 100 — To Eusebius, Bishop of Samosata. When I saw your affectionate letter, in the country bordering on Armenia, it was like a lighted torch held up at a distance to mariners at sea, especially if the sea happen to be…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 101 — Consolatory. This is my first letter to you, and I could have prayed that its subject were a brighter one. Had it been so, things would have fallen out as I desire, for it is my wish that the life of all those who…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 102 — To the citizens of Satala. Moved by your importunity and that of all your people, I have undertaken the charge of your Church, and have promised before the Lord that I will be wanting to you in nothing which is…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 103 — To the people of Satala. The Lord has answered the prayer of His people and has given them, by my humble instrumentality, a shepherd worthy of the name; not one making traffic of the word, as many do, but competent…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 104 — To the prefect Modestus. Merely to write to so great a man, even though there be no other reason, must be esteemed a great honour. For communication with personages of high distinction confers glory upon all to whom…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 105 — To the deaconesses, the daughters of Count Terentius. On coming to Samosata I expected to have the pleasure of meeting your excellencies, and when I was disappointed I could not easily bear it. When, I said, will it…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 106 — To a soldier. I have many reasons for thanking God for mercies vouchsafed to me in my journey, but I count no blessing greater than the knowledge of your excellency, which has been permitted me by our good Lord’s…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 107 — To the Widow Julitta. I was grieved to find on reading your ladyship’s letter that you are involved in the same difficulties. What is to be done to men who show such a shifty character, saying now one thing now…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 108 — To the guardian of the heirs of Julitta. I am very much astonished to hear that, after the kind promises which you made and which were only such as might be expected from your generous character, you have now…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 109 — To the Count Helladius. I shrink from troubling your good nature, on account of the greatness of your influence, for fear of seeming to make an unwarrantable use of your friendship; however, the necessity of the case…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 110 — To the prefect Modestus. In kindly condescending to come down to me you give me great honour and allow me great freedom; and these in like, aye and in greater, measure, I pray that your lordship may receive from our…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 111 — To Modestus, the prefect. Under any ordinary circumstances I should have lacked courage to intrude upon your excellency, for I know how to gauge my own importance and to recognise dignities. But now that I have seen…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 112 — To Andronicus, a general. 1. Did but my health allow of my being able to undertake a journey without difficulty, and of putting up with the inclemency of the winter, I should, instead of writing, have travelled to…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 113 — To the presbyters of Tarsus. On meeting this man, I heartily thanked God that by means of his visit He had comforted me in many afflictions and had through him shewn me clearly your love. I seem to see in one man’s…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 114 — To Cyriacus, at Tarsus. I need hardly tell the sons of peace how great is the blessing of peace. But now this blessing, great, marvellous, and worthy as it is of being most strenuously sought by all that love the…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 115 — To the heretic Simplicia. We often ill advisedly hate our superiors and love our inferiors. So I, for my part, hold my tongue, and keep silence about the disgrace of the insults offered me. I wait for the Judge…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 116 — To Firminius. You write seldom, and your letters are short, either because you shrink from writing or from avoiding the satiety that comes from excess; or perhaps to train yourself to curt speech. I, indeed, am never…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 117 — Without address. For many reasons I know that I am a debtor to your reverence, and now the anxiety in which I find myself necessarily puts me in the way of services of this kind, although my advisers are mere chance…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 118 — To Jovinus, Bishop of Perrha. You owe me a good turn. For I lent you a kindness, which I ought to get back with interest;—a kind of interest, this, which our Lord does not refuse. Pay me, then, my friend, by paying…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 119 — To Eustathius, Bishop of Sebasteia. I address you by the very honourable and reverend brother Petrus, beseeching you now and ever to pray for me, that I may be changed from ways dangerous and to be shunned, and may…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 120 — To Meletius, bishop of Antioch. I have received a letter from the very God-beloved bishop Eusebius, in which he enjoins that a second letter be written to the Westerns about certain Church matters. He has expressed a…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 121 — To Theodotus, bishop of Nicopolis. The winter is severe and protracted, so that it is difficult for me even to have the solace of letters. For this reason I have written seldom to your reverence and seldom heard from…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 122 — To Pœmenius, bishop of Satala. When the Armenians returned by your way you no doubt asked for a letter from them, and you learnt why I had not given the letter to them. If they spoke as truth lovers should, you…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 123 — To Urbicius, the monk. You were to have come to see me (and the blessing was drawing near) to cool me, aflame in my temptations, with the tip of your finger. What then? My sins stood in the way and hindered your…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 124 — To Theodorus. It is sometimes said that slaves to the passion of love, when by some inevitable necessity they are separated from the object of their desire, are able to stay the violence of their passion by indulging…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 125 — A transcript of the faith as dictated by Saint Basil, and subscribed by Eustathius, bishop of Sebasteia. A transcript of the faith as dictated by Saint Basil, and subscribed by Eustathius, bishop of Sebasteia. 1.…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 126 — To Atarbius. On arriving at Nicopolis in the double hope of settling the disturbances which had arisen, and applying a remedy, as far as possible, to measures taken in a disorderly manner and in violation of the law…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 127 — To Eusebius, bishop of Samosata. Our merciful God, Who makes comfort match trouble, and consoles the lowly, lest they be drowned unawares in exceeding grief, has sent a consolation, equivalent to the troubles I have…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 128 — To Eusebius, bishop of Samosata. 1. Hitherto I have been unable to give any adequate and practical proof of my earnest desire to pacify the Churches of the Lord. But in my heart I affirm that I have so great a…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 129 — To Meletius Bishop of Antioch. 1. I knew that the charge which had lately sprung up against the loquacious Apollinarius would sound strange in the ears of your excellency. I did not know myself, till now, that he was…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 130 — To Theodotus bishop of Nicopolis. 1. You have very rightly and properly blamed me, right honourable and well beloved brother, in that ever since I departed from your reverence, conveying to Eustathius those…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 131 — To Olympius. 1. Truly unexpected tidings make both ears tingle. This is my case. These compositions against me, which are being carried about, have fallen upon ears by this time pretty well seasoned, on account of my…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 132 — To Abramius, bishop of Batnæ. Ever since the autumn I have been quite ignorant of the whereabouts of your reverence; for I kept hearing uncertain rumours, some saying that you were stopping at Samosata, and some in…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 133 — To Peter, bishop of Alexandria. The sight of the eyes brings about bodily friendship, and long companionship strengthens it, but genuine regard is the gift of the Spirit, Who unites what is separated by long…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 134 — To the presbyter Pœonius. You may conjecture from what it contains, what pleasure you have given me by your letter. The pureness of heart, from which such expressions sprang, was plainly signified by what you wrote.…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 135 — To Diodorus, presbyter of Antioch. 1. I have read the books sent me by your excellency. With the second I was delighted, not only with its brevity, as was likely to be the case with a reader out of health and…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 136 — To Eusebius, bishop of Samosata. 1. In what state the good Isaaces has found me, he himself will best explain to you; though his tongue cannot be tragic enough to describe my sufferings, so great was my illness.…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 137 — To Antipater, on his assuming the governorship of Cappadocia. I do now really feel the loss which I suffer from being ill; so that, when such a man succeeds to the government of my country, my having to nurse myself…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 138 — To Eusebius, bishop of Samosata. 1. What was my state of mind, think you, when I received your piety’s letter? When I thought of the feelings which its language expressed, I was eager to fly straight to Syria; but…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 139 — To the Alexandrians. 1. I have already heard of the persecution in Alexandria and the rest of Egypt, and, as might be expected, I am deeply affected. I have observed the ingenuity of the devil’s mode of warfare. When…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 140 — To the Church of Antioch. 1. “Oh that I had wings like a dove for then would I fly away” to you, and satisfy my longing to meet you. But now it is not only wings that I want, but a whole body, for mine has suffered…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 141 — To Eusebius, bishop of Samosata. 1. I have now received two letters from your divine and most excellent wisdom, whereof the one told me clearly how I had been expected by the laity under the jurisdiction of your…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 142 — To the prefects' accountant. I assembled all my brethren the chorepiscopi at the synod of the blessed martyr Eupsychius to introduce them to your excellency. On account of your absence they must be brought before you…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 143 — To another accountant. Had it been possible for me to meet your excellency I would have in person brought before you the points about which I am anxious, and would have pleaded the cause of the afflicted, but I am…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 144 — To the prefects' officer. You know the bearer from meeting him in the town. Nevertheless I write to commend him to you, that he may be useful to you in many matters in which you are interested, from his being able to…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 145 — To Eusebius, bishop of Samosata. I know the countless labours which you have undergone for the Churches of God; I know your press of occupation, while you discharge your responsibilities, not as though they were of…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 146 — To Antiochus. I cannot accuse you of carelessness and inattention, because, when an opportunity of writing occurred, you said nothing. For I count the greeting which you have sent me in your own honoured hand worth…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 147 — To Aburgius. Up to this time I used to think Homer a fable, when I read the second part of his poem, in which he narrates the adventures of Ulysses. But the calamity which has befallen the most excellent Maximus has…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 148 — To Trajan. Even the ability to bewail their own calamities brings much comfort to the distressed; and this is specially the case when they meet with others capable, from their lofty character, of sympathizing with…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 149 — To Trajan. You yourself have seen with your own eyes the distressing condition of Maximus, once a man of high reputation, but now most of all to be pitied, formerly prefect of my country. Would that he had never been…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 150 — To Amphilochius in the name of Heraclidas. 1. I remember our old conversations with one another, and am forgetful neither of what I said, nor of what you said. And now public life has no hold upon me. For although I…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 151 — To Eustathius the Physician. If my letters are of any good, lose no time in writing to me and in rousing me to write. We are unquestionably made more cheerful when we read the letters of wise men who love the Lord.…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 152 — To Victor, the Commander. If I were to fail to write to any one else I might possibly with justice incur the charge of carelessness or forgetfulness. But it is not possible to forget you, when your name is in all…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 153 — To Victor the Ex-Consul. As often as it falls to my lot to read your lordship’s letters, so often do I thank God that you continue to remember me, and that you are not moved by any calumny to lessen the love which…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 154 — To Ascholius, bishop of Thessalonica. You have done well, and in accordance with the law of spiritual love, in writing to me first, and by your good example challenging me to like energy. The friendship of the world,…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 155 — Without address. In the case of a trainer. I am at a loss how to defend myself against all the complaints contained in the first and only letter which your lordship has been so good as to send me. It is not that…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 156 — To the Presbyter Evagrius. 1. So far from being impatient at the length of your letter, I assure you I thought it even short, from the pleasure it gave me when reading it. For is there anything more pleasing than the…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 157 — To Amiochus. You may well imagine how disappointed I was not to meet you in the summer; not that our meeting in former years was enough to satisfy me, but even to see loved objects in a dream brings those who love…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 158 — To Antiochus. My sins have prevented me from carrying out the wish to meet you, which I have long entertained. Let me apologise by letter for my absence, and beseech you not to omit to remember me in your prayers,…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 159 — To Eupaterius and his daughter. 1. You may well imagine what pleasure the letter of your excellencies gave me, if only from its very contents. What, indeed, could give greater gratification to one who prays ever to…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 160 — To Diodorus. 1. I have received the letter which has reached me under the name of Diodorus, but in what it contains creditable to any one rather than to Diodorus. Some ingenious person seems to have assumed your…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 161 — To Amphilochius on his consecration as Bishop. 1. Blessed be God Who from age to age chooses them that please Him, distinguishes vessels of election, and uses them for the ministry of the Saints. Though you were…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 162 — To Eusebius, bishop of Samosata. The same cause seems to make me hesitate to write, and to prove that I must write. When I think of the visit which I owe, and reckon up the gain at meeting you, I cannot help…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 163 — To Count Jovinus. One can see your soul in your letter, for in reality no painter can so exactly catch an outward likeness, as uttered thoughts can image the secrets of the soul. As I read your letter, your words…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 164 — To Ascholius. 1. It would not be easy for me to say how very much delighted I am with your holiness’s letter. My words are too weak to express all that I feel; you, however, ought to be able to conjecture it, from…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 165 — To Ascholius, bishop of Thessalonica. God has fulfilled my old prayer in deigning to allow me to receive the letter of your veritable holiness. What I most of all desire is to see you and to be seen by you, and to…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 167 — To Eusebius, bishop of Samosata. I am delighted at your remembering me and writing, and, what is yet more important, at your sending me your blessing in your letter. Had I been but worthy of your labours and of your…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 168 — To Antiochus. I mourn for the Church that is deprived of the guidance of such a shepherd. But I have so much the more ground for congratulating you on being worthy of the privilege of enjoying, at such a moment, the…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 169 — Basil to Gregory. You have undertaken a kindly and charitable task in getting together the captive troop of the insolent Glycerius (at present I must so write), and, so far as in you lay, covering our common shame.…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 170 — To Glycerius. How far will your mad folly go? How long will you counsel mischief against yourself? How long will you go on rousing me to wrath, and bringing shame on the common order of solitaries? Return. Put…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 171 — To Gregory. I wrote to you, not long ago, about Glycerius and the virgins. Even now they have not returned, but are still hesitating, how and why I know not. I should be sorry to charge this against you, as though…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 172 — To Sophronius, the bishop. There is no need for me to say how much I was delighted by your letter. Your own words will enable you to conjecture what I felt on receiving it. You have exhibited to me in your letter,…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 173 — To Theodora the Canoness. I should be more diligent in writing to you but for my belief that my letters do not always, my friend, reach your own hands. I am afraid that through the naughtiness of those on whose…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 174 — To a Widow. I have been most wishful to write constantly to your excellency, but I have from time to time denied myself, for fear of causing any temptation to beset you, because of those who are ill disposed toward…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 175 — To Count Magnenianus. Your excellency lately wrote to me, plainly charging me, besides other matters, to write concerning the Faith. I admire your zeal in the matter, and I pray God that your choice of good things…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 176 — To Amphilochius, Bishop of Iconium. God grant that when this letter is put into your hands, it may find you in good health, quite at leisure, and as you would wish to be. For then it will not be in vain that I send…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 177 — To Saphronius the Master. To reckon up all those who have received kindness at your excellency’s hand, for my sake, is no easy task; so many are there whom I feel that I have benefited through your kind aid, a boon…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 178 — To Aburgius. I know that I have often recommended many persons to your excellency, and so in serious emergencies have been very useful to friends in distress. But I do not think that I have ever sent to you one whom…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 179 — To Arinthæus. Your natural nobility of character and your general accessibility have taught me to regard you as a friend of freedom and of men. I have, therefore, no hesitation in approaching you in behalf of one who…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 180 — To the Master Sophronius, on behalf of Eunathius. I have been much distressed on meeting a worthy man involved in very great trouble. Being human, how could I fail to sympathise with a man of high character afflicted…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 181 — To Otreius, bishop of Melitene. Your reverence is, I know, no less distressed than myself at the removal of the very God-beloved bishop Eusebius. We both of us need comfort. Let us try to give it to one another. Do…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 182 — To the presbyters of Samosata. Grieved as I am at the desolation of the Church, I none the less congratulate you on having been brought so soon to this extreme limit of your hard struggle. God grant that you may pass…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 183 — To the Senate of Samosata. Seeing, as I do, that temptation is now spread all over the world, and that the greater cities of Syria have been tried by the same sufferings as yourselves, (though, indeed, nowhere is the…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 184 — To Eustathius, bishop of Himmeria. Orphanhood is, I know, very dismal, and entails a great deal of work, because it deprives us of those who are set over us. Whence I conclude that you do not write to me, because you…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 185 — To Theodotus, bishop of Beræa. Although you do not write to me, I know that there is recollection of me in your heart; and this I infer, not because I am worthy of any favourable recollection, but because your soul…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 186 — To Antipater, the governor. Philosophy is an excellent thing, if only for this, that it even heals its disciples at small cost; for, in philosophy, the same thing is both dainty and healthy fare. I am told that you…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 187 — Antipater to Basil. “Twice cabbage is death,” says the unkind proverb. I, however, though I have called for it often, shall die once. Yes: even though I had never called for it at all! If you do die anyhow, don’t…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 188 — To Amphilochius, concerning the Canons. (Canonica Prima.) “Even a fool,” it is said, “when he asks questions,” is counted wise. But when a wise man asks questions, he makes even a fool wise. And this, thank God, is…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 189 — To Eustathius the physician. Humanity is the regular business of all you who practise as physicians. And, in my opinion, to put your science at the head and front of life’s pursuits is to decide reasonably and…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 190 — To Amphilochius, bishop of Iconium. 1. The interest which you have shewn in the affairs of the Isaurian Church is only what might have been expected from that zeal and propriety of conduct which so continually rouses…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 191 — To Amphilochius, bishop of Iconium. On reading the letter of your reverence I heartily thanked God. I did so because I found in your expressions traces of ancient affection. You are not like the majority. You did not…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 192 — To Sophronius the Master. With your extraordinary zeal in good deeds you have written to me to say that you yourself owe me double thanks; first, for getting a letter from me, and secondly, for doing me a service.…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 193 — To Meletius the Physician. I am not able to flee from the discomforts of winter so well as cranes are, although for foreseeing the future I am quite as clever as a crane. But as to liberty of life the birds are…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 194 — To Zoilus. What are you about, most excellent sir, in anticipating me in humility? Educated as you are, and able to write such a letter as you have sent, you nevertheless ask for forgiveness at my hands, as though…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 195 — To Euphronius, bishop of Colonia Armeniæ. Colonia, which the Lord has placed under your authority, is far out of the way of ordinary routes. The consequence is that, although I am frequently writing to the rest of…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 196 — To Aburgius. Rumour, messenger of good news, is continually reporting how you dart across, like the stars, appearing now here, now there, in the barbarian regions; now supplying the troops with provisions, now…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 197 — To Ambrose, bishop of Milan. 1. The gifts of the Lord are ever great and many; in greatness beyond measure, in number incalculable. To those who are not insensible of His mercy one of the greatest of these gifts is…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 198 — To Eusebius, bishop of Samosata. After the letter conveyed to me by the officiales I have received one other despatched to me later. I have not sent many myself, for I have not found any one travelling in your…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 199 — To Amphilochius, concerning the Canons. Canonica Secunda. I wrote some time ago in reply to the questions of your reverence, but I did not send the letter, partly because from my long and dangerous illness I had not…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 200 — To Amphilochius, bishop of Iconium. I am attacked by sickness after sickness, and all the work given me, not only by the affairs of the Church, but by those who are troubling the Church, has detained me during the…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 201 — To Amphilochius, bishop of Iconium. I long to meet you for many reasons, that I may have the benefit of your advice in the matters I had in hand, and that on beholding you after a long interval I may have some…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 202 — To Amphilochius, bishop of Iconium. Under other circumstances I should think it a special privilege to meet with your reverence, but above all now, when the business which brings us together is of such great…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 203 — To the bishops of the sea coast. I have had a strong desire to meet you, but from time to time some hindrance has supervened and prevented my fulfilling my purpose. I have either been hindered by sickness, and you…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 204 — To the Neocæsareans. 1. [There has been a long silence on both sides, revered and well-beloved brethren, just as if there were angry feelings between us. Yet who is there so sullen and implacable towards the party…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 205 — To Elpidius the bishop. Once again I have started the well-beloved presbyter Meletius to carry my greeting to you. I had positively determined to spare him, on account of the weakness which he has voluntarily brought…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 206 — To Elpidius the bishop. Consolatory. Now, most of all, do I feel my bodily infirmity, when I see how it stands in the way of my soul’s good. Had matters gone as I hoped, I should not now be speaking to you by letter…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 207 — To the clergy of Neocæsarea. You all concur in hating me. To a man you have followed the leader of the war against me. I was therefore minded to say not a word to any one. I determined that I would write no friendly…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 208 — To Eulancius. You have been long silent, though you have very great power of speech, and are well trained in the art of conversation and of exhibiting yourself by your eloquence. Possibly it is Neocæsarea which is…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 209 — Without address. It is your lot to share my distress, and to do battle on my behalf. Herein is proof of your manliness. God, who ordains our lives, grants to those who are capable of sustaining great fights greater…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 210 — To the notables of Neocæsarea. I am really under no obligation to publish my own mind to you, or to state the reasons for my present sojourn where I am; it is not my custom to indulge in self advertisement, nor is…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 211 — To Olympius. Truly when I read your excellency’s letter I felt unwonted pleasure and cheerfulness; and when I met your well-beloved sons, I seemed to behold yourself. They found me in the deepest affliction, but they…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 212 — To Hilarius. 1. You can imagine what I felt, and in what state of mind I was, when I came to Dazimon and found that you had left a few days before my arrival. From my boyhood I have held you in admiration, and,…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 213 — Without address. 1. May the Lord, Who has brought me prompt help in my afflictions, grant you the help of the refreshment wherewith you have refreshed me by writing to me, rewarding you for your consolation of my…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 214 — To Count Terentius. 1. When I heard that your excellency had again been compelled to take part in public affairs, I was straightway distressed (for the truth must be told) at the thought of how contrary to your mind…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 215 — To the Presbyter Dorotheus. I took the earliest opportunity of writing to the most admirable Count Terentius, thinking it better to write to him on the subject in hand by means of strangers, and being anxious that…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 216 — To Meletius, bishop of Antioch. Many other journeys have taken me from home. I have been as far as Pisidia to settle the matters concerning the brethren in Isauria in concert with the Pisidian bishops. Thence I…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 217 — To Amphilochius, the Canons. On my return from a long journey (for I have been into Pontus on ecclesiastical business, and to visit my relations) with my body weak and ill, and my spirits considerably broken, I took…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 218 — To Amphilochius, bishop of Iconium. Brother Ælianus has himself completed the business concerning which he came, and has stood in need of no aid from me. I owe him, however, double thanks, both for bringing me a…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 219 — To the clergy of Samosata. The Lord ordereth “all things in measure and weight,” and brings on us the temptations which do not exceed our power to endure them, but tests all that fight in the cause of true religion…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 220 — To the Beræans. The Lord has given great consolation to all who are deprived of personal intercourse in allowing them to communicate by letter. By this means, it is true, we cannot learn the express image of the…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 221 — To the Beræans. You were previously known to me, my dear friends, by your far-famed piety, and by the crown won by your confession in Christ. Peradventure one of you may ask in reply who can have carried these…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 222 — To the people of Chalcis. The letter of your reverences came upon me in an hour of affliction like water poured into the mouths of racehorses, inhaling dust with each eager breath at high noontide in the middle of…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 223 — Against Eustathius of Sebasteia. 1. There is a time to keep silence and a time to speak, is the saying of the Preacher. Time enough has been given to silence, and now the time has come to open my mouth for the…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 224 — To the presbyter Genethlius. 1. I have received your reverence’s letter and I am delighted at the title which you have felicitously applied to the writing which they have composed in calling it “a writing of…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 225 — To Demosthenes, as from the synod of bishops. I am always very thankful to God and to the emperor, under whose rule we live, when I see the government of my country put into the hands of one who is not only a…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 226 — To the ascetics under him. It may be that the holy God will grant me the joy of a meeting with you, for I am ever longing to see you and hear about you, because in no other thing do I find rest for my soul than in…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 227 — Consolatory, to the clergy of Colonia. What is so goodly and honourable before God and men as perfect love, which, as we are told by the wise teacher, is the fulfilling of the law? I therefore approve of your warm…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 228 — To the magistrates of Colonia. I have received your lordships’ letter, and offered thanks to God most holy, that you, occupied as you are with affairs of state, should not put those of the Church in the second place.…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 229 — To the clergy of Nicopolis. I am sure that a work done by one or two pious men is not done without the cooperation of the Holy Spirit. For when nothing merely human is put before us, when holy men are moved to action…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 230 — To the magistrates of Nicopolis. The government of the Churches is carried on by those to whom the chief offices in them have been entrusted, but their hands are strengthened by the laity. The measures which lay with…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 231 — To Amphilochius, bishop of Iconium. I find few opportunities of writing to your reverence, and this causes me no little trouble. It is just the same as if, when it was in my power to see you and enjoy your society…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 232 — To Amphilochius, bishop of Iconium. Every day that brings me a letter from you is a feast day, the very greatest of feast days. And when symbols of the feast are brought, what can I call it but a feast of feasts, as…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 233 — To Amphilochius, in reply to certain questions. I. I know that I have myself heard of this, and I am aware of the constitution of mankind. What shall I say? The mind is a wonderful thing, and therein we possess that…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 234 — To the same, in answer to another question. Do you worship what you know or what you do not know? If I answer, I worship what I know, they immediately reply, What is the essence of the object of worship? Then, if I…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 235 — To the same, in answer to another question. 1. Which is first in order, knowledge or faith? I reply that generally, in the case of disciples, faith precedes knowledge. But, in our teaching, if any one asserts…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 236 — To the same Amphilochius. 1. Enquiry has already frequently been made concerning the saying of the gospels as to our Lord Jesus Christ’s ignorance of the day and of the hour of the end; an objection constantly put…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 237 — To Eusebius, bishop of Samosata. 1. I both wrote to your reverence by the vicar of Thrace, and sent other letters by one of the officers of the treasury of Philippopolis, who was starting from our country into…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 238 — To the presbyters of Nicopolis. I have received your letter, my reverend brethren, but it told me nothing that I did not already know, for the whole country round about was already full of the report announcing the…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 239 — To Eusebius, bishop of Samosata. 1. The Lord has granted me the privilege of now saluting your holiness by our beloved and very reverend brother, the presbyter Antiochus, of exhorting you to pray for me as you are…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 240 — To the Presbyters of Nicopolis. 1. You have done quite right in sending me a letter, and in sending it by the hands of one who, even if you had not written, would have been perfectly competent to give me considerable…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 241 — To Eusebius, bishop of Samosata. It is not to increase your distress that I am so lavish of painful topics in my letters to your excellency. My object is to get some comfort for myself in the lamentations which are a…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 242 — To the Westerns. 1. The Holy God has promised a happy of issue out of all their infirmities to those that trust in Him. We, therefore, though we have been cut off in a mid-ocean of troubles, though we are tossed by…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 243 — To the bishops of Italy and Gaul concerning the condition and confusion of the Churches. 1. To his brethren truly God-beloved and very dear, and fellow ministers of like mind, the bishops of Gaul and Italy, Basil,…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 244 — To Patrophilus, bishop of Ægæ. 1. I have read, and read with pleasure, the letter which you have sent by Strategius the presbyter. How should I not so read it, written as it is by a wise man, and dictated by a heart…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 245 — To Theophilus the Bishop. It is some time since I received your letter, but I waited to be able to reply by some fit person; that so the bearer of my answer might supply whatever might be wanting in it. Now there has…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 246 — To the Nicopolitans. I am filled with distress at seeing evil on the high road to success, while you, my reverend friends, are faint and failing under continuous calamity. But when again I bethink me of the mighty…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 247 — To the Nicopolitans. When I had read the letter of your holinesses, how did I not groan and lament that I had heard of these further troubles, of blows and insults inflicted on yourselves, of destruction of homes,…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 248 — To Amphilochius, bishop of Iconium. So far as my own wishes are concerned I am grieved at living at such a distance from your reverence. But, as regards the peace of your own life, I thank the Lord Who has kept you…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 249 — Without address. Commendatory. I congratulate this my brother, in being delivered from our troubles here and in approaching your reverence. In choosing a good life with them that fear the Lord he has chosen a good…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 250 — To Patrophilus, bishop of Ægæ. There has been some delay in my receiving your answer to my former letter; but it has reached me through the well-beloved Strategius, and I have given thanks to the Lord for your…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 251 — To the people of Evæsæ. 1. My occupations are very numerous, and my mind is full of many anxious cares, but I have never forgotten you, my dear friends, ever praying my God for your constancy in the faith, wherein ye…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 252 — To the bishops of the Pontic Diocese. The honours of martyrs ought to be very eagerly coveted by all who rest their hopes on the Lord, and more especially by you who seek after virtue. By your disposition towards the…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 253 — To the presbyters of Antioch. The anxious care which you have for the Churches of God will to some extent be assuaged by our very dear and very reverend brother Sanctissimus the presbyter, when he has told you of the…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 254 — To Pelagius, bishop of the Syrian Laodicea. May the Lord grant me once again in person to behold your true piety and to supply in actual intercourse all that is wanting in my letter. I am behindhand in beginning to…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 255 — To Vitus, bishop of Charræ. Would that it were possible for me to write to your reverence every day! For ever since I have had experience of your affection I have had great desire to converse with you, or, if this be…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 256 — To the very well beloved and reverend brethren the presbyters Acacius, Aetius, Paulus, and Silvanus; the deacons Silvinus and Lucius, and the rest of the brethren the monks, Basil, the bishop. News has reached me of…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 257 — To the monks harassed by the Arians. 1. I have thought it only right to announce to you by letter how I said to myself, when I heard of the trials brought upon you by the enemies of God, that in a time reckoned a…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 258 — To Epiphanius the bishop. 1. It has long been expected that, in accordance with the prediction of our Lord, because of iniquity abounding, the love of the majority would wax cold. Now experience has confirmed this…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 259 — To the monks Palladius and Innocent. From your affection for me you ought to be able to conjecture my affection for you. I have always desired to be a herald of peace, and, when I fail in my object, I am grieved. How…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 260 — To Optimus the bishop. 1. Under any circumstances I should have gladly seen the good lads, on account of both a steadiness of character beyond their years, and their near relationship to your excellency, which might…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 261 — To the Sozopolitans. I have received the letter which you, right honourable brethren, have sent me concerning the circumstances in which you are placed. I thank the Lord that you have let me share in the anxiety you…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 262 — To the Monk Urbicius. 1. You have done well to write to me. You have shewn how great is the fruit of charity. Continue so to do. Do not think that, when you write to me, you need offer excuses. I recognise my own…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 263 — To the Westerns. 1. May the Lord God, in Whom we have put our trust, give to each of you grace sufficient to enable you to realize your hope, in proportion to the joy wherewith you have filled my heart, both by the…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 264 — To Barses, bishop of Edessa, in exile. To Barses the bishop, truly God-beloved and worthy of all reverence and honour, Basil sends greeting in the Lord. As my dear brother Domninus is setting out to you, I gladly…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 265 — To Eulogius, Alexander, and Harpocration, bishops of Egypt, in exile. 1. In all things we find that the providence exercised by our good God over His Churches is mighty, and that thus the very things which seem to be…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 266 — To Petrus, bishop of Alexandria. 1. You have very properly rebuked me, and in a manner becoming a spiritual brother who has been taught genuine love by the Lord, because I am not giving you exact and detailed…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 267 — To Barses, bishop of Edessa, in exile. For the sake of the affection which I entertain for you, I long to be with you, to embrace you, my dear friend, in person, and to glorify the Lord Who is magnified in you, and…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 268 — To Eusebius, in exile. Even in our time the Lord has taught us, by protecting with His great and powerful hand the life of your holiness, that He does not abandon His holy ones. I reckon your case to be almost like…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 269 — To the wife of Arinthæus, the General. Consolatory. 1. It had been only proper, and due to your affection, that I should have been on the spot, and have taken part in the present occurrences. Thus I might have at…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 270 — Without Address. Concerning Raptus. I am distressed to find that you are by no means indignant at the sins forbidden, and that you seem incapable of understanding, how this raptus, which has been committed, is an act…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 271 — To Eusebius, my comrade, to recommend Cyriacus the presbyter. At once and in haste, after your departure, I came to the town. Why need I tell a man not needing to be told, because he knows by experience, how…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 272 — To Sophronius the magister officiorum. 1. It has been reported to me by Actiacus the deacon, that certain men have moved you to anger against me, by falsely stating me to be ill-disposed towards your excellency. I…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 273 — Without address. Concerning Hera. I am sure that your excellency loves me well enough to regard all that concerns me as concerning you. Therefore I commend to your great kindness and high consideration my very…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 274 — To Himerius, the master. That my friendship and affection for the very reverend brother Hera began when I was quite a boy, and has, by God’s grace, continued up to my old age, no one knows better than yourself. For…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 275 — Without address. Concerning Hera. You have anticipated my entreaties in your affection for my very reverend brother Hera, and you have been better to him than I could have prayed for you to be in the abundant honour…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 276 — To the great Harmatius. The common law of human nature makes elders fathers to youngsters, and the special peculiar law of us Christians puts us old men in the place of parents to the younger. Do not, then, think…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 277 — To the learned Maximus. The excellent Theotecnus has given mean account of your highness, whereby he has inspired me with a longing for your acquaintance, so clearly do his words delineate the character of your mind.…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 278 — To Valerianus. I desired, when in Orphanene, to see your excellency; I had also hoped that while you were living at Corsagæna, there would have been nothing to hinder your coming to me at a synod which I had expected…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 279 — To Modestus the Prefect. Although so numerous are my letters, conveyed to your excellency by as many bearers, yet, having regard to the especial honour you have shewn me, I cannot think that their large number causes…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 280 — To Modestus the Prefect. I feel my boldness in pressing my suit by letter upon a man in your position; still the honour that you have paid me in the past has banished all my scruples. Accordingly I write with…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 281 — To Modestus the Prefect. I am mindful of the great honour I received in the encouragement you gave me, along with others, to address your excellency. I avail myself of the privilege and the enjoyment of your gracious…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 282 — To a bishop. You blame me for not inviting you; and, when invited, you do not attend. That your former excuse was an empty one is clear from your conduct on the second occasion. For had you been invited before, in…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 283 — To a widow. I hope to find a suitable day for the conference, after those which I intend to fix for the hill-country. I see no opportunity for our meeting (unless the Lord so order it beyond my expectation), other…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 284 — To the assessor in the case of monks. Concerning the monks, your excellency has, I believe, already rules in force, so that I need ask for no special favour on their behalf. It is enough that they share with others…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 285 — Without Address. The hearer of this letter is one on whom rests the care of our Church and the management of its property—our beloved son. Deign to grant him freedom of speech on those points that are referred to…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 286 — To the Commentariensis. Whereas certain vagabonds have been arrested in the church for stealing, in defiance of God’s commandment, some poor men’s clothing, of little value otherwise, yet such as they had rather have…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 287 — Without address. IT is difficult to deal with this man. I scarcely know how to treat so shifty, and, to judge from the evidence, so desperate a character. When summoned before the court, he fails to appear; and if he…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 288 — Without address. Excommunicatory. When public punishment fails to bring a man to his senses, or exclusion from the prayers of the Church to drive him to repentance, it only remains to treat him in accordance with our…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 289 — Without address. Concerning an afflicted woman. I consider it an equal mistake, to let the guilty go unpunished, and to exceed the proper limits of punishment. I accordingly passed upon this man the sentence I…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 290 — To Nectarius. May many blessings rest on those who encourage your excellency in maintaining a constant correspondence with me! And regard not such a wish as conventional merely, but as expressing my sincere…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 291 — To Timotheus the Chorepiscopus. The due limits of a letter, and that mode of addressing you, render it inconvenient for me to write all I think; at the same time to pass over my thoughts in silence, when my heart is…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 292 — To Palladius. The one-half of my desire has God fulfilled in the interview He granted me with our fair sister, your wife. The other half He is able to accomplish; and so with the sight of your excellency I shall…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 293 — To Julianus. How fare you this long while? Have you altogether recovered the use of your hand? And how do other things prosper? According to your wishes and my prayers? In accordance with your purposes? Where men are…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 294 — To Festus and Magnus. It is doubtless a father’s duty to make provision for his children; a husbandman’s to tend his plants and crops; a teacher’s to bestow care upon his pupils, especially when, innate goodness…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 295 — To monks. I do not think that I need further commend you to God’s grace, after the words that I addressed to you in person. I then bade you adopt the life in common, after the manner of living of the Apostles. This…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 299 — To a Censitor. I was aware, before you told me, that you do not like your employment in public affairs. It is an old saying that those who are anxious to lead a pious life do not throw themselves with pleasure into…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 302 — To the wife of Briso. [Consolatory on the death of her husband. These three consolatory letters present no features different from those contained in previous letters of a similar character.]vatican.va
- Letters Letter 303 — To the Comes Privatarum. You have, I think, been led to impose a contribution of mares on these people by false information on the part of the inhabitants. What is going on is quite unfair. It cannot but be…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 306 — To the Governor of Sebasteia. I am aware that your excellency is favourably receiving my letters, and I understand why. You love all that is good; you are ready in doing kindnesses. So whenever I give you the…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 309 — Without address. [Commendatory on behalf of a man reduced from wealth to poverty, with three children, and anxious about his rating.]vatican.va
- Letters Letter 310 — Without address. [Commendatory on behalf of some kinsfolk, and of the people of Ariarathia, a place in the Sargaransene, about 60 m. E. of Cæsarea.]vatican.va
- Letters Letter 318 — To Thecla. [Included among the Letters of Gregory of Nazianzus, who is assumed by the Ben. Ed. to be indubitably the writer.]vatican.va
- Letters Letter 334 — To a writer. Write straight, and make the lines straight. Do not let your hand go too high or too low. Avoid forcing the pen to travel slantwise, like Æsop’s crab. Advance straight on, as if following the line of the…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 329 — Basil to Libanius. I am really ashamed of sending you the Cappadocians one by one. I should prefer to induce all our youths to devote themselves to letters and learning, and to avail themselves of your instruction in…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 330 — Libanius to Basilius. 1. After some little time a young Cappadocian has reached me. One gain to me is that he is a Cappadocian. But this Cappadocian is one of the first rank. This is another gain. Further, he brings…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 331 — Basil to Libanius. Lo and behold, yet another Cappadocian has come to you; a son of my own! Yet my present position makes all men my sons. On this ground he may be regarded as a brother of the former one, and worthy…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 332 — Libanius to Basil. I know you will often write, “Here is another Cappadocian for you!” I expect that you will send me many. I am sure that you are everywhere putting pressure on both fathers and sons by all your…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 333 — Basil to Libanius. What could not a sophist say? And such a sophist! One whose peculiar art is, whenever he likes, to make great things small, and to give greatness to small things! This is what you have shewn in my…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 334 — Libanius to Basil. Had you been for a long time considering how best you could reply to my letter about yours, you could not in my judgment have acquitted yourself better than by writing as you have written now. You…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 335 — Libanius to Basil. You have not yet ceased to be offended with me, and so I tremble as I write. If you have cared, why, my dear sir, do you not write? If you are still offended, a thing alien from any reasonable soul…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 336 — Basil to Libanius. All who are attached to the rose, as might be expected in the case of lovers of the beautiful, are not displeased even at the thorns from out of which the flower blows. I have even heard it said…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 337 — Libanius to Basil. IF these are the words of an untrained tongue, what would you be if you would polish them? On your lips live fountains of words better than the flowing of springs. I, on the contrary, if I am not…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 338 — Basil to Libanius. I am dissuaded from writing often to you, learned as you are, by my timidity and my ignorance. But your persistent silence is different. What excuse can be offered for it? If any one takes into…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 339 — Libanius to Basil. It is, I think, more needful for me to defend myself for not having begun to write to you long ago, than to offer any excuse for beginning now. I am that same man who always used to run up whenever…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 340 — Libanius to Basil. You yourself will judge whether I have added anything in the way of learning to the young men whom you have sent. I hope that this addition, however little it be, will get the credit of being…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 341 — Libanius to Basil. Every bishop is a thing out of which it is very hard to get anything. The further you have advanced beyond other people in learning, the more you make me afraid that you will refuse what I ask. I…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 342 — Basil to Libanius. If γριπίζειν is the same thing as to gain, and this is the meaning of the phrase which your sophistic ingenuity has got from the depths of Plato, consider, my dear sir, who is the more hard to be…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 343 — Libanius to Basil. Will you not give over, Basil, packing this sacred haunt of the Muses with Cappadocians, and these redolent of the frost and snow and all Cappadocia’s good things? They have almost made me a…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 344 — Basil to Libanius. Your annoyance is over. Let this be the beginning of my letter. Go on mocking and abusing me and mine, whether laughing or in earnest. Why say anything about frost or snow, when you might be…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 345 — Basil to Libanius. Many, who have come to me from where you are, have admired your oratorical power. They were remarking that there has been a very brilliant specimen of this, and a very great contest, as they…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 346 — Libanius to Basil. Behold! I have sent you my speech, all streaming with sweat as I am! How should I be otherwise, when sending my speech to one who by his skill in oratory is able to shew that the wisdom of Plato…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 347 — Basil to Libanius. I have read your speech, and have immensely admired it. O muses; O learning; O Athens; what do you not give to those who love you! What fruits do not they gather who spend even a short time with…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 348 — Libanius to Basil. Now I recognise men’s description of me! Basil has praised me, and I am hailed victor over all! Now that I have received your vote, I am entitled to walk with the proud gait of a man who haughtily…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 349 — Libanius to Basil. Are you living at Athens, Basil? Have you forgotten yourself? The sons of the Cæsareans could not endure to hear these things. My tongue was not accustomed to them. Just as though I were treading…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 350 — Basil to Libanius. I am delighted at receiving what you write, but when you ask me to reply, I am in a difficulty. What could I say in answer to so Attic a tongue, except that I confess, and confess with joy, that I…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 351 — Libanius to Basil. What has made Basil object to the letter, the proof of philosophy? I have learned to make fun from you, but nevertheless your fun is venerable and, so to say, hoary with age. But, by our very…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 352 — Libanius to Basil. Oh, for the old days in which we were all in all to one another! Now we are sadly separated! Ye have one another, I have no one like you to replace you. I hear that Alcimus in his old age is…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 353 — Basil to Libanius. You, who have included all the art of the ancients in your own mind, are so silent, that you do not even let me get any gain in a letter. I, if the art of Dædalus had only been safe, would have…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 354 — Of the Holy Trinity, the Incarnation, the invocation of Saints, and their Images. According to the blameless faith of the Christians which we have obtained from God, I confess and agree that I believe in one God the…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 355 — Letters CCCLXI-CCCLXV. Letters CCCLXI. and CCCLXIII., to Apollinarius, and Letters CCCLXII. and CCCLXIV., from Apollinarius to Basil, are condemned as indubitably spurious, not only on internal evidence, but also on…vatican.va
- Letters Letter 366 — Basil to Urbicius the monk, concerning continency. You do well in making exact definitions for us, so that we may recognise not only continency, but its fruit. Now its fruit is the companionship of God. For not to be…vatican.va
Scripture cited · 554 verses
Genesis 1:20 · Genesis 1:21 · Genesis 1:28 · Genesis 3:19 · Genesis 4:1 · Genesis 4:8 · Genesis 4:9 · Genesis 4:11 · Genesis 4:12 · Genesis 4:14 · Genesis 4:15 · Genesis 4:23 · Genesis 4:24 · Genesis 14:19 · Genesis 14:22 · Genesis 19:17 · Genesis 19:26 · Genesis 22:18 · Genesis 24:16 · Genesis 27:27 · Genesis 43:9 · Genesis 49:10 · Exodus 7:1 · Exodus 15:6 · Exodus 16:34 · Exodus 21:19 · Exodus 23:1 · Exodus 25:21 · Exodus 25:22 · Leviticus 18:3 · Leviticus 18:6 · Leviticus 18:18 · Leviticus 25:10 · Leviticus 26:10 · Numbers 5:15 · Numbers 7:3 · Numbers 21:8 · Numbers 22:11 · Numbers 22:20 · Deuteronomy 1:17 · Deuteronomy 5:12 · Deuteronomy 5:21 · Deuteronomy 6:13 · Deuteronomy 17:6 · Deuteronomy 32:12 · Deuteronomy 32:39 · Judges 5:27 · 1 Samuel 7:4 · 1 Samuel 9:3 · 1 Samuel 28:13 · 1 Kings 22:22 · 2 Kings 5:1 · 2 Kings 7:13 · Job 1:1 · Job 1:21 · Job 2:11 · Job 3:1 · Job 3:25 · Job 9:8 · Psalm 1:1 · Psalm 2:6 · Psalm 5:6 · Psalm 8:5 · Psalm 8:8 · Psalm 9:5 · Psalm 12:5 · Psalm 12:6 · Psalm 16:4 · Psalm 17:3 · Psalm 17:4 · Psalm 18:16 · Psalm 18:33 · Psalm 24:3 · Psalm 24:4 · Psalm 24:5 · Psalm 24:7 · Psalm 26:8 · Psalm 32:4 · Psalm 33:6 · Psalm 34:15 · Psalm 38:14 · Psalm 39:7 · Psalm 45:13 · Psalm 50:3 · Psalm 51:12 · Psalm 55:6 · Psalm 55:12 · Psalm 55:22 · Psalm 64:7 · Psalm 69:20 · Psalm 73:8 · Psalm 75:5 · Psalm 78:70 · Psalm 79:6 · Psalm 80:5 · Psalm 82:6 · Psalm 91:1 · Psalm 95:6 · Psalm 96:5 · Psalm 139:13 · Proverbs 6:5 · Proverbs 6:6 · Proverbs 7:22 · Proverbs 7:23 · Proverbs 8:22 · Proverbs 9:9 · Proverbs 10:19 · Proverbs 14:31 · Proverbs 17:3 · Proverbs 17:28 · Proverbs 18:3 · Proverbs 18:22 · Proverbs 27:21 · Proverbs 29:16 · Ecclesiastes 3:7 · Ecclesiastes 7:7 · Ecclesiastes 7:8 · Ecclesiastes 10:16 · Ecclesiastes 12:12 · Wisdom 1:4 · Wisdom 1:7 · Wisdom 7:26 · Wisdom 11:20 · Sirach 11:3 · Sirach 20:18 · Isaiah 1:3 · Isaiah 1:18 · Isaiah 1:21 · Isaiah 11:10 · Isaiah 22:2 · Isaiah 22:4 · Isaiah 25:8 · Isaiah 40:6 · Isaiah 40:8 · Isaiah 42:1 · Isaiah 42:6 · Isaiah 42:14 · Isaiah 49:15 · Isaiah 53:2 · Isaiah 53:3 · Isaiah 53:4 · Isaiah 56:10 · Isaiah 58:4 · Jeremiah 1:10 · Jeremiah 2:10 · Jeremiah 2:11 · Jeremiah 2:12 · Jeremiah 2:13 · Jeremiah 3:1 · Jeremiah 3:7 · Jeremiah 4:5 · Jeremiah 8:4 · Jeremiah 8:22 · Jeremiah 9:1 · Jeremiah 10:11 · Jeremiah 13:23 · Jeremiah 18:13 · Jeremiah 22:28 · Jeremiah 22:29 · Jeremiah 22:30 · and 394 more