The Letters

Saint Basil the Great · the golden age of the Fathers · 327 parts

Parts

• The Letters — Letter 1 (St. Basil) · 3 paragraphsTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 2 (St. Basil) · 11 paragraphsBasil to Gregory.
• The Letters — Letter 3 (St. Basil) · 4 paragraphsTo Candidianus.
• The Letters — Letter 4 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphWhat 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…
• The Letters — Letter 5 (St. Basil) · 6 paragraphsTo Nectarius.
• The Letters — Letter 6 (St. Basil) · 5 paragraphsTo the wife of Nectarius.
• The Letters — Letter 7 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 8 (St. Basil) · 30 paragraphsTo the Cæsareans. A defence of his withdrawal, and concerning the faith.
• The Letters — Letter 9 (St. Basil) · 6 paragraphsTo Maximus the Philosopher.
• The Letters — Letter 10 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphThe 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.…
• The Letters — Letter 11 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphWithout 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…
• The Letters — Letter 12 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphBefore 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…
• The Letters — Letter 14 (St. Basil) · 3 paragraphsTo 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;…
• The Letters — Letter 15 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo Arcadius, Imperial The townsmen of our metropolis have conferred on me a greater favour than they have received, in giving me an opportunity of…
• The Letters — Letter 16 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsAgainst Eunomius the heretic. He who maintains that it is possible to arrive at the discovery of things actually existing, has no doubt by some…
• The Letters — Letter 17 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphIt 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…
• The Letters — Letter 18 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsThe 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…
• The Letters — Letter 19 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 20 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 21 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo Leontius the Sophist. Julianus seems to get some good for his private affairs out of the general condition of things. Everything nowadays is full…
• The Letters — Letter 22 (St. Basil) · 9 paragraphsWithout address. On the Perfection of the Life of Solitaries.
• The Letters — Letter 23 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsA 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…
• The Letters — Letter 24 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsTo Athanasius, father of Athanasius bishop of That one of the things hardest to achieve, if indeed it be not impossible, is to rise superior to…
• The Letters — Letter 25 (St. Basil) · 4 paragraphsTo Athanasius, bishop of Ancyra.
• The Letters — Letter 26 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsTo Cæsarius, brother of Thanks to God for shewing forth His wonderful power in your person, and for preserving you to your country and to us your…
• The Letters — Letter 27 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo Eusebius, bishop of 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…
• The Letters — Letter 28 (St. Basil) · 8 paragraphsTo the Church of Neocæsarea. Consolatory.
• The Letters — Letter 29 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsTo the Church of Ancyra. My amazement at the most distressing news of the calamity which has befallen you for a long time kept me silent. I felt like…
• The Letters — Letter 30 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 31 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo 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,…
• The Letters — Letter 32 (St. Basil) · 4 paragraphsTo Sophronius the Master. Our God—beloved brother, Gregory the bishop, shares the troubles of the times, for he too, like everybody else, is…
• The Letters — Letter 33 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphWho 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…
• The Letters — Letter 34 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 35 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphI 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.…
• The Letters — Letter 36 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphIt 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…
• The Letters — Letter 37 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsI look with suspicion on the multiplication of letters. Against my will, and because I cannot resist the importunity of petitioners, I am compelled…
• The Letters — Letter 38 (St. Basil) · 17 paragraphsTo his Brother Gregory, concerning the difference between οὐσία and ὑπόστασις.
• The Letters — Letter 39 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsThe 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…
• The Letters — Letter 40 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsWhile 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…
• The Letters — Letter 41 (St. Basil) · 4 paragraphsBasil to Julian.
• The Letters — Letter 42 (St. Basil) · 15 paragraphsTo Chilo, his disciple.
• The Letters — Letter 43 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphAdmonition to the Young. O faithful man of solitary life, and practiser of true religion, learn the lessons of the evangelic conversation, of mastery…
• The Letters — Letter 44 (St. Basil) · 6 paragraphsTo a lapsed Monk.
• The Letters — Letter 45 (St. Basil) · 6 paragraphsTo a lapsed Monk.
• The Letters — Letter 46 (St. Basil) · 15 paragraphsTo a fallen virgin.
• The Letters — Letter 47 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphs“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,…
• The Letters — Letter 48 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 49 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 50 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo Bishop Innocentius. Whom, indeed, could it better befit to encourage the timid, and rouse the slumbering, than you, my godly lord, who have shewn…
• The Letters — Letter 51 (St. Basil) · 3 paragraphsHow 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…
• The Letters — Letter 52 (St. Basil) · 7 paragraphsTo the Canonicæ.
• The Letters — Letter 53 (St. Basil) · 4 paragraphsTo the Chorepiscopi.
• The Letters — Letter 54 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsI 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…
• The Letters — Letter 55 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 56 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsI 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…
• The Letters — Letter 57 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 58 (St. Basil) · 3 paragraphsTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 59 (St. Basil) · 6 paragraphsTo Gregory, his uncle.
• The Letters — Letter 60 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 61 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsTo Athanasius, Bishop of I have read the letter of your holiness, in which you have expressed your distress at the unhappy governor of Libya. I am…
• The Letters — Letter 62 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo 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 Letters — Letter 63 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 64 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphFrom the beginning I have had many points in common with your excellency, your love of letters, everywhere reported by all who have experienced it,…
• The Letters — Letter 65 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsIf 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…
• The Letters — Letter 66 (St. Basil) · 3 paragraphsTo Athanasius, bishop of Alexandria. No one, I feel sure, is more distressed at the present condition, or, rather to speak more truly, ill condition…
• The Letters — Letter 67 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 68 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 69 (St. Basil) · 6 paragraphsTo Athanasius, bishop of Alexandria.
• The Letters — Letter 70 (St. Basil) · 3 paragraphsTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 71 (St. Basil) · 5 paragraphsBasil to Gregory.
• The Letters — Letter 72 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphI 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…
• The Letters — Letter 73 (St. Basil) · 5 paragraphsTo Callisthenes.
• The Letters — Letter 74 (St. Basil) · 7 paragraphsTo Martinianus.
• The Letters — Letter 75 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsYou 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…
• The Letters — Letter 76 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsTo 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 Letters — Letter 77 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphWithout inscription: about One good thing we have certainly gained from the government of the great Therasius and that is that you have frequently…
• The Letters — Letter 78 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphWithout inscription, on behalf of Elpidius. I have not failed to observe the interest you have shown in our venerable friend Elpidius; and how with…
• The Letters — Letter 79 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo Eustathius bishop of Even before receiving your letter I knew what trouble you are ready to undergo for every one, and specially for my humble…
• The Letters — Letter 80 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 81 (St. Basil) · 3 paragraphsI 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…
• The Letters — Letter 82 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsTo Athanasius, bishop of Alexandria. When I turn my gaze upon the world, and perceive the difficulties by which every effort after good is…
• The Letters — Letter 83 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsI have had only a short acquaintance and intercourse with your lordship, but I have no small or contemptible knowledge of you from the reports…
• The Letters — Letter 84 (St. Basil) · 5 paragraphsTo the President.
• The Letters — Letter 85 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsThat 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…
• The Letters — Letter 86 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphI 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…
• The Letters — Letter 87 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphWithout address on the same subject. I am astonished that, with you to appeal to, so grave an offence should have been committed against the…
• The Letters — Letter 88 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphWithout address on the subject of the exaction of taxes. Your excellency knows better than any one else the difficulty of getting together the gold…
• The Letters — Letter 89 (St. Basil) · 3 paragraphsTo Meletius, bishop of Antioch.
• The Letters — Letter 90 (St. Basil) · 5 paragraphsTo the holy brethren the bishops of the West.
• The Letters — Letter 91 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsTo Valerianus, Bishop of 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…
• The Letters — Letter 92 (St. Basil) · 7 paragraphsTo the Italians and Gauls.
• The Letters — Letter 93 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsTo the Patrician Cæsaria, concerning Communion. It is good and beneficial to communicate every day, and to partake of the holy body and blood of…
• The Letters — Letter 94 (St. Basil) · 3 paragraphsTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 95 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsTo Eusebius, bishop of Samosata. I had written some while since to your reverence about our meeting one another and other subjects, but I was…
• The Letters — Letter 96 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 97 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 98 (St. Basil) · 4 paragraphsTo Eusebius, bishop of Samosata.
• The Letters — Letter 99 (St. Basil) · 7 paragraphsI 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…
• The Letters — Letter 100 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 101 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsThis 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…
• The Letters — Letter 102 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 103 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 104 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 105 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsTo the deaconesses, the daughters of Count On coming to Samosata I expected to have the pleasure of meeting your excellencies, and when I was…
• The Letters — Letter 106 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphI 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…
• The Letters — Letter 107 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 108 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 109 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 110 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 111 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo Modestus, the prefect. Under any ordinary circumstances I should have lacked courage to intrude upon your excellency, for I know how to gauge my…
• The Letters — Letter 112 (St. Basil) · 6 paragraphsTo Andronicus, a general.
• The Letters — Letter 113 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 114 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 115 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsTo 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 Letters — Letter 116 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsYou write seldom, and your letters are short, either because you shrink from writing or from avoiding the satiety that comes from excess; or perhaps…
• The Letters — Letter 117 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsFor 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…
• The Letters — Letter 118 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo 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,…
• The Letters — Letter 119 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsTo Eustathius, Bishop of I address you by the very honourable and reverend brother Petrus, beseeching you now and ever to pray for me, that I may be…
• The Letters — Letter 120 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 121 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo Theodotus, bishop of The winter is severe and protracted, so that it is difficult for me even to have the solace of letters. For this reason I…
• The Letters — Letter 122 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsTo 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 Letters — Letter 123 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 124 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsIt 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…
• The Letters — Letter 125 (St. Basil) · 8 paragraphsA transcript of the faith as dictated by Saint Basil, and subscribed by Eustathius, bishop of Sebasteia.
• The Letters — Letter 126 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsOn arriving at Nicopolis in the double hope of settling the disturbances which had arisen, and applying a remedy, as far as possible, to measures…
• The Letters — Letter 127 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo Eusebius, bishop of Our merciful God, Who makes comfort match trouble, and consoles the lowly, lest they be drowned unawares in exceeding grief,…
• The Letters — Letter 128 (St. Basil) · 5 paragraphsTo Eusebius, bishop of Samosata.
• The Letters — Letter 129 (St. Basil) · 6 paragraphsTo Meletius Bishop of Antioch.
• The Letters — Letter 130 (St. Basil) · 5 paragraphsTo Theodotus bishop of Nicopolis.
• The Letters — Letter 131 (St. Basil) · 4 paragraphsTo Olympius.
• The Letters — Letter 132 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo Abramius, bishop of Ever since the autumn I have been quite ignorant of the whereabouts of your reverence; for I kept hearing uncertain rumours,…
• The Letters — Letter 133 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo Peter, bishop of Alexandria. The sight of the eyes brings about bodily friendship, and long companionship strengthens it, but genuine regard is…
• The Letters — Letter 134 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 135 (St. Basil) · 5 paragraphsTo Diodorus, presbyter of Antioch.
• The Letters — Letter 136 (St. Basil) · 3 paragraphsTo Eusebius, bishop of Samosata.
• The Letters — Letter 137 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsTo Antipater, on his assuming the governorship of I do now really feel the loss which I suffer from being ill; so that, when such a man succeeds to…
• The Letters — Letter 138 (St. Basil) · 5 paragraphsTo Eusebius, bishop of Samosata.
• The Letters — Letter 139 (St. Basil) · 4 paragraphsTo the Alexandrians.
• The Letters — Letter 140 (St. Basil) · 4 paragraphsTo the Church of Antioch.
• The Letters — Letter 141 (St. Basil) · 4 paragraphsTo Eusebius, bishop of Samosata.
• The Letters — Letter 142 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo the prefects’ accountant. I assembled all my brethren the chorepiscopi at the synod of the blessed martyr Eupsychius to introduce them to your…
• The Letters — Letter 143 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 144 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 145 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo Eusebius, bishop of I know the countless labours which you have undergone for the Churches of God; I know your press of occupation, while you…
• The Letters — Letter 146 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphI cannot accuse you of carelessness and inattention, because, when an opportunity of writing occurred, you said nothing. For I count the greeting…
• The Letters — Letter 147 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphUp 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…
• The Letters — Letter 148 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsEven the ability to bewail their own calamities brings much comfort to the distressed; and this is specially the case when they meet with others…
• The Letters — Letter 149 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphYou 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,…
• The Letters — Letter 150 (St. Basil) · 7 paragraphsTo Amphilochius in the name of Heraclidas.
• The Letters — Letter 151 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 152 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo 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.…
• The Letters — Letter 153 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo 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,…
• The Letters — Letter 154 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsTo Ascholius, bishop of You have done well, and in accordance with the law of spiritual love, in writing to me first, and by your good example…
• The Letters — Letter 155 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsWithout 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…
• The Letters — Letter 156 (St. Basil) · 5 paragraphsTo the Presbyter Evagrius.
• The Letters — Letter 157 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphYou 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…
• The Letters — Letter 158 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphMy 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…
• The Letters — Letter 159 (St. Basil) · 4 paragraphsTo Eupaterius and his daughter.
• The Letters — Letter 160 (St. Basil) · 9 paragraphsTo Diodorus.
• The Letters — Letter 161 (St. Basil) · 4 paragraphsTo Amphilochius on his consecration as Bishop.
• The Letters — Letter 162 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsTo Eusebius, bishop of 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…
• The Letters — Letter 163 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphOne 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…
• The Letters — Letter 164 (St. Basil) · 5 paragraphsTo Ascholius.
• The Letters — Letter 165 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsTo Ascholius, bishop of God has fulfilled my old prayer in deigning to allow me to receive the letter of your veritable holiness. What I most of all…
• The Letters — Letter 166 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo Eusebius, bishop of This letter is numbered lxv. among those of Gregory of Nazianzus, to whom it is to be attributed. It is only found in one ms.…
• The Letters — Letter 167 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 168 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphI 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…
• The Letters — Letter 169 (St. Basil) · 3 paragraphsYou have undertaken a kindly and charitable task in getting together the captive troop of the insolent Glycerius (at present I must so write), and,…
• The Letters — Letter 170 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphHow 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…
• The Letters — Letter 171 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphI 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…
• The Letters — Letter 172 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 173 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 174 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsI 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…
• The Letters — Letter 175 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo Count Magnenianus. Your excellency lately wrote to me, plainly charging me, besides other matters, to write concerning the Faith. I admire your…
• The Letters — Letter 176 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo Amphilochius, Bishop of 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…
• The Letters — Letter 177 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 178 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphI 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…
• The Letters — Letter 179 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphYour 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,…
• The Letters — Letter 180 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo the Master Sophronius, on behalf of I have been much distressed on meeting a worthy man involved in very great trouble. Being human, how could I…
• The Letters — Letter 181 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 182 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 183 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo 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 Letters — Letter 184 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo Eustathius, bishop of Orphanhood is, I know, very dismal, and entails a great deal of work, because it deprives us of those who are set over us.…
• The Letters — Letter 185 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo Theodotus, bishop of 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…
• The Letters — Letter 186 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo 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 Letters — Letter 187 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraph“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…
• The Letters — Letter 188 (St. Basil) · 15 paragraphsLetter CLXXXVIII. (Canonica To Amphilochius, concerning the “Even a fool,” it is said, “when he asks questions,” is counted wise. But when a wise man…
• The Letters — Letter 189 (St. Basil) · 17 paragraphsTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 190 (St. Basil) · 5 paragraphsTo Amphilochius, bishop of Iconium.
• The Letters — Letter 191 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsTo Amphilochius, bishop of On reading the letter of your reverence I heartily thanked God. I did so because I found in your expressions traces of…
• The Letters — Letter 192 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 193 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 194 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphWhat 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…
• The Letters — Letter 195 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo Euphronius, bishop of Colonia Colonia, which the Lord has placed under your authority, is far out of the way of ordinary routes. The consequence…
• The Letters — Letter 196 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphRumour, messenger of good news, is continually reporting how you dart across, like the stars, appearing now here, now there, in the barbarian…
• The Letters — Letter 197 (St. Basil) · 5 paragraphsTo Ambrose, bishop of Milan.
• The Letters — Letter 198 (St. Basil) · 3 paragraphsTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 199 (St. Basil) · 13 paragraphsTo Amphilochius, concerning the Canons. I wrote some time ago in reply to the questions of your reverence, but I did not send the letter, partly…
• The Letters — Letter 200 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 201 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 202 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo Amphilochius, bishop of Iconium. Under other circumstances I should think it a special privilege to meet with your reverence, but above all now,…
• The Letters — Letter 203 (St. Basil) · 7 paragraphsTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 204 (St. Basil) · 15 paragraphsTo the Neocæsareans.
• The Letters — Letter 205 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsTo Elpidius the bishop. Once again I have started the well-beloved presbyter Meletius to carry my greeting to you. I had positively determined to…
• The Letters — Letter 206 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 207 (St. Basil) · 7 paragraphsTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 208 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphYou 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…
• The Letters — Letter 209 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphIt 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…
• The Letters — Letter 210 (St. Basil) · 11 paragraphsTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 211 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTruly 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…
• The Letters — Letter 212 (St. Basil) · 4 paragraphsTo Hilarius.
• The Letters — Letter 213 (St. Basil) · 3 paragraphsWithout address.
• The Letters — Letter 214 (St. Basil) · 8 paragraphsTo Count Terentius.
• The Letters — Letter 215 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo 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 Letters — Letter 216 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 217 (St. Basil) · 10 paragraphsTo Amphilochius, the Canons. On my return from a long journey (for I have been into Pontus on ecclesiastical business, and to visit my relations)…
• The Letters — Letter 218 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsTo Amphilochius, bishop of Iconium. Brother Ælianus has himself completed the business concerning which he came, and has stood in need of no aid from…
• The Letters — Letter 219 (St. Basil) · 4 paragraphsTo the clergy of Samosata. “all things in measure and weight,” and brings on us the temptations which do not exceed our power to endure them, but…
• The Letters — Letter 220 (St. Basil) · 3 paragraphsThe 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…
• The Letters — Letter 221 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphYou 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…
• The Letters — Letter 222 (St. Basil) · 3 paragraphsTo 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,…
• The Letters — Letter 223 (St. Basil) · 17 paragraphsAgainst Eustathius of Sebasteia.
• The Letters — Letter 224 (St. Basil) · 7 paragraphsTo the presbyter Genethlius.
• The Letters — Letter 225 (St. Basil) · 3 paragraphsTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 226 (St. Basil) · 9 paragraphsTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 227 (St. Basil) · 3 paragraphsConsolatory, to the clergy of What is so goodly and honourable before God and men as perfect love, which, as we are told by the wise teacher, is the…
• The Letters — Letter 228 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsTo the magistrates of Colonia. I have received your lordships’ letter, and offered thanks to God most holy, that you, occupied as you are with…
• The Letters — Letter 229 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 230 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 231 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 232 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo 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 Letters — Letter 233 (St. Basil) · 4 paragraphsTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 234 (St. Basil) · 4 paragraphsTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 235 (St. Basil) · 6 paragraphsTo the same, in answer to another question.
• The Letters — Letter 236 (St. Basil) · 14 paragraphsTo the same Amphilochius.
• The Letters — Letter 237 (St. Basil) · 4 paragraphsTo Eusebius, bishop of Samosata.
• The Letters — Letter 238 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 239 (St. Basil) · 5 paragraphsTo Eusebius, bishop of Samosata.
• The Letters — Letter 240 (St. Basil) · 6 paragraphsTo the Presbyters of Nicopolis.
• The Letters — Letter 241 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 242 (St. Basil) · 5 paragraphsTo the Westerns.
• The Letters — Letter 243 (St. Basil) · 9 paragraphsTo the bishops of Italy and Gaul concerning the condition and confusion of the Churches.
• The Letters — Letter 244 (St. Basil) · 16 paragraphsTo Patrophilus, bishop of Ægæ.
• The Letters — Letter 245 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 246 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphI am filled with distress at seeing evil on the high road to success, while you, my reverend friends, are faint and failing under continuous…
• The Letters — Letter 247 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphWhen 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…
• The Letters — Letter 248 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 249 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphWithout address. Commendatory. I congratulate this my brother, in being delivered from our troubles here and in approaching your reverence. In…
• The Letters — Letter 250 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 251 (St. Basil) · 7 paragraphsTo the people of Evæsæ.
• The Letters — Letter 252 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 253 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 254 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 255 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 256 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsTo the very well beloved and reverend brethren the presbyters Acacius, Aetius, Paulus, and Silvanus; the deacons Silvinus and Lucius, and the rest of…
• The Letters — Letter 257 (St. Basil) · 4 paragraphsTo the monks harassed by the Arians.
• The Letters — Letter 258 (St. Basil) · 7 paragraphsTo Epiphanius the bishop.
• The Letters — Letter 259 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 260 (St. Basil) · 17 paragraphsTo Optimus the bishop.
• The Letters — Letter 261 (St. Basil) · 6 paragraphsI have received the letter which you, right honourable brethren, have sent me concerning the circumstances in which you are placed. I thank the Lord…
• The Letters — Letter 262 (St. Basil) · 4 paragraphsTo the Monk Urbicius.
• The Letters — Letter 263 (St. Basil) · 8 paragraphsTo the Westerns.
• The Letters — Letter 264 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 265 (St. Basil) · 9 paragraphsTo Eulogius, Alexander, and Harpocration, bishops of Egypt, in exile.
• The Letters — Letter 266 (St. Basil) · 6 paragraphsTo Petrus, bishop of Alexandria.
• The Letters — Letter 267 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 268 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 269 (St. Basil) · 5 paragraphsTo the wife of Arinthæus, the General. Consolatory.
• The Letters — Letter 270 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphWithout Address. Concerning I am distressed to find that you are by no means indignant at the sins forbidden, and that you seem incapable of…
• The Letters — Letter 271 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 272 (St. Basil) · 5 paragraphsTo Sophronius the magister officiorum.
• The Letters — Letter 273 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphWithout address. Concerning Hera. I am sure that your excellency loves me well enough to regard all that concerns me as concerning you. Therefore I…
• The Letters — Letter 274 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo 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,…
• The Letters — Letter 275 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphWithout address. Concerning Hera. You have anticipated my entreaties in your affection for my very reverend brother Hera, and you have been better to…
• The Letters — Letter 276 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 277 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsTo the learned Maximus. The excellent Theotecnus has given mean account of your highness, whereby he has inspired me with a longing for your…
• The Letters — Letter 278 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphOrphanene, 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…
• The Letters — Letter 279 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo Modestus the Prefect. Although so numerous are my letters, conveyed to your excellency by as many bearers, yet, having regard to the especial…
• The Letters — Letter 280 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 281 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo 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.…
• The Letters — Letter 282 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphYou 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…
• The Letters — Letter 283 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphI 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…
• The Letters — Letter 284 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 285 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphThe 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…
• The Letters — Letter 286 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo the Commentariensis. Whereas certain vagabonds have been arrested in the church for stealing, in defiance of God’s commandment, some poor men’s…
• The Letters — Letter 287 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphIT 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…
• The Letters — Letter 288 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphWithout address. Excommunicatory. When public punishment fails to bring a man to his senses, or exclusion from the prayers of the Church to drive him…
• The Letters — Letter 289 (St. Basil) · 3 paragraphsWithout address. Concerning an afflicted woman. I consider it an equal mistake, to let the guilty go unpunished, and to exceed the proper limits of…
• The Letters — Letter 290 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsMay many blessings rest on those who encourage your excellency in maintaining a constant correspondence with me! And regard not such a wish as…
• The Letters — Letter 291 (St. Basil) · 3 paragraphsTo 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 Letters — Letter 292 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphThe 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;…
• The Letters — Letter 293 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsHow 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…
• The Letters — Letter 294 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 295 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsI 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…
• The Letters — Letter 299 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsI 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…
• The Letters — Letter 302 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo the wife of Briso. [Consolatory on the death of her husband. These three consolatory letters present no features different from those contained in…
• The Letters — Letter 303 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 306 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphTo 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;…
• The Letters — Letter 334 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphWrite 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…
• The Letters — Letter 335 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphI 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…
• The Letters — Letter 336 (St. Basil) · 4 paragraphsLibanius to Basilius.
• The Letters — Letter 337 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphLo 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…
• The Letters — Letter 338 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsI 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…
• The Letters — Letter 339 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsWhat 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…
• The Letters — Letter 340 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsHad 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…
• The Letters — Letter 341 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphYou 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…
• The Letters — Letter 342 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphAll 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…
• The Letters — Letter 343 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphIF 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…
• The Letters — Letter 344 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphI 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…
• The Letters — Letter 345 (St. Basil) · 2 paragraphsIt 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…
• The Letters — Letter 346 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphYou 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…
• The Letters — Letter 347 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphEvery 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…
• The Letters — Letter 348 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphIf 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,…
• The Letters — Letter 349 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphWill you not give over, Basil, packing this sacred haunt of the Muses with Cappadocians, and these redolent of the frost and snow and all…
• The Letters — Letter 350 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphYour 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…
• The Letters — Letter 351 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphMany, 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…
• The Letters — Letter 352 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphBehold! 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…
• The Letters — Letter 353 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphI 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…
• The Letters — Letter 354 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphNow 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…
• The Letters — Letter 355 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphAre 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…
• The Letters — Letter 356 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphI 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,…
• The Letters — Letter 357 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphWhat 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,…
• The Letters — Letter 358 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphOh, 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…
• The Letters — Letter 359 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphYou, 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…
• The Letters — Letter 360 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphOf the Holy Trinity, the Incarnation, the invocation of Saints, and their Images. According to the blameless faith of the Christians which we have…
• The Letters — Letter 361 (St. Basil) · 1 paragraphCCCLXIII., to Apollinarius, and Letters CCCLXII. and CCCLXIV., from Apollinarius to Basil, are condemned as indubitably spurious, not only on…
• The Letters — Letter 366 (St. Basil) · 3 paragraphsBasil to Urbicius the monk, concerning continency. You do well in making exact definitions for us, so that we may recognise not only continency, but…