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Nicene and Post-Nicene Church Fathers Series 2 - The Still Small ...

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To Amphilochius, bishop of Iconium.<br />

Letter CCXLVIII. 3087<br />

So far as my own wishes are concerned I am grieved at living at such a distance from<br />

your reverence. But, as regards the peace of your own life, I thank the Lord Who has kept<br />

you out of this conflagration which has specially ravaged my diocese. For the just Judge has<br />

sent me, in accordance with my works, a messenger of Satan, 3088 who is buffeting me 3089<br />

severely enough, <strong>and</strong> is vigorously defending the heresy. Indeed to such a pitch has he<br />

carried the war against us, that he does not shrink even from shedding the blood of those<br />

who trust in God. You cannot fail to have heard that a man of the name of Asclepius, 3090<br />

because he would not consent to communion with Doeg, 3091 has died under the blows inflicted<br />

on him by them, or rather, by their blows has been translated into life. You may<br />

suppose that the rest of their doings are of a piece with this; the persecutions of presbyters<br />

<strong>and</strong> teachers, <strong>and</strong> all that might be expected to be done by men abusing the imperial authority<br />

at their own caprice. But, in answer to your prayers, the Lord will give us release from these<br />

things, <strong>and</strong> patience to bear the weight of our trials worthily of our hope in Him. Pray write<br />

frequently to me of all that concerns yourself. If you find any one who can be trusted to<br />

carry you the book that I have finished, be so kind as to send for it, that so, when I have<br />

been cheered by your approval, I may send it on to others also. By the grace of the Holy<br />

One may you be granted to me <strong>and</strong> to the <strong>Church</strong> of the Lord in good health rejoicing in<br />

the Lord, <strong>and</strong> praying for me.<br />

3087 Placed in 376.<br />

3088 cf. 2 Cor. xii. 7.<br />

3089 <strong>The</strong> word κατακονδυλίζω here used (it occurs in Æschines) is a synonym, slightly strengthened, for the<br />

κολαφίζω of St. Paul. St. Basil seems plainly to have the passage quoted in his mind.<br />

3090 I have failed to find further mention of this Asclepius. An Asclepius of Cologne is commemorated on<br />

June 30.<br />

3091 cf. 1 Sam. xxi. 18.<br />

To Amphilochius, bishop of Iconium.<br />

797<br />

290

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