NPNF2-08. Basil: Letters and Select Works - Holy Bible Institute

Ascetic.III.—Ascetic.(i) Of the works comprised under this head, the first are the three compositions entitledTractatus Prævii. The first, Prævia Institutio ascetica (᾽Ασκητικὴ προδιατύπωσις ), is anexhortation to enlistment in the sacred warfare; the second, on renunciation of the worldand spiritual perfection, is the Sermo asceticus (λόγος ἀσκητικός). The third, Sermo de asceticadisciplina (λόγος περὶ ἀσκήσεως, πῶς δει κοσμἑισθαι τὸν μοναχόν), treats of thevirtues to be exhibited in the life of the solitary.The first of the three is a commendation less of monasticism than of general Christianendurance. It has been supposed to have been written in times of special oppression andpersecution.The second discourse is an exhortation to renunciation of the world. Riches are to beabandoned to the poor. The highest life is the monastic. But this is not to be hastily andinconsiderately embraced. To renounce monasticism and return to the world is derogatoryto a noble profession. The idea of pleasing God in the world as well as out of it is, for thosewho have once quitted it, a delusion. God has given mankind the choice of two holy estates,marriage or virginity. The law which bids us love God more than father, mother, or self,more than wife and children, is as binding in wedlock as in celibacy. Marriage indeed demandsthe greater watchfulness, for it offers the greater temptations. Monks are to be firmagainst all attempts to shake their resolves. They will do well to put themselves under theguidance of some good man of experience and pious life, learned in the Scriptures, lovingthe poor more than money, superior to the seductions of flattery, and loving God above allthings. Specific directions are given for the monastic life, and monks are urged to retirement,silence, and the study of the Scriptures.The third discourse, which is brief, is a summary of similar recommendations. Themonk ought moreover to labour with his hands, to reflect upon the day of judgment, tosuccour the sick, to practice hospitality, to read books of recognized genuineness, not todispute about the doctrine of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, but to believe in and confess anuncreate and consubstantial Trinity.(ii) Next in order come the Proœmium de Judicio Dei (προοίμιον περὶ κρίματος Θεοῦ)and the De Fide (περὶ πίστεως). These treatises were prefixed by Basil to the Moralia. Hestates that, when he enquired into the true causes of the troubles which weighed heavily onthe Church, he could only refer them to breaches of the commandments of God. Hencethe divine punishment, and the need of observing the Divine Law. The apostle says thatwhat is needed is faith working by love. So St. Basil thought it necessary to append an expositionof the sound faith concerning the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, and so passli87