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

Statement of the reason why in the writings of Paul the angels are associated with the Fatherand the Son.above and to earth, that he may judge his people.” 964 And so Moses when about to deliverhis oracles to the people says, “I call heaven and earth to witness this day;” 965 and again inhis song he says, “Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak, and hear, O earth, the words ofmy mouth;” 966 and Isaiah, “Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth;” 967 and Jeremiah describesastonishment in heaven at the tidings of the unholy deeds of the people: “Theheaven was astonished at this, and was horribly afraid, because my people committed twoevils.” 968 And so the apostle, knowing the angels to be set over men as tutors and guardians,calls them to witness. Moreover, Joshua, the son of Nun, even set up a stone as witness ofhis words (already a heap somewhere had been called a witness by Jacob), 969 for he says,“Behold this stone shall be a witness unto you this day to the end of days, when ye lie to theLord our God,” 970 perhaps believing that by God’s power even the stones would speak tothe conviction of the transgressors; or, if not, that at least each man’s conscience would bewounded by the force of the reminder. In this manner they who have been entrusted withthe stewardship of souls provide witnesses, whatever they may be, so as to produce them atsome future day. But the Spirit is ranked together with God, not on account of the emergencyof the moment, but on account of the natural fellowship; is not dragged in by us, but invitedby the Lord.964 Ps. l. 4.965 Deut. iv. 26.966 Deut. xxxii. 1.967 Isa. i. 2.968 Jer. ii. 12, 13, lxx.969 Gen. xxxi. 47.970 Josh. xxiv. 27, lxx.181