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

That Scripture uses the words “in” or “by,” , cf. note on p. 3, in place of “with.” Whereinalso it is proved that the word “and” has the same force as “with.”at once the distinction of the hypostases, and the inseparability of the fellowship. The samething is observable even in mere human matters, for the conjunction “and” intimates thatthere is a common element in an action, while the preposition “with” declares in some senseas well the communion in action. As, for instance;—Paul and Timothy sailed to Macedonia,but both Tychicus and Onesimus were sent to the Colossians. Hence we learn that they didthe same thing. But suppose we are told that they sailed with, and were sent with? Thenwe are informed in addition that they carried out the action in company with one another.Thus while the word “with” upsets the error of Sabellius as no other word can, it routs alsosinners who err in the very opposite direction; those, I mean, who separate the Son fromthe Father and the Spirit from the Son, by intervals of time. 122760. As compared with “in,” there is this difference, that while “with” sets forth the mutualconjunction of the parties associated,—as, for example, of those who sail with, or dwellwith, or do anything else in common, “in” shews their relation to that matter in which theyhappen to be acting. For we no sooner hear the words “sail in” or “dwell in” than we formthe idea of the boat or the house. Such is the distinction between these words in ordinaryusage; and laborious investigation might discover further illustrations. I have no time toexamine into the nature of the syllables. Since then it has been shewn that “with” mostclearly gives the sense of conjunction, let it be declared, if you will, to be under safe-conduct,and cease to wage your savage and truceless war against it. Nevertheless, though the wordis naturally thus auspicious, yet if any one likes, in the ascription of praise, to couple thenames by the syllable “and,” and to give glory, as we have taught in the Gospel, in the formulaof baptism, Father and Son and Holy Ghost, 1228 be it so: no one will make any objection.On these conditions, if you will, let us come to terms. But our foes would rather surrendertheir tongues than accept this word. It is this that rouses against us their implacable andtruceless war. We must offer the ascription of glory to God, it is contended, in the HolyGhost, and not and to the Holy Ghost, and they passionately cling to this word in, as thoughit lowered the Spirit. It will therefore be not unprofitable to speak at greater length aboutit; and I shall be astonished if they do not, when they have heard what we have to urge, rejectthe in as itself a traitor to their cause, and a deserter to the side of the glory of the Spirit.381227 i.e., The Arians, who said of the Son, “There was when he was not;” and the Pneumatomachi, who madethe Spirit a created being.1228 Matt. xxviii. 19.222