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

To Athanasius, father of Athanasius bishop of Ancyra.Letter XXIV. 1980To Athanasius, father of Athanasius bishop of Ancyra. 1981That one of the things hardest to achieve, if indeed it be not impossible, is to rise superiorto calumny, I am myself fully persuaded, and so too, I presume, is your excellency. Yetnot to give a handle by one’s own conduct, either to inquisitive critics of society, or to mischiefmakers who lie in wait to catch us tripping, is not only possible, but is the special characteristicof all who order their lives wisely and according to the rule of true religion. And donot think me so simple and credulous as to accept depreciatory remarks from any onewithout due investigation. I bear in mind the admonition of the Spirit, “Thou shalt not receivea false report.” 1982 But you, learned men, yourselves say that “The seen is significantof the unseen.” I therefore beg;—(and pray do not take it ill if I seem to be speaking asthough I were giving a lesson; for “God has chosen the weak” and “despised things of theworld,” 1983 and often by their means brings about the salvation of such as are being saved);what I say and urge is this; that by word and deed we act with scrupulous attention to propriety,and, in accordance with the apostolic precept, “give no offence in anything.” 1984The life of one who has toiled hard in the acquisition of knowledge, who has governed citiesand states, and who is jealous of the high character of his forefathers, ought to be an exampleof high character itself. You ought not now to be exhibiting your disposition towards yourchildren in word only, as you have long exhibited its ever since you became a father; youought not only to shew that natural affection which is shewn by brutes, as you yourself havesaid, and as experience shews. You ought to make your love go further, and be a love allthe more personal and voluntary in that you see your children worthy of a father’s prayers.On this point I do not need to be convinced. The evidence of facts is enough. One thing,however, I will say for truth’s sake, that it is not our brother Timotheus, the Chorepiscopus,who has brought me word of what is noised abroad. For neither by word of mouth nor byletter has he ever conveyed anything in the shape of slander, be it small or great. That I haveheard something I do not deny, but it is not Timotheus who accuses you. Yet while I hearwhatever I do, at least I will follow the example of Alexander, and will keep one ear clearfor the accused. 19851980 Placed before Basil’s episcopate.1981 Vide note on Letter xxv. Nothing more is known of the elder of these two Athanasii than is to be gatheredfrom this letter.1982 Ex. xxiii. 1, LXX. and marg.1983 1 Cor. i. 27, 28.1984 2 Cor. vi. 3.1985 cf. Plut., Vit. Alex.408