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

To Eusebius, bishop of Samosata.Letter XXVII. 1991To Eusebius, bishop of Samosata. 1992When by God’s grace, and the aid of your prayers, I had seemed to be somewhat recoveringfrom my sickness, and had got my strength again, then came winter, keeping me aprisoner at home, and compelling me to remain where I was. True, its severity was muchless than usual, but this was quite enough to keep me not merely from travelling while it132lasted, but even from so much as venturing to put my head out of doors. But to me it is noslight thing to be permitted, if only by letter, to communicate with your reverence, and torest tranquil in the hope of your reply. However, should the season permit, and furtherlength of life be allowed me, and should the dearth not prevent me from undertaking thejourney, 1993 peradventure through the aid of your prayers I may be able to fulfil my earnestwish, may find you at your own fireside, and, with abundant leisure, may take my fill ofyour vast treasures of wisdom.1991 Placed in 368.1992 This, the first of twenty-two letters addressed by Basil to Eusebius of Samosata, has no particular interest.Eusebius, the friend of Basil, Gregory of Nazianzus, and of Meletius, was bishop of Samosata (in Commageneon the Euphrates, now Samsat) from 360 to 373, and was of high character and sound opinions. Theodoret(Ecc. Hist. iv. 15), in mentioning his exile to Thrace in the persecution under Valens, calls him “that unflagginglabourer in apostolic work,” and speaks warmly of his zeal. Concerning the singular and touching circumstancesof his death, vide Theodoret, E.H. v. 4, and my note in the edition of this series, p. 134.1993 Samosata was about two hundred miles distant from Cæsarea, as the crow flies.412