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

To Gregory his uncle.Letter LX. 2221To Gregory his uncle.Formerly I was glad to see my brother. Why not, since he is my brother and such abrother? Now I have received him on his coming to visit me with the same feelings, andhave lost none of my affection. God forbid that I should ever so feel as to forget the ties ofnature and be at war with those who are near and dear to me. I have found his presence acomfort in my bodily sickness and the other troubles of my soul, and I have been especiallydelighted at the letter which he has brought me from your excellency. For a long time Ihave been hoping that it would come, for this only reason, that I need not add to my lifeany doleful episode of quarrel between kith and kin, sure to give pleasure to foes and sorrowto friends, and to be displeasing to God, Who has laid down perfect love as the distinctivecharacteristic of His disciples. So I reply, as I am indeed bound, with an earnest request foryour prayers for me, and your care for me in all things, as your relative. Since I, from wantof information, cannot clearly understand the meaning of what is going on, I have judgedit right to accept the truth of the account which you are so good as to give me. It is for youof your wisdom to settle the rest, our meeting with one another, the fitting time and a convenientplace. If your reverence really does not disdain to come down to my lowliness andto have speech with me, whether you wish the interview to take place in the presence ofothers or in private, I shall make no objection, for I have once for all made up my mind tosubmit to you in love, and to carry out, without exception, what your reverence enjoins onme for the glory of God.I have not laid my reverend brother under the necessity of reporting anything to youby word of mouth, because on the former occasion what he said was not borne out by facts.2221 Of the same time as the preceding.478