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

To Sophronius, the master.Letter XCVI. 2338To Sophronius, the master. 2339Who ever loved his city, honouring with filial love the place which gave him birth andnurture, as you do; praying for the whole city together, and for every one in it individually,and not merely praying but confirming your prayers by your own means? For this you areable to effect by God’s help, and long, good man that you are, may you be able so to do.181Nevertheless in your time our city has enjoyed but a brief dream of prosperity, in beingcommitted to the charge of one the like of whom, according to the students of our oldestannals, never sat in the præfectorial chair. But now the city has suddenly lost his services,through the wickedness of men who have found a ground of attack in his very liberality andimpartiality, and, without the knowledge of your excellency, have made up calumnies againsthim. There is therefore universal depression among us at the loss of a governor with uniquecapacity for raising our dejected community, a true guardian of justice, accessible to thewronged, a terror to law breakers, of like behaviour to rich and poor, and, what is mostimportant, one who has restored the interests of Christians to their old place of honour.That he was, of all men that I know, the most incapable of being bribed, and never did anyone an unfair favour, I have passed by as a small point in comparison with his other virtues.I am indeed testifying to all this too late, like men who sing dirges to console themselveswhen they can get no practical relief. Yet, it is not useless that his memory should remainin your generous heart, and that you should be grateful to him as a benefactor of your nativeplace. Should any of those who feel a grudge against him, for not sacrificing justice to theirinterests, attack him, it will be well for you to defend and protect him. Thus you will makeit clear to all that you count his interests yours, and think it quite a sufficient reason for thisyour close association with him that his record should be so unimpeachable, and his administrationso remarkable in view of the time. For what any other man would not be able toaffect in many years has been quickly accomplished by him. It will be a great favour to me,and a comfort under the circumstances, if you will recommend him to the Emperor, anddispel the calumnious charges brought against him. Believe me that I am speaking here notfor myself alone, but for the whole community, and that it is our unanimous prayer that hemay reap some benefit from your excellency’s aid.2338 Placed in 372.2339 On the removal of Elias.530