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

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

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To Andronicus, a general.kindnesses sung of in days of old. In this manner Crœsus, it is said, ceased from his wrathagainst the slayer of his son, when he gave himself up for punishment, 2378 <strong>and</strong> the greatCyrus was friendly to this very Crœsus after his victory. 2379 We shall number you withthese <strong>and</strong> shall proclaim this your glory, with all our power, unless we be counted too poorheralds of so great a man.3. Yet another plea that I ought to urge is this, that we do not chastise transgressors forwhat is past <strong>and</strong> gone, (for what means can be devised for undoing the past?) but either thatthey may be reformed for the future, or may be an example of good behaviour to others.Now, no one could say that either of these points is lacking in the present case; for Domitianwill remember what has happened till the day of his death; <strong>and</strong> I think that all the rest, withhis example before them, are dead with alarm. Under these circumstances any additionwhich we make to his punishment will only look like a satisfaction of our own anger. ThisI should say is far from being true in your case. I could not indeed be induced to speak ofsuch a thing did I not see that a greater blessing comes to him that gives, than to him thatreceives. Nor will your magnanimity be known only to a few. All Cappadocia is lookingto see what is to be done, <strong>and</strong> I pray that they may be able to number this among the restof your good deeds. I shrink from concluding my letter for fear any omission may be to myhurt. But one thing I will add. Domitian has letters from many, who plead for him, but hethinks mine the most important of all, because he has learnt, from whom I know not, thatI have influence with your excellency. Do not let the hopes he has placed in me be blasted;do not let me lose my credit among my people here; be entreated, illustrious sir, <strong>and</strong> grantmy boon. You have viewed human life as clearly as ever philosopher viewed it, <strong>and</strong> youknow how goodly is the treasure laid up for all those who give their help to the needy.2378 Herod. i. 45.2379 Herod. i. 88.550

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