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

To Firminius.Letter CXVI. 2390To Firminius. 2391You write seldom, and your letters are short, either because you shrink from writing orfrom avoiding the satiety that comes from excess; or perhaps to train yourself to curt speech.I, indeed, am never satisfied and however abundant be your communication, it is less thanmy desire, because I wish to know every detail about you. How are you as to health? Howas to ascetic discipline? Do you persevere in your original purpose? Or have you formedsome new plan, changing your mind according to circumstances? Had you remained thesame, I should not have wanted a great number of letters. I should have been quite satisfiedwith “I am quite well and I hope you are quite well.” But I hear what I am ashamed to say,that you have deserted the ranks of your blessed forefathers, and deserted to your paternalgrandfather, and are anxious to be rather a Brettanius than a Firminius. I am very anxiousto hear about this, and to learn the reasons which have induced you to take to this kind oflife. You have yourself been silent; ashamed, I suppose, of your intentions, and therefore Imust implore you not to entertain any project, which can be associated with shame. If anysuch idea has entered into your mind, put it from you, come to yourself again, bid a longfarewell to soldiering and arms and the toils of the camp. Return home thinking it, as yourforefathers thought before you, quite enough for ease of life and all possible distinction tohold a high place in your city. This, I am sure, you will be able to achieve without difficulty,when I consider your natural gifts and the small number of your rivals. If, then, this wasnot your original intention, or if after forming it you have rejected it, let me know at once.If, on the other hand, which God forbid, you remain in the same mind, let the trouble comeself announced. I do not want a letter.2390 Placed in 372.2391 A young soldier whom Basil would win from the army to ascetic life.555