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

Without address.Letter CXVII.Without address. 2392For many reasons I know that I am a debtor to your reverence, and now the anxiety inwhich I find myself necessarily puts me in the way of services of this kind, although my advisersare mere chance comers, and not like yourself joined to me by many and differentties. There is no need to bring the past under review. I may say that I was the cause of myown difficulties, by determining to leave that good discipline which alone leads to salvation.The result was that in this trouble I soon fell into temptation. What happened has seemedworthy of mention, so that I may not again fall into similar distress. As to the future, I wishto give full assurance to your reverence, that, by God’s grace, all will go well, since the proceedingis lawful, and there is no difficulty about it, as many of my friends about the courtare ready to help me. I shall therefore have a petition drawn up, similar to the formpresented to the Vicar; and, if no delay intervene, I shall promptly get my discharge, andshall be sure to give you relief by sending you the formal document. I feel sure that in thismy own convictions have more force than the imperial orders. If I shew this fixed and firmin the highest life, by God’s aid the keeping of my chastity will be inviolable and sure. I havebeen pleased to see the brother entrusted to me by you, and hold him among my intimatefriends. I trust he may prove worthy of God and of your good word.2392 Answer of Firminius to the preceding.556