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

To Atarbius.Letter CXXVI. 2418To Atarbius. 2419On arriving at Nicopolis in the double hope of settling the disturbances which hadarisen, and applying a remedy, as far as possible, to measures taken in a disorderly mannerand in violation of the law of the Church, I was exceedingly disappointed at failing to meetyou. I heard that you had hurriedly withdrawn, and actually from the very synod whichwas being held by you. I am, therefore, under the necessity of having recourse to writing,and by this letter I bid you present yourself before me, that you may in person apply someremedy to the pain which I felt, even unto death, on hearing that you had ventured on action,in the very middle of the church, of the like of which I hitherto have never heard. All this,although painful and serious, is endurable, as having happened to a man who has committedthe punishment due for his sufferings to God, and is wholly devoted to peace and to preventingharm falling from any fault of his on God’s people. Since, however, some honourablebrethren, worthy of all credit, have told me that you have introduced certain innovationsinto the faith, and have spoken against sound doctrine, I am under the circumstances themore agitated, and above measure anxious, lest, in addition to the countless wounds whichhave been inflicted on the Church by traitors to the truth of the Gospel, yet a furthercalamity should spring up in the renewal of the ancient heresy of Sabellius, the enemy ofthe Church; for to this the brethren have reported your utterances to be akin. I have,therefore, written to charge you not to shrink from undertaking a short journey to come tome, and, by giving me full assurance in the matter, at once to alleviate my pangs, and tosolace the Churches of God, which are now pained to a grave, nay an unendurable extent,at your actions and your reported words.2418 Placed in 373.2419 Bishop of Neocæsarea. VideLetter lxv.568