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

To Amphilochius in the name of Heraclidas.Letter CL. 2490To Amphilochius in the name of Heraclidas. 24911. I remember our old conversations with one another, and am forgetful neither ofwhat I said, nor of what you said. And now public life has no hold upon me. For althoughI am the same in heart and have not yet put off the old man, nevertheless, outwardly andby withdrawing myself far from worldly life, I seem already to have begun to tread the wayof Christian conversation. I sit apart, like men who are on the point of embarking on thedeep, looking out at what is before me. Mariners, indeed, need winds to make their voyageprosperous; I on the other hand want a guide to take me by the hand and conduct me safelythrough life’s bitter waves. I feel that I need first a curb for my young manhood, and thenpricks to drive me to the course of piety. Both these seem to be provided by reason, whichat one time disciplines my unruliness of soul, and at another time my sluggishness. AgainI want other remedies that I may wash off the impurity of habit. You know how, long accustomedas I was to the Forum, I am lavish of words, and do not guard myself against thethoughts put into my mind by the evil one. I am the servant too of honour, and cannoteasily give up thinking great things of myself. Against all this I feel that I need a great instructor.Then, further, I conclude that it is of no small importance, nor of benefit only fora little while, that the soul’s eye should be so purged that, after being freed from all thedarkness of ignorance, as though from some blinding humour, one can gaze intently on thebeauty of the glory of God. All this I know very well that your wisdom is aware of; I knowthat you would wish that I might have some one to give me such help, and if ever God grantme to meet you I am sure that I shall learn more about what I ought to heed. For now, inmy great ignorance, I can hardly even form a judgment as to what I lack. Yet I do not repentof my first impulse; my soul does not hang back from the purpose of a godly life as you havefeared for me, nobly and becomingly doing everything in your power, lest, like the womanof whom I have heard the story, I should turn back and become a pillar of salt. 2492 I amstill, however, under the restraint of external authority; for the magistrates are seeking me2082490 Placed in 373.2491 Amphilochius, not yet consecrated to Iconium, had abandoned his profession as an advocate, and wasliving in retirement at Ozizala, a place not far from Nazianzus, the see of his uncle Gregory, devoted to the careof his aged father, whose name he bore. Heraclidas, it appears, had also renounced the bar, and devoted himselfto religious life; but did not join Amphilochius on the ground that he was living in Basil’s hospital at Cæsarea.cf. the letters of Gregory, first cousin of Amphilochius. On the relationship, see Bp. Lightfoot in D.C.B. i. p. 104,and pedigree in prolegomena.2492 cf. Gen. xix. 26.601