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

To Eusebius, bishop of Samosata.To Eusebius, bishop of Samosata. 2545Letter CLXII. 2544The same cause seems to make me hesitate to write, and to prove that I must write.When I think of the visit which I owe, and reckon up the gain at meeting you, I cannot helpdespising letters, as being not even shadows in comparison with the reality. Then, again,when I reckon that my only consolation, deprived as I am of all that is best and most important,is to salute such a man and beg him, as I am wont, not to forget me in his prayers, Ibethink me that letters are of no small value. I do not, myself, wish to give up all hope ofmy visit, nor to despair of seeing you. I should be ashamed not to seem to put so muchconfidence in your prayers as even to expect to be turned from an old man into a youngone, if such a need were to arise, and not merely from a sick and emaciated one, as I amnow, into one a little bit stronger. It is not easy to express in words the reason of my notbeing with you already, because I am not only prevented by actual illness, but have not evenforce of speech enough at any time to give you an account of such manifold and complexdisease. I can only say that, ever since Easter up to now, fever, diarrhœa, and intestinaldisturbance, drowning me like waves, do not suffer me to lift my head above them. BrotherBarachus may be able to tell you the character of my symptoms, if not as their severity deserves,at least clearly enough to make you understand the reason of my delay. If you joincordially in my prayers, I have no doubt that my troubles will easily pass away.2544 Placed in 374.2545 On Basil’s hopes of visiting Eusebius.621