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

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

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To Sophronius, the bishop.Letter CLXXII. 2568To Sophronius, the bishop. 2569There is no need for me to say how much I was delighted by your letter. Your ownwords will enable you to conjecture what I felt on receiving it. You have exhibited to me inyour letter, the first fruits of the Spirit, love. Than this what can be more precious to me inthe present state of affairs, when, because iniquity abounds, the love of many has waxed219cold? 2570 Nothing is rarer now than spiritual intercourse with a brother, a word of peace,<strong>and</strong> such spiritual communion as I have found in you. For this I thank the Lord, beseechingHim that I may have part in the perfect joy that is found in you. If such be your letter, whatmust it be to meet you in person? If when you are far away you so affect me, what will yoube to me when you are seen face to face? Be sure that if I had not been detained by innumerableoccupations, <strong>and</strong> all the unavoidable anxieties which tie me down, I should have hurriedto see your excellency. Although that old complaint of mine is a great hindrance to mymoving about, nevertheless in view of the good I expect, I would not have allowed this tost<strong>and</strong> in my way. To be permitted to meet a man holding the same views <strong>and</strong> reverencingthe faith of the Fathers, as you are said to do by our honourable brethren <strong>and</strong> fellow presbyters,is in truth to go back to the ancient blessedness of the Churches, when the sufferersfrom unsound disputation were few, <strong>and</strong> all lived in peace, “workmen” obeying the comm<strong>and</strong>ments<strong>and</strong> not “needing to be ashamed,” 2571 serving the Lord with simple <strong>and</strong> clearconfession, <strong>and</strong> keeping plain <strong>and</strong> inviolate their faith in Father, Son <strong>and</strong> <strong>Holy</strong> Ghost.2568 Placed in 374.2569 This Sophronius is distinguished by Maran from the Sophronius, magister officiorum, to whom <strong>Letters</strong>xxxii., lxxvi., <strong>and</strong> xcvi. have already been addressed, <strong>and</strong> who is also the recipient of clxxvi., clxxx., cxcii., cclxii.Nothing else is known of him.2570 Matt. xxiv. 12.2571 2 Tim. ii. 15.633

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