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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 a Widow.Letter CLXXIV. 2574To a Widow.I have been most wishful to write constantly to your excellency, but I have from timeto time denied myself, for fear of causing any temptation to beset you, because of those whoare ill disposed toward me. As I am told, their hatred has even gone so far that they makea fuss if any one happens to receive a letter from me. But now that you have begun to writeyourself, <strong>and</strong> very good it is of you to do so, sending me needful information about all thatis in your mind, I am stirred to write back to you. Let me then set right what has beenomitted in the past, <strong>and</strong> at the same time reply to what your excellency has written. Trulyblessed is the soul, which by night <strong>and</strong> by day has no other anxiety than how, when the greatday comes wherein all creation shall st<strong>and</strong> before the Judge <strong>and</strong> shall give an account for itsdeeds, she too may be able easily to get quit of the reckoning of life.For he who keeps that day <strong>and</strong> that hour ever before him, <strong>and</strong> is ever meditating uponthe defence to be made before the tribunal where no excuses will avail, will sin not at all, ornot seriously, for we begin to sin when there is a lack of the fear of God in us. When menhave a clear apprehension of what is threatened them, the awe inherent in them will neverallow them to fall into inconsiderate action or thought. Be mindful therefore of God. Keepthe fear of Him in your heart, <strong>and</strong> enlist all men to join with you in your prayers, for greatis the aid of them that are able to move God by their importunity. Never cease to do this.Even while we are living this life in the flesh, prayer will be a mighty helper to us, <strong>and</strong> whenwe are departing hence it will be a sufficient provision for us on the journey to the world tocome. 2575Anxiety is a good thing; but, on the other h<strong>and</strong>, despondency, dejection, <strong>and</strong> despairof our salvation, are injurious to the soul. Trust therefore in the goodness of God, <strong>and</strong> lookfor His succour, knowing that if we turn to Him rightly <strong>and</strong> sincerely, not only will He notcast us off forever, but will say to us, even while we are in the act of uttering the words ofour prayer, “Lo! I am with you.”2202574 Placed in 374.2575 “Prayer ardent opens heaven.” Young, N.T. viii., 721.635

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