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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 the Senate of Samosata.Letter CLXXXIII. 2598To the Senate of Samosata.Seeing, as I do, that temptation is now spread all over the world, <strong>and</strong> that the greatercities of Syria have been tried by the same sufferings as yourselves, (though, indeed, nowhereis the Senate so approved <strong>and</strong> renowned for good works, as your own, noted as you are foryour righteous zeal,) I all but thank the troubles which have befallen you. 2599For had not this affliction come to pass, your proof under trial would never have beenknown. To all that earnestly strive for any good, the affliction they endure for the sake oftheir hope in God is like a furnace to gold. 2600Rouse ye, then, most excellent sirs, that the labours you are about to undertake may notbe unworthy of those which you have already sustained, <strong>and</strong> that on a firm foundation youmay be seen putting a yet worthier finish. Rouse ye, that ye may st<strong>and</strong> round about theshepherd of the Church, when the Lord grants him to be seen on his own throne, tellingeach of you in his turn. some good deed done for the sake of the Church of God. On thegreat day of the Lord, each, according to the proportion of his labours, shall receive his recompensefrom the munificent Lord. By remembering me <strong>and</strong> writing to me as often asyou can, you will be doing justice in sending me a reply, <strong>and</strong> will moreover give me verygreat pleasure, by sending me in writing a plain token of a voice which it is delightful to meto hear.2598 Of the same date.2599 χάριν ἔχειν τοῖς οικονομηθεῖσιν, with the Cod. Med., instead of ἐπὶ τοῖς οἱκονομηθεῖσιν. The Ben. notepoints out that this expression of gratitude to the troubles themselves is of a piece with the expression of gratitudeto enemies in the De. Sp. S. vi. § 13. (p. 8), <strong>and</strong> concludes: “Sic etiam Machabæorum mater apud GregoriumNazianzenum orat. xxii. ait se tyranno pene gratias agere.2600 cf. Prov. xvii. 3 <strong>and</strong> xxvii. 21.644

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