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

To Amphilochius, bishop of Iconium.To Amphilochius, bishop of Iconium. 2664Letter CXC. 26631. The interest which you have shewn in the affairs of the Isaurian Church is only whatmight have been expected from that zeal and propriety of conduct which so continuallyrouses my admiration of you. The most careless observer must at once perceive that it isin all respects more advantageous for care and anxiety to be divided among several bishops.This has not escaped your observation, and you have done well in noting, and in acquaintingme with, the position of affairs. But it is not easy to find fit men. While, then, we are desirousof having the credit that comes of numbers, and cause God’s Church to be more effectivelyadministered by more officers, let us be careful lest we unwittingly bring the word intocontempt on account of the unsatisfactory character of the men who are called to office,and accustom the laity to indifference. You yourself know well that the conduct of thegoverned is commonly of a piece with that of those who are set over them. Perhaps thereforeit might be better to appoint one well approved man, though even this may not be an easymatter, to the supervision of the whole city, and entrust him with the management of detailson his own responsibility. Only let him be a servant of God, “a workman that needeth notto be ashamed,” 2665 not “looking on his own things,” 2666 but on the things of the most,“that they be saved.” 2667 If he finds himself overweighted with responsibility, he will associateother labourers for the harvest with himself. If only we can find such a man, I ownthat I think the one worth many, and the ordering of the cure of souls in this way likely tobe attended at once with more advantage to the Churches and with less risk to us. If, however,this course prove difficult, let us first do our best to appoint superintendents 2668 to the smalltownships or villages which have of old been episcopal sees. Then afterwards we will appointonce more the [bishop] of the city. Unless we take this course the man appointed may prove2663 Placed by Maran in 374. After Easter 375 by Tillemont.2664 Isauria, the district of Pisidia, forming the S. W. corner of the modern Karamania, was under the ecclesiasticaljurisdiction of Iconium. “In the heart of the Roman monarchy, the Isaurians long continued a nationof wild barbarians. Succeeding powers, unable to reduce them to obedience either by arms or policy, werecompelled to acknowledge their weakness by surrounding the hostile and independent spot with a strong chainof fortifications (Hist. Aug. 197) which often proved insufficient to restrain the invasions of these domesticfoes.” Gibbon. chap. X. Raids and Arian persecution had disorganised the Isaurian Episcopate. (Maran, Vit.Bas.)2665 2 Tim. ii. 15.2666 Phil. ii. 4.2667 1 Thess. ii. 16.2668 προϊσταμένους.666