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

To Zoilus.Letter CXCIV. 2681To Zoilus.What are you about, most excellent sir, in anticipating me in humility? Educated asyou are, and able to write such a letter as you have sent, you nevertheless ask for forgivenessat my hands, as though you were engaged in some undertaking rash and beyond your position.But a truce to mockery. Continue to write to me on every occasion. Am I not whollyilliterate? It is delightful to read the letters of an eloquent writer. Have I learned fromScripture how good a thing is love? I count intercourse with a loving friend invaluable.And I do hope that you may tell me of all the good gifts which I pray for you; the best ofhealth, and the prosperity of all your house. Now as to my own affairs, my condition is notmore endurable than usual. It is enough to tell you this and you will understand the badstate of my health. It has indeed reached such extreme suffering as to be as difficult to describeas to experience, if indeed your own experience has fallen short of mine. But it is thework of the good God to give me power to bear in patience whatever trials are inflicted onme for my own good at the hands of our merciful Lord.2681 Placed in 375.672