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

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 Elpidius the bishop.Letter CCV. 2751To Elpidius the bishop. 2752Once again I have started the well-beloved presbyter Meletius to carry my greeting toyou. I had positively determined to spare him, on account of the weakness which he hasvoluntarily brought upon himself, by bringing his body into subjection for the sake of thegospel of Christ. But I have judged it fitting to salute you by the ministry of such men ashe is, able to supply of themselves all the shortcomings of my letter, <strong>and</strong> to become, aliketo writer <strong>and</strong> recipient, a kind of living epistle. I am also carrying out the very strong wish,which he has always had, to see your excellency, ever since he has had experience of thehigh qualities you possess. So now I have besought him to travel to you, <strong>and</strong> through himI discharge the debt of the visit I owe you, <strong>and</strong> beseech you to pray for me <strong>and</strong> for the Churchof God, that the Lord may grant me deliverance from the injuries of the enemies of theGospel, <strong>and</strong> to pass my life in peace <strong>and</strong> quiet. Nevertheless, if you in your wisdom, thinkit needful that we should travel to the same spot, <strong>and</strong> meet the rest of our right honourablebrother bishops of the sea board regions, do you yourself point out a suitable place <strong>and</strong> timewhere <strong>and</strong> when this meeting may take place. Write to our brethren to the end that each<strong>and</strong> all may, at the appointed time, leave the business they may have in h<strong>and</strong>, <strong>and</strong> may beable to effect something for the edification of the Churches of God, do away with the painwhich we now suffer from our mutual suspicions, <strong>and</strong> establish love, without which theLord Himself has ordained that obedience to every comm<strong>and</strong>ment must be of none effect.2462751 Placed in 375.2752 Of what see is uncertain. He was in friendly relations with <strong>Basil</strong>, <strong>and</strong> therefore was not in communionwith Eustathius of Sebaste. (Letter ccli.)698

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