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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. Consolatory.To Elpidius the bishop. Consolatory.Letter CCVI. 2753Now, most of all, do I feel my bodily infirmity, when I see how it st<strong>and</strong>s in the way ofmy soul’s good. Had matters gone as I hoped, I should not now be speaking to you by letteror by messenger, but should in my own person have been paying the debt of affection <strong>and</strong>enjoying spiritual advantage face to face. Now, however, I am so situated that I am only tooglad if I am able even to move about in my own country in the necessary visitation of parishesin my district. But may the Lord grant to you both strength <strong>and</strong> a ready will, <strong>and</strong> to me, inaddition to my eager desire, ability to enjoy your society when I am in the country ofComana. I am afraid lest your domestic trouble may be some hindrance to you. For I havelearnt of your affliction in the loss of your little boy. To a gr<strong>and</strong>father his death cannot butbe grievous. On the other h<strong>and</strong> to a man who has attained to so high a degree of virtue, <strong>and</strong>alike from his experience of this world <strong>and</strong> his spiritual training knows what human natureis, it is natural that the removal of those who are near <strong>and</strong> dear should not be wholly intolerable.The Lord requires from us what He does not require from every one. The commonmass of mankind lives by habit, but the Christian’s rule of life is the comm<strong>and</strong>ment of theLord, <strong>and</strong> the example of holy men of old, whose greatness of soul was, above all, exhibitedin adversity. To the end, then, that you may yourself leave to them that come after you anexample of fortitude <strong>and</strong> of genuine trust in what we hope for, show that you are not vanquishedby your grief, but are rising above your sorrows, patient in affliction, <strong>and</strong> rejoicingin hope. Pray let none of these things be a hindrance to our hoped for meeting. Children,indeed, are held blameless on account of their tender age; but you <strong>and</strong> I are under the responsibilityof serving the Lord, as He comm<strong>and</strong>s us, <strong>and</strong> in all things to be ready for theadministration of the affairs of the Churches. For the due discharge of that duty the Lordhas reserved great rewards for faithful <strong>and</strong> wise stewards.2753 Placed in 375.699

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