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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 the ascetics under him.me. Let no one condemn me for other men’s errors nor adduce letters written twenty yearsago in proof that I would allow communion to the writers of such things. Before thesethings were written, <strong>and</strong> before any suspicion of this kind had been stirred against them, Idid write as layman to layman. I wrote nothing about the faith in any way like that whichthey are now carrying about to calumniate me. I sent nothing but a mere greeting to returna friendly communication, for I shun <strong>and</strong> anathematize as impious alike all who are affectedwith the unsoundness of Sabellius, <strong>and</strong> all who maintain the opinions of Arius. If any onesays that Father, Son, <strong>and</strong> <strong>Holy</strong> Ghost are the same, <strong>and</strong> supposes one thing under severalnames, <strong>and</strong> one hypostasis described by three persons, I rank such an one as belonging tothe faction of the Jews. 2927 Similarly, if any one says that the Son is in essence unlike theFather, or degrades the <strong>Holy</strong> Ghost into a creature, I anathematize him, <strong>and</strong> say that he iscoming near to the heathen error. But it is impossible for the mouths of my accusers to berestrained by my letter; rather is it likely that they are being irritated at my defence, <strong>and</strong> aregetting up new <strong>and</strong> more violent attacks against me. But it is not difficult for your ears tobe guarded. Wherefore, as far as in you lies, do as I bid you. Keep your heart clear <strong>and</strong>unprejudiced by their calumnies; <strong>and</strong> insist on my rendering an account to meet the chargeslaid against me. If you find that truth is on my side do not yield to lies; if on the other h<strong>and</strong>you feel that I am feeble in defending myself, then believe my accusers as being worthy ofcredit. They pass sleepless nights to do me mischief. I do not ask this of you. They aretaking to a commercial career, <strong>and</strong> turning their sl<strong>and</strong>ers against me into a means of profit.I implore you on the other h<strong>and</strong> to stop at home, <strong>and</strong> to lead a decorous life, quietly doingChrist’s work. 2928 I advise you to avoid communication with them, for it always tends tothe perversion of their hearers. I say this that you may keep your affection for the uncontaminated,may preserve the faith of the Fathers in its integrity, <strong>and</strong> may appear approvedbefore the Lord as friends of the truth.2927 cf. Letter ccx. p. 249.2928 cf. 1 Thess. iv. 11.751

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