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

To the magistrates of Nicopolis.Letter CCXXX. 2937To the magistrates of Nicopolis.The government of the Churches is carried on by those to whom the chief offices inthem have been entrusted, but their hands are strengthened by the laity. The measureswhich lay with the God-beloved bishops have been taken. The rest concerns you, if youdeign to accord a hearty reception to the bishop who has been given you, and to make avigorous resistance to attacks from outside. For nothing is so likely to cause discouragementto all, whether rulers or the rest who envy your peaceful position, as agreement in affectionto the appointed bishop, and firmness in maintaining your ground. They are likely to despairof every evil attempt, if they see that their counsels are accepted neither by clergy nor bylaity. Bring it about then that your own sentiments as to the right 2938 may be shared by allthe city, and so speak to the citizens, and to all the inhabitants of the district, in confirmationof their good sentiments, that the genuineness of your love to God may be everywhereknown. I trust that it may be permitted me one day to visit and inspect a Church which isthe nursing mother of true religion, honoured by me as a metropolis of orthodoxy, becauseit has from of old been under the government of men right honourable and the elect of God,who have held fast to “the faithful word as we have been taught.” 2939 You have approvedhim who has just been appointed as worthy of these predecessors, and I have agreed. Mayyou be preserved by God’s grace. May He scatter the evil counsels of our enemies, and fixin your souls strength and constancy to preserve what has been rightly determined on.2722937 Of the same date as the preceding.2938 τοῦ καλοῦ, or “the good man:” i.e. Euphronius.2939 Tit. i. 9. cf. 1 Tim. i. 15; 1 Tim. iii. 1; 2 Tim. ii. 11; and Tit. iii. 8.756