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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 presbyters of Nicopolis.To the presbyters of Nicopolis. 3012Letter CCXXXVIII. 3011I have received your letter, my reverend brethren, but it told me nothing that I did notalready know, for the whole country round about was already full of the report announcingthe disgrace of that one among you who has fallen, <strong>and</strong> through lust of vain glory has broughton himself very shameful dishonour, <strong>and</strong> has through his self-love lost the rewards promisedto faith. Nay, through the just hatred of them that fear the Lord he misses even that contemptiblelittle glory for lust of which he has been sold to impiety. By the character he hasnow shown he has very plainly proved, concerning all his life, that he has never at any timelived in hope of the promises laid up for us by the Lord, but, in all his transactions of humanaffairs, has used words of faith <strong>and</strong> mockery of piety, all to deceive every one whom he met.But how are you injured? Are you any worse off for this than you were before? One of yournumber has fallen away, <strong>and</strong> if one or two others have gone with him, they are to be pitiedfor their fall, but, by God’s grace, your body is whole. The useless part has gone, <strong>and</strong> whatis left has not suffered mutilation. You are haply distressed that you are driven without thewalls, but you shall dwell under the protection of the God of Heaven, 3013 <strong>and</strong> the angel whowatches over the Church has gone out with you. So they lie down in empty places day byday, bringing upon themselves heavy judgment through the dispersion of the people. And,if in all this there is sorrow to be borne, I trust in the Lord that it will not be without its useto you. Therefore, the more have been your trials, look for a more perfect reward from yourjust Judge. Do not take your present troubles ill. Do not lose hope. Yet a little while <strong>and</strong>your Helper will come to you <strong>and</strong> will not tarry. 30142803011 Placed in 376.3012 On the appointment of Fronto to succeed Theodotus.3013 Ps. xci. 1, LXX.3014 Hab. ii. 3.775

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