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

To Patrophilus, bishop of Ægæ.To Patrophilus, bishop of Ægæ. 3052Letter CCXLIV. 30511. I have read, and read with pleasure, the letter which you have sent by Strategius thepresbyter. How should I not so read it, written as it is by a wise man, and dictated by a heartwhich has learned to observe the universal love taught by the commandment of the Lord?Possibly I am not unaware of the reasons which have hitherto kept you silent. You havebeen, as it were, amazed and astounded, at the idea of the change in the notorious Basil.Why, ever since he was a boy he did such and such service to such an one; at such and suchtimes he did such and such things; he waged war against foes innumerable for the sake ofhis allegiance to one man; now he has become a totally different character; he has exchangedlove for war; he is all that you have written; so you naturally shew considerable astonishmentat the very unexpected turn of affairs. And if you have found some fault, I do not take itill. I am not so beyond correction as to be amazed at the affectionate rebukes of my brothers.Indeed so far was I from being vexed at your letter that it really almost made me laugh tothink that when there were, as I thought, so many strong causes already existing to cementour friendship, you should have expressed such very great astonishment at the trifles whichhave been reported to you. So truly have you suffered the fate of all those who omit to enquireinto the nature of circumstances, and give heed to the men who are being discussed; of allwho do not examine into the truth, but judge by the distinction of persons, in forgetfulnessof the exhortion “Ye shall not respect persons in judgment.” 30532. Nevertheless, since God in judgment of man does not accept persons, I will not refuseto make known to you the defence which I have prepared for the great tribunal. On myside, from the beginning, there has been no cause of quarrel, either small or great; but menwho hate me, for what reason is best known to themselves (I must not say a word aboutthem), incessantly calumniated me. I cleared myself again and again of slanders. Thereseemed no end to the matter, and no good came of my continual defence, because I was faraway, and the authors of the false statements, being on the spot, were able by their calumniesagainst me to wound a susceptible heart, and one which has never learnt to keep one earopen for the absent. When the Nicopolitans, as you yourself are partly aware, were asking2863051 Placed in 376.3052 “Aigaiai is the more correct form.” Ramsay, Hist. Geog. A.M. 116. In the gulf of Issus, now Ayas. St.Julianus, son of a senator of Anazarbus, is said to have suffered there. (Basil, Menol. and, possibly, Chrysost.,Hom. in Jul. Mart.)3053 Deut. i. 17.787