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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 Amphilochius, bishop of Iconium.To Amphilochius, bishop of Iconium.Letter CCXLVIII. 3087290So far as my own wishes are concerned I am grieved at living at such a distance fromyour reverence. But, as regards the peace of your own life, I thank the Lord Who has keptyou out of this conflagration which has specially ravaged my diocese. For the just Judge hassent me, in accordance with my works, a messenger of Satan, 3088 who is buffeting me 3089severely enough, <strong>and</strong> is vigorously defending the heresy. Indeed to such a pitch has hecarried the war against us, that he does not shrink even from shedding the blood of thosewho trust in God. You cannot fail to have heard that a man of the name of Asclepius, 3090because he would not consent to communion with Doeg, 3091 has died under the blows inflictedon him by them, or rather, by their blows has been translated into life. You maysuppose that the rest of their doings are of a piece with this; the persecutions of presbyters<strong>and</strong> teachers, <strong>and</strong> all that might be expected to be done by men abusing the imperial authorityat their own caprice. But, in answer to your prayers, the Lord will give us release from thesethings, <strong>and</strong> patience to bear the weight of our trials worthily of our hope in Him. Pray writefrequently to me of all that concerns yourself. If you find any one who can be trusted tocarry you the book that I have finished, be so kind as to send for it, that so, when I havebeen cheered by your approval, I may send it on to others also. By the grace of the <strong>Holy</strong>One may you be granted to me <strong>and</strong> to the Church of the Lord in good health rejoicing inthe Lord, <strong>and</strong> praying for me.3087 Placed in 376.3088 cf. 2 Cor. xii. 7.3089 The word κατακονδυλίζω here used (it occurs in Æschines) is a synonym, slightly strengthened, for theκολαφίζω of St. Paul. St. <strong>Basil</strong> seems plainly to have the passage quoted in his mind.3090 I have failed to find further mention of this Asclepius. An Asclepius of Cologne is commemorated onJune 30.3091 cf. 1 Sam. xxi. 18.797

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