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

To the Westerns.worship of the Law, be circumcised, keep the Sabbath, abstain from meats, offer sacrificesto God, worship in the Temple at Jerusalem, and be altogether turned from Christians intoJews. What could be more ridiculous? Or, rather, what could be more contrary to thedoctrines of the Gospel? Then, further, he has made such confusion among the brethrenabout the incarnation, that few of his readers preserve the old mark of true religion; but themore part, in their eagerness for novelty, have been diverted into investigations and quarrelsomediscussions of his unprofitable treatises.5. As to whether there is anything objectionable about the conversation of Paulinus,you can say yourselves. What distresses me is that he should shew an inclination for thedoctrine of Marcellus, and unreservedly admit his followers to communion. You know,most honourable brethren, that the reversal of all our hope is involved in the doctrine ofMarcellus, for it does not confess the Son in His proper hypostasis, but represents Him ashaving been sent forth, and as having again returned to Him from Whom He came; neitherdoes it admit that the Paraclete has His own subsistence. It follows that no one could bewrong in declaring this heresy to be all at variance with Christianity, and in styling it a corruptJudaism. Of these things I implore you to take due heed. This will be the case if you willconsent to write to all the Churches of the East that those who have perverted these doctrinesare in communion with you, if they amend; but that if they contentiously determine to abideby their innovations, you are separated from them. I am myself well aware, that it had beenfitting for me to treat of these matters, sitting in synod with you in common deliberation.But this the time does not allow. Delay is dangerous, for the mischief they have caused hastaken root. I have therefore been constrained to dispatch these brethren, that you may learnfrom them all that has been omitted in my letter, and that they may rouse you to afford thesuccour which we pray for to the Churches of the East.303826