13.07.2015 Views

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

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

Create successful ePaper yourself

Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.

To Eusebius, in exile.Letter CCLXVIII. 3215To Eusebius, in exile.Even in our time the Lord has taught us, by protecting with His great <strong>and</strong> powerfulh<strong>and</strong> the life of your holiness, that He does not ab<strong>and</strong>on His holy ones. I reckon your caseto be almost like that of the saint remaining unhurt in the belly of the monster of the deep,or that of the men who feared the Lord, living unscathed in the fierce fire. For though thewar is round about you on every side, He, as I hear, has kept you unharmed. May the mightyGod keep you, if I live longer, to fulfil my earnest prayer that I may see you! If not for me,may He keep you for the rest, who wait for your return as they might for their own salvation.I am persuaded that the Lord in His loving-kindness will give heed to the tears of theChurches, <strong>and</strong> to the sighs which all are heaving over you, <strong>and</strong> will preserve you in life untilHe grant the prayer of all who night <strong>and</strong> day are praying to Him. Of all the measures takenagainst you, up to the arrival of our beloved brother Libanius the deacon, 3216 I have beensufficiently informed by him while on his way. I am anxious to learn what happened afterwards.I hear that in the meanwhile still greater troubles have occurred where you are; aboutall this, sooner if possible, but, if not, at least by our reverend brother Paul the presbyter,on his return, may I learn, as I pray that I may, that your life is preserved safe <strong>and</strong> sound.But on account of the report that all the roads are infested with thieves <strong>and</strong> deserters, 3217 Ihave been afraid to entrust anything to the brother’s keeping, for fear of causing his death.If the Lord grant a little quiet, (as I am told of the coming of the army), I will try to sendyou one of my own men, to visit you, to bring me back news of everything about you.3215 Placed in 378.3216 To be distinguished from Libanius the bishop, p. 177, <strong>and</strong> Libanius the professor, mentioned later.3217 Δησερόρων, or Δεσερτόρων, the accepted reading, is a curious Latinism for the Greek αὐτόυολοι. Eusebiuswas in exile in Thrace, <strong>and</strong> the now the Goths were closing round Valens.835

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!