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

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

To the learned Maximus.To the learned Maximus.Letter CCLXXVII. 3233311The excellent Theotecnus has given mean account of your highness, whereby he hasinspired me with a longing for your acquaintance, so clearly do his words delineate thecharacter of your mind. He has enkindled in me so ardent an affection for you, that wereit not that I am weighed down with age, that I am the victim of a congenital ailment, that Iam bound h<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> foot by the numberless cares of the Church, nothing would havehindered my coming to you. For indeed it is no small gain that a member of a great house,a man of illustrious lineage, in adopting the life of the gospel, should bridle the propensitiesof youth by reflection, <strong>and</strong> subject to reason the affections of the flesh; should display a humilityconsistent with his Christian profession, bethinking himself, as is his duty, whencehe is come <strong>and</strong> whither he is going. For it is this consideration of our nature that reducesthe swelling of the mind, <strong>and</strong> banishes all boastfulness <strong>and</strong> arrogance. In a word it rendersone a disciple of our Lord, Who said, “Learn of me, for I am meek <strong>and</strong> lowly in heart.” 3234And in truth, very dear son, the only thing that deserves our exertions <strong>and</strong> praises is oureverlasting welfare; <strong>and</strong> this is the honour that comes from God.Human affairs are fainter than a shadow; more deceitful than a dream. Youth fadesmore quickly than the flowers of spring; our beauty wastes with age or sickness. Riches areuncertain; glory is fickle. The pursuit of arts <strong>and</strong> sciences is bounded by the present life;the charm of eloquence, which all covet, reaches but the ear: whereas the practice of virtueis a precious possession for its owner, a delightful spectacle for all who witness it. Make thisyour study; so will you be worthy of the good things promised by the Lord.But a recital of the means whereby to make the acquisition, <strong>and</strong> secure the enjoymentof these blessings, lies beyond the intention of this present letter. Thus much however, afterwhat I heard from my brother Theotecnus, it occurred to me to write to you. I pray that hemay always speak the truth, especially in his accounts of you; that the Lord may be the moreglorified in you, abounding as you do in the most precious fruits of piety, although derivedfrom a foreign root.3233 Placed at the end of <strong>Basil</strong>’s life.3234 Matt. xi. 29.846

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

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!