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

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

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Without address. Concerning an afflicted woman.pathise with her like a father, I am indifferent to her troubles, <strong>and</strong> regard the sufferings ofothers too philosophically.For it is not, she urged, the loss of money that you bid me disregard; nor the enduranceof bodily sufferings; but a damaged reputation, an injury involving loss upon the Churchat large.This is her appeal; <strong>and</strong> now I pray you, most excellent sir, consider what answer youwould have me make her. The decision I have come to in my own mind is, not to surrenderoffenders to the magistrates; yet not to rescue those already in their custody, since it haslong ago been declared by the Apostle, that the magistrates should be a terror to them intheir evil-doings; for, it is said, “he beareth not the sword in vain.” 3252 To surrender him,then, is contrary to my humanity; while to release him would be an encouragement to hisviolence.Perhaps, however, you will defer taking action until my arrival. I will then shew youthat I can effect nothing from there being none to obey me.3252 Rom. xiii. 4.859

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