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

To Timotheus the Chorepiscopus.To Timotheus the Chorepiscopus. 3256Letter CCXCI. 3255The due limits of a letter, and that mode of addressing you, render it inconvenient forme to write all I think; at the same time to pass over my thoughts in silence, when my heartis burning with righteous indignation against you, is well-nigh impossible. I will adopt themidway course: I will write some things; others I will omit. For I wish to chide you, if so Imay, in terms both flank and friendly.Yes! that Timotheus whom I have known from boyhood, so intent upon an upright andascetic life, as even to be accused of excess therein, now forsakes the enquiry after thosemeans whereby we may be united to God; now makes it his first thought what some oneelse may think of him, and lives a life of dependence upon the opinions of others; is mainlyanxious how to serve his friends, without incurring the ridicule of enemies; and fears disgracewith the world as a great misfortune. Does he not know, that while he is occupied withthese trifles he is unconsciously neglecting his highest interests? For, that we cannot beengaged with both at once—the things of this world and of Heaven—the holy Scripturesare full of teaching for us. Nay, Nature herself is full of such instances. In the exercise ofthe mental faculty, to think two thoughts at the same time is quite impossible. In the perceptionsof our senses, to admit two sounds falling upon our ears at the same moment, andto distinguish them, although we are provided with two open passages, is impossible. Oureyes, again, unless they are both fixed upon the object of our vision, are unable to performtheir action accurately.Thus much for Nature; but to recite to you the evidence of the Scriptures were as ridiculousas, so runs the proverb, ‘to carry owls to Athens.’ 3257 Why then combine things incompatible—thetumults of civil life and the practice of religion?Withdraw from clamour; be no more the cause or object of annoyance; let us keepourselves to ourselves. We long since proposed religion as our aim; let us make the attainmentof it our practice, and shew those who have the wish to insult us that it does not liewith them to annoy us at their will. But this will only be when we have clearly shewn themthat we afford no handle for abuse.For the present enough of this! Would that some day we might meet and more perfectlyconsider those things that be for our souls’ welfare; so may we not be too much occupiedwith thoughts of vanity, since death must one day overtake us.3163255 Placed in the episcopate.3256 cf. note on p. 156.3257 γλαῦκἠ ᾽Αθήναζε. Arist., Av. 301.862