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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

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To Julianus.Letter CCXCIII.To Julianus.How fare you this long while? Have you altogether recovered the use of your h<strong>and</strong>?And how do other things prosper? According to your wishes <strong>and</strong> my prayers? In accordancewith your purposes?Where men are readily disposed to change, it is only natural that their lives are not wellordered: but where their minds are fixed, steadfast <strong>and</strong> unalterable, it follows that their livesshould be conformable to their purposes.True, it is not in the helmsman’s power to make a calm when he wishes; but with us, itis quite easy to render our lives tranquil by stilling the storms of passion that surge within,by rising superior to those that assail us from without. The upright man is touched byneither loss, nor sickness, nor the other ills of life; for he walks in heart with God, keeps hisgaze fixed upon the future, <strong>and</strong> easily <strong>and</strong> lightly weathers the storms that rise from earth.Be not troubled with the cares of earth. Such men are like fat birds, in vain endowedwith flight, that creep like beasts upon the ground. But you—for I have witnessed you indifficulties—are like swimmers racing out at sea.A single claw reveals the whole lion: so from a slight acquaintance I think I know youfully. And I count it a great thing, that you set some store by me, that I am not absent fromyour thoughts, but constantly in your recollection.Now writing is a proof of recollection; <strong>and</strong> the oftener you write, the better pleased Iam.865

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