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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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To a Censitor.To a Censitor. 3259Letter CCXCIX.318I was aware, before you told me, that you do not like your employment in public affairs.It is an old saying that those who are anxious to lead a pious life do not throw themselveswith pleasure into office. The case of magistrates seems to me like that of physicians. Theysee awful sights; they meet with bad smells; they get trouble for themselves out of otherpeople’s calamities. This is at least the case with those who are real magistrates. All menwho are engaged in business, look also to make a profit, <strong>and</strong> are excited about this kind ofglory, count it the greatest possible advantage to acquire some power <strong>and</strong> influence by whichthey may be able to benefit their friends, punish their enemies, <strong>and</strong> get what they want forthemselves. You are not a man of this kind. How should you be? You have voluntarilywithdrawn from even high office in the State. You might have ruled the city like one singlehouse, but you have preferred a life free from care <strong>and</strong> anxiety. You have placed a highervalue on having no troubles yourself <strong>and</strong> not troubling other people, than other people doon making themselves disagreeable. But it has seemed good to the Lord that the district ofIbora 3260 should not be under the power of hucksters, nor be turned into a mere slavemarket. It is His will that every individual in it should be enrolled, as is right. Do youtherefore accept this responsibility? It is vexatious, I know, but it is one which may bringyou the approbation of God. Neither fawn upon the great <strong>and</strong> powerful, nor despise thepoor <strong>and</strong> needy. Show to all under your rule an impartiality of mind, balanced more exactlythan any scales. Thus in the sight of those who have entrusted you with these responsibilitiesyour zeal for justice will be made evident, <strong>and</strong> they will view you with exceptional admiration.And even though you go unnoticed by them, you will not be unnoticed by our God. Theprizes which He has put before us for good works are great.3259 i.e. assessor of taxes.3260 See geographical note in Prolegomena.871

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