Church Father Writings · Basil the Great

Letter 106

Basil the Great · Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Second Series · Vol. 8

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ST. BASIL OF CAESAREA

To a soldier.

I have many reasons for thanking God for mercies vouchsafed to me in my journey, but I count no blessing greater than the knowledge of your excellency, which has been permitted me by our good Lord’s mercy. I have learned to know one who proves that even in a soldier’s life it is possible to preserve the perfection of love to God, and that we must mark a Christian not by the style of his dress, but by the disposition of his soul. It was a great delight to me to meet you; and now, whenever I remember you, I feel very glad. Play the man; be strong; strive to nourish and multiply love to God, that there may be given you by Him yet greater boons of blessing. I need no further proof that you remember me; I have evidence in what you have done.

Edition Record

Translator
Translated by Blomfield Jackson.
Series
Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Second Series
Volume
Vol. 8.
Editor
Edited by Philip Schaff and Henry Wace.
Publisher
Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co.,
Year
1895.