156 (342). To Evagrius, a Presbyter
SAI:"T HASI!.
majority or enn in all of these prayers. And, how could we personally forget you, since so ITlany things move us to a remembrance-such a sister, such nephews, kinsmen so noble,
~o devoted to us, such a home, domestics, and friends, because of whom, even if we did not wish it, we are compelled to recall your good will?
Now, concerning this present matter, the brother reported nothing serious to us, nor was any decision delivered by us that was at all injurious to him. Therefore, turn your grievance against those who have been telling you falsehoods, and free both the suffragan bishop and me from all blame.
If that pedant prepares some lawsuit, he has the public courts and the laws. Therefore, I ask you to make no further complaint on these points.
Now, whatever good deeds you do personally you store up as a treasure for yourself; whatever relief you offer to those who suffer persecution for the name of the Lord, this you prepare for yourself on the day of recompense. And you will do well if you send the relics of the martyrs to your native country, since, as you wrote to us, the persecution there is even now making martyrs to the Lord.
156. To Euagrius, a Presbyter!
So far was I from being displeased at the length of your message that the letter, because of the pleasure I derived from reading it, even seemed to me to be short. For, what is more
Evagrius is commonly known as of Antioch. to distinguish him from others of the same name. especially Evagrius the historian. The dates of his birth and death are uncertain. but he is known to have been consecrated by l'aulinus in 388. It was this act which prolonged the Meletian schism at Antioch. He li\ed at least until 392; cf. Letter 138.
This letter was written in the late autumn of 373; cf. Loofs. op. cit.
31 n. 3.
LETTERS pleasing to hear than the name of peace? Or what is more befitting the sacred office and more gratifying to the Lord than planning for such things? Therefore, may the Lord bestow the reward of peace-making on you, who choose so well and are so zealously engaged in a most blessed task. But believe; honored Friend, that of those foremost in zeal we yield to none, as far as regards the desire and prayer to see at some time the day on which all who are not separated from one another in opinion will gather in the same assembly. We should, in truth, be the most monstrous of all men if we exulted over the schisms and divisions of the churches, and did not esteem the union of the members of Christ's body as the greatest of blessings. Yet, realize that we fall as far short in power as we superabound in desire. For, your perfect 'Visdom is not ignorant of the fact that evils strengthened by time need, first of all, time for correction, and, then, a strong and rather energetic guidance, if one proposes to reach the very depths so as to pull out by the roots the disorders of the ailing. But, you know what I mean, and, if I must speak more clearly, there is no cause for fear.
Self-love, which through long habit has taken root in souls, one man cannot destroy, nor can one letter, nor a brief period of time. The suspicions and frictions arising from controversy cannot be entirely removed unless some trustworthy person acts as mediator in the interests of peace. And if all the strength of grace flowed upon us and we were able by word and deed and the gifts of the Spirit to move ollr opponents, we should be obliged to attempt such a task. But, perhaps,
YOll would not even then have advised us to start alone to make the correction, since, by the grace of God, the bishop2 is the one to whom chiefly appertains the care of the churches; and he himself is not able to come to liS, nor 2 Meletius of Antioch.
SAI:-.fT BASIL
IS It easy for us, in the meantime, to travel on account of the winter. Rather, it is absolutely impossible, not only because my body is exhausted by the long-continued illness, but also because the passages of the Armenian mountains become, a little later, difficult to cross, even for those who are in the full vigor of youth. But, I shall not refuse to make these things known to him in writing. However, I do not expect anything worthy of mention to result from letters, judging from the exactness of the man and the very nature of written words, because the transmitted message is obviously unable to persuade.
For, it is necessary to say many things and in turn to listen to many things, to solve the questions arising, and to explain those points which are not evident. And the discussion in letters, spread out inert and lifeles over the paper, is incapable of this.
However, as I have said, I shaII not hesitate to write. Yet, be assured, our most truly pious and much beloved Brother, that, by the grace of God, I have no personal quarrel with anyone. For, I am not aware of having been curious about the charges for which each is liable or is said to be liable.
Thus, therefore, it is fitting for you to pay attention to our opinion, since we are incapable of acting through partiality, nor have we been prejudiced by slander against any. May it be the wiII of the Lord that all be done in the manner of the Church, and with proper order!
Our most desired son, the feIIow deacon Dorotheus, caused us grief when he announced concerning your Reverence that you refu~ed to participate with him in the religious service.
Yet, such were not the matters discussed by us, if I remember anything at all. Moreover, it is absolutely impossible for me to send a representative to the West, since I have no one suitable for such a service. If any of the brothers with you wishes to undertake the task for the sake of the churches, he knows, of course, to whom he will set out, for what object, by whom