161 (393). To Amphilochius, on His Consecration as Bishop
LETTERS
Now, to summarize these words: If a man is eager for marriage according to the law, all the world lies open, but, if his desire is under the influence of passion, on that account let him be restricted the more, that he may learn 'how to possess his vessel in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust.'14
Although I had desired to say more, the length of my letter prevents me. I pray that either our advice may prove stronger than the passion, or that this pollution may not come to reside in our country, but may remain in those regions in which it has been attempted.
161. To Amphilochius, on His Consecration as BishoP!
Blessed be God, who chooses in each generation those pleasing to Him, making known His chosen vessels2 and using them for the ministry of the saints. He even now has ensnared you with the inescapable nets of His· grace, when you were fleeing, as you say, not us, but the summons expected through us; and He has led you into the midst of Pisidia, so that you may take men captive to the Lord and may, according to His will, draw out from the depths into light those who have been made captive by the Devil. Therefore, say also yourself the words uttered by the blessed David: 'Whither shall I go from thy spirit, or whither shall I flee from thy face?'3 For such wonders does our loving Lord work! 'Asses are lost'4 in order that a king may be found for Israel. But, that man, who was
14 I Thess. 4.4-5.
1 For Amphilochius. cf. Letter 150 n. I. This letter was written in 374.
Cf. Loofs. afr. cit. 46 n. 5.
2 Cf. Acts 9.15.
3 Ps. 138.7.
4 Cf. I Kings 9.3.
SAINT BASIL
an Israelite, was given to Israel; yet, the country which nurtured you and brought you to such a height of virtue does not have you; on the contrary, she sees her neighbor embellished with her own ornament. Since, however, all those who have hoped in Christ are one people and those who are Christ's are now one Church, even though He is called upon from different regions, the country both rejoices and is gladdened by the dispensations of the Lord and does not think that one man has been lost but that through one man whole churches have been acquired. Only, may the Lord grant that we, when we are present, may see, and, when absent, may hear of your progress in the Gospel and of the good order of your churches.
Be a man, therefore, and be strong and go before the people whom the Most High has entrusted to your right hand. And, as a skillful pilot, become mightier in resolve than every tempest stirred up by the heretical blasts, keep your ship unsubmerged by the briny and bitter waves of false doctrine, awaiting the calm which the Lord will make when a voice has been found worthy of rousing Him to rebuke the winds and the sea. But, if you wish to visit us now hastening to the inevitable end under our long-continued illness, do not await a favorable time nOr a sign from us, knowing that to our paternal love every time is an opportune one to embrace a beloved child, and that the affection of the soul is a more excellent summons than all speech.
But, do not lament a burden which surpasses your strength.
For, if you were the one destined to bear this responsibility alone, it would not be merely heavy but utterly unendurable. But, if the Lord is the One who helps you bear it, 'Cast thy care upon the Lord,'5 and He Himself will bear it. Only, let me urge you in all things to guard against this-that you be not borne along with others by wicked customs, but that 5 Cf. Ps. 55.23; also, I Peter 5.7.