174 (283). To a Widow
SAINT BASIL
great struggle for their successful accomplishment, as we have very truly found out. Furthermore, the perfection of humility, so as neither to be mindful of renowned ancestors, nor to exalt ourselves because of any natural excellence either of body or soul that really may exist in us, nor to make the opinion of others about us an occasion of elation and pride
-these things belong to the evangelical life. So do strength in self-control, assiduity in prayer, sympathy in brotherly love, generosity toward those in need, subjection of pride, contrition of heart, soundness of faith, moderation in depression, an attitude of mind which never foregoes the memory of the fearful and inexorable judgment to which we are all hastening, although very few remember it and are solicitous about the Issue.
174. To a Widow l Although I desired very much to write regularly to your Nobility, I always restrained myself. I feared lest, perchance,
I should seem to provoke trials for you because of those who are ill-disposed toward us, and, as I hear, are pushing their hatred to such a measure that they inquire impertinently if anyone by chance even receives a letter from us. But, since you yourself have happily begun the correspondence and have written, communicating with us, as was necessary, concerning the affairs of your soul, I am impelled to answer, thus correcting what I omitted in the past and at the same time replying to the message sent by your Nobility.
For, blessed is the soul which night and day reflects upon no other care than how, on the great day on which all creatures will stand around the Judge giving account of their
1 Her identity is unknown. This letter was written llbout the year 574.