178 (360). To Aburgius
SAINT BASIL
your Lordship through our mediation is not easy. We are indeed conscious of having aided many through your mighty hand, which the Lord has bestowed on us as an ally in the most critical times. However, most deserving of all, perchance, is the one who is now being introduced through our letter, our most revered brother, Eusebius,2 who has fallen a prey to absurd calumny, which it is in the power of your Rectitude alone to dispel. Therefore, we urge that, complying with justice and taking thought of the lot of man and also bestowing on us the accustomed favors, you become all things to the man, defending him and the truth. For, he has no weak ally-righteousness-and, if the present critical moment should not damage this alliance, it will be very easy to give clear and incontrovertible proof.
178. To Aburgius1 I am aware that I have frequently recommended many persons to your Honor and have been quite serviceable at most critical times to those in afHiction. Yet, I know that I have sent to your Modesty no one who is more honored in my sight or who is striving for anything of greater importance than our most beloved son, Eusebius, who is now placing in your hands this letter from us. And, should he meet with an opportunity, he will explain in detail to your Dignity in what sort of trouble he is involved. But, what we can fittingly say is this: the man must not be swept aside, nor, because there are many around who have been caught in most atrocious
2 Eusebius of Samosata.
I Previous letters addressed to Aburgius are Letters !I!I. 75. and 147. The date of this letter is the same as that of the preceding.