18 (211). To Macarius and John
LETTERS
saw and embraced your most noble sons, striking images of your Excellencyj2 in my prayers I ask for them all that a father himself would ask.
18. To Macarius and John l The work of the fa.rm does not surprise the farmer, nor the storm at sea astonish the sailor, nor the sweat of summer dismay the hireling; so, in truth, afflictions of the present life do not find unprepared those who choose to live holily.
Each of these occupations is accompanied by its proper labor, well known to those pursuing it-a labor not chosen for it'! own sake but for the enjoyment of the anticipated good.
Hopes, encompassing and welding together the whole life of man, mitigate these hardships.
Now, some who toil for the fruits of the earth or for mundane gains have been altogether disappointed in their hopes and have enjoyed their expectations only in imagination. Others, for whom the result has by chance accorded with their wish, soon have need of a second hope, the first, realized, having quickly spent itself and wasted away. Those alone who labor for holiness are not deceived in their hopes j the end has justified the struggle which gives them the firm and enduring kingdom of heaven.
As long, therefore, as truth is on our side, let no deceitful slander trouble you, no threat of the powerful frighten you, nor the laughter and the insult of your acquaintances grieve you, nor even the condemnation of those pretending con2 ChrestOteta-a title of address used by St. Basil for laymen.
I This letter was probably written during the reign of Julian.