51 (86). To Bishop Bosporius
LETTERS
and wisdom to venture to answer you who are led by the Holy Spirit. And, since we hear that you are His friend and true glorifier, we avow our deep thankfulness for your firm and unwavering love for God. In our prayers we beg of the Lord that our place may be with the true adorers, among whom assuredly your Perfection stands, as does that great and true bishop3 who fills all the world with admiration for himself.
51. To Bishop Bosporius1 How deeply, think you, was my soul pained on hearing of that slander poured out against me by some of those who do not fear the Judge who will 'destroy all that speak a lie'?2 As a result, your affectionate words kept me sleepless nearly the whole night, so firmly had grief fastened upon my inmost heart. For, truly, according to Solomon, 'slander humbles a man'; 3 and no one is so insensible to pain as not, when made a prey of lying mouths, to suffer in soul and be bowed down to the earth. But, I must indeed bear up under all things, endure all things, leaving vengeance to the Lord, who will not disregard us, since it is said: 'He that oppresseth the poor, upbraideth his Maker.'4 Nevertheless, those who have framed this new tale of blasphemy against us seem
3 The identity of this bishop is unknown.
Bosporius was Bishop of Colonia in Cappadocia Secunda and St. Basil's close friend. This letter is a defense against a slanderous report that St. Basil had anathematized Bishop Dianius. his friend, who had subscribed to the Creed of Ariminum. It was written in 370.
2 Ps. 5.7.
3 Cf. EccIe. 7.8.
4 Provo 14.31.
SAINT BASIL
utterly to disbelieve the Lord, who has declared that on the day of judgment we shall give an account of even every idle word. 5
But, tell me, did I anathematize the most blessed6 Dianius?
This is the charge against us. Where, or when? In whose presence? On what pretext? By mere spoken words, or in writing? Following the example of others, or as the originator and author of the daring act? Oh, the shamelessness of those who speak so glibly of every matter! Oh, the contempt for the judgments of God! Unless to their fabrication they add this monstrosity, also, that I was some time so demented that I did not know what I was saying. For, as long as I was possessed of my senses, I know that I did no such thing, nor did I wish in the first place so to do. But, on the contrary,
I am conscious of this, that from my earliest years I grew up with a great love for him. I used to look with admiration upon the man, so majestic to behold, so magnificent, and possessed of such great priestly dignity of form. And when I reached the age of reason, then I recognized the virtues of his soul. And I rejoiced in his company, perceiving the simplicity, the nobility, and the generosity of his disposition, and all the other virtues characteristic of the man-his meekness of spirit, his magnanimity combined with gentleness, his propriety, his mildness of temper, his cheerfulness and affability seasoned with dignity. Therefore, I counted him among the most eminent in virtue.
However, toward the end of his life (for I will not conceal the truth), I, together with many in our native land who fear the Lord, suffered intolerable grief on his account because he had subscribed to the creed introduced from Con5 Cf. Matt. 12.36.
6 Makari6taton_a title of distinction used by St. Basil only for bishops.