Letter 8: (Written to S. Basil shortly after his Ordination as Priest, probably toward the end of a.d. 362.) I approve the beginning of your letter; but what is there of yours that I do not approve?
Gregory to Basil.
I approve the beginning of your letter -- but then, what is there of yours that I do not approve? And you stand convicted of having written just as I might have, for I too was forced into the rank of the priesthood. I was never eager for it.
We are trustworthy witnesses to each other, if ever any men were, of our love for a humble and lowly philosophy. But perhaps it would have been better if this had not happened -- though I hardly know what to say, as long as I remain ignorant of the purpose of the Holy Spirit. Since it has come about, however, we must bear it. At least so it seems clear to me, especially when we consider the times, which are bringing so many heretical voices down upon us. We must not put to shame either the hopes of those who have entrusted us with this office, or our own lives.
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.
Related Letters
Oh, for the old days in which we were all in all to one another! Now we are sadly separated! You have one another, I have no one like you to replace you.
Twice cabbage is death, says the unkind proverb. I, however, though I have called for it often, shall die once. Yes: even though I had never called for it at all!
(Perhaps about a.d. 357 or 358; in answer to a letter which is not now extant.) I have failed, I confess, to keep my promise. I had engaged even at Athens, at the time of our friendship and intimate connection there (for I can find no better word for it), to join you in a life of philosophy.
IF these are the words of an untrained tongue, what would you be if you would polish them? On your lips live fountains of words better than the flowing of springs. I, on the contrary, if I am not daily watered, am silent.
I know you will often write, Here is another Cappadocian for you! I expect that you will send me many. I am sure that you are everywhere putting pressure on both fathers and sons by all your complimentary expressions about me.