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.
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What has made Basil object to the letter, the proof of philosophy? I have learned to make fun from you, but nevertheless your fun is venerable and, so to say, hoary with age. But, by our very friendship, by our common pastimes, do away, I charge you, with the distress caused by your letter...in nothing differing.
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