Letter 279: Although so numerous are my letters, conveyed to your excellency by as many bearers, yet, having regard to the special honour you have shown me, I cannot think that their large number causes you any annoyance. I do not hesitate therefore to entrust to this brother the accompanying letter: I know that he will meet with all that he wishes, and tha...

Although I have written you many letters through many couriers, I trust that in view of the special kindness you have shown me, their large number causes you no annoyance. I do not hesitate to entrust this brother with the present letter. I know he will receive everything he asks for, and that you will consider me a benefactor for giving you the occasion to exercise your generous instincts. He seeks your advocacy. He will explain his case in person, if you will be gracious enough to look on him with a favorable eye and encourage him to speak freely in the presence of so august an authority. Any kindness shown to him, I will regard as a personal favor to me. His particular reason for leaving Tyana and coming to me was that he placed great value on a letter of support written by me. That he may not be disappointed in his hope; that I may continue to enjoy your good regard; that your love of what is right may find full scope in this matter -- these are the grounds on which I beg a gracious reception for him and a place among those closest to you.

ST. BASIL OF CAESAREA To Modestus the Prefect. Although so numerous are my letters, conveyed to your excellency by as many bearers, yet, having regard to the special honour you have shown me, I cannot think that their large number causes you any annoyance. I do not hesitate therefore to entrust to this brother the accompanying letter: I know that he will meet with all that he wishes, and that you will count me but as a benefactor in furnishing occasion for the gratification of your kind inclinations. He craves your advocacy. His cause he will explain in person, if you but deign to regard him with a favourable eye, and embolden him to speak freely in the presence of so august an authority. Accept my assurance that any kindness shown to him, I shall regard as personal to myself. His special reason for leaving Tyana and coming to me was the high value he attached to the presentation of a letter written by myself in support of his application. That he may not be disappointed of his hope; that I may continue in the enjoyment of your consideration; that your interest in all that is good may, in this present matter, find scope for its full exercise — are the grounds on which I crave a gracious reception for him, and a place among those nearest to you. About this page Source. Translated by Blomfield Jackson. From Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Second Series, Vol. 8. Edited by Philip Schaff and Henry Wace. (Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1895.) Revised and edited for New Advent by Kevin Knight. <https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/3202279.htm>. Contact information. The editor of New Advent is Kevin Knight. My email address is feedback732 at newadvent.org. (To help fight spam, this address might change occasionally.) Regrettably, I can't reply to every letter, but I greatly appreciate your feedback — especially notifications about typographical errors and inappropriate ads.