Letter 43: (The comprovincial Bishops had notified the elder Gregory of their Synod, but without mentioning its date or purpose or inviting him to take part in it — probably because they knew how strongly he would support the election of Basil, to which they were unfavourable. S. Gregory therefore wrote the following letter in his father's name.) How sweet...

Gregory, in his father's name, to the bishops of the province. How sweet and kind you are, and how full of love! You have invited me to the Metropolis -- because, I imagine, you are about to hold a synod and wish to show me every courtesy. But you have not told me the date, nor the purpose, nor have you invited me to take part. I understand why. You know where I stand, and you are not eager to hear what I would say. But I will say it anyway, whether you invite me or not. The see of Caesarea must go to the best man available, and the best man available is Basil. You know this as well as I do, even if some of you are reluctant to admit it. Do not let personal grudges or petty jealousies determine the fate of this great see. The Church is not your private property to dispose of as you please. It belongs to God, and God will hold you accountable for what you do with it.

Epistle 43. To the Bishops. (The comprovincial Bishops had notified the elder Gregory of their Synod, but without mentioning its date or purpose or inviting him to take part in it — probably because they knew how strongly he would support the election of Basil, to which they were unfavourable. S. Gregory therefore wrote the following letter in his father's name.) How sweet and kind you are, and how full of love. You have invited me to the Metropolis, because, as I imagine, you are going to take some counsel about a Bishop. So much I learn from you, though you have not told me either that I am to be present, or why, or when, but have merely announced to me suddenly that you were setting out, as though resolved not to respect me, and as not desirous that I should share your counsels, but rather putting a hindrance in the way of my coming, that you may not meet me even against my will. This is your way of action, and I will put up with the insult, but I will set before you my view and how I feel. Various people will put forward various candidates, each according to his own inclinations and interests, as is usually the case at such times. But I cannot prefer anyone, for my conscience would not allow it, to my dear son and fellow priest Basil. For whom of all my acquaintance do I find more approved in his life, or more powerful in his word, or more furnished altogether with the beauty of virtue? But if you allege weak health against him, I reply that we are choosing not an athlete but a teacher. And at the same time is seen in this case the power of Him that strengthens and supports the weak, if such they be. If you accept this vote I will come and take part, either in spirit or in body. But if you are marching to a foregone conclusion, and faction is to overrule justice, I shall rejoice to have been overlooked. The work must be yours; but pray for me.