Letter 257
To Eusebius. (358)
You wrote what a father naturally would, but your letter has not made me any better. For what another man would do in response to such a letter, I was already doing before it arrived. When a man is already using every ounce of his strength and then receives an exhortation, he has no way to grant the exhorter's wish -- since he is already doing everything.
Since you are thinking of repayment, look for a kind that suits me. And the right kind is this: if you ever receive anything fine from us, say a good word about me. As for money, if I had craved a great deal, I would not now have so little.
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.
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(Eusebius having replied to the former letter Gregory wrote again, having an opportunity of communicating with his friend through one Eupraxius, a disciple of Eusebius, who passed through Cappadocia on his way to visit his master. This letter is sometimes attributed to Basil.) Our reverend brother Eupraxius has always been dear to me and a true ...
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