Letters — Letter 45 — To Basil

(After the Consecration, everyone thought that Gregory would immediately join his friend, and Basil himself greatly wished for his help. But Gregory thought it better to hold back his desire to see his friend until jealousies had time to calm down. So he wrote the following letter to explain the reasons for his staying away at this time.)

(After the Consecration every one thought that Gregory would at once join his friend; and Basil himself much wished for his assistance. But Gregory thought it better to restrain his desire to see his friend until jealousies had time to calm down. So he wrote the following letter to explain the reasons for his staying away at this juncture.)

When I learned that you had been placed on that high throne, and that the Spirit had prevailed to set the lamp upon the lampstand—a lamp that was already shining with no dim light—I was glad, I confess. Why should I not be, when I saw that the commonwealth of the Church was in a sorry state and needed such a guiding hand? Yet I did not run to you immediately, nor will I run to you, not even if you yourself ask me. First, so that I may be careful of your dignity, and so that you may not seem to be gathering partisans under the influence of bad judgment and anger, as your critics would say; and second, so that I may make for myself a reputation for stability and rise above ill will. When will you come, then, you may ask, and how long will you delay? As long as God directs me, and until the shadow of the present hostility and slander has passed away. For the lepers, I know well, will not hold out very long to keep our David out of Jerusalem.

When I learned that you had been placed on the lofty throne, and that the Spirit had prevailed to publish the candle upon the candlestick, which even before shone with no dim light, I was glad, I confess. Why should I not be, seeing as I did that the commonwealth of the Church was in sorry plight, and needed such a guiding hand? Yet I did not run to you off hand, nor shall I run to you, not even if you ask me yourself. First, in order that I may be careful of your dignity, and that you may not seem to be collecting partisans under the influence of bad taste and hot temper, as your calumniators would say; and secondly that I may make for myself a reputation for stability, and above illwill. When then will you come, perhaps you will ask, and how long will you put it off? As long as God shall bid me, and until the shadow of the present enmity and slander shall have passed away. For the lepers, I well know, will not hold out very long to keep our David out of Jerusalem.