269 (277). To Maximus Scholasticus

(Hearing from Theotecnus that Maximus, who came from a noble family, had entered into the life of the Gospel and was practicing virtue, he proved to him that this is the only desired good, because it is permanent; but all the rest that people recognize as good are more deceptive than a dream dream. (Written at the end of the life of St. Basil))

The beautiful and kind Theotecnus told me of your honesty, and aroused in me a desire to see you, clearly depicting in words the face of your soul, and so kindled my love for you, that if old age had not burdened me, and the illness that had grown with me had not held me back, nothing would have kept me from being with you myself. And indeed, it is no small gain, having passed from a great and noble family to the life of the Gospel, to curb youth with reason, to enslave carnal passions to the mind, and to be guided by humility, to which a Christian is obliged, who thinks about himself as he should, whence he comes and where he goes; for the understanding of nature reduces the arrogance of the soul, expels from it all pride and arrogance, in a word, makes it a disciple of the Lord, Who said: "Learn of me, that I am meek and lowly in heart" (Matt. 11:29). For truly, most dear son, one constant good is desired and praiseworthy. And this is an honor with God. The human is more intangible than a shadow, more deceptive than dreams. For youth passes more quickly than spring flowers, and bodily beauty fades either from illness or from time; riches are uncertain, fame is impermanent; the very studies of the arts are successful only for the duration of real life. And what is most desirable for everyone, art in words, is pleasing only to the ear.

But the exercise of virtue is a precious asset to him who has, and the most agreeable sight to him who sees. By taking care of this, you will make yourself worthy of good things, according to the promises prepared by the Lord. And how to attain to the understanding of the beautiful and how to preserve what has been acquired, it would be necessary to speak about this longer than the purpose of the present word allows. And now it occurred to me to speak to you only because I heard from Brother Theotecnus, to whom I wish always to tell the truth, especially when it comes to you, so that the Lord may be more glorified in you, who from an alien root bears the precious fruits of piety.

283 (291). To Timothy, chorbishop

(Timothy, who formerly led an ascetic life, and then began to engage in worldly affairs, exhorts him to return to his former way of life. (Written during the episcopacy))

And to write everything that I think, both inappropriate to the measure of the letter and in other respects, is unbecoming for a message of greeting, but it is almost impossible for me to pass through this in silence, because my heart is inflamed against you with righteous anger. Therefore, I choose the middle: I write about one thing, and keep silent about the other. For I intend to rebuke you, if I may, with friendly freedom.

Is it possible that you, that Timothy, who, as we know, from childhood showed so much zeal for a strict and ascetic life that in this respect you were even accused of immoderation, having lost sight of taking all measures to apply all measures for what should be done by those who draw near to God, you look at what so-and-so thinks of you, give your life to the judgment of others, and do not think, that you are useless to your friends, and ridiculous to your enemies, that you are afraid of shame in front of people, as if it were some kind of misfortune, and do you not imagine that for the time being you stop at this, without noticing it, you neglect your former life? It is impossible to have Success at the same time in both – both in the affairs of this world and in life according to God. Both the Divine Scriptures, which we have been taught, and nature itself are full of such examples. And in mental activity it is absolutely impossible to think two thoughts at the same time. And in the reception of sensory impressions it is impossible at the same time to receive and distinguish two voices that reach the ear together, although we have two ear canals open. And the eyes, if they are not both fixed on one visible object, cannot exactly do their work. And this is shown to us by nature, And to tell you passages from the Scriptures is no less ridiculous, as according to the proverb, to show an owl to the Athenians. Therefore, why should we unite the unconnected,

And enough about this. But it is good for us to come together someday and consult more thoroughly about what is good for our souls, so that when the necessary event comes, we will not be caught in worries about vain things.

I gladly accepted what was sent by your love, it is very pleasant in itself, but it is many times more pleasant for the one who sent it. Receive me favorably when I also send you Pontic works — wax candles and fortifying medicines; And now I didn't have any.

284 (292). To Palladium

(After meeting with his wife, Palladia expresses a desire to see him himself and asks him to preserve in purity the robe of incorruption, in which he has clothed himself, having recently received Holy Baptism)