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| To Amphilochius on his consecration as Bishop.
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Letter CLXI.2540
To Amphilochius on his consecration as
Bishop.
1. Blessed be God
Who from age to age chooses them that please Him, distinguishes vessels
of election, and uses them for the ministry of the Saints. Though
you were trying to flee, as you confess, not from me, but from the
calling you expected through me, He has netted you in the sure meshes
of grace, and has brought you into the midst of Pisidia to catch men
for the Lord, and draw the devil’s prey from the deep into the
light. You, too, may say as the blessed David said,
“Whither shall I go from thy Spirit? or whither shall I flee from
thy presence.”2541
Such is the
wonderful work of our loving Master. “Asses are
lost”2542
| 2542
1 Sam. ix. 3. So six mss. Editors have substituted
“enemies.” The letter does not exist in
the Codex Harlæanus. ῎Ονοι is supposed to mean that
Faustinus and John, the predecessors of Amphilochius in the see
of Iconium, were not very wise bishops. ἔχθροιmight mean that
they were Arian. cf. Letter
cxxxviii. | that there may be a
king of Israel. David, however, being an Israelite was granted to
Israel; but the land which has nursed you and brought you to such a
height of virtue, possesses you no longer, and sees her neighbour
beautified by her own adornment. But all believers in Christ are
one people; all Christ’s people, although He is hailed from many
regions, are one Church; and so our country is glad and rejoices at the
dispensation of the Lord, and instead of thinking that she is one man
the poorer, considers that through one man she has become possessed of
whole Churches. Only may the Lord grant me both to see you in
person, and, so long as I am parted from you, to hear of your progress
in the gospel, and of the good order of your Churches.
2. Play the man, then, and be strong, and walk
before the people whom the Most High has entrusted to your hand.
Like a skilful pilot, rise in mind above every wave lifted by heretical
blasts; keep the boat from being whelmed by the salt and bitter billows
of false doctrine; and wait for the calm to be made by the Lord so soon
as there shall have been found a voice worthy of rousing Him to rebuke
the winds and the sea. If you wish to visit me, now hurried by
long sickness towards the inevitable end, do not wait for an
opportunity, or for the word from me. You know that to a
father’s heart every time is suitable to embrace a well-loved
son, and that affection is
stronger than words. Do not lament over a responsibility
transcending your strength. If you had been destined to bear the
burden unaided, it would have been not merely heavy; it would have been
intolerable. But if the Lord shares the load with you,
“cast all your care upon the Lord”2543
| 2543 cf.
Ps. lv. 22 and 1 Pet. v. 7. | and He will Himself act. Only be
exhorted ever to give heed lest you be carried away by wicked
customs. Rather change all previous evil ways into good by the
help of the wisdom given you by God. For Christ has sent you
not to follow others, but yourself to take the lead of all who are
being saved. I charge you to pray for me, that, if I am still
in this life, I may be permitted to see you with your Church.
If, however, it is ordained that I now depart, may I see all of you
hereafter with the Lord, your Church blooming like a vine with good
works, and yourself like a wise husbandman and good servant giving
meat in due season to his fellow-servants and receiving the reward
of a wise and trusty steward. All who are with me salute your
reverence. May you be strong and joyful in the Lord. May
you be preserved glorious in the graces of the Spirit and of
wisdom.E.C.F. INDEX & SEARCH
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