INTRODUCTION

Basil (329-379). 
     The Creation of the World

Chrysostom (347-407). 
     Excessive Grief at the Death of Friends

Augustine (354-430). 
     The Recovery of Sight by the Blind

Wyclif (1324-1384). 
     Christ’s Real Body Not in the Eucharist

Savonarola (1452-1498). 
     The Ascension of Christ

Luther (1483-1546). 
     The Method and Fruits of Justification

Latimer (1485-1555). 
     On Christian Love

Melanchthon (1497-1560). 
     The Safety of the Virtuous

Knox (1505-1572). 
     The First Temptation of Christ

Calvin (1509-1564). 
     Enduring Persecution for Christ

BASIL

THE CREATION OF THE WORLD

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE

Basil, bishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia, and styled “The Great,” was the founder of Eastern monasticism, defender of the Nicene doctrines and doctor of the Church.  He was born at Caesarea in 329, and was thoroughly educated in all that a teacher like Libanius could impart at Rome, and Himerius at Constantinople.  Returning home, he plunged into the pleasures of social life, but was induced by his sister to visit the hermits of Syria, Palestine and Egypt.  Attracted during his travels to the religious life, he secluded himself in a lonely spot in inclement Pontus.

During his monastic life of seven years (357-364) he formulated the monastic rule still observed by Eastern monks.  Ordained presbyter in 364, he labored in founding religious institutions of various kinds.  He attracted notice by his growing Nicene predilections, and was elected bishop of his native town (370) and virtual primate of Asia Minor.  His conduct in dealing with the Arians was uncompromising yet conciliating.  As a theologian he stands next to his brother Gregory and to Athanasius, but he excels them both in the literary charm and variety of his Greek style.  He died in 379.

BASIL 329-379

THE CREATION OF THE WORLD

The earth was without form and void.—­Gen. i, 2.

In the few words which have occupied us this morning we have found such a depth of thought that we despair of penetrating farther.  If such is the forecourt of the sanctuary, if the portico of the temple is so grand and magnificent, if the splendor of its beauty thus dazzles the eyes of the soul, what will be the holy of holies?  Who will dare to try to gain access to the innermost shrine?  Who will look into its secrets?  To gaze into it is indeed forbidden us, and language is powerless to express what the mind conceives.

However, since there are rewards, and most desirable ones, reserved by the just Judge for the intention alone of doing good, do not let us hesitate to continue our researches.  Altho we may not attain to the truth, if, with the help of the Spirit, we do not fall away from the meaning of Holy Scripture, we shall not deserve to be rejected, and with the help of grace, we shall contribute to the edification of the Church of God.