PREFACE

This translation of a portion of the works of St. Basil was originally begun under the editorial supervision of Dr. Wace. It was first announced that the translation would include De Spiritu Sancto On the Holy Spirit and Select Letters, but it was ultimately arranged with Dr. Wace that a volume of the series should be devoted to St. Basil, containing—in addition to De Spiritu Sancto—the complete collection of the Letters and the Hexaemeron A series of nine homilies on the six days of creation. De Spiritu Sancto has already appeared in an English version, as have portions of the Letters, but I am not aware of any existing English translation of the Hexaemeron or of all the Letters. De Spiritu Sancto was presumably selected for publication as it is the most famous and among the most valuable of the extant works of this Father. The Letters comprise short theological treatises and contain passages of historical and biographical interest, as well as valuable examples of spiritual and consolatory advice. The Hexaemeron was added as it was the most noted and popular of St. Basil’s compositions in former times, and because it illustrates his method of biblical interpretation, his skill, and his power as an extempore preacher.

The edition used for this project has been that of the Benedictine editors as issued by Migne Jacques Paul Migne, a French priest and publisher known for his massive collections of patristic texts, with the aid, in the case of De Spiritu Sancto, of the edition published by the Rev. C. F. Johnston.

The editorship of Dr. Wace terminated during the progress of the work, but I am indebted to him, and very gratefully acknowledge the obligation, for valuable counsel and suggestions. I also wish to record my thanks to the Rev. C. Hole, Lecturer in Ecclesiastical History at King’s College, London, and to Mr. Reginald Geare, Headmaster of the Grammar School, Bishop’s Stortford—to the former for help in the revision of proofs and important suggestions, and to the latter for aid in the translation of several of the Letters.

The works consulted in the process of translation and illustration are sufficiently indicated in the notes.

London, December 1894.