Sketch of the Life and Works of Saint Basil the Great

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(iii) The Moralia (ta ethika) is placed in 361, in the earlier days of the Anomoean heresy. Shortly before this time the extreme Arians began to receive this name, [538] and it is on the rise of the Anomoeans that Basil is moved to write. The work comprises eighty Rules of Life, expressed in the words of the New Testament, with special reference to the needs of bishops, priests, and deacons, and of all persons occupied in education.

Penitence consists not only in ceasing to sin, but in expiating sin by tears and mortification. [539] Sins of ignorance are not free from peril of judgment. [540]

Sins into which we feel ourselves drawn against our will are the results of sins to which we have consented. [541] Blasphemy against the Holy Ghost consists in attributing to the devil the good works which the Spirit of God works in our brethren. [542] We ought carefully to examine whether the doctrine offered us is conformable to Scripture, and if not, to reject it. [543] Nothing must be added to the inspired words of God; all that is outside Scripture is not of faith, but is sin. [544]

[538] Ath., De Syn. S: 31, in this series, p. 467.

[539] Reg. i.

[540] Reg. ix.

[541] Reg. xi.

[542] Reg. xxxv.

[543] Reg. xxviii.

[544] Reg. lxxx. S: 22. Fessler (De Pat. Saec. iv. p. 514) notes the similarity of a Homily, De perfectione vitae Monachorum, published under the name of St. Basil in a book published by C. F. Matthaei at Moscow in 1775, entitled Joannis Xiphilini et Basilii M. aliquot orationes. He describes it as quite unworthy in style of St. Basil.

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