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 comprise the De Spiritu Sancto and
Select Letters, but it was ultimately arranged with Dr. Wace
that a volume of the series should be devoted to St. Basil, containing,
as well as the De Spiritu Sancto, the whole of the
Letters, and the Hexæmeron. The De
Spiritu Sancto has already appeared in an English form, as
have portions of the Letters, but I am not aware of an English
translation of the Hexæmeron, or of all the
Letters. The De Spiritu Sancto was
presumably selected for publication as being at once the most famous,
as it is among the most valuable, of the extant works of this
Father. The Letters comprise short theological treatises
and contain passages of historical and varied biographical interest, as
well as valuable specimens of spiritual and consolatory
exhortation. The Hexæmeron was added as being the
most noted and popular of St. Basil’s compositions in older days,
and as illustrating his exegetic method and skill, and his power as an
extempore preacher.