Confessions — Book IX

O Lord, truly I am Your servant; I am Your servant, and the son of Your handmaid: You have loosed my bonds. I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving. Let my heart and my tongue praise You, and let all my bones say, Lord, who is like You? Let them say this, and answer me, and say to my soul, I am Your salvation. Who am I, and what is my nature? How evil my deeds have been; or if not my deeds, my words; or if not my words, my will? But You, O Lord, are good and merciful, and Your right hand reached down into the depth of my death and removed from the bottom of my heart that abyss of corruption. The result was this: I stopped willing to do what I had willed, and willed to do what You willed. But where, during all those years, and from what deep and secret place was my free will summoned forth in a moment, so that I gave my neck to Your easy yoke and my shoulders to Your light burden, O Christ Jesus, my strength and my Redeemer? How sweet it suddenly became to me to be without the delights of trivial things! And what I once feared to lose, I now found joy in putting away. For You cast them away from me, You true and highest sweetness. You cast them away, and in their place You entered in Yourself—sweeter than all pleasure, though not to flesh and blood; brighter than all light, but more hidden than all mysteries; more exalted than all honor, but not to those exalted in their own pride. Now my soul was free from the gnawing cares of seeking and getting, and of wallowing in and stirring up the itch of lust. And I spoke to You my brightness, my riches, and my health, the Lord my God.

1. O Lord, truly I am Your servant; I am Your servant, and the son of Your handmaid: You have loosed my bonds. I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving. Let my heart and my tongue praise You, and let all my bones say, Lord, who is like You? Let them so say, and answer Thou me, and say unto my soul, I am Your salvation. Who am I, and what is my nature? How evil have not my deeds been; or if not my deeds, my words; or if not my words, my will? But You, O Lord, art good and merciful, and Your right hand had respect unto the profoundness of my death, and removed from the bottom of my heart that abyss of corruption. And this was the result, that I willed not to do what I willed, and willed to do what you willed. But where, during all those years, and out of what deep and secret retreat was my free will summoned forth in a moment, whereby I gave my neck to Your easy yoke, and my shoulders to Your light burden, Matthew 11:30 O Christ Jesus, my strength and my Redeemer? How sweet did it suddenly become to me to be without the delights of trifles! And what at one time I feared to lose, it was now a joy to me to put away. For Thou cast them away from me, Thou true and highest sweetness. Thou cast them away, and instead of them entered in Yourself, — sweeter than all pleasure, though not to flesh and blood; brighter than all light, but more veiled than all mysteries; more exalted than all honour, but not to the exalted in their own conceits. Now was my soul free from the gnawing cares of seeking and getting, and of wallowing and exciting the itch of lust. And I babbled unto You my brightness, my riches, and my health, the Lord my God.

And it seemed good to me, as before You, not to abruptly abandon, but gently to withdraw the service of my tongue from the profession of public speaking; so that the young people, who did not think about Your law or Your peace, but about lying vanities and legal disputes, might no longer buy from my mouth weapons for their aggression. And conveniently there were only a few days remaining until the Vintage vacation; and I decided to endure them, so that I might leave in the customary manner, and, being redeemed by You, no longer return to be sold. Our intention then was known to You; but to other people—except our own friends—it was not known. For we had decided among ourselves not to let it spread to anyone; although You had given to us, ascending from the valley of tears and singing the song of degrees, sharp arrows and destroying coals, against the deceitful tongue, which while giving counsel opposes, and while showing love consumes, as it does with its food.

2. And it seemed good to me, as before You, not tumultuously to snatch away, but gently to withdraw the service of my tongue from the talker's trade; that the young, who thought not on Your law, nor on Your peace, but on mendacious follies and forensic strifes, might no longer purchase at my mouth equipments for their vehemence. And opportunely there wanted but a few days unto the Vacation of the Vintage; and I determined to endure them, in order to leave in the usual way, and, being redeemed by You, no more to return for sale. Our intention then was known to You; but to men — excepting our own friends — was it not known. For we had determined among ourselves not to let it get abroad to any; although You had given to us, ascending from the valley of tears, and singing the song of degrees, sharp arrows, and destroying coals, against the deceitful tongue, which in giving counsel opposes, and in showing love consumes, as it is wont to do with its food.

You had pierced our hearts with Your love, and we carried Your words fixed, as it were, in our inmost being. The examples of Your servant, whom You had made bright from black and alive from dead, filled our thoughts and burned away our sluggish indifference, keeping us from falling into the pit. They set us on fire so intensely that every attack from a deceitful opponent would only inflame us more, not put out our fire. Nevertheless, because this vow and plan of ours might also find people to praise it for the sake of Your name, which You have made holy throughout the earth, it would look like self-promotion not to wait for the vacation, which was now so close, but to quit beforehand a public position that was widely observed. Then everyone who saw what I was doing, seeing how close the time of rest was that I wanted to jump ahead of, would talk a great deal about me as if I were trying to make myself look important. And what good would it do for people to think about and debate my motives, and for our good to be spoken of as evil?

3. You had penetrated our hearts with Your charity, and we carried Your words fixed, as it were, in our bowels; and the examples of Your servant, whom of black You had made bright, and of dead, alive, crowded in the bosom of our thoughts, burned and consumed our heavy torpor, that we might not topple into the abyss; and they enkindled us exceedingly, that every breath of the deceitful tongue of the gainsayer might inflame us the more, not extinguish us. Nevertheless, because for Your name's sake which You have sanctified throughout the earth, this, our vow and purpose, might also find commenders, it looked like a vaunting of oneself not to wait for the vacation, now so near, but to leave beforehand a public profession, and one, too, under general observation; so that all who looked on this act of mine, and saw how near was the vintage-time I desired to anticipate, would talk of me a great deal as if I were trying to appear to be a great person. And what purpose would it serve that people should consider and dispute about my intention, and that our good should be evil spoken of? Romans 14:16

Furthermore, that very summer, my lungs began to grow weak from too much work in teaching. I had difficulty taking deep breaths, pains in my chest showed that my lungs were damaged, and they could no longer handle loud or extended speaking. At first this troubled me, because it forced me to give up my teaching position—or at least to take a break from it if I could recover and regain my strength. But when the full desire for rest arose in me—so that I might see that You are the Lord—and became firmly established, my God, You know I even began to feel glad that I had this excuse ready. And it was not a fake excuse either, which might somewhat soften the offense taken by those who, for their sons' sake, wanted me never to have the freedom that comes with being Your son. Filled with this kind of joy, I endured that period of time until it passed—perhaps it was about twenty days. These were bravely endured, because the greed that used to help me carry part of this heavy work had left me, and I would have been completely overwhelmed if patience had not taken its place. Some of Your servants, my brothers, may perhaps say that I sinned in this—that once I had fully and wholeheartedly entered Your service, I still allowed myself to sit even a single hour in the seat of falsehood. I will not argue. But have You not, O most merciful Lord, pardoned and forgiven this sin as well, along with my other sins so horrible and deadly, in the holy water?

4. Furthermore, this very summer, from too great literary labour, my lungs began to be weak, and with difficulty to draw deep breaths; showing by the pains in my chest that they were affected, and refusing too loud or prolonged speaking. This had at first been a trial to me, for it compelled me almost of necessity to lay down that burden of teaching; or, if I could be cured and become strong again, at least to leave it off for a while. But when the full desire for leisure, that I might see that You are the Lord, arose, and was confirmed in me, my God, You know I even began to rejoice that I had this excuse ready — and that not a feigned one — which might somewhat temper the offense taken by those who for their sons' good wished me never to have the freedom of sons. Full, therefore, with such joy, I bore it till that period of time had passed — perhaps it was some twenty days — yet they were bravely borne; for the cupidity which was wont to sustain part of this weighty business had departed, and I had remained overwhelmed had not its place been supplied by patience. Some of Your servants, my brethren, may perchance say that I sinned in this, in that having once fully, and from my heart, entered on Your warfare, I permitted myself to sit a single hour in the seat of falsehood. I will not contend. But hast not Thou, O most merciful Lord, pardoned and remitted this sin also, with my others, so horrible and deadly, in the holy water?

Verecundus was consumed with worry about our happiness, because he was firmly bound by his circumstances and saw that he would lose our companionship. He was not yet a Christian, though his wife was one of the faithful, and this fact chained him more firmly than anything else, holding him back from the journey we had begun. He said he didn't want to become a Christian except on certain terms that were impossible for him. Still, he graciously invited us to use his country house for as long as we stayed there. Lord, You will reward him for this at the resurrection of the just, since You have already given him the destiny of the righteous. Though we were away in Rome when he was struck by physical illness, and in that illness became a Christian and one of the faithful before he died, You had mercy not only on him but also on us. Otherwise, remembering our friend's extraordinary kindness to us and unable to count him among Your flock, we would have been tortured with unbearable grief. Thanks be to You, our God, we are Yours. Your encouragements, comforts, and faithful promises assure us that You are now repaying Verecundus for that country house at Cassiacum, where we found rest in You from the fever of the world, with the eternal freshness of Your Paradise, because You have forgiven him his earthly sins, in that mountain flowing with milk, that fruitful mountain—Your own.

5. Verecundus was wasted with anxiety at that our happiness, since he, being most firmly held by his bonds, saw that he would lose our fellowship. For he was not yet a Christian, though his wife was one of the faithful; and yet hereby, being more firmly enchained than by anything else, was he held back from that journey which we had commenced. Nor, he declared, did he wish to be a Christian on any other terms than those that were impossible. However, he invited us most courteously to make use of his country house so long as we should stay there. You, O Lord, will recompense him for this at the resurrection of the just, Luke 14:14 seeing that You have already given him the lot of the righteous. For although, when we were absent at Rome, he, being overtaken with bodily sickness, and therein being made a Christian, and one of the faithful, departed this life, yet had Thou mercy on him, and not on him only, but on us also; Philippians 2:27 lest, thinking on the exceeding kindness of our friend to us, and unable to count him in Your flock, we should be tortured with intolerable grief. Thanks be unto You, our God, we are Yours. Your exhortations, consolations, and faithful promises assure us that Thou now repayest Verecundus for that country house at Cassiacum, where from the fever of the world we found rest in You, with the perpetual freshness of Your Paradise, in that You have forgiven him his earthly sins, in that mountain flowing with milk, that fruitful mountain — Your own.

At that time, Verecundus was full of grief, but Nebridius was joyful. Although Nebridius was not yet a Christian either, he had fallen into the pit of that most destructive error of believing Your Son to be a phantom. Yet, emerging from that error, he now held the same belief we did, though he had not yet been initiated in any of the sacraments of Your Church. He was, however, a most earnest seeker after truth. Not long after our conversion and regeneration by Your baptism, when he too had become a faithful member of the Catholic Church and was serving You in perfect chastity and self-control among his own people in Africa, and when his whole household had been brought to Christianity through him, You released him from the flesh. Now he lives in Abraham's bosom. Whatever that place signified by that bosom may be, there lives my Nebridius, my dear friend, Your son, O Lord, adopted from a freedman. There he lives. For what other place could there be for such a soul? There he lives, he who used to ask me so many questions when I was inexperienced and weak. Now he no longer puts his ear to my mouth, but his spiritual mouth to Your fountain, and drinks as much wisdom as he is able, according to his desire, happy without end. Nor do I believe that he is so drunk with it as to forget me, since You, O Lord, whom he drinks, are mindful of us. So we were comforting the grieving Verecundus, our friendship remaining intact, concerning our conversion, and urging him to a faith appropriate to his condition, namely his married state. And we were waiting for Nebridius to follow us, which, being so close, he was just about to do, when those days finally passed. They seemed long and many because of my love of restful freedom, so that I might sing to You from my very marrow. My heart said to You: I have sought Your face; Your face, Lord, will I seek.

6. He then was at that time full of grief; but Nebridius was joyous. Although he also, not being yet a Christian, had fallen into the pit of that most pernicious error of believing Your Son to be a phantasm, yet, coming out thence, he held the same belief that we did; not as yet initiated in any of the sacraments of Your Church, but a most earnest inquirer after truth. Whom, not long after our conversion and regeneration by Your baptism, he being also a faithful member of the Catholic Church, and serving You in perfect chastity and continency among his own people in Africa, when his whole household had been brought to Christianity through him, You released from the flesh; and now he lives in Abraham's bosom. Whatever that may be which is signified by that bosom, there lives my Nebridius, my sweet friend, Your son, O Lord, adopted of a freedman; there he lives. For what other place could there be for such a soul? There lives he, concerning which he used to ask me much — me, an inexperienced, feeble one. Now he puts not his ear unto my mouth, but his spiritual mouth unto Your fountain, and drinks as much as he is able, wisdom according to his desire — happy without end. Nor do I believe that he is so inebriated with it as to forget me, seeing Thou, O Lord, whom he drinks, art mindful of us. Thus, then, were we comforting the sorrowing Verecundus (our friendship being untouched) concerning our conversion, and exhorting him to a faith according to his condition, I mean, his married state. And tarrying for Nebridius to follow us, which being so near, he was just about to do, when, behold, those days passed over at last; for long and many they seemed, on account of my love of easeful liberty, that I might sing unto You from my very marrow. My heart said to You — I have sought Your face; Your face, Lord, will I seek.

And the day came when I was actually released from my position as Professor of Rhetoric, though in my mind I had already been released from it. It was done, and You freed my tongue just as You had already freed my heart. Full of joy, I blessed You for this and withdrew with all my household to the country villa. My books are evidence of what I accomplished there in writing, which was now entirely devoted to Your service, though still gasping from the school of pride during this pause, so to speak. These include books where I debated with my friends and those where I wrestled with myself alone before You, and my letters to the absent Nebridius also bear witness. When will I ever find time to recount all Your great blessings that You gave us during that time, especially since I am hurrying on to tell of even greater mercies? My memory urges me, and it is pleasant for me, O Lord, to confess to You by what inward pressures You tamed me, and how You brought me low, leveling the mountains and hills of my fantasies, straightening what was crooked in me, and smoothing my rough paths. And my memory also urges me to confess by what means You likewise brought Alypius, the brother of my heart, to submit to the name of Your only-begotten, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. At first he refused to allow this name to be included in our writings, for he preferred that they should reflect the cedars of the schools, which the Lord has now broken down, rather than the wholesome herbs of the Church that are hostile to serpents.

7. And the day arrived on which, in very deed, I was to be released from the Professorship of Rhetoric, from which in intention I had been already released. And done it was; and Thou delivered my tongue whence You had already delivered my heart; and full of joy I blessed You for it, and retired with all mine to the villa. What I accomplished here in writing, which was now wholly devoted to Your service, though still, in this pause as it were, panting from the school of pride, my books testify, — those in which I disputed with my friends, and those with myself alone before You; and what with the absent Nebridius, my letters testify. And when can I find time to recount all Your great benefits which You bestowed upon us at that time, especially as I am hasting on to still greater mercies? For my memory calls upon me, and pleasant it is to me, O Lord, to confess unto You, by what inward goads You subdued me, and how Thou made me low, bringing down the mountains and hills of my imaginations, and straightened my crookedness, and smooth my rough ways; Luke 3:5 and by what means Thou also subdued that brother of my heart, Alypius, unto the name of Your only-begotten, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, which he at first refused to have inserted in our writings. For he rather desired that they should savour of the cedars of the schools, which the Lord has now broken down, than of the wholesome herbs of the Church, hostile to serpents.

What words I sent up to You, my God, when I read the Psalms of David—those faithful songs and sounds of devotion that allow no swelling of pride—when I was new to Your true love, resting at the villa with Alypius, who was a catechumen like myself, and my mother staying with us. She wore a woman's clothes, but had a man's faith, the calmness of old age, and was full of motherly love and Christian devotion! What words I used to send up to You in those Psalms, and how I was set on fire toward You by them, and burned to recite them, if possible, throughout the whole world, against the pride of the human race! And yet they are sung throughout the whole world, and no one can hide from Your heat. With what fierce and bitter grief I was angry at the Manicheans—though I also pitied them again because they were ignorant of those sacraments, those medicines, and were insane against the cure that could have made them well! I wished they had been somewhere near me then, and without my knowing they were present, could have seen my face and heard my words when I read the fourth Psalm during that time of rest—how that Psalm worked upon me. "When I called upon You, You heard me, O God of my righteousness; You have enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer." Oh, if only they could have heard what I said about these words, without my knowing whether they heard or not, so they wouldn't think I spoke because of them! For truly, I wouldn't have said the same things, or said them in the same way, if I had known I was being heard and seen by them; and if I had spoken them, they wouldn't have received them as they were when I spoke by and for myself alone before You, out of the private feelings of my soul.

8. What utterances sent I up unto You, my God, when I read the Psalms of David, those faithful songs and sounds of devotion which exclude all swelling of spirit, when new to Your true love, at rest in the villa with Alypius, a catechumen like myself, my mother cleaving unto us — in woman's garb truly, but with a man's faith, with the peacefulness of age, full of motherly love and Christian piety! What utterances used I to send up unto You in those Psalms, and how was I inflamed towards You by them, and burned to rehearse them, if it were possible, throughout the whole world, against the pride of the human race! And yet they are sung throughout the whole world, and none can hide himself from Your heat. With what vehement and bitter sorrow was I indignant at the Manichæans; whom yet again I pitied, for that they were ignorant of those sacraments, those medicaments, and were mad against the antidote which might have made them sane! I wished that they had been somewhere near me then, and, without my being aware of their presence, could have beheld my face, and heard my words, when I read the fourth Psalm in that time of my leisure — how that Psalm wrought upon me. When I called upon You, Thou heard me, O God of my righteousness; You have enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer. Oh that they might have heard what I uttered on these words, without my knowing whether they heard or no, lest they should think that I spoke it because of them! For, of a truth, neither should I have said the same things, nor in the way I said them, if I had perceived that I was heard and seen by them; and had I spoken them, they would not so have received them as when I spoke by and for myself before You, out of the private feelings of my soul.

I experienced alternating waves of fear and hope, warming with rejoicing in Your mercy, O Father. All these emotions poured out through my eyes and voice when Your good Spirit, turning to us, said, "O you sons of men, how long will you be slow of heart? How long will you love vanity and seek after leasing?" For I had loved vanity and sought after leasing. And You, O Lord, had already magnified Your Holy One, raising Him from the dead and setting Him at Your right hand, from where He would send from on high His promise, the Paraclete, the Spirit of Truth. And He had already sent Him, but I didn't know it. He had sent Him because He was now magnified, having risen from the dead and ascended into heaven. For until then the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. And the prophet cries out, "How long will you be slow of heart? How long will you love vanity and seek after leasing? Know this, that the Lord has magnified His Holy One." He cries out, "How long?" He cries out, "Know this," and I, ignorant for so long, loved vanity and sought after leasing. And therefore I heard and trembled, because these words were spoken to people like I remembered I had been. For in those phantasms that I once held as truths, there was vanity and leasing. And I spoke many things loudly and earnestly, in the sorrow of remembering, which I wish those who still love vanity and seek after leasing had heard! Perhaps they would have been troubled and vomited it forth, and You would hear them when they cried to You, for by a true death in the flesh He died for us, who now makes intercession for us with You.

9. I alternately quaked with fear, and warmed with hope, and with rejoicing in Your mercy, O Father. And all these passed forth, both by my eyes and voice, when Your good Spirit, turning unto us, said, O you sons of men, how long will you be slow of heart? How long will you love vanity, and seek after leasing? For I had loved vanity, and sought after leasing. And You, O Lord, had already magnified Your Holy One, raising Him from the dead, and setting Him at Your right hand, Ephesians 1:20 whence from on high He should send His promise, Luke 24:49 the Paraclete, the Spirit of Truth. John 14:16-17 And He had already sent Him, Acts 2:1-4 but I knew it not; He had sent Him, because He was now magnified, rising again from the dead, and ascending into heaven. For till then the Holy Ghost was not yet given, because that Jesus was not yet glorified. John 7:39 And the prophet cries out, How long will you be slow of heart? How long will you love vanity, and seek after leasing? Know this, that the Lord has magnified His Holy One. He cries out, How long? He cries out, Know this, and I, so long ignorant, loved vanity, and sought after leasing. And therefore I heard and trembled, because these words were spoken unto such as I remembered that I myself had been. For in those phantasms which I once held for truths was there vanity and leasing. And I spoke many things loudly and earnestly, in the sorrow of my remembrance, which, would that they who yet love vanity and seek after leasing had heard! They would perchance have been troubled, and have vomited it forth, and You would hear them when they cried unto You; for by a true death in the flesh He died for us, who now makes intercession for us Romans 8:34 with You.

I continued reading: "Be angry, and sin not." And how deeply this moved me, O my God, now that I had learned to be angry with myself for my past sins, so that I would not sin in the future! Yes, to be righteously angry—for it was not some other nature from a race of darkness that sinned for me, as certain people claim, who refuse to be angry with themselves and who store up wrath for themselves against the day of wrath and the revelation of Your righteous judgment. My good things were no longer external, nor did I seek them with physical eyes in the sunlight. Those who seek joy from outside themselves easily fall into forgetfulness and waste themselves on things that are visible and temporary, and in their famished thoughts they even lick at shadows. If only they would grow weary of their hunger and ask, "Who will show us any good?" Then we could answer, and they would hear: "O Lord, the light of Your countenance is lifted up upon us." For we are not that Light which enlightens every person, but we are enlightened by You, so that we who were once darkness may be light in You. If only they could see the inner Eternal Reality! Having tasted it myself, I was frustrated that I could not show it to them while they brought me their hearts in their wandering eyes, roaming away from You, asking, "Who will show us any good?" But there, where I was angry with myself in my room, where I was inwardly pierced, where I had offered my sacrifice by putting to death my old self and beginning to resolve on a new life with my trust in You—there You had begun to grow sweet to me and to put gladness in my heart. And I cried out as I read this passage outwardly, feeling it inwardly. I no longer wanted to be increased with worldly possessions, wasting time and being wasted by time, since I possessed in Your eternal simplicity other grain, wine, and oil.

10. I read further, Be angry, and sin not. Ephesians 4:26 And how was I moved, O my God, who had now learned to be angry with myself for the things past, so that in the future I might not sin! Yea, to be justly angry; for that it was not another nature of the race of darkness which sinned for me, as they affirm it to be who are not angry with themselves, and who treasure up to themselves wrath against the day of wrath, and of the revelation of Your righteous judgment. Romans 2:5 Nor were my good things now without, nor were they sought after with eyes of flesh in that sun; for they that would have joy from without easily sink into oblivion, and are wasted upon those things which are seen and temporal, and in their starving thoughts do lick their very shadows. Oh, if only they were wearied out with their fasting, and said, Who will show us any good? And we would answer, and they hear, O Lord. The light of Your countenance is lifted up upon us. For we are not that Light, which lights every man, John 1:9 but we are enlightened by You, that we, who were sometimes darkness, may be light in You. Ephesians 5:8 Oh that they could behold the internal Eternal, which having tasted I gnashed my teeth that I could not show It to them, while they brought me their heart in their eyes, roaming abroad from You, and said, Who will show us any good? But there, where I was angry with myself in my chamber, where I was inwardly pricked, where I had offered my sacrifice, slaying my old man, and beginning the resolution of a new life, putting my trust in You, — there had Thou begun to grow sweet unto me, and to put gladness in my heart. And I cried out as I read this outwardly, and felt it inwardly. Nor would I be increased with worldly goods, wasting time and being wasted by time; whereas I possessed in Your eternal simplicity other grain, and wine, and oil.

I cried out from my heart as I read the next verse: "Oh, in peace! and the self-same!" What does he mean when he says, "I will lay me down and sleep"? Who can stop us when what is written comes true: "Death is swallowed up in victory"? You are supremely the self-same, who does not change, and in You is the rest that forgets all labor, for there is no one else besides You. We shouldn't seek after all those other things that are not what You are. But You, Lord, alone make me dwell in hope. As I read these things, I was set on fire, but I didn't know what to do about those who were deaf and dead—people among whom I had been a destructive member, a bitter and blind critic of the writings sweetened with the honey of heaven and shining with Your light. I was consumed with grief over the enemies of this Scripture.

11. And with a loud cry from my heart, I called out in the following verse, Oh, in peace! and the self-same! Oh, what said he, I will lay me down and sleep! For who shall hinder us, when shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory? 1 Corinthians 15:54 And You are in the highest degree the self-same, who changest not; and in You is the rest which forgets all labour, for there is no other beside You, nor ought we to seek after those many other things which are not what You are; but Thou, Lord, only makest me to dwell in hope. These things I read, and was inflamed; but discovered not what to do with those deaf and dead, of whom I had been a pestilent member — a bitter and a blind declaimer against the writings be-honied with the honey of heaven and luminous with Your own light; and I was consumed on account of the enemies of this Scripture.

When shall I be able to recall everything that happened during those holidays? Yet I have not forgotten, nor will I keep silent about the severity of Your discipline and the remarkable swiftness of Your mercy. At that time You afflicted me with toothache, and when it became so extremely severe that I could not speak, it came into my mind to urge all my friends who were present to pray for me to You, the God of every kind of healing. I wrote this down on a wax tablet and gave it to them to read. As soon as we knelt down with humble longing, that pain left me. But what kind of pain was it? And how did it leave? I confess to being very frightened, my Lord my God, since from my earliest years I had never experienced such pain. Your purposes made a deep impression on me, and rejoicing in faith, I praised Your name. But that faith would not let me rest regarding my past sins, which were not yet forgiven me through Your baptism.

12. When shall I call to mind all that took place in those holidays? Yet neither have I forgotten, nor will I be silent about the severity of Your scourge, and the amazing quickness of Your mercy. Thou at that time tortured me with toothache; and when it had become so exceeding great that I was not able to speak, it came into my heart to urge all my friends who were present to pray for me to You, the God of all manner of health. And I wrote it down on wax, and gave it to them to read. Presently, as with submissive desire we bowed our knees, that pain departed. But what pain? Or how did it depart? I confess to being much afraid, my Lord my God, seeing that from my earliest years I had not experienced such pain. And Your purposes were profoundly impressed upon me; and, rejoicing in faith, I praised Your name. And that faith suffered me not to be at rest in regard to my past sins, which were not yet forgiven me by Your baptism.

The grape harvest vacation having ended, I informed the citizens of Milan that they would need to find another seller of words to teach their students, both because of my decision to serve You and because my difficulty breathing and chest pain made it impossible for me to continue as a Professor. Through letters I told Your bishop, the holy man Ambrose, about my past errors and current intentions, asking him to recommend which of Your books I should read so I could be better prepared and more suitable to receive such great grace. He recommended the Prophet Isaiah, I believe because he reveals the gospel and the calling of the Gentiles more clearly than other prophets. But since I did not understand the opening section of the book and assumed the rest would be similar, I set it aside, planning to return to it later when I had more practice with our Lord's words.

13. The vintage vacation being ended, I gave the citizens of Milan notice that they might provide their scholars with another seller of words; because both of my election to serve You, and my inability, by reason of the difficulty of breathing and the pain in my chest, to continue the Professorship. And by letters I notified to Your bishop, the holy man Ambrose, my former errors and present resolutions, with a view to his advising me which of Your books it was best for me to read, so that I might be readier and fitter for the reception of such great grace. He recommended Isaiah the Prophet; I believe, because he foreshows more clearly than others the gospel, and the calling of the Gentiles. But I, not understanding the first portion of the book, and imagining the whole to be like it, laid it aside, intending to take it up hereafter, when better practised in our Lord's words.

When the time came for me to enroll as a candidate for baptism, we left the countryside and returned to Milan. Alypius was also pleased to be born again with me in You, now clothed with the humility appropriate to Your sacraments, and being such a brave tamer of the body that he walked on the frozen ground of Italy with bare feet—an act of unusual courage. We brought with us the boy Adeodatus, my son born physically from my sin. You had made him well. He was barely fifteen years old, yet in intelligence he surpassed many serious and learned men. I confess to You Your gifts, O Lord my God, Creator of all, and of exceeding power to reform our deformities. There was nothing of me in that boy except the sin. That we raised him in Your discipline was Your doing—You inspired us, no one else. Your gifts I confess to You. There is a book of ours entitled The Master. It is a dialogue between him and me. You know that all the thoughts expressed by the person arguing with me in that book were his ideas in his sixteenth year. I found many other even more wonderful things in him. That talent filled me with awe. And who but You could be the worker of such marvels? You quickly removed his life from the earth, and now I remember him with a sense of security, because I fear nothing for his childhood or youth, or for his whole self. We brought him along with us, equal to us in Your grace, to be educated in Your discipline. We were baptized, and anxiety about our past life left us. During those days I was not satisfied with the wonderful sweetness of considering the depth of Your counsels concerning the salvation of the human race. How greatly I wept during Your hymns and canticles, deeply moved by the voices of Your sweet-speaking Church! The voices flowed into my ears, and the truth was poured into my heart, from which the agitation of my piety overflowed, and my tears ran over, and I was blessed in this.

14. Thence, when the time had arrived at which I was to give in my name, having left the country, we returned to Milan. Alypius also was pleased to be born again with me in You, being now clothed with the humility appropriate to Your sacraments, and being so brave a tamer of the body, as with unusual fortitude to tread the frozen soil of Italy with his naked feet. We took into our company the boy Adeodatus, born of me carnally, of my sin. Well had Thou made him. He was barely fifteen years, yet in wit excelled many grave and learned men. I confess unto You Your gifts, O Lord my God, Creator of all, and of exceeding power to reform our deformities; for of me was there naught in that boy but the sin. For that we fostered him in Your discipline, You inspired us, none other — Your gifts I confess unto You. There is a book of ours, which is entitled The Master. It is a dialogue between him and me. You know that all things there put into the mouth of the person in argument with me were his thoughts in his sixteenth year. Many others more wonderful did I find in him. That talent was a source of awe to me. And who but Thou could be the worker of such marvels? Quickly did You remove his life from the earth; and now I recall him to mind with a sense of security, in that I fear nothing for his childhood or youth, or for his whole self. We took him coeval with us in Your grace, to be educated in Your discipline; and we were baptized, and solicitude about our past life left us. Nor was I satiated in those days with the wondrous sweetness of considering the depth of Your counsels concerning the salvation of the human race. How greatly did I weep in Your hymns and canticles, deeply moved by the voices of Your sweet-speaking Church! The voices flowed into mine ears, and the truth was poured forth into my heart, whence the agitation of my piety overflowed, and my tears ran over, and blessed was I therein.

The Church of Milan had only recently begun to use this kind of comfort and encouragement, with the congregation singing together with great earnestness in voice and heart. This happened about a year, or not much more, after Justina, the mother of the young Emperor Valentinian, persecuted Your servant Ambrose on behalf of her heresy, which she had been led into by the Arians. The faithful people kept watch in the church, ready to die with their bishop, Your servant. There my mother, Your handmaid, took a leading role in these concerns and vigils, devoting herself to prayer. We, still not warmed by the fire of Your Spirit, were nevertheless stirred by the shocked and troubled city. It was at this time that the practice was established that, following the custom of the Eastern Church, hymns and psalms should be sung, so that the people would not waste away in prolonged grief. This custom, kept from that time until now, has been imitated by many, indeed by nearly all of Your congregations throughout the rest of the world.

15. Not long had the Church of Milan begun to employ this kind of consolation and exhortation, the brethren singing together with great earnestness of voice and heart. For it was about a year, or not much more, since Justina, the mother of the boy-Emperor Valentinian, persecuted Your servant Ambrose in the interest of her heresy, to which she had been seduced by the Arians. The pious people kept guard in the church, prepared to die with their bishop, Your servant. There my mother, Your handmaid, bearing a chief part of those cares and watchings, lived in prayer. We, still unmelted by the heat of Your Spirit, were yet moved by the astonished and disturbed city. At this time it was instituted that, after the manner of the Eastern Church, hymns and psalms should be sung, lest the people should pine away in the tediousness of sorrow; which custom, retained from then till now, is imitated by many, yea, by almost all of Your congregations throughout the rest of the world.

Then You made known to Your famous bishop through a vision the place where the bodies of the martyrs Gervasius and Protasius lay—bodies which You had preserved uncorrupted in Your secret storage place for so many years, so that You might bring them forth at the right time to restrain the feminine yet royal rage. For when they were uncovered and dug up and transferred with proper honor to the Ambrosian Basilica, not only were those who were troubled with unclean spirits healed (the demons confessing themselves), but also a certain man who had been blind for many years, a well-known citizen of that city, asked and was told the reason for the people's tumultuous joy, rushed out, and asked his guide to lead him there. When he arrived, he begged to be allowed to touch the bier of Your saints with his handkerchief—Your saints whose death is precious in Your sight. When he had done this and put it to his eyes, they were immediately opened. From there the news spread; from there Your praises burned and shone; from there the mind of that enemy, though not yet enlarged to the wholeness of believing, was restrained from the fury of persecution. Thanks be to You, O my God. From where and to where have You led my memory in this way, that I should confess these things also to You—great things which I, forgetful, had passed over? And yet even then, when the fragrance of Your ointments was so strong, we did not run after You. And so I wept all the more abundantly at the singing of Your hymns, I who had formerly been panting for You and at last was breathing in You, as far as the air can play in this house of grass.

16. Then Thou by a vision made known to Your renowned bishop the spot where lay the bodies of Gervasius and Protasius, the martyrs (whom You had in Your secret storehouse preserved uncorrupted for so many years), whence You might at the fitting time produce them to repress the feminine but royal fury. For when they were revealed and dug up and with due honour transferred to the Ambrosian Basilica, not only they who were troubled with unclean spirits (the devils confessing themselves) were healed, but a certain man also, who had been blind many years, a well-known citizen of that city, having asked and been told the reason of the people's tumultuous joy, rushed forth, asking his guide to lead him there. Arrived there, he begged to be permitted to touch with his handkerchief the bier of Your saints, whose death is precious in Your sight. When he had done this, and put it to his eyes, they were immediately opened. Thence did the fame spread; thence did Your praises burn — shine; thence was the mind of that enemy, though not yet enlarged to the wholeness of believing, restrained from the fury of persecuting. Thanks be to You, O my God. Whence and whither have You thus led my remembrance, that I should confess these things also unto You — great, though I, forgetful, had passed them over? And yet then, when the savour of Your ointments was so fragrant, did we not run after You. Song of Songs 1:3-4 And so I did the more abundantly weep at the singing of Your hymns, formerly panting for You, and at last breathing in You, as far as the air can play in this house of grass.

You, who make people live together in harmony in a house, also brought Evodius to join us, a young man from our city. While working as an agent in Public Affairs, he was converted to You and baptized before we were. He left his secular work to prepare himself for Your service. We were together and planned to live together with a holy purpose. We were looking for a place where we could best serve You, and we were returning together to Africa. When we reached Ostia on the Tiber, my mother died. I am leaving out much because I have much to tell quickly. Accept my confessions and thanksgivings, O my God, for countless things I do not mention. But I will not leave out anything my soul has produced concerning that handmaid of Yours who brought me forth—in her flesh, so I might be born into this earthly life, and in her heart, so I might be born into eternal life. I will not speak of her gifts, but of Yours in her, for she neither made herself nor raised herself. You created her, and neither her father nor her mother knew what kind of person would come from them. It was the rod of Your Christ, the discipline of Your only Son, that trained her in fear of You, in the household of one of Your faithful servants who was a solid member of Your Church. Yet she attributed this good discipline not so much to her mother's care as to that of a certain elderly maid-servant who had carried her father when he was an infant, as small children are usually carried on the backs of older girls. For this reason, and because of her great age and very good character, she was highly respected by the heads of that Christian household. The care of her master's daughters was also entrusted to her, and she carried out this duty diligently, restraining them when necessary with holy severity and instructing them with sober wisdom. Except during the hours when they ate moderately at their parents' table, she would not permit them to drink even water, though they were very thirsty. She did this to prevent a bad habit, adding this wholesome advice: "You drink water now only because you do not control the wine, but when you are married and become mistresses of the storeroom and cellar, you will despise water, but the habit of drinking will remain." Through this method of instruction and exercise of authority, she controlled the desire of their young age and regulated even the girls' thirst to such a proper limit that they did not long for what was unseemly.

17. You, who makest men to dwell of one mind in a house, associated with us Evodius also, a young man of our city, who, when serving as an agent for Public Affairs, was converted unto You and baptized prior to us; and relinquishing his secular service, prepared himself for Yours. We were together, and together were we about to dwell with a holy purpose. We sought for some place where we might be most useful in our service to You, and were going back together to Africa. And when we were at the Tiberine Ostia my mother died. Much I omit, having much to hasten. Receive my confessions and thanksgivings, O my God, for innumerable things concerning which I am silent. But I will not omit anything that my soul has brought forth as to that Your handmaid who brought me forth — in her flesh, that I might be born to this temporal light, and in her heart, that I might be born to life eternal. I will speak not of her gifts, but Yours in her; for she neither made herself nor educated herself. You created her, nor did her father nor her mother know what a being was to proceed from them. And it was the rod of Your Christ, the discipline of Your only Son, that trained her in Your fear, in the house of one of Your faithful ones, who was a sound member of Your Church. Yet this good discipline did she not so much attribute to the diligence of her mother, as that of a certain decrepid maid-servant, who had carried about her father when an infant, as little ones are wont to be carried on the backs of elder girls. For which reason, and on account of her extreme age and very good character, was she much respected by the heads of that Christian house. Whence also was committed to her the care of her master's daughters, which she with diligence performed, and was earnest in restraining them when necessary, with a holy severity, and instructing them with a sober sagacity. For, excepting at the hours in which they were very temperately fed at their parents' table, she used not to permit them, though parched with thirst, to drink even water; thereby taking precautions against an evil custom, and adding the wholesome advice, You drink water only because you have not control of wine; but when you have come to be married, and made mistresses of storeroom and cellar, you will despise water, but the habit of drinking will remain. By this method of instruction, and power of command, she restrained the longing of their tender age, and regulated the very thirst of the girls to such a becoming limit, as that what was not seemly they did not long for.

As Your servant told me, her son, she had developed a liking for wine. When she was a sober young girl, her parents would normally ask her to draw wine from the barrel. While holding the container under the opening, before pouring the wine into the bottle, she would wet the tips of her lips with a little bit—she couldn't bring herself to drink more than that. She didn't do this because she craved alcohol, but because of the overflowing energy of her youth, which bubbles up with playfulness and is usually restrained by the seriousness of older people. So by adding daily little amounts to that first little bit (for whoever despises small things will fall little by little), she developed such a habit that she would eagerly drink off her small cup nearly full of wine. Where was the wise old woman with her serious discipline then? Could anything work against a hidden disease if Your healing, O Lord, did not watch over us? With father, mother, and caregivers absent, You were present—You who created us, who call us, and who also work through those placed over us to accomplish some good for the salvation of our souls. What did You do at that time, O my God? How did You heal her? How did You make her well? Didn't You bring forth from another woman's soul a harsh and bitter insult, like a surgeon's knife from Your secret supply, and with one cut remove all that infected matter? For the servant who used to go with her to the cellar had a quarrel with her young mistress when they were alone together, as sometimes happens, and threw this fault in her face with a very bitter insult, calling her a drunkard. Wounded by this reproach, she recognized her ugliness and immediately condemned and gave up the habit. Just as friends corrupt us by their flattery, so enemies often correct us by their insults. Yet You don't repay them according to what You accomplish through them, but according to what they intended. For the servant, being angry, wanted to irritate her young mistress, not to cure her, and she did it in private, either because the time and place of their argument left them in that situation, or perhaps because she was afraid of getting in trouble herself for revealing it so late. But You, Lord, Ruler of heavenly and earthly things, who turn the deepest currents to Your purposes and order the turbulent flow of the ages, heal one soul through the sickness of another—so that no one, when he notices this, should credit it to his own power if another person, whom he wishes to see reformed, is actually reformed through a word of his.

18. And yet — as Your handmaid related to me, her son — there had stolen upon her a love of wine. For when she, as being a sober maiden, was as usual bidden by her parents to draw wine from the cask, the vessel being held under the opening, before she poured the wine into the bottle, she would wet the tips of her lips with a little, for more than that her inclination refused. For this she did not from any craving for drink, but out of the overflowing buoyancy of her time of life, which bubbles up with sportiveness, and is, in youthful spirits, wont to be repressed by the gravity of elders. And so unto that little, adding daily littles (for he that despises small things shall fall little by little), she contracted such a habit as, to drink off eagerly her little cup nearly full of wine. Where, then, was the sagacious old woman with her earnest restraint? Could anything prevail against a secret disease if Your medicine, O Lord, did not watch over us? Father, mother, and nurturers absent, Thou present, who hast created, who callest, who also by those who are set over us work some good for the salvation of our souls, what did Thou do at that time, O my God? How did You heal her? How did You make her whole? Did You not out of another woman's soul evoke a hard and bitter insult, as a surgeon's knife from Your secret store, and with one thrust remove all that putrefaction? For the maidservant who used to accompany her to the cellar, falling out, as it happens, with her little mistress, when she was alone with her, cast in her teeth this vice, with very bitter insult, calling her a wine-bibber. Stung by this taunt, she perceived her foulness, and immediately condemned and renounced it. Even as friends by their flattery pervert, so do enemies by their taunts often correct us. Yet You render not unto them what You do by them, but what was proposed by them. For she, being angry, desired to irritate her young mistress, not to cure her; and did it in secret, either because the time and place of the dispute found them thus, or perhaps lest she herself should be exposed to danger for disclosing it so late. But You, Lord, Governor of heavenly and earthly things, who convertest to Your purposes the deepest torrents, and disposest the turbulent current of the ages, healest one soul by the unsoundness of another; lest any man, when he remarks this, should attribute it unto his own power if another, whom he wishes to be reformed, is so through a word of his.

Being raised in this modest and disciplined way, and made subject to her parents by You rather than by them to You, when she reached the age for marriage, she was given to a husband whom she served as her lord. She worked to win him over to You, preaching You to him through her conduct, by which You made her beautiful, respectfully lovable, and admirable to her husband. She endured his unfaithfulness in such a way that she never had any conflict with her husband because of it. She waited for Your mercy to come upon him, so that by believing in You he might become chaste. Beyond this, just as he was passionate in friendship, so he was violent in anger. But she had learned that an angry husband should not be opposed, either in action or even in words. As soon as he had calmed down and become peaceful, and she saw the right moment, she would explain her actions to him if he had become upset without cause. In short, while many married women whose husbands were gentler carried the marks of beatings on their dishonored faces and would privately criticize their husbands' behavior, she would criticize their tongues, warning them seriously though as if joking: that from the moment they heard what are called the marriage contracts read to them, they should think of these documents as instruments by which they were made servants. Therefore, always remembering their condition, they should not oppose their lords. When they, knowing what a violent-tempered husband she endured, marveled that it had never been reported or shown by any sign that Patricius had beaten his wife or that there had been any household conflict between them even for a single day, and asked her privately why this was so, she taught them her principle, which I mentioned above. Those who followed it discovered its wisdom and rejoiced; those who did not follow it remained in subjection and suffered.

19. Being thus modestly and soberly trained, and rather made subject by You to her parents, than by her parents to You, when she had arrived at a marriageable age, she was given to a husband whom she served as her lord. And she busied herself to gain him to You, preaching You unto him by her behaviour; by which You made her fair, and reverently amiable, and admirable unto her husband. For she so bore the wronging of her bed as never to have any dissension with her husband on account of it. For she waited for Your mercy upon him, that by believing in You he might become chaste. And besides this, as he was earnest in friendship, so was he violent in anger; but she had learned that an angry husband should not be resisted, neither in deed, nor even in word. But so soon as he was grown calm and tranquil, and she saw a fitting moment, she would give him a reason for her conduct, should he have been excited without cause. In short, while many matrons, whose husbands were more gentle, carried the marks of blows on their dishonoured faces, and would in private conversation blame the lives of their husbands, she would blame their tongues, monishing them gravely, as if in jest: That from the hour they heard what are called the matrimonial tablets read to them, they should think of them as instruments whereby they were made servants; so, being always mindful of their condition, they ought not to set themselves in opposition to their lords. And when they, knowing what a furious husband she endured, marvelled that it had never been reported, nor appeared by any indication, that Patricius had beaten his wife, or that there had been any domestic strife between them, even for a day, and asked her in confidence the reason of this, she taught them her rule, which I have mentioned above. They who observed it experienced the wisdom of it, and rejoiced; those who observed it not were kept in subjection, and suffered.

Her mother-in-law was at first turned against her by the whispers of ill-intentioned servants, but she won her over through humble submission, continuing patiently and gently until her mother-in-law voluntarily told her son about the meddling servants' gossip that had disturbed the peace between herself and her daughter-in-law, and asked him to punish them for it. So he punished those servants with beatings, following his mother's wishes and aiming to maintain discipline in his household and ensure harmony among its members in the future. His mother then promised the same punishment to anyone who might try to please her by speaking badly of her daughter-in-law. After that, no one dared to do so, and they lived together with a remarkable sweetness and mutual goodwill.

20. Her mother-in-law, also, being at first prejudiced against her by the whisperings of evil-disposed servants, she so conquered by submission, persevering in it with patience and meekness, that she voluntarily disclosed to her son the tongues of the meddling servants, whereby the domestic peace between herself and her daughter-in-law had been agitated, begging him to punish them for it. When, therefore, he had — in conformity with his mother's wish, and with a view to the discipline of his family, and to ensure the future harmony of its members — corrected with stripes those discovered, according to the will of her who had discovered them, she promised a similar reward to any who, to please her, should say anything evil to her of her daughter-in-law. And, none now daring to do so, they lived together with a wonderful sweetness of mutual good-will.

You also gave this great gift, my God, my mercy, to that good servant of yours from whose womb you created me. Whenever she could, she acted as a peacemaker between people who disagreed and argued with each other. When she heard extremely bitter things from both sides—the kind of harsh, unprocessed anger that swelling and undigested discord typically produces, when the raw bitterness of hostility is expressed in cruel words to a present friend about an absent enemy—she would share nothing from one person to the other except what might help them reconcile. This might seem like a small good thing to me, except that I've sadly known countless people who, through some terrible and widespread infection of sin, not only repeat to mutual enemies the things said against each other in anger, but actually add things that were never said at all. Yet for a generous person, it should seem like a small thing merely to avoid stirring up or increasing people's hostilities through gossip, unless he also tries to extinguish them through kind words. She was such a person—with you as her most intimate teacher, instructing her in the school of her heart.

21. This great gift You bestowed also, my God, my mercy, upon that good handmaid of Yours, out of whose womb You created me, even that, whenever she could, she showed herself such a peacemaker between any differing and discordant spirits, that when she had heard on both sides most bitter things, such as swelling and undigested discord is wont to give vent to, when the crudities of enmities are breathed out in bitter speeches to a present friend against an absent enemy, she would disclose nothing about the one unto the other, save what might avail to their reconcilement. A small good this might seem to me, did I not know to my sorrow countless persons, who, through some horrible and far-spreading infection of sin, not only disclose to enemies mutually enraged the things said in passion against each other, but add some things that were never spoken at all; whereas, to a generous man, it ought to seem a small thing not to incite or increase the enmities of men by ill-speaking, unless he endeavour likewise by kind words to extinguish them. Such a one was she — Thou, her most intimate Instructor, teaching her in the school of her heart.

Finally, toward the end of his earthly life, she won her own husband over to You. She did not have to complain about the things in him as a believer that she had endured before he became one. She was also a servant of Your servants. Whoever among them knew her greatly praised, honored, and loved You in her, because through the evidence of the fruits of a holy life, they recognized You to be present in her heart. She had been the wife of one man, had honored her parents, had managed her household in a godly way, was well known for good works, and had raised her children, laboring in birth for them Galatians 4:19 as often as she saw them turning away from You. Finally, to all of us, O Lord (since by Your favor You allow Your servants to speak), who before her falling asleep in You 1 Thessalonians 4:14 lived together after receiving the grace of Your baptism, she gave the kind of care she would have given if she had been mother to us all, and served us as if she had been the child of us all.

22. Finally, her own husband, now towards the end of his earthly existence, did she gain over unto You; and she had not to complain of that in him, as one of the faithful, which, before he became so, she had endured. She was also the servant of Your servants. Whosoever of them knew her, did in her much magnify, honour, and love You; for that through the testimony of the fruits of a holy conversation, they perceived You to be present in her heart. For she had been the wife of one man, had requited her parents, had guided her house piously, was well-reported of for good works, had brought up children, as often travailing in birth of them Galatians 4:19 as she saw them swerving from You. Lastly, to all of us, O Lord (since of Your favour Thou sufferest Your servants to speak), who, before her sleeping in You, 1 Thessalonians 4:14 lived associated together, having received the grace of Your baptism, did she devote, care such as she might if she had been mother of us all; served us as if she had been child of all.

As the day now approached when she was to leave this life (a day You knew, though we did not), it happened—through Your secret arrangement, I believe—that she and I stood alone, leaning at a window overlooking the garden of the house we were staying in at Ostia. We had withdrawn from the crowds to rest and recover from the exhausting journey, preparing for the voyage ahead. We were talking together very pleasantly, just the two of us. Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, we were discussing between ourselves in the presence of the Truth, which You are, what the eternal life of the saints would be like—that life which eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither has entered into the heart of man. Yet we opened wide the mouth of our heart toward those heavenly streams from Your fountain, the fountain of life, which is with You, so that being sprinkled with it according to our capacity, we might in some way grasp so great a mystery.

23. As the day now approached on which she was to depart this life (which day Thou knew, we did not), it fell out — Thou, as I believe, by Your secret ways arranging it — that she and I stood alone, leaning in a certain window, from which the garden of the house we occupied at Ostia could be seen; at which place, removed from the crowd, we were resting ourselves for the voyage, after the fatigues of a long journey. We then were conversing alone very pleasantly; and, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, Philippians 3:13 we were seeking between ourselves in the presence of the Truth, which You are, of what nature the eternal life of the saints would be, which eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither has entered into the heart of man. But yet we opened wide the mouth of our heart, after those supernal streams of Your fountain, the fountain of life, which is with You; that being sprinkled with it according to our capacity, we might in some measure weigh so high a mystery.

When our conversation reached the point where even the highest pleasure of physical senses and the brightest material light seemed, because of the sweetness of that life, not only unworthy of comparison but not even worth mentioning, we lifted ourselves with more burning desire toward the Selfsame and gradually passed through all bodily things, and even heaven itself, from which sun, moon, and stars shine upon the earth. Indeed, we soared even higher through inward reflection, discussion, and wonder at Your works. We came to our own minds and went beyond them, so that we might reach that region of unfailing abundance where You feed Israel forever with the food of truth, and where life is that Wisdom by whom all these things are made—both what has been and what is to come. She is not made, but is as she has been and always will be. Or rather, "to have been" and "to be hereafter" do not exist in her, but only "to be," since she is eternal, for "to have been" and "to be hereafter" are not eternal. And while we were speaking this way and reaching toward her, we briefly touched her with our heart's full effort. We sighed and left there the first-fruits of the Spirit, then returned to the sound of our own speech, where words spoken have both beginning and end. And what is like Your Word, our Lord, who remains in Himself without growing old and makes all things new?

24. And when our conversation had arrived at that point, that the very highest pleasure of the carnal senses, and that in the very brightest material light, seemed by reason of the sweetness of that life not only not worthy of comparison, but not even of mention, we, lifting ourselves with a more ardent affection towards the Selfsame, did gradually pass through all corporeal things, and even the heaven itself, whence sun, and moon, and stars shine upon the earth; yea, we soared higher yet by inward musing, and discoursing, and admiring Your works; and we came to our own minds, and went beyond them, that we might advance as high as that region of unfailing plenty, where You feed Israel for ever with the food of truth, and where life is that Wisdom by whom all these things are made, both which have been, and which are to come; and she is not made, but is as she has been, and so shall ever be; yea, rather, to have been, and to be hereafter, are not in her, but only to be, seeing she is eternal, for to have been and to be hereafter are not eternal. And while we were thus speaking, and straining after her, we slightly touched her with the whole effort of our heart; and we sighed, and there left bound the first-fruits of the Spirit; Romans 8:23 and returned to the noise of our own mouth, where the word uttered has both beginning and end. And what is like Your Word, our Lord, who remains in Himself without becoming old, and makes all things new? Wisdom 7:27

We were saying, then: If the noise of the flesh were silenced for anyone—if the imaginations of earth, waters, and air were silenced—if the heavens were also silenced; yes, if the very soul were silenced to itself and went beyond itself by not thinking of itself—if fancies and imaginary revelations were silenced, every tongue and every sign, and everything that exists only by passing away, since if anyone could listen, all these things say, "We did not create ourselves, but were created by Him who remains forever": If, after saying this, they were now silenced, having only awakened our ears to Him who created them, and He alone spoke not through them but by Himself, so that we might hear His word not through a fleshly tongue, nor an angelic voice, nor a sound of thunder, nor the obscurity of a comparison, but might hear Him—Him whom we love in these things—without these, just as we two now reached out and with rapid thought touched on that Eternal Wisdom which remains over all. If this could be sustained, and other visions of a completely different kind were withdrawn, and this one ravished, absorbed, and enveloped its beholder amid these inward joys, so that his life might be eternally like that one moment of knowledge which we now longed for, would this not be "Enter into the joy of your Lord"? And when will that be? When we shall all rise again; but all shall not be changed.

25. We were saying, then, If to any man the tumult of the flesh were silenced — silenced the phantasies of earth, waters, and air — silenced, too, the poles; yea, the very soul be silenced to herself, and go beyond herself by not thinking of herself — silenced fancies and imaginary revelations, every tongue, and every sign, and whatsoever exists by passing away, since, if any could hearken, all these say, We created not ourselves, but were created by Him who abides for ever: If, having uttered this, they now should be silenced, having only quickened our ears to Him who created them, and He alone speak not by them, but by Himself, that we may hear His word, not by fleshly tongue, nor angelic voice, nor sound of thunder, nor the obscurity of a similitude, but might hear Him — Him whom in these we love — without these, like as we two now strained ourselves, and with rapid thought touched on that Eternal Wisdom which remains over all. If this could be sustained, and other visions of a far different kind be withdrawn, and this one ravish, and absorb, and envelope its beholder amid these inward joys, so that his life might be eternally like that one moment of knowledge which we now sighed after, were not this Enter into the joy of Your Lord? Matthew 25:21 And when shall that be? When we shall all rise again; but all shall not be changed.

Such things I was saying; and if not in this exact manner and these words, yet Lord, You know that on that day when we were talking like this, this world with all its pleasures became contemptible to us, even while we spoke. Then my mother said, "Son, as for myself, I no longer have any pleasure in anything in this life. What I still want here, and why I am here, I do not know, now that my hopes in this world are fulfilled. There was indeed one thing for which I wished to remain a little longer in this life, and that was so I might see you a Catholic Christian before I died. My God has exceeded this abundantly, so that I see you despising all earthly happiness, made His servant—what am I doing here?"

26. Such things was I saying; and if not after this manner, and in these words, yet, Lord, You know, that in that day when we were talking thus, this world with all its delights grew contemptible to us, even while we spoke. Then said my mother, Son, for myself, I have no longer any pleasure in anything in this life. What I want here further, and why I am here, I know not, now that my hopes in this world are satisfied. There was indeed one thing for which I wished to tarry a little in this life, and that was that I might see you a Catholic Christian before I died. My God has exceeded this abundantly, so that I see you despising all earthly felicity, made His servant — what do I here?

What reply I made to her about these things I do not clearly remember. However, barely five days later, or not much more, she fell ill with a fever. While she was sick, one day she fainted and briefly lost awareness of the things around her. We rushed to her side, but she quickly regained consciousness. Looking at me and my brother standing beside her, she asked us, "Where was I?" Then, gazing intently at us as we stood there stunned with grief, she said, "Here you will bury your mother." I remained silent and held back my tears. But my brother said something, expressing his wish that she might have the better fortune of dying in her own country rather than in a foreign land. When she heard this, she looked at him with a worried expression, her eyes reproving him for caring about such things. Then, looking at me, she said, "See what he says." Soon after, she spoke to both of us: "Lay this body anywhere—do not let concern for it trouble you at all. This one thing only I ask: that you remember me at the Lord's altar, wherever you may be." After she had expressed this wish in whatever words she could manage, she fell silent, suffering from her worsening illness.

27. What reply I made unto her to these things I do not well remember. However, scarcely five days after, or not much more, she was prostrated by fever; and while she was sick, she one day sank into a swoon, and was for a short time unconscious of visible things. We hurried up to her; but she soon regained her senses, and gazing on me and my brother as we stood by her, she said to us inquiringly, Where was I? Then looking intently at us stupefied with grief, Here, says she, shall you bury your mother. I was silent, and refrained from weeping; but my brother said something, wishing her, as the happier lot, to die in her own country and not abroad. She, when she heard this, with anxious countenance arrested him with her eye, as savouring of such things, and then gazing at me, Behold, says she, what he says; and soon after to us both she says, Lay this body anywhere, let not the care for it trouble you at all. This only I ask, that you will remember me at the Lord's altar, wherever you be. And when she had given forth this opinion in such words as she could, she was silent, being in pain with her increasing sickness.

As I reflected on your gifts, O invisible God, which you pour into the hearts of your faithful people and from which such wonderful results come, I rejoiced and gave thanks to you, remembering what I had known before—how she had always been deeply concerned about her burial place, which she had arranged and prepared for herself next to her husband's body. Because they had lived together very peacefully, she had also wanted (the human mind is so unable to grasp divine things) that this should be added to that happiness and be mentioned among people: that after her travels across the sea, it would be granted to her that both of them, so united on earth, should lie in the same grave. But I did not know when this pointless desire had, through the abundance of your goodness, stopped being in her heart, and I was filled with joy, marveling at what she had revealed to me. Indeed, even in that conversation we had at the window, when she said, "What am I doing here any longer?" she did not seem to want to die in her own country. I also heard later that while we were at Ostia, one day when I was away, she spoke with motherly confidence to some of my friends about despising this life and the blessing of death. When they—amazed at the courage you had given to her, a woman—asked her whether she was not afraid of leaving her body so far from her own city, she replied, "Nothing is far from God, nor do I need to fear that he will not know at the end of the world where to raise me up from." So on the ninth day of her illness, in the fifty-sixth year of her age and the thirty-third of mine, that religious and devout soul was set free from the body.

28. But, as I reflected on Your gifts, O you invisible God, which Thou instillest into the hearts of Your faithful ones, whence such marvellous fruits do spring, I did rejoice and give thanks unto You, calling to mind what I knew before, how she had ever burned with anxiety respecting her burial-place, which she had provided and prepared for herself by the body of her husband. For as they had lived very peacefully together, her desire had also been (so little is the human mind capable of grasping things divine) that this should be added to that happiness, and be talked of among men, that after her wandering beyond the sea, it had been granted her that they both, so united on earth, should lie in the same grave. But when this uselessness had, through the bounty of Your goodness, begun to be no longer in her heart, I knew not, and I was full of joy admiring what she had thus disclosed to me; though indeed in that our conversation in the window also, when she said, What do I here any longer? she appeared not to desire to die in her own country. I heard afterwards, too, that at the time we were at Ostia, with a maternal confidence she one day, when I was absent, was speaking with certain of my friends on the contemning of this life, and the blessing of death; and when they — amazed at the courage which You had given to her, a woman — asked her whether she did not dread leaving her body at such a distance from her own city, she replied, Nothing is far to God; nor need I fear lest He should be ignorant at the end of the world of the place whence He is to raise me up. On the ninth day, then, of her sickness, the fifty-sixth year of her age, and the thirty-third of mine, was that religious and devout soul set free from the body.

I closed her eyes, and a great sadness flooded into my heart and was turning into tears. At the same time, my eyes, through the violent control of my mind, sucked the fountain dry, and I was miserable in such a struggle. But as soon as she breathed her last, the boy Adeodatus burst out wailing. However, when we all checked him, he became quiet. In the same way, my own childish feeling, which was finding escape in tears through the youthful voice of my heart, was restrained and silenced. For we did not consider it fitting to celebrate that funeral with tearful complaints and groanings, since that is how people mourn those who die unhappy or are altogether dead. But she neither died unhappy, nor did she altogether die. For we were assured of this by the witness of her good conduct, her unfeigned faith, and other sufficient grounds.

29. I closed her eyes; and there flowed a great sadness into my heart, and it was passing into tears, when my eyes at the same time, by the violent control of my mind, sucked back the fountain dry, and woe was me in such a struggle! But, as soon as she breathed her last the boy Adeodatus burst out into wailing, but, being checked by us all, he became quiet. In like manner also my own childish feeling, which was, through the youthful voice of my heart, finding escape in tears, was restrained and silenced. For we did not consider it fitting to celebrate that funeral with tearful plaints and groanings; for on such wise are they who die unhappy, or are altogether dead, wont to be mourned. But she neither died unhappy, nor did she altogether die. For of this were we assured by the witness of her good conversation, her faith unfeigned, 1 Timothy 1:5 and other sufficient grounds.

What was it, then, that caused me such deep pain inside? It was the fresh wound from the sudden breaking off of our most sweet and dear habit of living together. I did find joy in her testimony when, during her final illness, she responded warmly to my devotion, called me kind, and remembered with great affection that she had never heard any harsh or reproachful word come from my mouth against her. But still, O my God who made us, how can the honor I showed her compare with her service to me? So when I was left without such great comfort from her, my soul was wounded, and that life was torn apart which had been made one from hers and mine together.

3o. What, then, was that which did grievously pain me within, but the newly-made wound, from having that most sweet and dear habit of living together suddenly broken off? I was full of joy indeed in her testimony, when, in that her last illness, flattering my dutifulness, she called me kind, and recalled, with great affection of love, that she had never heard any harsh or reproachful sound come out of my mouth against her. But yet, O my God, who made us, how can the honour which I paid to her be compared with her slavery for me? As, then, I was left destitute of so great comfort in her, my soul was stricken, and that life torn apart as it were, which, of hers and mine together, had been made but one.

When the boy was stopped from crying, Evodius picked up the Psalter and began to sing—with the whole household joining in—the Psalm: I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto You, O Lord. When people heard what we were doing, many brothers and religious women gathered together. While those responsible for such things prepared for the funeral according to custom, I went to a part of the house where I could appropriately be, along with those who thought I should not be left alone, and talked about things fitting for the moment. Through this comfort of truth I eased the anguish that You knew about, while they, unaware of it, listened carefully and thought I had no sense of sorrow at all. But in Your hearing, where none of them could hear, I criticized the weakness of my feelings and held back the flow of my grief, which gave way to me a little. But the intense emotion came back again, though not so much that I burst into tears or my expression changed, even though I knew what I was suppressing in my heart. And because I was extremely troubled that these human things had such power over me—things which must necessarily happen in the proper order and destiny of our natural condition—I grieved over my grief with a new sorrow, and was worn down by a double sadness.

31. The boy then being restrained from weeping, Evodius took up the Psalter, and began to sing — the whole house responding — the Psalm, I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto You, O Lord. But when they heard what we were doing, many brethren and religious women came together; and while they whose office it was were, according to custom, making ready for the funeral, I, in a part of the house where I conveniently could, together with those who thought that I ought not to be left alone, discoursed on what was suited to the occasion; and by this alleviation of truth mitigated the anguish known unto You — they being unconscious of it, listened intently, and thought me to be devoid of any sense of sorrow. But in Your ears, where none of them heard, did I blame the softness of my feelings, and restrained the flow of my grief, which yielded a little unto me; but the paroxysm returned again, though not so as to burst forth into tears, nor to a change of countenance, though I knew what I repressed in my heart. And as I was exceedingly annoyed that these human things had such power over me, which in the due order and destiny of our natural condition must of necessity come to pass, with a new sorrow I sorrowed for my sorrow, and was wasted by a twofold sadness.

When the body was carried out, we both went to the funeral and came back without shedding tears. Even during those prayers we poured out to You when the sacrifice of our redemption was offered up to You for her—with the dead body placed beside the grave, as was the custom there, before being laid in it—I did not weep during those prayers either. Yet I was deeply sad in secret all day long, and with a troubled mind I begged You, as best I could, to heal my sorrow, but You did not. I believe You were fixing in my memory, through this one experience, the power that all habit has over the mind, even a mind that no longer feeds on deceptive words. It also seemed good to me to go and bathe, having heard that the bath (balneum) takes its name from the Greek βαλανεῖον because it drives anxiety from the mind. Look, this too I confess to Your mercy, Father of the fatherless: I bathed and felt the same as I had before bathing. The bitterness of my grief did not flow out from my heart. Then I slept, and when I woke up I found my grief noticeably lessened. As I lay alone on my bed, those true verses of Your Ambrose came into my mind, for You are—

32. So, when the body was carried forth, we both went and returned without tears. For neither in those prayers which we poured forth unto You when the sacrifice of our redemption was offered up unto You for her — the dead body being now placed by the side of the grave, as the custom there is, prior to its being laid therein — neither in their prayers did I shed tears; yet was I most grievously sad in secret all the day, and with a troubled mind entreated You, as I was able, to heal my sorrow, but You did not; fixing, I believe, in my memory by this one lesson the power of the bonds of all habit, even upon a mind which now feeds not upon a fallacious word. It appeared to me also a good thing to go and bathe, I having heard that the bath [ balneum] took its name from the Greek βαλανεῖον, because it drives trouble from the mind. Lo, this also I confess unto Your mercy, Father of the fatherless, that I bathed, and felt the same as before I had done so. For the bitterness of my grief exuded not from my heart. Then I slept, and on awaking found my grief not a little mitigated; and as I lay alone upon my bed, there came into my mind those true verses of Your Ambrose, for You are —

O God, creator of all things and ruler of the heavens, clothing the day with beautiful light and the night with the grace of sleep, so that rest may restore our weary limbs for work, refresh our tired minds, and release us from sorrowful anxieties.

Deus creator omnium, Polique rector, vestiens Diem decora lumine, Noctem sopora gratia; Artus solutos ut quies Reddat laboris usui, Mentesque fessas allevet, Luctusque solvat anxios.

And then, little by little, I brought back my former thoughts about your handmaid, her devout way of life directed toward you, her holy tenderness and attentiveness toward us, which had been suddenly taken away from me. It felt good to weep in your sight, both for her and for me, concerning her and concerning myself. I released the tears that I had previously held back, allowing them to flow freely, pouring them out beneath my heart. My heart found rest in them, because your ears were near me—not the ears of any human being who would have placed a scornful interpretation on my weeping. But now, in writing, I confess it to you, O Lord. Let whoever wishes read it, and let him interpret it however he will. And if he finds that I have sinned by weeping for my mother for such a small part of an hour—that mother who was dead to my eyes for a short time, but who had wept for me for many years so that I might live in your eyes—let him not laugh at me. Rather, if he is a person of noble charity, let him weep for my sins against you, the Father of all the brothers of your Christ.

33. And then little by little did I bring back my former thoughts of Your handmaid, her devout conversation towards You, her holy tenderness and attentiveness towards us, which was suddenly taken away from me; and it was pleasant to me to weep in Your sight, for her and for me, concerning her and concerning myself. And I set free the tears which before I repressed, that they might flow at their will, spreading them beneath my heart; and it rested in them, for Your ears were near me — not those of man, who would have put a scornful interpretation on my weeping. But now in writing I confess it unto You, O Lord! Read it who will, and interpret how he will; and if he finds me to have sinned in weeping for my mother during so small a part of an hour — that mother who was for a while dead to my eyes, who had for many years wept for me, that I might live in Your eyes — let him not laugh at me, but rather, if he be a man of a noble charity, let him weep for my sins against You, the Father of all the brethren of Your Christ.

But now that my heart was healed from that wound, to the extent that it could be accused of a fleshly affection, I pour out to You, our God, on behalf of that handmaid of Yours, tears of a very different kind—tears that flow from a spirit broken by thoughts of the dangers facing every soul that dies in Adam. And although she, having been made alive in Christ even before she was freed from the flesh, had lived in such a way as to praise Your name both by her faith and conduct, yet I do not dare to say that from the time You regenerated her by baptism, no word went forth from her mouth against Your commandments. And it has been declared by Your Son, the Truth, that whoever says to his brother, "You fool," shall be in danger of hell fire. And woe even to the praiseworthy life of any person, if You were to examine it while setting aside mercy. But because You do not strictly scrutinize sins, we confidently hope to find some place of pardon with You. But whoever lists his true merits to You, what is he listing to You but Your own gifts? Oh, if only people would know themselves to be merely human, and let whoever boasts boast in the Lord!

34. But — my heart being now healed of that wound, in so far as it could be convicted of a carnal Romans 8:7 affection — I pour out unto You, O our God, on behalf of that Your handmaid, tears of a far different sort, even that which flows from a spirit broken by the thoughts of the dangers of every soul that dies in Adam. And although she, having been made alive in Christ even before she was freed from the flesh had so lived as to praise Your name both by her faith and conversation, yet dare I not say that from the time You regenerated her by baptism, no word went forth from her mouth against Your precepts. Matthew 12:36 And it has been declared by Your Son, the Truth, that Whosoever shall say to his brother, You fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. Matthew 5:22 And woe even unto the praiseworthy life of man, if, putting away mercy, You should investigate it. But because You do not narrowly inquire after sins, we hope with confidence to find some place of indulgence with You. But whosoever recounts his true merits to You, what is it that he recounts to You but Your own gifts? Oh, if men would know themselves to be men; and that he that glories would glory in the Lord! 2 Corinthians 10:17

O my Praise and my Life, God of my heart, I now set aside for a moment her good deeds, for which I joyfully give thanks to You, and instead plead with You for my mother's sins. Hear me, through that Medicine of our wounds who hung upon the tree and who, sitting at Your right hand, intercedes for us. I know that she acted mercifully and from her heart forgave her debtors their debts. So please forgive her debts—whatever she contracted during the many years since the water of salvation. Forgive her, O Lord, forgive her, I beg You. Do not enter into judgment with her. Let Your mercy be exalted above Your justice, because Your words are true, and You have promised mercy to the merciful—which You gave them to be, since You will have mercy on whom You will have mercy, and will have compassion on whom You have had compassion.

35. I then, O my Praise and my Life, Thou God of my heart, putting aside for a little her good deeds, for which I joyfully give thanks to You, do now beseech You for the sins of my mother. Hearken unto me, through that Medicine of our wounds who hung upon the tree, and who, sitting at Your right hand, makes intercession for us. Romans 8:34 I know that she acted mercifully, and from the heart Matthew 18:35 forgave her debtors their debts; do Thou also forgive her debts, whatever she contracted during so many years since the water of salvation. Forgive her, O Lord, forgive her, I beseech You; enter not into judgment with her. Let Your mercy be exalted above Your justice, James 2:13 because Your words are true, and You have promised mercy unto the merciful; Matthew 5:7 which You gave them to be who will have mercy on whom You will have mercy, and will have compassion on whom You have had compassion. Romans 9:15

I believe You have already done what I am asking You, but please accept these willing prayers from my mouth, O Lord. When the day of her death was approaching, she gave no thought to having her body expensively wrapped or embalmed with spices. She did not want an elaborate monument or desire to be buried in her family's burial place. She did not ask us to arrange these things, but only desired to have her name remembered at Your altar, which she had served without missing a single day. From that altar she knew the holy sacrifice was offered—the sacrifice by which the record of debt against us is erased, by which the enemy was defeated. That enemy tallies up our sins and searches for something to accuse us with, but found nothing in Him in whom we are victorious. Who will restore to Him the innocent blood? Who will repay Him the price He paid to purchase us, so as to take us away from Him? Your handmaid bound her soul to the sacrament of our redemption by the bond of faith. Let no one separate her from Your protection. Do not let the lion and the dragon force or trick their way in. For she will not claim that she owes nothing, in case she is proven wrong and overcome by the cunning deceiver. Instead, she will answer that her sins are forgiven by Him—the One to whom no one can repay the price which He, though owing nothing, paid for us.

36. And I believe You have already done that which I ask You; but accept the free-will offerings of my mouth, O Lord. For she, when the day of her dissolution was near at hand, took no thought to have her body sumptuously covered, or embalmed with spices; nor did she covet a choice monument, or desire her paternal burial-place. These things she entrusted not to us, but only desired to have her name remembered at Your altar, which she had served without the omission of a single day; whence she knew that the holy sacrifice was dispensed, by which the handwriting that was against us is blotted out; Colossians 2:14 by which the enemy was triumphed over, who, summing up our offenses, and searching for something to bring against us, found nothing in Him John 14:30 in whom we conquer. Who will restore to Him the innocent blood? Who will repay Him the price with which He bought us, so as to take us from Him? Unto the sacrament of which our ransom did Your handmaid bind her soul by the bond of faith. Let none separate her from Your protection. Let not the lion and the dragon introduce himself by force or fraud. For she will not reply that she owes nothing, lest she be convicted and got the better of by the wily deceiver; but she will answer that her sins are forgiven Matthew 9:2 by Him to whom no one is able to repay that price which He, owing nothing, laid down for us.

May she therefore rest in peace with her husband, before or after whom she married no one. She obeyed him, patiently bringing forth fruit for you so that she might win him over to you as well. And inspire, O my Lord my God, inspire your servants my brothers, your sons my masters, whom I serve with voice and heart and writings, that as many of them as read these confessions may remember Monica, your handmaid, at your altar, together with Patricius, her former husband, by whose flesh you brought me into this life, though I do not know how. May they with devout affection remember my parents in this passing life, my brothers who are under you our Father in our Catholic mother, and my fellow citizens in the eternal Jerusalem, for which your people's wandering sighs from their departure until their return. In this way may my mother's last request to me be more abundantly fulfilled for her through the prayers of many, by means of my confessions more than through my prayers alone.

37. May she therefore rest in peace with her husband, before or after whom she married none; whom she obeyed, with patience bringing forth fruit Luke 8:15 unto You, that she might gain him also for You. And inspire, O my Lord my God, inspire Your servants my brethren, Your sons my masters, who with voice and heart and writings I serve, that so many of them as shall read these confessions may at Your altar remember Monica, Your handmaid, together with Patricius, her sometime husband, by whose flesh You introduced me into this life, in what manner I know not. May they with pious affection be mindful of my parents in this transitory light, of my brethren that are under You our Father in our Catholic mother, and of my fellow citizens in the eternal Jerusalem, which the wandering of Your people sighs for from their departure until their return. That so my mother's last entreaty to me may, through my confessions more than through my prayers, be more abundantly fulfilled to her through the prayers of many.