Page:Writings of Saint Patrick, Apostle of Ireland.djvu/98

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Writings of Patrick.

'Our God is the God of all men, the God of heaven and earth, of the sea, and of the rivers; the God of the sun and of the moon, of all the stars; the God of the lofty mountains and of the lowly valleys; the God over heaven and in heaven and under heaven. He has His dwelling towards heaven and earth, and the sea, and all things which are in them. He inspires all things, He gives life to all things, He surpasses all things, He supports all things. He kindles the light of the sun, He strengthens the light of the moon at night for watches;[1] and He made springs in the arid land, and dry islands in the sea; and the stars He placed to minister to the greater lights. He has a Son co-eternal with Himself and like unto Himself. The Son is not younger than the Father, nor is the Father older than the Son. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are not separated. I truly desire to unite you to the Heavenly King, since ye are daughters of an earthly king. Believe (on Him).'

And the daughters said, as if with one mouth and heart—

'How can we believe on the Heavenly King? Teach us most diligently, so that we may see Him face to face. Point out to us, and we will do whatsoever thou shalt say to us.'

And Patrick said: 'Do you believe that the sin of your father and mother is taken away by baptism?

'They replied: 'We do believe it.'

[Patrick] 'Do you believe that there is repentance after sin?'

[Daughters] 'We do believe it.'

[Patrick] 'Do you believe that there is a life after

  1. This is a conjectural translation. The Latin is [lunæ] lumen noctis ad [MS. et] notitias valat.