pledge of immortality; who makes the faithful and obedient to become
the sons of God and coheirs with Christ; whom we confess and adore one
God in the Trinity of the holy Name. For He Himself has said by the
prophet: "Call upon me in the day of thy trouble: I will deliver thee,
and thou shalt magnify me." And again he says: "It is honorable to
reveal and confess the works of God."

Although I am imperfect in many things, I wish my brothers and
acquaintances to know my dispositions, that they may be able to
understand the desire of my soul. I am not ignorant of the testimony
of my Lord, who declares in the psalm: "Thou wilt destroy all that
speak a lie." And again: "The mouth that belieth, killeth the soul."
And the same Lord: "Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall
render an account for it in the Day of Judgment." Therefore I ought,
with great fear and trembling, to dread this sentence in that day when
no one shall be able to withdraw or hide himself, but all must give an
account, even of the least sins, before the judgment-seat of the Lord
Christ.

Therefore, although I thought of writing long ago, I feared the censure
of men, because I had not learned as the others who studied the sacred
writings in the best way, and have never changed their language since
their childhood, but continually learned it more perfectly, while I
have to translate my words and speech into a foreign tongue; and it can
be easily proved from the style of my writings how I am instructed in
speech and learning, for the Wise Man says: "By the tongue wisdom is
discerned, and understanding and knowledge and learning by the word of
the wise." But what avails an excuse, however true, especially when
accompanied with presumption? For I, in my old age, strive after that
which I was hindered from learning in my youth. But who will believe