Four Books of the Gospels 4.784

And now the anxious company of his own, gathering at Christ's commands, had climbed the mountains of Galilee: see, the venerable offspring of the Thunderer is seen by his own. The whole company fell down and worshipped him in holiness; yet strength did not remain equally founded in all hearts, for some of them doubted. Then bright Jesus addressed the disciples thus: "In heaven and on earth the Father has subjected all things to me; the Father has deigned to send me to you as light. In the same way I have now resolved to send you to all the nations; it is your task to join all nations to me. Go, and wash men, cleansing them in purifying waters in the holy name of the Father and the Son, and let the breathings of the life-giving Spirit flow with them. Then, to those who have been washed, make known our precepts by teaching, so that they may lead an everlasting life; and our presence will never be lacking to you, until the end consumes and dissolves the ages." This strength of faith and holy fear my mind has received, and the grace of Christ shines on me so greatly that the glory of the divine law has gladly taken on in our verses the earthly ornaments of language. This the peace of Christ has granted me, this the peace of the age, which Constantine fosters, the indulgent ruler of the wide earth, on whom deserved grace rests as he merits, who alone of rulers shrinks from having the weight of a sacred name laid upon himself, so that, worthier by his just deeds, he may receive eternal life in the divine ages, through Christ, the Lord of light, who reigns for ever.