Ecclesiastical History

D E D I C A T I O N

...they surpassed fortitude with love toward God and toward men, especially those who are religious. It is for this reason that we behold you as such a great figure today. Indeed, while others pay the penalty for the impiety and unmercifulness of their ancestors, the good works of your own ancestors surround and protect you, a surviving pledge most dear to God among the faithful.

By doing these same things, you call down from heaven that same indulgence original: indulgentiam — here meaning divine favor or leniency. of the Divine Power original: Numinis — referring to the will or presence of God. upon your descendants. I both desire and confidently prophesy original: augurium — a prediction or omen, often used in a classical sense to mean a hopeful outlook for the future. that all of them will be most like yourself—that is, Christians original: Christianos according to the faith defended in these books, and thus destined to remain most flourishing forever. May God, the giver of all good things, confirm this prophecy; and may He graciously hear the prayers for your long-lasting prosperity original: prosperitate and that of your family, and for life in heaven through Christ.