The Confession Of St Patrick

1 Section 1. I, Patrick, a sinner, a most simple countryman 2 Section 2. And there the Lord opened my mind to an awareness of my unbelief 3 Section 3. Therefore, indeed, I cannot keep silent, nor would it be proper 4 Section 4. For there is no other God, nor ever was before 5 Section 5. He himself said through the prophet: Call upon me in the day of' trouble 6 Section 6. I am imperfect in many things, nevertheless I want my brethren and kinsfolk to 7 Section 7. I am not ignorant of what is said of my Lord in the Psalm 8 Section 8. So it is that I should mightily fear 9 Section 9. And therefore for some time I have thought of writing 10 Section 10. But why make excuses close to the truth 11 Section 11. But had it been given to me as to others 12 Section 12. I am, then, first of all, countryfied, an exile 13 Section 13. Therefore be amazed, you great and small who fear God 14 Section 14. According, therefore, to the measure of one's faith in the Trinity 15 Section 15. And I was not worthy, nor was I such that the Lord should grant 16 Section 16. But after I reached Ireland I used to pasture the flock each day and 17 Section 17. And it was there of course that one night in my sleep I heard 18 Section 18. And on the same day that I arrived 19 Section 19. And after three days we reached land, and for twenty-eight days journeyed through uninhabited 20 Section 20. The very same night while I was sleeping Satan attacked me violently 21 Section 21. And a second time, after many years, I was taken captive. 22 Section 22. On the journey he provided us with food and fire and dry weather every 23 Section 23. And after a few years I was again in Britain with my parents kinsfolk. 24 Section 24. And another night -- God knows, I do not 25 Section 25. And on a second occasion I saw Him praying within me 26 Section 26. And then I was attacked by a goodly number of my elders 27 Section 27. They brought up against me after thirty years an occurrence I had confessed before 28 Section 28. On the other hand, I did not proceed to Ireland of my own accord 29 Section 29. Therefore, on that day when I was rebuked 30 Section 30. For that reason, I give thanks to him who strengthened me in all things 31 Section 31. Hence, therefore, I say boldly that my conscience is clear now and hereafter. 32 Section 32. But rather, I am grieved for my very close friend 33 Section 33. I have said enough. But all the same 34 Section 34. Thus I give untiring thanks to God who kept me faithful in the day 35 Section 35. But it is tedious to describe in detail all my labours one by one. 36 Section 36. Whence came to me this wisdom which was not my own 37 Section 37. And many gifts were offered to me with weeping and tears 38 Section 38. I am greatly God's debtor, because he granted me so much grace 39 Section 39. And I wish to wait then for his promise which is never unfulfilled 40 Section 40. So for that reason one should, in fact 41 Section 41. So, how is it that in Ireland, where they never had any knowledge of 42 Section 42. And there was, besides, a most beautiful, blessed 43 Section 43. So it is that even if I should wish to separate from them in 44 Section 44. So I hope that I did as I ought 45 Section 45. What is more, let anyone laugh and taunt if he so wishes. 46 Section 46. Thus, I should give thanks unceasingly to God 47 Section 47. Now I have put it frankly to my brethren and co-workers 48 Section 48. You know, as God does, how I went about among you from my youth 49 Section 49. For even though I am ignorant in all things 50 Section 50. What is more, when I baptized so many thousands of people 51 Section 51. More, I spent for you so that they would receive me. 52 Section 52. From time to time I gave rewards to the kings 53 Section 53. Also you know from experience how much I was paying to those who were 54 Section 54. Behold, I call on God as my witness upon my soul that I am 55 Section 55. But I see that even here and now 56 Section 56. Behold now I commend my soul to God who is most faithful and for 57 Section 57. For which reason I should make return for all that he returns me. 58 Section 58. Therefore may it never befall me to be separated by my God from his 59 Section 59. And if at any time I managed anything of good for the sake of 60 Section 60. For the sun we see rises each day for us at command 61 Section 61. Behold over and over again I would briefly set out the words of my 62 Section 62. But I entreat those who believe in and fear God