Only His Religious Deeds Will Be Told

I intend, therefore, to pass over most of the royal deeds of this thrice-blessed prince: for example, his battles and engagements in the field, his personal courage, his victories and successes against the enemy, and the many triumphs he won; likewise his measures for the interests of individuals, his laws for the common good of his subjects, and a multitude of other imperial labors that are fresh in everyone’s memory. For the plan of my present work is to speak and write only of those things that concern his religious character.

And since even these are almost endlessly varied, I will choose from the facts that have come to my knowledge those that are most suitable and worthy of lasting record, and try to tell them as briefly as possible. From now on, indeed, there is full and free opportunity to celebrate in every way the praises of this truly blessed prince. Until now we could not do so, because we are forbidden to call anyone blessed before his death, on account of the uncertain changes of life. Let me ask, then, for the help of God, and may the inspiring aid of the heavenly Word be with me as I begin my history from the very earliest period of his life. [a]