Page:Faoistin naoṁ-Ṗadraig (1906).djvu/96

 80 I knew not, in my state, what was incumbent on me to do in return for these gifts, because many were objecting to this mission. Nay, behind my back, they were speaking one with another and saying: "Why does this man put himself into danger amongst hostile people who know not God?" This they did not put forward through malice, but it did not seem right to them on account of my being untutored, as according to my own testimony, I have understood. And I did not speedily recognize the grace that was then in me. I understand, now, what I should have done formerly.

47. Now, therefore, I have simply made known to my brethren and fellow-servants who have believed me, for what reason I told you before and now repeat, to strengthen and confirm your faith. Would that you also would imitate greater things and do more powerful works. This will be my glory, for a wise son is the glory of his father.

48. You know, and God also, the way in which I have lived amongst you from my youth, both in the faith of truth and in sincerity of heart. Nay, as regards the gentiles among whom I dwell, I have kept faith with them and will keep it. God knoweth, I have over-reached none of them, nor do I dream of doing so, for the sake of God and of His Church, lest I should arouse persecution against them and against us all, and lest the name of the Lord should be blasphemed through me. For it is written: Woe to the man through whom the name of the Lord is blasphemed.

49. For, unskilled though I am as in all things, still I have made an effort to protect myself, even as regards the Christian brethren and the virgins of Christ and the pious women, who used to bestow their gifts on me of their own accord, and used to cast their ornaments on the altar. These things I returned to them, and they were