Book VIII, 79: On Himself

Firstly God gave me to my glorious mother in answer to her prayers ; secondly, He received me a welcome gift from her ; thirdly, the holy table saved me from death: fourthly, the Word gave me twoedged speech; fifthly, Virginity enfolded me in her dear dreams ; sixthly, I entered the priesthood in union with Basil; seventhly, my father saved me from the deep; eighthly, I cleansed well my hands by disease (sic); ninthly, I brought the doctrine of the Trinity, O my Lord, to New Rome; tenthly, I was smitten by stones and by friends (sic).