to others and to rouse in the reader a desire for true wisdom, for the heavenly warfare and for a valour inspired by God. And I reckon that I too shall be the gainer by the work, in being able to look, not to a futile remembering by men, but to an eternal reward from God. For though I have not myself so lived that I can be an example to others, I have at least taken pains to ensure that one who really should be imitated does not remain unknown