SAINT CUTHBERT'S STORY BY BEDE

As a servant of Christ and a priest from the monastery of St. Peter and St. Paul at Wearmouth and Jarrow in Northumberland, I, Baeda, have compiled the ecclesiastical history of Britain, particularly the English people, with the Lord's help. I gathered this information from ancient texts, oral traditions, and my own knowledge.

Born in the vicinity of this monastery, I was entrusted at the age of seven to the esteemed Abbot Benedict (St. Benedict Biscop), and later to Ceolfrid, for my education. Since then, I have spent my entire life within this monastery, devoting myself to studying Scriptures, practicing monastic discipline, and serving in church rituals. Teaching, learning, and writing have always been my greatest joys.

Ordained as a deacon at nineteen and as a priest at thirty, both by the revered Bishop John (St. John of Beverley) and under Abbot Ceolfrid's guidance, I have, from my ordination as a priest until now, at the age of fifty-nine, strived to make concise annotations on Holy Scripture, drawing from the works of venerable Fathers and following their interpretations.

Throughout my life within the monastery, I have dedicated myself to the pursuit of knowledge and the dissemination of the Word of God. My role as a servant of Christ has been a source of profound fulfillment, as I have endeavored to preserve and share the rich ecclesiastical history of Britain, particularly the English people.

The information I have compiled in this work has been gathered from a variety of sources, including ancient texts, oral traditions, and my own personal experiences and observations. By drawing upon these diverse resources, I have sought to present a comprehensive and accurate account of the spiritual and cultural development of the English people.

As I approach the twilight of my years, I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to have served the Lord and his flock within the walls of this hallowed monastery. It is my sincere hope that this work will serve as a testament to the unwavering faith and resilience of the English people, and that it will inspire future generations to continue the noble pursuit of spiritual enlightenment and historical preservation.

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