This life of man appears for a short space, but of what went before, or what is to follow, we are utterly ignorant.
Venerable BedeAnd I pray thee, loving Jesus, that as Thou hast graciously given me to drink in with delight the words of Thy knowledge, so Thou wouldst mercifully grant me to attain one day to Thee, the fountain of all wisdom and to appear forever before Thy face.
Venerable Bede