Paternus was a man who lived toward the end of the second century, and he left his son a set of last words. Last words are important. They stay with us. Perhaps you remember some last words spoken to you by someone before they passed away. Maybe they said them directly, or maybe they wrote them in a letter, or perhaps they sent a message through someone else. Whatever the form, meaningful last words have a way of settling into the heart.

Paternus’ message to his son was simple and profound:

“First and last, my son, think magnificently of God.”