42. (23). Malachy embarked in a ship, and after a prosperous voyage landed at his monastery of Bangor,[576] so that his first sons might receive the first _benefit_.[577] In what state of mind do you suppose they were when they received their father--and such a father--in good health from so long a journey? No wonder if their whole heart gave itself over to joy at his return, when swift rumour soon brought incredible gladness even to the tribes[578] outside round about them. In fine, from the cities and castles and hamlets they ran to meet him, and wherever he turned he was received with _the joy of the whole land_.[579] But honour is not to his taste. He exercises his office as legate; many assemblies are held in many places, so that no region, or part of a region, may be defrauded of the fruit and advantage of his legation. He _sows beside all waters_;[580] there is not one who can escape from his sedulous care. Neither sex, nor age, nor condition, nor [religious] profession is held in account.[581] Everywhere the saving seed is scattered, everywhere the heavenly trumpet sounds. He scours every place, everywhere he breaks in, with _the sword_ of his tongue unsheathed _to execute vengeance upon the nations and punishments upon the peoples_.[582] The terror of him is _on them that do evil_.[583] He cries _unto the unrighteous, deal not unrighteously, and to the wicked, lift not up the horn_.[584] Religion is planted everywhere, is propagated, is tended. His _eyes are upon_ them,[585] his care is for their necessities. In councils, which are everywhere held, the ancient traditions are revived, which, though their excellence was undisputed, had fallen into disuse by the negligence of the priests. And not only are the old restored, new customs are also devised; and whatsoever things he promulgated are accepted as though issued from heaven, are held fast, are committed to writing for a memorial to posterity. Why should we not believe those things were sent from heaven which so many heavenly miracles confirm? And that I may make what has been said credible, let me touch on some of these miracles in a few words. For who can enumerate all? Though I confess I had rather dwell on those things which can be imitated than on those which can only excite wonder.