The Confessions is an autobiographical work by Saint Augustine of Hippo, written between 397 and 400 AD. It begins with Saint Augustine's sinful youth and his conversion to Christianity and concludes with meditations on the nature of God and the Holy Trinity. The Confessions were not only meant to encourage conversion, but to offer guidelines for how to convert. Saint Augustine uses his own experiences to fit others' journeys. Considered to be one of Augustine's most important works, it is also seen as the first Western autobiography ever written, and was an influential model for Christian writers throughout the Middle Ages. Translated by Edward B. Pusey.