ST. PATRICK.

Te Aroha News, Volume V, Issue 247, 17 March 1888, Page 8

ST. PATRICK.

As this is *:he month in which Patrick, the apostle of Ireland, quit this mortal sphere, it will not bo out of place to quote the following from a "History ot Scotland," by the Rev. Dr. Wylie, ro^ardinfc the life of Patrick: — "He wrote his life in Latin, which is known in history as the c Confession of Patrick.' In it he informs us that he was born in Bonaven, a village in the* vicinity of Dumbarton, in Scotland. There he lived with Culpurnius, his father, till the sixteenth year of his ago. Walking on the banks of the Clyde, he was seized by pirates, conveyed to Ireland, and sold as a slave. The man who purchased him employed him in tending his cattle in the mountains of Antrim. Here Patrick was led by the Spirit of God to reflect seriously on his neglect to make a good use of the religious instruction he had received from his father. Tho result was the conversion of his soul to God. After the lapse of six jears he returned to Scotland, his native land, to visit his parents. Remaining under his parental roof, enjoying pure Gospel privileges till thirty years of age, he, with a few devoted companions, in 405 set sail from the Clyde, and after a day or two's sailing, landed in Iroland. They commenced their evangelistic labours in the province of Ulster, and most remarkable success attended tho persevering efforts of Patrick for the enlightenment of the benighted Irish in the knowledge and faith of the pure Gospel. Wo say pure Gospel, for Patrick utterly disclaimed all human authority in matters of Divine worship. He appealed neither to popes nor councils, but simply to the inspired Scriptures. In his written confession, there is not the least hint of any connection on his part with theChurch of Rome. The assertion that he was taught at seats of learning in the Continent of Europe is without foundation. In his Confession, he admits his rusticity and lack of scholarship ; but Patrick was eminently endowed with spiritual gifts and indomitable perseverance in his Master's work. By his instrumentality, in the space of forty years 365 churches were built, 365 ministers ordained, with 3,000 elders. The form of church government taught by Patrick was more Presbyterian than anything else. No doubt he called Gospel ministers bishops, not in the sense that that word is used in the churjhes of Rome and England, but simply as signifying overseers of the people amongst whom they were labouring : nor can it be inferred from anything: stated in his Confession that he sainted churches and individuals; and I assure you that those who foolishly call him St. Patrick, know neither the spirit nor the letter of his published sentiments." Those who wish to see the things merely stated in this paper discussed at large, may read Dr. Wylie's " History of Scotland," there they will find many of Patrick's religious sayings that are fitted to quicken and comfort the eoul.