The Fremont weekly journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County, Ohio) 1867-1877, 1868-03-27

for relief. Acting on what he felt 7t5
be the impulsions of Divine viii, be
set about preparing himself for the
priesthood, and after many years study
Of theological and secular learning, be
was duly ordained. Subsequently be
was nominated for bishopric; but
great opposition was made against his
episcopal conservation and ayowed mis-
sion, both by his own relatives and by
the clergy. These thought to detain
him in Scotland, and endeayored TO
alright him by exsggerating the dan
gers to which he exposed himself by
going to Pagan country whose people
were enemies both of the Britons and
the Romans. He perseyered in his de-
termination, however, and, according
to his " confessions" 6 forsook his fami-
ly, and sold his bifthright and dignity
to serve strangers" Having been made
bishop, he went to Ireland A. D.432
to preach the gospel, where the worship
of idols was universal. He travelled
over the whole island, and frequently
visited each province. After various
repulses and prosecutions, and being
frequently driven out to sea by the
Pagan Irish, he at length arrived in
view Of Tara at the very time when
King Leogaire was celebrating heath
en- festival, and his magi were about
displaying that sacred fire until the
lighting of which no other fame was
permitted to be kindled. st. Patrick,
however, had the confidence TO raise
such beacon blaze at SIane as was
plainly distinguished from the nights of
Tara. The King, no less alarmed than
astonished, appealed to his magi, and
earnestly inquired by whom, and for
what purpose, it was displayed. 1t
was then Druid priest as recorded to
have replied: "This fire, which has
been kindled tonight in our presence,
before the flame was lit up in your
palace, unless extinguished this very
night, shall never be extiDgnished more,
1t will triumph over all the fires of our
ancient rite, and be who lights it will
scatter your kingdom" The prediction
was fulfilled. Even the King himself
soon after became Christian, and his
example was followed by most of the
members Of his court Patrick pursued
his labors most zealously, and brought
thousands, yearly, to acknowledge the
true God. Many desired TO confer civil
hOnors on him; but be made it princi-
pie TO decline everything of this charac-
ter. His historians make frequent
mention Of his liberality and charity,
and aver that he gave freely of his own
both TO pagans and Christians, distribu-
ted large aims to the poor in the
provinces through which he passed, and
maintSned and educated many child
rem. He was often prosecuted by the
psgans, but lived TO see nearly the en-
tire Irish people converted to Christian
ity through his instrumentalty. During
his first missionary year lie attempted
to preach in the General Assembly of
the Kings, which was annually held at
Tara, in East Meath, the residence of
the chief king, and seat of the Druids
and their pagan rites. The son of Neil,
the chief king, declared himself against
the preacher, but Patrick succeeded in
making many converts. He soon after
converted the Kings of Dublin and
Munster, and seven sons of the King Of
Connaught. He built numerous church
es and founded many monasteries and
schools throughout the island. St.
Patrick died at Down, in Ulster County,
when upward of 90 years of age, and
was buried there. His remains wers
found in 1855, and removed 10 the
cathedral church.