Memorials of
Christian Life in the Middle Ages," which is stated, in the preface, to
be translated from a German work by the late Augustus Neander. Patrick
flourished in the early part of the fifth century, before the Romish yoke
was imposed upon the British churches, but not before much superstition
had become mixed with the purity of the Christian faith.

His early circumstances seem, however, to have entirely detached him from
dependence upon man, and to have driven him to the One great Source of
light and strength. Romanists have a story of his having gone to Rome,
and having received there his authority as the first bishop of Ireland;
but it is evident that his _call_ to preach the gospel to the Irish, was
not of man, or from man, but immediately from God, who inspired him with
holy faith and courage, and in a most remarkable manner prospered his
labours.

* * * * *

This remarkable man was prepared, by very peculiar circumstances, for his
important work; and in his instance, also, it may be seen, how that
infinite wisdom which guides the development of the kingdom of God
amongst men, is able to bring great things out of what seems
insignificant to the eyes of men.

Patrick, called in his native tongue Succath, was born A.D. 372, between
the Scottish towns of Dumbarton and Glasgow, (then appended to England,)
in the village of Bonaven, since named in honour of him, Kilpatrick. He
was the son of a poor unlettered deacon of the village church. No
particular care was bestowed on his education, and he lived on
light-heartedly, from day to day, without making the religious truths
taught him by his parents matters of personal interest, until his
seventeenth year.

Then, it happened that he was awakened by a severe chastisement from his
Heavenly Father from this sleep of death to a higher life. Some pirates
of the wild tribe of the Scots, who then inhabited Ireland, landed at the
dwelling-place of Patrick, and carried him off with other captives. He
was sold into slavery to a Scottish prince, who committed to him the care
of his flocks and herds. Necessity directed his heart to that God of
whom, in his days of rest in his father's house, he had not thought.
Abandoned of men, he found consolation and blessedness in Him, and now
first learned to perceive and enjoy the treasures which the Christian has
in heaven. Whilst he roamed about with his flocks, through ice and snow,
communion with his God in prayer, and