The million-peopled city
Garwood, John
1853
St. Patrick.
Christianity was introduced into at a somewhat earlier period than with ourselves. This was the work of , in the year 432. Before that time, although some few of the Irish had embraced the new religion, the great mass of them were heathens. There is so much of legend which has been since mixed up with the life of this saint, that it is now difficult, or, rather, impossible, to ascer- tain the facts of his history and mission. It would appear, however, that civilization and art had for so early an age made previously some progress in , and that there was a general, warm, and almost enthusiastic reception of the efforts of the apostle. The form of Church government which he introduced was Episcopal. Art and civilization still further advanced after Christianity was received, and the two or three succeeding centuries were probably the most prosperous epoch in the history of the country. | |