CHAPTER IV.

THE WRITINGS OF SAINT PATRICK AND OF HIS DISCIPLES.

I.--ST. PATRICK'S CONFESSION 67 Evidence in favour of its authenticity 68 The Saint's motive in writing it 69 Patrick's parents in Britain 71 Patrick met opposition in preaching the Gospel in Ireland 72

II.--THE EPISTLE TO COROTICUS 73

III.--THE LORICA, OR THE DEER'S CRY 75

IV.--SECHNALL'S HYMN OF ST. PATRICK 77 Secundinus 77 Sechnall, son of Patrick's sister, Darerca 79 Sechnall's father 79

V.--THE HYMN _Sancti Venite_ 80 St. Sechnall the first Christian Poet in Erin 81

VI.--ST. FIACC OF SLETTY 81 Fiacc receives _grade_ or orders 83 He founds two Churches 83 Fiacc's _Metrical Life of St. Patrick_ 85

VII.--THE SAYINGS OF SAINT PATRICK 87

VIII.--THE _Tripartite Life of St. Patrick_ 88 Its date and authorship 89